Message from the CEO and Chair

By Chamber CEO Bruce Williams

Looking back at the last 12 months, the pre-COVID months were the good part, and the last six months are, to put it mildly, the bad part.

Before the pandemic, Greater Victoria enjoyed a robust economy driven by the strength of sectors and elements including marine tech and industry, tourism and hospitality, education and skills training, advance technology and manufacturing, agriculture and public administration.

We were the envy of the country and not just because of our climate and the splendour of our landscape. Real estate was buoyant, unemployment numbers were the lowest in the country, construction was booming, confidence in the future was strong. And the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce continued to be a strong and influential voice for our 1,400 members.

The disruption initiated by COVID-19 was abrupt and escalated quickly. Amid the panic, misunderstanding, fear and uncertainty, a sense of caring emerged as we started to look out for each other, check in on each other, offering support and assistance to family, friends, colleagues, co-workers and complete strangers.

We watched as measured steps were announced by governments to guide and support us in understanding the safety precautions we should follow and the financial relief that was in place to protect our wellbeing. We watched as many of our jobs shifted into working from home. We watched as essential services and front-line health care workers persevered.

All of us needed to pivot.

In the midst of that, The Chamber bid a fond farewell to Catherine Holt after four stellar years of leadership and welcomed me in to the role of CEO. Was I daunted? Of course.

Did I lose faith in the future of The Chamber? Not for a second.

The strength of our organization lies in our purpose, principles and people. You can see it in the most challenging times.

When we step forward, with still so much uncertainty about the future, and go above and beyond to keep each other safe, we ensure that we can return to prosperity.

Even when we wear masks that cover our nose and mouth, we can see each other’s eyes. Too often there is a look of sadness, fatigue and frustration. But more and more there’s something else. When you see someone’s eyes, you know instantly when they’re smiling.

We don’t hug or even shake hands, but we can feel each other’s energy with a look. We can build each other up and help shine a little light on the path forward.

Together, we are rebuilding the culture of connecting. This is evident in how the hashtags we created or support have become the culture we embrace — #COVID, #DrBonnie, #facemask, #sanitizer, #sociallydistance, #cabinfever, #ilovemykidsbutIneedabreak, #ZOOM!

My favorite though is the one started by The Chamber in the early days of the pandemic affecting our community: #InItTogetherYYJ. This has never been more true.

On behalf of Board Chair John Wilson, I want to thank each and every Chamber member. You are the backbone of our economy.

The Chamber’s Board of Directors and all of our Committee members are pillars of our policy and advocacy. And our staff are skilled at supporting all that we do with astounding acumen, flexibility and skill.

COVID has made us resilient in crafting strategy for engagement, advocacy and connectivity but we have had challenges. Many people in our community continuing to face so much disruption. Wherever we land, whatever comes next, The Chamber will continue to work hard for you.

John Wilson, Chair and Bruce Williams, CEO

Photo by Flytographer: Chamber member since 2015