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BizNews
September 15, 2021
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Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
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Campaigning heats up ahead of election day on Monday
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The federal election is Monday, and it's the last chance to vote for the candidate of your choice.
If you're still deciding on who to vote for, or want more information on the major candidates in your riding, make sure to check out The Chamber's candidate panels. Conducted this week for the four ridings in Greater Victoria, the panels are moderated by Chamber CEO Bruce Williams and focus on issues of importance to the region's business community.
On voting day, employers must ensure that employees who are eligible to vote have three consecutive hours to get to the polls, which are open from 7 am to 7 pm. Employers can decide which hours they allow staff to vote, but must pay employees if the time is within work hours.
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Patience key as vaccine card keeps businesses open
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All in all, the rollout of BC's new proof of vaccination requirements has been smooth for most businesses in Greater Victoria. Unfortunately, there have also been reports of rare but disturbing incidents of misplaced anger at businesses and their staff.
"The province has ordered businesses to comply with this order, so anyone who has concerns about the rules should not be bullying people who are trying to make a living. It's not their rule," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "We've been working with our community partners on posters and other materials that we hope will remind everyone that we need to continue to be kind and patient while these requirements are in place."
The Chamber also supports ongoing advocacy efforts underway to ensure the burden of enforcing the vaccine card is not placed solely on the shoulders of business.
"It has been a tough 18 months for restaurants and retailers, and they've worked extremely hard to keep their businesses operating. We can't risk that by making it even harder on them by adding new challenges," Williams said. "Getting your proof of vaccine is a simple process and only takes a few seconds to check. This will be a temporary measure, and it allows businesses to stay open and let's all of us get back to the things we enjoy."
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Vote Now - 2022-2023 Board of Directors
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This year, there are 11 amazing candidates nominated for four (4) positions on the Chamber Board of Directors.
Each fall, The Chamber holds an election to fill open seats on our board. Directors are elected to two-year terms with staggered renewal dates.
Election ballots were emailed Thursday, Sept. 9, 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. 7.
Personal write-ups for each of the nominees are included with the electronic ballot. You can also view the nominees on The Chamber’s website here.
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Candidate Listening Sessions — Focus on Business
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This week, hear from candidates from the four main political parties running in the four ridings in Greater Victoria on issues affecting our businesses and region’s economic environment. Tune in to The Chamber’s Facebook page to watch or register below to receive an event reminder leading up to the livestream.
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Saanich-Gulf Islands
Wed, Sept. 15 | 12:30-1:30 PM
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Cowichan-Malahat-Langford
Thurs., Sept. 16 | 12-1 PM
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Victoria
Recorded on Tues., Sept. 14
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Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke
Recorded on Tues., Sept. 14
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Court gives E&N a new timeline to return rail service
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Larry Stevenson, CEO of the Island Corridor Foundation, told CHEK the court ruling is good news but it will take time to understand all of the implications of the court's more than 100-page decision.
After 18 months, the court said it would be open to re-examining the future of a 10-acre right-of-way running through the Snaw’naw’as First Nation near Nanoose Bay.
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Island Corridor Foundation: Member since 2020
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Region's unemployment rate now lowest in Canada
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Greater Victoria had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada in August, according to Statistics Canada's latest Labour Force Survey. The seasonally adjusted rate was 4.2% for our region, below the 4.4% rate of our traditional rival Quebec City. Lethbridge was also at 4.4%.
Last August, Greater Victoria's unemployment rate was 10.7%.
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Provincial budget numbers better than forecast
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The provincial government's financial picture was better than expected in the first quarter, with the year-end deficit projected to be $4.8 billion — about half of what was initially forecast five months ago in the 2021 budget.
The updated numbers show that BC's economy is rebounding, and that the province has the capacity to continue helping hard hit sectors, such as tourism and transportation, until they can fully participate in the recovery.
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View Royal launches online budget tracker
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View Royal's new budget variance dashboard provides detailed info on operational finances in a number of areas, and allows comparisons of this year's figures to previous years.
“It’s important that the community holds us accountable to stewarding their financial resources and that they receive regular reports on our progress," View Royal's Chief Administrative Officer Kim Anema said in a news release. "By regularly sharing detailed budget information with the community, we aim to build trust with our residents and demonstrate how we work to meet our financial goals.”
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Town of View Royal: Member since 2020
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Get outside with The Prodigy Group
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We're taking a fresh-air break from Zoom in this re-imagined Mingle.
Join us in one of three lovely locations across Greater Victoria for a stroll, walk or hike — your pick. Invite a colleague or supplier or connect with someone new while recharging your mental health with a little fitness. Each location will have a maximum of 15 guests, so we ask that you reserve quickly.
For those of you engaging in this year's ClimbUp campaign, consider it early training.
For details about this event, including best choice for all levels of physical capability, click here.
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Proof of vaccination required. Safety protocols will be in place and we will be following Provincial Health Guidelines for events. If you are feeling unwell we ask that you refrain from attending.
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Ogden Point Breakwater
Victoria (Accessible)
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Esquimalt Lagoon
Colwood (Moderate)
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Mount Douglas
Saanich (Intermediate)
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Virtual September Business Mixer
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For those who enjoy the traditional mixer environment, this month we have a return to our successful Zoom model, featuring break-out rooms.
This vibrant, after-hours business social event provides an excellent opportunity for members and prospective members to establish or renew valuable business relationships.
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Thurs., Sept. 23 | 5 - 6 PM
Zoom
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Would you like to join a Chamber committee?
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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 Ambassador Committee
- The Finance and Audit Committee
- The Prodigy Group
- The Public Policy and Advocacy Committee
- Indigenous Business Task Force
- Committee for the Advancement of Diversity and Inclusion
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.
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The Chamber welcomes new Events Manager, Ashley McCartie
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Ashley brings 15 years of experience in events planning, participant and stakeholder stewardship, sponsorship activation, and volunteer engagement within the non-profit sector.
She is known for her attention to detail and thoroughness when it comes to planning and executing events. Along with her role at The Chamber, Ashley is a proud mom of two young kids and loves getting outdoors to explore the world through their eyes.
Ashley looks forward to creating memorable events that foster connection within the Greater Victoria business community and to building strong relationships with Chamber members.
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Staying tidy with Chamber members
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Did you miss your spring-cleaning opportunity this year? There’s no time like the present to tidy your surroundings and prepare for a productive fall and winter.
Still working from home? Check out Chamber member house cleaning services to ensure your home is cleaned efficiently and safely.
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Showcase your business at the 2021 Auction
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Take a sneak peek at an incredible item available at the 2021 Virtual Chamber Auction from Nov. 7 – 14!
Read to your heart's desire with a $75 gift card to Munro's Books and carry your purchases home in your brand-new canvas tote – Kindly donated by Munro’s Books
Interested in having your products or services showcased at our auction?
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
A look into the Victoria Native Friendship Centre
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Some surprises and better understanding are included in this Chamber Chat with Executive Director Ron Rice.
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Victoria Native Friendship Centre: Member since 2019
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Reach the right candidates with The Chamber’s job board
For an extra $45 USD per job posting, shoot your listing to the top of the job board and increase the amount of job-seekers that view your job offer.
Your job will also have a highlighted “FEATURED” badge and will be published to the Google Jobs Network.
You can also upgrade your previously-posted positions to ensure your job opening gets the most views over time.
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Annual Giving Manager of Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island Michelle McKenzie stands with Chamber CEO Bruce Williams and Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island CEO Veronica Carroll.
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Smile Cookies return
Looking for a reason to smile? From now until Sept. 19, 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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Run for the Cure
CIBC’s Run for the Cure, taking place Oct. 3, is Canada’s largest single-day, volunteer-led event in support of breast cancer research. Runners from across Canada are invited to create a team and participate in a virtual run. Until Sept. 16, all donations up to $500,000 will be matched by CIBC.
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CIBC - Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce: Member since 1962
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CIBC - Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce: Chamber Champion since 2020
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Camosun College: Member since 1981
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Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you
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Hungry Hearts television broadcast
Our Place Society’s Hungry Hearts fundraiser will be featured on CHEK News this Saturday, Sept. 18. The broadcast will feature a cooking demonstration, a special performance by Juno Award winning band Dear Rouge, and the announcement of the winner of the Land and Sea dish competition. A virtual silent auction is also live until Sept. 20 to raise additional funds for the campaign.
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CHEK News: Member since 1971
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Chamber Champion since 2020
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Our Place Society: Member since 2010
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Plexxis Tower coming to Langford
Plexxis Software Inc has announced a new $44 million investment in the City of Langford. Plexxis is relocating their headquarters from Brampton to Langford to access the recreation, talent and affordable housing opportunities the city offers. The company will move into Plexxis Tower in the fourth quarter of 2022, bringing more than 100 new jobs to the area.
Plexxis Software Inc: Member since 2020
City of Langford: Member since 2019
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Mike Geric Construction up for environmental awards
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Mike Geric Construction Ltd: Member since 2017
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Mike Geric Construction Ltd: Chamber Champion since 2021
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Fairmont Empress: Member since 1962
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Virtual non-profit summit
Social Media Camp is offering a virtual summit for organizations in the non-profit sector. The event aims to teach organizations how to utilize social media to engage their audience and make an impact. The half-day summit features keynote speakers from across Canada and provides opportunities to access their content after the event.
Social Media Camp: Member since 2012
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Welcome to our newest Members!
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Member to Member discounts
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Victoria Bullion Exchange
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