September 2012

BUSINESS MATTERS

MOVING AROUNDTHE ISLAND

REGION’S NEW DEVELOPMENT

OFFICER

GETTING TO AND FROM OUR ISLAND

- GATEWAYS

TransportationGatewayIssue

FOLLOW US ON

I N T R O D U C I N G

Let us take you to new heights in spa treatments.Sink into some of the most extraordinary spa treatments Victoria has to offer

at the new SORA spa located in the Hotel Grand Pacific. Our Asian-inspired

signature treatments will take you to new heights of relaxation. As part of our

Grand Opening, experience any of our spa services before October 31 and save 10%.

GRAND OPENIN

G

SEPTEMBER 20, 2

012

M e m b e r o f P r e f e r r e d H o t e l s ® & R e s o r t s

463 BELLEVILLE STREET, VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA V8V 1X3 | T 250-380-7862 | SORASPA.CA | spa@hotelgrandpacific.com

HGP_7389_Spa_PrintAd_HGP044.indd 1 12-08-10 1:32 PM

4 Chair Remarks

5 CEO Remarks

6 Getting to and from Our Island – Gateways The region’s gateways connect our business community to the world. Learn

more about these vital links and what their futures hold.

10 Member News Keep up with what’s happening in the Chamber community.

13 Moving Around the Island The Chamber looks at the important role transportation plays in our region

and what can be done to improve this important part of our economy.

17 Welcome to the Region’s New Economic Development Officer Dallas Gislason has joined the Greater Victoria Development Agency as

their new Economic Development Officer. Get to know Dallas and the great services provided by the agency.

18 Upcoming Events Don’t miss out on all the opportunities to connect with fellow business people.

20 Taking the Pulse of the Local Economy Our latest Economic Roundtable session included members from the

academic, hospitality, arts, manufacturing and transportation sectors.

21 New Members Studies show that people prefer to do business with Chamber members.

Check out who has recently made the decision to join us.

26 Advocacy in Action We bring important issues to the attention of leaders in a position to affect

change. Find out what we are working on now.

BUSINESSMATTERSSeptember 2012

CONTENTS

Business Matters is a semi-monthly publication of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and a key business resource targeted to 2,000 business leaders in our community.

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is a progressive, inclusive and dynamic community leader. It is a supportive resource for business people who wish to learn, grow and create a stronger business and a more robust and sustainable community while respecting people, planet and profit.

To advertise in Business Matters, contact us at:

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce#100 - 852 Fort St.Victoria, BC V8W 1H8(250) 383-7191chamber@victoriachamber.ca

Publication Mail Poste-Publications 40005319

4 BUSINESSMATTERS

Chair’s remarksSince Victoria was first selected by Sir James Douglas in 1843 as the western base of operations for the Hudson’s Bay Company, our business community has been an integral part of the fabric of our community. As the voice of business in the capital region, the Chamber will celebrate 150 years of service to the community next year, and has had the distinct privilege of bearing witness and providing support to generations of Victorians as they have driven the economic vibrancy of our region and the quality of life we all enjoy.

While so much has changed over the past 150 years, the nature of our geography and our place in the world remains timeless. In 1863 the region’s first “gold escort” set the stage for the region’s first wave of prosperity, ensuring the safe passage of gold to commercial hubs such as San Francisco. Today these ties remain, with trips now measured in hours not weeks. Visitors to our community continue to foster our growth and the “gold” we shepherd back and forth now travels at the speed of light as computer code increasingly becomes our local currency. What were “start-ups” at the turn of the last century, icons like the Butchart Gardens and the Empress Hotel, are now institutions of an economy that was once measured in thousands of dollars but now generates billions each year in economic prosperity.

In each of these last 150 years, what has driven our transformation from a lone outpost to a diverse global exporter is the entrepreneurial spirit of our local

residents. Measuring in the thousands, they rise each morning to take on the challenges of commerce and the rewards of building this community we call home. Whether they are newcomers to the community or our region’s first inhabitants, generations of sons and daughters, neighbours working together, all have laid the foundation for our next 150 years. On behalf of the Chamber and our 1,500 members, thank you to all the businesses, old and new, who have made our community such a wonderful place to live, work and invest.

-John Espley, Chair, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

tel: 250 590 5211 | 202 - 830 Shamrock St.Victoria BC | V8X 2V1 | www.solbakken.ca

Erik Solbakken, BA, CA

Erin J. Solbakken, BComm, CA

Where successful business owners come forexpert accounting, tax and advisory solutions.

“Business IS our Business”

CeO remarksThe cost of energy is an important issue for businesses and residents alike on Vancouver Island. Whether it is filling up at the pump or addressing your monthly gas and hydro bill, energy costs affect both business’ bottom line and the household budgets of residents in our community. Making sure that we have a competitive and level playing field for energy for everyone on Vancouver Island is extremely important to our economic prosperity, and that is why the proposal for a “common rate” for natural gas in the province needs your support.

FortisBC is proposing to move to one “common rate” for the entire province, a move which will help create more rate stability and consistency, not to mention allow for simpler reporting and increased operational savings. If their application to the BC Utilities Commission is approved it will mean one rate for all customers regardless of where they live in the province. This is incredibly important for Vancouver Island, as it will result in a substantial reduction in the rates we currently pay.

Unfortunately, this issue is NOT a slam-dunk, and like many things in our democracy, those who show up and speak out influence decisions. We need your support! Take just a few minutes and email the utilities commission at “commission.secretary@bcuc.com” with your support and let them know this matters to you!

-Bruce Carter, CEO, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

Wherever. Whenever.IT Solutions, now with a west coast flare

‘‘‘‘ “We here at ITnorth.ca are again honored to be finalists for this technology award that spans the

entire globe. To know that we’re not just a Gold Partner with Microsoft but an internationally award winning one serves to testament that we are doing things right! We take pride in knowing we provide

exceptional services wherever, whenever.”Akos Zsufa

President - ITnorth.ca

ITnorth is a Microsoft Gold PartnerMicrosoft opens an office in Victoria BCITnorth sets up shop just around the corner

n

n

n

Unit 211, 1005 Henry Eng PlaceVictoria, BC V9B 6B2www.itnorth.ca1-888-774-3686

What a year IT’s been…

ITNorth half page Mag Ad 7.0.indd 1 8/20/12 2:14:57 PM5BUSINESSMATTERS

6 BUSINESSMATTERS

When talking about transportation the Chamber often divides the topic into transportation to and from the island, and transportation on the island. The key difference lies in the gateways. Gateways are characterized by a mode change in transportation. We get off the ferry and drive, we disembark the airplane and take a cab, we step off the floatplane and walk downtown.

These shifts in transportation modes provide the opportunity to have a meal, meet with friends, and buy souvenirs. From this perspective the gateways provide an economic opportunity, but what the Chamber sees as an opportunity can also be viewed as a cost. It costs more money to fly or take a ferry than it does to just drive. We know the destination is worth the trip but these gateways are the key in transporting goods, services, and people to and from the island.

Great GatewaysThe best gateways are almost transparent; what they lack in transparency they make up for with positive experience. In this regard I must commend BC Ferries; the vessels and terminal are well maintained, the staff is welcoming, and long waits for sailings are seldom seen. On top of that the trip itself is gorgeous, often with killer whales entertaining the passengers.

Every year over $11 billion passes through our gateways, supporting 85,000 household sustaining jobs in the region. Whether by ferry or airplane, barge or flatbed, almost everything we use and produce relies on the gateways to our community.

So what is happening with these important economic assets and what are their future opportunities to continue building our region? We examined each of our gateways for a picture into the region’s future.

Victoria International AirportVictoria is home to Canada’s ninth largest airport, which supported over 137,000 “aircraft movements” in 2011 alone. This activity brings millions of people to and from the region, and connects our Island economy with major North American centres including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Las Vegas, Seattle, and San Francisco.

Since 2003, Victoria International Airport has shown steady growth each year in its number of passengers; from approximately 1,180,000 passengers in 2003 up to slightly fewer than 1,500,000 in 2011. An increase is anticipated in the number of passengers annually through 2025 to a projected number of 2.3 million.We already have a great airport, but we must continue to maintain and develop this critical gateway. Plans include changes to improve flow in terminal passenger areas and to better accommodate the increasing jet aircraft service. The Airport Authority is examining runway length; expansion would open up new markets in Europe and Asia. Gateways also provide interface with Customs and

PREPARED FOR: MARKET STORESPUBLICATION: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

INSERTION DATE: MARCHSIZE: 4.9” x 4.7”

PREPARED BY: BRAVO ADVERTISING 250 590 1169

themarketstores.com903 Yates At Quadra | 250.381.6000 7 am - 11 pm

125-2401 C Millstream Road | 250.391.1110 8 am - 11 pm

Got a case of the Mondays?

Escape with a Tropical Dream Torte Vanilla sponge cake moistened with Grand Marnier and layered with vanilla buttercream,

whipped cream, fresh papaya and fresh pineapple.

Heavenly!Treat yourself and your cube mates today.

And Monday, too.

Immigration staff; the Airport has long term plans to improve this service. As volumes grow it may be possible to clear US Customs in Victoria prior to boarding, allowing flights to be considered domestic arrivals in the US. This would make travel much easier and open a wider range of US destinations including Palm Springs and Palm Desert. Immediate plans include attracting direct flights to Los Angeles to complement the region’s successful San Francisco route, and new connections to Europe and Asia.

Ferry ServicesVictoria is fortunate to have three categories of ferry services that support our region. Each service is designed for a specific purpose. Black Ball Ferries, Washington State Ferries and Victoria Clipper provide a direct connection to the US. This direct connection is extremely important and incorporates the same Customs clearance that the airport hopes to achieve someday. These ferries service a population of approximately 14 million people in the Pacific Northwest and have tremendous potential for increased traffic.

GETTING TO AND

FROM OUR ISLAND -

GATEWAYS

7BUSINESSMATTERS

written by Bruce Carter

“We have a great opportunity with our climate here. Water is just one of many pieces of the puzzle”. — Mike Doehnel, Saanich Pennisula Water Commission and the Water Advisory Committee

Our region is at a great advantage. Food systems require a lot of energy, but many overwintering and legume crops require no additional irrigation

– in fact, growing food in our climate requires approximately four times less water than equivalent crops grown in hotter areas of North America. And that’s great news, not just for local farmers, but for our environment.In our communities, people and organizations are taking a new interest in supporting local farms and sustainable food options. Growing food in our mild climate is just one of the ways we can reduce the impact of food production on climate change. For more information on irrigation and water saving tips, visit www.crd.bc.ca/ici

Mik

e Do

ehne

l and

Bry

ce R

ashl

eigh

www.crd.bc.ca

Seaspan operates a little known ferry service mainly for trucks to and from the Lower Mainland. This service is critical to our region because it’s the only way to move a refrigerated truck (fresh food) to and from the mainland. Little known, but critically important.

BC Ferries is both the highest profile and largest carrier to the island. The quasi-crown corporation operates three different route systems: the northern routes, the Gulf Islands, and mainland routes. Their business model offers a challenge; the mainland routes are the only profitable ones, subsidizing all the others. While a noble pursuit, the rates on the southern routes have grown to such a point that this gateway is perceived by many to be too expensive (based on decreasing ridership). As the northern and Gulf Island routes rely heavily, if not solely, on taking a mainland route first, there exists a structural challenge that must be addressed.

Inner Harbour AirportYes, we have two airports in our city; Victoria’s downtown seaplane terminal and the harbour have their own control tower and is an actual airport. The service provided by the variety of float plane companies and Helijet provide crucial transportation to support Victoria’s knowledge-based economy. These services provide the necessary transportation for government and private sector workers to reach clients in the Lower Mainland and Pacific Northwest. Without these highly efficient services we could not support the knowledge based industries that are vital to our island economy.

Cruise Terminal (Ogden Point)Ogden Point brings 229 cruise ship calls and 475,000 passengers to our community; such numbers visibly demonstrate what an important role a vibrant working harbour plays in our economic prosperity.

Ensuring that we can keep this valuable hub open for business is critical to many of the region’s most important industries. The cruise ship industry is significant for the economic impact of services to the ship alone. In addition, cruise passengers represent potential repeat visitors; they get to see what a great place Victoria is to visit and will consider coming back and spending more time here. The cruise business will evolve over time and we need to ensure our service evolves,

offering to meet the needs of this important group. The gateway is only as good as the destination!

Gateway Strategy is Important for EveryoneOverall we are fortunate to have a variety of gateways that meet our region’s needs. The airport has significant plans for expansion and will have to work to get support from government to bring them to fruition.

The structural challenges of BC Ferries must be addressed as we have witnessed the evidence of decreased ridership. Our inner harbour airport

is critical and will have to continue to operate efficiently. The cruise terminal is in great shape but long-term planning around the services required to support its visitors is necessary.

Great Gateways will lead to great experiences.

8 BUSINESSMATTERS

The Times Colonist iPad app

Download it today!

PREPARED FOR: VICTORIA CONFERENCE CENTREPUBLICATION: CHAMBER BUSINESS MATTERS

INSERTION DATE: SEPTEMBER 2012SIZE: 7.5” X 4.7”

PREPARED BY: BRAVO ADVERTISING 250.590.1169 bravoadvertising.ca

I believe Victoria is a great conference destination because …

“There is no place I’m aware of that bundles so much together including flourishing landscapes, mountain vistas, the Inner Harbour, great attractions, moderate climate, fine cuisine, shopping, and a gateway to Vancouver Island. This, combined with a community that embraces hospitality, is why Victoria is a special place for conference delegates.”

Every delegate spends $350+ per day in our community. Help us to identify future business. Call me and become a Business Ambassador.Brenda AndersonDirector of Sales & MarketingDirect: 250-361-1035

REID JAMESGeneral Manager, Hotel Grand PacificProud to be a Victoria Business Ambassador

Chamber Mourns the Passing of Lifetime Achievement Winner John ChewThe Chamber mourns the loss of John Chew, a long-time Chamber member and winner of the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Chew, who started one of the Island’s largest excavation companies, will be fondly remembered for his many contributions to the region’s business community and the community at large. The Chew Group of Companies - Chamber members since 1962 - employ over 100 people on Vancouver Island and have diverse interests which include construction, contracting, maintenance and other property interests. Chew is survived by his wife Shirley, four children, and four grandchildren.

Page One Publishing Inc. Promotes Slavens to Managing Editor for Douglas and YAM MagazinesPage One Publishing Inc. announced that Kerry Slavens has been promoted to Managing Editor with responsibility for overseeing the editorial team for Douglas, Victoria’s business magazine, and YAM, Victoria’s lifestyle magazine. This promotion consolidates Slavens’ role as YAM editor with the Douglas editorship previously held by Brian Hartz, who has moved back to Indiana to be closer to family.

“Kerry has proven that she understands how we want to evolve our magazines,” says Lise Gyorkos, President of Page One. “She was instrumental in YAM’s major growth last year — and with her energy, community involvement, and business knowledge, Douglas is well-positioned for growth this year.”

“We have a very strong vision at Page One for where we want to take

Douglas and YAM magazines,” says Slavens. “I am passionate about both magazines and I’m thrilled about leading our very talented team of writers to create content that excites, informs, and engages our readers.” Visit Pageone Publishing at www.pageonepublishing.ca.

BC Hazmat Expands Programs and Moves into New OfficesB.C. Hazmat Management Ltd. is expanding its training programs after signing a lease on 5,000 square feet at 6-10114 McDonald Park Rd. in North Saanich. David Rogers said the company - founded 12 years ago and now the largest environmental and safety training facility on Vancouver Island - can accommodate both small groups and larger classes up to 15 students. Call 250-656-3382 or visit www.bchazmat.com

MD Charlton Featured in Two Trade PublicationsChamber member M. D. Charlton was recently featured in two prominent

10 BUSINESSMATTERS

MEMBER NEWS

11BUSINESSMATTERS

DARREN WARNER | IDEATION+PERSUASION | 250. 891. 3241 | dwarner6@telus.net | dwarner6.com

Client: Geoff McLean & Associates GMA1204 - GVCC Business Matters 1/2 pg Size: 7.5” x 4.7” Date: Aug 6, 2012 Repro: 4/C cmyk Fonts: Myriad ProPub: Business Matters

3 bedroom + den and bonus room

Open concept main floor with designer kitchen& Carrera marble

Another fine home built by Terry Johal

Finalist - 2010 Victoria Homebuilder Awards

2/5/10 New Home Warranty

MLS 3125555

Unparalleled ocean + mountain views

3 bedrooms all with ensuites

Steps from 2 kilometres of sandy beach

Main floor master with 5 piece ensuite

Wrap-around decks to enjoy the views

MLS 310787

Visit geoffmclean.com for more on our current homes for sale!

geoffmclean.com

Geoff McClean & Associates Personal Real Estate Corporation

Esquimalt Lagoon $ 759,000Stunning Bear Mountain Home $ 983,000

Over 4700 sq. ft. of custom built luxury3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms + office.82 acre private property, gorgeous landscapingDesigned by Ben Levinson to be timelessWatch the Butchart fireworks from the hot tubSeparate in-law accommodation

MLS 31078

Special Central Saanich $ 1,149,000Acreage with OCEAN VIEWS!

industry publications, Business Review Canada and Manufacturing Digital for its role as a premier military and law enforcement distributor for over 30 years. Providing customers with product lines in an exclusive capacity, M.D. Charlton prides itself on the quality of its merchandise. Always interested in providing customers with the most up-to-date products, M.D. Charlton constantly considers new technology in the selection of its suppliers. After leaving the RCMP, Murray Charlton started M.D. Charlton out of humble beginnings starting out of a garage in 1980. Charlton originally specialized in firearms repair and accessory sales, but has since grown its products and services with offices across Canada. Visit M.D. Charlton at www.mdcharlton.ca.

Daniels Electronics Purchased by Australian CompanyCodan Limited of Australia has announced the acquisition of local technology company Daniels Electronics Limited, a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of land mobile radio communications (LMR) solutions in North

America.Codan designs, manufactures and markets a diversified range of highend, value-added electronic products, with three key business divisions: radio communications; metal detection; and, mining technology. Daniels offers a broad range of land mobile radio communications used by specialised market segments, such as public safety, which requires high performance and high reliability private communications networks. Key clients include fire service organizations, police, ambulance and other emergency service providers, military, forestry organizations, highways and road contractors, and mining and exploration companies.

“Originally a family owned business, Daniels is very happy to be acquired by an Australian company that shares a similar history and culture and that will continue to grow the opportunities for our LMR products” said Daniels Electronics President and Chief Operating Officer, Robert Small.

With over 100 years of combined history and innovation in the radio communications market, the integration of Daniels into the Codan Radio Communications Division provides

Codan with an established North American market and the opportunity to bring Daniels’ product offerings to Codan’s global distribution networks, especially in the emerging world.

Ocean Networks Canada Announces New CEOThe oceans are changing so quickly it is vital that scientists and governments around the globe work together to better understand them, says the new head of the University of Victoria organization.

Dr. Kate Moran, an internationally renowned ocean engineer, has taken over as president and CEO of Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) for a five-year term. Managing the region’s world-leading VENUS and NEPTUNE Canada subsea networks, she replaces founding president and CEO Dr. Martin Taylor, who retired on June 30.

ONC is a non-profit agency created by UVic in 2007 to develop and manage the Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) Observatory, made up of the VENUS and NEPTUNE Canada networks. The observatory uses innovative

MEMBER NEWS

MEMBER NEWS

How’s your Corporate Culture?A Corporate Membership at the Royal BC Museum gives organizations of any size the opportunity to support one of the foremost cultural institutions in the world. Your support enables us to care for our collections and archives, to bring in exciting travelling exhibitions and offer educational programming. Perfect for corporate gifts, employee incentives or year-end bonuses. Discover all the ways it pays to be a member.

www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Contact Jennifer Vanderzee, 250 387-3287, membership@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

engineering, data communication and sensor technologies to gather real-time data and images from the ocean depths. ONC also manages the ONC Centre for Enterprise and Engagement, which promotes commercialization and outreach opportunities arising from observatory research.

New Thrifty Foods Distribution Centre Opens Sobeys Inc. President and CEO Marc Poulin and Thrifty Foods President Jim Dores welcomed guests as they officially opened the docks at the 152,000 square foot Retail Support Centre (RSC) near the Victoria International Airport.

The facility will employ about 50 people in 2012, with steady growth predicted for 2013. The Victoria airport location will service 19 Vancouver Island stores, one on Saltspring Island, eight Lower Mainland locations and, through a wholesale division, more than 40 independent grocers province-wide.

The Retail Support Centre was designed and constructed according to LEED-level principles, with

sustainability and energy-saving features integrated into the natural landscaping, state-of-the-art lighting, water, waste, and energy monitoring and recycling systems.

Thrifty Foods was founded in 1977 in Victoria. Today, Thrifty Foods is a banner of Sobeys Inc. and has a total of 28 retail grocery stores in the Lower Mainland and across Vancouver Island.

eGurus Technology Tutors Expands Services into the Mid Island.eGurus is now serving Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum. Cited by Douglas Magazine as a business embracing the redefinition of “golden years”, and featured in the Times Colonist as “the business that brings enrichment to lives” with their online and on-site tutoring systems, eGurus specializes in teaching older adults to effectively use technology to enhance their lives.

Jennifer Cairns, founder and CEO of eGurus Technology Tutors launched her company in 2006 (formerly known

as Computer Tutor for Seniors), after identifying a massive need among older adults. Since starting her company, Cairns has personally taught many hundreds of seniors, crafted comprehensive, online programs, and trained tutors who share her mission.

eGurus provides set-up, training and support on computer and related technology products such as smartphones, iphones, eReaders, digital cameras, printers, scanners - you name it, they can teach you about it - in the privacy and comfort of your home.

Their highly trained tutors will arrive at your home, assess your training needs, recommend a personalized training plan, and deliver services based on your pace and learning style. Visit eGurus at www.egurus.ca.

New Community Relations Manager for Broadmead CareThe Broadmead Care Society is pleased to announce that Kathy Baan, Cert. PR, has accepted the position of Community Relations Manager. Most recently, Kathy was the Director of Family Relations, Administration and Communications for the David Foster Foundation where she was part of the team that raised $4.6 million at the David Foster 25th Anniversary Celebration in May. Prior to this, she was the Promotions Director for the Times Colonist where she managed the annual Raise-A-Reader event, raising over $1 million for literacy.

She came to the Times Colonist from C-FAX 1070 where she was the Promotions Director responsible for the annual C-FAX Community Awards and hundreds of promotions. Kathy has a Certificate in Public Relations from the University of Victoria, an extensive volunteer background, and has organized and executed more than 500 events. In her role at Broadmead Care, Kathy will oversee all society and third party events, and manage communications and donor relations.

12 BUSINESSMATTERS

13BUSINESSMATTERS

In an earlier article we talked about Gateways, modes of transportation to and from the Island. Just as important is how well the transportation system works once here. Let’s face it, prairie towns have it easy: flat land, no ocean, no harbours - OK maybe they have to cross a river once or twice but those bridges don’t have to lift to let ships through!

The West Coast of this nation has strikingly beautiful shorelines and majestic mountains rising from the sea, which make transportation a real challenge. It would be much easier to drive to the Westshore if we didn’t have to go around Esquimalt harbour… But we do!

Improving Quality of Life

Transportation is a key component in quality of life. If we can ride our bikes safely and efficiently as we travel around town we are likely to be more physically fit and happier. If we are able to travel efficiently in our car to and from work, soccer practice, the grocery store, the doctor’s office etc. we’ll be able to get our chores done without becoming overstressed. If we can send

MOVING AROUND THE ISLAND

kitchen cabinets from Keating Cross road to a Westshore development without traffic delays we will save time and money.

All of these relate to overall quality of life and an efficient transportation system is needed so that we can benefit from that quality of life.

What do we have right?

Compared to many other centres Greater Victoria has done some things very well. Our transit system has great coverage and service in the entire region. The transit system has a modern environmentally conscious fleet and is staffed by people who truly care about their riders. Parking - yes that’s right parking! - we have good availability of affordable parking throughout our region. Though Victoria is the only municipality that charges for parking,

the rates are reasonable and supply is plentiful. We also have significant bike and walking trails in the region that serve us very well. As we assess what we have right, our local transportation infrastructure looks good compared to other jurisdictions around the globe.

What next?

For all that we have right there are still areas that require work to improve services and allow for inevitable growth. In order to maintain our quality of life or improve it we need to include transportation in our plans.

Transportation Strategy

We talked earlier about the challenges our geography poses; an integrated transportation plan, to move goods and people through our region around its natural features, is key.

To move forward we need an integrated transportation strategy for the region. A municipal boundary is not a geographic barrier to good transportation but everyone has all too many examples of when it seems that way. Municipalities only control roads in their jurisdiction and even then some of the major routes are controlled by the Province. This results in bike lanes that end suddenly, major routes constricted by planters and traffic calming, and a desperate need for improvement of intersections that municipalities don’t control!

In addition, our transit system is experiencing significant delays and requires traffic signal priorities, bus bypass lanes, and HOV lanes to regain

Last year, BC Transit made 25 million round-trips in the

region

written by Bruce Carter

some of its previous efficiency.The creation of a Regional Transportation Authority that controls major routes and transit is vital in achieving our transportation goals.

Colwood Crawl

Our region has naturally adapted to the high cost of housing in the core by developing more affordable housing in the Western Communities. Unfortunately this trend in land use has advanced much more quickly than the transportation system. The significant delays on this route used to be only at the rush hours. However, now it seems this route is becoming a bottle neck for much longer periods.

Access to the region’s supply of affordable housing needs to be improved and that means addressing the Colwood route. A solution for improving the road system is dealing with problem intersections, thereby reducing bottle necks. Encouraging a modal shift for commuters is possible as well. It’s quite a ride from the Western Communities to the University of Victoria; though it is possible to convince some folk to ride their bikes, it would only be a limited number. However, increasing bus ridership would help tremendously in easing the traffic challenge.

In order for the bus to be attractive it must have a faster travel time than cars and provide service at a reasonable rate. In order to achieve shorter commute times buses need greater priority on the roadway: HOV lanes, intersection bypasses, and priority traffic signals.

Light Rapid Transit

Any discussion of transportation solutions in the Western Communities could not possibly be complete without addressing the light rapid transit notion that has been discussed at length in our region. I have called this a notion to make the point that all we have at this stage is a notion or a concept. The development of a full blown plan is tens of millions of dollars and a number of years in the future.

A rapid transit system in the region may have real benefits and may be cost effective but there is no way of knowing that yet. I appreciate the opinions of those who are sure it will be highly beneficial as much as I do those that are positive it’s a waste of money. In my opinion we simply don’t

“Cycling Capital of Canada”. Ridership currently stands at just over 3%, but according

to studies conducted in other jurisdictions, it may

have the potential to reach 15% of regional ride-share if

continued investment in trails and infrastructure continues.

A recent CRD report highlights a potential investment of up to $275 million over the next 20 years is needed to create

such systems in the region.

14 BUSINESSMATTERS

Population & Trip Growth

15BUSINESSMATTERS

Expert Cleaning Service

Certified • Experienced • Sustainable

Over 40 Years Experience And Canada’s Largest Janitorial Service Provider

www.bee-clean.comFor more information:

“Canada's innovation leader providing cleaning services to Alberta's oilsands”

Victoria Office:526 Comerford Victoria B.C.phone:250-381-7566fax:250-381-7570

(780) 743 2007

PICSTHE CONTRACTORS’ CHOICE

THE CONTRACTORS’ CHOICE

Expert Cleaning Service

Industrial

Commercial

Institutional

Educational

Retail Over 40 Years Experience & Canada’s Largest Janitorial Service Provider

www.bee-clean.com

Canada's innovation leader providing cleaning services to Victoria and Area

1-888-668-4420THE CONTRACTORS’ CHOICE

Certified • Experienced • Sustainable

100% Canadian owned and operated

have enough information yet to make that call.

I do know that ridership is the key. It will be easy, if not a natural transition, to move people from buses to rapid transit. It will be extremely difficult to get people to abandon their cars for a seat on a rapid transit system. This is why it’s so important to increase our bus ridership (through HOV lanes etc.) now.

Esquimalt Harbour Ferry

Over the past few years a number of different projects have popped up to attempt cracking the transportation nut. A good example of one such project is what had been dubbed the “blue boat”. Operated by CFB Esquimalt, the service ferried employees from the western communities to their work at the base in Esquimalt. This helped ease the burden on one of the region’s most used transportation arteries and literally took hundreds of cars off the road each day. While the service was discontinued by the military, a private sector operator has stepped up to fill this need in the market. Best known for their yellow harbour ferries, the Victoria Harbour Ferry Co. has replaced the 50-year-old blue boats with a new service named the “Baseline Connector”. This is an innovative private sector solution and a few more like it may be possible.

Heavy Rail – E&N

The E&N corridor has been promoted as a solution to many of our transportation problems by potentially reducing traffic on the Colwood route and connecting communities north of the Malahat. The corridor is in terrible shape technically and significant investment is required to restore its capacity to carry heavy rail traffic again. In addition to the rail bed improvements, there may be a requirement to improve safety at many of the urban railway crossings.

Once the expensive improvements are complete, a commuter service using heavy rail components is envisaged. Unfortunately heavy rail components don’t provide an ideal technology to

support commuters and the operation of the system may not be cost effective either. Experts agree that ease for users and frequency of movement are significant factors in increasing ridership on any route. Even with these expensive improvements, it is difficult to imagine how the E&N corridor will attract sufficient ridership to make it a worthwhile investment. The Island Corridor Foundation has a lot of work ahead of it to make the overall business case for commuter rail.

Peninsula Highway

Driving to and from Sidney is very important in our region. The additional development of industrial lands around the airport and continued growth in the Keating area will add significant demands to this corridor. There are intersections that need to be improved, particularly Sayward and Sidney, but the solution may reside in some land use planning on the peninsula. There will be increasing demand for housing on the peninsula. More housing (increased density) in the Sidney, North Saanich and Central Saanich areas would greatly ease the burden on the transportation system.

Rail commute estimated at $22 to $38 per passenger trip, according to a report authored jointly by B.C.

Transit and the E&N rail line’s owner, the Island Corridor

Foundation.

The region spends over $108 million on public transportation in all its

different forms.

The Plan

By examining the transportation options above, a path really becomes quite clear. We need to develop HOV lanes, bus bypasses and priority signals to improve our transit system and increase ridership. We need to create a Regional Transportation Authority to control the major routes and to ensure destinations are connected. We need to fully develop the business cases for Light Rapid Transit and the E&N corridor, so that we can make informed decisions about the best uses of our limited tax dollars.

Customer Service equals Delta Victoria“Learning about teamwork which is about building a community which is what Delta stands for,” is how Hospitality Management student Peggy Liu, describes one of the many benefits of her co-op work term at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa. Delta Victoria recently completed a $14 million renovation of 240 guest rooms and Liu, working in the Food and Beverage division, has been involved in helping to reorganize the department as well as overseeing the hotel’s mini-bars. This is no small task as it means checking the mini-bars in every room, every day!

Liu’s path to the co-op program began when she was studying to be an accountant and working part-time at a local restaurant. She realized that she really enjoyed her restaurant job because it gave her the opportunity to work with people. A friend suggested that she look into the two year Hospitality program at Camosun, advice that was confirmed by the many positive things she heard from people in her community.

And what does Delta Victoria think about Camosun and the co-op program? Jennifer Woppenkamp, Outlets Manager, and Jackie Spencer, Director of People Resources, are satisfied customers. The co-op work term coincides with the summer busy season and for Delta that’s a big bonus. Not only do they have access to students that have been pre-screened by the Co-op Education department but the Camosun students are ready to put their schooling into action. As Spencer says, “We get excited to give students the opportunities who want to work in the industry. Because they’ve gone through a year of schooling, they have some understanding of what our industry is.”

Liu, Woppenkamp and Spencer all agree that co-operative education is a smart investment. Liu particularly likes the fact that the co-op work term allows her to put into practice the concepts that she learnt in her academic program. As for Woppenkamp, “it’s shocking to me that every university or college program doesn’t have co-op.” For more information about co-operative education at Camosun,

call 250 370 4410 or visit:www.camosun.ca/coop

A: A co-op student with the skills to speed up your projects. Contact us today to learn how our students can contribute to your workplace. Work terms normally begin in January, May and September.

Q: What’s missing from your workplace?

Co-operative Education and Student Employment www.camosun.ca/cese250.370.4410

Co-operative Education Program and Career Serviceswww.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/employerslearninginmotion.uvic.ca250.721.7628

16 BUSINESSMATTERS

17BUSINESSMATTERS

A New Economic Development Officer for the Greater Victoria Development Agency In July, the board of the region’s economic development agency announced the addition of Dallas Gislason to the organization as Economic Development Officer.

Dallas Gislason has enjoyed an eight-year career in the economic development field, working at both the regional and provincial levels—mostly in the province of Saskatchewan. Dallas’ background positions him well to make a smooth transition into his new role, with tremendous experience supporting local businesses and bringing all the various institutions together in order to be more responsive to the needs of the business community.

“Since establishing the GVDA in 2007 we’ve made significant progress,” says Mike Weston, Chair of the Greater Victoria Development Agency and

founder of Cube Global Storage, “We are delighted that Dallas Gislason has joined our agency to build on this progress and continue enhancing our region’s competitive position on a national and global scale.”

“It is really exciting for me to be involved in making Greater Victoria a more competitive place to do business and invest,” says Gislason, “Like many others, I see our region as having many unique attributes that position us on the world stage. With continuous positive progress, the region will remain vibrant for years to come.”

Sasha Angus, who helped start the GVDA in 2007 as its inaugural economic development officer, will take on the role of CEO of the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation starting in September. This announcement presents an opportunity

By Dallas GislasonEconomic Development Officer,

Greater Victoria Development Agency

There’s Advice, then there’s Sound Advice!If you are looking for ways to grow your business but youhave more competitors and fewer buyers, you need tosubscribe to Sound Advice. A FREE weekly 30‐secondgrowth tip emailed right to your inbox.Email us at soundadvice@theq.fm  to find out more. Divisions of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group

for the Victoria and Nanaimo region to work more closely on broad regional issues like island transportation, as well as to compete for large projects—like international sports competitions or projects requiring large access to the south-island’s diverse talent pool.

The GVDA is an industry-led organization representing the major industries and academic institutions of the region. The GVDA seeks to ensure that Greater Victoria remains a vibrant place to live, work and invest. An important mandate of the GVDA is to further strengthen economic conditions throughout the region so emerging and established firms can survive and succeed. The GVDA also encourages new investment and business from across North America and around the world.

18 BUSINESSMATTERS

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER EVENTS

visit us on the web at www.chinookbusinessbrokers.ca

Chinook Business Brokers is a full service Business Brokerage offering businesses for sale on Vancouver Island.

We specialize in valuating, packaging, listing and selling existing business opportunities, new business opportunities, and franchise opportunities. Chinook Business Brokers provides comprehensive personal support to

our clients through every stage of the transaction. From the initial business valuation, through the due diligence process, to signing

the final documents, Chinook Business Brokers offers guidance every step of the way.

We create an environment where you can access the information necessary to make decisions, enabling you

to maximize your investment and minimize your risk.

For a free, no obligation Courtesy Business Valuation please contact Keith MacKenzie, CBB at (250) 710-3265 or email kmackenzie@chinookbusinessbrokers.ca

Six for LunchWednesday, September 12, 201212:00pm – 1:30pmLocation: The Gatsby Mansion RestaurantMembers only please

Prodigy Group September MingleThursday, September 13, 20125:00pm – 7:00pmHosted by: Earls Kitchen + BarMembers & their guests only please

September Business Mixer Thursday, September 20, 20125:00pm – 7:00pmHosted by: University Club of VictoriaMembers & their guests only please

Building Momentum Series-Ensuring the Sale of Your BusinessThursday, September 27 , 201210:30am – 12:30pmSponsored by: KPMG

Six for LunchTuesday, October 9, 201212:00pm – 1:30 pmLocation: Vista 18 RestaurantMembers only please

Prodigy Group October MingleThursday, October 11, 20125:00pm – 7:00pmHosted by: Pizzeria Prima Strada (Bridge Street Location)Members & their guests only please

October Marketplace MixerThursday, October 18, 20124:00pm – 7:00pmTitle Sponsor: Times Colonist

19BUSINESSMATTERS

Building your business is challenging. We have your solutions.

• CustomizedBusinessAccountPackages

• CommunityAccounts

• CashManagementServices

• ForeignExchangeServices

• PointofSaleServices

• SmallBusinessOnlineBanking

• FinancingandLinesofCredit

• CreditCards

• Investments

• InsuranceServices

Contactyourlocalbranchorvisit iscu.com/business

◆ Located steps from the Inner Harbour and Beacon Hill Park

◆ Standard, One and Two Bedroom Suites, Spa Suites, and Penthouse Suites - All with Balconies

◆ Samuel’s by the Park Restaurant◆ Complimentary Local Calls, Wireless

Internet, and Business Centre◆ Meeting Room (up to 45 people)◆ Complimentary Downtown Shuttle

Service◆ Indoor Pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna and

Fitness Centre

QUEEN VICTORIA HOTEL & SUITES

655 Douglas Street Victoria BC V8V 2P9

1-800-663-7007Tel 250-386-1312Fax 250-381-4312www.qvhotel.com

ViCTOriaChamBer.Ca

Business Mixer + Chamber Tradeshow =

One POWERFUL networking event!

MARKETPLACE MIXERThursday, October 18, 20124 - 7 pmHarbour Towers Hotel & Suites

Be there.

20 BUSINESSMATTERS

ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLESThe Chamber and GVDA started hosting Economic Roundtables early in 2012. The discussions involve representatives from a cross-section of Victoria’s various business sectors over a 1.5 hour period. The insight shared by these individuals continues to be both fascinating and valuable.

Hospitality Sector Though the tourism industry injects $1.95 billion into the local economy, it’s important to note that our favorite local restaurants rely as much on our continued patronage as they do on the visitor dollar. Recent challenges in the tourism industry (like a rising Canadian dollar, USA “protectionism” and Canada’s expansion of duty-free US shopping) mean that it is imperative for Victoria’s local hospitality sector to innovate. Moving forward, watch for more publicity from restaurants who serve locally-sourced ingredients, and look for increased packaging options amongst local attractions and hotels, as well as more niche products - like micro-breweries - to pop up. The tourism industry is growing more than

2% per year globally and will remain strong as baby-boomers retire - Victoria must be positioned as a leader.

Education Greater Victoria remains one of the most attractive places in the world for post-secondary education. Our three higher-education institutions are complemented by local innovators that provide English as a Second Language (ESL) training, customized training for local businesses, and other support services. As an education destination world-wide, Victoria needs to make continuous strides with marketing, student housing, and ensuring that students from diverse markets can get here (e.g., VISA approvals from Mexico). We must also engage students in our region and help them get their careers started right here in Victoria. This will help us expand education’s current $2 billion impact on our community.

Arts and Culture Victoria’s arts and culture industries are not only vibrant components of the region’s quality of life equation, but they also contribute to the region’s

economy (to the tune of $170 million per year!) Victoria was named the most cultured city in Canada by MacLean’s magazine. From small performance venues to a youth-oriented music scene - including well-established arts/music programs in local schools, to renowned art galleries and exquisite performance halls, the quality-of-life here is drastically improved by the arts and cultural components.

Manufacturing Local businesses recognize a need to look in greater depth at the region’s “supply-chains” across many different sectors. They see this as a way to not only increase efficiencies by replacing imported inputs with locally-supplied products (and services), but also as a way to compete internationally by focusing on world-class quality, rather than price. Because 68% of our population has a post-secondary education, our talent-pool is well positioned to innovate, create, and deliver world-class products and services.

Transportation As an island economy, transportation is always top-of-mind. All sectors of the economy are ultimately linked to our region’s ability to move people and products to and from the region and efficiently within it. The integral balance between cost of transport and the amount of discretionary spending available to both visitors and residents alike is critical. For example, if the ferry cost is perceived as high, a visitor will spend less during their stay - and may not come back. Therefore, if prices are out of our control, we must focus on a perceived value proposition. A visitor must believe in his or her mind that the cost of getting here pays huge dividends through their positive experience!

21BUSINESSMATTERS

NEW MEMBERSAdvice Scene Real answers from real lawyers and a family talk show hosted by Sitting Judge Justice Harvey Brownstone. (250) 590-3060 www.advicescene.com

Alina Anapreitchik Acupuncture Alina’s holistic approach combines acupuncture treatment with dietary and lifestyle counseling to effectively help patients prevent and treat disease, alleviate pain, normalize sleep and digestion, elevate moods and improve their overall well-being.(250) 384-8038 www.acupunctureinvictoria.com

Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre - Goosey Gander Kinder. AssociationHalf & full day preschool available. Join us at the Grove where your child’s learning is nurtured through exploration, discovery and creative expression.(250) 477-3731 www.arbutusgrove.ca

Big Bang Communications Big Bang is your communications catalyst. Getting your message to your audience.(250) 415-7020 www.bigbangcommunications.ca

Birgit Piskor Fine SculptureSculpture serves to slow the visual movement of the eye, creating moments wherein we feel compelled to pause. Birgit Piskor’s work provides that and more.(250) 858-4334www.birgitpiskor.com

Crankset GroupWe help business owners make more money in less time, get off the treadmill and get back to the passion that brought you into business in the first place, so you can build a Mature Business that fits in with and supports your Lifetime Goals.(250) 532-1066www.cranksetgroup.com

Direct Response Media Group DRMG provides direct mail and integrated marketing services that enable small, medium and large businesses to activate their marketing communications across multiple channels.(250) 634-4501www.drmg.ca

Down to Earth Gardens & Nursery Our nursery and greenhouses are full of unusual and interesting perennials, fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs. We also offer Victoria’s only Bark Blowing machine applying 3x more mulch than an average 6 man crew.(250) 391-9366www.downtoearthgardensandnursery.com

Edge Office Solutions Inc. “Breathe™ is a (patent pending) simple system for incorporating plants into DIRTT Walls. Breathe™ mounts to the tile layer of the wall, can be retrofitted on existing DIRTT walls, and mounted to any flat, vertical building surface.(250) 475-8855www.edgeofficesolutions.ca

Edwin Del Carpio CPAFor all your accounting needs. (250) 381-9056

Ethos Career Management Successfully delivering comprehensive services to workers seeking self-employment, career direction, job search, training & job maintenance through 1-to-1 coaching, group services, online, in-class & with employers and employees at the workplace.(250) 741-8116www.ethoscmg.com

Howie’s Car Corral Ltd.Pre owned Car, Truck, SUV Dealer. Two Time BBB Torch Award Winner Sales and Service centre.(250) 478-1879www.car-corral.com

22 BUSINESSMATTERS

NEW MEMBERSInlingua Language School Redefining the art of language training. Redefining the look and feel of a language college. Learn the language by speaking the language at inlingua Victoria. (250) 590-4805www.inlinguavictoria.com

Integra Support Services A local agency which provides community living supports to children and adults living with developmental disabilities in the South Vancouver Island Region.(250) 721-5584www.integrasupportservices.com

ITNorthAn award-winning technology solutions provider serving small to medium-sized business in BC & Alberta, we help organizations by simplifying the Strategy, Procurement, Implementation & Support of all their computer hardware and software requirements.1-888-774-3686www.itnorth.ca

Jade ElectrolysisWe may not be your first attempt at hair removal... but we will be your last. Guaranteed! Jade is the only company to guarantee that you will have hair free beautiful skin within 1 year of regular treatments that lasts a lifetime...or your money back.(250) 590-4084www.hairfreeforlife.com

JMJ Holdings Inc.Biophysical models, analysis and project management for forest industry and clean energy development.(250) 217-7671

Kano/AppsKANO/APPS creates mobile and social games. We know how to connect people through play, and that’s why our games have earned a loyal fan base encompassing millions of worldwide players across multiple social networks like Facebook and Myspace.www.kanoapps.com

Kids and CompanyKids & Company is dedicated to providing corporate employees with reliable, flexible and unique, superior quality child care solutions to suit the needs of each individual child, parent and employer, creating a healthy work-life balance.1-866-MY KIDCOwww.kidsandcompany.ca

Knickerbocker’s Home Decor (250) 658-5578www.knickerbockers.ca

We’ve got the right mortgage for you

Together we can identify the home financing solution that meets your needs.

TD Canada Trust

Call me,

Bruce Read

Mobile Mortgage Specialist

Tel: 250 514 1026

www.pgstaff.com

New Look. New Site. Check us out online.

Recruitment with great taste!

Staffing professionals who go the extra mile to match the right

candidate with the right employer.

Main Floor, 1124 Fort StreetVictoria, BC

Call us today 250.381.3254

Celebrating 15 Years of Business

in Victoria - September 2012

23BUSINESSMATTERS

NEW MEMBERSKrystle Gill, Associate Lawyer at Hart LegalI practice family law, civil litigation & personal injury law. I am passionate about justice & finding efficient solutions to legal problems. I believe that everything happens for a reason, & that conflict can turn into positive resolution.(250) 388-9477www.hart-legal.com

LC Coins Ltd.LC Coins is Vancouver Island’s premier coin, gold and silver exchange. With our primary location in Victoria, we serve all of BC, as we travel the province for collections and estates, large and small, and are always buying.(250) 590-4653www.lccoins.ca

London Drugs - Tillicum Store London Drugs is 100% Canadian owned and is focused on local customers’ satisfaction. We serve our customers better through innovation, and a continued involvement in the communities we service.(250) 360-2654www.londondrugs.com

London Drugs Store - Quadra St London Drugs is 100% Canadian owned and is focused on local customers’ satisfaction. We serve our customers better through innovation, and a continued involvement in the communities we service.(250) 727-0246www.londondrugs.com

London Drugs Store - Yates StLondon Drugs is 100% Canadian owned and is focused on local customers’ satisfaction. We serve our customers better through innovation, and a continued involvement in the communities we service.(250) 360-0880www.londondrugs.com

MazoMedia(250) 885-5758www.mazomedia.ca

McRae’s Restaurant Ltd.A uniue neighbourhood gathering place - great food with an original west coast bistro slant.(250) 590-6944www.mcraesbistro.com

Michal Negrin CanadaFor over 2 decades we have been creating romantic, vintage-inspired designs for women of all ages and for all occasions. We use high quality materials, Swarovski crystals and offer a life-time warranty.(250) 385-8400www.michalnegrin.com

Ogden Point BuffetDelicious assorted foods at a value price and a priceless view.(250) 386-8080

Orr’s Family ButcherOur Scottish family butcher shop prides itself on homemade specialties including sausages, haggis, puddings, pies, bridies and scotch eggs.(250) 590-8067www.orrsbutchers.com

Pirate AdventuresAhoy Maties welcome to Pirate Adventures at Fishermans’s Wharf. A unique, unforgettable experience for the entire family, aboard a pirate ship in the heart of downtown Victoria, BC.(250) 858-7535www.pirateadventures.ca

Plan B Imprinting Ltd.We supply custom advertising specialties and promotional products, bringing some of the least expensive, yet the newest, most fun and most effective advertising products to the smallest home-grown business and to the largest corporation.(250) 382-7323www.planbltd.com

Prototype Equipment DesignAre you facing real Engineering Challenges?… Problems Solved!(250) 381-6868www.engineersmachineshop.ca

RateMiser Mortgage AdvisorsUsing a mortgage broker is the ideal way to arrange a new mortgage. Click to make your dreams into reality.(250) 590-5931www.ratemiser.ca

Rethink Learning Inc.Assisting public and private organizations in evaluating their training needs and offering valuable educational solutions through consultation, outstanding customer service and cutting edge technology.(778) 747-0144www.rethinklearning.com

River Rock Casino Resort and Hotel Stay, play and get away from it all. Over 15,000 sq ft of meeting space, River Rock has your events and business needs covered!(604) 247-8900www.riverrock.com

Royal Canadian Legion Trafalgar Full-service facility with meeting and banquet rooms available for rent. Join now, it’s easy! Be a part of helping our community and our veterans.(250) 384-7814www.rcl292.ca

Staples Business Depot - Tolmie Ave.Staples, the world’s largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services.(250) 383-8178www.staples.ca

The real people behind computer support

Work from virtually anywhere and on almost any device. From Office 365 mobile work force solutions to full computer and systems management and with over 37 years of experience Tecnet has an innovative service solution to keep your computers and systems running at peak performance keeping your staff effective and productive.

For more information call 250-475-6066 ext 3 or email sales@tecnet.ca

www.tecnet.ca

NEW MEMBERS

Co-op students have the skills and energy to help your workplace excel.

Contact us today to hire a student. Work terms normally begin in January, May and September.

It’s simple. Hire a student. See results.

Co-operative Education and Student Employment www.camosun.ca/cese250.370.4410

Co-operative Education Program and Career Serviceswww.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/employerslearninginmotion.uvic.ca250.721.7628

It’s simple. Hire a student. See results.

Sweet Escapes Travel CompanyFollow your heart on an epic journey, follow your heart and soul. Follow Annie to the best shopping in town.(250) 884-9220www.sweetescapestravelco.com

Treehouse Media Inc.Providing advice that is insightful, innovative and independent of media ownership. Treehouse Media provides media strategy, planning and buying services for a wide variety of clients and a select group of creative agencies.(250) 472-1417www.treehousemedia.ca

Wild CoffeeWild Coffee is a West Coast themed coffee shop located at the corner of Yates and Broad in the heart of downtown Victoria.(250) 590-8585www.wildcoffee.ca

Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre Enhancing your home or office with a water feature? Choose us to provide the expertise to create your own water paradise.(250) 658-5415www.wildwoodoutdoorliving.com

WorldHost Training ServicesWe provide affordable, relevant and quality customer service training solutions for front-line staff and managers to excel at customer service.(250) 356-2868www.worldhosttraining.com

ZenmedZenmed - troubled skin is our thing. Professional grade, doctor formulated for effectiveness - fusing the best of what nature offers and science has proven.(250) 589-6765www.zenmed.com

24 BUSINESSMATTERS

Where emerging business leaders need to be.

Every second Thursday of the month from 5-7pm, promote your company to this key demographic of emerging business leaders. Thurs Sept 15, 5-7pm Thurs Oct 11, 5-7pm

As a Chamber member, you can send your employees to our monthly mingles for free?

Did you know…

RSVP to mingles@prodigygroup.ca / for more information visit us at prodigygroup.ca

.ST

ICKY

WIC

KET

C

LUBH

OUSE

G

AMES

ROO

M.

LUNCH DINNER LATENIGHT.

.

THE STRATHCONA 919 DOUGLAS STREET STRATHCONAHOTEL.COM

fall IN LOVE WITH OUR COMFORT FOOD

25BUSINESSMATTERS

26 BUSINESSMATTERS

ADVOCACY IN ACTIONChamber Rallies Support for Common Rate

The Chamber has been very active of the past few months rallying over 125 organizations and individuals to support an important application from FortisBC. The company is proposing to move to common natural gas rates and services across the province, a shift made possible by bringing together its three natural gas utilities into one legal entity. Bringing all three natural gas utilities together will allow FortisBC to offer consistent natural gas rates, and facilitate the expansion of services for all customers across the province, eliminating the current rate discrepancies.

If the application is approved, each customer in a given customer class will be charged the same rate, regardless of where they live. Over the long-term, this provides significant benefits to a sizable portion of their customers, most notably, those on Vancouver Island.Using the proposed FortisBC 2012-2013 revenue requirement rates prior B Utilities Commission approval to calculate costs for average consumption, typical residential customers on Vancouver Island would see a decrease of approximately $244 to their annual bill.

Without common rates, Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast and Powell River customers will see large rate increases over the next three to four years, as a result of the expiration of the Royalty Revenue agreement with the provincial government that ended in 2011. Your feedback is very important to ensure that rates remain affordable for businesses and residents. Send your thoughts and support on this to the BC Utilities Commission at commission.secretary@bcuc.com.

Chamber Meets with Minister Jason Kenney on Local Economic Issues

As part of our ongoing advocacy and policy activities, the Chamber was happy to host Minister Jason Kenney for a roundtable discussion with regional stakeholders about issues that are key to our economic prosperity. As the federal minister for immigration, Mr. Kenney outlined a number of important changes already made, as well as underway to help Victoria businesses access the global talent they need to continue growing.

Economic Immigration has been identified by local businesses and industries as

an important issue in helping to address the ongoing challenge in finding and attracting talent. In addition, the Chamber raised the issue of workforce housing and its impact on our local economic prosperity. The Chamber and Victoria Real Estate Board have been leading the charge on changes at the federal level to support workforce housing in the region. Check out this important issue in the last edition of Business Matters.

Minister Steven Fletcher Addresses Chamber on Infrastructure Programs

The Chamber recently hosted the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State for Transportation at a luncheon for community and business stakeholders. The Minister outlined the federal government’s current plans to renew the Build Canada Fund, which is an important source of infrastructure funding for municipalities across the country, including the capital region. Due to expire in 2014, the Minister reiterated the federal government’s commitment to new funding for local governments for the 2014 building season. The Chamber has been a leading advocate for sustainable municipal infrastructure funding that supports our economic growth.

Chamber Reiterates Call for Regional Transportation Authority

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce reacted to the release of the BC Transit Review Committee, reiterating the call for a regional transportation authority to address the region’s transportation planning and service delivery. The report released by an independent panel highlighted the pros and cons of three different models, including the status quo, a reformed regional transit commission, and moving transportation planning to the CRD.

The Chamber is encouraged by many of the committee’s recommendations to strengthen the system’s accountability and reporting to local taxpayers. The Chamber continues to urge all parties to move forward in establishing a regional transportation authority capable of delivering an integrated approach to the region’s transportation needs. The Chamber supports the goals of public transportation and the principles of sustainability, including interim transportation measures to facilitate better transportation connections between the core and western communities.

hughes designs for men & women

fash ions fo r a l l occas ions

FALL 2012

sty le · service · select ion

564 yates st 7 days a week

250-381-4405

hughesclothing.com

JOB #Y100-12595CLIENT: YMCA VICTORIA

PUBLICATION: VICTORIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCESHIPPING DATE: NOVEMBER 15

AD DIMENSIONS: 8.5 X 11PREPARED BY: ECLIPSE CREATIVE 250-382-1103

Your Community.

Your

WE BUILD STRONG KIDS, STRONG FAMILIES AND STRONG COMMUNITIESYMCA-YWCA Greater Victoria • 851 Broughton Street, Victoria • Ph: 250-386-7511 • www.victoriay.com

Kids & Company Saanich Location Opening Soon!

2) Offering full-time, part-time and/or emergency back-up child care

9) Munchkinetics – physical activity and movement program

10) Consistent services and operations coast to coast

7) Alpha-Mania – literacy program

1) Loving, caring and qualified staff

8) Mini Masters – art program

6) Guaranteed child care when you need it (within six months of registering)

Kids & Company, proudly Canadian, works with family-oriented companies to develop progressive child care options that help address employees’ work-life balance and productivity.

By partnering with Kids & Company, companies from a variety of industry sectors are able to add child care assistance - including full-time, part-time and emergency back-up care to their suite of employee benefits.

To learn more about the special arrangement for Chamber of Commmerce Members, please call Denise Kelly at 604-786-4047 or emaildkelly@kidsandcompany.ca. For general information, please visit our website.

www.kidsandcompany.ca

Top 10 Reasons to Love Kids & Company

5) Web cameras (password protected website)

3) Nutritious and healthy meals & snacks

4) No late fees

3500 Uptown Boulevard