Victoria-based Level Ground Trading introduced its 100% compostable coffee package at its recent Open House.

The new packaging material is compostable certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and is made in Canada from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

A Chamber resolution calling for changes to federal tax treatment to increase rental inventory is now part of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's policy agenda, ready for presentation to the newly elected federal government. The resolution was adopted at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's annual general meeting in October.

"Having Canada's network of chambers of commerce and boards of trade united on this issue is important news for Greater Victoria," said Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO, Bruce Carter. "We collectively have agreed to advocate on fair tax treatment, such as the deferral of capital gains tax on the sale of residential rental and mixed-use property as well as the allowance of a 100% refund of GST paid by businesses investing in rental housing."

The overall vacancy rate for rental accommodation is Victoria is 1.2%, down from 2.7% April 2014. A 3% vacancy rate is considered indicative of a balanced market.

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce commends BC Ferries for its recent initiative to provide 50% savings on vehicle fares for select sailings starting mid-November.

"We applaud BC Ferries' market-based approach and are happy to see such flexibility and potential savings offered to Greater Victoria residents, whether they sail with BC Ferries for pleasure or work," said Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO, Bruce Carter. "This initiative - coupled with BC Ferries' work to rationalize routes and adopt alternate fuels - helps to minimize costs and to move rates within reach of all residents."

At this year's Vancouver Regional Construction Association's Awards of Excellence, Houle Electric was awarded the Trade Contractor Safety Award for 200,000 person-hours or more. This was the 14th time Houle Electric has won this award!

Well done Houle for looking after the community and their employees.

Houle Electric : member since 2001

Camosun College announced last week that it has maintained its standing as one of Canada's top-50 research colleges, and even moved up four spots in the 2015 rankings to 33rd.

The Oct 23 Times Colonist article has Camosun - with more than 18,000 students enrolled in more than 160 programs - bringing in $1.6 million in research funding this year, up 15.4% from 2014. More about Camosun's contribution to Greater Victoria's economy in September's Business Matters.

Hear Minister Stone speak on infrastructure improvements coming to Vancouver Island as part of the province's 10-year "BC On The Move" strategy to strengthen our regional economy and improve transportation in Greater Victoria.

11:30 am-1 pm
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
728 Humboldt St.


Book together and save! Members will save $10 when you purchase tickets to more than one Business Leaders Luncheon.

As announced in October, Greater Victoria will host the 2017 Canadian Junior (Under 21) Men's and Women's Curling Championships. Organizers have said that past championship events generated between two and three million dollars in economic impact. This event is one of many in our region annually. SportHost Victoria calculates Greater Victoria sees an average of $95 million in direct spending each year in sport related activity.

 

Saanich Building Homes

Saanich had a great showing at this year's Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence (CARE) Awards, with one local councillor getting recognized for his work to provide affordable housing in the district.

At the ceremony, Coun. Fred Haynes received the Building Better Futures Community Award for his "political leadership supporting housing affordability, policy review and regulatory reform." The award is a first of its kind in the 75 year history of the Victoria Residential Builders Association, which put on the awards show.

Congratulations to Chamber members who won CARE Gold awards: Abstract Developments, Jenny Martin Design, South Shore Cabinetry and Urban Core Ventures.

Leading one of the largest utilities in Canada, with 5,500 employees and over $5 billion in annual revenue, Jessica McDonald brings a unique perspective on BC Hydro's plan to address our province's growing energy needs.

BC Hydro is a provincial crown corporation, serving 95% of BC's population, delivering electricity to approximately 4 million people.

11:30 am-1 pm
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
728 Humboldt St.


Book together and save! Members will save $10 when you purchase tickets to more than one Business Leaders Luncheon.

Merry Maids Makes Clean Sweep

Of more than 850 franchises across North America, Merry Maids of Victoria was presented with the Dallen Peterson Founder's Award for exemplifying the highest quality in business operations, including customer service and employee satisfaction.

The family-run franchise is the first in Canada to be awarded the company's top award. faction.   

VICA Elects New Board

The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) elected eight directors to their board.

The VICA membership elected Keith Parsonage (Houle Electric Ltd., Nanaimo) and re-elected incumbent directors Alan Fletcher (AFC Industries Ltd., Courtney), Dave Flint (Flynn Canada Ltd., Victoria), Jason Kinch (Read Jones Christoffersen, Victoria), Anthony Minniti (Century Group Inc., Victoria), Yosef Suna (Knappett Industries (2006) Ltd., Nanaimo), Gerrit Vink (Farmer Construction Ltd., Victoria), and Roger Yager (Knappett Projects Inc., Victoria).

Houle Electric Ltd.
Read Jones Christoffersen: member since 1972
VICA: member since 1986
Knappett Projects Inc: member since 1987
Farmer Construction Ltd.: member since 2013

BUSINESS LEADERS LUNCHEON:
Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport & Cultural Development
11:30 am-1 pm
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa
100 Harbour Rd.

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.