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Thank you to Swan's Hotel and Brewpub for hosting the Sept Business Mixer. During the event the seven nominees for the 2017-18 Chamber Board of Directors rallied round the mic to explain why they should be representing you in the coming years. Now it's time to vote. The main contact of your organization should have received an email with a link to vote Tuesday afternoon. If that wasn't received, please email or call 250-383-7191. Couldn't attend? Live vicariously, and check out the photos of this great venue with Chamber members having fun here! |
Waterways Clear
Wes-Tech Irrigation is pleased to announce it has new owners: former CEO of The Chamber, Bruce Carter and his wife Beverly of Beverly Carter Notary Public. Founded by Stephen and Laurie Gitzel in 1989, Wes-Tech Irrigation is a wholesale/retail supplier of irrigation products, landscape lighting and water features.
"Wes-Tech is a company with a strong history and solid roots in the community," said Bruce. "Beverly and I look forward to working through the transition with Stephen and Laurie and continue to grow the business. I was focused on finding a strong business that matched my commitment to the community after leaving The Chamber, and Wes-Tech shows that commitment."
 Wes-Tech Irrigation: member since 2006
Beverly Carter Notary Public: member since 2013
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Opportunities and connections
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Medical Marijuana - Next Steps
Victoria Council will consider final approval of the new Cannabis-Related Business Regulation Bylaw Sept 22, which essentially regulates how storefronts can sell medical marijuana. There are many questions that remain to be answered, especially as it pertains to the workplace - challenges that include staff at the dispensaries themselves. For example:
- Medical marijuana is a potentially intoxicating medication (no different than many other medically prescribed drugs). How do employers ensure safety in the workplace?
- As an inhalant, medical marijuana consumption at the workplace is problematic. How do employers ensure employees are not exposed to passive inhalation?
"Regardless of how storefront medical marijuana dispensaries are regulated, employers should have a drug policy that speaks to the use of any prescription medication - including marijuana - on company time," said Chamber policy manager, Peggy Kulmala. "Employers are still waiting for the supportive regulatory framework regarding workplace safety and medical marijuana."
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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 CEO for Commissionaires
Gary spent the past ten years as the Vice President Operations and Harbour Master for the Port of Prince Rupert. "On behalf of the Board of Governors and all Commissionaires, I welcome Gary to the Canadian Corps of the Commissionaires," said CVIY Chair, Major General Ed Fitch. "His combined military, port security, and private sector business experience will support our strategic goals and social mandate of providing meaningful employment to veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and former members of the RCMP."
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Canadian Businesses Back Greater VictoriaAt the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's AGM and Convention, held Sept 17 to 19 in Regina, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, at the request of its members, submitted two resolutions: one concerning the Strait of Georgia as one of North America's most important trading corridors, the other regarding the improvement of Canada's immigration system, specifically in regards to skilled workers with permanent job offers. "We are pleased the importance of protecting shipping in the Strait and helping to fill our labour gap are recognized as economic imperatives by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and its network across Canada," said Chamber policy manager Peggy Kulmala, the conference delegate representing Greater Victoria. "At the convention, our resolution was approved by chambers of commerce and boards of trade representing 200,000 Canadian businesses. Our resolution is now a policy position of the Canadian Chamber and its members, and will be pursued with the federal government over the coming months."
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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).
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Sure Money is on Renovations
New dining, a multi-purpose theatre and an expanded selection of slots and games are on the table for the View Royal Casino.
British Columbia Lottery Corporation is investing in the expansion with a scheduled completion by 2018 in response to the growth opportunity in the Greater Victoria area. The upgrade will add 42,000 square feet to the 35,000 square foot facility - more than doubling the space.
British Columbia Lottery Corporation: member since 2016
View Royal Casino: member since 2001 
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| | View Royal Casino artist's rendering (Courtesy of BC Lottery Corporation) |
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Workers Finding Their Home Sweet Home
Housing is a fundamental need and the market is responding to the need for more rental units. Cities are loosening size barriers, the Province is providing funding, builders are breaking ground and hotels such as Harbour Towers are reviewing the viability of converting to rental units. "These initiatives add to our rental inventory, and are definite steps forward," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. " At present, there is a scarcity of affordable housing available to labour, which is contributing to our skills shortage. There is more that can and should be done, such as addressing the tax treatment of rental properties."
Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites: member since: 1973
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FALL MARKETPLACE MIXER: 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, Oct 19 | 4-7 pm
Comfort Hotel & Conference Centre 3020 Blanshard St.
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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 Chamber membership manager, Stephanie Knox. "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!
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Welcome to Our Newest Member!
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