The atmosphere was electric when the Bank of Canada last held an event in Greater Victoria. Anticipation is building to attend the June 8 Economic Progress Report.

On May 16, the Family Business Association of Vancouver Island (FBA VI) held a special general meeting to vote to join forces with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. The attendees of this special general meeting along with proxies voted unanimously to wind down FBA VI and to transfer their assets to the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

“On behalf of all Chamber members, I want to thank members of the Family Business Association for entrusting us with continuing their important work,” Chamber Chair Kris Wirk said. “We know how vital it is to foster strong relationships and build connections that will benefit our region’s economy for generations to come.”

The crux of the discussion at the meeting was that the FBA VI is looking at this change as the beginning of a new era, one that will expand help for family businesses and help successfully transition them to future generations.

“The Chamber and the Family Business Association of Vancouver Island share common goals, which made this an easier decision,” FBA Board President Dean Clarke said. “I feel confident that after collaborating over the last few months with Chamber Chair Kris Wirk and CEO Bruce Williams, this committee will help more family businesses benefit through the many programs and benefits offered.”

Over the next few months, The Chamber staff will be working with FBA members – 51% of which are already outstanding Chamber members – to find a new home at The Chamber. If you’re a family business and want to be a part of the Family Business Committee or attend some of the great workshops and programs focused on family business continuity and growth, email our membership team at chamber@victoriachamber.ca. We’ll have more details in the months to come.

The provincial Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Partnership Program supports Indigenous governments, communities and businesses with agriculture, food processing and food-systems planning, as well as training and skills development, technological adoption, scaling up productivity and profitability, and climate change adaptation.

Among the projects in our region, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre received $80,000. The funds will be used to work on the Oak Bay property gifted to the centre by the late Marion Cumming. The plan is to remove invasive plants, add native plants, beehives, pollinator plants and increase food security in the community by growing year round.

Victoria Native Friendship Centre: Member since 2019

This year, the Buy BC Partnership Program is providing $2 million for marketing activities that increase consumer awareness and drive sales of local food and beverage products.

The program, managed and administered by MNP LLP on behalf of BC's Ministry of Agriculture and Food, has helped generate an estimated $80 million in sales since 2017. More than 800 businesses are registered to use the Buy BC logo on almost 4,000 food and beverage products.

In less than 10 minutes, you can share your thoughts on your Chamber membership by taking our Membership Matters Survey.

Help us help you! Enter to win round-trip flights to Vancouver for two from Helijet by completing the survey.

In this Chamber Chat CEO Bruce Williams chats with the President of Camosun College Dr. Lane Trotter, and Dr. Kevin Hall President and Vice-Chancellor at UVic about updated co-op programs at their institutions

Looking to add to your team with a co-op student? Click here to connect with Camosun and University of Victoria.

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

The Thrifty Foods 123rd Victoria Day Parade presented by CHEK TV begins at Mayfair Mall, finishing at the intersection of Douglas and Humboldt streets.

Featuring floats and cultural performances, this event from the Greater Victoria Festival Society is 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 recently partnered with the Greater Victoria School District and Maximus to showcase the SD61 Guess My Job program, which broadens students' horizons through targeted lesson and activities which culminate to a Guess My Job game. Special thanks to CHEK News, Wilson's Group of Companies, Ocean Networks Canada, Victoria Symphony, Camosun College, WorkBC, Island Health, Black Press, Western Design+Build, Happy Body Centre, Heart Pharmacy, Gwaii Engineering, CL Web Developers, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards and the Greater Victoria School District.

Inspired by the UK charity Education & Employers, the SD61 Guess My Job program challenges gender and social stereotypes, increases young people's earning potential and reengages them in school subjects.

TELUS Communications recently earned a milestone as the first communications provider in North America to earn prestigious “Running on ODA” status. The designation by industry association TM Forums signifies that TELUS has embraced an agile, market-ready approach to innovation.

After a fire left the Mustard Seed Food Bank in urgent need of help, VIATEC launched a campaign to support the much-needed service. The VIATEC Food Bank Challenge calls on companies to make a difference by donating online or hosting creative events to raise funds.

VIATEC: Member since 1991

The announcement of this year's lineup for the Rifflandia festival is being met with glowing reviews and applause from music fans. The iconic Victoria event happens

over two weekends at separate venues Sept. 7-9 at Electric Avenue, an area around Pembroke Street between Store and Government streets; and Sept. 15-17 at The Park (Royal Athletic Park) at 1014 Caledonia Ave. More than 20 artists are performing, including Diplo, Iggy Pop, Run the Jewels, Salt-n-Peppa and Herbie Hancock.

The eyes of the sporting nation could be tuned into the sights and scenes of the Inner Harbour in January. A bid to bring Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada is gaining momentum, with the City of Victoria contributing $100,000 to support efforts by the Victoria Hockey Legacy Society to bring the 13-hour broadcast to BC's capital. Society chair John Wilson, of Wilson's Group of Companies, told CHEK News that as many as 10 million viewers can be expected.

A $1.3 million world-class facility for skateboarding officially opened in the City of Colwood last weekend. The Thrifty Foods Skatepark, next to the Juan de Fuca golf course, features a hybrid design and the aims to be an inclusive and welcoming facility for youth in the West Shore and Greater Victoria.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.