Your weekly round up of BizNews across Greater Victoria
A big thank you to Paladin Security for hosting last Thursday's Business Mixer. Chamber members got to mix, mingle and explore Paladin's Victoria office. See the photos here and sign up for the June Business Mixer here.
Social License - Needed?
In this Maclean's piece, the evolution of the term social license is discussed, how an ever-growing perception that companies - and governments - need social license for a project to proceed.
"The concept of social license is ill-defined and creates an expectation that is varied, based on opinion and perspective," said Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. "If we can't clearly define what we expect in a social license, how can we can possibly 'issue' one?"
At The Chamber's recent annual general meeting, Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps asked why Victorians have such a focus on the negative. She asked the sold-out crowd of business owners and leaders whether it's human nature or if it's in Victorians' DNA to be so.
Her presentation, "How Amplifying the Negative Hurts Us All ... and What We Can Do About It" had a point - amplifying the negative drives away business and investment. Reduces voters' confidence in government. Creates misinformation and confusion. She challenged those present to help change the tone from negative to positive.
Do You Know all Best Places to Go and Things to Do?
Are you creative and the kind of person that always gives the best gifts? Be part of The Chamber's 34th annual auction committee! Help create a memorable night and a list of goodies that will end up on everyone's "must-have" list. Together we can make this year's event a night to remember!
If you are interested in participating on the committee, please contact Emara Angus at (250) 360-3471 or specialevents@victoriachamber.ca to be a part of this fun committee.
Tea Time!
With the Bengal Lounge closing the Empress has opened its freshly renovated tea room for the summer. With its return to the lobby lounge, tea service starts at 11 a.m. and the last seating is at 5:30 p.m. The 138-seat lounge remains open for guests in the evenings, when they can order classic drinks. The adjacent balcony opens in June with 55 seats.
Not your cup of tea? You'll find a more casual and hip atmosphere at the Q bar and the Q dining room, which are filled with natural light. Food menus feature plates to share, and not a crumpet to be found!
We invite you to help us toast to Bruce's achievements over the past 12 years as CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
Tues, June 7 | 4-7 pm
Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal St.
Canada's Digital Marketplace
The internet and the digitization of products and processes have opened many new trading possibilities for Canadian businesses and their global counterparts. Trade in virtual markets means that companies are spending real money on virtual goods, services can be offered to clients anywhere in the world and content can be consumed on new platforms.
Most of all, this means that Canadian businesses have to keep up in a constantly changing environment.
Keep your most important asset - your people - healthy and well taken care of with the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, the most popular employee benefits plan in Canada for small business.Click here for more information.
Community Giving
In 2015 Duttons gave back and donated 10% of their proceeds on Fairfield home sales to the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association. This allowed the centre to upgrade its old and deteriorating stroller and bike parking shelter as a perfect fit for their dollars. "As a non-profit, we are always putting every dollar into running our programs. This was a rare opportunity to do a much-needed upgrade at our facility and encourage more people to walk and bike here at the same time," said Vanya McDonell, Co-Executive Director at Fairfield Community Place.
The new shelter fits with the heritage aesthetic of their building and will provide many years of shelter for strollers and bikes. "The biggest users of this shelter will be our Parent and Tot group. The group offers a safe and supportive space for new parents and other caregivers to connect. It combats isolation and helps give children a great start in life," says Vanya.
Duttons & Co. Real Estate Ltd.: member since 2002
Fairfield Gonzales Community Association: member since 2012
Set on a hilltop at de Vine Vineyards, guests will enjoy a four-course seasonal dinner served long-table style, prepared by Castro Boateng Fine Catering and featuring wine and spirit pairings by de Vine Vineyards. View the menu here.
"Victoria has always had a vibrant public relations community and it is thanks to professionals who have stepped up and taken the lead on our local board," says Deirdre Campbell APR, owner ofTartan Group and a CPRS-VI past-president. "I am excited about the dynamic programming and learning opportunities for our members."
and donated 10% of their proceeds on Fairfield home sales to the 
