May Business Matters 2017 by Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

PLANNING AHEAD FOR TOURISM

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

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BUSINESS MATTERS

May 2017 VICTORIACHAMBER.CA

G OV E R N O R S â&#x20AC;&#x2122; LIFETIME AC H I E V E M E N T AWA R D W I N N E R

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CONTENTS BUSINESS MATTERS May 2017 Business Matters is a bi-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.

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@victoriachamber.ca

Publication Mail Poste-Publications 40005319

Planning Ahead Will Keep Tourism Sustainable

In recent years, the tourism industry has been held up in Canada as the poster child for a strengthening economy. See how Tourism Victoria has a clear focus on the future.

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Member News

Openings, partnerships and awards. Keep up-to-date with what is happening in our community.

Chamber Events: Something for Everyone!

Nothing can duplicate the moment when you meet face-to-face the connections you need to do business.

Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Winner Find out more about Mel Cooper, the 2017 recipent of the Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

Special Insert: 2017 Business Awards

Introducing Our New Members!

Member Snapshots

Advocacy in Action

Celebrate excellence in our business community as we look at the winners and finalists for the 2017 Chamber Business Awards. Welcome to those who’ve decided to join the people who get things done. Membership—it's about the company we keep.

The strength of The Chamber is our members. This month get to know Mark Mawhinney, Regan McGrath, Loren Hagerty and Natasha Richardson.

As the largest and most influential business association in Greater Victoria, The Chamber is the voice of its members and the business community. Stay up-to-date on The Chamber’s advocacy work.

BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

The federal government has recognized the benefits tourism provides, and showed in its 2017 budget that it takes our industry seriously. The government announced that $37.5 million that had been temporary funding for Destination Canada is now baked into the department’s $96 million total budget. This gives our federal counterparts the certainty needed to make the most of collaborative efforts with industry partners. That is important because government money can be better leveraged, and have much more of an impact, if marketing efforts are aligned between public and private sectors.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Victoria

The federal government also announced it was investing $8.6 million over four years to help develop tourism initiatives with First Nations, as well as supporting the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada’s five-year Indigenous Tourism Strategy. We are also pleased, as an organization that strives to be research and data driven, that the federal budget included an extra $13.6 million over five years to Statistics Canada. This will allow the agency to broaden its ability to collect data. This is good news, and when we look at growth in the number of inbound international overnight visitors to Canada we can see how our story is developing.

THEN AND NOW

Planning Ahead Will Keep Tourism Sustainable By Paul Nursey President and CEO Tourism Victoria

TOURISM, BY ITS NATURE, IS AN OPTIMISTIC INDUSTRY. IT IS A WORLD THAT CATERS TO PEOPLE SEEKING INSPIRATIONAL EXPERIENCES AND POSITIVE ATTITUDES. 4

BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

Tourism is an industry that appeals to the senses, much like the beautiful form and the sublime sound of well-designed sports car. And like a sports car, tourism is an industry we enjoy without ever giving much thought to the creativity and effort that goes into its production.

BY THE NUMBERS In recent years, the tourism industry has been held up in Canada as the poster child for a strengthening economy. For good reason. Tourism’s share of the Canadian GDP is growing. In 2015, tourism ranked ahead of telecommunications, transportation, manufacturing, mining, agriculture and forest products, according to Statistics Canada.

Back at the end of the 20th century, tourism was a high performer on our economic racetrack. Canada had 19.6 million inbound international overnight visitors in 2000. Times were good and then,… let’s just say it was not a good time to stand in front of the proverbial fan. A series of awful events plunged the industry, and most of the economy, into difficult days. If there is a silver lining, it is that we have gained invaluable experience. More about that shortly. Tourism indicators have rebounded, with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) reporting that our country welcomed nearly 20 million inbound visitors in 2016. That is the highest since 2002, and two years ahead of the target set by TIAC in 2014. We are seeing tremendous growth from China, up 22 percent, and from Mexico, which jumped 23 percent even before Canada lifted visa requirements for visiting Mexicans. With the requirement now lifted, we expect even more visitors from Mexico. Our largest market by far remains the U.S., with about 13.9 million Americans visiting Canada last year. There’s every reason to believe 2017 will be another terrific year, especially as Canada has been named by Lonely Planet, the New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler as the top place to visit in the world.

Our largest market by far remains the U.S., with about 13.9 million Americans visiting Canada last year. There’s every reason to believe 2017 will be another terrific year, especially as Canada has been named by Lonely Planet, the New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler as the top place to visit in the world.

Tourism is a $90 billion sector in Canada, with 1.6 million Canadian jobs dependent on economic activity generated by travel and tourism.

PLOTTING A COURSE With the industry firing on all cylinders, the time is right to look ahead and make sure we have a strategic plan for sustainable growth. One key strategy already in progress is doubling down our efforts to book major conferences. In 2016, Tourism Victoria entered into a renewed funding agreement with the City of Victoria under the Province’s Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) program, which governs accommodation taxation rules for destination promotion and tourism programs. Under the agreement, Tourism Victoria has taken on responsibility for sales and marketing at the Victoria Conference Centre (VCC), deepening the Victoria Conference Optimization Network (VCON) partnership. Having an innovative, private-sector oriented association take the lead on sales and marketing at the VCC has already driven increased results and transparency.

— PAUL NURSEY, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF TOURISM VICTORIA Tourism Victoria to expand our sales team with representatives in our key markets. We are expecting 2017 to be a very strong year for conferences, with more than 35 already confirmed for Victoria. What’s more, we are also booking into 2018, 2019 and beyond. Knowing there are conferences on the books helps businesses plan ahead, specifically allowing accommodation providers to better manage rate and yield. Another opportunity for Greater Victoria that we are actively working on is supporting the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority’s efforts to redevelop Ogden Point. The Ogden Point Master Plan represents a significant positive change for the area. The idea is to create a site that will serve as a “centre for tourism” and a gateway for the region.

Efficiencies are being achieved, allowing 17.VictoriaChamberAd2 2017-04-03 9:52 AM Page 1

Tourism Victoria is also working closely with the GVHA and the City of Victoria on enabling Ogden Point to be selected as a home port. Victoria is the busiest cruiseship port of call in Canada and is on the radar of multiple cruise lines looking at making us a home port for one of their ships. The goal is to have at least one ship begin its voyage from Victoria by 2020. This will be a step change for tourism in Greater Victoria and make the cruise industry, which has an annual economic impact of more than $100 million, even more important to Greater Victoria.

THE WELCOME MAT IS OUT In 2016, Ogden Point welcomed 244 ships, bringing more than 550,000 passengers and 212,000 crew to our city. As the main gateway for Vancouver Island, Greater Victoria is poised to welcome even more visitors in 2017.

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Last year, Victoria International Airport set a record with 1,699,284 passengers, an increase of 8.34 percent over 2015. B.C. Ferries was also up, with 4.9 percent more vehicles, 4.53 percent more passengers and 5.92 percent more buses in 2016 compared to 2015. As the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Destination Management and Marketing Organization, Tourism Victoria understands our vital role in making sure our markets know about our destination. We are also taking a more active role in helping visitors get here. In 2016, Tourism Victoria refreshed and modernized our approach to travel trade and it appears to be working. Focusing on distribution and digital shelf space has resulted in strong returns so far. For example, at this time last year we only had four Greater Victoria products on the Viatour platform, which is owned by TripAdvisor. Now there are more than 30 available for the tens of thousands of prospective customers who surf Viatour every day. This increased shelf space showcases the breadth and depth of the Greater Victoria experience on one of the world's largest experiential tourism digital platforms. And it provides more reasons to come to our region and stay longer. We have a great deal of work to do and business to build, as we are innovating and leading the way in this channel. Tourism Victoria is currently working with Destination BC and industry stakeholders on a 10-year Destination Development Plan for Greater Victoria. This comprehensive plan will help guide policy makers and inform investors who are key to making sure tourism remains robust and sustainable over the long term. Talking with Greater Victoria hoteliers, we know that more than $100 million has been spent in recent years on renovations. This has been great for Greater Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy, creating work for local trades and lifting the quality of the hotel product available in our destination. Tourism Victoria and our industry stakeholders are committed to continuing to work hard on fine tuning our marketing, advocacy and services to make sure everything is running smoothly under the hood. By doing so, we can ensure our tourism economy remains strong and our destination is ready to provide those exceptional experiences that will keep visitors coming back for more.

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BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

We remain optimistic about the future of our industry. The underlying fundamentals are solid, the tailwinds remain favourable and the evidence is all around us.

{MEMBERNEWS} New Faces at The Chamber

Emara Angus

Debbie Hartz

The Chamber is excited to have two new team members join the tribe this spring. Debbie Hartz will be an Account Representative and Emara Angus will take on the new role of Membership and Marketing Coordinator. Debbie owned a database management and marketing company which helped businesses grow their revenue, improve their customer service and human resource management. Debbie is a world traveller, a classical pianist and violinist and lives each day to the fullest. A recent graduate of the Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing program at Camosun College, Emara started at The Chamber as a co-op student last May and stayed on part time during her final year of school. At Camosun, she was the President of DECA business club where she focused on mentoring and empowering her fellow students. When Emara’s not working, she’s exploring the beaches with her dog Luna or trying out a new recipe. Both are looking forward to connecting with new and existing members—introduce yourself at the next Chamber event or give them a call to see how they can help you.

Women of Influence Dr. Rebecca Grant and Laurel Douglas have been named 2017 Women of Influence by BC Business Magazine. Chamber Chair in 2004, Rebecca is currently an associate professor of information systems at UVic's Peter B. Gustavson School of Business. She received this distinction because of her

involvement with Junior Achievement, her ability to connect students to potential employers and volunteer opportunities, and her talent for mentoring and advising. As CEO of the Kelowna-based Women’s Enterprise Centre, Laurel has matched thousands of B.C. entrepreneurs with female mentors. The provincial nonprofit service provider agency, which was founded in 1995 has offices in Vancouver

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company Criterion Security, forming security super-company, PalAmerican Security. The marriage between organizations will immediately increase both service offerings and company reach as one of North America's largest independent security firms. The company will continue to operate as Paladin Security in Canada. "We could not be more thrilled about the creation of PalAmerican Security," said Ashley Cooper, CEO of Paladin Security and PalAmerican Security. "What makes us different is that we are not a private equity backed company that is in this for the short term. We are employee owned and operated with all of our owners working full time in the business to ensure we make long term decisions for the betterment of our clients and our people."

Paladin Security: member since 2006

Ninety-five percent of newly arrived refugees speak a low level of English equivalent to Level 1 of the Canadian Language Benchmark for literacy. Familiarity with the Google Translate App helps establish a common platform for communication while English language skills develop. The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) and Google Translate have partnered to create We Speak Translate, a project that will engage community stakeholders, businesses, community agencies, institutions, and the public sector in Google Translate training. The training will also be provided to newcomer immigrants and refugees through ICA English language classes and other avenues.

ICA of Greater Victoria: member since 1996

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received a 2017 Wood WORKS! BC Wood Design Award from the Canadian Wood Council. The winning project was recognized in the Western Red Cedar category for innovative use of multiple local wood species in its design. Cedar planks used for the home’s exterior walls were treated in a centuries-old Japanese flame-charred method—Yakisugi– creating a textured, dark and lustrous appearance. The bright, modern interior includes a Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar sound-attenuating ceiling.

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D’AMBROSIO architecture + urbanism: member since 2015

Perishable food donated by Thrifty Foods will be collected and re-distributed by The Mustard Seed to Food Share Network partners and food insecure people living in Greater Victoria. It is estimated that up to 2,000 kilograms a day will be diverted from the compost through this initiative.

Innovating Junk Removal Atlas Junk Removal has upgraded its

trucks with new on board weigh scales certified by Measurement Canada. The new model will make Atlas Junk Removal the first company on Vancouver Island to offer junk removal based on weight.

Starfish Medical: member since 2009

The Food Rescue Project

"Food waste is painful for everyone," said Ralf Mundel, Senior Director of Retail

Operations at Thrifty Foods. "The food rescue project is an amazing way to connect quality, perishable food to the people in our community who need it the most." The food rescue project is the result of regional collaboration—led by the Victoria Foundation—among non-profit agencies and stakeholders that came together under the Food Share Network umbrella.

Thrifty Foods: member since 1981 The Mustard Seed: member since 1999 Victoria Foundation: member since 2004

"We are always looking at ways to innovate our business model and this seemed like the next logical step," said Director of Atlas Junk Removal Aaron Lawson. "These scales can weigh material by the pound with over 99 percent accuracy, allowing us to charge clients directly at their home or business by the pound as opposed to a guesstimate based on volume. This will save the most money on bulky items such as couches, mattresses and other larger furniture items."

Atlas Junk Removal: member since 2015

Checking out of the Food Business After thirty-five years of building Quality Foods from a single store in Qualicum Beach to thirteen award-winning Vancouver Island supermarkets, co-founders Ken Schley and John Briuolo are checking out of the food business. Their interests will be transferred to their strategic partner of eight years, Jim Pattison, who has stated clearly that "business will continue as it has." An internally developed management team led by Quality Foods co-founder Noel Hayward will take over the day-to-day operations.

Quality Foods: member since 2016

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY SUNDAY

JUNE

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Prodigy Group May Mingle May 11 | 5 to 7 p.m. Elite Sportswear Awards & Promotions @ the Strathcona Hotel Rooftop 919 Douglas St.

BC CHAMBER AGM EVENT

AGM & Mayoral Address May 17 | 11:30 am to 1:30 p.m. Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour 728 Humboldt St.

SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES

May Business Mixer May 18 | 5 to 7 p.m. Huntingdon Manor Hotel 330 Quebec St

Prodigy Group June Mingle June 8 | 5 to 7 p.m. Whole Foods Market 3587 Blanshard St.

MONDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Bayview Roundhouse West Coast BBQ May 27 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Roundhouse Car Shop 251 Esquimalt Rd. Online Reputation Management June 6 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Chamber, 852 Fort St.

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

YYJ Eats June 13 | 5 to 7 p.m. St. Ann's Academy, 835 Humboldt St. June Business Mixer June 22 | 5 to 7 p.m. Victoria HarbourCats @ Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia St.

OFFICE CLOSURE

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Mel Cooper

G OV E R N O R S ’ LIFETIME AC H I E V E M E N T AWA R D W I N N E R

It is with great pleasure that The Chamber recognizes Mel Cooper as the 2017 Lifetime Achievement award recipient. Since 2007, The Board of Governors have chosen a business leader in the community each year to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. It is the most prestigious business award given out by The Chamber. Each year it is presented to an individual who truly demonstrates both the business excellence and community spirit that makes our city great. “Mel is a great community leader and is very deserving of this award,” said Frank Bourree, Past-Chair of The Chamber Board of Directors and current Governors’ Chair. “The impact he has had on this community as both a businessman and an active volunteer is profound.” Born on December 10, 1932 in Newfoundland, Mel was raised on Signal Hill in the shadow of Cabot Tower where Marconi received the first radio signal. When he was 14, his family moved to Vancouver where he completed his schooling at Vancouver College and at the University of British Columbia. Starting life in the shadow of Signal Hill had its effect on Mel’s life plan. Known affectionately as “Mr. Radio”, Mel started his 53 year career in radio when he was hired for a summer job at CJAV Port Alberni writing news stories, reporting on sports and handling request shows. “I was pretty bad,” recalls Mel. On his return to UBC that fall he was offered a full-time job at CKMO (now CFUN). It wasn’t long before Bill Ray, owner of CKNW took notice and offered the 19 year old a spot on the “NW’ team. BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

Left: Mel at Expo 86. He headed a division that set a World’s Fair record for sponsorship revenue. Above: Carmela and Mel met and first worked together on the Chamber’s Tourism Committee in 1975. Carmela founded the Flower Count and ran it for 7 years (Mel was on her committee!).

Above: Volunteer Award Recipient Jeneece with sponsor TELUS’ Mel Below: In 1979 Mel (middle) and Cedric Steele (right) presented the Royal Bank of Canada with a certificate congratulating them on their new building at the corner of Fort and Douglas Street. Mel was president of The Chamber in 1979 and Cedric was president in 1980.

Above: It’s Foster Friday on C-FAX. Honouring Victoria’s amazing David Foster and raising money for his Foundation in the late 90’s on C-FAX.

Right: Brandon Cooper and Amanda Cooper proudly sit on Grampa’s knee. Mel formed the C-FAX Santa’s Anonymous Society over 40 years ago. Mel was President for most of those years.

BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

I always look at Mel as a great connector and somebody who looks for any opportunity to strengthen our community. If he can’t find the right opportunity—he will create it. That’s a huge gift that he brings to absolutely everything he does. — JANE BUTLER MCGREGOR, CEO OF THE VICTORIA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

Cooper made the move to Island radio when he purchased CFAX in 1974 from Clare Copeland. “As an entrepreneur you need to be brave and courageous—where there’s a will there’s a wallet,” says Cooper. When he moved to Victoria he recalls “People didn’t go out past 6 o’clock. Victoria was a lovely city but it didn’t have much energy and back then no one could have predicted tech would become our biggest industry.” Within a few years Mel had changed CFAX from an all music station to talk radio with radio personalities, public affairs programs that involved the audience and a focus on local politics and news. A year after relocating to Victoria, Mel became a member of The Chamber. He went on to serve as President in 1979 and is presently an active member of the Board of Governors. It was early in his time at The Chamber that he met the love of his life, his wife Carmella, who was chairing the annual Chamber Flower Count Committee. Mel was active on a number of influential boards and committees over the years. He served on the bid committee to bring the 1994 Commonwealth Games to Victoria and was Chair of the games bringing 3,200 athletes from 63 nations to the city. His decades long contributions to local, regional and national charities, non-profit boards, foundations and community groups has brought too many awards and accomplishments to count. Mel received the Order of British Columbia in 1992 and became a member of the Order of Canada in 1999. He was Chair of the 2008 United Way Campaign in Victoria. Mel received United Way’s honourary life membership in June, 2014 for helping make life better for

Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable citizens over the past 40 years. This honour recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to furthering the organization’s mission and vision and highlights their outstanding dedication to human and social issues in the community. Over his career, Mel has associated with some of the top business leaders and philanthropists in the province. It was 60 years ago that Mel began a friendship with Jim Pattison, CEO, Pattison Group. Mel recalls, “He started bringing ideas to me when he was still a car dealer.” “My first impression of Mel is he’s a people person, lots of energy, a person you instantly like,” says Jim Pattison, CEO Pattison Group. “When I was working on Expo 86 we needed some key people and one of the first people I thought of was Mel Cooper. He was a very important contributor to Expo 86.” When he was approached by Jim to help out on Expo 86 as vice-president for corporate sponsorship he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse. Mel recalls, “It was a wonderful time in my life.” Regarded as one of the most successful World’s Fairs, Mel helped raise a record $174 million in corporate support. The Pattison/Cooper business relationship didn’t end after the fair. Mel chaired BC Air for Pattison for 20 years. Today it is known as Air Canada Jazz. Shortly after the fair, Mel was offered a board position with then BC Tel. The relationship continues to this day as Mel now chairs the Telus Victoria Community Board. The Coopers have a combined family of six children, 14 grandchildren and 7 greatgrandchildren. It isn’t surprising that Mel’s volunteer efforts often centre on helping

families and children. For 30 years, Mel was President of Santa’s Anonymous which now has over 500 volunteers and feeds thousands of families throughout the year. With a smile on his face Mel reflects, “People stop me on the street and tell me they will never forget what we do for families and thankyou for Santa’s Anonymous.” In 2008, Mel stepped in to help the Victoria Conservatory of Music through a difficult financial transformation. Jane Butler McGregor, now CEO, had just started her role at the Conservatory. “I always look at Mel as a great connector and somebody who looks for any opportunity to strengthen our community. If he can’t find the right opportunity—he will create it,” says Butler McGregor. “That’s a huge gift that he brings to absolutely everything he does.” One of Mel’s fondest fundraising achievements is Jeneece Place—a home where families can stay while their children receive hospital treatment in Victoria. Diagnosed at age three with Neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition, Jeneece Ederoff has raised over $12 million for sick children starting with a penny drive when she was just seven years old. Says Mel, “Jeneece said to me—we need a home for families. Her health wasn’t well and so we helped her raise money to build Jeneece Place. I’m proud to say that five years after it opened, it has housed over 110 families while their children receive care at our local hospital.” “Mel is the reason Jeneece Place is here. He realized what my dream was and helped me get there,” said Ederoff. “He is a true philanthropist.” Mel has also been named honorary director to the David Foster Foundation Board focusing on fundraising efforts that provide financial assistance to families of children undergoing organ transplants. This funding also provides families with travel and accommodation expenses when they must travel for their child’s treatment and can provide for their child’s transplant and medical needs. When asked why Mel should receive this award his old friend Jim Pattison sums it up well, “Mel has always been a community person. He’s a leader—setting an example for all of us to support the things that make a good community”. Always the optimist, Cooper adds, “I like to see the bright side of life and feel good about what I do.” Something The Chamber Governors’ can relate to as they award this honour to Mel Cooper. BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

Co-op students are a hit at the Victoria Jazz Society DEREK RODWAY AT TD VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL JAZZFEST

Since its inception in 1981, the Victoria Jazz Society (VJS) has been enriching the arts culture of Victoria by bringing together leading jazz, world music, and blues artists to perform right here in the city. From major music festivals in the summer to individual concerts in the winter, spring and fall, the VJS presents a wide variety of music to Victoria’s diverse population. A not-for-profit organization, the VJS operates throughout the year with only three full-time employees. The organization expands its team for the summer as preparations for festival season get underway. “As a not-for-profit organization, we don’t have the ability to fill these positions on a full-time basis,” says Operations Manager and Assistant Producer Lora McIntosh. Instead, the VJS hires co-op students for the summer term–an obvious choice when searching for cost-effective, seasonal support. For over 20 years, the VJS has been hiring coop students to help produce their two major festivals: TD Victoria International JazzFest and the Vancouver Island Blues Bash. The students contribute to marketing, volunteer coordination, and on-site festival management. And while co-op students may offer an easy solution to staffing limitations, they also bring a diverse range of knowledge and skills that make them uniquely qualified for the job.

“Co-op students are professionally minded, flexible and conscientious,” McIntosh says, “and they come to us with many different skill sets that ultimately benefit the VJS.” Current UVic commerce co-op student Derek Rodway finds the experience just as rewarding. “At the VJS, I’ve been able to combine my interest in marketing with my passion for music,” he says. “It’s allowed me to explore working for a not-forprofit organization and has given me a glimpse of the music industry.” Working as a festival assistant for the summer, Rodway has been able to apply his entrepreneurial know-how, originally gleaned from a classroom, to a practical, hands-on learning environment. “It’s been an extremely valuable opportunity to develop my skills and competencies,” he says. “When I graduate, not only will I have a degree, I will have a strong résumé that will make me more desirable in the workplace.” For McIntosh and the VJS, hiring co-op students continues to be an overwhelmingly positive experience – so much so that multiple students have gone on to find permanent positions within the organization. “Our students are excited to be a part of our organization and very eager to learn as much as they can,” she says, “and we enjoy working with them so much.”

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WINNER

Western Interior Design Group Ltd.

Western Interior Design Group has served the commercial renovation sector in Victoria for over 25 years, as a full service interior design studio, with integrated procurement and construction management services. Western provides turnkey projects to a variety of clients such as a transitioning correctional facility, a technical college in Saudi Arabia and many of the largest local hotels. It supports numerous local community initiatives, including providing pro bono services to deserving not-for-profits, such as Greater Victoria Housing Society, Our Place and 1Up Single Parent Resource Centre. As a 100% female owned and operated firm, completely unique in the construction sector, Western Interior Design Group Ltd. champions women in all sectors of the local design and construction industry with direct leadership and active support.

Just like the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, we’re here to help all kinds of businesses. Whether you’re starting out or hugely successful, we offer a range of business products and services. Plus, we have a friendly and helpful team to help you along the way. Find out how we can help your business by visiting a branch, or coastcapitalsavings.com. You can also contact us at 250.483.7000.

WWW.WESTERNINTERIORDESIGN.CA BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

NEW BUSINESS SPONSORED BY

peninsula co-op

FreshWorks Studio

FreshWorks Studio is an award winning app development firm that provides private and public sector organizations with quality web and mobile app solutions. By following agile methodology and planning principals, FreshWorks has an impressive record of delivering exceptional mobile apps on time and within budget. FreshWorks takes client ideas and turns them into cutting edge designs with the knowledge of the company’s young, passionate and talented iOS/Android/Web developers. FreshWorks Studio—named by technology research firm Clutch to a top-10 developers in Canada list based on market presence, portfolio and client satisfaction—traces its early success to networking meetings and persistent founders. FreshWorks have been chosen as Douglas Magazine’s “10 to Watch” in 2017.

LOCALLY INVESTED

FRESHWORKS.IO

COMMUNITY

MINDED LIFETIME

Loomo Marketing

MEMBERSHIP

BENEFITS

Not a member yet?

$27 Lifetime Membership with no annual fees. Join online or in-store

Loomo Marketing is a full-service marketing agency that specializes in branding, web development, and campaign strategy. Using creative ideas that shake up the status quo, Loomo connects great brands with the customers who need them. They’ve served some of the best-known companies in B.C. and across Canada, including Rolland, Peoples Trust, TEDx, Coast Hotels, Holiday Inn Express, and the City of Langley. Their passion for helping businesses grow is reflected in everything they do. Some of their recent accomplishments include creating a viral social media campaign for the Downtown Langley Business Association that generated 1.7 million views, and developing a fundraising campaign for New Hope Community Services Society that raised over $70,000 for refugee families.

LOOMO.CA

peninsulaco-op.com 16

BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

WINNER

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (1-10 EMPLOYEES) SPONSORED BY

Balance Home Cleaning

WINNER

Balance Home Cleaning (BHC) was founded with the goal of providing a fresh alternative in the cleaning industry. Specializing in exceptional quality and personalized customer service, BHC has developed a unique position within the market. Services include; regularly scheduled home & commercial cleaning, movein/move-out cleaning, and post construction cleaning throughout Greater Victoria. BHC operates on a foundation of trust, accountability, service, and passion. These values are personified by the highly-engaged team members and their commitment to providing exceptional cleaning services. Team members take great pride in their work and are committed to delivering upon the company’s mission of “helping people enjoy life through better balance”. With an unwavering focus on excellence, BHC has earned a shining reputation within their industry.

the City of Victoria

Welcome to the Business Hub at the City of Victoria.

BALANCEHOMECLEANING.COM

BC Hazmat Management Ltd. BCHAZMAT Management Ltd. specializes in the field of occupational health, safety and hazardous materials management. BCHAZMAT offers safety training; 24/7/365 emergency spill response; and environmental services and products throughout Western Canada. Operating since 1996, BCHAZMAT strives to provide clients with what is needed to comply with all jobrelated safety training requirements as well as dangerous goods and hazardous materials regulations. Every location and every spill incident is different. BCHAZMAT knows how to expertly handle the situation, and can advise and aid clients on the best ways to mitigate the problem. The cohesive team of highly qualified and experienced occupational health, safety and environmental industry professionals at BCHAZMAT are passionate about worker safety and the environment.

BCHAZMAT.COM

Fernwood Inn

Chocolats Favoris

"The Business Hub service has been invaluable."

"Thanks to the Business Hub we saved time and achieved our goal."

The Business Hub at City Hall is a concierge service that helps companies and entrepreneurs streamline processes, reduce red tape, and connects you to the right resources to open your business quicker. Get in touch with our Business Ambassador today.

Open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm 1 Centennial Square, Victoria 1.250.361.0629 | bizhub@victoria.ca

BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (11-39 EMPLOYEES) SPONSORED BY

Chek News

WITH

Orca Spirit Adventures

STACY ROSS

WINNER

Orca Spirit Adventures owners John and Lauren Douglas were instrumental in building the whale watching industry in the region, launching the first covered vessel in Victoria 20 years ago. Today, with more boats and capacity than any other regional organization, Orca Spirit Adventures and sister-company Orca Spirit Marine Transport, are the whale watching, private charter, and marine transport providers of choice for tourists, school groups, tour operators, and commercial organizations alike. The Orca Spirit crew lives, breaths and thrives on respecting the environment, while creating extraordinary guest experiences. Orca Spirit developed a “Green Management Plan” focused on perpetual improvements in sustainable business practices and environmental consciousness—implementing policies around waste reduction, energy efficiency, environmentally-friendly products and local supplier sourcing.

ORCASPIRIT.COM

Proline Management Ltd.

WEEKNIGHTS

5 PM

www.cheknews.ca 18

BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

Proline Management Ltd, a family-run business founded 32 years ago, provides rental, strata and commercial property management services. Proline believes that the field of property management is about servicing and fostering communities. Proline acknowledges and celebrates differences, while working to find solutions that encourage understanding and support for one another. Property management can be a difficult and confusing industry for the unfamiliar, but Proline strives to provide clarity both to their clients and to the community as a whole. Proline hosts regular educational seminars for their clients, inviting experts to provide their perspectives and guidance on topics of special interest. They have also debuted Proline Academy sessions, intimate learning environments for clients to learn from internal experts as well as from one another’s experiences.

PROLINEMANAGEMENT.COM

P R O L I N E M A N AG E M E N T LT D .

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (40+ EMPLOYEES) SPONSORED BY

Beanstream

Times Colonist

WINNER

Beanstream, a Bambora Company, has enabled businesses of every size to receive and make payments online, in-store, and in-app since early 2000. With the largest payment suite in the industry, Beanstream helps everyone from independent store owners to Fortune 500 companies succeed. Responsible for processing over 30% of all e-commerce in Canada, Beanstream uses a consultative approach and 24/7 in-region support to provide an innovative payment suite to serve their customers. With ten product launches, twenty-two new hires, and over 2,600 new customers, 2016 was a year of growth for Beanstream. Year-to-date, Beanstreamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s customers processed over 100 million transactions, totalling well over $21 billion dollars.

BEANSTREAM.COM

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in good company. Each day 124,000 Victorians read the Times Colonist. More than 214,000 of us read one or more editions of the newspaper each week.

Boosting the local economy.

Along with our 175-plus full-time employees the Times Colonist employs more than 1,100 youth and adult carriers.

A Bambora Company

Peninsula Co-op Peninsula Co-op is a Vancouver Island based co-operative with our core business in grocery, petroleum and convenience stores. Peninsula Co-op operates 17 gas centres between Victoria and Comox, a Food Centre, home-heating service, six local network cardlocks and five systemwide cardlocks which employs 320 people. Being entirely locally owned, Peninsula Co-op proudly shares profits with their member-owners, community and staff, which has been a part of our philanthropy since opening their doors in 1977. Peninsula Co-op celebrates their 40th anniversary in 2017 with their 85,000+ active member-owners. In 2016 they gave back to their member-owners $4.6 million in rebate cheques. In addition to customer rebates, they donated in excess of $370,000 to over 250 local charities, organizations, youth groups, student scholarships and community projects.

More than just your community newspaper.

The Times Colonist will publish 14 magazines in 2016 to complement a growing line of digital products and services.

Working together keeps Victoria amazing. The Times Colonist provides more than $2.5 million in space and money every year to more than 100 charitable and not-for-profit organizations.

Our readers, our advertisers and our many community partners help make your daily newspaper stronger than ever. Thanks!

PENINSULACO-OP.COM

BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

OUTSTANDING WORKPLACE SPONSORED BY

CPHR British Columbia & Yukon

Checkfront Checkfront provides online booking software for thousands of tours, activities, accommodations, and rentals providers all over the world. With even small businesses now fielding multiple software products to manage different parts of their operation, Checkfront aims to connect these technology stacks together, unifying the reservations process with other functions like financial reporting and marketing. Checkfront is defined by its employees. It doesn’t matter what their position is, if they have an idea or opinion, it’s encouraged to be shared, and the staff know they will be heard. Checkfront believes a healthy work/ life balance, flexible hours, provision of topnotch gear and generous benefits creates an enjoyable atmosphere for employees who are inspired to work hard, as a team, and have fun while doing it.

Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHRs) are uniquely qualiﬁed to help employers and employees achieve success. They are professional problem solvers with expertise that extends across all aspects of business, in every industry. They mitigate risk, optimize performance, develop leadership skills, enable change, manage talent and improve employee engagement. Across Canada, CPHRs are strengthening businesses, creating long term success at every level. The CPHR designation is recognized across nine provinces and three territories. CPHR Canada is recognized internationally as the voice of HR in Canada. Discover what a CPHR designation can do for you.

CPHRBC.CA 20 BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

CHECKFRONT.COM

WINNER

Smart Dolphins IT Solutions Inc.

Founded in 2000, Smart Dolphins is an award-winning provider of computer and network support, helping Vancouver Island organizations grow and succeed by providing the highest quality managed IT services at a cost-effective price. Smart Dolphins have built and refined a team, tools and processes that truly delivers on their porpoise: to take full responsibility for the success of their clients’ IT systems. Smart Dolphins employees refer to themselves as Dolphins and together they make up “the POD.” 50% of “the POD” have been employed at Smart Dolphins for five or more years. They have numerous “Dolfan” gatherings, poker tournament fundraisers, quarterly “Team Aquarific” team-building activities, an annual SHAFT (Super Happy Awesome Fun Time) celebration, a committee focused on “Doing more” in the community and more.

SMARTDOLPHINS.COM

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES SPONSORED BY

Bernhardt Contracting Ltd.

Horne Coupar Lawyers + Notaries and Sierra Club BC

WINNER

Bernhardt Contracting Ltd. is a high performance residential and commercial builder. Founded in 2007 by Mark Bernhardt, Bernhardt Contracting aims to create buildings that are sustainable and efficient by design. In the past three years, the company has built the first three Certified Passive Houses on Vancouver Island. Certified Passive Houses have thicker walls which provide more insulation, careful design which orientates the building to provide the most solar gain, and triple-pane windows which collect heat from the sun in winter and are shaded externally in the summer. Not only does Bernhardt Contracting build sustainable houses, but Mark Bernhardt also collaborates and educates others by inviting professionals to tour his buildings, and speaking at numerous seminars and college classes.

BERNHARDTCONTRACTING.COM

City Green Solutions Society Since 1999, City Green has been furthering building energy efficiency, climate action, and water conservation in BC. City Green walks the talk, encouraging active commuting, recycling and composting, eco-friendly purchasing policies, energy conservation practices, and donating to local community organizations. Their work includes providing energy saving advice to over 30,000 homeowners, builders and businesses, testing innovative technologies, training building professionals, and contributing to the evolution of building codes and energy labelling programs. Through initiatives such as the Oil to Heat Pump Incentive Program, PreRinse Spray Valve Program, Richmond Building Energy Challenge, BC Hydro Load Management Demonstration Project and Municipal Partner Offer they have achieved tangible contributions towards climate action and sustainability while improving the comfort, affordability, and longevity of homes and buildings in BC.

CITYGREEN.CA BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE SPONSORED BY

Innov8 Digital Solutions

Outlooks for Men Outlooks for Men, established in 1989, is Victoria’s premiere destination for menswear, offering a finely curated selection of men’s clothing from business to casual including beautiful suits, shoes, basic staples and quirky accessories. The expert staff are dedicated to advising on the best look for every occasion from work to weddings to a night out on the town. Led by owner Dale Olsen and long-term manager, Vanessa Black, Outlooks is also dedicated to helping wherever possible with donations to charity events and hosts an annual Man & His Dog Fashion Show which funds animal rescue organizations, most recently the Victoria Humane Society. In 2016, they also created Victoria’s first ever suit drive which resulted in more than 200 underemployed or unemployed men get suited up for job interviews free.

OUTLOOKSFORMEN.COM

WINNER

STS Pain Pharmacy

STS Pain Pharmacy is not only a pharmacy, but a centre where people in addiction recovery and/or facing homelessness can find services to help them. Initiatives include creating a program where clients receive free rides to appointments (doctor, probation officer and hospital) and providing people without ID, who are enrolled in drug recovery programs, the opportunity to cash their government cheques without paying a fee. STS pharmacists are also engaged in the opiate drug crisis and have received a federal grant in conjunction with the University of Victoria to develop a device able to detect Fentanyl in illicit drugs. Where people see an epidemic, STS Pain Pharmacy sees an opportunity to help others and advance science.

STSPAIN.COM

575 Bay Street

250.384.7243 | innov8ds.ca 22 BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

INNOVATION

SPONSORED BY

UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Coastal Community Credit Union and Insurance

WINNER

Flytographer

Flytographer helps capture the magic of travel. Launched in 2013, it connects travellers with local photographers in 200 cities worldwide for fun, candid photo shoots. Often people return home from a special trip with no decent photos of everyone together. Flytographer customers not only return with a beautiful souvenir, but they learn cool insider tips on what to eat, see, and do as they stroll the streets chatting with their local photographer. Photos are delivered five days after the shoot - often before they’ve even unpacked! For travellers who value experiences rather than things, it’s the perfect souvenir that provides priceless memories for decades to come. Flytographer has launched an innovative new marketplace that is literally changing the way people remember their vacations, all over the world.

School of Business

CCCU.CA

The world looks different from here.

Gustavson

Coastal Community Credit Union celebrated their 70th year in business in 2016 and are the largest financial services organization based on Vancouver Island, with almost 600 employees, and over 100,000 members and insurance clients. Coastal Community was the first to bring Interactive Teller Machines to the Island, technology that incorporates live teller service via virtual connections. As a member-based organization, the use of this innovative technology has allowed them to enhance their presence in the Victoria market in a financially responsible way. Coastal Community has designed their footprint to be rooted and reaching; to address future realities while offering a very personal banking experience. Innovation supports our commitment to build stronger relationships in order to improve financial health, enrich people’s lives and build healthier communities.

FLYTOGRAPHER.COM

BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017 23

NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY

Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island

Lifetime Networks

WINNER

Lifetime Networks understands that friendship is the cornerstone to a fulfilling life and works to create those opportunities for people with disabilities and their families. By providing friendship and support opportunities Lifetime Networks ensures all people can live rich and rewarding lives in their communities—safely and with friends that care. The Lifetime Networks staff works together with families and volunteers to build Networks of Friends, provide Continuing Education, Community Engagement Support, Employment Preparation, Job Search, and ‘on the job’ support. Lifetime Networks also offers informal networks through continuing education, employment support, community inclusion, fine arts, photography, social cooking, evening socials and Best Buddies.

LIFETIMENETWORKS.ORG

With your help, kids like Savannah can reach their full potential. Children may be 25% of our Island’s population, but they’re 100% of our future. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island is investing a record-setting $3.2 million dollars in our future this year. With your support, we can help even more Island kids reach their full potential. To donate:

childrenshealthvi.org

24 BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

Our Place Society “If it wasn’t for Our Place, I would be dead now,” says Gordie, one of hundreds of people that Our Place helps every day. Our Place is a unique community centre that provides over 1,800 meals per day (680,804 meals last year), hot showers, education, job skills, clothing, counselling, medical care, foot care, dental care, haircuts and outreach services. When tent city sprung up in 2016, Our Place stepped up to provide emergency housing for the displaced. Along with 45 transitional housing units in its main facility, Our Place opened 60 mats at First Met United Church, erected 50 tents inside the former Boys & Girls Club on Yates Street, and brought 80 people into the former Youth Correctional Facility in View Royal.

OURPLACESOCIETY.COM

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR SPONSORED BY

ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY

Glen Smethurst VAN ISLE PAINT AND ISLAND DIGITAL MARKETING

Glen Smethurst is the co-founder and managing director of both Van Isle Paint and Island Digital Marketing. Glen and his brother Clint founded Van Isle Paint in August 2014 with one core ideology, they’re building a company that is value-based and all about customer satisfaction. Van Isle Paint has a team of 15 full-time employees that focus on quality work at a great price. Island Digital Marketing (IDM) was created in June 2014 in Vancouver. Glen relocated IDM to Victoria allowing him to simultaneously scale both IDM, and Van Isle Paint. IDM unifies design, development, and project management to create exceptional and elegant strategies. Both Van Isle Paint and Island Digital Marketing are strong community partners and supporters of several local athletic, business, and health organizations.

VANISLEPAINT.COM ISLANDDIGITAL.MARKETING

Rachel Paish

WINNER

Determination. We encourage it.

PASSION & PERFORMANCE

Rachel Paish is Owner and Creative Director of Passion and Performance Arts Inc., a performing arts facility for adults. Rachel opened her doors in September 2010 in a subleased 600 square foot space downtown offering five classes. Now in 2017, after its second expansion into a 2700 square foot space, it is offering over 40 classes and services. Passion and Performance produces five main shows per year and collaborates on various festivals, shows and expos. Rachel is a member of The Chamber’s Prodigy Group Committee as the Professional Development Lead. She is also a mentee of the Forum For Women Entrepreneurs Mentorship Program, sponsor of Victoria Pride and the Canadian Cancer Society fundraising initiatives, is an award winning choreographer and has been featured on the cover of Monday Magazine.

You have great things inside you. Like the drive to succeed. Let the transformative power of our cohortbased learning model put your work and life experience to great use. You’ll collaborate with like-minded, industryleading peers every step of the way in a practical and personalized platform for success. If you’re ready to build your career, and your network, let’s talk. We see great things ahead.

Business 1.877.778.6227 royalroads.ca/business

PASSIONANDPERFORMANCE.COM BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017 25 Publication

GVBA

Created By

RRU Brand Creative

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY

united way of greater victoria

Scott Burley TOGETHER, WE ARE POSSIBILITY

2 BURLEY MEN MOVING LTD. Victoria resident Scott Burley started 2 Burley Men Moving Ltd. in August 2009 with one truck and two men. They have now grown to 58 trucks across Vancouver Island and Western Canada and have established local moving divisions in Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtney/Comox, and the Kelowna/ Okanagan area. In March 2016, the Victoria office opened a new cleaning division. Recent successes include being voted #1 Mover in Victoria for the third year running, and voted #1 Mover in Campbell River for the first time in 2016. 2 Burley Men is known for having a big heart in the community. This is demonstrated by the financial support given to countless community organizations. As Scott Burley has said, “If you expect the community to support you, then you had better be ready to support them.”

When you invest in United Way, it is an opportunity for your business and employees to come together and raise funds for vital programs that sustain our social and economic fabric.

In 2016, thanks to support from our donors in over 250 workplaces United Way funded 109 community programs and helped 111,000 individuals, families, youth and children change their lives.

uwgv.ca 26 BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

2BURLEYMEN.CA

Mandy Farmer WINNER

ACCENT INNS | HOTEL ZED

Mandy Farmer is President and CEO of the 30-year-old Accent Inns and three-year-old retro-chic Hotel Zed. Mandy reinvented and restructured the way Accent Inns did business, driving significant profit and cost savings as a result. She is the epitome of her brand’s motto, “Different in a Good Way,” and rides her bike to work every day, rain or shine, in high heels, bright 1980’s tights and funky dresses. When you meet her, you might think she is Hotel Zed personified. A few of her recent accomplishments include her current #25 ranking in Profit Magazine’s Top100 Canadian Women Entrepreneurs, recently being named national Hotelier of the Year and her appointment as an Honorary Captain of the Navy affiliated with the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.

ACCENTINNS.COM HOTELZED.COM

CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY

Air Canada

Dan Dagg

VICE CHAIR, THE CHAMBER PRESIDENT, HOT HOUSE MARKETING

WINNER

Dan Dagg joined the The Chamber’s board in 2010 and since then has been the chair of a number of committees, been a mentor for up-and-coming Chamber members and led The Chamber’s rebrand. In 2015 and 2016, he chaired the Greater Victoria Development Agency and accomplished what had seemed impossible in our region—an alliance of local governments, private businesses, associations and institutions willing to commit their name and their money to a regional economic development agency. That agency was launched as the South Island Prosperity Project in the spring of 2016 and is well on its path to improving our regional economy. While not volunteering for The Chamber, Dan is the President of Hot House Marketing, a Victoria-based marketing-communications firm.

HOTHOUSEMARKETING.COM

Achieving New Achieving New Heights WHEN Heightsyou

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Achieving New Heights

As Air Canada strengthens its position as a global, customer-focused organization, our airline is aiming higher and reaching further to represent the spirit of our great nation. Our new livery is a powerful visual representation of our pride, values, and bold objective to fly among the world’s best, and a testament to our commitment to enhanced service, professionalism and rigorous attention to detail.

Air Canada travaille à renforcer sa position d’entreprise mondiale centrée sur ses clients et, ce faisant, notre société aérienne vise plus haut et plus loin afin de représenter l’esprit de notre grand pays. Notre nouvelle livrée est le symbole de notre fierté, de nos valeurs, de notre objectif ambitieux de nous hisser parmi les meilleurs dans le monde, et la preuve de notre engagement à livrer un service supérieur, avec professionnalisme et une attention particulière aux détails.

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themarketstores.com

Swe et!

2017-03-22 1:55 PM 2017-03-22 1:55 PM

903 Yates At Quadra | 250.381.6000 7 am - 11 pm 125-2401 C Millstream Road | 250.391.1110 8 am - 11 pm BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

{NEWMEMBERS} February 1 to March 31

Hire a co-op student.

Hear the results.

AGO Environmental Electronics

A.G.O. Environmental Ltd. manufactures equipment used in the geophysics, oceanographic, environmental and survey industries. 250-386-4015 www.agoenvironmental.com

Brink Events

...exceeded expectations...

...a great return on investment... ...enthusiasm for learning and leading... ...we will be extending continuing contracts...

...sheer winners! ...brought fresh ideas and a willingness to learn...

Co-operative Education Program and Career Services uvic.ca/employers 250.721.6616

Co-operative Education and Career Services camosun.ca/cese 250.370.4100 28 BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

Brink Events is a premium event design and planning agency. We specialize in unique events, event management, and private party planning for corporations and individuals. 250-882-9691 www.brinkevents.ca

Cambria College

Healthcare is the most in-demand job sector in Canada. Our newly built and approved on-site lab and small class sizes allow us to place emphasis on your success in your health care career. 778-265-7547 www.cambriacollege.ca

Canadian Payment Services

CPS is one of the fastest growing providers of Merchant Services in Canada. We are the Largest ISO for First Data, offering very competitive rates & less charges than most of the other providers in the market. 250-889-7677 www.cpsmerchants.ca

Cloverdale Child Care Society

We are a non-profit childcare centre that was started up in 1994. Since that time our centre has expanded and has become a busy program that currently has 96 licensed spaces. 250-995-1766 www.cloverdalechildcare.com

Epicure - Team Westcoast

Epicure is dedicated to providing delicious meal solutions that use only real, whole ingredients you can trust, while never, ever compromising on taste. 250-589-7572 www.bethmartin.epicure.com/en

{NEWMEMBERS} February 1 to March 31

Factors Western

Live Event Sound Systems

Happy Campers Child Care

Oui Jewellery

Factors Western can Quick Pay invoices to help manage your businesses' cash flow, allowing you to take on more contracts and realize potential growth. 604)534-4694 www.factorswestern.com

Offering quality childcare since 1992—caring for children up to 12 yrs old. Every day at Happy Campers is a busy day filled with activities that will foster individual, social, physical, emotional & cognitive growth in a nurturing, fun atmosphere. 250-391-0909 www.happycampers.ca

Industry Training Authority

The Industry Training Authority (ITA) leads and coordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system. 250-708-2408 www.itabc.ca

A true powerhouse of equipment and expertise, Live Event Soundsystems is a Victoria-based operation servicing the whole of Vancouver Island. 250-216-4443 www.liveeventsound.com

SRED Consultants Inc.

SRED Consultants Inc. is a team of professional accountants and technical experts conversant with SRED legislation and CRA assessment practices who can help you claim back up to 65% of the total SR&ED expenses from CRA. 778-433-4925 www.getsred.ca

Our name is Oui Jewellery; a mix of English and French like Canada, one might say our suppliers are as diverse as the Canadian population; We are proud to present local artists plus curated international collections. 778-265-7684 www.ouijewellery.com

Susan Boyce Consulting

Schwalbe Tires North America Inc

Synergy Sustainability

You will find SCHWALBE bike tires in the USA, in South Africa as well as in Japan and Australia. In Europe, we are even the market leader! 250-598-0397 www.schwalbetires.com

Public, corporate, stakeholder relations in the energy sector and university relations, planning and program development in universities. Ready to add value to you. 778-265-5023

Synergy is a corporate sustainability management firm founded on the principle that business can make a positive impact on the planet. Synergy specializes in environmental performance metrics, efficiency solutions, and communications. 778-265-8053 www.vigreeneconomy.com

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眀眀眀⸀瀀爀漀搀椀最礀最爀漀甀瀀⸀挀愀 BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017 29

Y YJ

eats

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

TUESDAY, JUNE 13 | 5-7 PM @ ST. ANNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ACADEMY Experience an exciting variety of bite-sized gourmet food, local wine, craft beers and specialty cocktails.

VICTORIACHAMBER.CA 250-383-7191

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Victoria

{NEWMEMBERS} February 1 to March 31

The Garage Door Depot

Threshold Housing Society

velofix Victoria

The Studio Design & Marketing

Tofino Resort + Marina

Victoria Pacific Freight Service Ltd.

Tudor House Immigration Services Inc.

West Coast Agencies Ltd

At the Garage Door Depot, great prices are a start, but great service is a necessity. We are a leading supplier of residential, commercial and industrial garage and overhead doors in the Greater Victoria Region. 250-885-5455 www.garagedoordepot.ca/victoria

A graphic design + marketing company that offers a range of design services, brand building and marketing strategies. 778-977-0061 www.thestudiodesign.com

Threshold exists to serve youth from across Vancouver Island through supported independent living. Providing positive role models and constructive support helps youth in our community navigate the challenges of school, work, relationships and life. 250-383-8830 www.thresholdhousing.ca

Tofino Resort + Marina nestled overlooking Clayoquot Sound; located moments from Tofino’s village & beaches. We offer oceanfront lodging, dining, whale & bear watching, fishing & hot-spring tours. 250-725-3277 www.tofinoresortandmarina.com

Three Trees Technical

Custom software engineers. 250-885-6966 www.3treestech.com

We provide RCIC immigration services and education consulting in British Columbia. 250-881-5516 www.tudorhouseconsulting.com

The Chambers Plan business assisTanCe serviCe (bas) Provides for boTh The business owner and Their emPloyees. for business owners ManageMent ServiceS

Provides up to six hours of Legal, Accounting and Specialized Human Resource services combined, per calendar year.

HuMan reSource coacHing

Confidential telephone coaching helps address a wide range of challenging people issues, including performance management, absenteeism, conflict and difficult behaviour.

for emPloyees

When an employee is consistently absent from work, or underperforming, there is a strong probability a personal issue is the cause. Owners now have the resources available to help employees deal with situations affecting performance, through face-to-face counselling with a trained professional.

bas is a free serviCe builT inTo eaCh Chambers Plan emPloyee benefiT Program. you will inCur no ouT-of-PoCkeT exPenses when aCCessing These serviCes, nor are you required To submiT any Claim forms.

for more information on what the Chambers Plan can do for you, contact us today.

Bike repair and bike service for Victoria and the surrounding area. Avoid the hassle of taking your bike into the shop and let us come to you! Our Bike Shops are fully equipped with all the bike parts and accessories you could ever need. 250-857-9832 www.velofix.com

VPFS is a locally owned and operated freight company that has specialized in cross border shipments since 1994. Fast, courteous, and efficient, we at VPFS are the Victoria-based experts in moving packages to and from the USA. 250-655-7102 www.vpfreightservices.com

West Coast Agencies is proud to offer exclusive Port Agency Services to cruise ships calling on British Columbia’s west coast. 778-746-2080 www.westcoastagencies.ca

OWN YOUR DESIGN AND PROHIBIT OTHERS FROM COPYING YOUR WORK WITHOUT PERMISSION.

Thompson Cooper is Victoria’s leading source for legal advice on intellectual property. dthompson@tcllp.ca 250 389 0387 tcllp.ca

robert Jack | Jack insurance & financial services rob@jackinsurance.ca | Phone: 250.383.9866 | fax: 250.383.6241 #201, 1137 yates street, victoria, bC v8v 3n1

2017 BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017-01-29 311:29 PM

TCLLP Business Matters Ad Jan 2017.indd 1

MEMBER SNAPSHOTS

The strength of The Chamber is our members and the people who run these outstanding businesses. These interviews have been edited for length and clarity. To see the full interviews, or find out how you can be featured, visit our website www.victoriachamber.ca

LOREN HAGERTY

Loren (right) plays host to Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a tall ship day sail on October 1, 2016.

Executive Director S.A.L.T.S. Sail and Life Training Society What do you like most

EVERY about your job? YEAR S.A.L.T.S. It combines my TEACHES 1700 administrative gifts with my love of YOUNG PEOPLE TO watersports while SAIL OUR TWO TALL SHIPS doing fulfilling SO THEY CAN GROW work alongside THROUGH CHALLENGING kind and caring EXPERIENCES AND people. What is COMMUNITY LIVING. the best perk of

NATASHA RICHARDSON General Manager Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa What project is your business proudest of? BRENTWOOD We are most proud BAY RESORT & SPA of developing IS AN AWARD WINNING, The Emergent 5-STAR OCEANFRONT Leaders BOUTIQUE RESORT WITH 35 Program and BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED SUITES, bringing it to our staff and AN AWE-INSPIRING DINING ROOM, the community. A CASUAL PUB, A WELLNESS What is your CENTRE AND A MARINA company’s ALL TAILORED FOR THE greatest strength? LUXURY TRAVELLER. The culture of our organization. How is your business innovative? We have one of the most progressive important life lesson for someone to human resources and talent management learn? Realizing the tremendous power programs in North America. The purpose of truth and recognizing the awesome of our human resources initiatives is to capacity of individuals who determine contribute to the development of more their own lives and overcome their own self-aware and open individuals with greater fears by looking openly and honestly self-esteem. We often feel like we are laying at themselves. Where can we find you a new path in human resources—it is very on the weekend? The Comox Valley. rewarding. What is new with your business? My home is in Courtenay, my work is in We have just launched a new website Victoria. Could you manage without (brentwoodbaywellness.ca) to promote our your cell phone? Yes! I try to spend one Wellness Centre workshops and treatments. day per week without my cell phone. If What are you passionate about? Helping you could have dinner with anyone alive individuals and organizations become or dead who would it be? Will Schutz more real and contribute in meaningful ways. What do you think is the most

BRENTWOOD BAY RESORT & SPA: MEMBER SINCE 2010 32 BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

your job? I get some phenomenal “business trips”—like sailing for ten days this summer around Haida Gwaii, or a past sailing from Fiji to Vanuatu. Best team-building moment or program you’ve ever experienced? Can I pick our own program? It takes everyone on board, all pulling in the same direction, to raise our ship’s massive sails. What is your organization’s greatest strength? We care about people and facilitate a genuine community, which is transformative for those involved. How is technology changing your work? Our current wooden-hulled ships can no longer sail to overseas ports, which is one reason we will be building a new steel-hulled schooner starting next year. How is your organization involved in the community? We partner with over a dozen other non-profit organizations and provide $125,000 in bursary funding each year. What were your first jobs? Paper route, landscaper, stock boy. What is one job you could never do? Anything medical—I get squeamish around blood since watching my wife have an emergency C-section. Dogs or Cats? Just kids (three!) Favourite place on Vancouver Island? Lower Myra Falls in Strathcona Park, near my hometown of Gold River. What’s something people may not know about you? I’m a man. Seriously Victoria, please stop calling me Mrs. Hagerty, just because my name sounds like the common female moniker “Lauren”! What do you think is an important life lesson for someone to learn? Maintaining “humble confidence” through every success, failure, and challenge.

S.A.L.T.S. SAIL AND LIFE TRAINING SOCIETY: MEMBER SINCE 1997

MARK MAWHINNEY Investment Advisor Odlum Brown Limited What’s your favourite thing ODLUM about your job? My BROWN IS AN clients—it is a delight working for great INDEPENDENT, FULLpeople! What is the SERVICE INVESTMENT best perk of your FIRM PROVIDING job? Freedom and DISCIPLINED INVESTMENT independence ADVICE AND OBJECTIVE to do what’s right VALUE-BASED RESEARCH for each individual WITH A SINGULAR client. How are you involved with The FOCUS ON Chamber? I'm a member CLIENTS. of the executive Committee member and Chair of the Policy Committee. What’s your favourite Chamber first job? My first serious job was working event? Policy Committee activities—great for the Right Honourable Kim Campbell people committed to improving the policy when she became Prime Minister. What environment for the benefit of our members. are you passionate about? My avocation What is new with your business? For is community involvement. I first started the 18th consecutive year, we have been volunteering for my community in grade 10 recognized as one of Canada’s Best and haven’t stopped since. Dogs or Cats? Managed Companies by Deloitte. What is Dogs for sure, and specifically my Wheaten it about a boss/co-worker/employee that Terrier named Cobalt! Favourite place makes them great to work with? Our firm on Vancouver Island? The Ogden Point culture is highly collegial and supportive. Breakwater. What do you think is the most The only pressure put upon us is to provide important life lesson for someone to learn? the best advice possible. What was your

Act with integrity—ie: keep your word. Who is your role model or has had the biggest influence on your life? Undoubtedly my father. Tremendous legal career while still being a wonderful father, mentor and friend. What’s something people don’t know about you? I raised $250,000 to fund a lecture series at UBC’s Faculty of Law in my father’s name as a thanks to him for being a great dad. How do you relax? Reading mostly non-fiction books, but I also binge watch Netflix every so often. Where can we find you on the weekend? At my cabin on Mayne Island. What’s your favourite event or festival in Greater Victoria? TC10K—it’s a really well organized, fun and energetic event. Could you manage without your cell phone? Yes. Where do you like to eat in Greater Victoria? Vis a Vis in Oak Bay, Zambri’s and Bard and Banker downtown. Favourite summer activity to do in Victoria? Going for a run along the ocean is pretty special. What’s your favourite mode of transportation to get around town? When I don’t have meetings outside of the office I like to walk to or from work. If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead who would it be? Ronald Reagan—he was an honest leader who communicated the tough messages, but also gave the world hope.

ODLUM BROWN LIMITED: MEMBER SINCE 2004

REGAN MCGRATH

Golf Tournaments

Founder and CEO Metrics Chartered Professional Accounting

even have a Happiness Index. What is the new with your business? The Metrics Bookkeeper Collective—a training academy and referral platform for bookkeepers. What’s your favourite thing about your How is your business environmentally job? Our team. What is the best perk of sustainable? We are paperless and we your job? The flexibility to work anytime help other companies become paperless from anywhere. How are you involved with modern technology. What was your with The Chamber? I’m a former Prodigy first job? Soccer Coach. What is the best Group Chair and Chamber Board Director advice you’ve ever received? Make haste and a proud member. What sets your slowly. How do you relax? I go to the business apart from other businesses? beach. Where do you like to We take happiness seriously. It sets the eat in Greater Victoria? WE foundation for our HR policies. We Brasserie L’ecole. ARE A TEAM What’s something OF TECH SAVVY people don’t ACCOUNTANTS AND know about you? I’m FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY crushing the SPECIALISTS. WE CONSULT IN FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM office push-up competition. DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION, If you had a ACCOUNTING, TAX AND superpower ADVICE. WE TAKE what would it BUSINESS TO THE be? To speak every language. FUTURE.

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METRICS CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING: MEMBER SINCE 2016 BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

ADVOCACY IN ACTION GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT As a non-partisan advocate for the Greater Victoria business community, The Chamber engages elected officials and decision-makers at all levels of government to ensure receptive ears and informed reflection on public policy and practices that affect Greater Victoria businesses. Since January, The Chamber has met with, presented to, or otherwise engaged, government officials 40 times—already nearly 70 percent of 2016 engagement activity. CHAMBER OUTREACH The Chamber’s outreach has been steady, publishing credible content in our magazines and newsletters and through op-eds in regional media, helping to shape informed dialogue and encourage grassroots advocacy. We also are increasingly active in representing the business community as a key stakeholder, by participating on advisory boards and in community consultations, and engaging businesses within the wider provincial and national Chamber of Commerce network. This coordination ensures public outreach—from government and to government—includes the voice of Greater Victoria businesses. Since January, The Chamber has reached out to the wider community 62 times. MEDIA COVERAGE The Chamber has an increasingly high profile in media coverage, being called on by journalists for comment on topics, from workers sleeping in cars due to lack of affordable rentals to the gap between residential and commercial property tax rates. Since January, The Chamber has spoken on issues that matter to regional businesses on air and in print 41 times.

Highlights REGIONAL BENEFITS FROM THE TRADE AND INVESTMENT PROGRAM As of March 31, The Chamber successfully concluded its three-year contract with Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) to build international business activity and foreign investment in our region. Since its launch on April 14, 2014, The Chamber has worked closely with WD and stakeholders throughout the region, supported by $640,000 in WD funding and $640,000 in local matching funds. Programming included: export expansion, air route expansion, region-wide marketing programs, and investment attraction. “Thank you to Western Economic Diversification Canada for the funding, and to all of the businesses, associations,

BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017

organizations, governments and individuals who participated in the Trade and Investment Program,” said Catherine Holt, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber. “We are immensely proud of these success stories and of bringing diverse stakeholders to the table to identify shared goals and work together. The influx of funding has enabled us to cultivate an unprecedented level of collaboration among regional organizations, which has, in turn, led to a new regional economic development organization: the South Island Prosperity Project.” PROVINCIAL CANDIDATE SESSIONS Mayor Lisa Helps of Victoria, Catherine Holt of The Chamber, Kerri Milton of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, Ian Robertson of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and Paul Nursey of Tourism Victoria formed a panel on March 2 at the Victoria Conference Centre to present their shared areas of concerns and their requests to the next provincial government. Moderated by Gregor Craigie of CBC, the panelists then answered questions from candidates and audience members. The shared areas of concern that require provincial attention and action are: Increase Affordable Housing, Improve Mental Health and Addiction Services, Complete Sewage Treatment, Create a Regional Transportation Commission, Complete Belleville Terminal Improvements, and Develop Ogden Point and Home Port Victoria. Over 100 business and community leaders, provincial candidates, and interested citizens attended the listening session, actively engaging the panel on the topics. “We left the Conference Centre that night with the sense that South Island provincial candidates have a better understanding of these priority issues, as did the rest of the audience,” said Catherine. “By joining together and coordinating our advocacy, we were able to make a clear set of requests to the political parties as they head into the election campaign. A followup session is in the works for May 4 at which the same panel will invite candidates’ responses to the requests we made on March 2.”

Chamber Wins for the Business Community BC FERRIES ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING More often than not, The Chamber’s influence is unseen—we work to shape a decision before it goes public.

For example, last year The Chamber began advocating for BC Ferries capital requirements to be eligible for federal infrastructure funding—an area for which eligibility was unclear. “BC Ferries had difficulty accessing Government of Canada public capital infrastructure programs, which we saw as exerting upward pressure on fares,” said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. “Federal government investment in BC Ferries’ capital program would reduce cost pressures as BC Ferries renews its fleet, develops terminals and faces other capital costs. Given the Government of Canada’s obligation to provide ferry services to coastal British Columbia, we felt it only made sense that BC Ferries’ capital infrastructure requirements should be eligible for federal investment. We were pleased to see that the federal government decided that BC Ferries is eligible, and that it provided $60 million for various upgrades, including improvements for several terminals.” EMPLOYER-PAID HEALTH BENEFITS Earlier in the year, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce found the federal government was considering taxing employer-paid health and dental benefits. The Chamber and many of its members were concerned about the impact, particularly as various studies show the removal of this tax benefit could result in a major decrease in small firms offering health benefits. Chambers and Boards of Trade across Canada asked for members' help with contacting MPs and the Finance Minister to oppose the government's proposal. On February 1, the Prime Minister said in the House of Commons that the government will not be moving forward with the tax. "We will continue to monitor developments, but this a great result," said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. "Thanks to all who helped. The Chamber network has a powerful voice when we all work together."

BC Chamber Meets in Victoria At the BC Chamber conference in Victoria, May 25-27, The Chamber will present various position papers on a wide range of topics, including improving urban transportation, increasing affordable workforce housing, modernization of regional districts, improving governance and funding for policing and more. This annual conference joins The Chamber’s voices with those from chambers and boards of trade across B.C., maximizing the network’s influence and impact.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP CAN SAVE YOU MONEY. The Chamber is proud to have the following benefit providers as part of our Benefits Program. Chamber membership benefits provide you—and your employees—excellent programs and discounts on everything from office supplies to gas.

NEW TD Insurance Meloche Monnex program provides savings through lower preferred home insurance rates. Chamber employers and members can take full advantage of that chance to save!

EXISTING

WE’RE THE CONNECTION YOU CAN’T DO WITHOUT.

250-383-7191 VICTORIACHAMBER.CA CHAMBER@VICTORIACHAMBER.CA BUSINESSMATTERS | MAY 2017 35

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