VICTORIA, BC – This week marks an annual celebration of chambers of commerce and boards of trade that takes on new significance this year. Chamber Week in B.C. begins on Feb. 15, celebrating the value of the business community to our province, and the role of chambers in helping our economy thrive.

Chamber Week has been proclaimed by the City of Victoria, the District of Saanich, the City of Langford, the District of Oak Bay, the Township of Esquimalt and the Town of View Royal.

“There has been a spirit of collaboration and willingness to work together that makes this year’s celebration especially important,” says John Wilson, chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “From the earliest days of the pandemic, we’ve seen how vital chambers have been as the voice of business that truly has the ear of government. The advocacy that was done directly with decision makers at all levels of government helped shape the relief programs that have kept our economy in relatively good shape through these uncertain times.”

The Chamber has been advocating for Greater Victoria’s economic prosperity for 158 years, and has helped businesses get through previous critical moments in history. Many of the services and benefits offered by The Chamber today are designed to make our members more resilient and productive in good times and bad.

“Chamber Week is typically our chance to toot our own horn and take a moment to reflect on the tireless work being done by organizations like ours across the province,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “But this year we know there’s still a lot of businesses that need help so we’re hoping to draw attention to the work needed to get these sectors through until better times return.”

Chamber Week features social media posts celebrating Chamber Champions, as well as updates on advocacy efforts including federal, provincial and municipal budget consultations. The Chamber is also kicking off three events with provincial ministers as part of our virtual Business Restart Series:

• Feb. 18: Hon. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
• Feb. 23: Hon. David Eby, BC Attorney General and Minister for Housing
• March 2: Hon. Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Kinetic Construction, Knappett Projects, MNP, RBC, Seaspan, TELUS, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.  
 
Media can arrange an interview by contacting: 
Jim Zeeben                                                                                          
Communications and Project Manager 
250 360-3471 
communications@victoriachamber.ca

VICTORIA, BC – These turbulent times have forced many of us to adapt and re-focus on new priorities in order to survive and thrive as we bounce forward. With so much change underway, it’s vital to have beacons that guide and inspire us. This year, The Chamber hopes to add a little extra attention to our annual Business Awards and shine the spotlight on entrepreneurs and organizations that have gone above and beyond — especially in support of their staff, customers and clients to manage the challenges of COVID-19. To help share their stories, we’re hoping to spread the word that nominations are open until midnight, Jan. 25.  

The 2021 Business Awards feature 14 categories recognizing businesses that distinguished themselves in many ways, including excellent customer service, community builder, emerging professionals and business person of the year. If you know of hard-working entrepreneurs, business people and community leaders who were able to rise above the uncertainty of the pandemic, we encourage you to nominate them at victoriachamber.ca. Individuals and organizations can also nominate themselves.  

Winners will be determined by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who will serve as judges. The awards ceremony will once again be a televised broadcast — last year’s show reached 50,000 viewers on CHEK TV. 

“It’s never been a more important time to celebrate our local businesses and the contributions they make to our community,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “So many businesses have been truly outstanding in the work they’ve done to keep our community strong. I’m awestruck every day by the efforts to help others adapt and survive during the pandemic. We are getting through this together and the Business Awards are an opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation for the innovations and leadership carrying us forward.” 

John Espley — announced in December as Chamber Member of the Year for 2021 — will be honoured during the Business Awards broadcast. The winner of the Governors’ Award of Distinction, which honours a Chamber member for outstanding leadership and accomplishments over the decades, will be announced soon.   

Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. Find out more at victoriachamber.ca.  

Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben                                                                                          
Communications and Project Manager 
250 360-3471 
communications@victoriachamber.ca