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BizNews
November 13, 2019
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Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
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Chamber members hear what's ahead for your commute home
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Improving "mobility as a service" was a major theme at last Thursday’s
Business Leaders Luncheon: What’s Ahead for Regional Transportation? Check out CTV's
coverage (at 8:23)!
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GoVictoria draft report outlines future of mobility
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The key initiatives of the GoVictoria report are enhancing safety, transforming public transit, accelerating accessibility, shifting to zero emissions, rethinking the curb and harnessing data opportunities.
Better transportation planning is a Chamber advocacy
priority
, as it is one way we can improve conditions for our workforce, and help employers attract and retain workers.
GoVictoria was launched by the City of Victoria in response to The Chamber's call for a transportation plan that proactively addresses how we use our city streets and move people and goods.
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Business has vital role in critical decade for climate
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The Chamber
supports
innovation led by business to respond to the challenges of a changing climate. Members tell us they are concerned about emerging risks linked to climate change, as well as how various regulatory bodies will react to the need to reduce emissions through legislation.
On Tuesday, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce posted a
blog
that echoed on a national level what we have been saying in Greater Victoria.
“Canada simply cannot achieve its climate goals unless the government can successfully establish the investment environment that will allow Canada’s business community to offset emissions elsewhere through energy products. Canada’s business community will be a driver in effective and responsible climate action.”
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Municipalities working on 2020 budgets
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It’s that time of year when Greater Victoria municipalities begin preparing their budgets for next year.
The Chamber keeps an eye on municipal budgets every year,
reminding decision makers about the importance of “minding the gap” between business and residential property taxes. Municipalities that pile expenses onto the backs of business aren’t doing residents any favour. Making it harder to do business in a community will push out jobs and services that provide residents with the quality of life they want from their municipality.
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Saanich: Member since 2018
Langford: Member since 2019
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Victoria: Member since 1962
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In need of a great employee?
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For the remainder of 2019, Chamber members can post up to five jobs for free using the promo code: INTRO. Learn more about how to post
here
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Chamber Member Tip of the Week
"Provide flexibility on start times
for staff in order to accommodate transit or other transportation considerations."
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Steel shipment arrives, replacing load lost at sea
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A 204-tonne shipment of steel has arrived in Victoria, enabling the
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority to move ahead on a $6.8-million project that will allow Victoria to welcome Quantum-class vessels in time for the 2020 cruise season.
Construction of a
dolphin extension will be completed by April 3, 2020, enabling vessels about 350 metres long to safely moor off Pier B at the Victoria Cruise Terminal. The project fell behind schedule after the original steel shipment was lost at sea last December.
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GVHA posts online directory of indigenous businesses
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GVHA also announced that it has posted its
Indigenous Business Directory at
GVHA.ca. The directory is an evolving list of more than 40 businesses and entrepreneurs who meet criteria for being an indigenous business.
The GVHA worked with its First Nations Economic Development Committee this spring to revise the harbour authority’s procurement policy. The goal is ensure qualified indigenous businesses have the same opportunities as all contractors to participate in competitive RFPs.
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Make Connections and Grow Your Network
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Join us for our last Business Mixer of the decade!
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This vibrant, after hours business social event provides an excellent opportunity for members and prospective members to meet face-to-face, establishing or renewing valuable business relationships. Join us for hors d'oeuvres, refreshments and an opportunity to connect with the Greater Victoria business community.
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Victoria Golf Club
1110 Beach Dr
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Thu, Nov 14 | 5-7 pm
Used.ca, 818 Broughton St.
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Tues, Dec 3 | 4-6 pm
The Commons
614 Humboldt St.
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Meet our new team member!
The Chamber is pleased to welcome Kiera Dorman as our new Events and Graphics Coordinator. Kiera is part of the creative team behind Chamber publications, newsletters and events.
Kiera was born and raised in Ontario, and recently left the snow to join us in Greater Victoria. Outside of work, Kiera enjoys hiking, paddle boarding and art. She recently learned to hand-embroider and spends her time off making gifts for family and friends.
Kiera is excited to start her role as the Events and Graphics Coordinator, and is looking forward to working on the upcoming
Business Matters Magazine.
Feel free to connect with Kiera at the next
Chamber event, by
email or by phone at 250 360-3473.
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Has Citizens’ Assembly process fallen behind?
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It’s been more than one year since a majority of voters in Saanich and Victoria mandated that they wanted the two municipalities to explore amalgamation.
The initial
schedule called for a Citizens’ Assembly to begin meeting in 2019. However, that is now unlikely to happen with a little more than one month left in the year.
Things started well, with Saanich and Victoria holding joint meetings to try and iron out the terms of reference for the Citizens’ Assembly that will guide the process. But the discussion
bogged down and it’s not clear from either municipalities’ website when it will be picked up again.
The Chamber urges Saanich and Victoria to re-energize their efforts to move forward on the Citizens’ Assembly process. One reason there is demand for amalgamation is the frustration citizens feel with th
e inability of legal governments to work effectively together on regional issues. We hope the Citizens' Assembly won't turn into another symptom of that disease.
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City of Victoria: Member since 1962
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District of Saanich: Member since 2018
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Chamber benefits this holiday season
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With Christmas
just around the corner
, it’s never too early to start thinking of gifts for loved ones! If you’re concerned about shipping gifts locally, domestically, or internationally,
UPS
has you covered.
UPS offers Chamber members some of the most competitive rates available on shipping services. In some cases, by using UPS Courier Services, members experience savings that more than cover the cost of their Chamber membership! Contact
UPS
at 1-800-MEMBERS (636-2377) or visit
membersbenefitprogram.com/victoriacc
For gift inspiration, be sure to check out
Member to Member Offers
that are continually updated by Chamber members.
For more benefits, discounts and savings that Chamber membership provides,
click here!
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Hosting a Holiday event? We want to hear from you!
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Nominations open for 2020 Business Awards
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The
Emerging Business Person of the Year
award recognizes a business owner or founder under the age of 35 who:
- exemplifies outstanding leadership and/or entrepreneurial skills in their field
- and exhibits exceptional vision that contributes to business success.
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Need inspiration? Check out the videos of our 2019 finalists for
Emerging Business Person of the Year (formerly called Young Entrepeneur of the Year).
Thanks to the Royal Roads University for sponsoring this award.
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National Philanthropy Day
celebrated with awards
Today is
National Philanthropy Day! Each year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Vancouver Island hosts a reception recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations in our community who make a difference in the lives of others.
Among the honours being handed out tonight are the
Generosity of Spirit and
Generosity of Spirit Legacy awards sponsored by the
Victoria Foundation.
And Carly Russell-Huntley from
Used.ca is a finalist for the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award.
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Camosun College: member since 1981
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Concert Properties: member since 2012
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IG Wealth Management: member since 1993
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Victoria Foundation: member since 2004
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Victoria Marathon Society: member since 2017
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Peninsula Co-op: member since 2013
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Used.ca: member since 2011
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Wasted! The Story of Food Waste
The documentary, which is produced by Anthony Bourdain, has received numerous awards and international recognition.
Synergy Sustainability: member since 2017
The Root Cellar: member since 2011
Abeego Inc: member since 2014
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City of Victoria: member since 1962
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University of Victoria: member since 1976
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Truffles Catering: member since 1994
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Women In Need
As we enter the traditional season of giving, it is important to remember that families in need often require more than non-perishable food items.
Did you know that through WIN’s
Gift Certificate Program, people can shop at WIN stores to fill their essential needs for clothing, household and children’s items?
At this moment,
WIN is in
urgent need of dining sets, glasses, pots and pans and toys.
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WIN Resale Shops: member since 1998
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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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