Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
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See you tonight at the Business Hall of Fame!
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It's always a great feeling when a bright idea turns into an amazing event!
Tonight we celebrate everyone who contributes to Greater Victoria's business community by honouring the first inductees into The Chamber's brand-new Business Hall of Fame.
"We're looking forward to welcoming everyone who has tickets for tonight's black-tie affair," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "It really will be a chance for our community's leaders to gather together and celebrate all the good things business does does for our community."
Tickets are no longer available for tonight's event. If you are unable to attend, the proceedings will be televised on CHEK at 8 pm Oct. 22.
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The Chamber celebrates Small Business Month
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Throughout October, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating Small Business Month, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP.
“Small businesses empower our community by bringing people together, creating jobs, and helping our economy thrive,” Grant Thornton LLP partner Kyman Chan said, noting his firm is helping small businesses weather the current inflationary storm and plan for future growth. “We’re proud to support the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and businesses within the region during Small Business Month, and beyond.”
We often hear small businesses called the backbone of a community. The fact is there is nothing small about businesses that employ more than half of all British Columbians. When you shop at a locally owned business, you are investing in the quality of life of your hometown. The dollars that go to local businesses recirculate in the community about 4.6 times more than the same money spent at corporations that have head offices far away or even in other countries.
“We really experienced how important it is to spend locally over the last two years. Our support of businesses operated by friends and neighbours made a real difference in helping many make it through challenging times,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “This October, I encourage everyone to express their support by doing business locally — and by expressing gratitude to business owners for all they do to support our community.”
To learn more about the events and activities The Chamber has planned for Small Business Month, go to victoriachamber.ca.
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Grant Thornton LLP: Member since 1973
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Victoria's downtown economic rebound continues
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In the second quarter of 2022, there has been a 37.9% increase in pedestrian counts downtown, as well as a 16.2% increase in business licences and a 22.7% jump in street parking.
“When you shop at businesses deeply connected to our community you’re investing in your neighbours, friends, family and fellow local taxpayers. They are the people who make our region a great place to work, live and raise a family,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.
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City of Victoria: Member since 1863
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Property tax relief for businesses and non-profits
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The provincial government announced changes on Monday to the way certain property values are assessed. The move could potentially ease a burden faced by businesses whose property has been assessed based on its potential value. For example, a one-storey non-profit serving a downtown neighbourhood assessed as if it housed a high-rise condo resulted in massive unsustainable property tax increases.
The Chamber advocates for Fair Regulations, and we were successful in getting the province to review BC Assessment's "highest and best use" practice.
The changes announced this week will allow municipalities to choose lower tax rates for select properties.
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12 hours left to vote in Chamber Board Elections
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Voting closes at noon Thursday, Oct. 6 so don't delay!
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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Advance voting now open for Oct. 15 civic elections
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Advance voting is now open for the Oct. 15 local elections. As leaders in our communities, chamber members can make a difference by encouraging all voters to mark their ballots by Oct. 15.
By voting, you are participating in the democratic process and learning about the people making decisions with your tax dollars.
"As a non-partisan organization, The Chamber won't tell you who to vote for, but we will continue to ask that you do vote," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Even if you're not sure who the candidates are, it only takes a few minutes to find out and begin to learn what they stand for. Democracy is not about being perfect. It's about being able to participate — something we are privileged to do as Canadians."
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Step 1: Who is running in your municipality?
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Step 2: How to find out more information on candidates?
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We're lucky in Greater Victoria to have a number of sources of great journalism committed to keeping democracy healthy. Here are a few sources this week to help you learn more about the Oct. 15 election.
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
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Voting Essentials with former Mayor Frank Leonard
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With municipal elections pending and other elections to eventually follow, we ask you these questions: Do you know how to vote? Do you think about the implications of casting your vote?
In this Chamber Chat, we talk about these points as well as strategic voting and why your vote counts with Frank Leonard, a former Mayor and Councillor in Saanich.
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Network and learn with The Chamber this fall
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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 intros. 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
308 Catherine St - Upstairs in the Tap Room, Victoria
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Virtual Mingle
Hire a Post-Secondary Student
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Are you a business owner looking for exceptional talent to add to your work team right now before the busy holiday season?
Over 150 students have already registered to be hired by business leaders like you!
The Prodigy Group is hosting a special networking event for international students and their spouses who are eligible to work in Canada. Creating that bridge to local employers like yourself might make Greater Victoria their forever home.
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Thurs., Oct. 13 | 5 - 6 PM
Virtual via Airmeet
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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!
Get a look behind the scenes at Victoria International Airport! This once in a lifetime tour will take you to the YYJ Airport Operations Centre, and give you the opportunity to speed down the Runway in an Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) truck.
Interested in having your products or services showcased at our auction?
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Thankful for friends, family, and community
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Whether you’re looking to cook your own Thanksgiving meal, or prefer someone else do the work, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy great food and spend quality time with the people you love.
Take time this long-weekend to check out some of the exciting activities and venues across Greater Victoria. If you’re looking to unwind while staying close to home, or if you’re looking for a place for the in-laws to stay, check out the beautiful hotels Greater Victoria has to offer.
As the weather begins to cool, now is a great time to consider supporting one of Greater Victoria's local non-profits. Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress will be hosting Thanksgiving Dinner at Our Place Society on Thursday, Oct. 6. Everyone is welcome to join, share a meal, and lift your spirits. With work like this, it is no surprise that Gordy Dodd is one of our inductees into the Business Hall of Fame presented by RBC this evening. Watch the broadcast of this historic event on October 22 at 8pm on CHEK News.
The Chamber would like to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving!
The Chamber will be closed Monday, Oct. 10.
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Find great workers within your industry
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Find the best talent in your industry with The Chamber’s job board!
When you post your next job, be sure to add your "industry type" to ensure your job can be found by the right candidates. The list of industry types is constantly being updated and can be modified to highlight any industry. Don’t see your industry listed? Send us an email!
Also remember to add a specific category for the job in the position title. From Admin and HR to Marketing and Communications positions, you can see all 14 categories here.
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HAVN floating spa receives city council approval
HAVN Saunas Inc: Member since 2022
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Destination Greater Victoria: Member since 1988
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Greater Victoria Harbour Authority: Member since 2003
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BDC invests $500 million in Canadian women entrepreneurs
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Business Development Bank of Canada: Member since 1976
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Dodd’s celebrating 45 years of local
Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress is celebrating their 45th anniversary! Family owned since 1977, Dodd’s has become a renowned local business serving Greater Victoria, Nanaimo and Campbell River for nearly five decades.
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Dodd's Furniture and Mattress: Member since 2002
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Indigenous nursing master’s launched
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University of Victoria: Member since 1976
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University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020
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Pacific FC secures playoff spot
Pacific Football Club: Member since 2019
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CRD offering rebates to protect water supply
In an effort to address climate change and protect water infrastructure, the Capital Regional District (CRD) is offering rebates to update outdated once-through cooling (OTC) systems that needlessly waste water. Through the program, businesses within the CRD can receive a rebate of up to $600 per refrigeration ton to replace OTC condensers and up to $1,200 per refrigeration ton for ice makers.
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Capital Regional District (CRD): Member since 1993
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Off to the races
Victoria Marathon Society: Member since 2017
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Thrifty Foods: Member since 1981
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Member to Member Discounts
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Compass Mobile Massage Therapy
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Iron & Wood Golf Simulators
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Paramount Executive Centre Inc.
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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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