BizNews
November 13, 2019
Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
Chamber members hear what's ahead for your commute home
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)!

Thanks to our sponsor Cubic Transportation Systems. See more event photos here.
GoVictoria draft report outlines future of mobility
The much anticipated GoVictoria draft report is going to the City of Victoria’s Committee of the Whole tomorrow. This is a forward-looking strategy for sustainable mobility. Chamber members who attended last week’s Business Leaders Luncheon on the future of transportation were given a sneak peek at the plan.

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.
Business has vital role in critical decade for climate 
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.”
Municipalities working on 2020 budgets
It’s that time of year when Greater Victoria municipalities begin preparing their budgets for next year.

The City of Victoria is doing extensive engagement with the public, asking for feedback on its draft 2020 Financial Plan. You can learn more about the process here, and have your say in person on Nov. 21, at a Budget Town Hall.

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.

You can check out the processes being used by the District of Saanich and the City of Langford, who are at similar stages of their budget processes.
Saanich: Member since 2018

Langford: Member since 2019
Victoria: Member since 1962
In need of a great employee?
Whether you’re a CEO, small business owner, or a manager looking for talent, finding and retaining employees is crucial. Recently, The Chamber launched a job board to help.

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 .
Chamber Member Tip of the Week

"Provide flexibility on start times for staff in order to accommodate transit or other transportation considerations."

Erinn Pinkerton, CEO of BC Transit
The Chamber comes with numerous benefits , for your team including The Chamber’s Group Insurance Plans. Contact us for details.
Steel shipment arrives, replacing load lost at sea
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.
GVHA posts online directory of indigenous businesses
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.
GVHA: Member since 2003
Make Connections and Grow Your Network
Join us for our last Business Mixer of the decade!
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.
Victoria Golf Club
1110 Beach Dr
Sponsored by:
Thu, Nov 14 | 5-7 pm
Used.ca, 818 Broughton St.
Sponsored by:
Tues, Dec 3 | 4-6 pm
The Commons
614 Humboldt St.
Sponsored by:
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.
Has Citizens’ Assembly process fallen behind?
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.
City of Victoria: Member since 1962
District of Saanich: Member since 2018
Wear a bow tie to honour our departing chair, Dan Dagg!
Chamber benefits this holiday season
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

If you’re thinking of driving to see family this year, Chamber members can also take advantage of fuel discounts from Esso and Petro-Canada . Discounts on car rentals are also available through Budget Car & Truck Rentals and National Car and Truck Rental .

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!
Hosting a Holiday event? We want to hear from you!

Submit your event to members@victoriachamber.ca to have it added to our Community Events calendar. *Members Only*
Nominations open for 2020 Business Awards
Each week, The Chamber will profile one of the 14 different award categories, encouraging members to nominate a deserving Chamber member.
 
The Emerging Business Person of the Year award recognizes a business owner or founder under the age of 35 who:
  • Has excelled in business

  • exemplifies outstanding leadership and/or entrepreneurial skills in their field

  • and exhibits exceptional vision that contributes to business success.
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.
Winner: Anton Ihl,  E:Né Raw Food Sake Bar
Finalist: Tyler Glashutter,  RE-LY Metal
Members Around Town
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.

Another honour is the Corporate Responsibility Award sponsored by the University of Victoria. Finalists are Peninsula Co-op, IG Wealth Management and Concert Properties.

Among the finalists for the Outstanding Philanthropic Community Award, sponsored by Camosun College, is the Victoria Marathon Society.

And Carly Russell-Huntley from Used.ca is a finalist for the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award.
Camosun College: member since 1981
Concert Properties: member since 2012
IG Wealth Management: member since 1993
Victoria Foundation: member since 2004
Victoria Marathon Society: member since 2017
Peninsula Co-op: member since 2013
Used.ca: member since 2011
Wasted! The Story of Food Waste

In British Columbia, nearly 40% of the food we purchase is going to waste. Tonight at 6pm, Synergy Sustainability is hosting a screening of the documentary Wasted! The Story of Food Waste at the Victoria Event Centre, followed by a panel discussion featuring experts from Truffles Catering, the City of Victoria, the University of Victoria, The Root Cellar and Abeego Inc.

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
City of Victoria: member since 1962
University of Victoria: member since 1976
Truffles Catering: member since 1994
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.
WIN Resale Shops: member since 1998
Need to get one of our snazzy Chamber name tags?
250-383-7191 
victoriachamber.ca