“The Victoria Clipper and Coho Ferry connect Greater Victoria with Washington State, which is extremely important for our tourism sector. When land and air borders were initially opened to Americans on Aug. 9, we were alarmed that our marine borders were not included. On behalf of our community partners, The Chamber reached out directly to the federal government and Prime Minister’s Office to make sure they knew how important this link is to our region’s economy.”

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with the provincial government to help ensure a smooth rollout of plans to require proof of vaccination for social and recreational settings starting Sept. 13.

The provincial government also announced that, starting today, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces.

“Until we can be sure that everyone we’re interacting with socially has done their part to reduce risk, it makes sense to require masks in situations where we don’t know the vaccination status of others,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Immunization really is the way out of this and there’s little tolerance for people who don’t have legitimate medical reasons for not getting vaccinated.”

Here's a look at some of the media stories available online that feature The Chamber this week:

With a federal election now set for Sept. 20, The Chamber is finalizing dates and times for our Candidate Listening Sessions with candidates in the four ridings representing Greater Victoria.

The business-focused sessions, which run from Sept. 14 to 16, can be viewed by all of our members. If you have questions for candidates, please send them to [email protected] by Sept. 3.

The Chamber's 2021 Membership Matters survey is now closed. Thank you to all our members who took the time to let us know how we're doing. This annual survey is an important part of making sure we're providing what our members need.

Early results show a 16% increase in responses since we began the annual survey in 2017. Not surprisingly, 85% of members identified this newsletter, BizNews, as being Very Beneficial to Beneficial in keeping our membership informed and engaged.

Our thanks to the nearly 150 respondents to the survey this year. Congratulations to Ly Siu of Codan Radio Communications for winning round-trip flights to Vancouver for two from Helijet.

And congratulations to Carly Russell-Huntley of Used.ca, who won the early-bird prize from Evo Car Share!

Richard Michaels has been named chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s newly formed Committee for the Advancement of Diversity and Inclusion. The committee will reach out to better include communities that have faced systemic marginalization due to race, ethnicity, gender, physical capabilities or other factors.

CEO Column: Worker shortage is back in focus

I was out for dinner recently, enjoying a wonderfully prepared meal. The service was friendly and efficient, and our server noted we’d come at a good time. Sure enough, as we paid our cheque and got up to make our way into the warm evening, a rush of diners had arrived. The staff put on their best face but it was a challenge for them to get tables cleared and to seat and serve all of their new customers. For the most part, patrons were patient and understanding. But one or two became vocal about having to wait a few extra minutes, chastising employees who were clearly working as fast as possible.

Knowing how hard it is for so many employers to find and keep staff, I decided I couldn’t let the grousing go unchallenged. In my most disarming voice, I reassured the grumpy party that the meal was worth the wait and reminded them about endemic staffing shortages and the need to be grateful to those people who showed up to work.

We’re facing a crisis as our economy recovers and businesses reopen with fewer restrictions. Many employers are trying to meet the demand of a public that’s longing to reconnect and renew relationships. However, with not enough available workers, we’re seeing reduced hours at restaurants and hearing about delays with construction projects. Even BC Ferries was forced to cancel sailings one evening because of staffing shortages.

Finding staff is a major challenge for businesses, especially in the hospitality sector. The issue is affecting businesses across the province, and, on the Sunshine Coast, one group seems to have found a temporary solution. Coasters helping Coasters is a group of mostly retired seniors who are filling in at restaurants and cafes in Sechelt. Their aim is to help keep their businesses open, but they say the idea could work anywhere.

What do you think about seniors stepping up to help fill vacancies in Greater Victoria? Tell us your thoughts and share your solutions by emailing [email protected].

And we'll do so safely. In accordance with Provincial Health Guidelines, The Chamber will require proof of vaccination at all in-person events starting with our first in-person event on Sept. 16 — Prodigy's Bite Size Connections. Mask requirements will follow Provincial Health guidelines at the time of the event.

FIRST IN-PERSON EVENT in 2021

Join us for Bite Size Connections to truly reconnect with this region's entrepreneurs, newcomers and best and brightest.

Attendees will be able to sit in groups of six and mingle over appetizers. Be sure to register now as seating is limited!

Take your connections to the max with our joint Business Mixer hosted by Max Furniture and Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics

The maximum capacity of any Chamber event is 50% of the venue room capacity. Attendance is limited, register now so you don't miss out.

Max Furniture, 3460 Quadra St

Victoria, BC

Greater Victoria businesses looking to improve their online presence can access funding from the Digital Economy: Rapid Response and Recovery (DER3) program.

The Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology & Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC) is taking applications for the program. In the past five months, VIATEC says it has helped "111 local businesses with more than 1,700 advisory hours from 23 subject matter experts and access to 37 digital service providers."

The VIATEC DER3 team is now helping businesses transition to a post pandemic economy through strategy and coaching sessions, technical assessments and funding of up to $2,000 for small projects.

The Chamber has a number of active and engaged committees that report to our Board of Directors. A key reason for the success of our board committees is the involvement of our Chamber members as volunteer committee members.

Each year, there are a few openings on our committees for new members. We are recruiting now for members who will be available starting on Jan. 1, 2022 for at least a two-year term. Here are our committees:

The opportunity to apply for any of the above committees will be open until Oct. 15, 2021. At the end of the application period, the chair of the committee will be in contact by email or phone.

Thursday, Aug. 26 is National Dog Day — a chance to celebrate your furry friend while supporting Chamber members. Look no further for ways to show your dog how much you love them.

Sunny the lab puppy loves her belly scritches.

Thinking that now is a great time to bring home a lovable pet? Take a look at adoptable animals from the BC SPCA Victoria. We hope you have a paw-sitively great National Dog Day!

Do you want your products and services featured in The Chamber Auction? From gift cards to great local items and everything in-between, reach thousands of potential customers by donating a prize today. Keep an eye on our social media feed to see some of the incredible auction items featured this year.

This is a major fundraising event for The Chamber, with all proceeds supporting our work as the largest and most influential advocate for business on the Island. Last year, we received nearly 8,000 visitors to our auction platform for a week of bidding on fabulous gifts.

As an event sponsor, Maximum Express, Courier, Freight and Logistics is offering donors complimentary delivery of their auction item to The Chamber Office.

Have questions? Please call (250) 383-7191 or email Alex at [email protected]

The City of Colwood is transforming and transitioning as plans for strategic growth have begun to take shape through new developments and amenities. 

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

Full Bursaries available to Chamber Members - email [email protected]

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.