Your weekly round up of BizNews across Greater Victoria
Special thanks to the University of Victoria (UVic) and its Vikes Athletics for hosting The Chamber's joint Business Mixer with Tourism Victoria on Jan 21 at UVic's new Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities. Over 200 people joined us at this phenomenally successful mixer - a great way kick-off for 2016!
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce announced today the focus for its advocacy efforts for the next year.
"Our annual priorities are based on ongoing collaboration with our stakeholders and members," said The Chamber's Chair, Al Hasham. "This establishment of a priority-based work plan will allow us to maximize the impact of our work in favour of our members."
2016 policy priorities are:
Fair and Competitive Business Environment: The Chamber believes well-designed and effectively enforced regulation improves the functioning of the economy.
Labour Supply and Retention: The Chamber believes Greater Victoria's future economic growth will be influenced by employers' ability to access and retain workers with the necessary skills to strengthen the workforce.
Municipal Services: The Chamber believes local governments have a fundamental role in providing services that support families, business, and the broader community.
Regional Governance: The Chamber believes municipal government decisions deeply impact businesses.
Transportation: The Chamber believes a regionalized transportation strategy - one that incorporates all modes and mediums of transportation - is vital for success and growth.
On Monday, Victoria-based Wilson's Transportation takes over the cross-water bus service, previously operated by Pacific Coach Lines.
Wilson's was awarded the three-year contract last fall and has been gearing up to take over, adding six new buses to its fleet of more than 140 vehicles, with plans for four more before May. The company also gave four of its casual drivers full-time jobs and hired two others.
"It's exciting for us ... this is a long-standing service and has been an essential transportation corridor into Victoria and we look forward to taking over the service with new branding and working with B.C. Ferries to grow it and make it seamless for both residents and tourists alike," said chief executive officer John Wilson in this Times Colonist article.
Wilson's Transportation: member since 2004
SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES: Social Media 101: Getting started in 2016 Are you seeing results from your Facebook and Twitter posts? Learn how to create brand awareness and develop a winning social media strategy the right way with JUHLi SELBy.
Uptown has made a preliminary submission to the District of Saanich for a rental residential development at the corner of Carey Road and Ravine Way. Plans for the proposed 11-storey building currently include 134 rental suites and townhomes as well as 55,000 square feet of signature retail space that will complete the North West end of Uptown Boulevard.
"We're very excited to be moving into the formal approvals process for the final phase of the mixed-use neighbourhood that is Uptown, and particularly pleased to be working toward a residential development that will help to meet the local need for more rental homes," said Geoff Nagle, director of development for Morguard Investments Limited.
Anyone can be a good people manager. Discover the steps that apply to managers everywhere, no matter the size of company or the industry it serves.
Thurs, Feb 18 | 2-4 pm
The Chamber
852 Fort St.
Tap Into the Power of the Chamber Logo!
The Chamber encourages member organizations to use its logo on marketing and promotional pieces, email signature blocks and websites.
The benefit to you?
You become known for supporting the Greater Victoria business community
Your affiliation with The Chamber will inspire customer confidence and enhance credibility.
The results of the 2012 American Chamber of Commerce Executives research study, "The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce", found that when consumers know that a small business is a member of a chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
Join us for The Chamber's annual post-budget address with BC Finance Minister Michael de Jong. Hear about how BC plans to invest surplus savings back into our economy and find out what province-wide changes could impact our community and your bottom line.
Wed, Feb 17 | 11:30-1 pm
The Fairmont Empress 721 Government St.
Ready for 2016?
Make sure your business info is up to date in The Chamber'sonline 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 inour most popular publication of the year - the March edition ofBusiness 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.
Welcome to Our Newest Members!
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.
#100 - 852 Fort St., Victoria, BC V8W 1H8 Phone: 250-383-7191 Fax: 250-385-3552 chamber@victoriachamber.ca
organizations to use its logo on marketing and promotional pieces, email signature blocks and websites. 
upporting the Greater Victoria business community
