Proclamations mark Chamber Week across Greater Victoria

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