Your weekly round up of news from across Greater Victoria
Know a Fantastic Employee?
Has an employee from your organization impressed you in 2015? Demonstrated a sustained dedication and commitment to their work and community? Provided outstanding customer service? Initiated noteworthy improvements in the work place?
Then they deserve a nomination for the Business Awards' Employee of the Year category - nominate them today!
"We have had a tremendous year in our transportation sectors. The Victoria Airport Authority has seen a record number of passengers with 1,710,725 passengers for 2015, an increase of 3.6%. BC Ferries has seen a 5.4% increase in vehicles to 1.7 million and a corresponding 4.9% increase in passengers to 5.46 million," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "This type of increase in our main transportation corridors represents a significant positive economic activity."
Victoria Airport Authority: member since 1981
BC Ferries: member since 1983
Canada-wide Count to Help Homeless
The Government of Canada is supporting the first coordinated homeless count between Jan 1 and Apr 30, 2016, providing $1 million in funding and a standardized approach with flexibility to allow customization for local context.
The count is intended for use by communities to direct resources to areas of greatest need, and to connect individuals with specific backgrounds to targeted supports to help them achieve stable housing. When completed, it can also be used to track changes in the homeless population over time and measure progress in reducing it.
"The standardized approach will provide credible information that citizens, advocacy groups and governments can use to secure resources from all levels of government," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "We commend the Government of Canada on this initiative, and highly encourage Greater Victoria municipalities' participation."
If you're a small business owner, your credit and debit processing rates can make or break your business. Learn all the tips and tricks to save you money with Karam Bassi, a merchant service expert.
Tues, Jan 26 | Noon - 1 pm
The Chamber, 852 Fort St.
Sewage Plant in Esquimalt
In a recent Times Colonist article, the Mayor of Oak Bay says the Capital Regional District should revisit the idea of locating a regional sewage treatment plan in Esquimalt.
"The examination over the last year has determined that the distributed model and Rock Bay each will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions more than McLoughlin Point, and there are still questions that likely need answering, such as the cost to dig up the approaches to Rock Bay," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "It is worth revisiting the McLoughlin Point option."
Snagging Talent From Big Banks
A recent Globe and Mail article describes how traditional banks are facing stiff competition when it comes to attracting and retaining the kind of talent they need to meet the evolving needs of customers in an increasingly digital world.
"The Chamber believes Greater Victoria's future economic growth will strongly influence employers' ability to access and retain workers with the necessary skills to strengthen the workforce," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter.
Join us for The Chamber's annual post-budget address with BC Finance Minister Michael de Jong. Hear about the forecasted $265 million surplus for 2015-16 fiscal, the plans to invest these savings, and what province-wide changes could impact our community and your bottom line.
Make sure your business info is up to date in The Chamber's online business directory, a powerful tool that helps people find your business while strengthening your online presence.
Is your business name correct?
Is your main contact correct?
Is your address and postal code correct?
Is your phone number current?
Are there any changes to your website address or social media accounts?
Are you still in the right category?
We ask you to update your directory listing by Feb 1, to ensure your most up-to-date listing appears in our most popular publication of the year - the March edition of Business Matters, which includes the compiled directory in print for all of 1,400+ member businesses.
Not sure how to login and update your listing? Email us and we'll be happy to help. Our online directory listing is a phenomenal tool for promoting your business online and we want to make it work for you.
