Members Around Town

Canadian Chamber grants
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce provided $10,000 grants to 62 small businesses across Canada, including the Royal Theatre. Successful applicants can use the $10,000 prize to help purchase protective equipment, pay salaries, or cover costs of other recovery efforts.
Royal and McPherson Theatres Society: member since 1976

Ferry around town
Ralmax Group of Companies has purchased a controlling stake in the Victoria Harbour Ferry Company. As a result of this acquisition, the fleet of 17 ferries will continue to operate throughout the summer, and will be looking into innovative transport solutions.
Ralmax Group of Companies: member since 2011

Essential support through Telemedicine
Thanks to the Rapid Relief Fund, the Victoria Cool Aid Society has been able to implement telemedicine services to people living in emergency shelters or temporary housing as well as to homeless requiring palliative care. The kiosks will provide hundreds of people the ability to meet privately and confidently with their doctor without leaving home.
Victoria Cool Aid Society: member since 2006

Ready, Set, Go!

Looking for your next adventure? Departures Travel has launched Mystery Departures, a fun and surprising way to discover something new. After you complete a short survey, a trip will be planned for you based on your interests that you receive details on the day it begins. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a fun family trip, or a local day trip, plan to get surprised with a Mystery Departure.
Departures Travel and Niche Travel Inc: members since 2013

Penny for your thoughts?
The Royal BC Museum’s annual Canada Day Penny Carnival will be returning virtually this year. Learn how to build and play simple games using assorted household goods such as cardboard, buttons, and other seemingly random items. Join the webinar here.
Royal BC Museum: member since 1994

W Venture for women entrepreneurs
VIATEC has released W Venture, a new program to assist women entrepreneurs in Greater Victoria and the Okanagan. Participants are able to connect with a community of peers from across the province while receiving personalized, hands-on support from mentors and experts. Applications for this three month program are open from now until July 31, with the program beginning in early September.
VIATEC (Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council): member since 1991

Co-op with a COVID Focus: UVic intern program

For as little as $2,500, you can access a strategic edge for your business as you pivot to adapt to this new post-COVID business world.
 
Students in the Business Strategy Internship program will be able to spend three months with your business focused on an area where you need new thoughts and an extra set of hands including: marketing, operations, finance, HR, supply chain or communications. This investment in your business’s future would not be possible without the partnership of the Gustavson School of Business and Mitac, who will cover $7,500 of the wages.
 
For more details or to post your position, contact the co-op department at the University of Victoria.

University of Victoria: Member since 1976

Stick to daylight savings, survey says

There can be little doubt that British Columbians are tired of springing ahead and falling back. Almost one quarter of a million people completed the provincial government’s survey on Daylight Saving Time, and 93% of respondents said they wanted to stop adjusting their clocks twice a year.

Clocks go back Nov. 3 this year.

“The people of British Columbia have spoken and their collective voice has come through loudly and clearly,” said Premier John Horgan in a news release.

The province has been watching efforts by Washington, Oregon and California to get approval from the US federal government to adopt daylight savings year round. 

“On the BC side I think we will wait for the Americans to go first, but there has to be a change in legislation by the province,” Minister of  Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston told the Times Colonist. “We don’t want to go out alone on this, so we will co-ordinate our efforts. We want to see what the American Congress does first, although it looks like it will go forward.”

The Chamber has been part of a province-wide advocacy effort to stick with Daylight Saving Time in order to avoid the disruption that comes with adjusting clocks.