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Chamber announces 2026 Board of Directors
MEDIA RELEASE
New year brings new Board of Directors for Chamber
VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2026 Board of Directors. Joining the board for their first term, effective Jan. 1, are Inderbir Singh, CEO of Western Canada Security, and Kara Udell, Executive Director of Oak Bay Volunteer Services.
Christina Clarke, founder of Christina Clarke & Co, continues as Board Chair, with James Gatsi, Business Development Manager with Tecnet, as Vice-Chair. Kris Wirk, Partner at Dusanj and Wirk, is Past Chair.
The Chamber’s 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 four positions up for election for 2026.
“The year ahead will be a pivotal time for Greater Victoria’s business community and the 2026 Chamber Board of Directors are an exceptional group that represents our region’s diverse economic sectors,” Chamber Chair Christina Clarke said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with business and community leaders as we advocate for a better future.”
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 2026 Board of Directors
Executive
- Christina Clarke • Chair • Christina Clarke & Co
- James Gatsi • Vice-Chair • TecNet Canada
- Josue Dubon • Secretary • DesignWealth
- Spencer Walker • Treasurer • CIBC
- Kris Wirk • Past Chair • Dusanj + Wirk CPA
Directors
- Ashka Wirk • Wirk Consulting
- Corey Gillon • Peninsula Co-op
- Elizabeth Brown • Victoria Airport Authority
- Inderbir Singh, Western Canada Security
- Kara Udell, Oak Bay Volunteer Services
- (N) Kevin Whiteside • CFB Esquimalt
- Mary Lou Newbold • Mayfair Optometric
- Rose Arsenault • Agilus Work Solutions
Non-Voting
- John Wilson • Chamber CEO
- Kelly Somogyi • Chair of Emerge Committee • York Brooks Design
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. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca.
Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben, Communications Director
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
communications@victoriachamber.ca
Chamber statement on Greater Victoria municipal budgets
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 embraces role as unapologetic voice of business
Advocacy focuses on urgent action to make downtown safe, improve affordability for families and reprioritizing government spending
VICTORIA, B.C. – The people who make up Greater Victoria’s business community care deeply about our region. They want a safe and sustainable life for everyone who lives here now, as well as for future generations.
If the status quo were moving us in that direction, there would be no need to change course. However, the reality is we are drifting toward dangerous waters, and there is real urgency to make the corrections needed to get back on track.
This is the role the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has played since 1863. The Chamber has long championed policies that strengthen the region’s industrial, commercial and cultural economies, and that work continues today through its advocacy priorities focused on safe communities, affordability and effective governance.
“We are unapologetic about being the voice of business because we know how much compassion and hard work it takes to be successful in the private sector,” Chamber CEO John Wilson said. “For our community to be at its best, there needs to be a healthy collaboration between the public and private sectors. When that gets out of balance, who should speak up to try and restabilize? The Chamber is uniquely positioned to do that. One way we’re doing that is by challenging all Greater Victoria municipalities to follow the lead of B.C.’s largest city and aim for a zero per cent increase to property taxes as they work through their budgets for next year.”
As a member-based organization, The Chamber listens to its members and Board of Directors, who represent organizations of all sizes and industries, including the non-profit sector. They understand the current state of business in the region and have been clear about the direction needed.
This has shaped the Chamber’s current advocacy campaign focused on three priorities. We need immediate action to address the social and economic distress in downtown Victoria. We need investments that make our region more affordable for working families. And we need all levels of government to get their house in order and reconcile what they’re spending on to make sure it addresses our first two priorities.
“We know accomplishing these three things will not be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is,” Chamber Board Chair Christina Clarke said. “Our board has full confidence in John’s experience as a business leader and community-minded entrepreneur. We have been holding out hope for more prosperous times but, unfortunately, economic forecasts continue to signal uncertainty and volatility ahead. Businesses that struggled to recover from the pandemic have been buffeted by inflationary pressures and now face growing trade uncertainty.”
Learn more: victoriachamber.ca/advocate/advocacy-priorities/
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, Peninsula Co-op, RBC, Scotiabank, Tecnet, Times Colonist, TD Commercial Banking 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
Meet the 2025 Business Awards recipients! – Photo by Kevin Light photography
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
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
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
Past Chair John Wilson named new CEO of The Chamber
Past Chair John Wilson named new CEO of The Chamber
Private-sector experience and deep understanding of Chamber’s role in Greater Victoria cited as reasons for hiring well-known community leader
VICTORIA, BC – The Board of Directors of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has selected John Wilson to become the organization’s next CEO, effective July 15.
Wilson is a familiar name in business circles as CEO of Wilson’s Group of Companies, as well as a former Chair of The Chamber’s Board of Directors. Wilson will take over from current Chamber CEO Bruce Williams, who announced he was moving on from the role in December.
“I’m humbled to be offered this position, and grateful for the opportunity to serve our community by continuing my work with The Chamber,” Wilson said. “This is an organization that aligns with the values I’ve always brought to business. I want to thank Bruce Williams for his amazing tenure and recognize him for his extraordinary job raising the profile of The Chamber. I won’t try to fill his shoes, but I will carry on his success, and I look forward to doing my part to realize the vision of our amazing volunteer Board of Directors.”
Current Chamber Chair Christina Clarke said Wilson was chosen because of his experience running a business as well as his connections to decision makers in our region.
“We are the Voice of Business, and our members want us to continue speaking up for Greater Victoria businesses,” Clarke said. “John is a well-known business leader who cares for the community, who contributes to the community in everything he does. The fact he’s so familiar with The Chamber’s work and the professional team in place means he can hit the ground running and continue to champion our members and our business community.”
“I can’t imagine anyone more qualified than John Wilson to be assuming the role of CEO at The Chamber,” outgoing CEO Bruce Williams said. “John served for 13 years on the Chamber Board, three of those as Chair in the tumultuous years of the COVID 19 pandemic recovery. I found great value and insight in our collaboration through those difficult times. John was born and raised in Greater Victoria and has a unique perspective on our local economy. Family has always been John’s priority and we are proud to welcome him into The Chamber family.”
About John Wilson
John Wilson has more than 35 years of experience in the ground transportation and tourism industry, and has served on many boards and committees focused on helping business and the wider community. John is Past Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Chair of Motor Coach Canada, Co-chair of the Victoria Hockey Legacy Society, Canadian Representative for United Motorcoach Association, Past President of Victoria’s SKAL Club, Board Member of the City of Victoria’s Economic Development and Downtown Prosperity Task Force, Board Member of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and a committee member of Destination Greater Victoria’s Destination Management and Transportation, as well as the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission Committee.
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, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Tecnet Canada, Times Colonist, TD Commercial Banking, TELUS Business, 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
Cathy Scott receives Chamber Award of Distinction
Cathy Scott is the recipient of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Award of Distinction.
Scott owns Departures Travel, a Victoria-based agency celebrating 40 years in business, as well as Niche Travel, which specializes in custom tours of Vancouver Island and women’s tours around the globe.
“I am incredibly honoured and deeply humbled to receive the Chamber’s Award of Distinction for 2025,” Scott said. “This recognition means the world to me, especially knowing how many inspiring individuals make up our local business community. I share this honour with my amazing team — their passion, dedication, and heart are at the core of everything we do. I’m filled with gratitude for the journey we’ve shared and the community that continues to support us.”
With 20 years of experience in the travel industry, Cathy has demonstrated visionary leadership, growing her agencies into award-winning enterprises — most recently honoured in Las Vegas with Ensemble’s Member Excellence Award for Canada. Her commitment to Greater Victoria’s prosperity is evident through her mentorship of women entrepreneurs, championing local businesses, and promoting the region globally.
“Cathy is a long-standing Chamber member who exemplifies integrity, innovation, and resilience,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “She is a role model whose influence has shaped both her industry and community, making her a deserving nominee for the Chamber Award of Distinction.”
The Chamber’s Award of Distinction honours an active businessperson who, over a number of years, has made a noteworthy contribution to the Greater Victoria community. This award is in recognition of the positive influence the honouree has had on the economy, business, and the overall community, signifying the achievement, resourcefulness, and determination they have shown. An independent panel of prominent business leaders served as judges.
The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, sponsored by the Times Colonist, will be officially celebrated at the 2025 Greater Victoria Business Awards on June 4, featuring 14 categories recognizing organizations and individuals that have distinguished themselves through excellent customer service, community leadership, innovation and more.
