Welcome to BizNews, The Chamber's weekly e-newsletter, delivering news of interest to the Greater Victoria business community direct to your in-box!

 

Tracking Foot Traffic

Between March 1 and Aug 31, 1,104,989 people passed by 700 Yates St.

This valuable data was captured by one the Downtown Victoria Business Association's seven digital pedestrian counters located throughout the downtown core. Such data provides important information to area stakeholders and decision-makers as well as potential investors.

The Downtown Victoria Business Association offers public access to its pedestrian count data through its newly-launched INVEST Downtown website. Also available on the site are workforce census, residential development (2005 to present), public transportation patterns and more.



Downtown Victoria Business Association: Member since 2007
Hiring Climate
Statistics Canada recently released its seasonally-adjusted, three-month moving average unemployment rates for major cities.

With a high of 9.0% (Windsor), and a low of 3.7 (Guelph), Victoria had the sixth lowest rate, at 5.4%.

Greater Victoria might see a "mild hiring climate" for the fourth quarter of 2015 according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. This survey has 83% of employers planning to maintain their current staffing levels in the upcoming quarter.


Chamber News
Events
FEDERAL ELECTION VIRTUAL CANDIDATE FORUMS

All Federal Candidates Confirmed for Virtual Forums!

On Monday, October 19 Canadians will go to the polls. 

This is your chance to hear from all the federal candidates in your riding from the comfort of your home or office.

Take advantage of this member benefit - your voice matters.

RIDINGS:
Tues, Sept 29
Noon-1 pm


Saanich-Gulf Islands
Wed, Sept 30
Noon-1 pm


Victoria
Thurs, Oct 1
Noon-1 pm


Note: Advanced registration is not required, but is recommended. All registrants will be emailed a link the day of the debate.
Contact Monika today!
Chamber Board Election: Who Gets YOUR Vote?  

At the Sept 17 Chamber Business Mixer , you have an opportunity to mix and mingle with folks in Greater Victoria business community as well as meet the 10 nominees for our 2016-2017 Board of Directors.

You have the opportunity to ask them why they deserve one of the six open seats, spending the next two years working with decision-makers at all levels of government to support our region's business interests, as well as maximize the value of membership with The Chamber.

Can't make the Mixer or want to do a bit of homework in advance? Simply check out the September edition of Business Matters, our bi-monthly magazine, for a photo and quick profile on each nominee.

Questions on the election process? Contact Peggy Kulmala, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at 250-360-3476 or [email protected].
VIATeC Program Helps Meet Regional Industry Needs
Victoria Advanced Technology Council's BCIC Innovator Skills Initiative (BCIC-ISI) is focused on fulfilling regional industry needs while preparing students to start companies and fill jobs.

The BCIC-ISI offers BC-based technology companies access to: top talent and skilled workers; training of future employees; resources for a project that will move their company forward; the opportunity to showcase industry problems to future solution providers;  and, significant support in compensating students during their works terms.

The aim of this program is to support mutually beneficial pairings between current BC post-secondary students and BC-based technology companies. Vouchers ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 are available.

Please see the program guidelines for information on application process, eligibility, key dates, payment terms, FAQ and more.


VIATeC Victoria Advanced Technology Council: Member since 1991
FALL MARKETPLACE MIXER:
Book your Fall and Spring booths together and save $50!

Exhibitors showcase their businesses to over 300 people, including Chamber members and the public.

Book your booth early to avoid disappointment!

Want to maximize your exposure?
Full colour Times Colonist advertising is available at a discounted rate of $100 when you book your booth.

Thurs, Oct 15
4-7 pm
Bay Street Armoury
713 Bay St.


Want to make sure you don't 
miss this event?
Register today to attend our annual Marketplace Mixer - admission is free with business card.


Real Estate Market: HOT!
Greater Victoria's real estate market was sizzling last month. The benchmark value for a single-family home rose 6.9% over the same period a year ago.

"The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation announced new rules for buyers who have less than a 20% deposit," said Victoria Real Estate Board president Paul Cozier in their latest report. "Starting at the end of September, buyers who apply for mortgage loan insurance from CMHC will be able to include 100% of the projected income from secondary suites. A change like this may buoy the market through the fall and winter."


Victoria Real Estate Board: Member since 1969
The Chamber's monthly Business Mixers and Prodigy Group Mingles are vibrant after-hours social events that provide an excellent opportunity for members and prospective members to meet face-to-face. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments from 5 to 7 pm.
Thurs, Sept 10  
KPMG MSLP and the Robert Bateman Centre
470 Belleville St. (4th Floor)

Max Furniture and the Ruffell & Brown Interiors Ltd.
1-2745 Bridge St.
     
 

What's Up?

Opened a new store? Won an award? Landed a huge contract?

Submit your great news for publication in The Chamber's bi-monthly Business Matters magazine.

Take advantage of this member benefit - share your good news with Greater Victoria's business community.

Send your max. 200 word update to Peggy Kulmala, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at 250-360-3476 or [email protected] by Oct 30.
Keep your most important asset - your people - healthy and well taken care of with the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan - the most popular employee benefits plan in Canada for small business. Click here for more information.
Federal Election: What Would YOU Ask?
"What is the first thing you will do if you are voted in Oct 19?"

"What are you prepared to do to make it easier for businesses to access temporary foreign workers if they cannot find Canadian employees?

"Will your party continue to fund sewage treatment for Greater Victoria?"

These are some of what Chamber members' want to ask candidates at the upcoming virtual candidate forums on Sept 29 (Saanich-Esquimalt-Sooke), Sept 30 (Saanich-Gulf Islands), Oct 1 (Victoria)

Want to be part of the discussion? Send your question(s) to Peggy Kulmala, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at 250-360-3476 or [email protected].
SUMMER SOCIAL SERIES: HARVEST DINNER
Treat Your Clients, Family or Friends


Celebrate summer's harvest at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse. Enjoy a four-course seasonal dinner prepared by Food for Thought Catering, paired with award-winning cider.

See the menu here.

The Harvest Dinner is bought to you by Three Point Motors - Mercedes Benz.
 
Save BIG with group rates 
The Harvest Dinner is a perfect opportunity to treat clients, family or friends for a night to remember.

Group of 6 * 15% OFF
Group of 4 * 10% OFF
*If the person purchasing the tickets is a member then all their guests will receive the member rate

Thurs, Sept 24

5-9 pm
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
2487 Mt. St. Michael Rd.




Planning on trying all the cider samples? Enjoy a shuttle from downtown Victoria to the English Inn and back again, courtesy of L.A. Limousines Inc.
Needed: Independent Community Director

Have an interest what is or could happen in and around the Inner Harbour? Then you might want to consider applying to be an independent community director with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA).

GVHA expects applicants to have previous board experience with an organization of similar size and complexity as GVHA, knowledge of current and emerging harbour issues and strong business management acumen. More information available here.
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority: Member since 2003
Entrepreneurs: CTA@India
Are you a small to mid-sized Canadian company from the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, interested in exploring opportunities in India?

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in India brings you the Canadian Technology Accelerator in India (CTA@India): a unique opportunity for Canadian companies to leverage the India advantage for international growth. Applications will close on September 11, 2015.
SEMINAR:
I'm on LinkedIn. What now?

Tues, Sept 22 seminar SOLD OUT, new seminar added for Wed, Sept 23.

LinkedIn is the largest business network in the world, with nearly 400 million users around the world, 11 million of whom call Canada home.

In this two-hour seminar we will cover:
  • twenty minutes to building an effective LinkedIn profile,
  • recommendations and introductions: 5 minutes a day,
  • leveraging LinkedIn Groups
  • "share an update" - How LinkedIn is not Facebook, and
  • much more!
Presented by social media expert, Paul Holmes, Social Media Camp and Smart Dolphins IT Solutions.

Wed, Sept 23
2-4 pm
The Chamber
852 Fort St.


Chamber Members Mean Business
A big Chamber welcome to our newest members!
Great Deals from Great Chamber Members
Special offers abound on The Chamber's website, both for members - and their staff - as well as for the general public.

If you are a member and have a special offer, simply log-in to the Members Only section to share.

A sample of this week's deals:   
 
Chamber Name Tags
Want one The Chamber's name tags? Email us to order yours today.

#100 - 852 Fort St.,
Victoria, BC V8W 1H8
Phone: (250) 383-7191
Fax: (250) 385-3552
 [email protected]