BizNews
May 18, 2022
Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, left, with BC Ferries President and CEO Mark Collins, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards VP and GM Tony Winter and Chamber Chair and President and CEO of the Wilson's Group of Companies John Wilson. Check out more photos from last week's Business Leaders Luncheon at victoriachamber.ca.
Business leaders connect with BC Ferries at luncheon
The Chamber hosted BC Ferries President and CEO Mark Collins last week, with more than 60 business leaders at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA.

“We had a highly engaged audience who learned about ongoing efforts to electrify the ferry fleet and reduce greenhouse gas and noise emissions," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, adding that many employers in the room were also keenly interested in BC Ferries work to find and keep workers. The recent addition of 500 new employees helped the corporation add more than 100 extra sailings for the Victoria Day Weekend.

City of Colwood Mayor Rob Martin, who attended the meeting, stood up to eloquently ask everyone in the room to call on the province to fund a formal study of a commuter ferry between Royal Bay and downtown Victoria. The concept is supported by BC Ferries and The Chamber, and now requires political will to become a reality.
 
“The Chamber has a long history of working with BC Ferries to connect this vital Island link with leaders in Greater Victoria’s business community and it was great to hold another successful in person meeting,” Williams said of the May 12 Business Leaders Luncheon, sponsored by Seaspan Victoria Shipyards.
BC Ferries: Member since 1983
BC Ferries: Chamber Champion since 2022
Seaspan Victoria Shipyards: Member since 2002
Seaspan Victoria Shipyards: Chamber Champion since 2020
Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA: Member since 2007
City of Colwood: Member since 2020
Rebuild of Royal BC Museum to cost of $789M
The provincial government appears committed to its plan to rebuild the Royal BC Museum over the next eight years at a cost of $789 million. The museum was founded in 1886 and has been in its current location since 1968.

The Chamber will work to support businesses affected by the change, including attractions that now have an opportunity to increase their profile.

“You can come downtown and go to the Bateman Gallery, you can go to the Bug Zoo, you can go to the Maritime Museum — there are still a lot of attractions around and plenty of things to do,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told CHEK News.

“The work to modernize the Royal BC Museum is a legacy project that will enrich, inspire and continue to benefit British Columbians and Indigenous Peoples for generations to come," RBCM CEO Alicia Dubois said in the provincial news release.

There are plans for travelling exhibitions, regional displays and an interactive walking tour in Victoria while the new museum is being built.
Royal BC Museum: Member since 1994
Photo courtesy of Victoria International Marina
Victoria International Marina hosts global explorers
The Victoria International Marina was abuzz with stories of intrepid adventure and precision planning as it hosted the largest gathering of Nordhavn yachts to date. The Nordhavn Owners Rendezvous was held at the marina last week as participants prepared to explore BC's coast. Among the vessels was the Motoryacht LARS, which holds a submarine capable of handling arctic exploration and scientific research.
"The gathering is a sign that things are getting back to pre-pandemic levels right now," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told the Times Colonist.
Police crackdown on surge in downtown incidents
The Chamber has added its voice to calls to quickly address reports of increased youth violence in downtown Victoria. Everyone needs to feel safe in their home, on their way to or from work and in their place of employment.

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told Global News last Friday that the Victoria Police Department has assured him they were going to increase their presence and shut down any bad behaviour. VicPD arrested eight youths over the weekend and are working with regional groups to make it clear that unlawful behaviour won't be tolerated downtown.
Victoria Police Department: Member since 2008
For 17 years, the Victoria Foundation has conducted the Vital Signs Citizen Survey to measure social indicators that help us better understand the health of our region.

This year's survey went live on May 5 and is open until July 4. The focus is "What does community mean to you?" Data collected from the survey reflects how a community is integrating economic, social and environmental elements and helps policy makers understand where improvements are needed.
Victoria Foundation: Member since 2004
May Business Mixer @ Mayfair Optometric Clinic
Join Dr. Taylor and Chamber Member of the Year, Mary Lou Newbold, at Mayfair Optometric Clinic for a tropical May Mixer! 

Come decked out in your favourite tropical wear for a chance to win a pair of non-prescription sunglasses from Maui Jim Sunglasses, who will be on site with their whole line.
 
This indoor/outdoor, 19+ event includes on theme hors d'oevres and refreshments. Join us to create new connections and renew valuable business relationships.
Sponsored by:
Thurs., May 19 | 5-7 PM
Mayfair Optometric Clinic
3196 Douglas St.
Member Networking Breakfast @ Vista 18
Join us for the best view of town, a healthy breakfast and the opportunity to create new business connections.

The Chamber Member Networking Breakfast is a must-attend event for new and existing members. It's a great way to learn about services offered by one another and how you can positively contribute to our local business community.
 
At each roundtable, guests will have a chance to introduce themselves and their businesses in a 60 second elevator speech; once everyone has had a chance to connect, it's time to meet an entirely new group of people at a different roundtable!
Sponsored by:
Wed., May 25 | 7:30-9 AM
Vista 18 at Chateau Victoria
Leveraging Wage Subsidies to Hire Co-op Students
Interested in hiring a Camosun or UVic co-op student, but not sure where to start? Come learn about timing, mentorship and funding options to hire a student for Fall 2022.

Engaging a student is a cost-effective way to tackle ebbs and flows in the workplace— no matter the economic temperature, and particularly now as we move into recovery from the pandemic. Students are available from a wide variety of programs from technology and sciences to business and communications and everything in between! 
Sponsored by:
Can't make the webinar?
No problem, register to receive the post-event recording to watch on your own time.
Take The Chamber's Membership Survey!
In less than 10 minutes, you can share your thoughts on your Chamber membership by taking our Membership Matters Survey.

Your Chamber Membership provides you with discounts on our benefit programs, opportunities to connect with the business community and supports your business through its advocacy efforts. Are you getting your full membership value?

Help us help you! Enter to win round-trip flights to Vancouver for two from Helijet.
Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
MNP and Island Savings talk business succession
One of the economic impacts of the pandemic has been a decision by some business operators to accelerate their retirement plans. What needs to be considered when selling or buying a business? Is it worth what the owner thinks it is?

We get expert advice in this Chamber Chat with Jenn Bogwald of MNP and Jesse Honkanen of Island Savings.
Special thanks to our series sponsor:
MNP LLP: Member Since 2013
MNP LLP: Chamber Champion since 2013
Island Savings: Member Since 1984
Plan a great Victoria Day in Greater Victoria
How will you be celebrating the Victoria Day Long Weekend?

Although Victoria Day began in 1845 as a way of commemorating Queen Victoria’s birthday, the holiday has since taken an additional meaning: the unofficial start of Canada’s summer season.

Although the summer weather may not arrive in time for the long weekend, we hope you take the opportunity to enjoy what Greater Victoria has to offer.

The Thrifty Foods 122nd Victoria Day Parade presented by CHEK TV returns for the first time since 2019, beginning at Mayfair Mall and finishing at the intersection of Douglas and Humboldt streets. Featuring hundreds of floats and cultural performances, this event from the Greater Victoria Festival Society is certainty one you won’t want to miss.

Before and after the parade, enjoy a great meal at a local restaurant or bring some takeout to a local park. Check out some great attractions, go on a sightseeing tour, or experience family time while taking a much needed break.

Visit our member directory to see a full list of our members that can help make your long weekend one to remember.

The Chamber will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 23.
Chamber Champions
Showcase opportunities in your industry
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 are 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 Comms positions, you can see all 14 categories here.

If you have any questions about the job board or need assistance posting, email [email protected]
Grow your business with successful exporting
Last week to apply!

Looking for a potential 18% increase in export revenue? The Chamber invites you to bounce forward out of the pandemic by taking advantage of the upcoming local Trade Accelerator Program (TAP)!

TAP is designed to help SMEs TAP into their full export potential. It has a proven track record helping participants get results. With new trade agreements, competitive Canadian dollar, and new business opportunities, now is the ideal time to extend your company's reach through international expansion of goods and services. Since 2017, World Trade Centre Vancouver has successfully delivered 24 TAP cohorts in B.C.

Qualifying Chamber Members pay only $500 (a $4,500 savings).
Apply Now

Enter Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce in the Who Referred you section.
Learn more about the program and apply today at tapbc.ca.

Have questions? Call TAP B.C. Team on 604-640-5491 or email i[email protected].
Workshop Days
9:00a.m. – 4:30p.m.
June 1, 2, and 3

Mentorship Days 
8:30a.m. – 12:30p.m.
July 12 and 13

Application Deadline:
May 25, 2022
Member News
UVic continues focus on climate responsibility

The University of Victoria has been named as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. Receiving the national award for the eighth time, the university continues to promote a culture of sustainability and climate action through campus cycling plans, developing new buildings with Passive House standards and more.
University of Victoria: Member since 1976
University of Victoria: Chamber Champ since 2020
Celebrating 20 years of Asian Heritage Month

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Asian Heritage Month, RBC, Pacific Opera Victoria, The Salient Group, Western Design Build and the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society are hosting a free event from 1 to 4:30 pm on May 29 to commemorate the importance of Asian culture in Greater Victoria. Featuring cultural dancers, opera performances and activities for the whole family, the event will include a Lion Dance Parade that will flow throughout Chinatown.
RBC Financial Group - Commercial Financial Services, V. I. South: Member since 1962
RBC Financial Group - Commercial Financial Services, V. I. South: Chamber Champion since 2020
Pacific Opera Victoria: Member since 2007
The Salient Group: Member since 2017
Western Interior Design: Member since 2013
Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you
Stomp out stigma

On May 26, The Stigma-Free Society is hosting an event to highlight the importance of supporting mental wellness. One in five Canadians experience challenges with mental health, and the Stigma-Free-Faces event will feature guests from across BC to share their thoughts on the importance of mental health in an effort to reduce the stigma.

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams will speak at the event about his personal experiences, and will provide a high-level look at the impact of mental health on workforce and the economy.

Stigma-Free Society: Member since 2022
TC Book Drive supporting Island literacy

The first Times Colonist’s Book Sale since 2019 was a success, attracting more than 5,600 patrons to the sale. Offering nearly 500,000 books, the annually planned event raised money for literacy programs across the Island. The total value raised is currently being tallied.
Times Colonist: Member since 1961
Little Creatures, Big Hearts

Best friends come in all shapes and sizes! If you’re looking for a new pet, the BC SCPA has launched the Little Creatures, Big Hearts promotion to feature potentially overlooked pets. From now until May 31, shelters across the province have implemented a pay-as-you-can feature for small birds, reptiles, hamsters and other small animals.

BC SPCA Victoria: Member since 2017
New ride-hailing opportunity at YYJ

Lucky to Go has become the first ride-hailing service approved to operate at the Victoria International Airport. Travellers can now be dropped off or picked up from the airport by downloading the Lucky to Go app.

Lucky to Go: Member since 2020
Victoria Airport Authority: Member since 1981
Member to Member discounts
BC Ferries Connector operated by the Wilson's Group
Canada Hire Recruitment & Staffing
Iris Optometrists and Opticians
Premium Living Victoria
Victoria Bullion Exchange
Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.
Welcome to our newest members!