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BizNews
September 21, 2022
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Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
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Jonathan Morris, CEO of the BC Division of the CMHA, speaking yesterday about the importance of mental health in the workplace. The Chamber's Business Leaders Luncheon was sponsored by Coastal Community Credit Union. View photos from the event here.
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Province planning for new Belleville Terminal
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The facility in the Inner Harbour has served as a gateway for international visitors arriving by water since 1924. As a champion of our region's tourism industry, The Chamber has consistently advocated for the terminal and the need to modernize it with the times.
"We've been calling for renovations for decades, and it's taken time to get all levels of government onboard," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Now that we've done that, there's no time to lose. The requirements to be a border crossing have changed and there's a real risk we could lose our port of entry."
More than 680,000 passengers travelled through Belleville Terminal in 2019 and spent about $174 million in Greater Victoria, says the province's project plan.
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Belleville Terminal generates 220,000 overnight visitors and sells over 16,000 vacation packages annually to their passengers, all of which are provided by local businesses in Victoria.
The province is developing a business case for the project. It's expected to cost up to $290 million and be completed by fall 2027.
A temporary terminal will be built until a new facility is ready.
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Inflation in Canada cooling faster than expected
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The latest numbers show inflation has cooled faster than expected. The August Consumer Price Index was up 7% over last year — less than the 7.3% that had been forecast. Core inflation was also lower than expected.
The drop in inflation comes after the Bank of Canada raised interest rates. However, it will take more than numbers to stem inflation and get Canada's economy back on track, said the bank's Deputy Governor Paul Beaudry.
"Some have suggested that policy-makers need to engineer a substantial slowdown — or even a recession — to get inflation back under control," Beaudry said in a speech on Tuesday. "But the best strategy for responding to high inflation needs to consider how people form their inflation expectations. If people understand and believe that the central bank will eventually bring inflation back to target, their expectations will remain 'anchored.'”
Businesses and employers can help by moderating increases to prices or wages, with the understanding that inflationary pressures are temporary. Not an easy task for organizations facing increasing costs and still recovering from pandemic challenges.
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Two weeks left to vote in Chamber Board Elections
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Election ballots were emailed Thursday, Sept. 8, to the main contact of every Chamber member. The Chamber uses a weighted voting system, based on your organization's number of employees. Voting will close at noon Thursday, Oct. 6.
Join a Chamber committee!
The Chamber is also accepting nominations for openings on our 2023 committees. You can make a difference for your community, build your network and share your leadership attributes with Greater Victoria's business community. Learn more.
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Business benefits from mentally healthy workplaces
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The event, part of The Chamber's Business Leaders Luncheons series, was held at the Parkside Hotel & Spa on Tuesday afternoon. Morris spoke about the benefits of better understanding the psychological health of our workplaces. Many employers in the room noted ongoing efforts to reduce the stigma of mental illness and promote safer and more productive organizational cultures.
Morris and Chamber CEO Bruce Williams discussed how businesses can improve their bottom line by taking steps to ensure staff feel safe and supported.
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Canadian Mental Health Association: Member since 2022
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Strong summer for tourism and hospitality
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As we mark the start of fall, tourism and hospitality businesses can look back on a successful summer.
A return of customers kept many restaurants operating at capacity, though they did face other constraints. A lack of staff and a public sector strike that made stocking liquor a challenge cast a shadow on a season that many businesses rely on to make it through slower seasons.
The accommodation sector also enjoyed strong season. The latest Victoria Tourism Bulletin from Chemistry Consulting reports that occupancy rates in July were up from 2021 and close to 2018 levels. The average rate for a room was $305 in July, up from $230 in July 2021 and $250 in July 2019.
BC Ferries also reported a return to pre-pandemic levels in vehicles, though there were fewer passengers and buses onboard in July.
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Chemistry Consulting: Member since 2006
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BC Restaurant and Food Services Association: Member since 1996
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Victoria Airport Authority: Member since 1981
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BC Ferry Services: Member since 1983
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BC Ferries: Chamber Champion since 2022
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Last chance for Business Hall of Fame tickets
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Wed., Oct. 5 | 5-9 PM
Victoria Conference Centre
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Ticket sales end next week Sept. 28.
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Or, call The Chamber office at
250-383-7191 for our concierge service.
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Introducing our Inaugural 2022 Inductees
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Ian Maxwell, owner of Ralmax Group of Companies, is known as a hardhat visionary who champions the protection and preservation of industrial lands and the jobs they provide in Greater Victoria.
Frank Leonard recalls that it is Maxwell’s integrity as a business person that has led to his successful ventures.
“He’s loyal to industrial, blue collar, lunch bucket jobs. He’s rescued industries that others would say are sunset industries. But he gets his hands on them, recreates them and enhances their vitality.”
Maxwell has a wholistic approach to business. He sees the co-existence of residential, industrial and recreational activity on the harbour as an asset. As such, Point Hope Shipyard supports more than 650 companies and the jobs that they provide.
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Helen Beirnes was a savvy entrepreneur who ran a popular restaurant and founded an organization for women in tourism and hospitality.
“Helen would host what you would call the ‘old boys’ club’ at her restaurant, Captain’s Palace,” says Frank Leonard, who met Helen shortly after joining The Chamber. By inviting local power brokers to her shop, Beirnes deftly inserted her views into the conversation.
In 1971, Beirnes began a two-year term as President of The Chamber. She was the first woman to hold the position, though she was careful to make it clear that her election was about her skillset and not her gender. In 1976, she was elected to Victoria City Council by championing heritage buildings.
She is remembered as an intellectual who loved conversation, and believed in the potential of women.
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Network and learn with The Chamber this fall
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The beautiful, open space of the new Gorge Park Pavilion will set the stage for a great evening of connection hosted by The Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce and will feature some of their local member businesses.
This event welcomes Chamber members of all 5 local Chambers. Future members of a chamber are welcome to join the event to see firsthand why joining a local Chamber of Commerce is right for you.
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Tomorrow!
Thurs., Sept. 22 | 5 - 7 PM
Gorge Park Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Rd, Victoria, BC
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Small Business Month Member Networking Breakfast
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After casual networking over breakfast, The Chamber Team will take the floor to begin the roundtable meetings. At each table, guests will have a chance to introduce themselves and their businesses in a 60 second elevator pitch.
Facilitated by The Chamber, attendees will connect with nearly everyone in the room. Try it out for yourself & grow your business!
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Wed., Oct. 19 | 8 - 9:30 AM
Spinnakers Brewpub & Guesthouses
308 Catherine St - Upstairs in the Tap Room, Victoria
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October Business Mixer @ Pendray Inn & Tea House
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Formerly known as the Gatsby Mansion, the magnificent Victorian-era Pendray Inn and Tea House offers a boutique experience for those in search of a little old time romance.
Come enjoy it's remarkable history and outstanding service while you establish and renew business connections.
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Thurs., October 20 | 5 - 7 PM
Pendray Inn & Tea House
309 Belleville Street
Victoria, BC V8V 1X2
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The Chamber Auction is back this November
Showcase your brand at the 2022 Chamber Auction
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Take a sneak peek at an incredible experience available at the 2022 Chamber Auction from Nov. 6 – 13!
Stay in with their 24-hour room service or hit the town with a 2-day SUV rental.
Interested in having your products or services showcased at our auction?
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Celebrating first day of Fall
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Tomorrow is the first day of fall! Put away your white shoes and celebrate the beginning of cooler, cozier times while supporting your fellow Chamber members.
As the weather gets cooler, take a moment to think about those in Greater Victoria who may not have warm clothes or a place to stay. View Chamber member non-profits here to learn how you can give back this autumn.
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The Chamber welcomes Richard Gao to the team
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The Chamber is pleased to welcome co-op student Richard Gao as our new Events and Graphics Assistant!
Richard is a fourth-year student studying Health Information Science at the University of Victoria. He is unsure about what he plans on doing after university, however, he is adamant about experimenting with different career paths and learning new skills.
Richard is delighted to be part of The Chamber and is looking forward for all the opportunities to network with and learn more about marketing from Chambers members and the community – especially as he works on the 2022 Chamber Auction.
Hiring a co-op student is an investment in our future and a great addition to your team. We strongly encourage you to reach out to co-op programs at Camosun College and the University of Victoria to see how a co-op student can benefit your organization this year.
Interested in hiring a Camosun or UVic co-op student, but not sure where to start? Come learn about timing, mentorship and the benefit of hiring a student for 2023 at our upcoming webinar on Oct. 18.
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
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Protecting Our Waterways with Julie Angus, CEO of Open Ocean Robotics
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Open Ocean Robotics, a Chamber member based in Greater Victoria, does fascinating ocean research and data collection. Their equipment monitors seismic activity, oil spills, water quality, illegal fishing, water temperature, climate change and more across the world's oceans.
In this Chamber Chat CEO Bruce Williams speaks with founder and CEO Julie Angus.
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Open Ocean Robotics: Member since 2020
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Find your next great employee
With Fall on the horizon, ensure you’re well-staffed for the rest of the year by using The Chamber’s job board.
As an exclusive Chamber member benefit, you can post a free 30-day listing on the job board every calendar year. Use the code INTRO2022 at checkout to use this offer today.
Reach the right candidates with the help of The Chamber. If you have any questions or need help uploading your job posting, email members@victoriachamber.ca.
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Air Canada purchases new electric aircraft
Air Canada has purchased a fleet of 30 fully electric planes. These specially designed aircraft generate zero emissions during flight, and can each hold 30 passengers for regional flights. The new planes are expected to enter service by 2028.
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Air Canada: Member since 1954
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Smile cookies return for local charities
Looking for a reason to smile? From now until Sept. 25, when you purchase a smile cookie at Tim Hortons, all proceeds in Greater Victoria will go to the Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. Each cookie costs $1, and funds will be used to support island kids with physical and mental health challenges.
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Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island: Member since 2007
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Agilus celebrates quarter century
Celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Agilus Work Solutions' Victoria office continue throughout September! Agilus is the largest full service, Canadian-owned staffing organization in the nation, with 14 offices across Canada.
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Agilus Work Solutions: Member since 1997
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Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you
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BBB announces Torch Award finalists
Finalists include:
Winners will be announced on November 4, 2022.
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Clean beaches and great BBQ
Gwaii Engineering: Member since 2021
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Pedego Palooza
Pedego Electric Bikes Victoria has officially opened. Offering a full line of Pedego electric bikes to customers, the storefront is located across the street from the Royal BC Museum. Chamber CEO Bruce Williams attended the ribbon cutting ceremony last weekend, welcoming Greater Victoria’s newest business.
Pedego Electric Bikes Victoria: Member since 2022
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New local online marketplace
Capital Daily: Member since 2020
Abeego Inc.: Member since 2014
Resthouse: Member since 2022
The Natural Hair Salon: Member since 2021
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Fernwood Coffee Company: Member since 2009
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Member to Member Discounts
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BC Ferries Connector operated by the Wilson's Group
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Welcome to our Newest Members!
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Need to get one of our snazzy Chamber name tags?
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250-383-7191
victoriachamber.ca
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