Chamber Member of the Year goes above and beyond for community

VICTORIA, B.C. – Tony Joe has been named Chamber Member of the Year for 2026 by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

Tony has been a licensed real estate agent in British Columbia since 1991 and operates The PRIME Real Estate Team, a small but highly productive group that is one of Vancouver Island’s top-producing teams and regularly ranked in the top 50 in RE/MAX Western Canada. He is broker owner partner at RE/MAX Sabre Realty Victoria.

“This is an unexpected and wonderful honour bestowed by The Chamber,” Joe said, after learning he had been named Member of the Year. “I’m truly flattered and so grateful for the work the Chamber does for business in Greater Victoria, and I look forward to continuing to help build good business and great community for all.”

RE/MAX Sabre Realty Victoria has been a Chamber member since 2022, though Joe has been actively engaged with The Chamber for many years through his work in real estate.

Joe currently serves on The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy committee and is focused on the revitalization of Victoria’s downtown. He even relocated his brokerage to the Inner Harbour to support the area.

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.

Chamber CEO John Wilson said Joe has a deep connection with businesses in our region.

“Tony is a consummate professional and someone who goes above and beyond to give back to the community. For The Chamber, he’s an important voice whose insight helps us better understand the challenges facing business,” Wilson said. “Tony is a great representative of Greater Victoria’s business community. He’s a familiar face at many of our events and we’re proud to recognize him as Chamber Member of the Year for 2026.”

The recipient of The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, which honours a Chamber member for outstanding leadership and innovation, will be announced in the weeks ahead. The award recognizes individuals who inspire others and help Greater Victoria’s economy become more resilient.

You can show some love by nominating a business or business leader for the 2026 Greater Victoria Business Awards. Nominations for the 12 other categories are open now until Jan. 31. 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: Acera Insurance, BC Ferries, Berwick Retirement Communities, Camosun College, CHEK, CIBC, City of Victoria, ColdStar Solutions, Edwards Heritage Consulting, H2 Accelerator, Kinetic Construction, Knappett Projects, Maximum Express, PARC Retirement Living, Peninsula Co-op, Roughly Speaking Communications, RBC, Scotiabank, Tecnet, TD Commercial Banking, Times Colonist, University of Victoria and Western Canada Security. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca.

 

Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Communications Director
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
communications@victoriachamber.ca

 

Limited resources require prioritizing safety and services that are most needed to build resilience and make sure arts and culture programs have access to sustainable funding

 

GREATER VICTORIA, B.C. – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is clarifying its position on the need for local governments to reduce their dependence on increasing taxes every year.

A recently published column by Chamber CEO John Wilson issued a challenge to all Greater Victoria municipalities, calling for them to match the City of Vancouver’s effort to achieve a 0% budget increase.

This challenge is not an endorsement of the Vancouver mayor or any municipal political party. It also was not a prescription for each of our region’s 13 municipalities on what they can cut from their budgets to reduce any tax increase.

Regrettably, the attempt at a dialogue on fiscal discipline has been sidetracked by online commentary that clouds the conversation and deflects the vital importance of supporting business and our economy. Since our founding in 1863, The Chamber has been instrumental in shaping a strong economy that includes a thriving arts and culture sector. We also fully support many non-profit organizations — after all, we are one ourselves.

Some of the misplaced remarks we’re hearing are related to the common confusion about our region, specifically that the City of Victoria represents all of Greater Victoria.

To be clear, The Chamber does have a position on priorities for the City of Victoria that may or may not reflect priorities of other municipalities in our region: The Chamber has a mandate by the business community to call for urgent action to prevent further deterioration of downtown Victoria. This requires a fully funded police department as well as the full focus of City of Victoria staff and council.

Further to that note, The Chamber is concerned about the methodology used to prepare the City of Victoria’s 2025 Budget Survey. Downtown Victoria is the hub of our region’s economy. It is home to a critical mass of regional jobs, services and businesses. However, the Budget Survey overwhelmingly draws from respondents who do not own businesses (89%). The survey is also constrained by its representation of Victoria residents and is blind to the reality that Downtown Victoria serves tens of thousands of non-residents daily, and that it is the base for many regional employers whose property taxes will contribute a significant portion of the City of Victoria’s proposed budget — currently at more than $460 million.

The Budget Survey also stunningly brushes over the social disorder and daily distress that has seemingly become normalized by all levels of government. The survey does not reflect the real crisis that downtown is experiencing. That is a major oversight.

“Mayors and councils don’t have an easy job, but they do have a job to prioritize the stewardship of infrastructure and services vital to maintaining their municipalities,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “The Chamber, too, will stay in our lane as the voice of business. We believe that fiscal responsibility is key to a robust private sector that creates good jobs, attracts capital investments and provides the taxes needed by government to deliver sustainable public services.”

 

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: Acera Insurance, BC Ferries, Berwick Retirement Communities, Canadian Western Bank, Camosun College, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, City of Victoria, ColdStar Solutions, Helen Edwards, H2 Accelerator, Kinetic Construction, Knappett Projects, Maximum Express, Mike Geric Construction, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Starlight Developments, Times Colonist, TD Commercial Banking, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria. Find out more at victoriachamber.ca.

 

Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Communication Director
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
communications@victoriachamber.ca

 

Chamber announces 2025 Greater Victoria Business Awards recipients

VICTORIA, BC – The 2025 Greater Victoria Business Awards were presented Wednesday, June 4, in front of an audience of 350 at the Lecture Theatre in the Victoria Conference Centre.

“What a great evening celebrating business in Greater Victoria and the incredible successes so many organizations are having even in these times. We needed that,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The words of encouragement and the respect for all the finalists really represents our business community’s sense of camaraderie — especially among those aspiring to be the best at what they do.”

The recipients, listed below, distinguished themselves across 14 Business Award categories, including outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging businessperson and innovation.

An independent panel of prominent business leaders chose the finalists from a wide range of entries.

“There are so many businesses that deserve their moment in the spotlight, and all of this year’s recipients are amazing inspirations for other entrepreneurs and organizations,” Chamber Chair Christina Clarke said. “It’s never easy for the panel to narrow the field to two finalists and then choose a recipient. We’re grateful for the effort and integrity of everyone who was part of the selection process, and we can’t wait to continue celebrating tonight’s finalists in the weeks and months ahead.”

The Chamber previously announced Josue Dubon as Chamber Member of the Year and Cathy Scott as Chamber Award of Distinction recipient.

The Award of Distinction signifies achievement, resourcefulness and determination and recognizes a business leader who makes a positive contribution to the economy and our community overall. The Chamber Member of the Year award recognizes an engaged, passionate and committed individual who fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business and has taken an active role with the Chamber Board or Chamber Committee.

Photos of The Chamber’s 2025 Greater Victoria Business Awards will be available at: victoriachamber.ca/connect/event-photos/

 

2025 Award Recipients and Finalists

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

• Alley Kat Signs and Marketing
• This Week’s Lunch – Recipient

 

Business of the Year (11-39 Employees) sponsored by Doane Grant Thornton  ​​

• LIDA Construction
• Prince of Whales– Recipient

 

Business of the Year (40+ Employees) sponsored by Harbour Air

• Phillips Brewing and Malting– Recipient
• Red Barn Market

 

New Business of the Year sponsored by BCLC

• DermaLight Clinic
• FORGE Technical Solutions – Recipient

 

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

• Garth Homer Society
• Victoria Brain Injury Society– Recipient

 

Business Person of the Year sponsored by Canadian Tire

• Hana Akai, Level Up Salon Suites
• Tessa McLoughlin, KWENCH– Recipient

 

Community Builder of the Year sponsored by Emerge

• Island Savings
• Victoria Native Friendship Centre– Recipient

 

Emerging Business Person of the Year sponsored by Royal Roads University

• Inderbir Singh,Western Canada Security – Recipient
• Kane Hammontree, Solve Energy

 

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

• Hakai Energy Solutions
• Rifflandia Entertainment Company– Recipient

 

Outstanding Customer Service sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions

• Ooh La La Cupcakes + Cakes
• The Green Kiss– Recipient

 

Outstanding Workplace of the Year sponsored by WorkBC Victoria

• Green Island Builders
• Brentwood Bay Resort– Recipient

 

Sustainable Business Practices sponsored by Camosun College

• The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer
• Schneider Electric– Recipient

 

Chamber Member of the Year sponsored by Air Canada

• Josue Dubon, ​​DesignWealth

 

Chamber Award of Distinction sponsored by Times Colonist

• Cathy Scott, Departures Travel

 

VIP Reception sponsored by PARC Retirement Living, General Reception sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, and Video Production sponsored by 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: Acera Insurance, Berwick Retirement Communities, BC Ferries, Camosun College, Canadian Western Bank, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, City of Victoria, ColdStar Solutions, Edwards Heritage Consulting, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, PARC Retirement Living, Peninsula Co-op, RBC, Scotiabank, TD Commercial Banking, Tecnet Canada, TELUS Business, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria.

Find out more at victoriachamber.ca.

Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben
Director, Communication
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

 

VICTORIA, B.C. – The best news from today’s B.C. Budget 2025 announcement was a promise from the provincial Finance Minister to work more closely with businesses going forward.

Brenda Bailey, a former tech sector entrepreneur, was elected to government in 2020 and appointed Finance Minister in November 2024. Her first budget day was overshadowed by news that the United States was moving ahead with a trade war on Canada.

Bailey acknowledged the curveball, noting that the budget was put together with tariffs in mind. There is also $4 billion in contingency funds set aside annually for three years to address unforeseen challenges. It’s a strategy that makes sense, but one business groups will be watching closely.

“We want to see policies that are looking at the horizon, that are investing in making our private sector bigger, growing our economy,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We’re fortunate to live in a region with a diverse economy that is relatively sheltered from a trade war. That said, we know we’re in for challenging times ahead as Canada will be impacted by tariffs.”

Minister Bailey spoke about efforts to break down interprovincial trade barriers — something that the Canadian Chamber has long advocated for at the federal level. Government staff confirmed to The Chamber that British Columbia has identified a subset of exemptions to remove, however the list has not been made public.

Budget 2025 lacked any splashy new announcements. Instead, it focused on maintaining healthcare, education and social services, while making minor cuts to other budgets.

Other highlights include tax credits for film and television, an increase to the Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit and funds for safe communities. The latter includes $90 million to deter encampments, $67 million to address repeat offenders and train new police officers and $168 million for public safety and justice programs.

To arrange an interview with The Chamber, or to register as media for tomorrow morning’s event with Minister Bailey, email communications@victoriachamber.ca.

For more information on the event, go to victoriachamber.ca.

Business Leaders Series: Budget 2025 – A Conversation with BC’s Finance Minister

• Wednesday, March 5, 8 -9:30 a.m. (The Minister will begin her speech at about 8:40 a.m.)
• Hotel Grand Pacific – Vancouver Island Ballroom
• 463 Belleville St., Victoria, B.C.

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: Acera Insurance, BC Ferries, Berwick Retirement Communities, Canadian Western Bank, Camosun College, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, ColdStar Solutions, Edwards Heritage Consulting, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Starlight Developments, Times Colonist, TD Commercial Banking, TELUS Business, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria. Find out more at Victoriachamber.ca.

 

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