Business Matters September 2013

Marketing Canada

Back to School

Meet Sage Baker

BUSINESS MATTERS

FOLLOW US ON

September 2013 VICTORIACHAMBER.CA

SHIPPING Local Priorities a spotlight on BC’s marine trade

& The Economy

BUSINESSMATTERS

1

Cover Story

International trade: A spotlight on marine shipping pg. 6 in British Columbia p.6 COVER STORY

Local Priorities:

Examining local issues from a provincial perspective: The Chamber’s Economic Agenda.

CONTENTS 5

Boosting Business

6

Shipping

Photo provided by Port Metro Vancouver.

Meet La Fogata Latina, the lucky winner of over $15,000 worth of business services.

Spotlight on BC’s marine trade: an essential sector for economic growth.

11 Member News

Keep up with what’s happening in The Chamber community.

BUSINESS MATTERS September 2013 Business Matters is a bi-monthly publication of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and a key business resource targeted to 2,000 business leaders in our community.

14 Marketing Canada

Making the case for a national tourism strategy.

17 Calendar of Events

23 Economic Snapshot

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 while respecting people, planet and profit.

26 New Members

To advertise in Business Matters, contact us at:

19 Meet Sage Baker

An interview with the City of Victoria’s new Economic Development Executive.

20 Chamber Election

Meet the candidates for The Chamber’s 2014 Board of Directors.

Back to School: focusing on Greater Victoria’s post-secondary education sector.

Studies show that people prefer to do business with Chamber members.

Check out who has recently made the decision to join us.

32 Industry Profile

Get a taste of Greater Victoria’s brewing industry through a tour of Vancouver Island Brewery and interview with Rob Ringma.

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce #100 - 852 Fort St. Victoria, BC V8W 1H8 (250) 383-7191 chamber@victoriachamber.ca

34 Advocacy in Action

Examining recycling regulations, the AGLG’s planned audits, natural gas, the foreign workers strike, and Alberta’s thoughts on HST.

Publication Mail Poste-Publications 40005319

Cover photo courtesy of Port Metro Vancouver.

Irritable? Fatigued?

Trouble focusing?

You may have had a concussion and not even know it.

Concussions can be the result of a car accident, whiplash, a fall as a toddler, a sports injury or any other kind of trauma to the head. Sometimes, we don't even realize we've had a concussion or brain injury. Symptoms of a concussion can include irritability, anger, difficulty focusing, poor memory, depression, fogginess, headaches, and fatigue. Sound like anybody you know?

Memory

Attention

Speed

Focus

Creativity

Flexibility

At Valentus Clinics, we work with an advanced form of neurofeedback that helps the brain to balance itself, which may reduce or eliminate some or all of the symptoms.

It's a simple, non-invasive and comfortable process.

www.ValentusClinics.com

4

BUSINESSMATTERS

•

#103-1625 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria BC. 250.590.5090

BOOSTING BUSINESS Thank you to all of the generous Boost Your Business sponsors and prize donors:

La Fogata owners and family accepting the Boost Your Business prize.

Congratulations to La Fogata Latina.

The Chamber’s Boost Your Business contest winner! Darlene Hollstein, Chair of The Chamber, awarded owners Daniel Caicedo and Beatriz Carmona a basket filled with over $15,000 worth of professional services - from radio and print advertising to training and travel packages - at the restaurant in June.

“Congratulations to our winners Beatriz and Daniel, and many thanks to all of the members who generously contributed to this amazing prize,” said Hollstein.

“Giving back to the business

community is vitally important to The Chamber, and this contest is just one of the many ways we support this mandate.”

La Fogata Latina serves Colombian fare from its small location at 749 View Street, offering lunch as well as latenight meals. The family run restaurant has been in business for two years.

Academy of Learning College Accent Inns Adrena Line Zipline Adventures Berlin Eaton Business Examiner Victoria Cactus Club C-FAX 1070 AM Hemlock Printers Hone People Development Consulting Kool 107.3 FM LA Limousines Maximum Express Priority 1 Computer Service Regus Serious Coffee Team Sales Tecnet The Bay Centre The Chamber Times Colonist View Royal Casino Visions West Photography Wilson’s Transportation

Proof yet again that Victoria is a jewel.

www.knickerbockers.ca

ROYAL OAK DRIVE in the Broadmead Village Shopping Centre 250-658-5578

SIDNEY at the foot of Beacon in the Sidney Pier Hotel 250-656-5506

BUSINESSMATTERS

5

SHIPPING BC’s MARINE TRADE The business of BC’s shipping directly affects Greater Victoria’s local economy. The ships transiting the Strait of Juan de Fuca and continuing on to Vancouver rely on marine traffic services and navigation aids operated and maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard from facilities based in Greater Victoria. The Canadian Navy’s primary mission, to protect our sovereignty, is accomplished in part by keeping trade routes open and passable. The navy employs 6,000 people locally. In addition we have a vibrant marine industry that supports both coastal and international shipping. We live in a trading economy and Greater Victoria plays a vital role in our Pacific trade..

Canada is a nation dependent on international trade. Exports and imports account for over half of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP), making the efficient transportation of goods essential. A strong marine sector is needed to support trade, and in this regard British Columbia is well situated.

BC’s major ports are a vital access point for the rest of North America to connect with nations across the Pacific Ocean. These gateways solidify BC’s role in the business of international trade. Not only is the province filled with bountiful natural resources from natural gas to clean water, but it also connects landlocked provinces with the sea. Although Canada has a strong history of trading with the US, new opportunities to Asian markets are opening up to BC’s ports. There were 137,835 large vesseli movements in nearby waters in 2011, and 123,368 in 2012. These cargo shipments support Canada’s largest marine port, Port Metro Vancouver, and that traffic is forecasted to increase for the foreseeable future. Port Metro Vancouver handled 123 million tonnes of cargo in 2012, including a diverse range of Canadian exports such as grain, potash, coal, lumber and petroleum products. The Port of Prince Rupert is estimated to generate an economic impact of $420 million in GDP and $800 million in economywide total economic output in BC. Without these essential ports, Canada would lose valuable trade-related opportunities and jobs, the Measuring over 20 metres in length.

i

6

BUSINESSMATTERS

sustainability of jobs in the prairies would be affected, and access to some of the most aggressively expanding markets would be impacted.

Although the US continues to be a valuable partner, other nations are beginning to compete for access to Canadian goods and consumers.

Partners in Trade Canada and the US have been trade partners for nearly 200 hundred years, and for most of that time over three quarters of Canadian goods were exported to the US. This relationship has been vital to Canada’s marine trade by maintaining fair competition, strong supply chains, and providing reliable access to consumer goods.

Canadian and American products rely on BC’s ports to reach external markets, while Canadian and American consumers rely on BC’s ports to access goods. The increasing number of shipping containers arriving in BC’s ports use rail and road to reach their destinations throughout Canada and the US. Although the US continues to be a valuable partner, other nations are

marine trade sector unprecedented labour predictability. The agreement helps boost the Asia Pacific Gateway’s reputation as a reliable port of entry that won’t unexpectedly delay goods caused by a lack of labour or labourrelated disruptions. The long-term agreement also allows the employers’ association to focus on improving worker productivity, training, and recruitment, thus further increasing the Asia Pacific Gateway’s efficiency and predictability.

Major Ports: Vancouver and Prince Rupert

beginning to compete for access to Canadian goods and consumers.

Continuing to shift Canada’s focus from the US as the end receiver of goods to a partner in the distribution of goods will ensure both nations are able to stay competitive in the global market. Strengthening existing trade agreements and continuing to work towards streamlining border security and regulatory models will ensure the two countries can offer a smoother transportation system throughout North America. A better system will continue to find time and cost savings that appeal to local and international shippers, helping grow trade.

North America’s Gateway to Asia In recent years, diversifying Canada’s international trade has become incredibly important. Although Canada continues to rely heavily on the US as a trade partner, countries other than the US make up over 25 per cent of Canada’s export revenues.

This balance is shifting: China has strengthened its exports significantly, and has fueled the increase of seaborne cargo trade over the last 15 years. As a result of this, inbound container cargo arriving at Port Metro Vancouver doubled between 1998 and 2005. This southern component of the Asia Pacific Gateway generates over $10 billion in GDP annually and impacts nearly 100,000 jobs throughout Canada. In 2010, the BC Maritime Employers Association made a historic deal, by entering an eight-year collective agreement valid until March 2018. This agreement offers BC’s

Port Metro Vancouver is the largest foreign export tonnage handler and the fourth-largest handler of overall tonnage in North America. Thanks to its modest climate, Vancouver offers safe year-round access regardless of weather conditions or season.

The port handles approximately 2.5 million TEUs (TEU stands for TwentyFoot Equivalent Unit, more commonly known as the metal shipping container used to transport cargo by ship, train and truck), roughly equal to 42 million freight tonnes, which was worth $172 billion in 2011ii. Of that $172 billion, the highest valued commodities were consumer and related goods worth $100.2 billion, machinery and parts worth $19.1 billion, and coal worth $8.4 billion.

Port Metro Vancouver generates over $10 billion in GDP annually and impacts nearly 100,000 jobs throughout Canada

an additional container gateway to BC’s port offerings. The Port of Prince Rupert boasts North America’s deepest natural harbour, offering added ease and safety to the piloting of increasingly large container ships.

Unlike Vancouver, Prince Rupert has significant capacity for growth as there is less existing shore development.

In addition to container cargo, Prince Rupert handles bulk product using two modern high-throughput terminals.

Bulk commodities include grain, logs, coal, and petroleum products. The Prince Rupert Port Authority plans to expand the Fairview Terminal capacity to two million TEUs per year, as well as implement logistics services to better attract shippers and offer flexibility. The port authority also intends to develop a second terminal to double future capacity to four million TEUs.

In the same year, Vancouver handled roughly 19 per cent of Canada’s total imported and exported goods, worth $894 billion. The port trades with over 160 economies around the globe.

Vancouver’s combined facilities include 28 marine cargo terminals with four container terminals serving 20 different container shipping lines. Port Metro Vancouver plans to double its capacity to over five million TEUs per year by 2020 through improved efficiency, expansion, and by adding new facilities to meet growing demand. Prince Rupert opened its Fairview Container Terminal in 2007, adding

This unit is inexact because containers come in different heights. Here we’ve used an estimated conversion that one TEU equals 17 freight tonnes.

ii

BUSINESSMATTERS

7

Connections Part of what makes the Asia Pacific Gateway so efficient, both presently and increasingly in the future, is its integrated transportation network.

This network relies on two essential components – cost-efficient and effective transportation systems between our ports within Canada and competitive, effective means of transshipping goods through our Canadian ports.

The most efficient way to transport a high volume of goods is by train.

Following rail, ship is the second most efficient, and trucking comes in third.

How can this be when trains were replaced by motor vehicles as the

standard mode of transport decades ago and air is the fastest way to travel?

The answer comes down to energy, efficiency, scale and cost. Transporting trade goods requires moving highvolumes by great distance, where the fastest option – flying – is also the most expensive because it requires the most fuel, energy and is restricted by weight capacity. Container ships can carry tens of thousands of containers, far more than could ever conceivably be considered worthwhile to send by air. Moreover, weight is a nonissue for ships that use the wonderful principle of “buoyancy” to move heavy freight with less overall energy.

Commercial trucks usually carry one or two containers at a time. Compare this with trains, which can not only

WHAT CAN A GROUP RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN DELIVER TO YOUR BUSINESS: “A group retirement savings plan can be critical to stay ahead in a competitive business environment”

• • •

Assist in Employee Retention Attract the best new employees Get ahead of imminent provincial legislation How much does it cost?

Where can I find out more about this?

Visit my website or speak to me personally to find out more Brad Clark, CFP Financial Advisor Raymond James Ltd. Suite 1000 – 1175 Douglas St. Victoria, BC V8W 2E1 T: 250-405-2410 // F: 250-405-2499 // TF: 1-877-405-2400 brad.clark@raymondjames.ca // www.bradleyclark.ca

– “offering innovative business solutions here on the island”

Securities offered through Raymond James Ltd., Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Insurance products and services offered through Raymond James Financial Planning Ltd., not a Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

8

BUSINESSMATTERS

carry significantly higher payloads, but also take far less energy per unit carried to move along a frictionless track. Moreover, trains require fewer operators than ships, while the ratio of truck drivers to TEUs is one-to-one or one-to-two.

Port Metro Vancouver is served by three class-1 railways, meaning each boast minimum annual operating revenues of $1 million: Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe. The two Canadian railways boast on-dock facilities at Vancouver’s container and cargo terminals. These facilities make it quicker and easier to transfer goods between ship and rail. Similarly, Prince Rupert has an integrated system with rail tracks on the dock where trains are loaded before departing daily.

These integrated systems reduce the time spent handling freight which also reduces the risk of damage to the goods being shipped.

It is all too easy to take the nearby waters’ safety for granted because Canada has such an efficient system of protection in place.

Prince Rupert boasts one of the quickest North American connections to Asia, offering service between Chicago and Yokohama, Japan in just 12 days. To understand Prince Rupert’s advantage, its northern location and the earth’s shape must be considered.

Sailing in a straight line from point A to point B may appear the easiest route by sea, however using an arc is more efficient the further away you find yourself from the equator. The great circle distance between Prince Rupert and Yokohama is 6,897 km, which pales in comparison to the 8,323 km between San Francisco and Yokohama.

For non-mariners, websites like the Great Circle Mapper (www.gcmap.com) allow users to enter destinations to compare their distance using the great circle route. Prince Rupert’s location offers an unbeatable competitive advantage over other North American ports to its south when accessing the lucrative Asian market.

Looking Ahead The upcoming completion of the South Fraser Perimeter Road will continue to improve the Asia Pacific Gateway’s ability to transport freight quickly and easily. Continuing to support BC’s marine trade sector will help Canada remain a competitive player in international trade, not only as a consumer and producer, but also as an efficient distributor. This can be accomplished by continuing to work with the US, increasing port capacity, and supporting skills training and education over the years to come.

The only looming threat to this sector is Canada’s overall projected lack of workers, which can be overcome by responding in advance and planning ahead. The marine trade sector provides valuable living wage jobs, and plays a vital role in BC and Canada’s overall economy; continuing to support it will be a valuable investment in our economic future.

Bringing it Home

Greater Victoria’s primary role is in maintaining ships and keeping coastal waters safe. Local shipyards provide ship repair and maintenance to ensure vessels are ocean ready.

The navy protects Canada’s seaborne trade routes in the Pacific Ocean while the coast guard provides safety measures by surveying the area, assisting with navigation, and maintaining lighthouses. Both the navy and coast guard are prepared to respond to emergency situations and fuel spills. It is all too easy to take the nearby waters’ safety for granted because Canada has such an efficient system of protection in place.

All Photos provided by Port Metro Vancouver.

CORPORATE RETREATS

AND BUSINESS MEETINGS WITH STYLE in the beautiful Comox Valley!

What does all this mean for Greater Victoria? Although we don’t see the same shipping activity as Port Metro Vancouver or Prince Rupert, BC’s marine trade is incredibly relevant to Victorians’ day to day lives.

ALL VICTORIA CHAMBER MEMBERS ARE WINNERS! for a limited time... book a corporate retreat, before October 31 2012 with 10 or more rooms and receive our Business Meeting Centre FREE With the ability to accommodate up to 64 guests, our 900 square foot business and meetings centre is fully wired for commerce and communication. We are a natural location for small corporate meetings, executive or sales retreats, and celebrations.

BUSINESSMATTERS

9

SAVOUR

SAVOUR THE FALL FLAVOURS WHAT’S HAPPENING:

NEW FALL MENU COMING IN SEPTEMBER THE POPULAR PRIME RIB DINNER IS BACK

DAILY SPECIALS TO SATISFY YOUR FOOD MOODS! MONDAY · Pacific Cod & Chips: $3 off (All Day) · $2 Sliders* (2pm until late) TUESDAY · Sirloin Steak Sandwich: $3 off (All Day) · Toonie Tacos* (min. order of 2 - 2pm until late) WEDNESDAY · Pasta Day: 3 specialty pasta’s: $12 (All Day) · 49¢ wing night* (order in quantities of 10 - 2pm until late) THURSDAY · Sticky Wicket Burger: $3 off (All Day) · $7 Pizza Night* (2pm until late) · Prime Rib Dinner (4-10pm) FRIDAY · Chicken Clubhouse Sandwich: $3 off (until 2 pm) · Prime Rib Dinner (4-10pm) SATURDAY · Breakfast menu (until 2:30 pm) · Prime Rib Dinner (4-10pm) SUNDAY · Breakfast menu (until 2:30pm) · Wicket Nachos* half Price (2pm – close) * with purchase of beverage, some restrictions apply

THE STICKY WICKET PUB

10 BUSINESSMATTERS

AT THE STRATHCONA HOTEL 919 DOUGLAS STREET www.strathconhotel.com

MEMBER NEWS Paying What You Want Last year, Dial-A-Geek offered notfor-profits a deal they couldn’t refuse: pay what you want. The tech support company’s generous promotion allowed not-for-profit organizations the chance to access service normally billed at $99 per hour at whatever price they could afford. The initiative was born from a previous partnership with another Chamber member, Volunteer Victoria. In that partnership Dial-A-Geek offered notfor-profits a 75 per cent discount, and Volunteer Victoria paid a portion of the difference.

This time around CEO Chris Gillen decided to think outside the box and offer something few businesses would dare: the risk of giving service away for free. “For the most part we’ve had people pay what they can,” said Gillen, who considers the promotion as ‘notfor-profit’ itself. “If it balances out so that the cost of providing the service gets covered, great. This is about giving back, not making big bucks!”

AFD Creates Cycling Buzz

busy supporting the community by sponsoring the School Bike League and AFD Bike Jam, providing students of the lower island with a quality competitive race series. This was a natural fit for AFD and its long successful racing program; AFD has a passion for racing whether mountain biking, mud bog trucks, or drag cars.

Through the AFD racing program, AFD annually invests in sports teams, athletes, events, community groups and non-profit organizations who promote healthy lifestyles and vibrant communities. In addition, as AFD is focused on safety they invested in a jump bag (the only one on the island) which they plan to loan to biking events. AFD is excited about its operations on Vancouver Island and are looking forward to sponsoring additional community events and sharing their passion with the many cycling enthusiasts on the island!

Empress-ive Hotel The Fairmont Empress has lots to smile about this year. The hotel was recently recognized as the 10th Top City Hotel in Canada by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

According to the magazine, “The Empress has one of Victoria’s best

& FINALISTS

AFD Quality Fuel Delivery has been

addresses.” The Empress also received local accolades, taking home seven of the top three places in the Best of the City Awards by Victoria News readers, including first place for best hotel, best spa, best place for afternoon tea, and best place to spot a celebrity.

Rogers’ Coming to Uptown Rogers’ Chocolates Ltd. is expanding with a new retail location at Uptown this month. This is the ninth storefront for the company that makes its premiere-quality chocolates just five kilometers from Uptown in their 20,000 square-foot Saanich factory.

“Our new store at Uptown is part of Rogers’ Chocolates retail growth strategy,” said Larry Sullivan, president and CEO of Rogers’ Chocolates. “We see tremendous potential to reach a broad range of customers here.”

Roberta Ferguson, Uptown General Manager says of the addition, “We are delighted to have this store opening on our Town Plaza, it is sure to attract a lot of attention from Uptown’s visitors.”

Uptown will also become home to the Greater Victoria Public Library’s Emily Carr branch later this year as well as Knickerbocker’s Home Décor’s newest location.

Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Keith Dagg

Founder & President, Keith Dagg Consulting Inc.

BUSINESSMATTERS

11

MEMBER NEWS Digital Learning The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has always highlighted safety on the jobsite and is therefore pleased to announce the expansion of its affordable online safety course offerings. New online classes include: CSTS, ESTS, WHMIS, H2S Awareness, TDG, ground disturbance and forklift training. Some courses are less than eight hours in length, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule. Register online anytime at www.vicabc.ca and then finish at your own pace. Contact Marie Savage, VICA’s Manager of Education Services, at (250) 388-6471 for more information.

Cridge Leads the Way The Cridge Centre for the Family was recently accredited under Imagine Canada’s National Standards Program.

Having served Greater Victoria for 140 years, The Cridge Centre is proud to take the lead as one of only two Victoria charities to have completed the rigorous accreditation process, following the Victoria Foundation.

The Standards Program is a Canadawide set of shared standards for

charities and non-profits designed to demonstrate their compliance in five fundamental areas: board governance; financial accountability and transparency; fundraising; staff management; and volunteer involvement. It helps organizations mitigate risk by ensuring that staff and volunteers understand and meet their legal, financial and fiduciary responsibilities.

Supporting the Community Tony Joe of RE/MAX Camosun Oak Bay recently won the C-FAX 1070 Community Leader Award for his outstanding work within the community. Joe is the Vice-Chair of the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival, CoChair of the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, and is involved with a number of other community organizations and events. Being a third generation Victorian, Joe works tirelessly to ensure that this city is somewhere everyone wants to make their home. He believes in Greater Victoria, and everyone in it.

At right, Tony Joe with his Community Leader Award.

Calling all hometown heroes.

Victoria is a great conference destination. Help us fill our city with delegates who stay in our hotels and shop in our stores. By connecting us to your business, professional association or volunteer network, you can make a big difference in helping us bring conference business home.

Qualify to win an iPad or iPhone when your lead turns into a Citywide conference!

Every delegate spends $350+ per day in our community.

Help us to identify future business. Call me and become a Business Ambassador.

Brenda Anderson, Director of Sales & Marketing Direct: 250-361-1035

12 BUSINESSMATTERS

MEMBER NEWS Gluten Free Flavour Daksha’s Gourmet Spices is now officially certified gluten-free with the Canadian Celiac Association! One of a select few companies across Canada with this distinction, the certification came last July as the local spice company celebrated their third anniversary in Greater Victoria. Though their products have always been gluten-free, owner and namesake Daksha Narsing and her husband Bhaskar were committed to the process of becoming certified.

“We’ve seen so many people wanting gluten-free products. That group is continually growing,” said Narsing.

Getting the seal from the CCA gives Daksha’s customers an absolute assurance. With ten authentic Indian spice blends, chai blends, and individual spices all carefully cleaned and prepared by hand, Daksha’s Gourmet Spices offer exceptional flavour and accessibility for everyone.

Learn more at spicesgourmet.com

What’s in a Name?

The Rental Owners and Managers Society of BC (ROMS BC), the BC

Apartment Owners and Managers Association (BCAOMA) and the Rental Housing Council merged into one provincial industry association serving the residential rental industry in BC. The newly unified association will be called the Rental Housing Council during its time of transition.

It will keep both offices in Vancouver and Victoria open to effectively serve more than 3,500 landlords, property managers and associates. The former ROMS BC also recently announced that Al Kemp stepped down as Chief Executive Officer in June.

Now Open

New Mighty Oaks CEO

Looking to host a meeting on the water, or seeking to impress 100 of your closest friends with an ocean adventure? Orca Spirit Adventures can accommodate you on their latest addition, the Catalina. The company recently added the 90-foot, 100-passenger vessel to its fleet. It joins the Orca Spirit II, a catamaran which holds 168 passengers for larger events. The whale watching and charter company also boasts a series of smaller boats for more intimate affairs.

Mighty Oaks has built its reputation over the past 12 years by meeting the IT service needs of small and medium sized businesses and non-profits in the Victoria area, while also providing consulting and taking on custom software development projects.

Building on its strong existing team of professionals, Elder Matias will be taking over as the new Owner and CEO. Elder has nearly 15 years of experience in R&D management and will be relocating from Saskatoon this month.

Dominion Lending Slegg Mortgage’s newest office hosted its Grand Opening earlier this month. Centrally located, Dominion’s new office at 3194 Douglas Street boasts mortgage professionals who provide residential, commercial and industrial financing with a competitive edge. The company hosted a barbeque from noon until eight pm, serving up hot snacks and smiles to everyone who stopped by

Growing the Pod

BUSINESSMATTERS

13 13

MARKETING CANADA Canada’s tourism industry brings in $84.8 billion dollars per year and supports the economy, creates jobs, and grows the private sector. These impacts are felt throughout the country in communities large and small. Greater Victoria is no exception; the tourism sector is an essential economic driver for our community’s local economy. According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the tourism industry directly employs over 600,000 Canadians and its contribution to GDP is worth more than fisheries, agriculture and forestry combined. Regional destination marketing efforts have made great strides in attracting visitors, but when compared with other nations, Canada is failing to measure up.

Investing in tourism marketing at the national level and improving some of our federal policies will ensure Canada can continue to compete as a top global destination.

14 BUSINESSMATTERS

Regional Destination Marketing Greater Victoria benefits from a number of regional tourism marketing efforts that target its closest neighbours. The Crown Corporation Destination BC was created in November of last year to collaborate with tourism stakeholders throughout the province and coordinate marketing efforts at local, regional, provincial, and international levels. This entity filled the gap left by Tourism BC when it was dissolved in 2010.

One of the more successful local stakeholders is Tourism Victoria. It was heavily awarded provincially, nationally and internationally for its clever Escape Your Everyday campaign that targeted residents of Vancouver and Seattle. The campaign emphasized the importance of a worklife balance and encouraged people to escape to Victoria. The multimedia campaign incorporated a Facebook contest, flash mobs, ambient media, and billboard ads. In addition to these efforts, local ferries like BC Ferries and Black Ball Ferry Lines market vacation packages that help draw visitors from Washington, the Lower Mainland and beyond. Most importantly, individual tour companies, hotels, and attractions all do their part in improving Greater Victoria’s visitor draw. Major players like The Butchart Gardens have longstanding marketing strategies in place to attract international interest.

All of these efforts help market the CRD as a destination, but it is undeniable that without national support, regional marketing efforts can only do so much. According to a report by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, their research demonstrates that international visitors decide on Canada as a destination first, and then choose which specific provinces and regions to spend time in. This top down decision-making reinforces the need to market Canada.

A lack in international marketing can’t be made up for, or replaced by, regional and provincial efforts.

Increasing spending at the regional level will help us to gain a larger slice of Canada’s tourism “pie.” However, increased spending at the national level will ensure the whole pie grows, as will the value of Greater Victoria’s slice. More importantly, international visitors are essential as they stay longer and tend to spend an average of $1,183 more per trip than domestic visitors. Canada relies heavily on domestic travel, as it makes up 81 per cent of tourism expenditures.

Yet in 2000, domestic travel only made up 65 per cent of tourism expenditures in Canada. Returning the focus to international tourists will bring significantly higher return on investment for Canada’s national marketing spend. The international tourism market was valued at over $1 trillion last year, cementing the value of international tourists.

How do we Measure Up? Canada dropped from the seventh top international destination in 2002, to 16th place in 2012. In just ten years Canada fell behind by nine places, and the number of international tourists fell from 20.1 million to 16.3 million. The 7th top destination in 2012 – Germany – drew 30.4 million international tourists last year. This means that not only did our numbers decline, but also that other destinations have significantly increased their number of visitors. Moreover, these increases show that our decreased number of visitors can’t be blamed on an overall decline in tourism. Quite the opposite, international tourism is up globally. Canada’s travel and tourism competitiveness rank has also declined, from fifth place in 2009 to eighth place this year according to the World Economic Forum.

The 2008 economic crisis alone can’t be blamed for Canada’s low visitor numbers. Although our tourism sector depends heavily on US visitors, the number of US tourists in Canada has been decreasing since 2001. It is noteworthy that the Canadian Tourism Commission’s budget has steadily decreased from $99 million to $72 million in 2012. Numerous countries competing for international tourists – including established competitors like France and emerging economies such as Brazil – are increasing their marketing budgets and are seeing growth in their international visitor rates. This correlation should come as no surprise; however, what is shocking, is that in the face of this increased competition Canada has continued to slash its marketing budget. The Canadian Tourism Commission, which is responsible for marketing Canada, had its budget cut to $58.8 million dollars by the federal government this year. By comparison, the tourism commission’s American counterpart Brand USA increased its budget to $200 million. In addition to our decreasing marketing budget, Canada has a notoriously expensive and slow reputation for visa processing; our bureaucracy hardest hits the countries that represent our fastest growing international tourist markets including Brazil, China, India and Mexico. The Foreign Service Officers strike further impacted these markets, as job action slowed out-ofcountry visa processing to a standstill.

Getting the Most Bang for Our Buck Fortunately, in terms of branding, Canada is well situated. Canada is consistently in the top three national destination brands as ranked by global travellers. But as some of the largest companies know, relying on a well-established brand isn’t enough to compete for consumer dollars. Key players like Apple and Disney pair their household brand names with strong marketing and advertising campaigns that cost millions of dollars.

Tourism is no different. In order to take advantage of Canada’s brand, the CTC must market Canada to travellers around the world. Without a doubt, Canada must increase its national marketing budget to better compete for international tourists, and to turn its visitor numbers around. By increasing the national marketing budget, and in turn increasing Canada’s number of

BUSINESSMATTERS

15

visitors, the money invested in tourism marketing will also spread returns throughout other sectors. Tourism is an economic driver, bringing in new money the same way the export industry does. Boosting tourism boosts reactive sectors such as retail. Even a small increase in international tourism rates can have a massive impact.

According to the Canadian Chamber’s research, a one per cent increase in international visitors is estimated to be worth an additional $72 million in hotel revenues alone; while a three per cent increase is worth $216 million in hotel revenues. These easily attainable potential increases can’t, and shouldn’t, be ignored. The best and easiest way to strengthen the tourism industry across Canada is by investing in national tourism marketing.

Additional Support In addition to better marketing Canada, the federal government can improve Canada’s destination status through policy changes. Canada’s aviation policies offer a great example. Global flyers rank Canada first for airport infrastructure, but nearly last at 124th out of 140 for cost competitiveness.

Even Canadians are known to frequently cross the border in search of affordable flights, flocking to nearby US cities to take advantage of airfare that is on average 30 per cent cheaper.

In Canada, ticket holders are expected

to pay for non-airline costs associated with flying such as airport security, infrastructure and air traffic control.

Onerous taxes when cars are rented from airports can range up to 30 per cent. Other nations, like the US, cover these costs because they recognize aviation’s role as an economic stimulator. Again, like Canada’s strong brand, we already have phenomenal airports and gateways, but the federal government must step up and do its part to ensure these airports can effectively compete and flourish. The federal government could also better

islandnet.com locally owned and operated since 1993

vancouver island’s premier internet service full featured web hosting from $6.95/month

support tourism through improving visa processing, and offering more attractive tax breaks to international visitors.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce highlighted tourism as one of Canada’s top barriers to competitiveness earlier this year, and has done so for good reason. Canadians need to send a message to our national leaders that if we don’t effectively market our beautiful country, it will be overlooked.

What’s bad for tourism is bad for the rest of the Canadian economy.

More Than Ink on Paper,

IT’S ABOUT YOU For Over 30 Years.

domain name registration web design & search engine optimization custom programming reliable customer service

Get a complete real estate hosting solution for as little as $495 phone/fax:

250.383.0096

101-777 goldstream ave, victoria bc, v9b 2x4

16 BUSINESSMATTERS

Proud printers of

THE CHAMBER BUSINESS MATTERS

Hillside Printing 3050 Nanaimo Street 250-386-5542 • www.hillsideprinting.com

CALENDAR of EVENTS

October SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

November

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

How to Find, Attract, Hire and Keep Great Sales People Date: September 26, 2013 Time: 10:00 AM TO 12:00 PM Location: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Board Candidate Meet and Greet Date: October 3, 2013 Time: 7:30am – 9:30am Location: GT Hiring Solutions, Gorge Location October Six for Lunch Date: October 8, 2013 Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm Location: Inn at Laurel Point (Members only please) Prodigy Group October Mingle Date: October 10, 2013 Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm Hosted by: Philip Nyren Menswear & Womenswear October Marketplace Mixer Date: October 16, 2013 Time: 3:30pm – 9:00pm Only Victoria Royals ticket holders after 6:00pm Location: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre

October Industry Tour Date: October 23, 2013 Time: 7:30am – 9:00am Hosted by: BC Cancer Foundation (Members only please) November Six for Lunch Date: November 12, 2013 Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm Location: Vista 18 (Members only please) Prodigy Group November Mingle Date: November 14, 2013 Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm Hosted by: Island Savings, Tuscany Village

31st Annual Dinner Auction Gala Date: November 16, 2013 Time: 6:00pm – 10:30pm Location: Union Club of BC November Industry Tour Date: November 19, 2013 Time: 7:30am – 9:30am Hosted by: Ocean Network Canada (Members only please) November Business Mixer Date: November 21, 2013 Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm Location: To be announced

TD Canada Trust

Running a small business is hard enough We can help Owning a small business can be as demanding as it is rewarding.

We understand how busy you are, and we want to help.

• Easy credit application and fast response • Business account packages tailored to meet the needs of your business • Convenient access in-branch by ABM, phone or web • Professional and personable banking advice

Brian Gordon Area Manager, Business Banking 250-507-7025 brian.gordon@td.com 1070 Douglas Street, Suite 440 Victoria, BC

The August New Member Breakfast at Ambrosia Event Centre The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.

®/

M00580 (0212)

BUSINESSMATTERS

17

It’s time to get your MBA.

Sardul S. Gill Graduate School UVic MBA If you’re ready to take your career further and challenge yourself to see things differently, our program is for you.

Even if your undergraduate degree isn’t in business, your MBA is closer, and more affordable, than you might think.

Join us in our real (not virtual) classes led by award-winning profs and earn your MBA in 17 months of daytime study or 29 months of evening study.

See more: www.uvic.ca/timeformba

18 BUSINESSMATTERS

Earlier this year, Mayor Dean Fortin announced that the City of Victoria would place a greater focus on economic development. To achieve this, he hired Sage Baker as Victoria’s new Economic Development Executive for a two-year contract. The Greater Victoria Development Agency’s (GVDA) Economic Development Officer Dallas Gislason caught up with her to discuss her new role and her vision for Economic Development in the region’s urban core.

Sage Baker grew up on a farm in the interior of BC, and after moving to the city as a teen, she wasted no time finding a love of business. After multiple transactions, she moved to Greater Victoria in 2004 to help lead Aspreva Pharmaceuticals through their public financing. Following Aspreva, she spent three years in San Francisco before returning full time to Victoria during the summer of 2010 where she founded Q5 Innovations Inc., a company focused on commercialization of various intellectual property technology assets.

In addition to her executive experience, Baker also sits on numerous boards throughout the community. She believes authentic success is the identification of the right opportunities teamed with the right people to build sustainable organizations supporting healthy growth-based economies towards prosperity.

Baker believes economic development in Victoria must prioritize projects that help “grow the pie” – by making the economy bigger so that everyone in the region can benefit. She asserts that looking at ways to bring new revenue in will bring the most flowthrough value to our community. Since her contract with the City of Victoria is only two years long, it is essential that Baker remain not only highly focused on specific goals, but also work closely to leverage the resources of partner agencies—like the Greater Victoria Development Agency.

Her core areas of focus are on expansion for Point Hope Maritime facilities, supporting Victoria’s entrepreneurs, and helping to kick start development in the Rock Bay district. Point Hope Maritime is well capitalized and able to invest over

MEET SAGE BAKER Heather Ferguson and Sage Baker in the inaugural episode of Sonar Moment. (photo provided by Sonar Moment)

$30 million in an expansion that will provide a positive impact for the local economy and this is a priority for Baker; the expansion will create up to 200 new high paying jobs and ensure that Victoria is well positioned to capitalize on the federal government’s commitment to the shipyard industry for the next 20 years. Her second goal is to work with the community to help future and existing entrepreneurs who are running sustainable organizations create, elevate and prosper in the downtown core. She finds that entrepreneurs are one of the key aspects to Victoria’s growth and prosperity, and that their creative energy and talent will continue to benefit the vitality of the region. Baker also plans to help the city work with the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations and the relevant industry groups in Rock Bay to explore ways to bridge industry with art, history with culture, and support future employment by re-establishing their historic ties to Victoria’s harbour as the city grows.

region’s top existing businesses and employers, as well as engaging with stakeholders and governments throughout Greater Victoria to facilitate an improved business climate. By working across all local boundaries, the GVDA ensures the short and longterm needs of the region’s overall economy are continuously assessed and addressed. The GVDA also places strong emphasis on marketing Greater Victoria’s opportunities around the world. Projects like a three-year Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) strategy are underway that will help the region attract and retain investment that is key to our quality of life and stability.

The GVDA and the City of Victoria are already active partners, and Baker’s addition will help both organizations continue working together, supporting stronger economic prosperity in Greater Victoria.

With three large goals and only two years to accomplish them in, Baker is thankful that the community has already eagerly stepped up to help work together to realize a vision for the harbour including a focus on the Belleville terminal and the David Foster Harbour Pathway, downtown’s vitality with retail and a number of other areas.

She realizes that both she and the community have a lot of areas to focus on and much to do together.

The GVDA remains a key partner for Victoria’s economic development priorities, but with a region-wide focus. To avoid duplication, the GVDA will continue to support new entrepreneurs, but will put more emphasis on the needs of the

Dallas Gislason Economic Development Officer, Greater Victoria Development Agency

BUSINESSMATTERS

19

CHAMBER BOARD CANDIDATES (In random order)

Nigel Brown

President & Co-Owner, Ruffell & Brown Interiors Ltd. Incumbent, Director

Nigel Brown is Co-Owner and President of Ruffell & Brown Interiors Ltd., established in 1987 and is also a partner in Pacific Rollshutters and Awnings Ltd. He has lived in Victoria since 1969.

Ruffell & Brown Interiors has been a Victoria Chamber of Commerce member since 1990.

Nigel is currently on the board of the Shop Local Victoria Association, past two-time president of the Victoria Better Business Bureau, past director of the Canadian Home Builders Association, and is chairman of the International Window Covering Association.

He is passionate about helping to build on our positive business environment and grow our local economy. Supporting local businesses and encouraging consumers to think local first are important issues to Nigel.

Al Hasham

Creole Carmichael

Owner, Creole Jewellery Design

President & CEO, Maximum Express Courier Incumbent, Board Secretary

Creole Carmichael is the owner of Creole Jewellery Design a custom jewellery design business that she started 21 years ago.

Creole has sat on numerous boards including the Fernwood Community Association where she worked closely with VicPD and city council on resolving issues in the Fernwood community.

While employed at Camosun College she served on the executive board of CUPE local 2081 and was a representative for the local on the CUPE Vancouver Island District. She has also served as an appointed member to a Canada Pension Plan review board. During her time with Camosun College and CUPE , Creole focused her union training on contract language and negotiation and public speaking and her academic education in sciences.

Kathleen Burton

Paul Johnson

Owner, Prodigy Window Films

Paul Johnson is the owner of Prodigy Window Films and an Account Manager for Sharp’s Audio Visual. He has called Victoria home his entire life and loves to be involved in his community.

He currently serves on the board for VIATeC, and sits on its Governance Committee. He’s also a member of the I.O.O.F. Columbia #2 and sits on the Board and chairs various other committees within our community.

When he’s not working, you can find him coaching his daughter’s soccer and baseball teams.

20 BUSINESSMATTERS

Associate, Strategus Consulting Incumbent, Executive Member at Large

Kathleen’s varied private and public sector career has helped her to develop a clear understanding of Victoria’s complex business community.

Her expertise includes research, marketing, communications and public relations, business and philanthropic development, strategic planning and management of multi-functional work teams. Kathleen’s excellent interpersonal and communications skills and extensive personal network allow her to build community partnerships that greatly benefit The Chamber and Victoria’s business community.

Past Board service includes Tourism Victoria, Canadian Association of Gift Planners, and Association of Fundraising Professionals. Kathleen currently serves on the Victoria Chinese Commerce Association’s Night Market Committee, Chair of The Chamber’s Governance Committee, member of The Chamber’s Policy Committee and as a Prodigy Group mentor. She has two sons, aged 13 and 17.

Al Hasham, owner of two locally family operated companies doing business as Maximum Express Courier & Max Furniture. Through his involvement with local business community & dedicated commitment to The Chamber, Al saw his companies excel and achieve tremendous success. Built on basic philosophy that all business should aspire to, “provide total satisfaction to the customer and be competitive through personalized services & rates that are catered to the unique needs of the customer” Al has believed success will follow.

Al always makes time to support local community efforts like BC Cancer Foundation, Victoria Hospitals Foundation, Women In Need, Al has been a board director for the past 4 years, serves as the secretary and is on the Finance committee.

Rose Arsenault

Manager, Talentcor Incumbent, Director

In her career with Talentcor Victoria, which began in 1997, Rose Arsenault works on behalf of both public and private employers, assisting them in their recruiting and Human Resource needs.

Rose has been serving on The Chamber Board of Directors since 2008. She is currently serving on the Prodigy Group and Community Involvement Task Force, as well as sitting on the 150th Anniversary Operational Committee. She was Vice Chair of the 150th Anniversary Planning Committee, Secretary on the Spirit Committee and served a number of years on the Ambassadors Committee.

Her involvement with the community extends into her private life. Having lived in the Western Communities for several years, transportation issues have been of great interest to her.

CHAMBER BOARD CANDIDATES Gary Kinar

Lawyer, Kinar Curry Lawyers Incumbent, Director

Gary is a current director of The Chamber and member of the Policy Committee.

He is a lawyer, called in Saskatchewan in 1976, Alberta in 1981 and B.C. in 1982.

Gary is a member of Kinar Curry Lawyers, providing corporate, commercial, real estate and estate advice.

Among other things, he is a past director of the Victoria Bar Association, member of various federal and provincial political constituency associations and counsel to various federal and provincial political candidates. He is a volunteer the in the Law Day Program and the BC Law Society professional legal training course and provides occasional counsel to various community groups.

As an advisor to small business Gary brings a valuable skill set to the Board.

All ballots close Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at noon.

If you haven’t received your ballot, contact us at (250) 383-7191

Senior Financial Consultant, Investors Group

Owner, The Reger Group

Natasha is a second generation owner of The Reger Group, a training, coaching and consulting company specializing in entrepreneurship, team development, and the key leadership skills required for success in business and life.

Since 1992 Natasha has designed and delivered keynotes, seminars and workshops to thousands of businesses of all types across Canada and Australia. She also serves on the board of Community Micro Lending.

With the Chamber of Commerce, The Reger Group has delivered numerous business development and employment programs over the years. Natasha is anxious to bring her knowledge, experience and passion for entrepreneurship to this board to assist them in contributing to the economic and employment growth in the region.

Meet this year’s candidates at the Board Candidate Meet and Greet on Thursday, October 3, 2013.

This new event will allow you to mix and mingle with members and candidates over coffee as they pitch their platform to the crowd. If you know someone in the running, this is your best chance to be their champion.

Dee Govang

Natasha Reger

Dee is a Certified Financial Planning Professional with more than 10 years’ experience at Investors Group Financial Services Inc. She is passionate about the issues business owners face daily and is concerned about the long term growth of our business sectors and attracting first rate sustainable businesses to Victoria.

Raised in Victoria and Calgary, she honed her business skills in Halifax and Saint John New Brunswick.

She had been a presenter on the national stage on the subjects of philanthropy and leadership. Dee is Vice-President of the Pacific Design Foundation, an active member of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise CAFE, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

You’ll find Dee at most Chamber industry tours and networking events.

Expert Cleaning Service

Canada's innovation leader providing cleaning services to Victoria and Area

Over 40 Years Experience And Canada’s Largest Janitorial Service Provider

Certified • Experienced • Sustainable Industrial Commercial Institutional Educational Retail

For more information:

www.bee-clean.com Victoria Office: 526 Comerford Victoria B.C. phone:250-381-7566 fax:250-381-7570

THE CONTRACTORS’ CHOICE

BUSINESSMATTERS

21

Where emerging business leaders need to be.

Come join us at our monthly mingles.

The second Thursday of every month from 5-7pm

RSVP to mingles@prodigygroup.ca For more information visit us at prodigygroup.ca

ave the Date S S AT U R D AY N O V E M B E R 1 6 th, 2 0 1 3

Donate an item today!

Call us at (250) 383-7191

31st ANNUAL DINNER AUCTION GALA An evening of mixing, bidding and buying.

This event will sell out early so be sure to reserve your tickets now at www.victoriachamber.ca

22 BUSINESSMATTERS

150

ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT

Back to School

the region: Camosun College, Royal Roads University, and the University of Victoria (UVic). They add value through providing a large number of living-wage jobs, attracting high numbers of national and international students, and continuously investing in infrastructure.

Camosun has two campuses in Greater Victoria, Lansdowne and Interurban, serving over 18,500 enrolled students last with over 800 international and over 3,000 from outside the CRD.

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing colour, and stores are stocking looseleaf paper by the caseload; it’s back to school season.

Greater Victoria gets noticeably fuller this time of year as well; thousands of out of town post-secondary students come to attend some of the best institutions the West Coast has to offer.

Greater Victoria boasts a strong education sector, from pre-school all the way through to the post-secondary level. The region offers both public and private instruction for K-12, and offers many options for adult upgrading and specialized skills training from private international and career focused colleges. In particular, Greater Victoria’s three largest institutions provide significant economic impact to

Providing employment, particularly living-wage jobs, not only supports residents but also allows them to earn enough to stimulate our local economy. Over 13,000 people are employed in the education sector; this is without including maintenance and upgrades of buildings, or service providers like marketing agencies – such as the minds behind Royal Roads’ recent award-winning brand transformation. These large schools also have strong events teams that create valuable educational tourism opportunities, including Congress 2013, hosted by UVic and generating between $9,000,000 - $12,000,000 in impact.

Royal Roads, Camosun, and UVic drew just over 2,300 international students and over 22,000 students from outside the capital region in

2012. Students visiting the region bring an economic boon to the institutions they attend, as well as Greater Victoria’s economy. Consider that for an undergraduate degree, a student spends four years attending school.

This means four years of paying rent, buying groceries and clothing, and spending on entertainment. Moreover, during this period many students’

Royal Roads boasted 2,500 domestic full-time students in 2012; approximately 1,450 from BC, roughly 330 from Alberta, and about 290 from Ontario plus 270 international students in January.

UVic had 20,000 enrolled full and part-time students in 2012; approximately 11,600 from BC, roughly 1,570 from Alberta, and about 730 from Ontario. UVic had over 1,280 international students in 2012.

BUSINESSMATTERS 23

families come to visit Greater Victoria.

These tourist-visitors bring with them additional revenues to Greater Victoria’s economy. International students are of exceptional value to post-secondary institutions, due to the higher cost of international tuition.

On average, international tuition is approximately two to three times the amount of domestic tuition.

It’s simple. Hire a student. See results. As these institutions increase their It’s simple. number of students and as the needs of students shift over time, the schools themselves must grow and change.

Hire a co-op This growth takes on the physical form of new buildings and facilities like the UVic Centre for Athletics, Recreation student. and Special Abilities (CARSA). CARSA began construction in February, stimulating a sector that has slowed in See results. the region. Moreover, post-secondary Co-op students have the skills, knowledge and flexibility to help your workplace excel— and open a window on future recruitment.

funded initiatives like Camosun’s Centre of Excellence for Marine, Metal and Mechanical Trades and UVic’s Vancouver Island Technology Park help support key sectors in Greater Victoria. These organizations bridge the gap between skills training and employment, and between education and entrepreneurship respectively.

Greater Victoria’s post-secondary education sector is spread throughout the region, though the three larger schools highlighted here don’t let municipal boundaries divide them.

Each has realized it has more to gain by working together, and thus they are working towards joint efforts in attracting students to the region. Marketing Greater Victoria as an education hub will continue to strengthen the economic impact these and smaller schools offer in the years to come.

150

Photos courtesy of: Camosun College A/V, University of Victoria, and Royal Roads University.

Post a job today.

Work terms normally begin in January, May and September.

Co-operative Education Program and Career Services www.uvic.ca/hireacoop 250.721.7628

Put learning in motion.

The Employment Program of BC (WorkBC) includes many services and programs dedicated to assisting employers.

Let us help you!

For further info contact Garth 250.708.2462 g.yoneda@gthiringsolutions.ca www.gthiringsolutions.ca The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

24 BUSINESSMATTERS

Jack Insurance & Financial Services (250) 383-9866

FINANCIAL WELLNESS WITH CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE An estimated 177,800 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in 2012, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. The Heart and Stroke Foundation predicts 70,000 Canadians will suffer a heart attack, and 50,000 will suffer a stroke.

The good news is, in today’s world, advances in medical technology mean that more and more Canadians are surviving conditions like these, conditions previously considered life-threatening. And while that is encouraging and hopeful, there can be unexpected and on-going costs associated with surviving a serious illness. Rehabilitation, experimental

150

treatments, increased medical costs, and home or vehicle modifications are just some of the financial challenges critical illness survivors face. Disability payments usually replace a portion of your salary, but often don’t provide enough to cover the extra expenses a serious condition can generate.

That’s where Critical Illness (CI) insurance can provide relief. CI insurance typically provides a one-time, lump-sum payment if you are diagnosed with one of the listed covered critical conditions in your policy.

The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan Critical Illness insurance

pays a tax-free lump sum of up to $30,000 following an initial diagnosis and survival of any one of twenty-five covered illnesses, including cancer, stroke and heart attack. Evidence of good health isn’t required to purchase the insurance and there are no restrictions for the money – it can be used however you wish.

A critical illness often strikes with little to no warning, and though you can’t predict the future, you can prepare for it. CI insurance is an important part of a comprehensive benefits plan, providing simple, affordable coverage, allowing you to focus on getting better.

MArKeTPLACe MIXer

This October, we combine the power of networking with the fun and excitement of a Victoria Royals hockey game!

Wednesday, October 16th, 2013 3:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre Free Admission with a business card 6:00 P.M. - Game End Come and cheer on our Victoria Royals as they go against the Prince George Cougars

CoMe For The MIXer And STAy For The gAMe!

Be There.

250.383.7191

Limited space available. Book your booth now!

o g a ion t e n i Br nat rt th o o d d d upp See o fo lp s ard he ust M

BUSINESSMATTERS 25

NEW MEMBERS: June 4th - Aug 11th AFD Petroleum

Committed to conducting business in a manner that supports the environmental and economic needs of the communities in which we operate; now and for years to come.

(250) 888-3411 www.afdpetroleum.com

Alchemist Professors

Business growth solutions customized for you.

(250) 857-1245 www.alchemistbusinessacademy.com

Amped Electrical Contracting Ltd.

Providing quality electrical contracting services in Victoria, BC and the Capital region.

(250) 882-5282 www.ampedelectrical.ca

Beach Interiors

Located at waters edge in Cowichan Bay, our studio is filled with coastal inspired furniture, home accents, jewelry and gifts. coastal design is our speciality and from a designers perspective can look amazing in any environment.

(250) 709-9152 www.kimsbeachinteriors.com

Bell Mobility - Wireless Business Sales

Mobile solutions designed to work together so that you and your team can too. With the right tools for your business, increase productivity, control costs, and maximize efficiency.

(250) 220-7011 www.bell.ca

Brenons Social Media

Chevy Contracting Septic Systems

My name is Fred Hahn, I live in North Saanich, and have been installing, inspecting, and maintaining septic systems for over 20 years in the Victoria, BC area.

(250) 656-1552 www.septicsystemsvictoriabc.ca

Dance Victoria

Bringing the world’s best dance companies to the stage at the Royal Theatre and with its comprehensive Dance Futures programs fostering the professional and creative development of this community.

(250) 595-1829 www.dancevictoria.com

Dogwood Law Corporation

Painting - residential - commercial. New construction & repaints...

(250) 514-7302

Let Brenons manage and grow your social media communities on your behalf, leaving you more time to focus on your business.

(250) 885-6825 www.brenons.com

We offer a wide selection of services to help with any legal situation you may face. We operate under the highest standards possible to ensure your rights are protected.

(778) 410-5090 www.dogwoodlaw.ca

Atlas Elektronik Canada Ltd.

Capital Tree Service Inc.

Dr. Kathie A. S. Koziol Ltd.

Artisan Painting Plus

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK focuses on command & control, sonar, and unmanned vehicles.

(778) 224-1010 www.canada.atlas-elektronik.com

BC Hydro

BC Hydro is a provincial Crown Corporation with a mandate to generate, purchase, distribute and sell electricity.

1-800-BC HYDRO www.bchydro.com

Serving Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, our company is the largest locally owned tree service in the area. No job is too big or too small, whether you are looking for general tree care or have a tree service emergency.

(250) 415-7244 www.capitaltreeservice.ca

Carnivore Meats & More

Traditional meats. Locally sourced. Dead simple.

(250) 514-2681 www.carnivoreandmore.com

(250) 652-7912

EB Renovations

For over a decade, contractor Erik Beiderwieden (bye-der-wee-den) has helped people update and improve their homes and businesses. He specializes in kitchen, bathroom, and basement renovations, as well as deck and fence construction.

(250) 896-3877 www.ebrenovations.com

Stepping into 2014 with a New Ambrosia!

Our refurbished, 3000 sq/ft ballroom features a new wood floor; and we can accommodate up to 200 people for your next holiday party.

Come on out and cut a rug... so to speak.

Book your next on-site catered event:

26 BUSINESSMATTERS Ambrosia Centre

638 Fisgard Street, Victoria

250 475-1948

www.ambrosiacentre.com office@ambrosiacatering.ca

EFS E-Forensic Services

Professional, reliable skilled experts providing trouble free digital forensics and e-discovery services in Victoria and Vancouver.

(604) 259-9753 www.e-forensic.ca

Evergreen Business Services

Evergreen Office Services are fully serviced professional offices. Our support services are available when you need them. We are the ideal solution for start-up businesses or one that has outgrown the home office.

(250) 382-7717 www.evergreenoffices.ca/index.htm

Four 12 Roofing Ltd.

Providing a wide range of high-quality roofing services, Four 12 Roofing has consolidated a very good reputation among homeowners and business owners.

(250) 216-7923 www.four12roofing.com

Hatley Memorial Gardens

At Hatley, we understand the significance of the celebration of one’s life and the establishment of a lasting memorial.

(250) 478-1754 www.hatleymemorial.ca

Impact Business Network Ltd.

Our people are dedicated to providing quality project management; management consulting; training development and delivery services; and, communications assessment and development to government and corporations.

(250) 595-7773 www.impact-ltd.ca

Inn on Long Lake

The Inn on Long Lake is your lakeside resort in the city. We are located on picturesque Long Lake, yet close to all that North Nanaimo has to offer. Every room has a private balcony or patio overlooking beautiful Long Lake.

(250) 758-1144 www.innonlonglake.com

Insignia College of Health and Business

Proudly providing diploma-level, healthcare career training programs and business programs.

(250) 381-7733 www.insigniacollege.com

Kal Tire

Kal Tire is Canada’s largest independent tire dealer and North America’s largest commercial tire dealer.

(250) 383-1711 www.kaltire.com

La Fogata Latina

Colombian fast food, a healthy alternative to deep fried and processed food.

(250) 381-2233

Kerrisdale Cameras Ltd.

Largest selection of new and used photo equipment in Western Canada.

(250) 475-2066 www.kerrisdalecameras.com

Little Jumbo Restaurant Corp.

(250) 884-3116 www.littlejumbo.ca

Reach your full potential.

AccountAbility Plus is your integrated business centre. We offer complete bookkeeping services, management consulting and Vancouver Island’s ONLY customized software training facility.

Receive training in accounting software systems, Sage 50 and Excel courses today!

BUSINESSMATTERS 27

Meetings Made Memorable.

Focus on your meeting, we’ll do the rest.

WWW.HOTELGRANDPACIFIC.COM/MEETINGPACKAGES Introducing meeting packages to fit every budget, available for groups of all sizes, ultra high-speed fibre optic internet connections, excellent food services and amenities, and a staff to customize every experience makes the difference. At The Hotel Grand Pacific on Victoria BC’s inner harbour, we have the facilities, technologies and people to ensure all goes off without a hitch. What you want. Where you want it.

1.800.663.7550 | WWW.HOTELGRANDPACIFIC.COM 28 BUSINESSMATTERS

|

FIND US

Mitchell Press Ltd.

Because every impression matters. Printing doesn’t have to be complicated. All you need is a printer you trust. One that gives you good advice, takes care of all the details, & delivers a quality product at a fair price. Welcome to Mitchell Press.

(778) 265-1695 www.mitchellpress.com

Morgan & Company Consulting Inc. (604) 273-1395 www.gasheng.ca

Neat and Tidy Cleaning Services

We bring honest-to-goodness clean.

In-home consultations by appointment.

Licensed, bonded & insured. All natural non-toxic cleaning products. Top quality asthma & allergy certified vacuums.

(778) 440-6327 www.neatandtidy.ca

Niche Travel Inc.

We are a small boutique tour company specializing in 2 areas: custom, individual or small group bespoke tours for people who want an authentic local experience in Victoria, as well as small group women’s tours.

(250) 480-0008 www.nichetravel.ca

Nurse Next Door Saanich

Whether you are looking for home care for yourself or a loved one, we know that it’s about caring, not just healthcare. Choose from services spanning a full range of both medical and non-medical home care for seniors.

(250) 665-4535 www.nursenextdoor.com

Pegasus Recovery Solutions

Supporting individuals, families, organizations and communities to overcome addiction and to reduce the harm associated with substance abuse by offering a range of accessible, recovery focussed treatment options.

(250) 514-1083 www.pegasusrecoverysolutions.com

Pepsico Beverages Company

Get recognized for interacting with Pepsi and enjoy unique rewards and experiences.

(250) 652-6667 www.pepsi.com

NEW MEMBERS

Protegra Inc.

We believe it’s all about people. We believe by systematically focusing on people, treating them as the heart of organizational systems, that success will follow for all.

(204) 956-2727 www.protegra.com

Rankine’s Remedies

Rankine’s Remedies utilizes the latest scientific breakthroughs and advanced botanical ingredients to craft super active, result-based skincare products in support of galvanic, ultrasound, LED and laser phototherapy treatments.

(250) 589-5335 www.rankines.ca

Schnitzer Steel

Our metals recycling division collects, processes, recycles, trades and brokers ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal and provides processed scrap metal to mills around the world.

(250) 381-5865 www.schnitzersteel.ca

Security House Accounting Services We offer services to help your business work smarter. Give us your books - take back your life!

(250) 590-5162 www.securityhouseaccounting.com

Rugby Canada Business Club

Rugby football has a long history in Canada dating back to its initial appearance in the 1860’s. There are currently over 7,600 individuals registered through one of 59 community rugby clubs across the province.

(250) 418-8998 www.rugbycanada.ca

Shades of White Bridal Fashions

Shades of White offers a beautiful variety of modern & classic bridal fashions; proudly serving Vancouver Island as the largest of its kind for over 23 years.

(250) 475-1220 www.shadesofwhite.com

Salasan Consulting Inc.

We provide management and consulting services to a national and international clientele.

(250) 361-3661 www.salasan.com

Salon Label Inc.

sustainably harvested ingredients.

(250) 590-7999 www.salonlabel.com

Simatech Vapour Shop

Electronic cigarettes, accessories, vaporizers and atomizers in a variety of flavours.

(778) 410-2132 www.e-cigarettecanada.ca

What drives us at SLI Beauty is our passion for creating new hair care products with the greatest performance using natural, organic and

The Market Stores are happy to introduce Frazer and the treasured

Orr Family Recipes — now available for you to enjoy.

Th e

Orr Family Recipe Mark

et Stores

Plus Systems

At Plus Systems, we’ve made being able to use a computer dispatch system easy. Over 25 years of industry experience has helped us fine tune our system.

(250) 893-6942 www.plussystems.ca

Premier Painting

Professional painters and renovators proudly serving the Victoria area for over 10 years.

Quality that sells itself.

(250) 884-6665 www.premierpainting.ca

themarketstores.com

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

BUSINESSMATTERS 29

NEW MEMBERS SNAP Victoria Magazine

SNAP Victoria is a FREE monthly print publication specializing in a “non-political” friendly and entertaining photographic view of living in our community.

(250) 483-5150 www.snapvictoria.com

Sofia Bakery

Classic European bakery with a Canadian twist!

(250) 978-2253 https://www.facebook.com/SofiaBakery

Stimulus Design

With over 15 years of graphic design experience, Stimulus Design operates out of Victoria, We have provided graphic design services to businesses and non-profit organizations internationally.

(250) 516-5056 www.stimulusdesign.ca

The Canada Homestay Network

Whether you are a Canadian family, an international student, an agent or a school, we are here to help.

(250) 412-3813 www.canadahomestayinternational.com

The Garage Door Depot of Victoria

We supply, service and install all makes and models of residential and commercial overhead doors, operators, and security gates. We offer the quality service and attention to detail of a

Same company. Same service.

New Name.

Formerly known as The Placement Group, Talentcor continues to create success by sourcing and placing talent in roles that fit.

Our specialties include:

Administrative Professionals Light Industrial Sales & Marketing Customer Service

Human Resources Legal Skilled Trades Procurement

Whether your staffing need is temporary or permanent - or somewhere in between we can help.

Call us today

250.381.3254 1124 Fort St, Victoria, BC

talentcor.com

Talentcor is a division of Design Group Staffing Inc.

30 BUSINESSMATTERS

local small business with the peace of mind of a national brand (250) 885-5455 www.garagedoordepot.ca

The Pedaler Cycling Tours

Westcoast Appliance

The largest selection of new and used appliances in Victoria.

(250) 382-0242 www.westcoastappliance.ca

Rent. Ride. Explore. Our guided sightseeing bicycle tours showcase the local food & beverage culture, the Galloping Goose & Lochside trails, favourite scenic vistas, & the distinctive neighbourhoods that make Victoria so enjoyable.

(778) 265-7433 www.thepedaler.ca

William Head Institution is a minimum-security facility located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island in Metchosin, British Columbia.

(250) 391-7000 www.csc-scc.gc.ca

Themis Security Services

Wise Property Solutions

Protecting what matters to you.

(250) 884-4415 www.themispro.com

Transform Travel

At Transform Travel, we’ve taken up the challenge to create experiences in our own backyard, right here in Victoria, B.C., and infused them with all the right ingredients that make our tours so transforming.

(250) 884-9220 www.transformyourtravel.com

We Rage We Weep Alzheimer Foundation

William Head Corrections Canada

Wise Property Solutions specializes in commercial and residential property maintenance.

(250) 896-9433 www.wisepropertysolutions.net

Zazu Cafe and Catering Inc.

Whenever anyone asks the Cook for her soup’s secret ingredient she always replies “Lots of love & a little bit of Thyme?” Enjoy tasty meals from 7:30am-4pm Mon-Fri. (250) 412-5311 www.zazucoffee.ca

Easing the burden of care giving - one family at a time.

(250) 920-9573 werageweweep.com

6

Benefit Check

Group insurance tips for employers and employees Planning a holiday? You may not need to buy travel insurance.

Chambers Plan health benefits include travel health coverage, providing you the protection you need when you’re travelling outside your home province. Coverage includes emergency medical assistance and consultation, medical evacuations, meals and accommodations, and more.

Brought to you exclusively by your Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan ® advisor.

How mentors help you deal with problems The Hard Way Some years ago, Chris Gillen of Dial-aGeek was facing a crisis in his business.

It seemed he had reached an impasse.

So he did what many smart business owners do, he sought out a mentor for advice. That turned out to be one of the smartest decisions he ever made and years later he has benefitted from the support and wisdom of that mentor and Dial-a-Geek is now thriving and expanding across Western Canada.

Using his own experience as an inspiration, Chris approached local video production company Cedarwood Productions with the idea of creating a reality TV series demonstrating how the support of a mentor can help turn a business around. The result is The Hard Way, an intimate look at the struggles of small business owners and their attempts to turn the corner with the help of a mentor.

The Hard Way provides a fascinating insight into the role of a mentor and the effect they can have on a business, and in case you thought the process is an easy one, this show should highlight the truth in dramatic fashion!

Businesses on The Hard Way have found that mentors don’t just breeze in and wave a magic wand to solve all their problems - it takes courage, hard

work and deep soul searching to make the changes that the mentors advise.

And not all businesses manage it.

From a list of over 50 finalists, The Hard Way team (including Cedarwood Producer Karen Davies, Associate Producer Lindsay Nielsen - also from Cedarwood Productions - and Host Dana Hutchings of CHEK) picked 12 local businesses designed to represent a typical struggling small business that viewers across North America could immediately relate to. Each business profiles a different issue commonly faced by small businesses. How they deal with that issue and with the challenges given by their mentor to solve that issue, provide much food for thought as well as laughter, tears and drama throughout the series.

The mentor panel is a strong one: Mike McCarthy is the Vice-President of Small and Medium Business for Telus and has years of experience in helping businesses grow and prosper, Sybil Verch of Raymond James makes fortunes for her clients in financial investments and is involved in various boards and groups as well, Tracy McAllister is co-owner of McAllister Marketing and has a wide knowledge

of branding and marketing, and Chris Gillen has grown his own tech company from the ground up, bringing a wealth of technical knowledge to the panel. In addition you will recognise various local specialist experts brought in to deal with specific challenges, including accountant Lindalee Brougham, human resources expert Dawn McCooey of the Women’s Enterprise Centre, Chris Burdge of BWest Social Media and Dennis Chopko and Trevor Lines of Killing Herb Inc, sales experts. Between them they are tasked with helping our 12 businesses. Can they do it?

And what does it take for a business to turn itself round and set itself back on the path to success?

Find out, when The Hard Way premieres this September! And as the season progresses, you’ll be able to vote for the business you feel has made the most improvement!

For more information, including lots of useful articles and advice on various business issues, check out www.hardway.ca . Or contact Karen Davies Karen@cedarwoodproductions. ca for more information about the show in general or for your own video production needs.

BUSINESSMATTERS

31

Industry profile:

Vancouver Island Brewery Vancouver Island Brewery opened its doors to the Greater Victoria Development Agency and The Chamber in July, giving members a chance to learn about the brewing process while sampling some of the brewery’s latest creations.

General Manager Rob Ringma led the tour, teaching attendees how grain, hops, yeast, and a little magic – in the form of fermentation – are transformed into flavourful craft brews.

In a nutshell: Vancouver Island Brewery is Victoria’s first and oldest craft brewery, helping spark the craft beer revolution nearly 30 years before it became trendy. Vancouver Island Brewery crafts especially flavourful beer, when compared with commercially produced lager; some are cloudy, others boast local ingredients or unique flavours like Beachcomber Ale’s banana finish on the tongue. Most importantly, their beer is made with passion. According to General Manager Rob Ringma, “There is no such thing as bad beer, but there’s different beer for different occasions.”

CEDAR HILL golf course

Number of Employees: 37 full-time and five part-time employees helping us for the summer as it is our busiest season.

Industry Sector: Brewing Industry, Beverage Alcohol - Beer Area of Town: In Greater Victoria’s “brewing district” the area running from Government Street into Esquimalt, and the area surrounding the Johnson and Bay Street Bridges.

Primary Product/Service: Local, quality, craft beer Annual Revenue: We brew 20,000 hectolitres of beer per year; we’ll let you work out the math on that one.

Business Matters: How would you describe Vancouver Island Brewery in 30 words or less?

Rob Ringma: Vancouver Island Brewery is the Island’s original craft brewery and has a 30 year history of commitment to supporting the Island and delivering a quality craft beer experience.

FACILITY RENTALS & BANQUETS SERVICES

Get on par with your next business seminar or workshop at Cedar Hill Golf course. With on site catering, great views, friendly staff, free parking and only 10 minutes from downtown Victoria, we’re the ideal location for your business meeting needs.

“In the future, I can assure you that the we will add your facility to our list of ideal locations for upcoming events”. ~ Community Partnerships Network and Inter-Cultural Association of Gr. Victoria

BM: What is the best part about doing business in Greater Victoria?

RR: Victoria is a vibrant, progressive and diverse city with a population base that supports and celebrates local culture and businesses. As a local business we love the feeling of community in Greater Victoria and appreciate the opportunity to brew, live and work in this city.

BM: What is the best thing Vancouver Island Brewery is doing for Greater Victoria?

32 BUSINESSMATTERS

INDUSTRY PROFILE:

RR: We care about the communities we do business in and have a commitment to the environment and multiple community initiatives. We use a reusable, refillable bottle that prevents additional glass from ending up in the landfill and have specialized equipment in our brew house to reclaim heat and water energy utilized in the craft brewing process. Spent grain and yeast from the brewing process are given to local farmers and composters to aid in their efforts to sustain local food production on Vancouver Island.

From a community perspective the brewery supports hundreds of events, festivals and community fundraisers each year and is proud to partner with local groups such as the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival and their support of the BC Cancer Foundation.

BM: What is it like working at Vancouver Island Brewery?

RR: We tend to use the motto “we’ve got it good” fairly often. And who’s to say otherwise? Our employees feel privileged to be working in such a fun, social and dynamic business in one of the best places to live in the world. It can get really busy around the brewery in the summertime but we try our best to keep the feeling of community strong with everything from monthly birthday lunches to family BBQ’s, as well as staff events to keep our team excited and engaged. We tend to work hard and play hard; after work you will often find our employees out on the water, hitting the trails or participating in other outdoor activities – hopefully enjoying a good local beer responsibly afterwards.

BM: What are three things few people know about Vancouver Island Brewery?

RR: I really hope we are recognized for our great craft beer, outstanding people, and a longstanding tradition of community support in Greater Victoria and all over the Island. Because we are an established company on Vancouver Island with a long history, many people assume it means we’re huge. Quite the opposite, we still brew in small batches and until recently our beer was only available on Vancouver Island. Large commercial brewers usually add carbonation to their beer after it has been pasteurized, but we try to use as much of our beer’s natural carbonation as possible.

BM: What is Vancouver Island Brewery proudest of?

RR: Our brewery is proud to be one of Western Canada’s craft brewing pioneers. Back in 1984 Vancouver Island Brewery started brewing after Labatt’s closed down the last remaining brewery on Vancouver Island. Almost 30 years later we are proud to be one of the breweries involved in kick-starting the local craft brewing renaissance that we all currently enjoy today. We built our brewery on a long-standing tradition of community support and will continue to do so as part of our ongoing commitment to our Island customers, friends and family.

BM: Are there any other fun facts about Vancouver Island Brewery we should know about?

RR: Our beer is all natural. We use natural ingredients and try to use local ingredients as much as possible. Our beer is also un-pasteurized so it has a shelf-life of about six months. We micro filter the beer to remove the yeast and bacteria, but after about six months’ time we can’t control the flavour of the beer any longer so we monitor what

our distributors have in stores and switch out for new product by the five or six month mark. You’ll notice that every box and bottle is date stamped.

When we want to experiment with new recipes and flavours we’ll brew a 40 litre batch to test it before going ahead with full production. Batching up is fairly easy because it’s very similar to baking, where balancing ingredient ratios will deliver the same product.

The Sea Dog recipe was written on a napkin at the navy base when we visited them to taste their beer and get inspiration. After tasting their beer and discussing which qualities we wanted in Sea Dog and a few sips, our Brewmaster jotted the recipe down and handed it to me. We launched Sea Dog using that very same recipe to celebrate the Navy’s 100th Anniversary in 2010.

Join us on our upcoming industry tours at:

BC Cancer Agency Wednesday October 23, 2013.

Ocean Network Canada Tuesday November 19, 2013 Visit our website for more details or to register: www.victoriachamber.ca/ events

BUSINESSMATTERS 33

Advocacy in action Recycling Regulations British Columbia is transitioning its recycling regulations, making businesses responsible for packaging and printed paper recycling. As part of this, businesses that brand, import, or distribute packaging and paper will have to support the cost of consumer recycling programs for these materials.

In order to comply, these businesses must create a stewardship plan, or partner with an organization with a stewardship plan in place, such as Multi Material BC (MMBC). These new regulations have been introduced with little communication from the provincial government, and the deadlines are nearing. The BC Chamber is working with both MMBC and the Ministry of Environment to provide follow-up communication that better explains the regulations, and to set a minimum threshold for small business. The Victoria Chamber has begun a letter writing campaign directed at the Ministry of Environment to ensure small business is not lumped in with larger corporations, and to protect from a double taxation effect for recycling programs.

Natural Gas Reconsideration The BC Utilities Commission is moving forward in a reconsideration of common rates for natural gas in BC. FortisBC will again make the case for a shift in natural gas pricing, leveling the playing field for regions like Vancouver Island - which pays 25 percent more than the provincial average for natural gas. The Chamber has registered for Intervener status in the hearing, to provide a voice for our members in this important issue.

Vancouver Island natural gas users pay the second highest rates for natural gas in BC, following those in Whistler.

AGLG Plans Audits BC’s Auditor General for Local Government (AGLG) Basia Ruta began

her initial audits earlier this year and plans to report on them in spring 2014.

The audits are: Achieving value for money in operational procurement, Local government performance in managing policing agreements and police budget oversight, and Learning from Local Government Capital Procurement Projects and Asset Management Programs. The AGLG also plans to begin two more audits, Local Governments Role in Ensuring Clean Drinking Water and Managing the Inherent Risks of Limited Human Resources within Small Local Governments, later this year. The City of Victoria will be included in the policing audit, which will assess performance in budgeting and managing policing agreements. The creation of the AGLG is a direct policy win for The Chamber.

Basia Ruta, BC’s AGLG

Foreign Workers Strike

Alberta Eyeing HST

Canadian Foreign Service Officers began job action this past summer, further slowing down Canadian visa processing and potentially deterring tourists from visiting Canada. The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) reported a case where Canadian officials had even gone as far as suggesting that visitors go elsewhere, and avoid Canada completely. This troublesome message had been sent from an employee of the Canadian Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. David Goldstein, President and CEO of TIAC said the instance “undermines the economic interests and livelihoods of small business owners and hardworking Canadians.” TIAC urged the federal government to enter negotiations with the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers, who earn roughly $3,000 to $14,000 less than federal workers performing similar functions within Canada. The strike further emphasizes the federal government’s need to improve its tourism strategy.

Read more about the federal impact on tourism on page 14.

Alberta is contemplating implementing an HST model to increase its revenues.

The debate over how to find cost savings versus implementing new tax measures is available in a recent C.D. Howe study. Three options dominate the discussion; lightening income tax and introducing an HST, introducing a sales tax on top of existing taxes, or ignoring taxes and focusing on decreasing spending. The authors of the study are proposing decreasing Alberta’s 10% income tax rate to 8%, and pairing it with an 8% HST which would add a 3% provincial tax to the federal tax rate.

If Alberta went ahead with such a plan, it would boast the lowest income tax rate in Canada; making it an even stronger investment attraction competitor for BC. In addition, an Alberta HST wouldn’t apply to the same business costs as BC’s current PST. As The Chamber prepares for its presentation to the Select Standing Committee on Finance this fall, we will address this potential future competition.

Associate Member Members of the Victoria community may apply for Associate membership. Monthly dues are $20 plus applicable taxes (Annually: $240 plus applicable taxes)

Memberships Events

Dining Weddings

Corporate Membership There is no initiation fee and Annual membership dues are only $670 plus applicable taxes. This entitles five members of the company to have signing privileges at the Club throughout the year.

Ph: 250-721-7935 | club.uvic.ca

34 BUSINESSMATTERS

Connect with us on Facebook

Your Community.

Your

WE BUILD STRONG KIDS, STRONG FAMILIES AND STRONG COMMUNITIES YMCA-YWCA Greater Victoria • 851 Broughton Street, Victoria • Ph: 250-386-7511 • www.victoriay.com

BUSINESSMATTERS 35

The Industry Leader Through Customer Choice

Construction

Industrial Sector

Security Systems

Power Quality

Building Controls

Data Networks

24-Hr Emergency Service

Providing businesses with the same individual customer experience, no matter where in British Columbia you are.

36 BUSINESSMATTERS

250.544.0099

www.houle.ca