FEDERAL ELECTION VIRTUAL CANDIDATE FORUMS

Three interactive virtual forums will be served up to Greater Victoria voters during the last week of September, spiced up with questions from Chamber members. The forums will be open to interested voters via webstream, accessible free-of-charge on the web-enabled platform of their choice. As time permits, there may be additional opportunities for the general public to ask candidates questions via The Chamber's Twitter account.

"As the voice of the business community, The Chamber is uniquely positioned to give Greater Victoria's voters an opportunity to ask federal candidates questions affecting our businesses and region's economic environment," said The Chamber's CEO, Bruce Carter. "Candidates for the Conservative, Green, Liberal, and New Democrat parties have confirmed their attendance for all three forums, so I expect each will be enlightening, and of use to voters."

Questions? Contact Peggy Kulmala at policy@victoriachamber.ca or 250-360-3476.

RIDINGS:

Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke Tues, Sept 29 Noon-1 pm

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

Victoria Thurs, Oct 1 Noon-1 pm

BC's real GDP is forecast to grow by 2% in 2015, followed by growth of 2.4% in 2016. Year-to-date data shows BC employment and exports are slightly below levels expected earlier this year. However, many indicators of BC's economic performance in 2015 are showing stable domestic activity, and retail sales and housing starts are performing better than expected compared to Budget 2015.

Looking forward to 2016, The Chamber recently gave a 10 minute presentation to the BC government's Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, recommending the following.

• Commission and adequately resource an independent commission to study local governance within Greater Victoria to maximize efficiencies and encourage our region's competitiveness.
• Increase the provincial subsidy to BC Ferries' minor and northern routes for the system to be sustainable and ferry travel to be affordable.
• Secure the funds necessary to upgrade Belleville International Terminal's common-use building as befitting one of B.C.'s links to external markets and a key economic driver for the region.
• To meet the needs of the Greater Victoria's economy, the Province take the lead for long-term strategic transportation planning across all levels of government as well as secure long-term, stable funding for transportation infrastructure improvements.

"We think these recommendations will address many of the specific priorities that our members have identified as affecting their businesses," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "As the voice of Greater Victoria's business community, we look forward to our continuing work with the Province on areas that affect our region."

Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada

Join us for a special luncheon where Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, will present her vision for Canada's future.

In the 2011 election, Elizabeth made history by being the first Green Party candidate to be elected to the House of Commons.

11:30 am-1 pm
Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites
345 Quebec St.

For donations, tickets or sponsorship details contact Patrick Marshall at 250-507-4500 or patrick.marshall@capitaledc.com.

Opening a new store? Won an award? Landed a huge contract? Only one week left to 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.

Contact Peggy Kulmala at policy@victoriachamber.ca or 250-360-3476 for more info.

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!

Full-colour Times Colonist advertising is available at a discounted rate of $100 when you book your booth.

4-7 pm
Bay Street Armoury
713 Bay St.

Register today to attend our annual Marketplace Mixer - admission is free with business card.

On its website and in the media, The City of Victoria has stated it is exploring regulations for medical marijuana-related businesses.  The purpose of the regulation is intended to "mitigate any community impacts, while maintaining access to medical marijuana for residents."

As part of its community consultation process, the City of Victoria asked for The Chamber's perspective on this issue. As we discussed with the City, The Chamber does not anticipate legal marijuana-related businesses, e.g., those who provide advice on navigating the developing systems' complexities, to generate any negative community impacts, such as exposure of young persons to the sale of marijuana, infiltration of organized crime, and sale to persons without a medical need.

The negative impacts, including those already passed to the City of Victoria by concerned citizens and businesses, are related to both the illegal sale/distribution and use of recreational marijuana as well as the illegal sale/distribution of medical marijuana.

"This issue here is not decriminalizing recreational marijuana, but specifically the sale/distribution of medical marijuana other than though Canada Post, an area Heath Canada has cautioned is illegal," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "The Chamber supports a diverse and vibrant business community, one that will be attractive to outside investment, tourism, as well as to skilled workers and their families. Illegal businesses - any business - are bad for business."

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded Saanich a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

Saanich was one of 1,424 recipients in Canada and the US who GFOA felt "pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and providing and excellent example for other governments throughout North America."

"Municipal governments often have the largest effects on businesses, and as such, The Chamber is a strong advocate for municipal governments to provide services in the most efficient and effective way," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "We are pleased to see one of our region's municipalities receive this recongition."

 

SUMMER SOCIAL SERIES: HARVEST DINNER
Sold Out!

Call 250-383-7191 or email to be added to the waitlist.

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.
 
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 Sea Cider and back again, courtesy of L.A. Limousines Inc.

The 2015 United Way community campaign target is focused on participation, engaging more Greater Victoria residents in an effort to support our region's most vulnerable citizens, address social issues and create measurable change.

"We know the more people we engage with our cause the more successful the campaign will be," says Patricia Jelinski, CEO United Way Greater Victoria. "Over the years we have had tremendous support in the region and last year over 11,000 donors joined with us to help build a stronger community."

In 2014, United Way donors made it possible to fund over 100 programs that provided support to 80,000 people in the region.

If you are a member, and have a great event that you'd like to share with the Greater Victoria business community, the power of your Chamber membership gives you options:

• List your event for free on The Chamber's online Community Calendar (enter the details via the Members Only section). The Chamber's website receives over 35,000 unique views a month.
• Design a special offer for fellow members, e.g., discounted registration fees (create coupons/vouchers via the Members Only section). The member-to-member discount program is also available on our website and select offers are shared in BizNews.
• Promote your event with affordable advertising in BizNews and/or a Box ad on our website.

If you have any questions, please contact Carmen Lundstrom at membership@victoriachamber.ca or 250-383-7191.

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:   
 

Want one The Chamber's name tags? Email us to order yours today.