Transportation Options Archives - Page 8 of 9

Chamber applauds re-opening of marine border

August 24, 2021/in Transportation Options/by caorda

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

Chamber statement on vaccine and mask mandates

August 24, 2021/in Transportation Options/by caorda

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

The Chamber applauds launch of PacifiCan

August 5, 2021/in Transportation Options/by caorda

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

July 14, 2021/in Transportation Options/by caorda

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

June 30, 2021/in Transportation Options/by caorda

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

May 26, 2021/in Transportation Options/by caorda

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

May 15, 2021/in Transportation Options/by caorda

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

City of Victoria shows support for business by reducing tax rate

April 12, 2021/in Transportation Options/by caorda

VICTORIA, BC – Reducing property taxes for business in the City of Victoria is the right thing to do as the pandemic continues to create challenges for our region’s economy.

At the April 8 Committee of the Whole, Victoria’s mayor and council voted to endorse a two per cent decrease in taxes — about $146 for business with an average assessed value of $647,000. During 2020, the assessed value of commercial property dropped by an average of 5.29 per cent. Residential assessed values in the city increased by 2.26 per cent.

“We’re grateful that Victoria council has acknowledged the struggles businesses are facing with uncertain conditions and the pace of change spurred by the pandemic,” Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce says. “We’re seeing many businesses pivot successfully and develop innovations that allow them to adapt. Reducing taxes during this time shows that the city wants to work with the business community, so that all of our employers and operators have a chance to get through this together.”

The tax break reflects an adjustment to the city’s current policy of equalizing changes to taxes across all classes. If council had chosen to follow that policy, the average assessed business would have had a tax increase of $122. Instead, Victoria continues to close the gap between the business and residential share of municipal taxes.

“We want to thank City Council for recognizing the challenges businesses have faced over the last year, this is a significant and meaningful show of support for our business community,” Jeff Bray, Executive Director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association says.

The Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) is the authority on all things happening in Victoria’s downtown core. As a business association, the DVBA provides a variety of services and supports to its 1,400 members to become more successful downtown including: advocating for the downtown business perspective, promoting downtown to the Greater Victoria region, keeping downtown clean, and offering a financial assistance through grant programs. The DVBA’s mission is to nurture and promote the vitality and vibrancy of downtown Victoria and its business community. Learn more about the DVBA at downtownvictoria.ca.

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.

Chamber announces 2021 Business Awards finalists

February 17, 2021/in Transportation Options/by caorda

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the finalists for The Chamber’s 2021 Greater Victoria Business Awards.

The finalists, listed below, have distinguished themselves in many categories and many ways, including excellent customer service, sustainable business practices, young entrepreneurship and business leadership.

The Chamber’s 2021 Greater Victoria Business Awards shine a light on hard-working businesses, business people and community leaders in 14 categories worth celebrating. Finalists were chosen by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who served as judges.

“The finalists announced today all are shining examples of leadership and innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “There is not a single business that has not been affected by the pandemic over the past year. Each of these businesses have a unique story to tell on how they overcame challenges and went the extra mile to ensure that, despite facing adversity, their business continues to thrive.”

The Chamber previously announced that Frank Bourree will receive the Governors’ Award of Distinction, and that John Espley has been named The Chamber’s 2021 Member of the Year.

The Governors’ Award of Distinction honours an individual for his or her outstanding leadership and accomplishments over the decades. The Chamber Member of the Year 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.
The Chamber’s 2021 Greater Victoria Business Awards will be broadcast May 15, on CHEK TV.

The Chamber’s mission is to serve Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community. We work with our members, including our Chamber Champions, to make life better in Greater Victoria through advocacy, networking events, professional development and other unique activities. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.

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

The Chamber 2021 Business Awards Finalists (listed alphabetically)

Community Builder; sponsored by Coast Capital Savings

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

Outstanding Customer Service; sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc.

Sustainable Business Practices; sponsored by Camosun College

New Business; sponsored by South Island Prosperity Partnership

Business Person of the Year; sponsored by Canadian Tire

Adam & Daisy Orser – Root Cellar Village Green Grocer
Ian Tostenson – BC Restaurant & Food Services Association

Emerging Business Person of the Year (Under 35); sponsored by Royal Roads University

Brandon Laur – The White Hatter – Personal Protection Systems Inc.
Jarid Taylor – Brandigenous

Outstanding Workplace of the Year sponsored by Ralmax Group of Companies

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

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

Business of the Year (11-39 Employees); sponsored by Newport Realty

Business of the Year (40+ Employees); sponsored by Chard Development Ltd.

Chamber Member of the Year; sponsored by Air Canada

John Espley, Connection Skills

Governors’ Award of Distinction; sponsored by Times Colonist

Frank Bourree

Proclamations mark Chamber Week across Greater Victoria

February 15, 2021/in Transportation Options/by caorda

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