THE GREATER VICTORIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Business
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Matters January 2012
The Chamber Talks Economic Development
Greater Victoria and Electric Cars
A Perfect Connection
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Comment from the Chair: John Espley
Welcome to 2012. As the world continues to change economically and socially, businesses need to keep up. An integrated marketing plan is critical today to the success of any business. My own experience as a Public Relations, Community Relations, Online Reputation and Marketing Manager has made this very clear. No one method of marketing is going to work in the new era, and a unique integrated mix is the new key to success.
The creation of such a mix includes traditional media, social media, sponsorships, public relations, employee involvement, and networking. The challenge with a well rounded marketing plan is that tracking results can be extremely difficult. Does a customer frequent my business because of today’s newspaper or radio advertisement, because of sponsorship, a Facebook special or perhaps because we chatted at a recent charity or networking event? A strict adherence to Return on Investment (ROI) measured by directly attributable dollars would only recognize the most recent and easily measurable contact with a market segment, and not the entire continuum of contact. Marketing professionals tell us that seven exposures ideally in different contexts create the best strategy. Unfortunately this is not the easiest to measure, and ROI needs to be considered in such things as brand awareness, loyalty, earned media and more. Businesses need to utilize many different measurement tools to constantly gain knowledge alongside being active in their communities to maximize the value of their marketing dollars. I’ve
January 2012 found the Chamber of Commerce to be an excellent resource and opportunity for all of the above. A Chamber membership can offer an excellent online and print presence, key opportunities for employee and owner networking, and a connection to peers that I’ve found to be priceless. Additionally, according to a recent study done by the Shapiro Group, customers are 63% more likely to frequent a chamber member than a non chamber member. Finally, the integrated events such as fundraising for charity, support of local community and youth groups are all parts of a plan that provides opportunities to market your business while supporting great worthwhile causes. As part of the fabric of our community, I’m proud to say that our Chamber members have done a fantastic job contributing to the well being of Greater Victoria. Every business needs to have an integrated marketing plan. I am proud to say the Chamber is an important part of my company’s mix.
CONTENTS 5 The Chamber Talks Economic Development with Dean and Marianne 12 Greater Victoria and Electric Cars: A Perfect Connection 10 Member News 16 Greater Victoria Development Agency 20 New Members 17 Upcoming Events 26 Advocacy in Action Cover photo by 24 BC Ferry Commission Review Sama J.Canzian
CEO REMARKS: Bruce Carter months or the next six, we would be wise to ready our businesses for a wholesale change. Many businesses have cut costs in order to best ride out the economic storm. Staffing, marketing and investment in the future are areas targeted for cutbacks by many businesses. These same areas will benefit strongly from close attention as the economy recovers.
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A few years ago businesses were recruiting staff at a frantic pace. Businesses did what they needed to do just to retain capacity. That situation shifted dramatically, and in the last few years businesses have taken the time to hire carefully, if hiring at all. As we move into a stronger economy, smart businesses will take the opportunity to review their staffing and human resources. This is the time to secure good staff for future growth and to ensure that all staff have the skills and resources needed to be effective in their roles. Perhaps now is the time to invest in some training. Employees stay where they feel appreciated, and earning the loyalty of your employees is crucial now, before new jobs open up and talent retention becomes a challenge. Marketing tends to take a back seat in uncertain times, and as we head into a recovery it is imperative that a cohesive approach is taken. Now is the time to research and develop a strong, integrated marketing plan. As you consider where your company will be over the next five to ten years, examine what marketing approaches have worked well for you and what new ideas might help your business reach its full potential. This is the time for careful consideration and plan development. With attention focused now, you will be ready to hit the ground running with an effective plan when the time is right.
This is also a great time to look at investment for the future. As business ramps up, it will strain your company’s infrastructure. With lower demand at present, it is easier and less costly to get work done. Is it time to renovate or expand? Do you need new equipment? How effective are your processes? These are some examples of possible investments which would position your company to take advantage of new business growth. Take some time now to address these and other areas of business planning. When those economic storm clouds turn to sunny skies, you will be ready.
Advertise in Business Matters Business Matters is a key business resource that is targeted to 2,000 business owners and decision makers of our community. To advertise in Business Matters, contact us at: The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce #100 - 852 Fort St. Victoria, BC V8W 1H8 (250) 383-7191 chamber@gvcc.org
Submission Guidelines Send all magazine submissions to ehenry@gvcc.org Please respect the length guidelines. • Member News: Standard one page media release Publication Mail PostePublications 40005319
Economic Development Talk with Dean and Marianne health of a specific area. Such actions can involve multiple areas including development of human capital, critical infrastructure, regional competitiveness, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, health, safety and other initiatives. Depending on their background, people can have very different interpretations of this concept. Marianne Alto: “There is a direct relationship between investment in the community and the social good we can accomplish.”
As a major campaign plank for Dean Fortin, Marianne Alto and other successful candidates for Victoria City Council, economic development could be considered a mandate from voters that will be used to judge new and returning councilors during their next term of office. Reinforcing this importance, in the inaugural address of the new Council, the Mayor named “economic development” as a top priority for the new term. As civic leaders, their public support and role as community “cheerleaders” can send a strong message that the municipality is “open for business.” Celebrating our economic successes, personally welcoming new businesses and participating on inbound and outbound trade missions all provide a public face to economic development. This goodwill however can easily dissipate if not
backed up with a demonstrated commitment to action. So how do municipalities support economic development? How do municipalities create jobs? How do our elected officials factor into the equation and what does economic development mean to them? The Chamber recently sat down with Mayor Dean Fortin and Councilor Marianne Alto from the City of Victoria to discuss these important questions. What does “Economic Development” mean to you? This is a more important question than you may think, as perspectives on the subject can vary widely. Economic development generally refers to the sustained, concerted actions of policymakers and communities that promote the standard of living and economic
Both the Mayor and Councilor Alto recognized that at its roots, economic development means more and better householdsustaining jobs for the citizens of Victoria. From this perspective, growing and diversifying our economy helps increase our community’s affordability and supports the services we rely on. In that context, economic development helps pay for and continues to build the quality of life we all enjoy. How does the City support economic development? And how does economic development create jobs? Historically, where many municipalities are concerned, economic development can often feel like a “one step forward, two steps back” kind of exercise. History is rich with examples of municipalities that have spent significant resources trying to attract new business and investment, only to have their regulatory frameworks and tax regimes stand in their own way. As a municipality that may historically have had a reputation for being hard to work with, the Chamber was interested to hear how the City
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was going to support economic development and appreciated the opportunity for a thoughtful discussion on how we foster a competitive economic climate. The Mayor and Councilor Alto recognized the City’s role in helping foster a strong economic environment; one that helps set the stage for local companies and entrepreneurs to flourish. In their words, the “infrastructure for success” was something that Council was committed to supporting in its many different aspects. Highlighted were the City’s investments in roads, parks and other amenities that support the quality of life used to attract and retain talented employees in our community. Dean Fortin: “The economic development strategy is going to help guide our activities so that we are responsive to the needs of industry and businesses supporting the creation of the householdsustaining jobs we need.” The discussion quickly turned to how local businesses work with City Hall, and what improvements can be made to how companies receive approvals and the timelines associated with dealing with the City. Committing to change the way business is done, Victoria has undertaken a customer service strategy to make dealing with them as efficient and as responsive as possible. The strategy will help streamline approval processes and remove the number of steps
required for approvals, and is viewed as an evolution in the way the City does business. For example, taking a hard look at what needs to go before their planning committee, and what could be handled quickly by City staff. Given the quality of the proponents coming before council and the professionalism of the staff, both felt certain of the City’s ability to offer quicker decisions and approvals in the future. Marianne Alto: “We don’t want to over or under regulate. We need to take a good look at how difficult our regulations are, and find ways to make it easier to work together.” Ultimately, at the core of Council’s concerns is the “balancing of interests” and ensuring that council acts in the “community interest.” The City has a formal public engagement policy and both Dean and Marianne highlighted examples where public consultation better informed the decision made on behalf of the community. With the new economic development strategy adopted, this balance will increasingly weigh the community’s economic interest, ensuring that substantive concerns are addressed, while ensuring the community’s “broader good” economically is front and center in the decision making process. An example of this is the inclusion of an economic perspective to the City’s new official community plan and the development of a specific downtown core area plan, recognizing the importance of our working harbour and the need to
preserve land use for economic development. What are the economic development priorities for Victoria? With the many different avenues that the City of Victoria could pursue, establishing clear and effective priorities is critical to developing an effective economic development strategy. At the same time, maintaining a positive investment climate means keeping taxes competitive, and the City must ensure that resources invested in economic development not only achieve their intended results, but do not add to the tax burden in the process. The City’s economic development strategy was developed over the past year with the input of an advisory panel comprised of economic stakeholders who help drive the City’s and regions prosperity. Representing industry, academia and government, the advisory panel helped identify priorities for the City in their efforts. These include building on the City’s strengths in tourism and technology, maintaining the provincial governments presence in the City and creating a welcoming environment for new and existing businesses amongst others. Dean Fortin: “Victoria has a diverse set of opportunities. We need to ensure that we focus our efforts so that we create the biggest benefit for the community.”
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What can the City’s elected officials do to personally foster economic development?
Under the plan, adopting a customer-centric business focus extends not only to local businesses, but to the provincial government as well, as they are a major employer and important economic stakeholder for the City. With the number of jobs that the provincial government fosters, maintaining a positive relationship and ensuring that the City makes Victoria an attractive place to operate is specifically referenced in the strategy. Both the Mayor and Councilor Alto voiced their support for a comprehensive plan to support the working harbour and for the need to develop the legislative precinct as part of the City’s economic future. In addition, the City will be forming an “Economic Development Cabinet” comprised of local business and community leaders to help advise Council and provide direction on the implementation of the new strategy. The new cabinet, which is expected to be put in place early in the year, will help monitor the City’s progress and lend support to ensuring that the goals of the plan are met.
Mike Doehnel and Bryce Rashleigh
Highlighted in the plan is the opportunity presented to the City and the region by Seaspan Marine’s successful west coast bid under the national shipbuilding strategy. With billions of dollars in potential economic benefits and the opportunity to create thousands of household-sustaining jobs, the contract illustrates the need to ensure that the City’s land use policies and regulatory environment fosters a positive economic environment.
Marianne Alto: “A big priority for me is turning over every rock to look for new dollars. We need to look at things like naming rights and new kinds of partnerships. If we combine new ways of doing things with more efficient processes, we can create a predictable and rewarding environment for investment.”
The Chamber asked Mayor Fortin and Councilor Alto about what they intend to do to support the City’s new strategy and help maintain a positive and competitive business environment. The two highlighted their collective role in making sure that the decision-making processes that Council follows are not only efficient, but also predictable and transparent. For businesses to make long-term investment decisions in the City, a stable and predictable regulatory and tax regime is one of the best things that Council can do to instill confidence.
“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
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Dean Fortin: “Our mission to China was a great example of how the Mayor’s office can support economic development. We were able to secure $20,000 in funding to support the mission and generated about $12 million in business because of it. That is a great return on investment.”
doesn’t preclude remaining in confidence while prospective deals are in process, as not doing so could undermine the very investment we are attempting to attract.
As part of that investment, the City is moving forward with an “open government” initiative ensuring that the business community and the community at large know more about what is going on at City Hall and how decisions made at the council chambers effect our economic prospects. Creating more than just a mountain of new data that is not easily understood, this new initiative will ideally help foster a new dialogue and share meaningful insights into our community and how we build for the future. As with most things in life, there are no absolutes, and reasonable accommodations have to be in place. Open government
As two members of Council who have recently participated in the civic elections, an adversarial process by nature, Dean and Marianne recognize the new Council needs to come together to address the City’s economic future. Indeed it was outlined in the Mayor’s inaugural address, and the issue of economic development is positioned front and centre on the Council’s agenda. What was agreed upon during the discussion with the Chamber is that there needs to be an ongoing “thoughtful, and not uncomplicated” dialogue about economic development as a community.
Thoughtful but not uncomplicated
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Dean Fortin: “We don’t want an uncomplicated discussion, but a thoughtful one about economic development. Raising the level of dialogue about these issues is one way we will grow from a provincial capital to a world-class city.” Given the economic challenges that the world and our region have faced over the past few years, the Chamber is encouraged by the City of Victoria’s increased emphasis on economic development and how we build and maintain a vibrant business environment. As communities all around North America discuss how to create household sustaining jobs and what is needed to get things “back on track”, now more than ever, setting the stage for our continued prosperity needs to be a priority for our community. The Chamber would like to thank Mayor Fortin, Councilor Alto and the rest of Victoria Council for their willingness to have a productive dialogue, and for their contribution to this story.
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MEMBER NEWS Chamber Members Rated Top Employers Greater Victoria employers took top honours in BC Business Magazine’s recent survey, with a number of locally based companies rating in the top ten in each category: those with fewer than 100 employees and those with more than 100. To determine the winners, the team at BC Business graded employeesubmitted surveys, each measuring satisfaction and engagement in four distinct areas: talent systems, employee engagement, leadership dynamics and organization culture. Our community stood out as a breeding ground for great employers. Chemistry Consulting was rated the number one employer to work for with more than 100 employees and Accent Inns was rated number six. Additional Chamber members with local branches who were honoured included 1-800-Got-Junk? in
second place and Cactus Club Restaurants in fourth position. In the under 100 employees category, Tourism Victoria placed eighth and Adrena Line Adventures placed tenth. Tom Harris Cellular now Largest Independent Telus Dealer With the acquisition of 16 TAC retail locations throughout BC and Alberta, Tom Harris Cellular has now become the largest independent Telus dealer in the country. The Victoria based company employs more than 300 staff at 48 locations, and plans to open more locations in early 2012. The company also plans to increase customer training and availability of products of interest to small businesses. Learn more at www. tomharris.com. NECI’s PSPP Receives Accreditation NECI is very pleased to announce
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that the Public Sector Procurement Program (PSPP) offered by NECI has now been accredited by the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council through its National Accreditation Program (the NAP). The accreditation was granted in October of 2011, and is effective for three years. Learn more at www.neci-legaledge.com. New Name for Film Commission Victoria’s film commissioner, Kathleen Gilbert, unveiled a new name for the organization at their recent 15th anniversary celebration: Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission. The past year has been a good one for local filming, an industry which adds $1 billion annually to BC’s economy. Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development is committed to supporting the industry through examining ways to streamline processes. Learn more at www.filmvictoria.com. New Snowboard Company Swell Source has launched Forbidden Snowboards, a Vancouver Island based snowboard company. The new line offers ultra premium, limited edition boards.
The company’s boards reflect the passion they have for snow and are aimed at all snowboarders, from those doing powder turns in the trees to the upside down shreds in the park. Boards are produced in a limited run of 25 boards per model/size and are some of the most technical snowboards on the market. Learn more at www. forbiddensnowboards.com. Swell Source is a manufacturer and distributor of Zed Skimboards, Cascadia Board Co. and Forbidden
MEMBER NEWS Snowboards. Established in 2008, they are most well known for fusing different board sport technologies to build a highly technical product. City Manager Honoured Gail Stephens, Manager at the City of Victoria, was recently honoured by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) for the second year in a row. Gail was named to the list of “2011 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards” Winners of the Awards are selected by an independent advisory board. WXN is Canada’s leading organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of women in management, executive, professional and board roles. Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa First to Receive go2 Certification Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa is the first tourism organization in Victoria to become certified under go2’s Certificate of Recognition (COR) program. In partnership with WorkSafeBC, go2 launched the COR program for tourism and hospitality businesses in October 2010.
Certified companies can earn a rebate of up to 15 per cent on their WorkSafeBC premiums by demonstrating that their health and safety programs go beyond the legal requirements with a best practice approach. In addition to the financial incentives, businesses that embrace a culture of workplace health and safety are seeing significant human resource upsides, including fewer employee injuries,
injured employees returning to work sooner, and greater success in retaining and attracting the best talent. Wilson’s Transportation VP Buys Peninsula Panthers John Wilson of Wilson’s Transportation and Pete Zubersky have purchased the Junior B Peninsula Panthers hockey team. Both had previously owned the team, and purchased it together after it was relinquished to the league. The new owners hope to continue building the team, which won fourth place at last year’s nationals, and to rebuild community support.
includes an expansion of their on-line instructor-led ‘eClasses’ to essentially bring the classroom to the students rather than the reverse, thus reducing costs for clients. This fall, Maurice Lagassé joined the Company in the capacity of General Manager, taking over the day to day operation and administration of the company from the Chief Executive Officer, Gerry Brimacombe. Learn more about Sector Learning Solutions at www.sectorlearning.com.
New Look, New Services and New Staff at Sector Learning Solutions Local software training company Sector Learning Solutions has rebranded the company with a fresh look and focus. This
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but their limited range and high cost kept sales limited. Now all major car manufacturers are either marketing or preparing to introduce electric vehicles. Public demand is gaining traction, providing an environment for better technology, while driving costs down. When scales of economy come into play, electric vehicles become even more of a viable option and Greater Victoria is way out in front when it comes to demand.
Greater Victoria and Electric Cars
Range anxiety is the term coined to describe the reluctance of motorists to drive an electric car for fear that they will find themselves with a depleted battery in a location where recharging is not available. A Deloitte survey of 13,000 consumers in 17 countries found that only 63 per cent of North Americans would be satisfied with vehicle options available to being able to drive 480 kilometres consumers, including biodiesel before a car’s battery pack was and natural gas. Hybrids hit the depleted even though other studies consumer market in the last decade, show that most North American and were quickly adopted by taxi commuters drive less than 80 drivers for their obvious cost kilometres per day. In Victoria, that savings. The Prius hybrid was such figure is vastly reduced, meaning a hit in Victoria that our community that a range of 160 kilometres on a had the first Prius vehicles with full charge is more than adequate. over 200,000 kilometres of use. A round trip to Nanaimo is well The Victoria community was so within reach. renowned for our Prius use that Toyota actually bought back a well Of course that range assumes that used taxi from its Victoria owner nothing is happening to recharge for detailed study. the vehicle while you are driving. Again, this is where Victoria has a The first mass produced electric clear advantage. vehicles garnered much attention,
A perfect Connection
Victoria is known as a green, clean community, and this philosophy extends to our transportation choices. The increasing desire to reduce one’s carbon footprint coupled with recent fluctuations in gas prices has more and more drivers seeking alternatives to the standard internal combustion engine automobile. Fortunately, this desire coincides with increased production of electric vehicles for consumers. Even better, electric vehicles and our island community appear to be a match made in heaven. There are a variety of alternative
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Andrew Mackintosh of Campus Nissan reports that Victoria is tied for second place in Canada for sales of the all-electric Leaf. Our small population base competes well with cities like Ottawa, and early adopters are raving about their experience with these vehicles. Much of the success here has to do with the driving habits of Victorians. The one factor that has limited the success of electric vehicles in other markets is the one factor that positions Victoria as the perfect city in which to drive one:”range anxiety.”
Wheaton Pontiac Buick GMC reports that the dealership is selling every Volt they can get their hands on, affirming the suitability of these vehicles for the Victoria region.
When leaving the dealership for a recent test drive of a Nissan Leaf, the instruments indicated that with the current charge, the vehicle had an estimated range of 134 kilometres. After cruising the streets of Saanich for 20 minutes, the vehicle returned to the dealership with an estimated range of 138 kilometres. It had not depleted the battery pack at all, and had in fact gained potential driving distance at no cost. This is due to the wonder of regenerative braking. Cars with this feature capture some of the energy expended during the braking process and return it to the battery pack. In Victoria, with the majority of driving being stop and go, there are plenty of opportunities for the charge to be topped up while driving. Contrast this with other cities where a commute might include driving a highway for 60 kilometres without ever touching the brakes.This is a huge advantage. In Victoria, you might only need to charge your car once a week. Suddenly that range anxiety dissipates. There are also options available that use a gas powered generator to provide power to the electric engine when the battery has been depleted. Cars travel as far as they can on a full electric charge, and then switch over to the gas powered generator, alleviating range anxiety. The Chevrolet Volt can travel 56 kilometres before switching over to gas, plenty of range for most Greater Victoria drivers. Brett Snow of Dave
Options for charging an electric vehicle vary. A special charging station can be installed in a garage and runs off a 240-volt circuit charging the battery pack in eight hours. This outlet is much like that used for an electric stove and can be installed by any qualified electrician. Standard 120-volt outlets may also be used, but the charging time is twice as long. These charge times reflect a desire to achieve the full potential range of 160 kilometres, a range far greater than that driven in a typical Greater Victoria day. A third option is 480-volt “fastchargers,” which are capable of
achieving an 80 per cent charge in about 30 minutes. In the United States, departments of transport are looking at installing these at rest stops. Washington State’s I5 is aiming to be the first “green highway” with fast charge stations every 30 miles. The next development is charging “hotspots” which charge your vehicle wirelessly, just by it being parked over the hotspot. These could prove very convenient for those who would like to take the opportunity to top up their charge while they are out and about.
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comparing that to the report of one local Leaf driver who worked out his cost of “fuel” based on kilowatt hours as being one cent per kilometre. Of course in Victoria, with the ability to recharge the battery pack while driving in stop and go traffic, costs could decline even further. With the rebates currently offered by the BC Government, there is an even stronger reason to consider acquiring a vehicle so well suited to Victoria driving. Consumers can access rebates which vary depending on the vehicle, with additional rebates available for installing a charging station at home. Andrew from Campus Nissan notes that consumers tend to buy a car for the 5% of use that may be demanded rather than the driving they actually do 95% of the time. If more drivers in Victoria bought vehicles based on their actual driving use, even more electric cars would sell here. A test drive demonstrated a high tech, well equipped vehicle providing an incredibly smooth ride. As an electric engine provides immediate torque with no need to rev up, there was no hesitation when accelerating to merge smoothly onto the highway. Providing a great drive in a terrific vehicle, electric vehicles offer the added boost of reducing costs of “fuel” and reducing the driver’s carbon footprint. Victoria and electric vehicles are made for each other.
PREPARED FOR: MARKET STORES Imagine pulling into a parking spot top up your battery pack. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE to run some errands andPUBLICATION: charging INSERTION DATE: JANUARY your car at the same time. With the charging options SIZE: 4.9” x 4.7” available and PREPARED BY: BRAVO ADVERTISING 250 590 1169the type of driving Making charging stations available done in Victoria, it’s no wonder to electric vehicle drivers has these vehicles are selling so well opened up a new marketing tool. here. A 2007 study by the nonConsider the Fairmont Hotels, profit Electric Power Research which have installed charging Institute (EPRI) calculated that stations available at no cost. Charge powering a plug-in hybrid electric your car, and enjoy high tea at the vehicle would cost the equivalent Empress. Thrifty Foods installed of roughly 75 cents per gallon charging stations when it renovated of gasoline—a price not seen at its Cloverdale location. These can the pump for 30 years. Smart also be used free of charge. Pretty Car drivers feel pretty thrifty smart, as chances are you will get a at a current fuel cost of about “I pushed the ignition button, little grocery shopping done as you eight cents per kilometre, until
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and hearing no sound, looked to the salesman in the passenger seat for reassurance. Yes, the car was indeed running. I put it in gear, pressed the accelerator and cruised silently out of the dealership. My test drive of an all-electric vehicle was underway.” - Ellen Henry, Manager, Member Communications, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
NOMINATE
recognition • promotion • celebration
2012 BUSINESS AWARDS
greater victoria business awards 2012
Business Awards Finalists
Finalists receive $10,000 in promotion Full page adover - Business Awards
nomination categories New Business Outstanding Customer Service Sustainable Business Practices Innovation
Employer of the Year Business of the Year (1 to 10 Employees) Business of the Year (11 to 25 Employees) Business of the Year (26 to 75 Employees) Business of the Year (76+ Employees) Employee of the Year Business Leadership Young Entrepreneur of the Year Business Person of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award (selected by the Chamber’s Board of Governors) Nomination forms must be submitted to the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. For detailed information about the award categories and
submission criteria, please visit www.victoriachamber.ca/businessawards BUSINESSMATTERS
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New Tools Help Businesses Grow provides information on visiting and living in BC, but goes much further, detailing data on trade, investment, innovation and how best to build connections with BC businesses. The GVDA’s Economic Development Officer, Sasha Angus Recent initiatives by the BC government are providing a boost to economic development in our region. These initiatives support our region’s businesses by providing training for future employees, encouragement to engage in trade with BC businesses, and incentives to invest in our province. The BC Jobs program, Canada Starts Here, has provided stimulus to a variety of sectors. The Jobs Program builds on BC’s advantages, including our multilingual, multicultural society, our education system and transportation infrastructure, as well as our reputation as a safe haven for investment in a time of global uncertainty. Leveraging the Jobs initiative, the tools available on the Trade and Invest BC website (www.britishcolumbia. ca) will further serve to market the province’s economic opportunities to the world. The new website, to be launched in mid January 2012, not only
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Information for exporters and those wishing to purchase BC products can be easily found on the trade section of the site. Government assistance to exporters and details of industry-specific trade missions are also outlined. Those looking to buy BC products will find a great overview highlighting our strengths in clean technology, the life sciences, digital media and film production, as well as tourism, education, forestry and mining. The investment portion of the site provides a breakdown of the many reasons to bring a business to the province. Our geographical location is a clear advantage with easy access to both North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Our highly skilled and stable labour force, low taxes and competitive operating costs position the province as an excellent investment choice. The site also contains a database of commercial offerings for sale. This is a unique way to connect investment opportunities with potential investors from around the world. An interactive map allows investors to browse by region or type of opportunity. This new tool will provide up to date information
and build strong connections between BC businesses and international investors. This new initiative strengthens the marketing toolkit we use to promote our region to the world. Economic development is a clear priority of both our provincial and municipal governments and attracting foreign investment is a crucial part of our program. As the database of opportunities
JANUARY & FEBRUARY EVENTS Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Six for Lunch 12:00pm – 1:30 pm Members only please Thursday, January 12, 2012 Prodigy Group January Anniversary Mingle 5:00pm – 7:00 pm Hosted by: Ambrosia Conference & Event Centre, 638 Fisgard St. Members & their guests only please Thursday, January 19, 2012 Business Mixer 5:00pm – 7:00pm Hosted by: Victoria Symphony at the Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St. Members & their guests only please Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Business Leaders Luncheon featuring Shaw Communications Inc. 11:30am – 1:30pm Sponsored by: Royal Roads University
Thursday, February 9, 2012 Prodigy Group February Mingle 5:00pm – 7:00pm Hosted by: Grant Thorton LLP, 3rd Floor – 888 Fort St. Members & their guests only please
Continued on Page 18
“As a dominant station in Victoria we have long considered The Q to be one of our primary media suppliers. We know it’s been proven to us year after year that your baby boomer audience is one of the largest segments of our customer base in just about every department of our store.” ~ Mike Black Capital Iron Divisions of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group
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JANUARY & FEBRUARY EVENTS Continued from Page 17 Wednesday, February 15, 2012 Six for Lunch 12:00pm – 1:30 pm Members only please Thursday, February 16, 2012 Business Mixer 5:00pm – 7:00pm Hosted by: Monk Office, 3335 Oak St. Members & their guests only please Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Chamber Week Celebration Breakfast 7:30am – 9:00am Sponsored by: TBD Members only please Wednesday, February 22, 2012 Speed Networking 5:00pm – 7:30pm Sponsored by: TBD
sales@prodigygroup.ca
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It’s simple. Hire a student. See results. 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.
Co-operative Education and Student Employment www.camosun.ca/cese 250.370.4410 Co-operative Education Program and Career Services www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer 250.721.7628
The Times Colonist iPad app
Download it today!
NEW MEMBERS
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre, located in Parksville, offers accommodations, dining, a full service spa and the largest resort conference and meeting facilities north of Victoria. 1.800.663.7373 sinisha.ivaz@tigh-na-mara.com www.tigh-na-mara.com
Sears Hillside 250.595.9111 nklinic@sears.ca www.sears.ca
New Day Management & Planning Provider of unique consulting services in project management, strategic planning, preparation of plans, grant proposals, reports or manuals, facilitation, event planning and business administration. 1.250.248.4471 pauline.lorrie@gmail.com www.newdaymanagementandplanning.com
ACN Offering consumers, small business potential savings in areas including Phone Service, Wireless, Internet, Satellite TV, Home Security, Energy, and a business opportunity. 250.477.9411 wrolofs@acnibo.com http://wrolofs.acndirect.com
Edge Worx 778.679.3343 rwrwelsh@gmail.com Island Audio SALES, INSTALLATION, REPAIR - car audio, video, navigation, car security, remote start and much more… 250.382.4434 ianwalls@islandaudio.ca
Landmark Investment Group 250.508.5124 dave@landmarkig.com www.landmarkig.com Marv Holland Apparel 780.453.5044 jesse@marvholland.com www.marvholland.com
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Temple Events & Catering Downtown’s newest concept rental venue and catering lounge. Elegant & Modern space for Mixers, parties, meetings and more. Fully Licensed. Book your next event today! 778.350.2211 tamara@templeevents.ca
exp Services Inc. Is a multi-discipline, engineering firm, providing professional services from six strategic practise areas. Our mandate is to understand, innovate, partner and delivery with our clients. 250.580.0796 brian.white@exp.com www.exp.com
Desjardins Financial Security We seek to be recognized as a trusted source for financial products that meet all our clients’ life-cycle needs and for the skills and professionalism of our team. 250.708.3376 rohini.kapoor@dfsin.ca www.dfsin.ca
Bullfrog Transmissions Ltd. Specialists in Victoria since 1950, Bullfrog Transmissions is a full service transmission shop, specializing in automatic & standard transmissions, differentials, transfer cases & clutch replacements, maintenance schedules. 250.475.2323 bft@shaw.ca www.bullfrogtrans.com
NEW MEMBERS Peter Hansen, Chartered Accountant 250.208.7118 peterhansenca@gmail.com www.hansenaccounting.ca Leonard’s Dry Cleaners Quality environmentally friendly dry-cleaning & shirt service, drapes, suedes & leathers, alterations, duvets & sleeping bags. We specialize in cleaning & restoration of wedding gowns & unique garments. 250.595.3034 gsbuttar@hotmail.com Thomson Roof Treatment Thomson Roof Treatment expertly and effectively removes moss from all types of roofs and keeps it off with the application of our nontoxic soap-based treatment. 250.385.3124 thomsonroof@shaw.ca www.thomsonroof.com
Killing Herb Killing Herb Inc. is a multi-faceted sales training organization offering customized training and e-learning solutions for salespeople and organizations in Western Canada 250.589.4744 trevor@killingherb.com www.killingherb.com
Red Art Gallery Red Art Gallery is vibrant and contemporary, focused on superior art and customer service. We feature Canadian award winning artists, whose work is colourful, strong and distinctive. 250.881.0462 me@redartgallery.ca www.redartgallery.ca
red
art gallery 2033 oak bay ave
Learning Disabilities LDA-SVI educates, supports and advocates for children and youth with learning disabilities and related disorders and their families. We are a registered not-for-profit charity. 250.370.9513 debbie@ldasvi.bc.ca
Embassy Centre for English Studies We provide English language training to international students. Courses include short-term general English as well as longer academic programs. 250.381.6630 mdomenichelli@studygroup.com www.embassyces.com
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NEW MEMBERS Brighton Drain Services We have been serving Oak Bay to Sidney since 1978. We are 100% locally owned and operated, bringing you quality service at a fair price. 250.656.9652 info@brightondrains.com www.brightondrains.com
National Bank of Canada From everyday accounts to mortgages, loans, and investments, National Bank experts are ready to help you achieve your personal and professional goals. 250.220.8463 sandra.sirois@nbc.ca www.nbc.ca
ADP Cleaning ADP Cleaning is a service oriented, eco-friendly and sustainable planet promoting, commercial cleaning company. We are driven to provide you the customer service you deserve. 250.634.8105 adpclean@gmail.com
Carlton House Properties Ltd. Carlton House is an independent Retirement Living residence aimed at providing service, exquisite food and a healthy community for all who appreciate exceptional service in a positive and caring environment. 250.595.1914 kelsey@carltonhouse.ca www.carltonhouse.ca
Veterinarians without Borders Veterinarians without Borders is a registered Canadian charity that works with communities in need to foster the health of animals, people, and the environments that sustain us. 250.590.3390 erin.frazer@vwb-vsf.ca www.vwb-vsf.ca
Jasper Blake Inc. Jasper Blake Incorporated specializes in endurance sport coaching, business health consulting and placement of health and fitness professionals overseas. 250.383.0155 jasperblake1@gmail.com www.jasperblake.com
We’ve helped a lot of people stand out. How can we help you? trapeze.ca
Trapeze_Chamber_Ad.indd 1
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NEW MEMBERS Fusion Creative Helping businesses establish their corporate identities through blending the latest design trends with cutting edge technology. Local leaders in branded QR codes. 604.754.7624 annika@fusioncreative.ca www.fusioncreative.ca
Liberty Tax Service Liberty Tax provides fast, accurate and friendly service. We specialize in preparing and filing tax returns so that all our clients can file and smile. 250.474.9778 shelbyp@shaw.ca www.libertytaxcanada.ca
Websec Information Security Services Inc. Websec is an organization advocating a safer web environment by offering information security services and products that safeguard your company’s IT assets against cyber threats. 1.888.501.7603 rsalgado@websec.ca www.websec.ca
Twish Creative Providing graphic design services, including brand development, business cards, brochures, annual reports, package design, and anything else print–related you can think of. 250.818.2929 trish@twishcreative.com www.twishcreative.com
hughes designs for men & women
fashions for all occasions
Certified Management Accountants Certified Management Accountants are strategic financial management professionals with accounting skills and leadership competencies in international competitiveness, market development, human resource management and information technologies. 778.677.0224 sheena@cmabc.com www.cmabc.com
Ledgers 250.391.6355 bellis@ledgers.com www.ledgers.com
Orca Spirit Adventures Whether it is adventure and wildlife you are seeking on any of our amazing boats or a fabulous location for your upcoming event, Orca Spirit Adventures is Victoria’s best option for your next water voyage. 250.383.8411 natasha@orcaspirit.com www.orcaspirit.com Abakhan & Associates Inc. A firm of Trustees in Bankruptcy providing services in all matters relating to bankruptcy and insolvency. Great people to know in times of trouble. 250.995.3122 kstroshein@abakhan.com www.bankruptcybc.com style · service · sele ction 564 yates st 7 days a week 250-381-4405 hughesclothing.com
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The BC Ferry Commission has been asked to review the Coastal Ferry Act and recommend any potential changes that could help balance the interests of ferry users with the financial sustainability of the ferry operator. As part of that process, the Chamber invited the Commissioner to a meeting of Greater Victoria stakeholders.
BC Ferry Commission Review BC Ferry Commissioner Gord Macatee and Deputy Commissioner Sheldon Stoilen have spent months holding meetings and gathering feedback from the public.
Curiously, all of the meetings have been in communities served by the minor routes. The meeting the Chamber requested was the first with stakeholders served by
the major routes. This in itself is cause for concern, as the input will be unbalanced if focused on the minor routes. The concerns of a commuter who regularly travels the 25 minute Sointula to Port McNeill route are quite different from those of a traveler on the much longer Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen ride. The former may bring his own coffee and newspaper on board and never leave his car, while the latter could be a businessperson who wants a quiet space to work while on board, or a tourist who would like to enjoy the gift shop and food services available. It is also interesting to note that small communities have ferry advisory committees to help them maximize the value of service to their community. No such committee is available to Nanaimo or Victoria, but the Commissioner was open to the idea of forming advisory committees for major routes. The experience of traveling by BC Ferries is considered to be the best in the world. Investments in ferries and onboard services over the last few years have added considerably
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to its position as a global leader. Yet some of these services generate the most criticism, again, primarily from those traveling the minor routes. Many people do not understand that services such as spas and meeting rooms are not subsidized and in fact, add another source of revenue to BC Ferries. Alternate sources of revenue are crucial if we want to find a way to keep ferry fares down. Much of the discussion at our stakeholder meeting centred on the idea of shifting thinking from that of a ferry system designed to move cars, to one designed to connect communities. It may no longer be feasible to merge the needs of foot passengers with the needs of those who are transporting goods and vehicles. Perhaps it is time to consider reducing the frequency of car ferries and adding high
services to bring students and staff to them are also users. Ultimately, everyone who buys anything on the island is a ferry user, as the goods they purchase must, for the most part, be shipped here. It became clear that the governing act is limiting and we have no doubt the Commissioner will be recommending a number of potential changes. We are pleased to have been included in the consultation yet know that we can’t stop here. We intend to continue this discussion with new BC Ferries CEO Michael Corrigan. As an island community, ferry service is critical to the health of our economy and the Chamber will continue to press for consultation and positive change.
“Most retail outlets on the island rely on a “just in time” delivery service as warehouse space is limited. We rely on ferry service on a daily basis for transportation of food and medical supplies, patients to hospitals and to reunite families after treatment. This makes everyone a ferry user.”-Robert Johns, Emergency Coordinator, Victoria Emergency Management Agency, City of Victoria
Creating remarkable experiences is what we do. For the second year in a row, Island Savings is honoured to be one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. Delivering a remarkable experience isn’t something that comes from a handbook – it comes from the hearts and hands of employees. Our employees are passionate leaders and neighbourhood experts who are
speed passenger ferries that deliver travelers closer to their destination. Express buses could also be brought into play. Shifting thinking in this way could open a number of possibilities, with excellent examples to be found in other parts of the world.
committed to building strong and
The mandate of the Commissioner’s review dictated that the needs of ferry users be considered. Defining ferry users is no simple task. A user is not merely those who travel to and from communities by ferry. A user is also those who rely on the ferries to keep them connected to out of town relatives. Educational institutions and businesses who rely on ferry
visit us at iscu.com to learn more.
healthy Island communities with our members. We are proud of how we do business, and who we do business with. Come experience remarkable financial and insurance service. Or
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION The Victoria Chamber is the “Voice of Business” in Greater Victoria and works to have a constructive influence on public policy on a variety of issues that support our members and a healthy free enterprise system. In regular meetings with MLAs, MPs and Ministers, the Chamber lobbies government, and in recent months, has been particularly successful in getting our policies adopted as government legislation. Chamber Gives Standing Ovation for Auditor General of Local Government The Chamber applauded the provincial government for proceeding with legislation to form the Office of the Auditor General for Local Government. Members continue to express concern over the unsustainable rate of growth in municipal spending which has consistently eclipsed both wage and economic growth. This new
office will reinforce a culture of sound fiscal decision-making and ensures taxpayers are getting the best value for their tax dollar. The policy for an Auditor General for Local Governments was first developed by the Chamber, and was subsequently endorsed by chambers across the province as BC Chamber policy. Chamber CEO invited to Parliamentary Committee on National Transit Strategy The Chamber continues to stand for a regional approach to transportation planning and funding. Our region has received millions of dollars of funding from senior governments and could be realizing more benefits if our transportation was regionally planned, funded and implemented. As part of our ongoing policy and advocacy, the Chamber was recently invited to testify before Parliament on the establishment
of a National Transit Strategy, one that could play a significant role in supporting the region’s future transit needs. Our Vibrant Community Campaign The Chamber’s ongoing “Our Vibrant Community” campaign was launched during the recent municipal election and focuses on the pillars of accountability, affordability, transparency and collaboration. These pillars resonated with voters and were endorsed by the majority of successful candidates. The campaign’s set of good governance pillars ensures that municipalities; keep tax increases and spending within our means, build our quality of life and save for the future, actively communicate municipal business in a clear and understandable fashion, and work individually and with regional stakeholders to deliver services in the most efficient and effective way. The pillars were endorsed provincially by the BC Chamber, and will continue to guide our advocacy efforts with local governments. Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure The Chamber’s nationally endorsed call for legislation to protect the federal gas tax infrastructure fund was recently introduced in the House of Commons. This will mean predictable and longterm funding for infrastructure supporting the region’s sustainability and economic prosperity. National Shipbuilding Contract The Chamber co-led provincial policy supporting the successful west coast bid for the federal government’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. The win will mean billions of dollars in economic activity and thousands of jobs for the region.
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Your Community.
Your
WE BUILD STRONG KIDS, STRONG FAMILIES AND STRONG COMMUNITIES YMCA-YWCA Greater Victoria • 851 Broughton Street, Victoria • Ph: 250-386-7511 • www.victoriay.com
HOW DOES HE DO IT!?
Every year Al Hasham, owner of Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics, refers more businesses to the Chamber than anyone else. Wouldn’t you like to dethrone Al and earn the bragging rights? Learn tips and tricks from the king himself by visiting:
www.victoriachamber.ca