The Governors' Award of Distinction, sponsored by the Times Colonist, is a re-imagining of the Lifetime Achievement Award previously given in order to acknowledge the efforts of a broader demographic.

The Chamber's 2021 Business Awards broadcast on CHEK TV is at 6 pm, May 15.

What does 5G mean for your business? At The Chamber's Public Policy and Advocacy meeting yesterday, TELUS's Vice-president of Business Products and Services, Marshall Berkin, explained how the new technology promises to transform our lives. The expanded capacity of 5G is about more than increased speed, as it will also enhance the reliability of networks and lead to amazing innovations by business. Everything from improving relationships between healthcare providers and patients to creating more engaged communities is already happening. Marshall has agreed to share his presentation here, and more information on 5G from TELUS can be found here.

Greater Victoria has officially joined a continent-wide initiative to create high-performance buildings that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The 2030 Districts Network is a non-profit organization working to transform the built environment in cities around the world and promote sustainability.

The Greater Victoria 2030 District consists of 36 buildings and 3.5 million square feet of space, represented by major property managers in the region: Anthem Properties, Colliers International, Cushman & Wakefield, Ivanhoe Cambridge, Jawl Properties, Richmond Property Group, Shape Properties, City of Victoria, District of Saanich and the Province of BC. 

The Butchart Gardens is closing for two weeks in February.

"In appreciation of the hard work our staff has done over the past difficult year, and to allow them time to rest and renew, The Butchart Gardens will close to the public from Feb. 1–15 inclusive," says a statement on the iconic attraction's website. "We look forward to welcoming you back on Feb. 16."

The 55-acre property opened in 1904 and typically operates year-round.

The federal government has moved forward on a Chamber advocacy initiative, paving the way for international students to help employers fill workforce vacancies.

The Chamber called on government to invest in retaining international students, who often spend co-op work terms learning Canadian skills needed by local employers. WorkBC forecasts Vancouver Island will face a massive jobs deficit by 2029, as our regional economy grows and our population ages out of the workforce.

International students can now apply for an open work permit that will be valid for 18 months and allow them to continue to build a life in Canada. "This new policy will help more graduates fill pressing needs in areas like health care, technology and more," a federal government news release said.

There's still time to nominate someone for the BC Reconciliation Award. Nominations close Friday for the honour, which was launched by BC's Lieutenant Governor, the Hon. Janet Austin, in partnership with the BC Achievement Foundation.

"This award celebrates the promise of a shared path to reconciliation through the incredible work of leaders from all over British Columbia, whose commitment to recognizing past injustices and healing those wounds will lead us all to a brighter future."

The nominations process is open to any individuals and organizations of Indigenous and non-Indigenous identity who have shown exemplary dedication to asserting truth and reconciliation initiatives.

Businesses, local governments and non-profits can now access larger rebates through CleanBC's Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive and Commercial Vehicle Pilot programs.

Vehicles eligible for SUVI rebates include medium- and heavy-duty vehicles such as electric-battery or hydrogen-fueled passenger buses, airport and port service vehicles and heavy-duty transport trucks, as well as smaller specialty-use vehicles such as motorcycles, cargo e-bikes, and low-speed utility trucks. Rebates will now cover 33% of the cost, up to a maximum of $100,000 per vehicle.

Organizations can also access $11 million for piloting unique or large deployments of medium- and heavy-duty or very large electric vehicles, such as domestic air, marine or rail transportation through the CVP program. Eligible applicants can compete to receive up to one-third of total costs in rebates for vehicles and charging or refueling infrastructure.

Mr. Beatty held several senior Cabinet positions in the Government of Canada including Minister of Revenue, Solicitor General, Minister of National Defence and Secretary of State for External Affairs.

Submit your questions for Beatty by end of day Monday, January 18, 2021.

As changes to the way we live and work continue to transform our neighbourhoods, the City of Victoria is hoping to hear from businesses to help plan the future of Fernwood, North Park and Hillside-Quadra. City planners see the three urban villages as playing a key role in the decades ahead.

To learn more about how to engage with planning, go to engage.victoria.ca.

Contact Thomas at [email protected] to submit a story for #ChamberLocalVicBC.

When life’s challenges make it difficult to concentrate on work, support for you and your employees is available through the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Arive®. 

This confidential service provides access to professional counselling and guidance from experts who understand how coping with personal issues affects absenteeism and productivity on the job. Through the Chambers Plan Arive® EAP, you and your staff now have access to expert advisors and clinical assistance.

Learn more about this exclusive Chamber Member Benefit here, or contact Ryan Davies at Jack Insurance & Financial Services for more details. 

During these extraordinary times, The Chamber’s Job Board connects employers needing help with employees in need of work.

Whether you’re a CEO, small business owner, or a manager looking for talent, finding and retaining employees is crucial.

Learn more about how to post on the job board here. ​If you have any questions about posting, please email [email protected]

Program Manager – Leadership Victoria 

The Chamber is pleased to welcome co-op student Julia Banks as our new Events Assistant!

Julia is in her fourth year of studies at Camosun College, focusing on a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources. She is eager to graduate in the fall and hopes to continue working in Victoria long-term. Julia is fluent in French and enjoys spending her free-time outdoors. Julia looks forward to getting to know Chamber members and community leaders. You can connect with her at [email protected] or 250 953-6684.

The Chamber was able to utilize federal programs to hire Julia. 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 and the University of Victoria to see how a co-op student can benefit your organization this year.

Each week, The Chamber will profile one of the 14 different award categories, encouraging members to nominate a deserving Chamber member.

Non-Profit/Association of the Year honours a non-profit organization or association that:

Need some inspiration? Check out the videos of the 2020 Non-Profit of the Year finalists below. Thanks to Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island for sponsoring this award.

WINNER: Ocean Networks Canada

FINALIST: The Cridge Centre for the Family