Thank you to everyone who came to the combined Prodigy Group and The Chamber April Mixer and Mingle last Thursday at  Mayfair Optometric Clinic. Check out the photos here.
Candidate Response Session

Join provincial candidates for a discussion about important priorities for our region Thurs, May 4 from 5 to 7 pm, at the Victoria Conference Centre (Lecture Hall)

Earlier in 2017, the City of Victoria, Downtown Victoria Business Association, The Chamber, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, and Tourism Victoria identified shared areas of concern requiring provincial attention and action, presenting them to provincial candidates at a "Candidate Listening Session " Mar 2.   
The follow-up "Candidate Response Session" is based on the success of that event, inviting candidates' responses to the requests made of the next provincial government.

"I look forward to how the South Island provincial candidates respond to what we presented at the listening session," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt in this Business Examiner op-ed. "I encourage voters to pay close attention to what the candidate say and do, and to engage with them on the issues that matter to you and your business." 
Chamber News
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Social Media Series
2017 Greater Victoria Business Awards
YYJ Eats
Business Mixers
Prodigy Group Mingles
Event Photos
Community Calendar

Take The Chamber's Membership Survey!
In less than five minutes, you can share your thoughts on your Chamber membership by taking our Membership Matters Survey.

Your Chamber membership provides you with discounts on our benefit programs, opportunities to connect with the business community and supports your business through its advocacy efforts. Are you getting your full membership value? 

Help us help you! Enter to win round-trip flights to Vancouver for two from Helijet or two tickets to YYJ Eats by completing the survey
 
The Loonie vs Legislators
"In a preponderantly market economy, government's effect on the job market is indirect more than direct," said Business Council of BC Chief Policy Officer Jock Finlayson in this Business in Vancouver article. "Relatively few of the jobs that have been created in BC the last four years are directly attributable to actions or decisions by government."

Jock adds that the Government of BC's influence is confined to its f iscal, tax, trade, infrastructure, education and training policies. He attributes much of BC's job growth the past four years to the decline in the dollar's value, which positively affects Greater Victoria's key economic driver - tourism.

MEMBER SNAPSHOT: 
Chris Burdge
President, Social Media Camp

What is the best perk of your job? I get to hang with 600+ people for 3 days twice a year. Business lunch or after work drinks? Lunch - preferably on a patio, in the sun. What is the best part about doing business in Greater Victoria? People are chill. What project is your business proudest of? Building a Victoria BC based event (Social Media Camp) from zero to the largest of its kind in Canada. Now if we can just get the Prime Minister to attend... What is your company's greatest strength? We bring in the brightest minds in social media from around the world and ensure they are accessible to our attendees. They always comment on how accessible our speakers are. What is the one thing no one understands or knows about your business? Paul Holmes (aka Dustin Timberfox) is determined to bring MySpace back. Watch the video here. What was your first job? Telemarketer. What's your favourite mode of transportation to get around town? Bicycle. What are you passionate about? The outdoors. Last summer my daughter and I did a 5 day hiking trip to Cream Lake in Strathcona Park. It was the highlight of my year! What do you think is the most important life lesson for someone to learn? Less talk, more do!
More about Chris - and additional Member Snapshots - can be found inside the March Business Matters.   

  Social Media Camp: member since 2012



Ferry Fares: Hot Election Topic!  
 
A loyalty discount program, better wifi, fare freezes and more - BC Ferries is a hot topic during the ramp up to the May 9 election.

How much influence will the next government have on BC Ferries services? Ask new BC Ferries CEO Mark Collins at our next Business Leaders luncheon.
 
Wed, Apr 26 | 11:30 am-1 pm  
Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
728 Humboldt St.
     
   
 
 
Hotelier of the Century 
Terry FarmerTwo hotel-industry veterans from Victoria were honoured at the first BC Hotel Association and the Alliance of Beverage Licensees hospitality industry awards.

Terry Farmer, co-founder of Accent Inns, was named Hotelier of the Century as the BCHA celebrated its 100 anniversary this year. Terry's career as a hotelier began in 1986 when he opened a motor inn in Victoria and is a past recipient of the Governors' Lifetime Achievement Award from The Chamber.

Terry's daughter and current CEO of Accent Inns Mandy Farmer, recently received the distinction of being awarded Hotelier of the Year by Hotelier Magazine. Mandy is also up for Business Person of the Year at the Greater Victoria Business Awards tomorrow night

Michelle LeSage, General Manager of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel was named Hotelier of the Year.


Accent Inns: member since 1992
 

Oak Bay Beach Hotel: member since 2011

Join us @ChamberVictoria for the Business Awards!

The Greater Victoria Business Awards are tomorrow night!  A spectacular night of prestige, entertainment and celebration, the awards recognize members in 14 different award categories. Didn't get tickets to the sold out event? Follow @chambervictoria on Twitter or @victoriachamber on Instagram for live updates.

The winners - and their videos - will be available online April 21.
HarbourCats Add Team Chaplain
The Victoria HarbourCats have created of a new position within the organization as Park Jung has been hired as team chaplain. Park joins fellow sports chaplains in Victoria including Lukas Bonnett, Westshore Rebels chaplain, as well as Victoria Royals chaplain Dave Steingard.
 
Team chaplains are common throughout professional and collegiate sport, but the role is new ground for the HarbourCats and West Coast League. Jung will become the first chaplain in team and league history.
 
The purpose of the team chaplain position is to be present to provide moral, psychological and spiritual care to members of the HarbourCats when desired. "I look forward to the opportunity to come along side of our players and witness the growth of these young men's character on and off the field over the course of the summer," says Park. 
 
 Victoria HarbourCats: member since 2012

Welcome to Our Newest Members! 






 
Gina Ross Coaching & Consulting
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250-383-7191  

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