Sidney springs ahead with most blossoms

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VICTORIA, B.C. – The 48th edition of the Greater Victoria Flower Count ended on March 15 with a multi-billion bloom bouquet. Community and elementary school engagement were strong, with 33.4 billion blossoms counted over the week-long event.

The winner of “Bloomingest” community this year is Sidney, with a total of 7.58 billion blossoms counted. The runner-up community this year is North Saanich, with 7.56 billion blossoms counted.
Elementary school participation is a major component of Greater Victoria Flower Count. This year’s winning elementary school class is Ms. Jessica Manness’s class at Hillcrest Elementary School in Saanich. The Grade 4 class counted 1.56 billion blossoms and has won a special trip via L.A. Limousines to the ultimate floral experience at Butchart Gardens. (max. cohort/class size of 30). The winner of the photo contest draw will be notified by end of day March 15.

Flower Count is rooted in a tourism promotion started by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s. In those days, a delegation would dress in Victorian-era clothing and hand-deliver daffodils to people to Prairie cities. The publicity stunt generated favourable coverage of our region as a desirable destination. The event shifted in 1975 to having residents count flowers, and the fun but spirited contest continues to this day.

“Our civic pride is in full bloom today,” Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith said. “Our warmth and vibrancy as a community is reflected in the devotion shown by our municipal staff, who beautify our parks and boulevards, and our residents who take so much care in their yards and gardens.”

“Congratulations to Hillcrest Elementary school and Ms. Jessica Manness’s class on winning this year’s Greater Victoria Flower Count,” said Paul Nursey – CEO, Destination Greater Victoria. “This was a special flower count for the visitor economy. We are welcoming back visitors with open arms and want them to enjoy everything Greater Victoria has to offer. This includes our numerous flowers and gardens.”

“It was great to see our community come together for another successful Greater Victoria Flower Count,” said Bruce Williams – CEO, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “The blooms were out and residents responded by submitting their counts from across the region. Congratulations to Sidney and Ms. Manness and thank you to our sponsors and prize donors for making it such a great event.”

Sponsorship and Support:
The 48th annual Greater Victoria Flower Count is proudly sponsored and supported by Destination Greater Victoria, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Butchart Gardens, Fairmont Empress, Black Press, Used Victoria, CHEK, John Overall, Ocean 98.5, and L.A. Limousines.
The Bloomingest community will be announced on CHEK News at 5 p.m. on March 15.
 
Backgrounders

Elementary School Contest Details:
Students in this year’s winning class will win a trip to Butchart Gardens travelling in style via L.A. Limousines:. (max. cohort/class size of 30)

Social Media Contest Details:
Entrants received one (1) entry by tagging #FlowerCount in related garden and floral posts on Instagram. The winner by direct message on March 15, 2023. Our winner will enjoy the time-honored tradition of Fairmont Empress Afternoon Tea for you and a guest! Enjoy a seasonal menu of savoury tea sandwiches, fresh scones with fruit preserves and cream, and a selection of mouth-watering sweets as you look out over the natural beauty of the Inner Harbour.

Hunting for hidden blooms:
Used.ca hosted a contest to find the bloom during Flower Count Week. Each day one lucky person went home with a fabulous prize package packed in a Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce #ShopLocal bag filled with local goodies sourced by Destination Greater Victoria including a Goldilocks Goods beeswax food wrap, Silk Road Tea sampling kit, an assortment of Rogers’ Chocolates, honey from Country Bee Honey Farm, and a seasoning blend from Kove Ocean Foods to make your meal a success. The goodie bag will also include a $25 gift card to a local restaurant.

As Flower Count comes to a close, a grand prize winner will be chosen to receive all of the items above plus a Pacific FC swag bag and a $50 gift card to Barb’s Fish and Chips.

About Fairmont Empress
Recognized as one of the Top 21 Iconic Hotels in the World by National Geographic Traveler magazine and honored by Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Awards for Top 3 City Hotels in Canada, Fairmont Empress is located in Victoria, BC overlooking the city’s sparkling Inner Harbour. A Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond property that offers 431 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, Willow Stream Spa with signature West Coast experiences, and Q at the Empress featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine, award-winning wine list and regionally focused cocktail culture. World-famous Tea at the Empress is served in the Lobby Lounge with stunning harbor views. The Grande Dame property completed a $60+ million restoration in 2017 that celebrated its proud history while moving the hotel into a new era of modern luxury and transforming the iconic property into a must-visit destination. In 2023, the property introduced a revamped Fairmont Gold Experience, including a major renovation to the Fairmont Gold lounge and conversion of 22 rooms to Gold Experience rooms. Located on Vancouver Island, Canada’s Castle on the Coast is the ideal starting point to explore British Columbia’s stunning natural and expansive beauty.
 
About Destination Greater Victoria
Destination Greater Victoria (Greater Victoria Visitors and Convention Bureau) is our region’s official, not-for-profit destination marketing organization working in partnership with nearly 1,000 businesses and municipalities in Greater Victoria.
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all 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: Megson FitzPatrick (soon to be Acera Insurance), Berwick Retirement Companies, BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Starlight Investments, TD Canada Trust, TELUS Business, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria. Find out more at Victoriachamber.ca.

Start of Flower Count marks 48 years of stopping to count the flowers

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Picture

Destination Greater Victoria’s Paul Nursey, left, on the lawn of the Empress with Colwood Councillor Dave Grove, Fairmont Empress’s Victoria Dyson and Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s Bruce Williams.

Higher resolution photos from today’s Flower Count launch event are available online.
VICTORIA, B.C. – The Pacific Ocean wields immense influence over the weather, regulating Greater Victoria’s famous mild climate and warming the air deep into Central Canada. It’s why our region is typically the first in the country to experience the signs of spring. The phenomenon gave rise 48 years ago to a tradition that continues to this day.

The 2023 Greater Victoria Flower Count — which officially begins Wednesday — kicked off today with speeches on the immaculate front lawns of the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

“Guests can unwind with a leisurely walk through our famous flower-filled grounds, lined with blooming beds flitting with butterflies and well-manicured greenery, maintained year-round by our hardworking gardening team,” Fairmont Empress Director of Sales and Marketing Victoria Dyson said. “The Empress front lawns are one of the most photographed in Victoria. In spring, the bright tulips and cherry blossoms waving in the breeze are nothing short of dazzling, and in summer, the fragrant Rose Garden is a guest and local favourite.”

Flower Count is an annual family friendly event that encourages residents of Greater Victoria to show their civic pride by recording the number of blossoms they see in their municipality. School children in Grade 4 and 5 are asked to hone their math skills in a flower counting contest that runs during the same one-week period. This year, flower counting season runs from 7 a.m., March 8, until 3:30 p.m., March 15.

The early signs of spring in B.C.’s capital are the envy of Canadians from colder parts of the country, noted CHEK News Weather Anchor Ed Bain.

“It’s been a long winter — unless you live here,” said Bain with his characteristic good humour. “As usual, Victoria is the first to open the door to spring. The warm Pacific flow and spring flowers are here now. How about you?”

Flower Count is rooted in a tourism promotion started by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s. In those days, a delegation would dress in Victorian-era clothing and hand-deliver daffodils to people to Prairie cities. The publicity stunt generated favourable coverage of our region as a desirable destination. The event shifted in 1975 to having residents count flowers, and the fun but spirited contest continues to this day.

“Destination Greater Victoria has long been a partner and supporter of Flower Count,” Destination Greater Victoria president and CEO Paul Nursey said. “This beloved tradition not only welcomes spring in our region and showcases Greater Victoria’s mild climate to the rest of Canada, it also raises awareness about the strong advantage of visiting Victoria or hosting a conference or sporting event in Greater Victoria at this time of year.”

After all the blossoms are recorded, a final tally will determine Greater Victoria’s “Bloomingest” community. Last year, 27.9 billion flowers were counted in the region, with the City of Colwood earning top honours for its 9.6 billion blooms. The school prize went to students at Prospect Lake Elementary School.

“We all can use a little joy right now, and it’s always good for the soul to take time to smell — and count — the flowers,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We see Flower Count as an opportunity to share our good fortune of living on Canada’s Pacific coast with other Canadians, and let them know that spring in on the way for them too. Just not as soon as it is here ?.”

Flower counts can be submitted by the public at flowercount.ca. The count can be followed from March 8-15 by searching for the official handle (@FlowerCount) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

Tips for Counting Blossoms

Here are a few shortcuts you can use:

  • A small tree full of blossoms equals 250,000 blossoms
  • A mid-sized heather bush has 1,000 blossoms
  • Trees fully in bloom count for 750,000 blossoms.

The number of blossoms counted are attributed to your community. You can also participate on Instagram by tagging posts about Greater Victoria gardens and trees.

The 48th annual Greater Victoria Flower Count is proudly sponsored and supported by Destination Greater Victoria, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Butchart Gardens, Fairmont Empress, Black Press, Used Victoria, CHEK, John Overall, Ocean 98.5, and L.A. Limousines.

The Bloomingest community will be announced on CHEK News at 5 p.m. on March 15.

Backgrounders

Elementary School Contest Details:
Students in this year’s winning class will win a trip to Butchart Gardens travelling in style via L.A. Limousines:. (max. cohort/class size of 30)

Social Media Contest Details:
Receive one (1) entry by tagging #FlowerCount in related garden and floral posts on Instagram. Multiple entries will not increase chances of winning. Entrant must have a public Instagram account and we must be able to notify the winner by direct message on March 17, 2023.

Note: To be eligible, your Instagram account must be public so we can see that you have tagged #FlowerCount.

Official hashtag:  #FlowerCount. Tag us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

If declared the winner, you will enjoy the time-honored tradition of Fairmont Empress Afternoon Tea for you and a guest! Enjoy a seasonal menu of savoury tea sandwiches, fresh scones with fruit preserves and cream, and a selection of mouth-watering sweets as you look out over the natural beauty of the Inner Harbour.

Hunting for hidden blooms:
Used.ca will be hosting a contest to find the bloom during Flower Count Week. Each day one lucky person will be going home with a fabulous prize package packed in a Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce #ShopLocal bag filled with local goodies sourced by Destination Greater Victoria including a Goldilocks Goods beeswax food wrap, Silk Road Tea sampling kit, an assortment of Rogers’ Chocolates, honey from Country Bee Honey Farm, and a seasoning blend from Kove Ocean Foods to make your meal a success. The goodie bag will also include a $25 gift card to a local restaurant.

On the final day of Flower Count, a grand prize winner will be chosen to receive all of the items above plus a Pacific FC swag bag and a $50 gift card to Barb’s Fish and Chips.

About Fairmont Empress
Recognized as one of the Top 21 Iconic Hotels in the World by National Geographic Traveler magazine and honored by Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Awards for Top 3 City Hotels in Canada, Fairmont Empress is located in Victoria, BC overlooking the city’s sparkling Inner Harbour. A Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond property that offers 431 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, Willow Stream Spa with signature West Coast experiences, and Q at the Empress featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine, award-winning wine list and regionally focused cocktail culture. World-famous Tea at the Empress is served in the Lobby Lounge with stunning harbor views. The Grande Dame property completed a $60+ million restoration in 2017 that celebrated its proud history while moving the hotel into a new era of modern luxury and transforming the iconic property into a must-visit destination. In 2023, the property introduced a revamped Fairmont Gold Experience, including a major renovation to the Fairmont Gold lounge and conversion of 22 rooms to Gold Experience rooms. Located on Vancouver Island, Canada’s Castle on the Coast is the ideal starting point to explore British Columbia’s stunning natural and expansive beauty.
 
About Destination Greater Victoria
Destination Greater Victoria (Greater Victoria Visitors and Convention Bureau) is our region’s official, not-for-profit destination marketing organization working in partnership with nearly 1,000 businesses and municipalities in Greater Victoria.

About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all 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: Megson FitzPatrick (soon to be Acera Insurance), Berwick Retirement Companies, BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Starlight Investments, TD Canada Trust, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at Victoriachamber.ca.

Chamber announces 2023 Business Awards finalists

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VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the finalists for The Chamber’s 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards. 

The finalists, listed below, have distinguished themselves across 14 Business Award categories, including outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging businesspeople and long-term leadership.   

The Chamber’s 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards shine a light on hard-working businesses, businesspeople, and community leaders. Finalists were chosen by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who served as judges. 

“Choosing two finalists is always extremely difficult with so many deserving businesses in Greater Victoria,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “I’m grateful for the work of our judges. This is another impressive list of organizations and people who stand out as leaders in the business community. We’re looking forward to gathering together on May 4 in celebration of all of the exceptional entrepreneurs in Greater Victoria.”

The Chamber previously announced Mandy Farmer as the recipient of The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, while Ann Squires Ferguson is The Chamber’s 2023 Member of the Year. 

Over the last 160 years, The Chamber has been proud to work with leaders that have shaped our region. Both awards speak to the impact true leaders make to better our community. The Award of Distinction is in recognition of the positive influence the honouree has had on the economy, businesses and the overall community, signifying achievement, resourcefulness and determination. The Chamber Member of the Year award recognizes an engaged, passionate, and committed individual who has taken an active role with the Chamber Board or a committee, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business. 

The Chamber’s 2023 Business Awards will be held on May 4 at the Fairmont Empress. The event will also be broadcast on CHEK TV.
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all 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: Megson FitzPatrick (soon to be Acera Insurance), Berwick Retirement Companies, BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Starlight Investments, TD Canada Trust, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at Victoriachamber.ca.
 
 
Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards Finalists

Business of the Year (1-10 Employees); sponsored by City of Victoria

  • Market Collective
  • Off the Eaten Track Tours

 
Business of the Year (11-39 Employees); sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP

  • L.A. Limousines & Transportation Services
  • Songhees Events & Catering

 
Business of the Year (40+ Employees); sponsored by BCLC

  • Berwick Retirement Communities
  • Coldstar Solutions Inc.

 
Business Person of the Year; sponsored by Canadian Tire

  • Brenda Ollis, Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
  • Dave Stephens, LIDA Homes Inc.

 
Chamber Award of Distinction; sponsored by Times Colonist

  • Mandy Farmer, Accent Inns | Hotel Zed

 
Chamber Member of the Year; sponsored by Air Canada

  • Ann Squires Ferguson, Western Design+Build

 
Community Builder; sponsored by Coast Capital Savings​

  • Aryze
  • Lifetime Networks

 
Emerging Business Person of the Year; sponsored by Royal Roads University 

  • Jeff Crone, Fig’s Mobile Detailing
  • Mackenzie Wavryk, Upcycle Clothing Collective

 
Innovation; sponsored by University of Victoria, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business

  • JONI
  • ASEP Medical Holdings Inc.

 
New Business; sponsored by Futurpreneur 

  • BCause
  • Compass Mobile Massage Therapy

 
Non-Profit of the Year; sponsored by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island

  • Beacon Community Services
  • Victoria Native Friendship Centre

 
Outstanding Customer Service; sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc.

  • Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
  • Beehive Wool Shop

 
Outstanding Workplace of the Year; sponsored by TELUS

  • Brentwood Bay Resort
  • Orca Masonry

 
Sustainable Business Practices; sponsored by Camosun College

  • Harbour Air Seaplanes
  • Clean Air Yard Care

Chamber celebrates its past, present and future with 160th anniversary event at Royal BC Museum

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VICTORIA, BC – More than 300 people gathered at the Royal BC Museum tonight to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 9, 1863.
The evening included exhibits highlighting the Chambers’ past, present and future.
 
“It’s a bit awe inspiring to know we’re carrying on a tradition of effective advocacy that dates back to 1863,” Chamber chair Kris Wirk said. “Our celebration at the Royal BC Museum and all of the activities planned for our 160th are an opportunity for The Chamber to support our members by building good business and great community for all.”
 
The Chamber was formed in the age of steamships and gold rushes when waves of new arrivals settled in the region seeking better lives for themselves and their families. The Chamber’s earliest efforts were to promote the region as a hub for culture, finance and shipping. It was a time for adventure as well as profound disruption. Many of those stories are included in The Chamber 1863 web project, a special endeavour that highlights the history of commerce and the many communities that contributed to the growth of commerce in our region. It can be experienced at Victoriachamber.ca/the-chamber-1863.
 
“It’s important to understand where you’ve been before you plan where you’re going. Looking back helps us move forward as we strive to be the region’s most diverse and influential business association,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “By understanding our history, and the lived experiences of the communities that contributed to growing business in our region, we are creating an inclusive economy that is adding resilience to our workforce.”
 
As part of our forward planning, the Greater Victoria Chamber 1863 Impact Award was announced in November and will provide local post-secondary students a total of $160,000 to help build the next generation of skilled workers. Find out more at Victoriachamber.ca/impact-award.
 
The anniversary evening marked the start of year-long celebrations and projects commemorating The Chamber’s 160 years of being the voice of business in Greater Victoria.

About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all 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: Megson FitzPatrick (soon to be Acera Insurance), Berwick Retirement Companies, BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Starlight Investments, TD Canada Trust, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at Victoriachamber.ca.

Event photos will be available at: https://victoriachamber.ca/event-photos-2023.html#160

Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

Mandy Farmer receives Chamber Award of Distinction

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VICTORIA, BC – Mandy Farmer is the recipient of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Award of Distinction.

The President and CEO of Accent Inns and Hotel Zed, Farmer was nominated for being a visionary who is passionate about her employees, embraces an inclusive workplace and is “just a super-nice, down-to-earth person.”

The Award of Distinction highlights a businessperson who has contributed to Greater Victoria through leadership and vision as a positive role model and a sustained commitment to a prosperous community. An independent panel of prominent business leaders serve as judges.

“Mandy is a great representative of all the things this award stands for,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The judges had to make a difficult decision with a number of highly qualified nominees, but I think everyone can agree that Mandy is an excellent choice and has been truly inspirational for so many of her peers in Greater Victoria’s business community.”

Farmer leads a family business that operates five Accent Inns throughout B.C., as well as Hotel Zed accommodations in Victoria, Kelowna and Tofino. A 2020 winner of RBC’s Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award, Farmer has been an Hon. Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy and has served on a number of boards and committees. Her authentic approach with customers and staff over the course of the pandemic has resonated throughout the community and across industries.

“Being recognized by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce as having a positive influence in our community means so much to me as a third-generation family business owner,” Farmer said. “I believe employers have a responsibility to take care of our people and the communities within which we work. Our purpose at Accent Inns and Hotel Zed is to Lead with Love to Radically Enrich Lives. This means that we focus on making sure our team is happy and healthy, and that love extends to our communities. Thank you for this incredible honour. I share it with my team.”

The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, sponsored by the Times Colonist, will be officially celebrated at the 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards, which feature 14 categories recognizing organizations that have distinguished themselves through excellent customer service, innovation and sustainable business practices.

In November 2022, Ann Squires Ferguson was announced as Chamber Member of the Year for 2023.

The Chamber’s 2023 Business Awards will be held in May at the Fairmont Empress. The event will also be broadcast on CHEK TV. Nominations are open until Jan. 18.
The 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards are sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, Royal Roads University, Times Colonist, Air Canada, BCLC, Camosun College, Canadian Tire, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, City of Victoria, Futurpreneur, Grant Thornton, Innvo8 Digital Solutions Inc., Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, PARC Retirement Living, CHEK, and The Number Creative. 
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all 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: Megson FitzPatrick (soon to be Acera Insurance), Berwick Retirement Companies, BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca.
 
Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

The Chamber announces 2023 Board of Directors

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VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2023 Board of Directors.

Kris Wirk, with Dusanj + Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants, will take on the role of Board Chair, while Christina Clarke from the Indigenous Prosperity Centre becomes the new Vice-Chair. After serving for the past three years as Chair, John Wilson assumes the role of Past Chair.

The Chamber’s 2023 board consists of established and emerging business and community leaders who will work with Chamber committees and staff. Board members are elected for two-year terms, and there were six positions up for election for 2023. Voting was from Sept. 8 to Oct. 6.

The Chamber’s mission is to serve Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking events, professional development and other unique activities. The Chamber’s vision is to become the region’s most diverse and influential business association. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 2023 Board of Directors

  • Chair: Kris Wirk, Partner, Dusanj + Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants
  • Vice-Chair: Christina Clarke, Executive Director, Indigenous Prosperity Centre
  • Past Chair: John Wilson, CEO, Wilson’s Group of Companies
  • Secretary: James Gatsi, Founder and CEO, CL Web Developers Inc.
  • Treasurer: Moira Hauk, Regional Manager South Island, Coastal Community Credit Union
  • Rose Arsenault, Branch Manager, Agilus Work Solutions
  • Judith Ethier, Chief Administrative Officer, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
  • Fallon Lindsay, Director of Finance and Administration, Kinetic Construction
  • Pedro Marquez, Vice-President, Research and International at Royal Roads University
  • Richard Michaels, President, Maccrim Solutions
  • Ann Squires Ferguson, CEO, Western Interior Design Group
  • Jessica Stigant, Associate Director of Government Relations and Partnerships, Ocean Networks Canada
  • Capt. (N) Jeff Hutchinson, Base Commander, CFB Esquimalt
  • Josue Dubon, DesignWealth, Co-Founder & Wealth Mentor; Incoming Chair, Emerge Committee (ex-officio)
  • Bruce Williams, CEO, The Chamber (ex-officio)

 
“Chamber members and Greater Victoria’s business community will be well served by the stability, expertise and leadership experience that the 2023 board of directors brings to the table,” incoming Chamber Chair Kris Wirk said. “Our previous chair, John Wilson, did a remarkable job of guiding the organization through the pandemic. I’m excited about getting to work and helping The Chamber achieve our vision for 2023.”

“Kris will be a dynamic chair and I am ready to support him in any way he needs,” Past Chamber Chair John Wilson said. “It has been nothing if not a memorable three years dealing with the challenges of the pandemic. We have come through this stronger than ever and we are prepared for any challenge that comes our way.”
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all 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: Megson FitzPatrick (soon to be Acera Insurance), Berwick Retirement Companies, BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca.

Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

Chamber announces 2023 Member of the Year

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PictureAnn Squires Ferguson

VICTORIA – Ann Squires Ferguson has been named Chamber Member of the Year for 2023 by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.    

“I am beyond grateful for this honour — it is overwhelming to be recognized by so many who I hold in such high esteem,” said Squires Ferguson, CEO of Western Design + Build and a Chamber Board member. “This year has held many challenges for me personally, with a bout of ovarian cancer, and, through it all, I have been buoyed by every kind word of encouragement, every thoughtful gift, every act of support. Our business community is an incredible example of true connection, generosity and compassion. Their collective optimism has carried me through.”

Squires Ferguson has been a passionate voice as The Chamber strives to achieves its vision of being the region’s most diverse and influential business association.

“I do want to honour our local business leaders’ commitment to the important work that The Chamber is doing around Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advancement and with the Indigenous Reconciliation Roundtable,’ she said. “When we lift each other up, when we all come together, our whole community is so much stronger, more vibrant and resilient.”

The Chamber Member of the Year award, sponsored by Air Canada, 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.

Western Design + Build won in the category of Business Leadership at the 2017 Greater Victoria Business Awards.

Squires Ferguson was elected to The Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2021, and serves on The Chamber’s Ambassador committee as well as The Chamber’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) committee.

“Ann has been an incredible resource for our board and committees,” Chamber Chair John Wilson says. “She is in-tune with the times during a period of profound change and we’re lucky to have someone who is so passionate and committed to making sure we show leadership in ensuring we have a great community for all.”

“Ann has inspired us all with her resilience in managing her cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as her ongoing insightful and thoughtful input to her Chamber role” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

The recipient of The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, which honours a Chamber member for outstanding leadership and innovation, will be announced in January. Recipients are chosen for inspiring others and adding resilience to Greater Victoria’s economy.

Give the Gift of Recognition this holiday season by nominating a business or business leader for the 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards. Nominations for 12 categories are open now until Jan. 18, 2023. From innovation to sustainability to being an outstanding workplace, nominating a business you love, own or work for is fast and easy. For more information, go to victoriachamber.ca/business-awards.
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all 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: BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, 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: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

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