Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
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Chamber Auction: Bid now to win a chance to chat with Dr. Henry! |
The Chamber's 2022 Auction is in full swing, with bidders competing for great gifts and prizes. Among the new items up for auction, is a chance to chat with BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
From working with the WHO polio eradication program in Pakistan to her role in controlling the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, Dr. Henry is renowned for her work understanding and mitigating the effects of viruses.
Learn more about your opportunity to ask Dr. Henry about her experiences throughout the pandemic and beyond.
See below for more featured items, and details on how to take part in the auction before it ends Nov. 13
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We Remember those who gave everything |
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As we honour members of the armed forces and their sacrifices this Remembrance Day, The Chamber is proud to have a long history of commemorating the soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
After the First World War, The Chamber was instrumental in helping create Memorial Avenue that still runs along Shelbourne Street. Shelbourne was chosen as it offered enough space to commemorate every soldier from the city who died in the war. Chamber members helped plan the project, and business owners rolled up their sleeves to dig holes for the trees, providing shade and succour over the years.
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the Royal Canadian Legion will be incorporating the veterans’ parade into the national Remembrance Day ceremony. Here in Greater Victoria, a Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at the BC Parliament Buildings from 10:30 am – 1 pm this Friday. Municipalities across the region are also hosting ceremonies and we encourage all members to attend.
We hope you have a day of reflection and remembrance.
The Chamber will be closed Friday, Nov. 11.
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Record year as cruise ship season wraps up |
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After a trying two years, the cruise ship sector made a spectacular comeback in Greater Victoria. The 2022 season was the best yet recorded, with 329 cruise ships stopping at Ogden Point.
The industry was shut down as the pandemic hit. The stoppage even raised questions about whether ships would be back in Victoria, but hard work and effective advocacy by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and The Chamber has paid off.
Next year could be even better. GVHA CEO Ian Robertson told the Times Colonist he's predicting one million cruise ship passengers will visit Victoria in 2023. That would be a leap from the 715,000 arrivals this year, but cruise operators are excited about being back in our region. There are 340 ships already confirmed, Robertson said.
Before this year, the record for most visits was 257 in 2019.
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Greater Victoria Harbour Authority: Member since 2003 |
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Business Leaders Luncheon:
Last chance to register to hear from BC's top auditor
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This is your chance to talk with the person in charge of determining how effectively your tax dollars are spent.
Some of their current work is looking into how $1.5 billion in tourism funding was rolled out, how accurately the province kept track of COVID-19 vaccination rates, how effective the province’s approach to toxic drugs has been, and whether the provincial government has been effective at adding diversity to its workforce.
Join us for lunch with Michael Pickup and share your questions, concerns, and business priorities to help inform and shape the future work of the Office of the Auditor General.
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Thurs., Nov. 10 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St.
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Vitals Signs Report highlights housing challenges |
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Housing remains a drag on the vitality of our region, though overall quality of life in Greater Victoria has improved.
According to the 2022 Vital Signs Report, released this week, Greater Victoria's grade has moved up from a B grade last year to a B+ this year.
Housing earned an F grade this year, a significant drop from a D+ last year.
"Vital Signs is a great check up on our region's economy, and The Chamber was happy to contribute as a community partner this year," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The grades are a good way to illustrate concepts that contribute to our overall quality of life."
It's the 19th edition of the annual report, which uses surveys as well as stories and graphics to provide snapshots of the past year.
This year's theme asked What Does Community Mean To You? Respondents rated the natural environment and climate as the best things about Greater Victoria. The aforementioned Housing crisis and cost of living were the two most important issues, according to the survey.
The report looks at 12 areas, with grades ranging from a B-plus for Learning and Sports and Recreation, to an F for Housing and a C- for Health and Wellness.
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2023 Business Awards nominations are now open! |
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- The Business of the Year Award (1-10 employees) honours a business that demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth; displays a commitment to the community; exemplifies superior customer service; and embraces an outstanding commitment to quality.
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Nominations close: January 18, 2023
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Need some inspiration?
Check out the videos of the 2022 Business of the Year (1-10) finalists below. Thanks to the City of Victoria who is our sponsor for this award in 2023.
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Supporting local vital to add resilience to economy |
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Changing times create disruption but also present tremendous opportunities for forward-thinking organizations. The tide of high inflation has highlighted the need to create more resilient local production and supply networks.
Groceries are a good example of the need for investment in suppliers located closer to home. The provincial government's Buy BC program and the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance's Island Good shows the value of supporting innovation led by business.
"There is clear evidence of the value that bring local brings to a community, but it's not always top of mind when we're at the grocery story purchasing produce for our families," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "The Buy BC and Island Good programs makes it easier to remember the value in buying local, both in terms of freshness and health as well as in ensuring local farmers feel they are supported so they can take the risks needed to build their business."
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Finest at Sea: Member since 2006 |
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams |
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Many of us have a very close relationship — you might even call it a ritual — concerning our coffee.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with Fernwood Coffee founder Ben Cram to learn all about the process of creating a top quality local cup of java. |
Fernwood Coffee: Member since 2009 |
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Auction on now: find a gift for everyone on your list! |
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Join us online this week as we showcase over 250 incredible items and experiences across Vancouver Island and beyond.
Vacations, exclusive one-on-one discussions with community leaders, home décor and more are just a click away.
Find the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one generously donated by local businesses. It's never been easier to shop #ChamberLocalVicBC
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This gift certificate entitles you to a private zodiac adventure for up to 12 guests! Departing from the Victoria Inner Harbour, Prince of Whales will welcome you and your guests aboard this private whale watching adventure of a lifetime, exploring the beauty that is British Columbia on this 3-hour tour. |
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With this package, Van Isle Windows Ltd. will supply and install a Standard Size 6068 (71 1/2W x 79 1/2H) white vinyl, double pane Patio Door in to your home. The traditional slim frame style offers silky smooth operation, crisp, clean lines, a hard-wearing protective aluminum sill and the quality and attention to detail that our customers have come to expect from Van Isle Windows, locally manufacturing and installing since 1978. |
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As a major fundraising event for The Chamber, all proceeds from this event support our work as the largest and most influential advocate for business in the region. |
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Find your next great employee |
With winter quickly approaching, ensure you’re well-staffed for the rest of the year by using The Chamber’s job board.
As an exclusive Chamber member benefit, you can post a free 30-day listing on the job board every calendar year. Use the code INTRO2022 at checkout to use this offer today. This is very nearly your last month to take advantage of your 2022 free listing.
Reach the right candidates with the help of The Chamber. If you have any questions or need help uploading your job posting, email [email protected]
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UVic redesigns graduation diplomas
The Fall 2022 graduating class will be the first to receive the redesigned diplomas.
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University of Victoria: Member since 1976 |
University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020
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Accessible travel guides created for the Island
4VI has launched a series of accessible travel guides to serve travellers of all abilities. In conjunction with regional and provincial tourism organizations, the new travel guides highlights accessible tourism experiences across Vancouver Island. 17 communities are included in the guides, including Victoria, Nanaimo, and Tofino.
4VI: Member since 2021
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Il Terrazzo deliciously 30
Il Terrazzo is celebrating their 30th anniversary providing locals and savvy visitors with a special dining experience. After opening their doors in 1992, Il Terrazzo quickly became one of Greater Victoria’s favourite fine dining Italian experiences.
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Angel Foods – Il Terrazzo: Member since 1998 |
Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you |
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Legion completes mural of remembrance
Just in time for Remembrance Day, the Royal Canadian Legion Trafalgar/Pro Patria Branch has completed a new mural to honour soldiers and deter graffiti on the building. The mural features the iconic poppy that symbolizes our commitment to never forget those who served in the Canadian Armed Forces and displays a row of poppies at sunset. |
Royal Canadian Legion Trafalgar/Pro Patria Branch #292: Member since 2007 |
Victoria named vegan capital of Canada
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City of Victoria: Member since 1863 |
Rising Economy conference begins next week
A former local broadcaster will be back in Victoria next week as key note speaker of Rising Economy 2022. Shachi Kurl, president of Angus Reid Institute will talk about how to better understand cultural, economic and political shifts. Kurl worked here as a Legislative reporter from 2005 to 2011.
The Chamber is one of the sponsors of this year's conference, which runs Nov. 15-17. Chamber members who want to attend can use the code REInsider25 for 25% off.
South Island Prosperity Partnership: Member since 2017
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Torch Awards recognizes ethical talent
Congratulations to all winners!
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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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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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