Chamber Awareness Archives - Page 2 of 4

BC leaders exchange barbs on televised debate

October 10, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/p74SwrfQ

It’s too soon to tell whether Tuesday night’s leadership debate made a significant difference for voters. The televised discussion featured BC NDP leader David Eby, Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad and BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau.

Across Greater Victoria and the province, all candidates are officially registered in their electoral areas with final voting day set for Oct. 19. Advance polls open this week, on Oct. 10, and you can check Elections BC for specific information about voting places near you and dates and times they will be open. Voting by mail is also an option.

The Chamber is non-partisan and hosted events with all three leaders throughout the year:

Chamber data helps educate US about protectionism risks

October 10, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Fair Rules/by Jim Zeeben

A new report on the US election paints a stark picture of how campaign rhetoric poses real risks to Canada’s economy.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab found that protectionist practises, if enacted, would negatively affect our country as well as most US states along our border.

“When you dig into the data, you immediately see the high degree of integration between the two economies, and how much they rely on each other to make things,” states the report, titled Partners in Prosperity: Exploring the Significance of Canada-U.S. Trade. “That’s why maintaining efficient supply chains ultimately makes both countries more competitive and increases economic security and resilience to global shocks.”

The US election is set for Nov. 5, and one of the political promises being bandied is a 10% tariff on imports from Canada and other countries.

“Several U.S. state economies are surprisingly dependent on Canadian trade,” the report states, noting Canadians generally have an understanding of the importance of trade while many Americans do not realize how critical Canada is as a reliable supply chain partner for US companies and consumers. “Even as far away as Texas, trade with Canada still accounts for 4% of the state economy.”

The data from the report will help the national chamber network advocate with businesses south of the border to inform US lawmakers about the risks of following through on damaging policies for political gain.

“It’s an interesting time politically for sure, with our own BC election on Oct. 19 and the US election next month,” said Greater Victoria Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, who is off to Halifax next week for the annual meeting of the national chamber network.

Chamber-backed tourism corridor earns designation

October 3, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Hospitality And Tourism Rescue And Recovery/by Jim Zeeben

A federal agency announced last week that the Juan de Fuca Corridor, between BC and Washington, has been named one of four key tourism corridors for future investment.

The Chamber supported the efforts of Destination Canada to select the corridor as part of a long-term tourism strategy.

“Our region has a well-developed and managed tourism industry and the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has promoted the benefits of the visitor economy for generations,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said in a media release. “The proposed Juan de Fuca Partnership is an exciting initiative for the coastal corridor between Canada and the United States and will benefit regions that have deep cultural and ecological connections. We owe it to future generations to work together in an open and transparent way to build an economy that works for everyone.”

The Tourism Corridor Strategy Program crosses provincial and territorial boundaries to “develop iconic new journeys for travellers to explore.”

The other tourism corridors are:

Cycle Ontario and Quebec (Ontario, Quebec)
Field to Fork: Saskatchewan Manitoba Agritourism (Saskatchewan, Manitoba)
Northern Sky Corridor (Alberta, Northwest Territories)

Chamber CEO appointed to PavCo Board of Directors

October 3, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness/by Jim Zeeben

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams has been appointed to the BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) Board of Directors.

Appointments are made by the provincial government to provide a diverse voice and leadership in a manner consistent with directives set out by the province. The Board meets at least three times a year.

PavCo is a Provincial Crown Corporation that owns and operates BC Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre. PavCo’s mandate is to generate economic and community benefit for the people of BC through the prudent management of public facilities.

Chamber celebrates Small Business Month in October

September 26, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness/by Jim Zeeben

October is Small Business Month, presented by Grant Thornton.

Throughout the month, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the many businesses we rely on every day to provide essential goods and services, create jobs and support our communities.

Grant Thornton continues as our presenting sponsor, helping to bring essential resources and expert advice to business owners.

“Investing in our small business community goes beyond economic benefits; it’s about preserving the distinctive character and vibrance of our community,” said Kyman Chan, Partner of Assurance and Business Advisory at Doane Grant Thornton. “As we celebrate Small Business Month, we acknowledge the leading role of small businesses in shaping the future of our community. We’re dedicated to supporting and empowering these businesses to thrive today and beyond.”

Small Business Month is an opportunity to highlight the unique challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs. From cash flow management and succession planning to understanding the latest tax regulations, Grant Thornton has curated a selection of insightful articles and reports to help guide you.

Enjoy a series of events, from a special Members Networking Breakfast to informative webinars to an event with our media partner Rogers Media.

Songhees hosting third annual South Island Powwow

August 28, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Indigenous Business Support And Reconciliation/by Jim Zeeben

The Songhees Nation, with support from the City of Victoria, will host the third annual South Island Powwow on Sept. 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, at Royal Athletic Park on the homelands of the lək̓ʷəŋən people.

Sept. 30 is a federal statutory holiday also known as Orange Shirt Day. Everyone is welcome at the Powwow and admission is free. Gates open at 10 am and the day will feature the traditional grand entry of Nations, with Indigenous song and dance, more than 80 vendors and a lineup of food trucks.

The South Island Powwow honours and recognizes survivors of the residential school system as well as those those who never made it home. The Powwow also celebrates Indigenous cultures and resiliency, and helps bridge cultures.

“Let us use this occasion to deepen our commitment to healing and as an opportunity to share the vibrancy of Indigenous cultures that have withstood colonization,” Songhees Chief Ron Sam said. “Together, we build a future rooted in truth and mutual respect.”

Go local for Labour Day before return to fall routine

August 28, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness/by Jim Zeeben

Is it almost September already? You can feel it in the air — that combination of excitement to start a fresh school year mixed with the bittersweet feeling of the end of summer.

Make the most out of your Labour Day long-weekend by supporting your fellow Chamber members. Celebrate by enjoying a bite out, a night away from home, or by planning an action-packed weekend at local treasures.

After you enjoy the long weekend, you may be getting ready for the return of the school year and your fall routine. Take advantage of The Chamber’s exclusive member-only deals and discounts on quality school and office supplies.

Chamber members can save:

10% at Monk Office supplies
30% when Chamber Members update laptops and PCs through Lenovo
Up to 85% off at Grand & Toy office supplies.

Discover all of our discounts and savings here.

The Chamber will be closed Monday, Sept. 2 for Labour Day.

Province’s political landscape shifts as BC United Party folds

August 28, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

A scenario discussed earlier this year during The Chamber’s Leading to Election series has now become reality.

The BC United Party’s leader Kevin Falcon announced today he is stepping aside and will work to have his party’s candidates merge with the Conservative Party of BC.

In a joint media release, Falcon stated he suspended his party’s campaign because he thinks staying in the race would split the vote and allow the incumbent BC NDP Party to easily win the Oct. 19 provincial election.

The move was applauded by Conservative party leader John Rustad, who told a full-house of Chamber guests in June that he was committed to staying in the race.

“As a Chamber that represents all sides of Greater Victoria’s business community, we are firmly non-partisan,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We will continue to work to provide our members with opportunities to speak directly with people in power, and those looking to be, so that we can proactively build a better community for all.”

Rail shutdown poses critical threat to our economy

August 22, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Chamber Awareness, Food Security, Government Federal, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber continues to call on our region’s Members of Parliament as well as the federal government to take immediate action to ensure the continuation of rail services. A strike that began Aug. 22 threatens to disrupt local economies as well as our country’s national security.

Working with our national chamber network, we have been asking the government for weeks to protect the Canadian public. Under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, the federal Minister of Labour can refer the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board for binding arbitration and can end any ongoing stoppage pending a resolution. The government can also introduce back-to-work legislation.

This is not a partisan issue. However, a steep price will be paid by families, workers and businesses if action is not taken.

“I sent a letter to all of the Members of Parliament in Greater Victoria, so they are aware of the gravity of this issue,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Our expectation is they will take up this call in Ottawa and work with the government to protect our region before we experience supply shortages that could create a real crisis here.”

Seminar at Chamber aims to help ‘get out the vote’

August 16, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Chamber Awareness, Chamber News, Government Provincial/by Jim Zeeben

The Chamber is teaming up with the Democratic Engagement Exchange and Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria to offer a free elections readiness workshop on Aug. 29.
This training session will help people support a healthy democracy by providing best practices for non-partisan voter engagement. The workshop is being held in The Chamber’s seminar room and run independently by the Democratic Engagement Exchange, funded in part by Elections BC.

Aug. 29
Time: 1-4 pm
Seminar Room, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, #100-852 Fort St.

“Community-based organizations and local leaders are the backbone of our democracy,” states the Democratic Engagement Exchange. “By addressing community concerns, providing essential voting information, and fostering a culture of engagement, you can make a real impact.”

Register for the Workshop