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.

New data released by the City of Victoria shows downtown continues to make significant strives toward economic recovery. A number of key indicators are now back to or even above pre-pandemic levels.

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.

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.

Thank you to everyone who has voted so far for the 2023-24 Chamber Board of Directors. There's still time to make your choice from the list of community leaders who put their names forward to share their insight and experience.

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.

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."

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.

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

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?

Email [email protected] or fill out our 2022 Auction Donation Form.

As an event sponsor, Maximum Express, Courier, Freight and Logistics is offering donors complimentary delivery of their auction item to The Chamber Office.

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!

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.