Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber helped advocate for a small change that will have a big benefit for many downtown businesses. After explaining the concerns of having cruise ship shuttles stop short of Government Street’s retail core, the party’s involved agreed to shift to the 900 block. The change takes place April 4. It required the approval of City of Victoria BC staff, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and Pacific Northwest Transportation Services (PNWTS). “We heard concerns from merchants that the buses were letting cruise ship passengers off before they could discover Government Street to its fullest,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Instead of enjoying the area’s shops, cafes and restaurants, it seems passengers were staying in the area they were dropped off. We worked alongside Destination Greater Victoria and the Downtown Victoria Business Association to address this challenge.” 📰 Read more in BizNews >>> https://lnkd.in/gxJ3usnn

Do you have your tickets yet for the next event in our Business Leaders Series? Join us for an engaging afternoon with CFB Esquimalt Base Commander, Captain(N) Kevin Whiteside! You’ll have the opportunity to: 💡 Learn how your business can connect and build partnerships with our local military community. 🎤 Engage directly with CFB Esquimalt’s Base Commander, who will be taking questions from the floor and in a moderated Q&A. 🫱🏽🫲🏼 Network and build relationships within our Chamber business community. CFB Esquimalt has always been a pillar of strength for Greater Victoria’s economy, employing about 6000 people who support our region’s retailers and services. As well, the base community is a significant customer of goods and supplies itself - contributing over half a billion dollars annually to our local economy. 🔗 You don’t want to miss this opportunity to build meaningful connections for your organization! Reserve your spot today >>> https://lnkd.in/g-38hUdc  .  Thank you to Seaspan ULC for sponsoring this event. 🗓️ When: Thursday, March 13th, 3:30-5pm 📍 Where: CFB Esquimalt Wardroom Dining Room

We are excited to welcome our newest Chamber members, Island Zone Security, Positive Impact Professional Development, Aly Sibley Photography, and McCarthy Consulting Group! 🤝 Calling all businesses in Greater Victoria! 🚀 Discover exclusive benefits and resources when joining The Chamber. Learn more about our newest members and becoming a member on our website >>> https://lnkd.in/gJH_YhFA

We know the threat of tariffs has already created shockwaves in the Canadian economy. But how will they impact you specifically? We’d like to hear what you have to say so we can take those concerns forward to all levels of government. Please share your thoughts with communications@victoriachamber.ca. The Chamber is often looked to for solutions in times of crisis and — as our region’s voice of business — we work hard to represent all of our members. This can be with municipal mayors and councils, local and national media or with federal and provincial representatives. We know tariffs will be a major topic next week at our Business Leaders Breakfast with BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey. This event is now sold out, but you can still register for our next Business Leaders Series event with Capt. (N) Kevin Whiteside. The Base Commander has championed a good relationship with our business community, and he has plenty of insight into how to further that partnership. In times of uncertainty, CFB Esquimalt has always been a pillar of strength for Greater Victoria’s economy. The base employs about 6,000 people who support our region’s retailers and services. As well, this community within a community is a significant customer of goods and supplies itself. Find out more about how you can help build connections on March 13 - register for this event at https://lnkd.in/g-38hUdc 📰 Read more in BizNews >>> https://lnkd.in/g34JfupA

📽 It's time to tune into our Chamber Chat of the week! The important work done by the Our Place Society to support the most vulnerable among us is expanding with the opening of a facility specifically for women. In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams hears from Our Place CEO Julian Daly about the services the new facility will provide, as well as other ongoing projects. Tune in now! >>> https://lnkd.in/d2prJgJc Thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union. Meet with their local experts for solutions as unique as your business.

Today is #PinkShirtDay - a nationally recognized day to stand against bullying, and support programs that promote inclusion at school and in the workplace! The Chamber would like to encourage our community to #LiftEachOtherUp 🩷 We've loved seeing our members embracing Pink Shirt Day today and spreading a message of kindness. This year's Pink Shirt Day theme, #LetKindnessGrow, is an important reminder that we can all nurture a sense of belonging where we live & work. Bullying affects everyone, and today, like all days, we should be kind to one another and help foster positive and inclusive environments wherever we go. #antibullying #kindnessmatters #bekind #letkindnessgrow Emerge

Reminder - next week is our Budget 2025 event, a Conversation with BC's Finance Minister, the Honourable Brenda Bailey, presented by Coastal Community. At this sold-out breakfast event, Minister Bailey will provide an overview of the newly unveiled 2025 BC Budget and answer questions about how it relates to Vancouver Island priorities. 🔗 This event is now at capacity. Join the waitlist >>> https://lnkd.in/g2jY_AjF This event is proudly presented by Coastal Community Credit Union & Insurance. 🗓️ When: Next week - Wednesday, March 5th, 8-9:30am 📍 Where: Hotel Grand Pacific | Vancouver Island Ballroom

Details have been announced about the byelection required to replace former Township of Esquimalt Councillor Darlene Rotchford, who stepped down after being elected to the provincial legislature last October. General Voting Day for the byelection is April 5, with advance voting available on March 26 and April 2. Nominations for candidates can be made until 4 pm, Feb. 28. To find out more about nomination requirements, go to esquimalt.ca or email elections@esquimalt.ca. 📰 Read more in BizNews >>> https://lnkd.in/g2vzNHeg

Last week, The Chamber team had a fun morning visiting IMAX Victoria for an internal screening of their upcoming documentary, Elephants: Giants of the Desert. Thanks to our friends at IMAX Victoria and the Royal BC Museum for inviting us! If we've inspired you to go and enjoy the IMAX, now is a great time to visit - their annual IMAX Victoria Film Festival is on now until March 16th, featuring seven films! Find the full schedule at https://lnkd.in/guwi9a78

We are thrilled to welcome Ben O'Malley to The Chamber team! Ben joins the team as the Chamber’s new Administration Assistant. A recent graduate of the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria, Ben brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. Originally from South Africa, Ben’s experiences have shaped his dedication to equitable practices and meaningful community initiatives. He is eager to apply his education and enthusiasm to empower local businesses and help foster a thriving, connected community. You can connect with Ben at business@victoriachamber.ca. Join us in welcoming Ben to The Chamber! 🎉