Chamber will pay shipping costs in support of local retailers

VICTORIA, BC – Supporting your neighbours starts with thinking locally.

“In an effort to help people choose to shop at Greater Victoria retailers this holiday season, The Chamber is putting our money where our mouth is and paying the cost of shipping,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “We all benefit from a strong regional economy and it’s up to each of us to do our part to help with the ongoing recovery.”

Effective immediately, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce will cover the cost of shipping for goods purchased from Chamber businesses and delivered by a Chamber member Courier. The last two years have been challenging for retailers, but the forecast is for Canadians to spend more this holiday season. The Retail Council of Canada recently released a survey that shows people are feeling more confident with their finances this year.

Buying from local retailers is also a good way to restart our local recovery and conserve a little gas as you shop online at local retailers and let someone else do the delivery.

For more information on The Chamber’s Shop #ChamberLocalVicBC campaign, visit our website at victoriachamber.ca and make sure to follow us on social media.

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, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at victoriachamber.ca.
 
Media Contact:
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Jim Zeeben                                                                                        
Communications and Project Manager
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca
 

First inductees into Chamber Business Hall of Fame

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Five community builders will join 15 former Lifetime Achievement winners 

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the first group of inductees into the Business Hall of Fame presented by RBC.

“This is the inaugural cohort selected for the Hall of Fame, and it’s an excellent reflection of the diversity of Greater Victoria’s business community,” Dan Dagg, Chair of The Chamber’s Board of Governors, said. “Their stories are unique and inspirational, and their induction into the hall will be something we want to celebrate.”

The selection committee chose five people to be the inaugural inductees (Backgrounder follows):

  •     Helen Beirnes
  •     Clare Copeland
  •     Ron Lou-Poy
  •     Ian Maxwell
  •     Chief Robert Sam.

 
The Chamber Business Hall of Fame, presented by RBC, celebrates the legacy of pioneers and leaders who have played a role in the region’s economic growth and prosperity. A gala ceremony will officially honour inductees on Feb. 3, 2022.

“We’re excited to be part of a celebration of business leaders who have contributed so much to our region,” Jack Leung, RBC’s Vice President, Commercial Financial Services, Vancouver Island said. “Supporting business supports community and RBC truly is focused on helping future entrepreneurs who will one day become leaders themselves.”

Every year, the Hall will induct new recipients to recognize positive role models in the business community who have shown regional leadership, insightful vision, and a sustained and significant commitment to the prosperity of our region. The process to select inductees recognizes and respects the diversity of leaders who helped build business in Greater Victoria over the decades.
 
“The Chamber has always been the voice of business in Greater Victoria, and we want to make sure the stories of our region’s champions are recognized,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “This first group represents people who were innovators, who broke through barriers and helped our community become the truly extraordinary place it is today.”

The five inductees for 2022 will be joined by previous winners of The Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Business Award: Bill McCreadie, Gordy Dodd, Eric Charman, Mel Cooper, Murray and Lynda Farmer, Naz Rayani, Bob Skene, Keith Dagg, Terry Farmer, Cedric Steele, Gordon Denford, Alex A. Campbell, Robert H. Wright and John Chew.

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, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.
 
Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben                                                                 
Communications and Project Manager
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca
 
Backgrounder

Helen Beirnes
Helen Beirnes, who passed away on May 14, 2013, was a trail blazer for women at the executive level in business, large organizations, and the media.

Known as a tireless advocate for restoring Victoria’s historic character and bringing greater tourism numbers to the region, Beirnes travelled across Canada and the U.S. promoting tourism and investment in Greater Victoria.

Beirnes established the National Charm and Modeling School and managed it as a self-development program for young women. She extended the reach of her business across Vancouver Island by offering courses through local department stores.

Beirnes also wrote a weekly column for The Victorian and hosted television shows on Channel 6 and on Channel 10.

Besides being a role model for women by breaking glass ceilings in business and community work she was also active in charities and community projects:

  • Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
  • Advisory Board for the Princess Marguerite
  • Supporter of the BC Cancer Society
  • Crystal Garden Investigative Committee for Restoration.
  • Founder of the Women in Tourism and Hospitality network group.
  • She was the first woman elected in 16 years to Victoria City Council (1976-1977).
  • First woman president of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce (1971-1972) and first woman president of a Canadian chamber in a major Canadian City.
  • Chairwoman of Victoria Day Festival committee.

 
Clare Copeland
Clare Copeland, who passed away on May 14, 2010, was instrumental in developing CFAX radio into a regional presence by boosting its transmission power and making it a 24-hour station. He recruited unique radio talent that helped make CFAX the No. 1 station on Vancouver Island.

After selling the station, he established Copeland Communications in 1980. The agency served businesses on Vancouver Island and British Columbia for more than three decades.

Copeland was well-known as a willing mentor to business, political and community leaders and was actively involved with many organizations, including:

  • Serving as president of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce from 1968-1970
  • On the Board of Directors at St. Michael’s University School.

The Copeland Lecture Theatre at SMUS is named in his honour.
 
 
Ron Lou-Poy
Ron Lou-Poy has had a distinguished law career, and received the legal distinction of Queen’s Council. A graduate of Victoria College — which became the University of Victoria — Lou-Poy is a senior partner in the Victoria law firm of Crease Harman and Company.

Lou-Poy was deeply involved in the reconstruction of the Gate of Harmonious Interest in Victoria’s Chinatown cultural area — the symbolic entrance to Canada’s oldest Chinatown. He is an avid promoter of education and culture through the Chinese Heritage Foundation, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and the McPherson Foundation.
 
He has had extensive involvement with the university, including two terms on the UVic Board of Governors (1972-74 and 1992-95) and as an original director of the UVic Innovation and Development Corporation. Members of the University of Victoria convocation — including alumni and faculty — elected Ron as the university’s ninth chancellor in 2004. The Ronald Lou-Poy Scholarship supports future generations studying at UVic. The Lou-Poy family supported construction of the Harry Lou-Poy Infant and Toddler Child Care Centre at UVic, named for Ronald Lou-Poy’s father. The family also created the May and Ron Lou-Poy Fund of Excellence in the Faculty of Law.
 
Lou-Poy has been active with a number of non-profits including the Kiwanis Club, United Way and Crimestoppers. He is a past board member of the B.C. Achievement Foundation, which recognizes the accomplishments of B.C.’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers.
 
Lou-Poy has received numerous awards, including:

  • The Order of Canada in 2004
  • Queen’s Gold Jubilee Medal
  • Honorary Doctor of Laws from UVic
  • Honorary Citizen of Victoria
  • Freeman of Saanich
  • Leadership Victoria Lifetime Achievement Award.

 
Ian Maxwell
Ian Maxwell, owner of Ralmax Group of Companies, is known as a hardhat visionary who champions the protection and preservation of industrial lands and the jobs they provide in Greater Victoria.

Ralmax has evolved into a diversified group of businesses focused in and around Victoria’s working harbour.

In 2003, Maxwell led the rescue of Point Hope Shipyard from bankruptcy. It marked the first major investment in a shipbuilding facility in Victoria’s harbour in 50 years. In 2019, Ralmax purchased the Esquimalt Drydock Company in a deal that helped create more job security for workers and enabled the sharing of knowledge with Point Hope Shipyard.

In 2020, Maxwell’s companies took part in one of the largest fabrication projects on Vancouver Island. A massive stacker-reclaimer was assembled and then shipped to the Lower Mainland. That same year, Ralmax acquired a majority stake in the Harbour Ferry Service to keep the operation running.

Maxwell has also actively engaged and supported Indigenous businesses. In 2012 he co-founded Salish Sea Industrial Services with Esquimalt First Nation Chief Andrew Thomas and Songhees First Nation Chief Robert Sam.

Chief Robert Sam
Chief Robert Sam, who died on July 9, 2012, was progressive and innovative in his negotiations to build a safe, inclusive and sustainable future for Songhees Nation. Chief Sam led the negotiation processes to create a settlement with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia over dispossessed land now occupied by the BC Legislature Buildings. He also played a key role on behalf of Songhees Nation within the Te’meux Treaty Association (a collaboration among five Nations living on South Vancouver Island).

Education was important for Chief Sam, and he crafted an agreement with the Greater Victoria School District and Camosun College to enhance access to education for Indigenous students. He was also a mentor to all young people, helping their understanding of traditional Indigenous culture and customs.

Chief Sam led the negotiation to advance Songhees Nation into Stage 4 of a complex treaty process, crafting bylaws for Songhees Nation, including Fire Protection Services and Property Tax.
He was also a founding member of the First Nations Finance Authority, a Board member of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and a member of the Association of First Nations Chiefs Committee on Treaties.


Chamber announces first chair of new Committee for the Advancement of Diversity and Inclusion

VICTORIA, BC – Richard Michaels has been named chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s newly formed Committee for the Advancement of Diversity and Inclusion. The committee will reach out to better include communities that have faced systemic marginalization due to race, ethnicity, gender, physical capabilities or other factors.

“I am proud to be the first chair of this new committee, which recognizes that the demographics of Greater Victoria are evolving and that adapting to this change is fundamental to the sustainability of our region’s economy,” said Michaels, president of MACCRIM Solutions and a member of The Chamber’s Board of Directors. “The Chamber is working to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that engages businesses owners and entrepreneurs who reflect the full spectrum of our region. This strengthens our organization and ensures everyone in our region’s business community is represented by The Chamber.”

The purpose of the Committee for the Advancement of Diversity and Inclusion is to offer advice and guidance to help The Chamber create a more inclusive and welcoming business community. The mandate is part of the work the organization has been doing to achieve its vision of being “the region’s most diverse and influential business association.”

In June, The Chamber also announced the creation of an Indigenous Business Task Force to work toward reconciliation by engaging with Indigenous-owned businesses and First Nations to ensure they have access to all opportunities available to help them flourish.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, we know things will not be as they were before it started,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “This is the time to take what we’ve learned from successfully adapting to challenging times and make our economy more sustainable. Good business really does build great community for all.”
 
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, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.
 
Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben                                                                 
Communications and Project Manager
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca

Chamber statement on vaccine and mask mandates

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with the provincial government to help ensure a smooth rollout of plans to require proof of vaccination for social and recreational settings starting Sept. 13.

“Keeping businesses open and ensuring the safety of staff and customers is the priority for every employer I’ve talked to,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “It’s frustrating that we’re still dealing with restrictions at this point of the summer, but I don’t think anyone is surprised to see yet another curveball from COVID-19. People in Greater Victoria have done a remarkable job in getting immunized and reducing the risk in our region, and from what I’m hearing there’s support for the province’s announcement for a vaccine passport.”

The measures will be re-assessed on Jan. 31, 2022, to determine if an extension is required. The provincial government also announced that starting tomorrow, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces.

“Immunization really is the way out of this and there’s little tolerance for people who don’t have legitimate medical reasons for not getting vaccinated,” Williams said. “The same for the temporary return of the mask mandate. Until we can be sure that everyone we’re interacting with socially has done their part to reduce risk, it makes sense to require masks in situations where we don’t know the vaccination status of others.”

“Right now, we’re working with government on behalf of a number of community partners on how vaccine passports and mask mandates are enforced,” Williams said. “It can’t fall to frontline staff to enforce these policies. Employers are already struggling to find and keep workers, and the prospect of dealing with aggressively opinionated anti-vaxxers and anti-maskers should not be part of the job description.”
 
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, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.
 
Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben                                                                 
Communications and Project Manager
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca

Chamber applauds re-opening of marine border

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce was proud to offer leadership and advocacy efforts in collaboration with Destination Greater Victoria, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority as well as Island chambers of commerce and our regional municipalities. As the voice of business, The Chamber continues to work tirelessly on behalf of our members to make a difference in public policy through advocacy.

“Our marine border is a vital link for our region and we’re thankful the Canada Border Service Agency has found the capacity to staff ferry terminals in the Inner Harbour as of Sept. 7,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The Victoria Clipper and Coho Ferry connect Greater Victoria with Washington State, which is extremely important for our tourism sector. When land and air borders were initially opened to Americans on Aug. 9, we were alarmed that our marine borders were not included. On behalf of our community partners, The Chamber reached out directly to the federal government and Prime Minister’s Office to make sure they knew how important this link is to our region’s economy.”
 
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, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.
 
Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben                                                                 
Communications and Project Manager
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca

The Chamber applauds launch of PacifiCan

Offices in Victoria and Campbell River vital to reflect Island’s economic needs

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce applauds today’s announcement of a new economic development agency for British Columba, which will include offices in Victoria and Campbell River. Federal Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages Mélanie Joly says the Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) will provide a tailored approach for British Columbia’s economy.

“Minster Joly’s announcement has the potential to have a significant impact on the economic recovery and resilience needed in the Capital Region to move along a path of a sustainable and diverse post-pandemic economy,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says, noting that as B.C.’s population has grown rapidly over the past 20 years, the province’s economy is becoming more advanced. “By creating two offices on Vancouver Island, one in Victoria and the other in Campbell River, the federal government shows it recognizes the unique opportunities and challenges of our Island economy. The Capital Region has distinct priorities as do the central, northern and western regions of the Island.”

PacifiCan builds on work done by Western Economic Diversification Canada over the last 34 years. Another new agency, Prairie Economic Development Canada (PrairieCan), will now serve Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

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, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.
 
Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben                                                                  
Communications and Project Manager
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca

The Chamber announces new Business Hall of Fame

Hall will enshrine business leaders who helped build Greater Victoria 

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the establishment of a Business Hall of Fame for the region.
 
The Greater Victoria Chamber Business Hall of Fame presented by RBC, will be the first of its kind on Vancouver Island and will celebrate the legacy of pioneers and leaders who have played a role in the region’s economic growth and prosperity.
 
“Supporting business supports our community,” says Jack Leung, RBC’s Vice President, Business Financial Services, South Vancouver Island. “RBC has a long history of supporting local businesses in Greater Victoria. Partnering with the Chamber to celebrate the exceptional success stories in our region is an ideal way to inspire future business leaders and innovative entrepreneurs.”
 
“The story of The Chamber is the story of Greater Victoria in so many ways, and it is time to honour all of the individuals who helped establish and grow business in our region,” Chamber Chair John Wilson says. “Throughout The Chamber’s history we have accelerated our members’ connections to support their growth.”
 
“Nearly 160 years ago, The Chamber was founded to establish southern Vancouver Island as a banking and shipping centre for gold mining,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “Since then, we’ve worked with all sectors and sizes of business to create long-term resilience for our region and diversity in our economy. We will be diligent in selecting individuals, companies or families who have been inclusive and fair in their business practices.”
 
The Greater Victoria Business Hall of Fame presented by RBC will induct multiple recipients each year to recognize regional leadership, insightful vision, a sustained and significant commitment to the prosperity of Greater Victoria and a positive role model in the business community. The process to select inductees will recognize and respect the diversity of leaders who helped build business in Greater Victoria over the decades.
 
“It’s important that we remember those that have come before so future generations can continue to build a better tomorrow,” Dan Dagg, Chair of The Chamber’s Board of Governors, says. “That’s why we are delighted that RBC is partnering with us to make this event possible.”
 
“Generations have come and gone, with each leaving a legacy that has made us who we are, a community,” says Mark Lovick, RBC Regional Vice President, South Vancouver Island. “It’s a privilege to be part of this inaugural event that will honour our region’s remarkable history, highlight our current success and inspire our community’s future prosperity.”
 
Inductees will be announced this fall with an official ceremony scheduled to take place on February 3, 2022.
 
 
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, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.
 
Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben                                                                 
Communications and Project Manager
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca

Chamber working to undertake economic reconciliation with Indigenous-owned business

Process requires acknowledging suppression of Indigenous peoples

VICTORIA, BC – Good business is key to building a great community, and the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is committed to being a positive contributor to the reconciliation process.
“At public gatherings, or lately in on line gatherings we always gratefully acknowledge how we live and work in the ancestral territory of First Nations,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “The time has come for a further acknowledgement, that being how the economy and culture we have created was built by suppressing Indigenous culture, spiritual beliefs, family practices, freedom and stewardship of the land, sea and air.”

In the years since colonization, settlers have placed restrictions on Indigenous people, separated children from their families, evicted them from their ancestral land and water, introduced disease, imposed an elected system of governance, stolen artifacts and sacred symbolic artifacts, attempted to assimilate them into our beliefs and eliminate their culture.

“First Nations have not had full access to the economic prosperity we have created in their traditional territories,” Chamber Chair John Wilson says. “That’s not right. As an organization founded in 1863, we are part of the history of our community. Regrettably, we need to acknowledge that means we share responsibility for the suppression of Indigenous peoples.”

For these reasons and many others, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is creating an Indigenous Business Task Force for the purpose of engaging Indigenous-owned businesses and First Nations in a strategy to enhance every possible opportunity for those businesses to flourish within our shared economy.

One of the roles of The Chamber is building relationships between businesses, between communities and across governments. To ensure all Indigenous-owned businesses have the opportunity to participate in Chamber programs, our Board of Directors has agreed to waive membership fees for a full year for Indigenous-owned businesses. We will continue to provide inclusive rates to help Indigenous-owned businesses experience the benefits of ongoing Chamber membership. This offer will be open to all Indigenous-owned businesses, including current members, who choose to participate in this program. 

“The Chamber is an organization that values good business and understands a healthy economy means so much more than maximizing profits,” Songhees Development Corporation CEO and Chamber director Christina Clarke says. “The reconciliation process will be difficult, but it requires efforts like this to acknowledge the truth and continue to heal our community.”

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, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.
 
Media Contacts:

Bruce Williams
CEO
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
250 216-8225

ceo@victoriachamber.ca

Jim Zeeben
Communications and Project Manager
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca

BC’s Restart Plan shows path forward for businesses, Chamber says

VICTORIA, B.C. – We now know what our Recovery Runway looks like and can begin planning to help all businesses become pivot pilots as our economy takes off this summer.

B.C.’s Restart: A Plan to Bring us Back Together, released May 25, outlines four stages leading to a complete reopening of the province by September. The plan is contingent on COVID-19 case counts and hospitalization remaining low and vaccination rates increasing.

“We’ve been asking for this on behalf of our members for some time. Having the steps laid out for easing of restrictions has lifted the fog many of us are feeling,” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams says. “Speaking with Chamber members, the consensus is this plan is good news. It’s something we can work with. We need to continue rolling up our sleeves, keep B.C.’s immunization schedule moving forward, and get to work rebuilding those connections that will allow everyone to experience economic renewal.”

The restart plan marked the end of a five-week circuit breaker that had restricted in-person dining, recreational travel and indoor fitness classes. The next milestone is June 15 when travel within BC will re-open along with extended hours for restaurants and pubs and the ability to hold small in-person meetings. By Canada Day, travel throughout Canada will open, and bigger meetings will be possible. There will also be no limits on dining, and bars and casinos can return with limited capacity.

“These are hopeful times and we can see the end of the pandemic and a chance to get our lives back,” Williams says, adding that The Chamber’s 2021 Business Awards recently celebrated the many incredible stories of organizations and entrepreneurs who found innovative ways to be successful — our Pivot Pilots. “We’ll need these leaders now as we make sure all businesses can take part in the recovery. We want to extend a hand to everyone who needs it now to make sure you have what you need to be successful.”

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, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.  
 
Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben                                                                                          
Communications and Project Manager 
250 360-3471 
communications@victoriachamber.ca

Chamber announces 2021 Business Awards winners

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 Greater Victoria Business Awards.

The winners distinguished themselves in many ways and in many categories, including excellent customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging professionals and non-profit association of the year.  This year’s winners not only battled the normal barriers to success that face most businesses, they also faced down a global pandemic and found ways to succeed despite it.

From start-ups to local legends, The Chamber’s 2021 Greater Victoria Business Awards showcase hard-working entrepreneurs, as well as business people and community leaders in 14 categories worth celebrating.

Winners were chosen by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who served as judges. This marks the second year the event has been held as a televised broadcast (premiering at 6 p.m., May 15, on CHEK).

“Tonight’s winners and finalists have all shown exceptional leadership and innovation throughout one of the most challenging years we have ever experienced,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Through their tireless determination, the organizations we are celebrating tonight have earned their place among The Chamber’s many past and current award winners.  These are the businesses that will help to shape our local economy as we bounce forward from the pandemic.”

  • Entrepreneur Frank Bourree received the 2021 Governors’ Award of Distinction, which honours an individual for his or her outstanding leadership and accomplishments serving the business community.
  • John Espley was named The Chamber’s Member of the Year. This award recognizes an individual who has served as a volunteer at The Chamber, has taken an active role with the board or committees, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business.

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, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.

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