"Special thanks to Keg Steakhouse & Bar and Collins Barrow Victoria Ltd. for hosting the Prodigy Groups' Mingle Jan 14," said Kathy Khouri, Prodigy Group Chair. "Nearly 100 people attended, setting the tone for an amazing year ahead of networking for Victoria's emerging business leaders!"

Check out the event photos here.
Nominate a Business Owner!
Do you know an outstanding business owner who displays noteworthy commitment to the success of both her or his business and the region as a whole?

Do they serve as a positive role model or mentor for other business people?

If yes to either question, nominate them now!

Nomination deadline: Fri, Jan 29.

2015 Business Person of the Year 
Winner: Daniela Cubelic, Silk Road Tea

Thanks again to United Way of Greater Victoria for sponsoring this award last year.
Chamber News
Opportunities and connections
Community Calendar
Wanted Waste
The Capital Regional District has entered into a two-year agreement with D.L. Bins Ltd. to haul and process kitchen scraps. The Central Saanich company has said it will haul and process some of the scraps at Enviro-Smart Organics in Delta and hopes to have Fisher Road Recycling in Cobble Hill as another processing site.

"Plans to keep business activities local just makes sense," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "Not only does this save taxpayers money, it support Vancouver Island businesses, and allows us to tap into the business opportunities flowing from the processing, namely use of nutrient-rich compost."

The new CRD contract is estimated to save about $250,000 annually.

New Victoria-Vancouver Travel Options!
Clipper Navigation Ltd. owner Merideth Tall announced this week that she has sold a majority stake in the 30-year-old firm to FRS from Germany and that Clipper would expand its operations to include a new harbour-to-harbour service between Victoria and Vancouver.

The sale and expansion are anticipated to create more local jobs and support Tourism while drawing in external investment.

 

Clipper Navigation Ltd.: member since 2014 
SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES:
Social Media 101: Getting Started in 2016

Go beyond dabbling and discover how social media can build your business. Learn how to create brand awareness and develop a social media strategy the right way with JUHLi SELBy.

Tues, Feb 2 | 2-4 pm     The Chamber, 852 Fort St.



The Chamber in partnership with Social Media Camp is offering a four-part social media series on the latest tools and trends in social media.
Help with Federal Procurement
Federal procurement is big business for the Greater Victoria business community. The Office of the Procurement Ombudsman, who works with suppliers and federal departments to clarify and address procurement issues, is hosting a town hall discussion on Feb. 3 at the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce office (100-852 Fort St), from 1 pm to 2 pm.

During the first half of the meeting, Office of the Procurement Ombudsman (OPO) representatives will discuss the free services that the OPO provides Canadian businesses. Afterwards, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and let OPO staff know about the issues they have faced in doing, or trying to do, business with the Federal Government. Space is limited to this free event, so please register by contacting Natalie Ashton at natalie.ashton@opo-boa.gc.ca or 613-947-9754.
Welcome!
Carmen Charette has been appointed to The Chamber's 2016 Board of Directors. Carmen is Vice-President of External Relations at the University of Victoria, one of Greater Victoria's largest employers and contributors to the economy.

"Carmen brings to The Chamber's leadership team over 30 years in the public sector, providing strategic leadership to government and university officials, the private sector and community leaders across Canada," said Chamber Chair Al Hasham. "We wish her a warm welcome, and look forward to her contributions and insights into Greater Victoria's education sector."

University of Victoria: chamber member since 1976
SPRING MARKETPLACE MIXER:
Book your Spring and Fall booths together and save $50!

Exhibitors showcase your businesses to over 300 people, including Chamber members and the public. Book your booth early to avoid disappointment!



Maximize your exposure. 
Full colour Times Colonist advertising is available for $100. Creative services provided by the Times Colonist for no additional cost. Limited supply.

Wed, Mar 16 | 4-7 pm
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
728 Humboldt St. 
Empress Renos
Fairmont Empress owner Nat Bosa is upgrading the iconic Victoria landmark.

In this Times Colonist article, he explains his position regarding the Bengal Lounge space:

"Nobody is going to touch the ceiling in there or the columns [in the Bengal Lounge]," Bosa said. "Whether it stays as food and beverage or something else, we're not touching the heritage. That's what I bought the hotel for."

His intent for the Bengal Lounge space is aligned with is overall approach.
"The bones of the old lady will be there and won't be changed," he said. "What might be changed is if she had a shirt on, we'll put on a better shirt and get her a better pair of shoes." 

Fairmont Empress: member since 1962
(Re)-Introducing Peter Miles!
Peter has an incredibly diverse background of work experience over the last 20 years - ranging from haircare and skincare sales to the "early days" of the BC wine industry.

Peter returns to The Chamber, bringing his deep passion for prospecting and connecting new and existing Chamber members.

"I am thrilled to be back to continue to connect and recruit," said Peter with a grin. "My enthusiasm for assisting Chamber members is as deep as the piles of papers on my desk!"

Peter can be reached at pmiles@victoriachamber.ca and 250-383-8574.
The Chamber and Tourism Victoria welcome you the January Mixer, where you can mix and mingle with fellow members of the Greater Victoria's business community.


Parking note:  
Proceed up McKenzie past the Ring Rd. entrance and turn right on Vikes Way. The CARSA building will be on your right, park in the lot directory across from the building. The special parking rate is $1.50.
Ready for 2016?

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.
Welcome to Our Newest Members!





New Faces at Victoria Foundation
The New Year brings some new faces to the Victoria Foundation as Patrick Kelly takes over as Board Chair while Carey Newman joins the board as a new director. Kristi Simpson and Kevin Burkett have also joined the Investment Committee, while Victoria Pang has joined the Finance and Audit Committee. On the staff side, Brin Morgan and Natasha Benn are the latest employees to join the Foundation.
Victoria Foundation: member since 2004
Correction
In the January edition of Business Matters magazine,  there was a formatting error in the table, which resulted in population figures not lining up with their corresponding municipality. The corrected version is below.

Our apologies for any inconvenience.

#100 - 852 Fort St.,
Victoria, BC V8W 1H8
Phone: 250-383-7191
Fax: 250-385-3552
 chamber@victoriachamber.ca