Business Matters Spring/Summer 2018

Wins & Challenges

Special Insert: 2018 Business Awards

BUSINESS MATTERS

Met @ The Chamber

Spring/Summer 2018 VICTORIACHAMBER.CA

Al Hasham

Chamber Member of the Year

Christine Willow Eric Charman

Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Business Person of the Year

HIRE A CO-OP STUDENT Hire employees with real-world skills relevant to today’s workplace.

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Gov e r n o r s ’ L i f e t i m e Ac h i e v e m e n t Awa r d W i n n e r

Eric Charman BUSINESS MATTERS

C h a mb e r M e mb e r of t h e y e a r

Al Hasham

Contents

Spring/Summer 2018

Business Matters is a bi-annual 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, B.C. V8W 1H8 250-383-7191 chamber@victoriachamber.ca

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Wins & Challenges

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Chamber Events: Something for Everyone!

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Chamber Member of the Year

Find out recent wins and challenges in relation to The Chamber's 2018 advocacy priority areas.

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

Believe in yourself and others, says Al Hasham, the 2018 recipient of the Chamber Member of the Year award.

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Special Insert: 2018 Business Awards

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Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Winner

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Introducing Our New Members!

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Met @ The Chamber

Celebrate excellence in our business community as we look at the winners and finalists for the 2018 Chamber Business Awards.

Find out more about Eric Charman, the 2018 recipient of the Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

Welcome to those who’ve decided to join the people who get things done.

Membership—it's about the company we keep.

Here at The Chamber we know that business grows and runs better when smoothed by the influence of connections. We want to help you with that.

We’ve included just a few recent stories of valuable business connections who Met @The Chamber.

Publication Mail Poste-Publications 40005319

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

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Wins & Challenges enabling parents to get back to work.

F

or more than 155 years, The Chamber has served as the voice of Greater Victoria’s business community. No organization gets to be this old without remaining relevant to its members. We take every opportunity to draw attention to issues important to our members by speaking to the media and government— ensuring the interests of our business community are always top of mind.

Wins for Business: Affordable and Available Child Care The issues facing Greater Victoria’s workforce are interrelated and require a holistic approach if we are to fix the problem. The vocal efforts of The Chamber are starting to pay off, as the provincial government announced in February a comprehensive new plan for subsidizing child care in B.C.

“Parents delayed from entering or returning to the workforce impact our economy’s productivity,” said Finance Minister Carole James, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill, in her budget speech. James named the work done by chambers of commerce and other groups across B.C. urging the Province to improve access to affordable child care.

“This would expand the pool of workers available to employers, and also create jobs and provide a lift to B.C.’s economy.”

The announcement was a big step in the right direction, though work still needs to be done to ensure the plan is realized, including making fees more affordable for all working parents.

“The Chamber has been a vocal advocate for employers in Greater Victoria who are having a difficult time attracting and retaining workers due to our region’s high cost of living,” said Chamber CEO Catherine Holt. “We are looking forward

The approach will help parents struggling to participate in the workforce. Access to child care is fundamental for

to investments in child care that make life more affordable for workers with young kids.”

Wins for Business: Affordable and Available Housing The Chamber is encouraged by the Provincial plan to address the cost of housing. We are happy the provincial government understands the gravity of this issue and that B.C.’s 2018 Budget attempted to directly address this concern.

“Government has made some significant moves to get a handle on our overheated real estate market. Having a better chance to purchase or rent a house in our region and turn it into a home will go a long way to helping employers attract the workers they need,” Catherine said.

The speculation tax covering specific regions in B.C., including Greater Victoria, which is part of the government affordability strategy has had a high profile in the media. We are keeping an eye on this issue, but have chosen to use our resources to raise awareness about another affordability issue that affects every one of our members.

GREATER VICTORIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Building Good Business Effective Local Governance and Services

Improving the Regional Economy

Fair Regulations

Attracting and Retaining Workers • Adequate Labour Supply • Affordable and Available Housing • Improved Regional Transportation • Affordable and Available Child Care

Finding Climate Change Solutions

Safe Communities

Above: The Chamber's 2018 advocacy priorities requiring action. Our top priority among these is Attracting and Retaining Workers, and we have a four-pronged approach to this very broad-based issue.

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BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

Challenge for Business: Fixing EHT We are fighting for changes to the Employer Health Tax (EHT).

“In a budget that went some distance to make working life more affordable, this was a surprise move in the opposite direction,” Catherine said.

The plan to introduce EHT will burden employers and hurt their ability to invest in and grow their business. This payroll tax is a big disincentive to hire and to increase workers’ wages or benefits. The new tax also has a one year overlap for employers already paying MSP premiums for employees, and creates an unexpected cost to employers who did not previously pay employee MSP premiums. It also burdens public sector agencies including municipalities, which will force service cuts or increase property taxes—adding yet another unexpected burden for businesses.

The EHT has been a hot topic in The Chamber’s weekly BizNews, and Catherine published a column in the Times Colonist suggesting 10 fixes that need to be made to the tax. Step one is that government should consult with employers from all sectors on how best to replace the revenue from MSP premiums.

The Chamber took the lead in getting the consensus of our partner organizations and has submitted a formal request for changes

to the tax to the Finance Minister on behalf of the City of Victoria, Tourism Victoria, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the Downtown Victoria Business Association.

Our expectation is the Province will take our concerns seriously, and address the unintended consequences of this surprise tax.

Wins for Business: Improving Regional Transportation Chamber members are increasingly concerned about workforce transportation in Greater Victoria. We are pushing hard for a regional approach to transportation and a proactive plan for parking in the downtown core.

The provincial budget allocated a two-cent sales tax on gasoline and diesel to help fund expanded transit services in Greater Victoria, as requested by the region’s mayors and endorsed by The Chamber. It also included more funding for dedicated bus lanes between downtown and the West Shore, including the E&N corridor for buses, which are essential to making transit a viable alternative to the car.

Challenge for Business: Downtown Parking In April, Catherine published a column in the Business Examiner calling on the City of Victoria to show us a plan for downtown parking. The City responded by

On May 15, 2018, at a luncheon cohosted by The Chamber, Premier John Horgan announced his government was prepared to utilize buses on the E&N corridor to move people efficiently around Greater Victoria. announcing a second park-and-ride option for commuters and a pilot project to free up space in City-owned parkades.

Even more encouraging, the City has started on a Sustainable Mobility Strategy intended to provide a comprehensive plan for transportation issues. Of course, a region-wide plan would be even more effective.

Wins for Business: Effective Local Governance The Chamber has long supported better integration between municipalities to make business easier to do in our region. While

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amalgamating 13 municipalities has proven a Sisyphean task, we believe a better, realistic outcome is the merger of Greater Victoria’s two largest municipalities.

The Chamber applauds Saanich and Victoria for starting down the road to a single city, through the use of a Citizens’ Assembly. It’s vital that the process and recommendations be led by citizens rather than elected officials or bureaucrats with an interest in maintaining the status quo.

We believe this is the best possible first step to improving local government services in our region.

Wins for Business: Fair Regulations Last year, The Chamber added its voice to a national outcry over proposed changes to federal small business taxes. The advocacy worked, successfully sending the plan back to the drawing board.

Challenge for Business: Property Taxes In 2018, we are continuing to speak out about the need for balance between municipal tax ratios charged for commercial and residential properties. The City of Victoria has responded by voting to limit property tax increases for business to 1.1 percent and 4 percent for residents, which helps close the gap.

“The Chamber is concerned about the tax rate for business being many times higher than that for residents,” said Catherine. “We are equally concerned that not addressing this inequality will translate into higher tax rates for business each year, as residential property values increase relative to commercial property values.”

There is still work to do with Greater Victoria's other municipalities but the City of Victoria deserves applause for making a better choice for business.

Wins for Business: Climate Change Solutions Another advocacy priority that requires a long-range approach is our work helping businesses with solutions to address climate change. We outcompeted other chambers and boards of trade across Canada to win a subsidy from Climate Smart. We are one of only three chambers in Canada able to offer a $1,000 discount on the training and certification service, which helps businesses identify and reduce energy and waste.

Building Good Business The Chamber will continue to listen and speak as a unified voice for our members as we have for 155 years. Our priorities for 2018 keep us focused on real issues and practical solutions that deliver real results.

For more information please continue to read BizNews weekly and check our website for policy updates.

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

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{Chamberevents} YYJ Eats June 5 | 5 to 7 p.m.

St. Ann's Academy, 835 Humboldt St.

Board Election Information Session July 10 | 12 to 1 p.m.

The Chamber, 852 Fort St.

Seminar

Prodigy Group July Mingle July 12 | 5 to 7 p.m.

Rooftop at The Parkside Hotel & Spa 810 Humboldt St.

How to get media attention for all the right reasons June 7 | 12 to 1 p.m.

The Chamber, 852 Fort St. Business Leaders Luncheon

Chris O'Riley, BC Hydro President June 13 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Union Club of B.C., 805 Gordon St. Prodigy Group June Mingle June 14 | 5 to 7 p.m.

United Way of Greater Victoria 201-633 Courtney St. June Business Mixer June 21 | 5 to 7 p.m.

Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA 146 Kingston St. Business Leaders Luncheon

Governor of the Bank of Canada June 27 | 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Crystal Gardens, 720 Douglas St. Summer Social Series

Winemaker's Dinner at the Mansion July 5 | 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The View, 6720 Willis Point Rd.

July Business Mixer July 19 | 5 to 7 p.m.

Victoria HarbourCats @ Royal Athletic Park 1014 Caledonia St. Prodigy Group August Mingle August 9 | 5 to 7 p.m.

Canoe Brewpub 450 Swift St.

5 Chamber Business Mixer September 20 | 5 to 7 p.m.

View Royal Casino 1708 Island Hwy. Summer Social Series

End of Summer Soiree September 21 | 6 to 9 p.m.

Secret Location

Office Closures

Canada Day July 2

August Business Mixer August 16 | 5 to 7 p.m.

University of Victoria Box 1700, Finnerty Rd

(in lieu of July 1)

B.C. Day August 6 Labour Day September 3

Summer Social Series

Brewmaster's Dinner August 23 | 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Secret Location

Chamber Summer Hours

Prodigy Group September Mingle September 13 | 5 to 7 p.m.

TBA

(June, July and August)

Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Congratulations Business Awards Finalists

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Chamber member of the Year sponsored by

Air Canada

Al Hasham Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics and Max Furniture I’ve always said that being a Chamber member is like having a membership at the gym, if you’re not going to participate, not going to be active, you’re not going to make the most of your membership.

— Al Hasham

Achieving New Achieving New Heights Heights

Vers de nouveaux Achieving New sommets Heights

Vers som

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.

AC_NewHeights_Ad_YVRopera_5-5x8.5.indd 1 2017-03-22

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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.

Vers de nouveaux Vers de nouveaux sommets sommets

l Hasham doesn’t have to say a word to look confident.

He’s always fashionably dressed. When he does talk, he sounds like everyone’s favourite uncle with a voice that’s its measured calm.

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Hasham, the current Past Chair, joined The Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2010—his first experience as a member of any board.

Over the years, he served on a number of committees then as a member at large before being asked to try his hand as Vice-Chair. The question made him pause.

“I don’t know if I’m capable of doing that,” he replied, adding that it took a little encouragement and reassurance for him to agree.

AC_NewHeights_Ad_YVRopera_5-5x8.5.indd 1 2017-03-22 1:55 PM He’s grown to love the experience and views his fellow board members AC_NewHeights_Ad_YVRopera_5-5x8.5.indd 1 2017-03-22 1:55 PM as close friends.

“They are just like family,” he says, noting he’s learned a lot about the esoteric worlds of policy, governance and politics during his tenure.

Of course, not only was Hasham capable of the job, he has exemplified the qualities that made him a solid choice for this year’s Chamber Member of the Year award.

“I met a lot of people and the respect and support was humbling and BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

9

unexpected,” he said of his experience on the board.

If Hasham was helped along his career path, he’s also been instrumental in helping guide others.

Well-known for his generous spirit, Hasham is serious about his role as a positive mentor for young entrepreneurs.

He has his reasons. Born in Uganda, he was 10 years old in 1971 when Idi Amin seized power in a military coup.

Hasham’s father, a shopkeeper, used his contacts in government to keep his family safe from the erratic violence that befell Uganda under Amin’s dictatorship.

“It was a crazy time,” says Hasham, recalling one terrifying incident when he witnessed troops shoot his neighbours. His family wondered if they would be next. Soon after, Amin began exiling non-ethnic Ugandans so, in 1972, Hasham’s parents sent him and his older brother out of the country for a chance at a safer life.

“We were young and my parents wanted to get us out, so we left as refugees,” he says, recalling a journey that eventually saw him sent to Canada to live with relatives. He was 15 when he set foot for the first time in strange cold land. “I remember landing in Montreal and having to take a train to Vancouver.”

In 1977, his parents were able to get out of Uganda and joined Hasham and his brother in Canada. They opened a hardware store in Vancouver and taught the boys the value of hard work.

As a teenager, Hasham worked at the Ritz Hotel on Georgia Street in Vancouver. During the day, he was a parking lot attendant and, at night, worked as a bus boy in the hotel restaurant.

Over time, Hasham befriended the owner of the DanFoss courier company, Fred Mortenson, whose lot was next to the hotel. Eventually, a postal strike created demand for extra drivers and Hasham jumped at the opportunity to prove himself. After two weeks, he had earned a permanent position and was making $800 per month—a significant raise for him at the time. He was 19, driving across the Lower Mainland over two shifts—from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and again from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.

“I did that for a long time,” he says.

A few years later, Hasham and his brother decided it was time for the 10

next step. They had been saving to go travelling but decided to spend the money on a new venture in Greater Victoria. Instead of continuing as an employee of Dan Foss, the brothers told Mortenson they either wanted to be partners or they were going to start a new courier business. Mortenson was thrilled and the brothers opened a South Island division of DanFoss Couriers on Jan. 1, 1987.

“We had no clue what we were doing,” Hasham says.

That same year, Hasham approached The Chamber about being their courier of choice. He was told he needed to be a member, so he signed up. The connection provided the big break he needed.

Hasham started attending mixers, made new friends, and, over many months, his Chamber connections gave him a leg up to land a lucrative contract with a provincial ministry.

After Mortenson died in 2001, Hasham and his brother sold their shares in DanFoss but they wouldn’t be out of the courier business for long. In 2004, they launched Maximum Express Courier.

“That’s the one that got everything going,” he says.

As the business established itself and Hasham enjoyed the success that came with it, he says he felt truly fortunate to be in a position to give back by mentoring younger people.

One of those people, Rahim Khudabux, is now a dear friend, a dedicated contributor to The Chamber and an established entrepreneur.

However, when Khudabux was 18, he was “not in a great place.” Fortunately, Hasham took a shine to the outgoing young man and guided him down a different life-path. Khudabux took over a part-time battery-sales business that provided a small income stream. The gig led to Rahim connecting with a furniture supplier who turned out to be an old school friend of Hasham’s.

It was the connection that enabled the two to open Maximum Furniture.

Initially specializing in cheap and cheerful office furniture, the store’s home furnishings proved more popular.

In 2012, a rebrand to Max Furniture saw the store focus on higher-end furniture, specifically pieces made in Canada using solid wood.

The store is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and Hasham officially handed over sole ownership to Rahim on March 1. Hasham remains as CEO to help guide the business.

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

Rahim Khudabux and Al Hasham in Max Furniture

“It feels amazing,” Hasham says, about helping a young man become selfsufficient.

Rahim is now 35 and planning a family.

“The one thing I tell him is to remember to pay it forward,” Hasham says. “Try to do what (was done to help you) to someone else.”

Over the years, that has meant Hasham has donated courier services to charities such as the BC Cancer Foundation, Victoria Hospital Foundation and Lifetime Networks, as well as giving his time to mentor young entrepreneurs through the Prodigy Group.

Hasham was acclaimed as the winner of The Chamber Member of the Year award in December.

While chair of The Chamber, Hasham quickly became the face of Victoria’s business community, and he is a regular at Chamber events—something he says every business should do to make the most of their membership.

“I’ve always said that being a Chamber member is like having a membership at the gym, if you’re not going to participate, not going to be active, you’re not going to make the most of your membership.”

If running his businesses and being very involved with The Chamber wasn’t enough, Hasham is also the 2018 and 2019 United Way Greater Victoria Community Campaign Chair. The role is responsible for raising $15 million by the end of the 2019 campaign.

In May 2018, Hasham was elected as the Vancouver Island representative on the Board of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce.

As for what lies ahead, Hasham says he’s satisfied with life but also knows he’s gotten to this point by being willing to say “yes” to others.

“I’m good where I am right now,” he says, with a smile that suggests he’s happy but not satisfied. “I don’t know what’s next.”

2018 Greater Victoria Business Awards

Winners and Finalists

Business Leadership

Canadian Tire Hillside

Justin Young

sponsored by

Coast capital savings

WINNER

At Canadian Tire Hillside, owner/operator Justin Young successfully retired two outdated storefronts, combining them into what is now the second largest Canadian Tire in Canada, tailored to meet specific market and community needs. The business has been operational for 14 months. However, Justin and his management team have successfully operated four stores across Canada over the past 17 years, bringing valuable knowledge and experience to the local business community.

The goal in building Canadian Tire Hillside was to “future-proof” the retail store business model by innovating with unique practices that have not been attempted by other Canadian retailers.

The business has developed a new structure, moving from a generalist to a specialist model in virtually all disciplines, a change wholly welcomed by enthusiastic Victoria shoppers.

Big or small, we’re open for your business.

www.canadiantire.ca

The Truffles Group Locally owned and operated, The Truffles Group has been advancing Vancouver Island’s hospitality, tourism and beverage retail industries for over 25 years. Built on a foundational commitment to core values, the group has grown to include six market-leading brands including Truffles Catering, Canoe Brewpub, Cascadia Liquor (seven locations), Habitat Catering, Sequoia Coastal Coffee and Victoria Butterfly Gardens.

Demonstrating the Truffles Group commitment to environmental impact, all of its businesses achieved the highest certification level with the Vancouver Island Green Business Certification program. The group also developed a community program to support Island not-for-profits through awareness, fundraising and staff mobilization. Since 2016, over $70,000 has been generated for a rotating group of charities that focus on Victoria’s environment, culture and industry.

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.

Brian Pope

www.trufflesgroup.com BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

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Over the past two years, angela COTÉ inc has not only built up a solid client base, but also published several articles locally and internationally. Angela has spoken at prestigious franchise industry events across North America, been interviewed for magazines and podcasts and developed a robust international network.

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Horizons Holistic Health Clinic is a naturopathic clinic that provides efficient, effective, science-based, alternative medical services to Greater Victoria through the services of two highlytrained doctors with 28 years combined postsecondary education and Michelle Decker and Kyle Maynard clinical experience.

Although new, Horizons has worked with over 140 local businesses and donated to a variety of local fundraisers. Both doctors work hard to educate the community by providing informative health talks and up-to-date medical information on social media. As well, their work includes instruction at a local nutrition school teaching anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology.

Horizons has worked hard to make naturopathic services accessible by providing direct MSP billing as well as implementing social health programs to reduce upfront costs. Horizons Clinic is rapidly growing in the community by being true to its core values and is committed to delivering a holistic approach to health and local businesses.

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Business of the Year (1-10 Employees)

Atlas Junk Removal Inc.

Aaron Lawson

Founded in 2012, Atlas Junk Removal Inc. is a full service commercial and residential junk pick-up service specializing in eliminating household waste in an environmentally conscious way. As the only junk removal company on Vancouver Island that provides pricing by weight, it is able to estimate removal services with 99.9 percent accuracy as opposed to the more common alternative of charging based on material volume.

Atlas Junk Removal works closely with local community-based programs, such as Habitat for Humanity and The Daily Dose Society to donate miscellaneous items and any other articles that cannot be diverted for recycling. Staff at Atlas continue to better the community by advocating for more transparent, ethical and innovative strategies for waste removal systems.

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Denise Lloyd and Arie Epstein Engaged HR serves over 130 organizations from coast to coast. In pursuit of this passion, Engaged HR provides HR services, systems and expertise to nonprofit organizations and businesses, covering every aspect of the employee life-cycle. They are solutionfocused in their approach and work side-by-side with their clients to develop happy, healthy, and productive workplaces. Partnering with Engaged HR creates a strategic advantage for organizations and provides them with access to a full range of customized HR services to address their unique needs.

engagedhr.com

The Business Hub at City Hall is your first point of contact if you are an entrepreneur, investor or anyone looking to do business in Victoria.

We will help you access information and connect you to the right resources to get your business open quicker. Connect with our Business Ambassador today!

Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1 Centennial Square, Victoria 250.361.0629 bizhub@victoria.ca victoria.ca/bizhub

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

13

Business of the Year (11-39 Employees) sponsored by

Chek News

Oswego Hotel Kingsbridge Management Limited

WITH

STACY ROSS Suzanne Gatrell

Built in 2007, Oswego Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Victoria. It is a unique stylish boutique hotel offering 100 percent strata ownership. The 80 suites range from studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with deluxe kitchens. The Oswego Hotel is unique in its design, offering an eclectic blend of chic and contemporary design.

Managed by Kingsbridge Management Limited since 2015, the values of the company run through the daily operations of the hotel and every associate working at Oswego. Special places are created within each Kingsbridge hotel offering service that inspires authentic experiences as unique as each of the Oswego hotel guests. The core values for Oswego are: warmth in hospitality, innovation, being of service—to our owners, associates, and community—and integrity.

oswegohotelvictoria.com

Russell Books WINNER

WEEKNIGHTS

5 PM

www.cheknews.ca 14

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

Russell Books was established in 1961, and is Canada’s biggest used and new bookstore. After relocating to Victoria 27 years ago, Russell Books continues its strong emphasis on customer service and is a must-visit destination not only to find rare book treasures, but also to celebrate a love of reading.

In addition to having three floors full of books, including the Vintage & Collectibles Department and an entire room devoted to Fiction, Russell Books is also a centre for the downtown Victoria community. In the last year, they have hosted several events, including a JRR Tolkien-themed cocktail tasting, an Alice in Wonderland tea party, and multiple Harry Potter Trivia Nights.

Community-oriented, Russell Books can be seen at local events including, Rifflandia Music Festival, Car Free Day YYJ, and over 15 school book fairs.

russellbooks.com

Andrea Minter

Business of the Year (40+ Employees) sponsored by

Times Colonist

Pizzeria Prima Strada

Cristen DeCarolis Dallas

Pizzeria Prima Strada (PPS) is a full-service, wood-fired pizzeria specializing in handcrafted Neapolitan style pizza. PPS’ commitment to tradition and quality is evident in their house-made products: pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, gelato, sorbetto, cookies and cake. Dough is made daily, rolled by hand, using flour from Naples, Italy (no GMOs). With two pizzerias, production and support offices in Victoria and a new pizzeria in the Cowichan Valley, PPS celebrates ten years of operation in 2018.

As a forward-thinking company with a commitment to sustainability, PPS offers extended medical/ dental benefits and the BC Transit ProPass program to all employees, empowers employees to participate in health and wellness events, invests in manager education and donates generously to the community.

pizzeriaprimastrada.com

You’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.

Peninsula Co-op WINNER

Established in 1977, Peninsula Co-op is a Vancouver Island based co-operative with their core business in grocery, petroleum and convenience stores. With 17 gas locations, a grocery store, six local network cardlocks and two home-heating divisions, Peninsula Co-op employs 327 part- and full-time employees. In December, Peninsula Co-op gave back over $5.3 million to its member-owners through its annual rebate program and donated $480,000 to local community groups, projects, scholarships and organizations.

In the last 13 months, Peninsula Co-op has opened two new locations: the McDonald Park gas centre on the Saanich Peninsula and the West Shore Parkway gas centre in Langford. The West Shore Parkway location became the second gas and convenience centre in North America and second Peninsula Co-op location to operate with the use of solar panels.

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.

Dave Hoy

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

peninsulaco-op.com

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

15

Outstanding Workplace sponsored by

Ralmax Group of Companies

“Success isn’t just “Success isn’tyou just about what about what accomplish inyou your accomplish in your life; it’s about life; you it’s about what inspire what youtoinspire others do.”

–Anonymous others to do.”

Inn at Laurel Point

–Anonymous

Congratulations to all Chamber Business to Award Congratulations all Recipients and Nominees.

Chamber Business Award Recipients and Nominees.

Ian PowelL

WINNER

Inn at Laurel Point is an ocean-front sanctuary amongst the hustle and bustle of Victoria. The Inn is carbon neutral and a social enterprise, both rare in the hotel industry. Without sacrificing comfort and style, the Inn successfully exemplifies how a business can be an environmentally and socially responsible part of the community.

Inn at Laurel Point not only consistently offers its guests exceptional service, but ensures that their employees experience an exceptional work environment as well. Holding its core values to heart—excellence, curiosity, respect, and stewardship—the Inn shows its appreciation for its team in every facet.

For more than three decades, the Inn has fostered a positive atmosphere for its staff by rewarding hard work, providing development opportunities, and encouraging growth. For the Inn, success starts from within.

laurelpoint.com

Robinson’s Outdoor Store Robinson’s Outdoor Store has a proud 89-year history as a local, family-owned business. A major part of its success is due to the outstanding staff who provide exceptional service, knowledge and value to all of their customers. Their employees are adventurers by nature and sell product based on their own experiences.

Robinson’s staff work together as a team on everything they do in a fun “family” atmosphere. The work environment is unlike any other. Monthly cash bonuses and fully paid airfare to locations all over the world, are some of the “perks” for staff, as well as testing demo gear provided by suppliers.

Robinson’s truly understands the value of its staff and that makes it an Outstanding Workplace to be a part of!

Proud champions of Victoria’s working harbour, industrial lands Proud champions of Victoria’s and jobs that sustain families. working harbour, industrial lands and jobs that sustain families.

16

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

robinsonsoutdoors.com

Gayle Robinson

Innovation

sponsored by

UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Sheringham Distillery Ltd. Sheringham Distillery is the passion of husband and wife Jason and Alayne MacIsaac. Started in their backyard in 2015, three short years later they’ve produced internationally award-winning spirits such as gin, vodka, and akvavit.

Initially only sold on the Island, they currently sell to three provinces with more Jason and Alayne MacIsaac to follow.

Jason, formerly a private chef, creates a masterful blend of innovative flavours, combined with Alayne’s years of business acumen, they form a business power-couple.

Using locally sourced ingredients like sustainable kelp, the MacIsaacs continue to put the Island first. This high quality philosophy has created high sales growth resulting in an expansion to a larger facility and new distilling equipment, allowing a threefold production increase. New spirits are being created and their foray into whisky, which starts in 2019, is already sold out, prior to production.

BEFORE YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD, YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE IT. UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA MASTER OF GLOBAL BUSINESS

sheringhamdistillery.com

WINNER

Vecima Networks Inc.

Vecima Networks Inc. is a globally recognized leader creating breakthrough technology solutions that empower network service providers to connect people and enterprises to information and entertainment worldwide.

Founded in 1988, located in Victoria with additional offices in Vancouver, Atlanta and Tokyo, as well as research and development and manufacturing facilities in Saskatoon.

Vecima’s business is divided into three segments: video and broadband solutions, which include award-winning platforms and modules that service the cable telecommunications industry; video content delivery and storage, leading-edge solutions and software, for industries and customers, that focus on storing, protecting, transforming and delivering high-value media assets; and telematics, which provides fleet managers the key information and analytics they require to optimally manage their business. Vecima proudly supports the local community with contributions to many worthy organizations.

Sumit Kumar

www.vecima.com

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Event Pr

PROOF#

01

DOCKET #:

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018 17 account art 132103131-7 CLIENT: UVC DESCRIPTION: MBA print ads executive:

director:

OuTstanding Customer Service sponsored by

Innov8 Digital Solutions

PRINTERS • COPIERS • SOFTWARE

RIGHT-SIDE UP.

YOUR OFFICE

Frontrunners Footwear, founded in 1988, specializes in footwear and apparel for customers with an active lifestyle and focuses on providing the highest level of customer service and staff knowledge. Frontrunners educates all staff in product knowledge and biomechanical assessments Rob Reid and Nick Walker and works very closely with the medical field. They provide both running clinics and training guides to keep the new and old fitness community healthy.

Frontrunners is proud to support dozens of local events and charitable organizations like Runners of Compassion, Shoes For Youth, high school and university scholarships, as well as the “Us & Them” film on homelessness.

They are a founding member of Think Local First Victoria and the Independent Running Retailers of Canada. Most recently, Frontrunners was named Canadian Independent Running Store of the Year.

www.frontrunners.ca

TO

TURN

Frontrunners Footwear

IT’S TIME WINNER

www.myinnov8.ca 250.384.7243 tf. 1.800.663.3923 18

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

Urban Smiles Victoria

“We’ve Got the Locals Smiling” is Urban Smiles Victoria’s motto. With over 23 years of clinical dental excellence, Dr. Rachel Staples and the team at Urban Smiles will deliver the smile and service you deserve.

One of Victoria’s newest additions to downtown, Urban Smiles Victoria caters to people with severe dental anxiety.

For those requiring sedation without the lasting effects, Urban Smiles has Nitrous Oxide (or laughing gas) in all of its clinical treatment rooms. It’s a safe and effective treatment that few other dental offices offer. The office was also designed to reduce the clinical feeling of most dental offices, looking more like a trendy boutique or coffee bar than a dental office.

There’s even a chandelier in the waiting room and a high-end massage chair.

urbansmilesvictoria.com

Dr. Rachel Staples

Sustainable Business Practices sponsored by

Camosun College

Abeego Designs

Toni Desrosiers

Abeego is an all-natural, reusable, beeswax food wrap that preserves and protects your food and lets food breathe—just like nature’s lemon peel or cheese rind. Invented by Toni Desrosiers in 2008, Abeego is on a mission to eliminate food waste, one wrap at a time.

North America wastes 40 percent of the food produced. Food waste is expensive for households and governments and impacts our global security. Keeping food that may otherwise be discarded and allowing it to stay fresher longer has an impact on that waste. Abeego is not only providing the solution to keeping food alive longer, they are also providing the education needed to shift a global mindset around single-use, airtight storage, food freshness and food waste.

abeego.com

WINNER

Waymark Architecture Inc.

Waymark Architecture is a collaborative, expertise driven firm informed by science, ethics, and the arts. Will King and Graeme Verhulst are inspired by the potential for architecture to contribute to positive change, and started Waymark in 2015 as a means to amplify their impact.

The firm’s projects are on the Kyla Tuttle, Dan King cutting edge of sustainability. and Graeme Verhulst Waymark designed what will likely be Western Canada’s first Passive House office building, as well as Western Canada’s first registered Living Building Challenge office. Waymark generally works on larger buildings, but if a small project, such as a single family home, aligns with their values of socially innovative design, they wade into the challenge to be the change.

BUSINESS FINANCE T E C H N O LO G Y Designed for adults with busy lives, Camosun Continuing Education offers a wide variety of courses and certificates that can be taken part-time or online.

Www.waymarkarchitecture.com

ca m os un .ca BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

19

Non-profit of the Year sponsored by

Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island

Greater Victoria Housing Society

Kaye Melliship

With your help, kids like Cohen 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 $4.7 million dollars in our future this year.

With your support, we can help even more Island kids reach their full potential.

To donate:

islandkidsfirst.com

20 BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

WINNER

Founded in 1956, Greater Victoria Housing Society is a non-profit registered charity that provides affordable rental housing for low to moderate-income families, seniors, low-wage workforce and adults with disabilities.

Greater Victoria Housing Society provides nearly 1,000 people with homes in 726 apartments and townhouses. Their 16 properties are in Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich, Central Saanich and Colwood.

It has been a banner year: there are four projects under development signaling the start of major growth for the Society with another six projects in the planning stages.

The society’s tag line is: Building Homes—Creating Communities—and the commitment is to address the significant housing needs around the region.

www.greatervichousing.org

Silver Threads Services for Seniors Since opening their doors in 1956, Silver Threads Services has evolved to meet the changing needs of an ever-growing population of seniors by providing programs and services in centers located in Saanich and Victoria as well as outreach in various locations across Greater Victoria. Today, Silver Threads has 24,000 annual visits to their centers and 5,000 outreach visits where they are meeting and connecting with seniors to help them live with purpose, feel valued and make new friends.

As a charitable, not-for-profit society, Silver Threads enhances social connections and well-being for seniors and is inclusive and accessible. They provide connections to physical, recreational and health services, as well as opportunities to learn and resources to help “age in place.”

silverthreads.ca

Tracy Ryan

Young Entrepreneur sponsored by

ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY

Raul Caballero Oui Jewellery

WINNER

We often hear about the American dream, but what about fulfilling the Canadian dream? As a newly arrived immigrant, Oui founder Raul Caballero was inspired by Canada’s beautiful diversity to build an idea that would highlight the different cultures present in Canada. In 2015, he created the concept of Oui Jewellery and in March 2016 Oui Jewellery opened its doors to the public. Oui proudly has featured 18 incredible artists from 12 different countries, while continuing to grow.

Oui Jewellery’s name is a mix of English and French—like Canada. Its suppliers are as diverse as the Canadian population, featuring not only Canadian artists, but also curated collections from Scandinavia, Asia, Eastern Europe, North and South America.

ouijewellery.com

Matt Peulen Stride Properties Stride Properties is a real estate development company focused on good value and building strong communities.

Founder and President Matt Peulen is a young industry leader who has been recognized for creating innovative partnerships, opportunities for economic growth and quality affordable housing.

He also has a long history of giving back to the community as a volunteer and fundraiser.

Matt’s vision for Stride Properties is to create a fully integrated real estate company that builds a variety of housing and manages a large portfolio of rental property. As a young developer, Matt has learned how to balance community needs and expectations with creating financially feasible developments that enhance neighbourhoods. Recent accomplishments include a heritage revitalization and affordable rental developments.

Determination.

We encourage it.

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

www.strideproperties.com BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer Publication GVBA Created By RRU Brand2018 Creative Name / AT

21

Business Person of the Year sponsored by

united way of greater victoria

Christine Willow Chemistry Consulting Group

Since establishing Chemistry Consulting Group with her business partner in 2006, Christine has built the company into a successful business and human resources consulting practice. Christine currently leads a staff of 125 located in nine offices on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. These staff provide HR consulting, recruitment, immigration, event management and business consulting services, plus deliver employment programs in partnership with community service providers and on behalf of various levels of government.

Christine shares her expertise on a variety of community boards and regularly shares HR tips on the radio and in other media. Prior to entering the consulting field, Christine was a valued member of the tourism and hospitality industry for over 20 years in a variety of senior management positions.

SOCIAL CHANGE AGENTS When you invest in United Way,

chemistryconsulting.ca

you are investing

Jim Swanson

in your community.

United, we do more.

Thanks to support from our donors and corporate partners, last year United Way helped 100,000 individuals, families, youth and children in Greater Victoria change their lives for the better.

uwgv.ca

Victoria HarbourCats The HarbourCats, now heading into their sixth year, are Victoria’s entry in the West Coast League (WCL), a summer, collegiate, wood bat baseball league, featuring the top college-age players from across North America and the world.

One of the elite teams in the league, the HarbourCats won a record 40 games in 2016 and followed that up in 2017 as the WCL’s North Division Playoff Champions, coming one game short of their first ever WCL Championship.

That wasn’t always the case. Managing Partner Jim Swanson moved to Victoria in 2013, to prepare for the 2014 season, and in 2016 was named WCL’s Executive of the Year, punctuating the business’s turnaround from a challenging beginning.

With a background in media, broadcasting and sports marketing, the ideas for promotion, publicity and new angles keep flowing, and the fans keep coming. What people often talk about with Jim is his passion for baseball and community.

harbourcats.com 22 BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

WINNER

Gov e r n o r s ’ L i f e t i m e Ac h i e v e m e n t Awa r d W i n n e r

Eric Charman

As far as business is concerned, reputation is more important than wealth. Good reputation is great wealth.

— Eric Charman

L

et’s start at some point in the third act.

Eric Charman, 86, is sitting comfortably in the great room of his home on a threehectare estate near Elk Lake. A large fire snaps and crackles, radiating warmth into the room and throwing light on the eclectic gallery of paintings hanging from almost every wall. Sweeping landscapes and provocative portraits. Each with a story and a value that speaks to where Eric has come from.

If his life could be sorted into acts, the first would tell the story of a boy who didn’t have much of a chance. Born in England in 1932, Charman’s childhood was spent in a series of orphanages before an elderly couple took him in to supplement their pension.

“My mother wasn’t allowed to keep me because she had me out of wedlock,” he says. “That was the law in those days.

Can you imagine?”

He developed a fondness for the radio because it provided accessible comfort.

Years later, the music of his youth was one of the reasons he cited to explain why he cherishes the musical arts.

In a 1998 interview with the Canadian Press, Charman detailed the journey he took to discover his heritage and reunite with a mother he couldn’t remember.

He had avoided talking about family or his background for decades, embarrassed of his status as a “bastard.”

And then, after years of yearning for some sense of family, he finally located his birth mother, Mary Evans, in 1996. The two reconnected and Charman was able to show his mother how successful he had become, and learn more about his childhood.

“When I found my mother I was 65 years old. I told her: when I was eight, I remember something going on. I was taken away and measured up for a uniform and then taken back to the orphanage.”

It turns out he had been selected for adoption but the process stalled when his mother didn’t sign the papers giving up her legal relationship with her child.

“I decided as soon as I was old enough to make my own decisions I would leave England,” he says, choosing a new life in Canada, in part, because of the marketing posters around the city promising a new life in North America.

“When I came to Victoria, I felt the people adopted me. That’s why I feel I want to give back.”

Act 2 Charman immigrated to Canada in 1953, arriving in B.C. as a determined

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018 23

young man with a chip on his shoulder.

No longer cast down by the British class system, and with no family ties constraining his sense of self, Charman set out to make his fortune.

He tried his hand at a few jobs, including a poultry farm in the Cowichan Valley, before deciding he wanted to go into real estate. In 1950s Victoria, real estate was dominated by established gentlemen with titles earned in the war, Charman says. They initially refused to give him the reference he needed for his licence. Finally he was given a break by someone who thought the industry could use some new blood.

“When the (established agents) told me I couldn’t make it in real estate, I said ‘I’ll stay in the business until you’re closed,’” he says. “Which I did.”

He went into business for himself in 1957, landing in an industry that hadn’t yet splintered into all of the specialties that make up today’s real estate sector.

He was able to get his foot in the door on big developments as well as financing agreements that allowed him to earn his fortune.

“As far as business is concerned, reputation is more important than wealth,” he says. “Good reputation is great wealth.”

His philosophy has been to get people who don’t see eye-to-eye on a deal into the same room where it’s easier for them to reach an agreement—turning a problem into a profit.

His success allowed him inside the circle of Victoria’s movers and shakers.

The relationships he made along the way would help him during his four decades in real estate, including a term as president of the Canadian Real Estate Association and with the Real Estate Council of B.C.

Charman has a longstanding connection to The Chamber, having been the vice-president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1958. It was a life-changing experience for Charman, who says he has lived his life by the creed to “serve humanity” that Junior Chamber members recited at meetings.

About the same time, Charman had a meeting that would change the future of his life, as well as Victoria’s performing arts scene. He was a regular among the audiences that enjoyed the cultural offerings of the city when he met Alix Goolden, a visionary music lover and patron. She showed Charman the importance of supporting the arts and why passionate fundraisers are vital to keeping the arts accessible to more than just the wealthy.

This resonated with Charman and he set out to widen the audience beyond its “blue-haired” base of supporters by becoming an extraordinary fundraiser.

A gifted auctioneer, Charman discovered his talent by chance during a visit to a young English doctor living in Campbell River. The doctor, an executive with the local Rotary Club, saw something in Charman and asked if he could help with the club’s upcoming auction. Charman agreed, sold off every item and earned a reputation that would eventually see him emcee more than 500 auctions and raise millions of dollars.

He has a knack for squeezing money out of willing buyers, and he’s not above playfully leaning on the generosity of friends. If he knows someone can afford to pay more, he finds creative ways to keep the price rising—at one auction a bidding war broke out between a wealthy patron and “a totem pole,” he says.

24 BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

Over the decades, he worked on behalf of many organizations, including the Victoria Hospice and Our Place, which helps Victoria’s most vulnerable, but he has always had a passion for keeping the city’s cultural community alive.

Among the organizations he’s helped are the Victoria Art Gallery, the Victoria Symphony, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre and Pacific Opera Victoria.

Act 3 Looking at Charman’s life, there is no shortage of awards, articles and even a National Film Board of Canada short honouring his efforts.

He received the Order of Canada in 2000, and the Order of BC in 1999. The orphan, who became wildly successful without a formal education, received an Honourary Law Degree from the University of Victoria in 1998.

He is a recipient of the Governor General’s Award and of the Edmund C. Bovey award, given to a business professional who has demonstrated a lifetime of significant philanthropy or leadership in arts and culture in Canada. He is also a Knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Other accolades include the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts.

So who is Eric Charman?

Philanthropist extraordinaire? Real estate pioneer? Natural auctioneer?

Is the chip on his shoulder still there?

He is still the irascible man described in countless profiles written over the years. He can be quick to curse at annoyances, but he can just as quickly be open with his vulnerability.

There is a genuine tenderness when he speaks about his wife Shirley and his concerns for her comfort, and, of course, he cares deeply for the arts in a way that has earned the trust of artists and organizations that depend on his fundraising acumen.

As one of Victoria’s preeminent philanthropists, Charman has few peers in terms of his dedication for supporting the arts.

“There is a joy, an absolute joy when you succeed with a performance and know that you sponsored it.”

At 86, he has slowed down, naturally, but even now he continues to contribute to the viability of the arts in Victoria. As a community we send our thanks to Eric, Victoria’s adopted son, for being such a giving member of the family.

{NewMembers} 3Si Risk Strategies Inc.

Babak’s Oriental Carpets

A Taste of Victoria Food Tours

BC Colleges

Licensed with the Security Branch of the Solicitor General’s Ministry, 3Si possesses both security consulting and private investigation licensing. We have worked with all levels of government and have experience with large infrastructure security.

778-533-6617 www.3si.ca A Taste of Victoria Food Tours offers a fullyguided two-hour food and history tour through Chinatown, Old Town and the Inner Harbour of beautiful Victoria, B.C. 250-893-9815 www.atasteofvictoriafoodtours.com

Acumen Law Corporation

Acumen Law Corporation is B.C.’s most successful law firm for 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions for impaired driving.

250-384-0100 www.acumenlaw.ca

Advance Business Solutions Ltd.

We are a Certified Professional Bookkeepers (CPB) firm with IPBC. We take great pride in bringing our clients’ books to a professional level.

250-474-2428 www.advancebusinesssolutions.ca

Aero Furnace Duct and Chimney Cleaning

Aero Services is your residential furnace and duct, dryer vent and chimney sweeping experts. We clean all residential duct systems and many types of chimneys. With our six vans, we can attend your house and give them all a thorough clean.

250-479-0090 www.aeroservices.ca

Affinity Staffing

Affinity Staffing provides full service IT recruitment for a range of companies across all industries.

778-899-3426 affinitystaffing.ca

Alitis Investment Counsel Inc.

Alitis is a new generation Portfolio Manager.

Using a pension-style approach in our portfolios we include meaningful allocations of alternative investments, such as private real estate, private mortgages and private equity.

250-386-4933 www.alitis.ca

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness offers 24/7-365 days a year access to over 300 gyms worldwide, Once you are a member at one, you are a member of them all. Come check out our new facility on McKenzie Avenue, & let us help you “get to a healthier place.”

778-265-5808 www.anytimefitness.com

Babak’s Oriental Carpets carries the most magnificent Persian and Oriental carpets the world has to offer. Our showroom, located in beautiful Victoria, opened in August 1994, and ever since we have made a commitment to the people of Victoria.

250-480-7114 www.babaksorientalcarpets.com

Brookes Westshore

Brookes Westshore is a Grade 6-12, independent, co-educational school beside Royal Roads University. Brookes Westshore offering both the BC and International Baccalaureate curriculums.

250-929-0506 www.westshore.brookes.org

Burkhart Construction Management

BC Colleges represents the province’s ten public, post-secondary colleges by advancing policies and awareness campaigns that help produce the highly skilled workforce essential to prosperity in British Columbia.

250-595-4866 www.bccolleges.ca

At Burkhart Construction Management, we treat each project as a unique opportunity to make our client’s lives more enjoyable. We take on these projects with the strength of a large-resource company and the heart of a craftsman.

778-677-4040 www.burkhartconstruction.ca

Beacon Hill Wealth Management

bWEST Communications

We work with you and your family to understand, manage and simplify your financial life. We create wealth management strategies that not only allow you to meet your current needs, but also help you to prioritize and achieve your goals.

778-433-1314 www.beaconhillwm.ca

Broadmead Care

Broadmead Care offers compassionate, personcentred care that helps people enjoy life to the fullest, regardless of circumstances that affect their health and well-being.

250-658-0311 www.broadmeadcare.com

bWEST is an internet marketing firm that provides a one-stop solution for business owners and marketing professionals who want to grow their business through the generation of valuable website traffic, qualified leads, and ultimately more customers.

250-508-7761 www.bwest.ca

C.N. Canadian National Railway

A rich history and a bright future. We are more than just a railroad.

604-682-2384 www.cn.ca

INN & TEA HOUSE

The perfect location for your fairy-tale wedding.

Located near Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour, the Pendray Inn offers a unique and beautiful heritage site for smaller, intimate weddings of up to 80 guests.

Contact us for more information about our wedding packages or to book a complimentary visit of the Mansion.

309 Belleville Street, Victoria 250-388-3892 pendrayinnandteahouse.com

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018 25

Co-op students making a difference in the community For over 40 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters Victoria (BBBSV) has been supporting children and youth in Victoria and the surrounding areas, working to enhance their sense of belonging and self-worth through mentorship programs. A strong supporter of the University of Victoria (UVic)’s Co-operative Education program (co-op), BBBSV has been hiring students since 2014.

Co-op student Evan Johnston-Robertson (right) works alongside BBBSV Executive Director Rhonda Brown (left) and Program Coordinator Taylor Watson (centre).

The UVic Co-op Program allows students to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for their future careers. Co-op students at BBBSV gain a range of experiences and actively contribute to event planning, marketing and communications and new project development.

Executive Director Rhonda Brown welcomes the benefits of hiring co-op students. “We have appreciated the dedication and commitment of the students we have employed,” says Brown. “They strive for excellence and are eager to take on a project and see it through to completion.”

UVic social sciences co-op student Evan JohnstonRobertson has been a valued member of the BBBSV team. With a background in sociology and computer science, Johnston-Robertson is applying his studies to become an active agent of social change. “This experience has helped me make a positive impact on the well-being of vulnerable children and youth in the community,” says Johnston-Robertson.

For more information about co-operative education at UVic, call 250.721.6616 or visit uvic.ca/employers.

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

Co-op and Career Services camosun.ca/cecs 250.370.4181

Students like Evan bring real-world skills to your workplace.

Hire a co-op student today.

{NewMembers} Canada Victoria Art Co. Ltd & Picture Perfect Gallery

Victoria’s first choice for expert custom framing.

Locally owned and operated since 1988.

250-721-1313 www.ppgvictoria.com

Canadian Beverage Association

The Canadian Beverage Association employs 60,000 Canadians from coast to coast, with over 18,000 jobs in manufacturing. Our jobs are made in Canada, and our products are made in Canada.

416-362-2424 www.canadianbeverage.ca

Canadian Tire Hillside

Core Personal Fitness

Dial-A-Geek Consulting Inc.

Creative Spaciz

Elena Fitness and Wellness

Workplace Health and Wellness ProgrammingWe work with employers of all sizes and budgets to meet the unique health and wellness needs of their employees.

778-265-7865 www.corepersonalfitness.ca Spaciz Design Studio offers an experienced, award-winning design and drafting team who drive their efforts towards distinctive, non-predictable design for commercial and residential clientele.

250-386-1117 www.spaciz.com

We are a proud Canadian company that knows life in Canada better than anyone else. We offer products and services that help Canadians live active, healthy lives.

250-361-3152 www.canadiantire.ca/en/store-details/bc/ victoria-hillside-centre-bc.store.html

d.g. bremner & co

Canazwest Pictures Inc.

Deep Cove Winery

CanazWest Pictures creates purposeful, high-quality content with a primary focus on compelling stories that portray the interrelationships between people, animals and the environment in diverse locations around the world. www.canazwest.com

Capstone Ridge Group

We specialize in on-site computer repair in Victoria. We offer backup and recovery, anti-virus, and monitoring and management services.

250-385-3425 www.dialageek.ca Elena is a personal trainer and a weight loss/ healthy lifestyle coach. Olympian and World Cup medalist, she now focuses on helping her clients become and stay healthy and fit.

250-885-6320 www.elenamuratova.com

Expansion Properties

Real estate investment firm creating high quality boutique rentals in Greater Victoria,.

250-812-0799 www.expansionproperties.com

A luxury sportswear store for men, focusing on adult denim and fabulous shirts. We offer complimentary gift wrapping and a no-hassle return policy to make gift giving easy!

778-265-5340 www.dgbremner.com

Expedia Inc Victoria

A family-owned winery operated by a husband and wife team on the Saanich Peninsula.

Hosting private events, corporate meetings, live music nights and outdoor theatre performances. Come taste the experience at Deep Cove Winery.

250-656-2552 www.deepcovewinery.ca

Expedia is one of the world’s leading fullservice online travel brands helping travellers easily plan and book travel from the widest selection of vacation packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, rail, cruises and activities.

250-590-1909 www.expedia.com

Capstone Ridge Group helps organizations improve performance by building their capacity to innovate and transform through the integration of people, process and technology 778-410-5046 www.capstoneridge.com

Channels of Flow

We help organizations unlock unlimited capacity to serve their stakeholders by shifting the energy in any system, creating the most prosperous outcomes available.

204-805-4487 www.channelsofflow.com

BAYVIEW ONE SOLD OUT ENCORE SOLD OUT

Clear Choice Plumbing

Clear Choice Plumbing is locally owned and operated in Victoria. We take pride in offering up-front pricing, reasonable hourly rates, and no hidden fees.

778-265-6446 www.theclearchoiceplumbing.com

NEXT RELEASE PROMONTORY SOLD OUT

Coast Lighting (V.I.) Ltd.

Since 1962, Coast Lighting has been a leader on Vancouver Island in providing proactive and planned lighting maintenance programs to a variety of commercial, retail, industrial and institutional clients.

250-388-6688 www.coastlighting.ca

THE BAYVIEW VISION CONTINUES...

PRESENTATION CENTRE 80 Saghalie Rd, Victoria, B.C. OPEN DAILY

BAYVIEWPLACE.COM 250.388.9924

This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with a disclosure statement. E.&O.E.

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

27

{NewMembers} Falcon Gymnastics

Falcon Gymnastics offers a full range of programs and camps, from preschoolers to adults, and through the many levels of competitive training. It also has programs for school groups, day care groups, youth clubs and recreational centres.

250-479-6424 www.falcongymnastics.com

Flag Shop

Fresh Cafe Ltd.

Fresh Cafe is a specialty coffee house serving local, quality coffee and food. We provide wholesome meals for children as well vegetarian options. Enjoy your meal inside the cafe or outside on the patio.

250-590-8361 www.freshcafevictoria.com

Gamut Productions

Your source for Canadian naval ensigns, navy flags, and various military paraphernalia, as well as custom flags and banners, flagpoles and hardware, custom tents, custom tablecloths, and a great selection of promotional items.

250-383-3534 www.victoria.flagshop.com

From documentaries to feature films, commercials, news coverage and corporate videos, Gamut expertly takes you from concept to screen. We work with you to deliver powerful productions that stand above the rest for their quality and originality.

250-480-1460 www.gamutproductions.com

Flight Centre

Glenshiel Housing Society

From Vancouver Island to Newfoundland, Flight Centre has been delivering exceptional travel experiences to Canadians for well over 20 years.

250-589-9870 www.flightcentre.ca

Frankie’s Modern Diner

At Frankie’s Modern Diner we are all about friends, family and fresh fare. A contemporary take on the retro diner experience, we specialize in modern comfort food that brings people together.

778-265-8575 www.frankiesmoderndiner.com

The Glenshiel, operated by a non-profit society, is a convenient residence for independent seniors 55+. Just a short stroll from Beacon Hill Park and close to the Royal B.C. Museum and beautiful downtown Victoria.

250-383-4161 www.theglenshiel.bc.ca

Global Public Affairs

Global Public Affairs is a privately-held Canadian firm providing integrated government relations, strategic communications and issues management consulting services.

403-476-6920 www.globalpublic.com

Goldstream Landscaping and Garden 35 years landscaping and nursery/growing experience. Pond/water feature designerinstaller, general landscaping. Selling: perennials, conifers, clematis, magnolias, succulents, Koi/water plants and more.

250-686-3675

Helen Lennie M.ED, CCC

Helen Lennie Certified under Canadian Counsellors and Psychotherapists and has been actively involved since 1987.

778-872-2286 www.hlenniecounselling.com

Home Care Assistance

When families want only the highest quality of care for a loved one, they choose Home Care Assistance. Recommended by medical professionals, our approach promotes healthy activity, stress reduction and social interaction.

250-592-4881 www.homecareassistancevictoria.ca

HoneyBun Foods Ltd

HoneyBun Foods Ltd is an established gourmet food manufacturer serving Vancouver Island since 1991. Our fresh and delicious bakery products and ready-to-eat Asian food items can be found in many local retailers and supermarkets.

250-588-1368 www.honeybunfoods.com

Immigrant Employment Council of B.C. The Immigrant Employment Council of B.C. (IEC-BC) is a not-for-profit organization that provides B.C. employers with solutions, tools and resources they need to attract, hire and retain qualified immigrant talent. www.iecbc.ca

Intact Insurance

Intact Insurance is Canada’s leading provider of home, auto and business insurance, ranked “Highest in customer satisfaction with the auto insurance claims experience.”

250-385-0866 www.intactinsurance.com

Kinnee Contracting

Covering all aspects of building solutions for residential and commercial construction.

250-818-4491 www.kinneecontracting.com

KS Strategies

Karen Short is an expert in building relationships and sales. Karen helps you refine your messaging, facilitating growth for businesses and community groups.

778-533-3252

28 BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

{NewMembers} Lighthouse Wealth Management Hollis Wealth

We offer comprehensive, family office style wealth management and strategic advice to our clients with a competitive and transparent fee structure. Affluent clients work with us to meet their retirement and financial goals.

250-405-4060 www.lighthousewealthvictoria.ca

Living Edge Community

Living Edge provides free, fresh groceries through vibrant, community-focused farmersstyle markets to working families, single parents, the elderly and others in the city and suburbs of Victoria.

250-884-8318 www.livingedge.ngo

Lyft - Victoria

Request a ride and you’ll be on your way in minutes. Request. Ride. Repeat. www.lyft.com

M&M Food Market - Head Office

For over 35 years, M&M Food Market has helped Canadians put delicious meals on the table by offering restaurant-quality food, great customer service and a convenient shopping experience.

519-895-0762 www.mmfoodmarket.com

Mile Zero Tours

PD Stover Professional Corporation

Mustang Landscape and Design Ltd.

Photo Luc Cardinal

Designed specifically for the residents of Vancouver Island, our journeys across the continent begin and end right at your front door.

From here, let us guide you on a first-class guided tour that has been carefully planned to maximise every moment. www.milezerotours.com Offering garden consultations, sustainable landscape designs, installations and maintenance in Greater Victoria.

250-589-4056 www.mustanglandscape.ca

Nimble Bar Co

PD Stover Professional Corporation assists businesses to mitigate claim costs by providing proactive claims management, strategic advice and experienced appeal and tribunal representation.

250-710-4479 www.pdstoverinc.ca Ensure that expectations meet reality by offering the most accurate, immersive virtual experience of your space. With one photography shoot, you get all the assets you need: print-quality 4K photography, online 3D walkthroughs and virtual reality tours.

250-686-8589 www.virtualtourcommercial.com

We specialize in creating bespoke cocktail experiences for venues, events, and businesses.

Rowe Mortgage Solutions 250-589-7222 Whether you are a first-time buyer or an www.nimblebar.co experienced buyer with excellent credit, Pacific Design Academy Inc. Dominion Lending Centres has access to the The Pacific Design Academy is at the forefront very best products and rates available across of a new kind of arts education. Our dynamic Canada. Give us a call—we think you’ll be curriculum is dictated by the current and evolving pleasantly surprised! needs of the design marketplace.

778-350-7693 250-383-3631 www.rowemortgagesolutions.ca www.pacificdesignacademy.com

Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon

Make-A-Wish grants life-changing wishes to children living with a critical illness.

250-701-1508 www.makeawishbc.ca

McGeachy Media Inc.

Full service interior design service. residential and commercial design, from idea to completion and everything in between. New construction, renovations, design and decor.

250-589-5810 www.amymcgeachy.com

McTavish Academy of Art

MAOA is a centre where the community can connect and explore their creativity, expand on talents, explore new ones and host amazing events.

778-351-0088 www.mctavishacademy.ca

Mike Geric Construction Ltd.

We have been building custom homes and major developments in Saanich and Victoria since 1968. Each project demonstrates our expertise in land use, project design and use of innovative construction and green building technologies.

250-590-3666 www.gericconstruction.com

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018 29

{NewMembers} Sheringham Distillery

We use time-honoured distilling methods and B.C. grown grains to achieve our sustainable and traditional approach to the production of our spirits.

778-528-1313 www.sheringhamdistillery.com

Silver Threads Services

Silver Threads Service is a charitable, not-forprofit society that enhances social connections and well-being for seniors. We do this by providing programs and services that are accessible to all.

250-382-3151 www.silverthreads.ca

Smartway Restoration Ltd.

Smartway Restoration is a 24-hour, year-round emergency service and restoration company.

Our crews are on-call ensuring someone is always there in your time of need. We pride ourselves on providing superior care and service to Vancouver Island.

250-380-6393 www.smartwayrestoration.com

Speedy Auto Services

That Girl In Victoria.com

SPUD.ca

The Finer Details Auto Group

Total automotive repairs—specializing in muffler, brakes, front end and oil changes. Over 50 years of service, national warranties.

250-385-8717 www.speedy.com Farmers grow. We deliver. Local and organic produce and groceries direct to your doorstep. A huge selection of organic and locally produced grocery and produce items with 100% satisfaction guaranteed. No contracts. Free local delivery.

778-888-8059 www.spud.ca

Stratosphere Digital

That Girl in Victoria offers private, customized sightseeing and shopping tours in luxury and style for tourists and locals.

250-507-4775 www.thatgirlinvictoria.com At The Finer Details, we don’t just talk about the details, we take care of the finer details. We specialize in every day auto detailing. We look after the little things. The finer details.

250-361-9119 www.thefinerdetailsvictoria.com

The Livet | Stage Wine Bar

We develop revenue-focused websites and internet marketing strategies that consistently drive new, high-quality leads and sales for your business.

778-679-7171 www.stratospheredigital.ca

The Livet is for Victoria! A charcoal grill, rooftop patio, and amazing people are what you should expect and what you deserve. At Stage Wine Bar we work tirelessly to provide all our friends (that means you!) with a great experience.

778-265-3033 www.thelivet.ca

Super Services for Seniors Inc.

The Waiting Game

Founded in 1998 Super Services for Seniors provides non-medical support services to older adults with a goal of enhancing quality of life and supporting independence.

250-592-0029 www.superservicesforseniors.com

Summer Social Series Winemaker’s Dinner at the Mansion Enjoy a four-course dinner with wine pairings at a spectacular mansion with a million dollar view.

We provide effective, exclusive and affordable marketing through full-colour paper, online and text. Your source for great local coupons.

778-269-3089 www.waitinggamepublications.com

Governor of the Bank of Canada Luncheon This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of Canada’s leading experts on monetary policy. Poloz, a highly regarded speaker, has talked about economic uncertainties that keep him up at night including cyber threats, household debt and youth underemployment.

Thursday, July 5 | 6 to 8:30 pm The View, 6720 Willis Point Rd.

Join us for lunch!

Wednesday, June 27 11:15 am-1:15 pm Crystal Gardens 720 Douglas St .

victoriachamber.ca | 250-383-7191

Table sponsorships available!

Sponsored by:

30 BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

Register Today! victoriachamber.ca or call 250-383-7191 Sponsored by:

{NewMembers} The World’s Registrar

Connie is a passionate, professional project manager that helps small business owners complete #fastprojects. She invites you to a 10 minute chat to see what results you need.

250-216-8975 www.drconnieallsopp.com

Toque Catering

From galas and fundraisers to gourmet boxed lunches, cocktail parties, media events weddings and seated dinners, we can assist you with all aspects of planning. Each menu is perfectly tailored to accommodate each events unique style and culinary needs.

778-432-2460 www.toquecatering.com

Toying Around

We are a toy retail company with a store and online shop, our store is located at Mattick’s Farm on Cordova Bay Road. We have over eight years history selling the best collections of toys for all ages of kids.

250-658-2721 www.toyingaround.ca

Ubike Technologies North America Inc.

U-bicycle is the first station-less bicycle sharing platform in Western Canada, serviced by Ubike Technologies North America Inc. 604-773-1228 www.u-bicycle.com

Umbrella Society

Virtual Reality Lounge - Infusion Edutainment

WITS Programs Foundation

Over 170+ VR experiences—escape rooms, exploration, shooters, horror, kid-friendly, educational. specializing in birthdays, family events, staff events and special events. Can host big groups.

778-265-8338 www.infusionedutainment.com

The WITS Programs bring together schools, families and communities to create responsive environments that help children deal with bullying and peer victimization.

250-386-7625 witsprogram.ca

WOW 1 Day Painting

The pleasure of having a Real Belgian Waffle like you never had before. Unique and authentic.

250-686-5063 www.wannawafel.com

Guaranteed awesome, fast and friendly! Our painting company is revolutionizing the industry.

We deliver the quality you expect within a timeline that is unexpected!

778-966-1967 www.wow1day.com/locations/house-paintingvictoria/

Waymark Architecture

Zambri’s Holdings

Wannawafel

Ours is a collaborative, expertise-driven practice informed by science, ethics, and the arts. We are committed to architecture’s potential to contribute to positive change.

888-206-0123 www.waymarkarchitecture.com

Award winning menu and wine list, a stunning location and great service: welcome to Victoria’s best Italian restaurant.

250-360-1171 www.zambris.ca

Waypoint Insurance Services Inc. Victoria Downtown

Waypoint Insurance Services Inc. is owned and operated by employee shareholders. With over 100 years of operational history, Waypoint Insurance truly is a member of each and every community we serve.

250-590-5355 www.waypointinsurance.ca

*New members up to March 31, 2018.

We work with anyone for whom substance use has become a problem. There are no fees for Umbrella services; not ever. If you're feeling frightened and alone, confused and overwhelmed by substance use issues, we can help.

250-380-0595 www.umbrellasociety.ca

Golf Tournaments GOLF COURSE

Under Siege USA Inc

The Self BreathalyzerTM (FDA cleared) can help you get to where you need to go safely. Find out if you’re over or under the legal limit before you decide to get behind the wheel and live to celebrate another day.

778-922-6596 www.selfbreathalyzer.com

Victoria Harbour Company

Hop aboard Victoria’s #1 Tourist Attraction, a Victoria Harbour Ferry and set sail for an unforgettable marine adventure around Victoria’s waterfront.

250-708-0201 www.victoriaharbourferry.com

Victoria Mobile Aesthetics

Victoria Mobile Aesthetics provides aesthetic services in the comfort of a client's own home.

VMA’s vision is to provide clients with a unique experience that relieves stress and provides relaxation and flexibility of aesthetic services without the commute.

778-584-6256 www.victoriamobileaesthetics.ca

• • • •

Central Location Public Play Annual Tournaments Great Value & Free Parking

For Details Call: Geoff Parker | 250-475-7156 geoff.parker@saanich.ca 1400 Derby Rd. Victoria, BC saanich.ca/golf

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

31

Advertorial

Group Benefits for All As a small business owner, sometimes it feels like you have to do it all. Making sure your business and staff are taken care of is no easy task especially when everyone’s health and wellness directly affects the success of your business. On top of this, it can be stressful when unexpected problems come up that require an expert opinion—we don’t all have a team of specialists on hand at a moment’s notice.

taxation and insolvency law, plus all relevant aspects of common and civil law. Receive answers to questions concerning shareholders, directors, employees, creditors and other stakeholders, including consumers, the community and the environment.

Rob Jack with a client

Or when the numbers don’t add up, advice from a professional enables owners and managers to strengthen management and control functions through expert counsel. Obtain answers and recommendations to solve business accounting challenges, make informed compliance decisions and better manage company finances.

The good news is that The Chamber’s Group Insurance plan looks after both sides of your business going well beyond just providing you with health and dental coverage. Did you know that they have a free Business Assistance Service (BAS) feature that’s included in every Chamber’s Plan at no additional cost?

When facing a technical human resource issue, from termination processes and overtime pay to legislative or labour law concerns, BAS provides you with confidential support and guidance, via telephone.

This confidential service provides access to up to nine hours of professional accounting, counselling, legal or human resource experts who understand the difficulties small business owners face. So when you’re faced with a challenging situation, you can feel comfort in knowing that you have somewhere to turn for support.

In addition to the management services provided, BAS provides confidential employee referral services to private counselling if they’re experiencing personal issues.

When faced with a legal dilemma, this service provides practical and current interpretations of company, partnership,

Isn't it time you took advantage of this benefit for your business, employees and their dependents? Keep your most important asset, your people, healthy and well taken care of with the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan—the most popular employee benefits plan in Canada for small business.

The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan is used by over 35,000 small to medium-sized businesses across Canada.

From Vancouver to Halifax, and everywhere in between, small business owners just like you continue to enjoy comprehensive benefits coverage at affordable rates.

For over 19 years, Jack Insurance and Financial Services has helped Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members design a Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance plan reflecting the size and requirements of their businesses.

250-383-9866 | rob@jackinsurance.ca | www.jackinsurance.ca

YOU R DEPENDABLE COURIER FOR ALL YOUR COURIER, FREIGHT & LOGISTICS NEEDS

“Your business is our highest priority!”

AL HASHAM, PRESIDENT MAXIMUM EXPRESS

maxcourier.com

|

info@maxcourier.com

32 BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

|

COURIER, FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

Servicing Victoria, Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, nationally and internationally.

Dispatch: 250.721.3278

Here at The Chamber we know that business grows and runs better when smoothed by the influence of connections.

We want to help you with that. We’ve included just a few recent stories of valuable business connections who Met @ The Chamber.

“Darlene just came up to me at a mixer and we started talking about business right away.

She said I need to meet you and this is what we need to do.”

SHAUN CERISANO

DARLENE HOLLSTEIN

Manager of Philanthropy B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation

General Manager The Bay Centre

Darlene Hollstein and Shaun Cerisano For Darlene Hollstein, The Bay Centre’s General Manager, there’s never a better time than now when it comes to negotiating new business. A former board chair with The Chamber, Hollstein understands just how powerful social networking can be for getting things done.

“Darlene just came up to me at a mixer and we started talking about business right away,” recalls Shaun Cerisano, Manager of Philanthropy for the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation, and past Chair of Prodigy Group.

“She said I need to meet you and this is what we need to do.”

The meeting led to The Bay Centre fully embracing the BCCHF’s annual Festival of Trees. Last year, a record 83 decorated trees

helped light up The Bay Centre over the holidays and raised more than $170,000.

“The Festival of Trees is something our consumers value so the relationship is highly beneficial,” says Hollstein. "The festival doesn’t feel like a commercial experience. It is a genuine family experience.”

Rahim Khudabux and John Wilson For John Wilson and Rahim Khudabux, meeting at The Chamber has blossomed into an invaluable friendship.

“We have the same values,” Wilson says, adding that his family and Khudabux’s often hang out, going to Royals hockey games or taking trips to Seattle to watch big league sports. “They’re as close to family as you can get.”

Khudabux, owner of Max Furniture, says he decided to become a member of The Chamber’s Board of Directors because of Wilson.

“I call John all the time to ask questions,” Khudabux says, embracing the opportunity to learn from one of Greater Victoria’s top business owners.

often purchase from Max Furniture, after getting to know the products from Chamber mixers held at the store. And when Wilson was looking for help promoting the HarbourCats, the gregarious Khudabux quickly agreed to become “Rahim the Dream,” providing entertainment for fans between innings.

“He’s a big personality,” Wilson says of Khudabux. ”He’s fun loving, everybody likes him and he’s not shy to put on a show in front of a lot of people.”

“For me, it’s getting my face out there,” Khudabux says, adding the fun gig has helped his store be top of mind for fans in need of furniture. “It makes you a real person.”

Wilson, Vice-Chair of The Chamber Board of Directors, is also coowner of the Victoria HarbourCats baseball team. His companies JOHN WILSON President and Owner Wilson’s Transportation

“We wouldn’t have gotten close without The Chamber—guaranteed.”

RAHIM KHUDABUX GM and Owner Max Furniture

“You can’t get through this life on your own. You need support from friends, family and people.”

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

33

Stephen Ison and Frank Bonanni FRANK BONANNI

Senior Business Relationship Manager Coastal Community Credit Union

“If someone has met you at a mixer and shaken your hand, they know they’re not doing a deal with the devil.”

STEPHEN J. ISON Principal Liquid Capital West Coast Financing Corp.

There are certain truths to business no matter where you are.

Making connections, building relationships and earning trust are crucial for developing successful long-term ventures.

All of those qualities are evident when sitting down with Frank Bonanni, Senior Business Relationship Manager at Coastal Community Credit Union, and Stephen J. Ison, Principal at Liquid Capital West Coast Financing Corp.

All it took was an introduction and a handshake at a Chamber event and now, over time and several business deals, they have developed a rapport that could be mistaken for life-long friends.

“I trust Steve and I know he’s going to do a good job,” Bonanni says. “That’s key, having trust in who you’re going to give business to.”

Ison says his professional success depends on earning a reputation as someone who is dependable and reliable.

“Our business depends on relationships. You become ‘the guy’ who does ‘that thing,’” he says. “If someone has met you at a mixer and shaken your hand, they know they’re not doing a deal with the devil.”

Brianna Green and Jared Webb One sure place to find the next generation of leaders is at the Chamber’s Prodigy Group. A network of emerging and established professionals, Prodigy members have access to a mentorship program and social mingles that make it easy for young entrepreneurs to create genuine connections.

“The best approach to get involved with The Chamber is to talk to the organizers, talk to Chamber staff and ask to be introduced to people.”

“It actually allows me to have two hours to socialize, have a drink and be an adult—and it counts as work,” says Jared Webb, a former chair of the Prodigy Group and a young father who values work-life balance and the commitment needed to succeed as a financial planner for Fernhill Financial. “We’re not naïve.

Making connections to help your business is why everyone is here.”

Marketing Director Seriously Creative

From his involvement, Webb got to know Brianna Green, Marketing Director for Seriously Creative, who is currently the Mentorship Lead for the Prodigy Group.

“I always leave (Prodigy Group meetings) feeling motivated. I think it’s because I’m surrounded by likeminded people and everybody is there to support each other,” she says. “It’s about building those connections. You need to have a network, especially in Victoria.”

The connection led to Webb hiring Green to help with his firm’s marketing, and to Green hiring Webb to help plan her finances. Win win.

34

BUSINESSMATTERS | spring/summer 2018

BRIANNA GREEN

JARED WEBB Financial Planner Fernhill Financial

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Store may not be exactly as shown.

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