Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
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One of the major benefits of Chamber membership is the chance to build business relationships in a fun, social setting. Our mixers and connectors are always popular, selling out quickly. Make sure to register well in advance for all Chamber events to secure your spot. Check out our recent event photos here. |
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Citing stubborn inflation, Bank of Canada raises rate |
Recent good news about a strong economy and job market is bad news for the fight against inflation. That's the message from the Bank of Canada, which raised its interest rate today to 4.75%.
"Consumption growth was surprisingly strong and broad-based, even after accounting for the boost from population gains. Demand for services continued to rebound. In addition, spending on interest-sensitive goods increased and, more recently, housing market activity has picked up," the bank said in a news release. "The labour market remains tight: higher immigration and participation rates are expanding the supply of workers but new workers have been quickly hired, reflecting continued strong demand for labour. Overall, excess demand in the economy looks to be more persistent than anticipated."
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Tell us what you think and help us help you
We need you to help us stay current and better understand how we can best help you. The Membership Matters Survey is something we do every year to help us plan for the year ahead. The more members who participate, the more we can augment or adjust our services and programs to serve Greater Victoria's business community.
And, by helping us, you automatically entered into a draw for round-trip flights to Vancouver for two from Helijet.
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Indigenous Business Directory builds connections
A new Indigenous business directory was launched in Greater Victoria today with a goal to support Indigenous economic reconciliation by building new relationships and connections.
The South Island Indigenous Business Directory is the result of work of community partners, including The Chamber.
The new directory provides opportunities for relationships, growth and partnership between community members and the many Indigenous-owned businesses across the South Island. From graphic design, art and web design to engineering, project management and catering, the directory currently features more than 50 Indigenous companies.
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City of Victoria: Member since 1863 |
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The uptick was good news for the real estate industry, though sales are still not as high as typically seen in spring. The optimism that had been starting to grow could be short-lived however after the Bank of Canada opted to further raise interest rates today. Time will tell if the move stalls potential buyers or if it encourages more people to put their homes on the market.
"With momentum building, there’s an indication of consumer optimism in the market heading into June," Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Graden Sol said before today's rate announcement. " However, if the ongoing lack of homes for sale
persists and inventory is not added, we risk a return to an overheated market with pressure on pricing.”
The benchmark value in May for a single family home in the core Victoria municipalities was $1,297,600. That's up from $1,295,800 in April, but almost 9% lower than the benchmark value in May 2022.
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Victoria Real Estate Board: Member since 1969 |
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Training workforce helps employers with staffing |
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The Chamber applauds the ongoing investment in new workers through the Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning Pathways. Camosun College received $240,625 in funds for 2022/23. and, this year, the province is providing $3.8 million to help students earn pre-requisites for post-secondary programs they need to meet career goals. |
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Camosun College: Member since 1981 | Chamber Champion |
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BC Hydro's electrification plan
With a focus on climate change and the electrification of more devices, homes, vehicles and industries, find out how BC Hydro is helping their customers make the switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity.
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July Business Mixer @ Government House |
Located on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. This event will be hosted by the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
Come join us on this historical site, surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands for a vibrant, after-hours business social.
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Government House: Member since 2020
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Tues., July 18 | 5 - 7 PM
Government House
1401 Rockland Avenue
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams |
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Our region's visitor economy is returning as travellers want the Victoria experience |
Destination Greater Victoria: Member Since 1988
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Congratulations Alex!
The Chamber’s Membership and Marketing Assistant Alex Farah was honored Monday night at the Camosun College’s School of Business Award ceremony. Farah was the recipient of the Beate & Kirk Northcott Endowment in Business award.
This award honors a fourth year Business Administration, Bachelor's Degree - Marketing Major program student pursuing a career in sales or marketing management who has demonstrated leadership in the classroom and involvement in the community.
Congrats Alex, we are so happy to have you on The Chamber team. Alex and his award-winning skills are part of our frontline outreach to members to help them benefit from their engagement with The Chamber.
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Find the best talent for your team |
If you’re looking to grow your team this Spring, The Chamber’s job board is your next best resource.
Attract the best workers by posting a 30, 60, or 90 day job listing. Tap into the Google Jobs Network and candidates that are eager to work for a Chamber member.
As an exclusive member benefit, use the code INTRO2023 at checkout to receive a free 30-day listing.
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BC Transit celebrates inclusion and diversity with Pride bus
June is Pride Month and a chance to celebrate the many ways that the 2sLGBTQI+ community contributes to society. It's also important to show support for the ongoing work that needs to be done. BC Transit has taken up the cause with a new Pride bus taking its place in Greater Victoria's transportation system. BC Transit's graphics department created the vibrant wrap for the bus. You can see it around town, as well as in the annual Pride Parade on July 9. |
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BC Transit: Member since 1999 |
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Business summit promises to UPLIFT women this fall
A two-day conference promises to connect 800 women from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. The UPLIFT Women's Business Summit is set for Nov. 14-14 at the Victoria Conference Centre. Both days are packed from 9 am to 5 pm with speakers, including Jamie Kern Lima, and sessions designed to help you overcome common entrepreneurial challenges and enhance your investment and financial literacy skills.
UPLIFT Women's Business Summit: Chamber member since 2023
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Victoria Conference Centre: Member since 1990 |
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Floating spa, HAVN, open for business on Inner Harbour
There's a new place to hang out in downtown Victoria, away from the bustling streets and madding crowds — literally. HAVN Saunas Inc.opened last week offering a new sauna experience aboard a refurbished warship floating in the Inner Harbour.
HAVN's website says it's a "floating park-like environment" with "lush green spaces, cold pools, hot tubs, and hand-built saunas."
HAVN Saunas Inc.: Member since 2022
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You can now officially grab an Uber in Greater Victoria
The ride-sharing app that is synonymous with ride sharing is now available in Greater Victoria. As of Tuesday, it's now possible to take Uber across much of the region. The service covers the Saanich Peninsula, including the Victoria International Airport and BC Ferries terminal as well as Langford and Colwood on the West Shore.
Uber Canada: Chamber member since 2019
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Victoria Airport Authority: Member since 1981 |
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BC Ferry Services: Member since 1983 | Chamber Champion |
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Royal Beach golf tourney raising funds for Salvation Army
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The Salvation Army: Member since 2006 |
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Reliance Properties: Member since 2022 |
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The Farm at Royal Roads gets helping hand from TD
A garden at Royal Roads University that helps provide food security for local seniors, students and others in need has received a $196,000 boost from the TD Bank Group. The 5.26 hectare space, known as the Farm at Royal Roads, produced more than 1,000 pounds of fresh produce in 2022. The donation from TD will allow an expansion of the giving garden program and the establishment of a market garden. |
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Royal Roads University: Member since 1996 |
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TD Canada Trust: Member since 1913 | Chamber Champion |
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RBCM exhibit offers insight into ancient Cambodian empire
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Royal BC Museum: Member since 1994 |
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Do you have a success story?
We want to hear from you
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Member to Member Discounts |
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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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