|
|
Jonathan Wilkinson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, spoke Tuesday at a sold-out Chamber luncheon sponsored by World Tree Carbon Offset Program. In his remarks, Mr. Wilkinson highlighted two key areas: infrastructure and wastewater. He stressed how strategic investments in our economy not only create jobs, but lay the foundation for long-term growth. He spoke of the allocation of $5 billion for green infrastructure, and how strategies such as including BC Ferries infrastructure within the Building Canada Fund supports our economy and helps to lower fares. "We very much look forward to [the CRD] decision, and would commend the panel for looking to implement a tertiary treatment system," said Mr. Wilkinson when speaking to the importance of cleaning up Canada's largest source of water pollution - wastewater. "The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved through changes to building standards, power generation, transportation as well as carbon pricing," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. "The Chamber looks forward to the Government of Canada's initiatives to support businesses' transition to a low-carbon economy." |
|
|
|
|
Opportunities and connections
|
|
|
|
|
Sewage Announcement At 2:30, the CRD Board approved the motion to approve the Core Area Wastewater Treatment Project's Board recommendations. Stay tuned to this page for more developments! |
BUSINESS LEADERS LUNCHEON: Connie Fair 
CEO, Land Title & Survey Authority of BC
With over three decades of experience working in real estate, land acquisition and assessment, Connie is leading the new ParcelMap BC project to help support faster and more accurate real estate transactions.
Take this opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions as LTSA changes the landscape for those working in selling and developing land in British Columbia.Wed, Sept. 28 | 11:30 am-1 pm Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St  |
New Kayak Shack on Saturna
This summer, Ocean River Sports, opened a paddle  shack on Saturna, right on the doorstep of the Gulf Islands National Park - home to some of the finest sea kayaking waters in the world. Ocean River Sport's kayaking hub offers guided tours for up to 16 people and has 18 kayaks and two stand up paddleboards for rent.
"The Saturna Island paddle shack has had a positive economic impact in the region by encouraging sustainable tourism," said Stephanie Brown, Communications Coordinator for Ocean River Sports. "We are excited to operate through the winter and see the shack - and the kayaking community - on Saturna Island grow." Ocean River Sports: member since 2010
|
Keeping Business Within the Family
The owners of small businesses who want to retire and sell their business to their children pay a lot more in taxes than if they were to sell to a stranger. "Succession planning and a business exit strategy is critical to ensure business sustainability," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. "Ensuring a level playing field when transferring ownership is key, especially given the high number of small business owners expected to retire over the next decade." If you are a Chamber member and are concerned with the current tax rules, please contact Chamber policy manager, Peggy Kulmala. 
|
Our popular after hours business social event that provides an excellent opportunity for members and prospective members to connect.
Tomorrow! 506 Pandora Av.
|
DVBA Receives Award for Car Free YYJThe International Downtown Association  (IDA) recognized the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its work and initiatives related to Car Free YYJ in 2015.
"We are humbled that Car Free YYJ was recognized at an international level," said Suzanne Bradbury, Chair of the DVBA.
Car Free YYJ transformed Douglas St. with three stages featuring live music, 7,100 sq. foot grassy park, farmers market, craft beer garden, kids and family activities, a half pipe, free guided tours of downtown Victoria, and 237 vendors.
Downtown Victoria Business Association: member since 2007
|
Decrease to Cost of Natural Gas for 2016
The Chamber and others actively advocated for common rates for natural gas throughout BC, which resulted in 13% to 31% decreases in gas rates for Vancouver Island customers as of Jan 1, 2015, with Fortis promising additional decreases in 2016 through to 2018. FortisBC announced this week it had received approval from the BC Utilities Commission to modify natural gas rates, increasing the cost of gas rate from $1.141/GJ as of Apr 2016 to $2.050/GJ as of Oct 2016. "This announcement has led to much speculation whether Vancouver Island residents and businesses' gas bill will increase," said Chamber policy manager Peggy Kulmala. "However, as the cost of gas this time last year was $2.486/GJ, this announcement is an overall decrease for 2016."
|
SMALL BUSINESS WEEKTM LUNCHEON:
Hear how the provincial government is helping entrepreneurs so they can start and grow their businesses in this province.
Tues, Oct 18 | 12-1:30 pm Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour  728 Humboldt St.
Save when you register for this luncheon and the Connie Fair Luncheon!
TM BDC Small Business Week is a trademark of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
|
A New Office, an Award and 50 Years
For 50 years, Graphic Office Interiors has  been a supplier of quality specially designed office furniture, flooring and modular wall solutions for the Greater Victoria region. This year, they have also won the 2016 Platinum Partner award from Steelcase, a leading office furniture manufacturer.
To top it off, they moved into a much larger facility that has 10,000 sq ft of showroom space and 32,000 sq ft of warehouse space. The showroom is wheelchair accessible and allows staff to have one-on-one consultations with clients.
|
Welcome to Our Newest Members!
|
|
| |
RBC Mortgage Specialist - Darrell Wahl
|
|
|
|
Workforce for Tomorrow
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. Greater Victoria businesses are already citing challenges in hiring and housing qualified workers as a barrier to growth.
"We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, and the highest job vacancy rate, most of which tend to be in "hard to fill" positions such as cooks and construction workers," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. "The increasingly strong regional economy, particularly in the construction and tourism sectors, can create additional pressures."
In this AP article, the author suggests ways business owners can attract and retain the workforce they need.
|
A New Chamber Benefit!
In the spring, The Chamber surveyed its members about their satisfaction with our current benefits.
"We were very pleased to receive a 90% approval rating! It has inspired us to provide more," said Stephanie Knox, Membership Manager. "The Chamber is excited to offer a new Home Insurance program to both you and your employees - after all, your business couldn't do all that it does without your team."
Chamber members will now receive lower preferred home insurance rates. Click here for more information!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
