Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
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Shop local, Chamber Local, and support our business community
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We've always supported local business. Back to our founding in 1863, we helped Greater Victoria's economy thrive by serving as a unified voice for enterprise.
Today, we continue to adapt and evolve our efforts to help the community by ensuring a strong regional economy.
As we launch our new Chamber Local campaign, we want to hear from you.
What does local mean to your business and to you and your family?
What binds this community together is our connections and our willingness to help. Maintaining our local businesses past 2020 and well beyond requires all of us to think about how shopping local supports our whole region. After all, when was the last time Amazon shopped at your business or sponsored your kid's sports team?
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John Espley named Chamber Member of the Year!
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John Espley has been named Chamber Member of the Year for 2021 by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
“John is someone that knows everyone, He’s a familiar face at Chamber mixers and was one of the people who helped make our virtual events so successful this year,” says John Wilson, chair of The Chamber’s Board of Directors. “We’re delighted to recognize John for his support and I look forward to celebrating with him in 2021, as we continue working to rebuild and add resilience to Greater Victoria’s economy.”
Espley is a vocal champion of The Chamber and has been involved with the organization since the 1990s. Currently the Chief Connector for Connection Skills, Espley served as Chair of The Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2007. He is now a member of the Chamber’s Board of Governors.
“He is one of the strongest supporters of The Chamber I’ve ever met,” says Agilus Work Solutions’ Branch Manager Rose Arsenault, who nominated Espley and was herself Chamber Member of the Year for 2019. “John is always positive, always sharing information about the organization. He believes in the value of being a member and is always singing the praises of Chamber activities and advocacy efforts.”
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Fiscal update adds debt to keep economy active
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Canada's deficit will be close to $400 billion by the end of the fiscal year. To help the economy recover once the pandemic begins to wane, the government is setting aside $100 billion for stimulus.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which has been one of the federal government's key advisors, released a statement regarding the update. The Chamber has called on government to tailor its support to the most vulnerable sectors, and to have a plan to move beyond subsidies.
"Without strong and prolonged economic growth to resolve the country’s growing public debt, Canada’s growing obligations will adversely affect prosperity for future generations," the Canadian Chamber said in its statement.
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BUSINESS RESTART SERIES:
Hon. Perrin Beatty, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
On Jan. 20, 2021, President-Elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States.
Join us that afternoon as Chamber CEO Bruce Williams discusses how the Biden presidency could impact Canada-US relations, and BC in particular, with Canadian Chamber President and CEO Hon. Perrin Beatty. Mr Beatty held several senior Cabinet positions in the Government of Canada including Minister of Revenue, Solicitor General, Minister of National Defence and Secretary of State for External Affairs.
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BUSINESS RESTART SERIES:
Wed., Jan. 20 | 12-1 pm
Zoom
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By-election between two candidates, experts say
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Stephen Andrew is running as a voice of change for people unhappy with the current council's direction. Stephanie Hardman, alternatively, represents Together Victoria — the political group that successfully elected three of its candidates in 2018. Hardman told the Times Colonist she believes council is "moving in the right direction."
For more information on when and where to vote, including for those who own property in the city but reside outside it, go to victoria.ca.
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City of Victoria: member since 1962
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Shop locally and sustainably this holiday season
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This holiday season, be sure to shop locally and sustainably! Follow these Chamber tips to help your local community and the earth as a whole.
Supporting your community this holiday season can be done by shopping locally, sustainably, safely and ethically.
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Chamber Job Board
During these extraordinary times, The Chamber’s Job Board connects employers needing help with employees in need of work.
Whether you’re a CEO, small business owner, or a manager looking for talent, finding and retaining employees is crucial.
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Business Person of the Year honours a business person who:
- Is the founder, owner, CEO, President or Senior Executive of a company(ies)
- Exhibits business leadership and vision;
- Displays a significant commitment to the success of both his/her business and the region as a whole;
- Serves as a positive role model or mentor for other business people;
- Demonstrates leadership and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Displays a commitment to the community.
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Need some inspiration? Check out the videos of the 2020 Business Person of the Year finalists below. Thanks to Deloitte for sponsoring this award.
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Learn more about the nomination process!
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Thurs., Jan. 14 | 12-1 pm
Zoom
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Douglas Magazine: member since 2004
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Poppies Floral Art: member since 2006
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Pine-ing for your attention
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University of Victoria: member since 1976
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Inn at Laurel Point: member since 1991
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Best experiences in Canada
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Butchart Gardens: member since 1976
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A Taste of Victoria Food Tours: member since 2017
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Prince of Whales Whale Watching: member since 2002
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Are you up for the gift-card challenge?
Chamber members looking for a fresh approach to helping businesses hurt by the pandemic can take a page from Newport Realty's playbook. The company is taking money saved from not being able to host a corporate Christmas Party and using it to buy gift cards from local merchants. The cards will be donated to their non-profit of choice — Our Place Society and the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria. Newport challenges other businesses to do the same!
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Inter-Cultural Association: member since 1996
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Newport Realty: member since 2006
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Our Place Society: member since 2010
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Festival of Trees kicks off
From now until Jan. 5, support the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation by participating in the Festival of Trees. This year, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams and Chamber Board Chair John Wilson participated as judges to determine which companies designed the best tree. Check out the trees in person at The Bay Centre or online. Your donation to your favourite tree could help catapult them to the winner's circle!
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation: member since 2016
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Our Native Land
CHEK News has launched Our Native Land, a podcast featuring discussion about Indigenous and First Nations cuisine, culture, heritage and more. Hosted by Tchadas Leo, the first episode features the Hon. Melanie Mark, the first First Nations woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
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CHEK News: member since 1971
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HeroWork’s radical renovation
HeroWork Program Society: member since 2019
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YMCA - YWCA of Vancouver Island: member since 1987
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TELUS Communications: member since 1962
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Do you have an innovation success story? We want to hear from you!
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Welcome to our newest member!
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