Your weekly round up of BizNews across Greater Victoria
From the Galloping Goose trail to after work cocktails at Little Jumbo, somewhere along the way Victoria got cool according to a new article by the Toronto Star.
And the fun, funky quality of life is attracting talent which is good for business. Tech entrepreneur Bruce Livingstone, founder of iStock and most recently Victoria start-up Stocksy, cited Victoria's quality of life as what attracted him to start his company here.
As for Vancouver Island being cool - more specifically Tofino - How I Met You Mother and Doogie Howser star Neil Patrick Harris was enjoying Tofino this past weekend. See his Instagram photos and videos here!
Stocksy United: member since 2014 Little Jumbo: member since 2013
Earlier in March, the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development issued a Request for Proposal titled "Overview of the Capital Integrated Services and Governance Initiative". The initiative is aimed to facilitate fact-finding and discussion among local governments regarding the efficient delivery of service. The initiative will "...provide the opportunity for differing perspectives to be heard and may well lay the groundwork for more specific solutions local governments may wish to pursue towards greater integration of services and governance".
"We commend the Province for recognizing the need to identify the solutions that best fit the needs of our community now and into the future," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "It was interesting that the study is on integrated services rather than amalgamation."
Experience an exciting variety of gourmet food samples, local wine, craft beers and specialty cocktails created and presented by some of Victoria's most popular restaurants, breweries and wineries.
Tues, June 21 | 5 to 7 pm
Market Square, 560 Johnson St.
Only two booths for food or beverage participants left - click here for more info.
Take The Chamber's Membership Survey!
In less than five minutes share your thoughts on your Chamber membership by taking our Membership Matters Survey.
Your Chamber membership provides you with discounts on benefit programs, connection opportunities to the business community and advocates for your business. Are you getting your full membership value? Tell us about what you really value by completing our membership survey.
Help us help you! When you complete the survey, you will be entered to win round-trip flights to Vancouver for two from Helijet!
Maybe They're Just Not That Into Us?
Last week, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce published their analysis of the 2016 federal budget, a report card based on business priorities, awarding it a B-. Since then, they're beginning to think they've been too generous with their grading. Has business become an afterthought?
Fraud, vandalism, shoplifting, and other illegal activity can have a real impact on businesses and their bottom line.
The BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris is responsible for policing in BC, security industry licensing, emergency services, road safety and more.
Join Minister Morris for lunch and discuss the Province's strategy to improve community safety in British Columbia.
Tues, April 12 | 11:30 am-1 pm
Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina, 146 Kingston St.
February 2016: 'Leap Year' for Tourism!
"For a month that is often viewed as the best time of the year for Canadians to escape somewhere warm and sunny, the performance of Victoria's tourism sector in February made a big 'leap' relative to last year with occupancy up almost 4%," said Chemistry Consulting partner Frank Bourree. "As long as oil prices and the value of the Canadian dollar remain low, Victoria's tourism industry will reap the benefits."
With over 400 million members worldwide, smart organizations are looking for strategies to help them get the most out of this tool. Presented by Viveka von Rosen, internationally known LinkedIn Expert.
Register and be entered to win flights for two!
Tues, May 3 | 2-4 pm
Cineplex Odeon Victoria Cinemas, 780 Yates St.
Congrats Top 20 Under 40!
More than 150 nominations were received
Al Hasham presenting the award to Richard Van Leeuwen
for the annual event - now in its fourth year - from a wide variety of young business people across Vancouver Island. Congratulations to all the winners!
A spectacular night of prestige, entertainment and celebration, the Greater Victoria Business Awards recognizes members in 13 different award categories. Click here to see the finalists.