Chair and CEO Message

The great thing about experience is it brings new perspectives that, if we are open to change, allow us to adapt our approach to the world and continue moving forward. The past few years have certainly had no shortage of challenges. And though the uncertainty of a tight labour-market, lingering health crisis and bumpy economy have caused many sleepless nights, a silver lining is that these concerns have been universal. We have gone through them together and our shared experiences have shaped us and made us more resilient than ever.

As we celebrate our 160th anniversary as a chamber of commerce, it's clear that resilence and adaptation is engrained in our story. When we were founded in 1863, Canada as a nation did not yet exist and British Columbia was not yet a province. Back then, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce — your chamber — was the preeminent voice of business for what would become Western Canada. Being the first chamber has made us unique among the many advocacy organizations that have come into existence since we began. Our earliest mission imprinted us with a vision that sees the big picture and aims for the horizon while also making sure we care for and cultivate the members who give us our purpose. We serve the many dedicated and ambitious individuals and organizations who make up Greater Victoria’s business community. We are grateful for your trust, and are committed to learning how we can best support you now and for many years to come.

Tonight we celebrate all of our members nominated for a Greater Victoria Business Award. The winners and finalists represent businesses judged to have gone above and beyond. They inspire us. And their stories of success make us eager to take on each day with renewed excitement and energy. I hope you enjoy tonight’s gala and that you continue to stay engaged and help build your chamber. We are in this together and being an active member of the chamber is a wonderful way to enhance your business and your life.

A couple of great examples are this year’s Chamber Member of the Year, Ann Squires Ferguson, and our Award of Distinction honouree Mandy Farmer. You’ll find their stories in this program. Their approach to business helps make life better for everyone in Greater Victoria. They embody The Chamber’s mission of Working Together to Build Good Business and Great Community for All.

As we honour Ann, Mandy and all of tonight’s award recipients, I also want to thank the many people who contribute so much of their time to our organization.

On behalf of the Chair of The Chamber’s Board of Directors, Kris Wirk, we are immensely grateful to all of the volunteers who serve on our Board and our committees.

You made great progress at purposefully increasing the diversity of our organization and membership, and ensuring that all businesses are welcome in our broader business community.

Thank you to all members, and a special shoutout to the sponsors of the 2023 Business Awards: Coast Capital Savings, Royal Roads University, Times Colonist, Air Canada, BCLC, Camosun College, Canadian Tire, Children's Health Foundation of Island, City of Victoria, Futurpreneur, Thornton LLP, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business University of Victoria, Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc., TELUS, PARC Retirement Living, CHEK Media Group, The Number, Fairmont Empress, and Encore.

We really wouldn’t have been able to get to where we are without your support.

Good luck finalists! Enjoy the party!