Good morning,

Keeping you up to date is important to us. We want you to stay in the loop and informed about everything happening in the Richmond business community and your chamber this month.

If you have an item you would like to be featured in the next newsletter, please reach out to Shaena Furlong.
MIND THE GAP: BC'S PATH TO GENDER EQUITY
The fight for gender equity including addressing the gender wage gap remains a significant issue in British Columbia. Women in B.C make, on average 20% less than men – resulting in one of the largest pay gaps in Canada. This inequity disproportionately impacts women who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, LGBTQ+, and women with disabilities. Unfortunately, the gender pay gap remains a significant issue in B.C and across Canada.

Understanding the root causes of and potential solutions to this disparity can provide a powerful path forward for women across Canada. Members of the public and private sector are committed to identifying and rectifying this inequality.

The Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Circle invites Richmond leaders to join the conversation about gender equity in B.C with afternoon tea and panel presentation. Guests will be invited to a Keynote address by Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity Grace Lore to hear about how Budget 2022 seeks to enhance gender equity in B.C and the Governments work on pay transparency, followed by a lively panel discussion with local industry leaders and curated discussion roundtables. Individuals at various stages of their career are encouraged to attend.

WHEN:
Thursday, April 21st, 2022
Registration Desk opens at 2:30pm
Networking, Tea & Speakers: 3:00pm - 5:00pm

WHERE:
Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel
7571 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V6X 1A3

TICKETS:
General Admission: $62 + GST
Chamber Members and their Guests: $39 + GST
Short Dragon Boat Survey
The Richmond Chamber's Greater China Exchange Committee is seeking your input. As events resume in 2022, we would like to hear from you! Whether you've attended the Annual Dragon Boat Festival & BBQ in the past, or if you haven't had the chance yet, your feedback will help shape plans for 2023 and beyond.

PANDEMIC UPDATES
As you know, many restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic have recently been eased. Below is a summary of recent changes to restrictions, access to rapid tests, and vaccinations to help keep you and your colleagues safe and productive:

Rapid Antigen test kits are now freely available for all people through local pharmacies. There is no longer a requirement to show ID. A friend or family member can also pick up a test kit for you.

Beginning April 8th, the provincial proof of vaccination requirement has been lifted. There is no Provincial Health Officer order requiring events, services or businesses to check proof of vaccination. Individual businesses and event organizers may continue to require proof of vaccination for entry to their premises.

The Government of Canada still requires all travellers 12 years and 4 months and older to be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination to use federally regulated methods of travel:

  • Departing from any Canadian airport
  • Travelling on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains
  • Staying on a non-essential passenger vessel for more than 24 hours (like a cruise ship)

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN CHILE
The Richmond Chamber of Commerce wants to help you grow in new markets, or diversify your supply chain in Chile. Learn about the advantages of the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) and how it makes your B.C. business more competitive in the Chilean market.

Departing October 29, 2022, returning November 4, 2022.

This tour and trade delegation will introduce you to the country with guided cultural tours and curated business meetings. Your flights, superior accommodations, and ground transportation are all taken care of, so you and your guests can relax and enjoy, or focus on business.

Head on an exhilarating 7-day small-group tour and trade delegation to Santiago — the dynamic and cosmopolitan capital of Chile! The Chilean capital is known for its exciting and diverse districts overlooking the mountains, and a tour of Santiago will surely make its impression on you.
INVEST IN THE FUTURE BUSINESS CENTRE OF LANSDOWNE
Rare AAA-Office Tower Ownership in the New Centre of Richmond
ANNUAL AGM & NETWORKING RECEPTION
Members of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and Guests are invited to attend the 96th Annual General Meeting, Thursday, April 28th, 2022. The AGM will be presented in-person and include a cocktail-style networking reception. We hope you will join us for key updates on the Chamber, as well as election of our Board of Directors, and a great networking experience (featuring canapes and local beer and wine).

WHERE:
13888 Wireless Way, Richmond, BC
Complimentary parking is available on site. This location is also located on the 410 bus route.

WHEN:
Thursday, April 28th, 2022
Member Registration & Welcome: 4:30pm – 5:00pm
Annual General Meeting & Board Election: 5:00pm – 5:30pm
Networking Reception: 5:30pm – 7:00pm

TICKETS:
Chamber Members Tickets: $12 + GST

Please note that this event is exclusive to members of the Richmond Chamber and their employees.
NEW BC BID SITE OPENS FOR REGISTRATION
The Province is inviting businesses and public-sector organizations to register on the new, modernized BC Bid site.

BC Bid is an online marketplace where public-sector organizations such as municipalities, school districts, health authorities, Crown corporations and the B.C. government can advertise contract opportunities for work in a wide range of sectors and services.

Businesses and suppliers can begin registering on the new BC Bid site on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Broader public-sector buyers can begin onboarding and creating their accounts on April 28, 2022.

Step-by-step guides are available to help users register and create their accounts. Recordings of information sessions are also available to help users familiarize themselves with the new site.
LEARN WITH THE CHAMBER
LUNCH & LEARN: 8 Simple SEO Tips Every Small Business should Implement in 2022

With 5.6 billion searches every day on Google alone, SEO is one of the most in-demand digital marketing specialties today. The global shift to digital operations has only accelerated that growth. SEO is increasingly taking the place of print marketing and even traditional advertising as business owners realize the importance of having a strong online profile. According to the Globe News Wire, the global SEO services market is expected to reach $103.24 billion by 2025.

Now’s the time to get into SEO and gain an edge on your competitors. Whether you are a business owner or a marketing specialist, having SEO training now gives you an advantage in a rapidly growing industry.

This live, online event will also include a Q&A session.

WHEN:

Wednesday, April 27, 2022/ 12:00pm – 1:00pm

TICKETS:

Free with advance registration.

PRESENTED BY:

Ray Wang, RW Digital
CEO GROWTH MASTERMINDS PEER LEADERSHIP FORUM - Begin May 4th

As an executive, you know how important it is to constantly improve. You are invited to join a group of fellow CEOs and executives who share your drive to succeed. This is a unique opportunity for you to gain the insights, wisdom and experience from other members through a short, regular program of exploration, discussion and learning. It’s like having your own advisory board for your business!

With a maximum of 10 participants in this Masterminds Group, we want to ensure a dynamic group of business executives/owners join in for this special opportunity.



WHEN:

10:30am – 12:00pm – May 4, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 19

Registration will close May 2, 2022.

TICKETS:

$100 + GST includes 6 sessions

FACILITATED BY:

Jerome Dickey, Agile Work Solutions
MEMBER NEWS
Susan Au-Young, Mortgage Broker invites the Richmond business community to the 60th Annual Richmond Open at the Richmond Tennis Club. From May 20th to 29, The Richmond Tennis Open welcomes players from all provinces to compete in all age categories and levels. One of North America's largest grassroots tennis tournament with 10 days of exciting play, open reception bbq to the public and lots of entertainment! Contact Richmond Tennis Club for further information at 604-273-3631.
ZE PowerGroup announced that it has won the Data Management Software of the Year award for 2022 at the recent Canadian Business Awards.

The company is thrilled to have received the Data Management Software of the Year award for 2022 as a global leader in end-to-end data management and analytics technology.

Established in 1995, ZE is a global leader in end-to-end data management and analytics technology.

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER PARTNERS