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May 2013 VICTORIACHAMBER.CA
Growing Greater Victoria’s Destination Events
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COVER STORY Festival Tourism: A re-imagined economic engine pg. 6
CONTENTS 5 150th Fun Facts Celebrating the Chamber’s 150th Anniversary. 6 Festival Tourism The economics of entertainment. 10 Member News Keep up with what’s happening in the Chamber community. 14 Natural Gas Structuring rates for a provincial utility. 18 Calendar of Events 20 Greater Victoria Recognized for Attractiveness as a Place to Invest
Securing the top spot as the best overall small city in the Americas.
22 Talking the Pulse of the Local Economy
This month’s Economic Snapshot takes a more in-depth look at aviation and agri-business.
25 New Members
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
Meet Prototype Equipment Design, our latest Industry Tour.
BUSINESS MATTERS
May 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. 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. To advertise in Business Matters, contact us at: The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce #100 - 852 Fort St. Victoria, BC V8W 1H8 (250) 383-7191 chamber@victoriachamber.ca
34 Advocacy in Action
The Chamber works to have a constructive influence on public policy for a variety of issues.
Publication Mail Poste-Publications 40005319
Cover photo courtesy of The Victoria International Busker’s Festival
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FIND US
celebrating 150 years
150
th
1861: Victoria boasts a population of 608 permanent residents.
Welcome To
VICTORIA POP.
608
1862: Victoria is incorporated as a city. 1893: Construction of British Columbia Parliament Buildings begins. 1908: Empress Hotel, designed by Legislative Buildings designer Francis Rattenbury, opens for business.
The Victoria Chamber of Commerce was founded on February 9, 1863. Its first task was to organize an armed escort to accompany gold shipments from the Cariboo Region. As the Chamber celebrates its 150th Anniversary, we look back to some noteworthy moments in Greater Victoria’s history in which the Chamber played a pivotal role.
FUN FACTS Facts and photos collected by The Placement Group.
CORPORATE RETREATS
AND BUSINESS MEETINGS WITH STYLE in the beautiful Comox Valley!
1912: Esquimalt is incorporated as a municipality. 1925: Victoria Cougars win the Stanley Cup. 1942: Royal Roads becomes home to Canada’s Navy College. 1946: Worst earthquake in recent Vancouver Island history. 7.8 magnitude, epi-centre near Courtenay/Cumberland, chimneys topple on Chapman St. in Victoria.
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1980: Islanders watch as one-legged Terry Fox begins his cross country Marathon of Hope. 2013: After 150 years of success, The Chamber looks forward to another 150 years as the “Voice of Business” in our community. Thank you for your support Greater Victoria!
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Festival
Tourism
a re-imagined economic engine By: Tim Collins
Greater Victoria is arguably positioned to be one of Canada’s most delightful tourist destinations. The mild climate allows visitors to wander the scenic inner harbour or stroll through historic downtown streets where bookshops, chocolatiers, tobacconists, and scores of specialty shops wait in buildings that were constructed during the city’s gold rush of the mid1800’s.
The downtown is also home to a rich British tradition and is one of the few places where a classic afternoon tea can still be had. A plethora of restaurants, museums, galleries and theatres round out the experience; they are staid, solid and quite remarkable in their own right. So it’s no accident that these relatively passive attractions have tended to dominate the city’s promotional material. On the Tourism BC website, Greater Victoria is described as having “exhilarating scenery: there’s an ocean
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or mountain vista around every corner – while the city’s flower gardens are famous the world over.” Similarly, Tourism Victoria’s website extols the “heritage architecture, colorful gardens, and traditions like afternoon tea” along with the vibrant arts scene and “the wild beauty of the Pacific Ocean and old growth rainforests.” All true, and something of which to be proud. But there’s a new dynamic in the city, and its economic impact is enormous.
John Vickers appreciates the traditional components of the city’s branding, but he’s one of those folks who are actively involved in expanding the city’s reputation beyond its more passive attractions. “Of course Victoria is a beautiful city, but we have to get beyond that to promote not only what we have to see, but what we have to do. As beautiful as Victoria is, once you’ve seen it - the harbour and the downtown, and maybe taken a trip out to Butchart Gardens-
well, those things alone may bring people here once. But what’s going to keep them coming back?” asks Vickers.
That mindset motivated Vickers to become the man behind the Victoria International Buskers Festival and the Victoria International Chalk Art Festival; both events that annually inject music, entertainment and fun onto the streets of downtown Victoria. “My events and others like them attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city. And they keep coming back. It’s an important shift in the way we have to think about tourism.” Vickers’ approach is to create free events that rely on sponsorship, advertising, grant support and other “non-gated” sources of income, including merchandising, for their survival. “I love this city, but I’m a realist. The music festivals and other festival activities that happen here have a tremendous potential for making Victoria a repeat tourist destination,” he says. “That’s why I started the
question is, ‘will it put heads in beds?’ John’s events do that.” Of course Vickers’ events aren’t alone. At last count some 82 festivals take place in and around the garden city, ranging from music festivals to boat shows to cultural events like the Highland Games. They vary in size, of course, but a core of about a dozen large festivals help to stoke the fires that generate the $1.1 billion in tourism expected by Tourism Victoria in 2013. Glenys Haskins, the general manager of the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival knows that festivals play a big role in tourism.
International Buskers Festival and why last year I organized the first annual International Chalk Art Festival. Of course we take advantage of the wealth of talent that we have on the island, but I also bring in entertainers and artists from all over the world. And the word is spreading - if you want to see these people perform, come to Victoria.” Vickers is in the business of imagination; he creates what he calls “destination events” – activities that put Greater Victoria on the international
“We haven’t done an economic impact study,” explains Haskins, “but I can tell you that we have 2,500 paddlers every year and that up to 1,500 of those arrive here from out of town. They bring their families, friends and supporters along so that, when those boats are pulling for the finish line in the inner harbour, there can be 80,000 spectators cheering them on throughout the total three day event.” Haskins says that those spectators not only fill hotel rooms, but shop, eat, and take in other attractions like museums and, yes, gardens, while they’re in the city. According to her, “the economic multiplier effect of these events is huge.”
An economic impact study has, however, been done on the International Buskers Festival. That study allowed Vickers to quantify his festival’s economic effect on Greater Victoria. “I’ve always known that we have a major effect on the local economy,” he says. “But it’s great to be able to prove it.” The study showed that the total economic impact of the International Buskers Festival was just over $3 million, roughly a twenty-fold multiplier effect that benefited not only the hospitality industry (restaurants and hotels) but those sectors that act as secondary suppliers to those industries. The festivals also have an impact upon employment (creating 33 full-time equivalent jobs) and upon government revenues arising from taxes, permits, licenses, etc. It’s estimated that the International Buskers Festival generated some $181,000 in these government revenues. While the economic impact of festivals and events may be a concept which is only now being acknowledged in Victoria, other parts of the country long ago embraced the festival industry as being invaluable to tourism. A 2006 Conference Board of Canada study estimated that Canada’s fifteen largest events generated 12.6 million visits, 3.3 million of which were by tourists with a third of those coming from outside Canada. An estimated $780 million was
“At the end of the day, for the hotel association the question is, ‘will it put heads in beds?’” tourist radar. “We’ve given tourists an additional reason to come here,” says Vickers, “and to bring their tourist dollars with them.” It’s an opinion that’s shared by Earle Wide, Vice President of the British Columbia Hotel Association. The association has sponsored not only Vickers’ events but a host of other festivals over the years. “People won’t keep coming back to Victoria just for the gardens. We need to have new, fresh and exciting ideas and events in order to make this a destination,” said Wilde. “At the end of the day, for the hotel association the
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spent by tourists visiting those events alone and an additional $300 million was generated by local event-related expenditures. The study showed that an average large festival will contribute $43.2 million to local gross domestic product. “We need to get a larger share of that money here in Victoria,” says Vickers. It’s a sentiment echoed by Daryl Mar of the Victoria Jazz Society. The society hosts bookend festivals - JazzFest and the Blues Bash - to open and close Victoria’s summer music festivals. “We had over 40,000 people attend JazzFest last year,” says Mar. The festival features some 80 performances, about half of which are free to the public. “Our budget is about $975,000 and as much as possible we keep that production expenditure locally based. I would guess that we have about a local economic multiplier effect of at least three times our expenditures.” The same is true of the society’s Blues Bash, with its smaller expenditure of $90,000. “It’s a good business model with enormous growth potential. But we need to market ourselves as a
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destination to offshore visitors,” says Mar. Nick Blasko, the driving force behind Victoria’s Rifflandia music festival shares that point of view. Rifflandia is entering its sixth year and the event is growing every year. “We run for four days and we’ll get about 12,500 visitors a day checking out our 16 venues. It has a significant impact on local businesses,” says Blasko. Rifflandia has done an economic impact study that backs up that contention. The annual budget of roughly $750,000 generates 33 fulltime-equivalent jobs in Greater Victoria and returns about $185,000 to the economy by way of taxes. The overall economic impact of the festival is just over $3 million. The full impact of festivals can’t always be measured. There are intangible benefits as well. For example, consider that last year Rifflandia partnered with the Victoria Advanced Technology Council, VIATec, to help promote the creativity and imagination of Victoria’s technology sector. “We flew in venture capitalists to show them, not just the tech companies that we have here, but what a great, creative city we have,” says
Dan Gunn, VIATec’s Executive Director. “During the day we’d be highlighting the business side of things and in the evening they could join us in these amazing concerts. It demonstrated what a fabulously creative city we have.” Gunn believes that imagination and creativity is what drives today’s economy, and that Greater Victoria is rich in both. “It’s a natural fit that we partner with these innovative and imaginative festival organizers,” he says. It’s that imagination that spurs Blasko, Vickers, Mar, Haskins, and all the festival organizers to persevere. “There’s nothing stopping us from making destination tourism a much stronger reality for Victoria,” says Blasko. “In a global economy, you need to be creative and take a chance. It’s part of reinventing tourism to Victoria.” Make no mistake about it tourism is a vital part of Greater Victoria’s economy. Tourism Victoria recently commissioned a study by Grant Thornton LLP showing that almost 22,000 jobs in Greater Victoria are directly linked to the tourism sector, and that number does not include those jobs indirectly linked to industries supplying
goods and services to hotels, festivals, attractions and transportation. It certainly doesn’t touch on the peripheral benefits to industries like those represented by VIATec. The Grant Thornton study did look at the direct impact that hypothetical declines in tourism would have in Greater Victoria. For the hotel industry, total losses in accommodation revenue (including room revenue, in-house food and beverage revenue, hotel/banquet revenue, etc.) would range from $18.4 million (assuming a 5% reduction in tourism) to $92.2 million (assuming a 25% reduction in tourism). Similarly, the loss in employment revenue would range from $3.4 million to $17.2 million. The study goes on to cite other equally disturbing statistics within its projections. None of this is news to Vickers. “I love Victoria, and I know that we have one of the most beautiful places to live and work in the world - and the most amazing backdrop for events that you can find anywhere,” he says. “But we have to stop relying on the backdrop alone to attract tourism.” With that in mind Vickers has moved
to create a significant expansion across downtown to his International Chalk Art Festival and is excited that, with the Buskers Festival going into its third year, performers around the world are clamoring to get onto its stages. Still, Vickers knows that there’s more work to be done. “It’s time we look, not only at new events – and I’m always looking for new ideas – but at ways we can help and improve all the festivals and events in Greater Victoria,” says Vickers. “With imagination and hard work we can thrive. But to do that in a competitive world, you can’t stand still.” Tim Collins is a writer and journalist living and working in Victoria.
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Member News Mercy Ships Canada visits West Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 2012, particularly because this Africa program recognizes the efforts of the Mercy Ships Canada National Director Tim Maloney, employees Maria Manna and Lorraine McDonald recently returned from visiting the organization’s medical vessel, the Africa Mercy, in Conakry, Guinea. The team was onboard the hospital ship as part of a week-long trip to learn how the ship operates.
The Africa Mercy has an all-volunteer crew of 450, half of them doctors and medical experts, who pay to serve on the 500 ft. ship with six operating theatres and a 78-bed ward. During this week the Vision Team got to personally see what their work for Mercy Ships Canada is all about: spreading the word about the international charity that, one by one, transforms the lives of the world’s forgotten poor, free of charge.
Payworks Named One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies
Payworks was recently named a 2012 winner of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. “We are thrilled that Payworks was named one of
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entire team, rather than honouring an individual. Payworks’ success is a result of the hard work and dedication of each team member, and the continued support of our partners and clients,” said Barb Gamey, President and CEO of Payworks. Canada’s Best Managed Companies is a national awards program, recognizing Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. Payworks’ was honoured at last month’s Best Managed gala in Toronto.
Fairway Market Turns 50!
Fairway Market is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Founder and Chairman Don Yuen opened his first grocery store location on Gorge Road in 1963, and since then Fairway has expanded into a local success! What began as a small family business has grown to become one of Vancouver Island’s largest independently owned grocery stores with 10 locations on Vancouver Island. Fairway Market’s success can be attributed to understanding the importance of family
and community, continuing to build on the earnest foundation laid by Yuen. Company President Doug Yuen is a fourth generation grocer who is focused on offering a diverse range of fresh, local produce and imported specialties. Fairway Market’s extensive selection of international products reflects the varied cultures and unique tastes of our community.
Tattoo Gets Council’s Nod
Victoria City Councillor Pam Madoff recently congratulated the Victoria Military Music Festival Society on behalf of Mayor Fortin and her colleagues on Victoria City Council. “Based on the international military tattoos in Edinburgh, Basel and Halifax, BC’s Pacific Tattoo is the only tattoo on the west coast of North America and has the potential to develop into a signature cultural event for the region”, she said. “We look forward to welcoming visiting bands and Tattourists to Victoria. I’m sure the show will delight people of all ages, while reminding everyone that our police, our fire fighters and our Canadian Armed Forces are worthy of celebration.” Tickets for the event are now on sale
Member News online, at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre box office, and by calling (250) 220-7777. Family pack ticket pricing is available for two adults and two children.
GAIN Growing
The German Auto Import Network (GAIN) announced plans to build a new Porsche dealership and renovate the existing Volkswagen dealership earlier this year. The expansion follows GAIN’s recent construction of the new BMW dealership in Vic West, the reestablishment of an Audi dealership in the former BMW lot, and a temporary Porsche showroom downtown. The big changes were sparked by GAIN’s purchase of Speedway Motors in 2011, and the company’s goal is to have all the new construction and renovations complete by mid 2014. The improvements are intended to better showcase the vehicles and bring them more in line with their own brands. GAIN is passionate about the cars it represents, a passion shared by their cars’ enthusiastic owners.
Hippo Sightings Downtown
It was hard to miss these buses roaming around town on their test runs
over the last few months, but Victoria Hippo Tours finally took the plunge and opened up tours to the public on April 1st. Hippo Tours started in Toronto 12 years ago and they are excited to introduce both Victoria’s locals and visitors to their fleet of unique forty passenger amphibious vessels they have affectionately named Happy, Harry, and Henrietta. The 90-minute tours take passengers through some of Victoria’s most notable landmarks before dipping into the Inner Harbour for a swim. The Hippos are offering tours seven days a week until October 31st, when they’ll hibernate again until next spring. Tours are approximately 90 minutes in length, spending 50 minutes on land and 40 minutes in the water.
Vecima Bids Farewell to Director
Earlier this year Vecima Networks said goodbye to Lead Independent Director Reg Bird, who has been replaced by Barry Baptie. Baptie has been a director of the company since November 2004. Prior to his retirement that same year, he was Executive Vice President of Technology and Operations for Telus Communications. Vecima Networks provides specialized and custom
original equipment manufacturing solutions for cable television, telecommunications, and hospitality industries. The Victoria based company originated in Saskatoon, though Founder and CEO Dr. Surinder Kumar relocated Vecima’s home office to the west coast after opening a microwave research facility here in the mid 90’s. Vecima’s products are used for encryption, decryption, processing, converting and transporting all types of digital media within connected-device ecosystems. The company has facilities located in Canada, the US, and India.
Happy Birthday Creole!
Creole Jewellery Design turns 22 this year, celebrating over two decades of business in Victoria. A family business since 1991, Creole Jewellery Design is a company that is enthusiastic about the design and creation of the jewellery they produce for their cliental. Trent Harris, Creole Carmichael’s son, has worked at his mother’s bench and in the store since the age of eight. He is now a partner in the business, having learned at his mother’s side, Harris studied gem setting at the Revere Academy and Advanced CAD Design through Gemvision. Creole’s extensive
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Member News experience with platinum has gained her international recognition as a technical expert in this rare metal. Her work has been featured at the Platinum Symposium in New York City.
Broadmead Care Nationally Recognized
The Broadmead Care Society has been awarded Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada in March. Broadmead Care was recognized for attaining the highest level of performance in meeting more than 500 accreditation standards. “A few years ago, in describing their commitment to their work and to our residents’ and clients’ care, our staff came up with the motto, every moment matters,” said David Cheperdak, Broadmead CEO. “We try to live that every day so we can provide exceptional care.” Broadmead Care Society provides adult day programs and residential care for more than 400 veterans and seniors at the Lodge at Broadmead and Veterans Health Centre and residential care for 40 adults with disabilities at Nigel House and Harriet House.
Belfry Impacts Legislation
The Belfry Theatre had reason to
celebrate this spring, when the province amended the Liquor Control and Licensing Act to allow charities and non-profits to receive liquor donations from any source. The theatre, which relies heavily on funds raised by its annual Crush wine auction, discovered the previously limiting legislation last October when it planned to include bottles of wine donated from private collections in its auction. Following public outcry, the legislation was updated. The BC government released a statement following their decision that the rule was “outdated” and that it wants to “modernize regulations that restrict British Columbians unnecessarily.” The Belfry’s win will not only allow its fundraiser to continue, but will also allow a number of other charities and non-profits the ability to make use of such donations.
FortisBC Supports Highlanders FortisBC recently announced a partnership with the Victoria Highlanders Football Club, to help spark the upcoming soccer season. Bob Anderson, Senior Manager of Residential & Commercial Energy Solutions says, “FortisBC is proud and
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
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happy to support the Highlanders. Soccer is a high energy game and we’re in the business of providing energy. We can appreciate how important this kind of activity is to the community and are proud to be a part of it.” FortisBC provides energy solutions from electricity, natural gas and propane to integrated energy solutions such as geothermal and district energy, to deliver energy safely and reliably.
Chamber Members Lend Expertise to CAFE
The Vancouver Island Chapter of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) recently announced their Board of Directors, which includes a number of Chamber members, including: • • • • • •
Andy Spurling of Proline Management, Vice-Chair Mike Black of Capital Iron, Past Chair Dave Denley of KPMG MSLP, Treasurer Dave Fraser of Bank of Montreal Travis Butler of Butler Brothers Supplies Ltd. Marilyn Spurling of Proline Property Managers
Congratulations to all of the
Visit our website www.victoriachamber.ca to view photos from the Awards Gala and videos of the winners and finalists!
Business of the Year (76+ Employees) Award Winner:
Cold Star Freight Systems Inc. Runner-up:
Vancity
Employer of the Year Award Winner:
Horne Coupar Runner-up:
Peninsula Co-op Innovation Award Winner:
Pet Loss Care Memorial Center
WINNERS & FINALISTS
Runner-up:
FortisBC
Outstanding Customer Service Award Winner:
Serenity Home Care Ltd. Runner-up:
Business Leadership Award Winner:
Robinson’s Outdoor Store
Runner-up:
Sustainable Business Practices Award Winner:
Capital Iron
Digital Direct Printing Ltd.
Island Savings
Runner-up:
New Business Award Winner:
Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Signature Tire Plus Inc.
Inn at Laurel Point
Runner-up:
Business Person of the Year Award Winner:
Business of the Year (1-10 Employees) Award Winner:
Patriot Electric Ltd.
Runner-up:
Founder & President, Keith Dagg Consulting Inc.
Keith Dagg
UC Life Chiropractic Centre
Runner-up:
Williams Moving & Storage
Body Dynamics Headquarters
Jessica Cruise, Vibes Fitness
Triangle RV Centre Ltd.
victoriachamber.ca
Employee of the Year Award Winner:
Business of the Year (26-75 Employees) Award Winner: Runner-up:
Prince of Whales
Our generous sponsors:
Tim Teh, KANO/APPS Runner-up:
Runner-up:
Grant Thornton LLP
Kevin Walker, Oak BayBeach Hotel Young Entrepreneur Award Winner:
Business of the Year (11-25 Employees) Award Winner:
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David Rogers, BC HAZMAT Management Ltd.
Matt King, Robinson’s Outdoor Store Runner-up:
Mercedes Lopez, Arbutus Inn
BOOST YOUR BUSINESS
Congratulations and good luck to all of this year’s awards finalists!
COURIER, FREIGHT & LOGISTICS
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Natural Gas –
Structuring rates for a provincial utility Greater Victoria has had a gas supply since the 1860s when a coal-fired gasification plant was built and supplied the capital with gas. In 1991 a natural gas pipeline to the island was installed by Centra Gas. Centra Gas was subsequently sold to Terasen Gas and has since evolved into FortisBC, Vancouver Island’s natural gas service provider.
In 2012 FortisBC Energy Utilities submitted a common rate proposal to the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) to amalgamate its three separate natural gas utilities into a single entity serving the province. The amalgamation would also introduce “postage-stamp rates” in British Columbia, meaning users throughout the province would pay the same rates for natural gas. The BCUC rejected the proposal, continuing the discrepant rate structure where newer natural gas users pay higher rates than longtime users. FortisBC is seeking an appeal.
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A provincial initiative The Government of British Columbia initiated the Vancouver Island Natural Gas Pipeline project in 1988 and fair natural gas rates were assured through the Consolidated Rate Stabilization Agreement. As part of the service provision, the provincial government required that a number of industrial users convert to natural gas. The Consolidated Rate Stabilization Agreement was later replaced with the Vancouver Island Natural Gas Pipeline Agreement, and the provincial contribution to infrastructure was made through a royalty rebate program. The rebate program expired in 2011 leaving Vancouver Island residents without any further government contribution to subsidize the cost of service delivery. Vancouver Island’s natural gas rates are over 25 percent higher than the provincial average because it is a newer natural gas customer. Similarly, Whistler was serviced with natural gas in 2009 and has the highest natural gas rate in the province. Both Vancouver Island and Whistler are being charged unfair rates because they are newer natural gas users than long existing users in the rest of the province. Fort Nelson currently maintains the lowest natural gas rates in the entire province.
This does not follow the precedent set by other utilities such as BC Hydro. There are a number of ways of calculating utility pricing. The two that were highlighted in the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) decision regarding FortisBC’s common rate proposal are the cost causation principle and postage-stamp rate principle. Natural gas rates are currently calculated using cost causation.
Cost causation Cost causation is based on the principle that users only pay for incurred costs of providing service, meaning the costs are avoided if the service isn’t provided. For example a new housing development has to pay for all the infrastructure to support the development including water supply, and sewer services. The developer installs the addition to the utility and passes that cost onto the new home owners. Under cost causation, new home owners would be charged at a higher rate for water and sewer usage because they are new to the system. Even though the homeowner/ developer have already paid a considerable amount to install the new services, their rate for water and sewer would be higher and the length
of this increase is unclear - perhaps in perpetuity. The Chamber believes BCUC decided to apply the cost causation principle to ensure new users to the system contribute to the legacy costs of providing natural gas in BC.
Postage stamp rates Postage stamp rates make it so that all users pay the same rate for the same service, regardless of the direct cost of service delivery. This isn’t to say that service charges can grow disproportionately higher than the cost of service provision; rather, service provision costs are shared equally by all users. This system is less discriminatory, because all users are charged the same rate regardless of their location or length of use. Postage stamp rates allow for more fairness and competition as they remove any potential economic disincentives. Postage stamp rates effectively treat resources as a provincial issue, rather than a regional issue. This should be the case with natural gas as it is a provincially owned resource. The provincial government led the effort to bring natural gas to Vancouver Island, and asserts that “the availability of low-cost electricity was instrumental in building British
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Columbia and establishing our resource sectors such as mining, smelting, and forest products.” Creating similar fair pricing and ease of access for natural gas will help promote economic development throughout the province. By creating postage stamp rates, any existing incentives or disincentives caused by the current rate structure will be eliminated, offering different areas a fair chance of remaining provincially competitive.
How would rates change? If postage stamp rates are implemented for natural gas, each customer in a given customer class would be charged the same rate. Using residential rates, rates would decrease by approximately 27 percent for Vancouver Island and 36 percent for Whistler. Conversely, residential rates for the majority of the Lower Mainland, Inland, and Columbia regions would increase by just over five percent. By spreading the higher cost of serving newer natural gas users throughout the province, the shared costs are minimal. By using postage stamp rates the net effect is not increased; it is revenue neutral to FortisBC. It is essential to note that under the postage rate principle Fort Nelson would be most deeply impacted having experienced the lowest natural gas rates in the province. Fort Nelson would lose its existing advantage, and
rates would increase by 57 percent. There is no doubt that this type of increase could be detrimental if fully implemented following a change in rates. FortisBC has proposed a 15 year phased-in timeline for Fort Nelson’s rates to ease the transition to postage stamp rates.
Calculating hydro rates BC’s electricity rates are set based on the Heritage Contract, a document that ensures users can benefit from the low cost of long established infrastructure. Not only must rates remain affordable for users, but BC Hydro has also used postage stamp rates since its creation, and as a result has maintained customer fairness throughout the province by ensuring no single area, industry or corporation has an advantage over another. As a result of the Heritage Contract, expanding BC Hydro’s electricity production base would cause a significant increase in its rates, as the cost of building any large scale new infrastructure will impact rates. Is it possible that encouraging more widespread natural gas use could alleviate this pressure? This is a subject that requires more research. Since natural gas and electricity compete with one another, they must share a similar pricing principle to remain fair and competitive utilities.
Areas where natural gas rates are lower offer natural gas an unfair advantage over electricity, and vice versa.
Moving forward Natural gas is an important source of clean energy and is used for a variety of commercial, municipal and residential purposes. There is growing interest in using natural gas as a transportation fuel and the use of natural gas has been considered as a fuel in the production of electricity on Vancouver Island. Due to its low cost, there has even been talk of converting the BC Ferries to run on natural gas, if low projected prices could be sustained over the long-term. In order to best serve the province, natural gas rates should use the postage rate principle so that all users in BC pay the same rates for a provincially owned resource. Expecting Vancouver Island and Whistler residents to cover the costs of a provincially led natural gas initiative is not only unfair, but detrimental to economic development. Discrepant rate structures discourage growth for areas that already have a hard time competing. The resources are jointly owned by the province as a whole, therefore the cost to consumers throughout BC should be equal.
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There is no monthly fee for Business Jumpstart™ High Interest Savings Account. Transaction and/or additional service fees may apply. See vancity.com/BusinessJumpstart for a list of fees. All fees and interest rates are subject to change. Vancity (TM), Jumpstart (TM), and Make Good Money (TM) are trademarks of Vancouver City Savings Credit Union.
CALENDAR of events MAY SUNDAY
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The Changing Consumer: Presentation & Breakfast Date: May 8, 2013 Time: 8:00am - 930am Presented by: Times Colonist & The Chamber Location: IMAX Prodigy Group May Mingle Date: May 9, 2013 Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm Hosted by: Cactus Club Cafe Members & their guests only please
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Six for Lunch Date: May 15, 2013 Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm Location: Moxie’s Grill Members only please May Business Mixer Date: May 16, 2013 Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm Hosted by: Philip Nyren Menswear & Womenswear Members & their guests only please
Solving Problems Through Service Date: May 16, 2013 Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm Presented by: WorldHost Training Services Location: The Chamber Let’s Talk Exports Date: May 16, 2013 Time: 7:30am - 9:30am Presented by: Economic Development Canada
Proof yet again that Victoria is a jewel.
www.knickerbockers.ca 18 BUSINESSMATTERS
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
WICKED MIXERS. MORE FUN. JUNE
Your Business Climate...
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Annual General Meeting & Mayoral Address Date: May 21, 2013 Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm Hosted by: Union Club of British Columbia
Amazing Chase Date: June 7, 2013 Time: 7:00pm - 10:30pm Starting location: Bastion Square After-party: Darcy’s Pub/Upstairs Cabaret
Sales Powered by Service Date: May 29, 2013 Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm Location: The Chamber
Six for Lunch Date: June 11, 2013 Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm Location: To be announced Members only please
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Prodigy Group June Mingle Date: June 13, 2013 Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm Hosted by: To be announced Members & their guests only please June Business Mixer Date: June 20, 2013 Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm Hosted by: Grant Thornton LLP Members & their guests only please
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Greater Victoria Recognized for Attractiveness as a Place to Invest
For the third time, Victoria has been identified by fDi Magazine from the Financial Times as amongst the best across North and South America in its attractiveness as a place to invest. In the 2013/2014 America Cities of Future Awards announced in April, Greater Victoria took home honours as overall winner in the small city category & winner in business friendliness in the small city category. In addition, the Greater Victoria Development Agency (GVDA) was recognized for its effectiveness by receiving Top 10 foreign direct investment strategy (small city category) from a panel of independent judges. These three awards represent an important opportunity for Greater Victoria. In 2012, Victoria’s regional GDP grew by only 0.9 percent, ranking it 25th out of Canada’s 28 metroregions. The new post-recession reality for Victoria is that our community can no longer rely on government employment for stability. We must embrace local private-sector firms and new entrepreneurs as the future job creators – namely through hightechnology, advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding & repair sectors. By growing these driving economic sectors the region can support the struggling retail and service sectors, as well as create new construction
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and housing demand—all of which support the fiscal bottom-line of local governments. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a key ingredient to growing these driving sectors. A growing company needs access to capital. The type of growth-oriented capital required is not typically found locally, rather, it is found within the experienced venture capital industries, like those found in California. It is also found in larger, well-capitalized firms, as was the case when Amazon.com bought local usedbook champion Abebooks. These awards recognize Greater Victoria’s strengths as a place to invest; they are a testament to the fact that world-class talent loves living here. Our local municipalities’ commitment to developing a high quality of life (through cycle lanes, infrastructure, healthcare services, etc.) is regarded as a key factor of investment attractiveness. The next step for the region is to take advantage of this opportunity by working even more closely with the GVDA to make economic development a priority. The GVDA continually develops and nurtures the local environment for FDI opportunities, helping diversify and stabilize the local economy. To be recognized for these efforts is an honour. However, we are just getting started.
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By Dallas Gislason Economic Development Officer, Greater Victoria Development Agency
British Columbia’s two strategic accounting designations are merging into one. A new certification program brings together the best of all previous standards to create a globally recognized accounting and business credential. Visit our brand new website for more information.
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ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT Blue skies or rich earth Victoria provides wide open opportunities. This month’s economic snapshot takes a more in-depth look at two of Victoria’s industries; agribusiness and aviation. Though some locals may be unaware, Vancouver Island is a region with a strong pilot community and leading aviation sector. Agribusiness on the Island has been on the decline since the 1950’s when Vancouver Island produced the majority – roughly 85 percent – of its own food, however this industry is beginning a slow revival through local food initiatives and collaboration.
Aviation The aviation industry is highly cyclical, though it lasts longer than traditional boom-bust cycles, averaging approximately 10 years in length. The impacts of the 2001 regulatory shifts in security following 9/11 can now be seen in the new products being introduced by Boeing and Airbus. This may sound like an impossibly long time to see an
idea come to market, but when dealing with aeronautics and safety, advances in aviation take time. Local manufacturer Viking Air has managed to stay at the forefront of this extended cycle by investing during the downturn, to ensure their product would be ready in time for the aviation market’s current upswing. Keeping pace in aviation also means knowing your market, and Viking has positioned itself to cater to buyers updating their fleet, as well as newer Asian buyers purchasing individual aircraft valued at over $50 million. Although there isn’t a large amount of high-value added work in the region, there are a large number of pilots living on Vancouver Island who commute elsewhere via air. While there is an abundance of pilots, there is a shortage of local aircraft maintenance for small aircraft. Although a worthwhile niche market opportunity, it doesn’t have the same lasting power without a global sales component. There are opportunities to expand to fullvalue support, as was the case with Vietnamese pilots who came here to learn English in order to take flying
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 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.
®/
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lessons with Pacific Sky Aviation, to operate planes that were also purchased here. Offering these valueadded services will help round out the long-term cycle. Although the local economy is saturated, there are lots of global demand and opportunity. One of the growing trends is to have both Canadian and US offices (multipleinternational offices) allowing companies to hire talent where it is located rather than engaging in costly and disruptive relocation practices. This has the advantage of reducing absolute cost, easing regulatory compliance and allowing companies to be much more flexible. It also maintains lower overhead and attractive pricing. Some American companies are taking advantage of Canada’s ambassador-like reputation and are growing offices in Canada, much like the trend in American tech companies opening offices here. Boeing has a design and tech support office in Greater Victoria, though they don’t actually perform any manufacturing here. There are somewhere between 1,000 to 2,000 aviation-related jobs on Vancouver Island and these numbers could easily double if small scale aviation projects and initiatives continue moving forward. Overall, the aviation industry is a very high value-add sector, and the processes used now are relatively clean.
Agri-business From farm gate to dinner plate, the Capital Regional Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CR-FAIR) was created to strengthen the local food system and increase the viability of farming. CR-FAIR consists of 30 food and farm organizations working together for the past 15 years to support Greater Victoria’s agriculture sector. The roundtable promotes collaboration and focuses its efforts on creating supportive policy, promotion and education, sector development, improving access to land, leveraging investment and creating agriculture infrastructure. Since 1996, the number of farms in the region has increased, however their average size has decreased meaning there is less actual farmland. BC’s total agriculture sector boasts gross annual
taking the pulse of the local economy revenues of $36 billion, though CRD farm incomes make up just over $50 million of this number. Even with all existing farms in Greater Victoria at full production, this sector only accounts for 10 percent of the farmland needed to achieve true sustainable agriculture goals. This sector is greatly challenged by the fact that half the region’s existing farmers will retire in the next decade, and that the average cost of an acre of farmland is $100,000. Despite a decrease in farmed land, demand for local food is on the rise. There is a four percent annual growth in local agri-food production and consumption in BC, which is driven by increasing food safety and health concerns, as well as environmental sustainability efforts - since 20 percent of greenhouse gases are caused by global food transportation alone. According to the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC’s 2008 survey, nine out of 10 BC residents believe producing enough food to avoid depending on imports is important, proving that there is high interest in supporting this sector. In Greater Victoria, this interest
is challenged by low farm viability caused by high land costs and many farmers nearing retirement. Despite this, the number of farmer’s markets in BC has doubled since 2000, with direct farm purchases as well as farm market purchases on the rise.
Align Your Business
Quite a bit of the farmland in Greater Victoria currently produces hay, though there has been a rise in production crops using greenhouses. The other major change in this sector has been the significant loss of poultry and livestock production since 1996, following the loss of abattoirs on Vancouver Island. There are a number of agri-food opportunities in the region including, “buy local” purchasing policies such as the University of Victoria’s commitment to purchasing 46% percent local food, diversified and value-added produce, as well as agri-tourism and destination food marketing. As transportation and energy costs increase, traditionally higher priced regional food products are better able to compete with imported foods and provide additional opportunities for this growing sector.
AccountAbility Plus is your one-stop business resource. Now in downtown Victoria Vancouver Island’s ONLY customized software training facility. Plus, we offer complete accounting services and management consulting. Depend on us to keep your ducks in a row.
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
Contact us for a free consultation to find out how we can help grow your business.
778-265-7440 accountabilityplus.ca 100-888 Fort Street, Victoria, BC Entrance on Quadra Street
The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
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Regularly scheduled service to/from Vancouver Earlier and later flights for a longer business day Free shuttle to/from Main Terminal and Canada Line
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NEW MEMBERS: February 7th - April 3rd 4 Seasons Heating and Cooling
What started out as a passion over 20 years ago, has turned into Victoria’s most well respected and trusted heating and HVAC company. (250) 652-0886 www.4seasonsvictoria.com
AccountAbility Plus
Welcome to a unique business resource: an off-site accounting department for busy business owners; a learning center where we teach accounting software in small focused groups; and, consulting services to help you get the most out of your efforts. (778) 265-7440 www.accountabilityplus.ca
Advanced Listening Systems
Advanced Listening Systems designs and installs “assistive listening devices” in public places for the hard of hearing. (250) 580-2180 www.advancedlistening.ca
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After Shave Barber Ltd.
After Shave Barber Ltd. is an upscale gentlemen’s barber shop offering a masculine, classy, European inspired atmosphere for both the progressive and traditional gentleman. (778) 265-4293 www.aftershavebarber.com
AltoPartners
AltoPartners/ Bluestone Leadership Services is a global provider of board, executive and senior leader services. (250) 888-4992 www.altopartners.com
Becon Support Services Ltd.
We provide individualized, personcentered services and meaningful choices for the 100+ individuals we support and their families. Most of our homes are funded by Community Living British Columbia. One home is funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. (250) 727-3891 www.beconsupport.ca
Beltone Hearing Care Centre - Hillside
Family owned and operated on Vancouver Island for 38 years. They know what it takes to give the best complete and careful service to persons who are hard of hearing and their families. (250) 370-5199 www.beltone.com
BMT Group Services
BMT Group Services Ltd. is Victoria’s premier fleet management facility. Our full service mechanical bays, our semitrailer-sized paint booth and our fully trained technicians can help keep your vehicles running smooth and looking great! (250) 886-0339 www.bmtgroup.ca
MARKETPLACE MIXER wicked mixers. more fun.
THANK YOU! to our many sponsors and exhibitors who helped make the April Marketplace Mixer a huge success!
Adventure Travel Co. Agenda Office Interiors Air Canada Artopia Adaptive Display Arts Ltd. Brian’s Custom Clubs Business Victoria Camosun College Canadian College of Performing Arts Cedarwood Productions
Certified Management Accountants Society of BC Choices Adoption & Counselling Communication Connection Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network Down to Earth Gardens & Nursery Function Fox Geoff McLean Personal Real Estate Corp Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Investors Group - Chatterton Investors Group - Yates
Island Document Storage and Shredding Kids & Company L.A. Limousines Inc. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics Max Furniture Mini Victoria Monk’s Office Supply Ltd. Old House Village Hotel & Spa Parkside Resort & Spa Peninsula Co-op Price’s Alarm Systems Ltd. Prodigy Group Raincoast Door and Specialty wood Products
Royal Roads University Ruffell & Brown Interiors Softcorp Software Ltd. TD Merchant Services TigerTel Communications UC Life Chiropractic Centre Victoria Cool-Aid Society View Royal Casino The Wellesley Whale Communications Ltd. WorldHost Training Services YWCA
Our Sponsors:
victoriachamber.ca follow the chamber on twitter
@chambervictoria
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NEW MEMBERS It’s simple. Hire a student. See results.
Hiring this summer? Business Co-op Speed Networking event March 25 - 27, 2013 3:30 - 5:30 pm Interurban Campus Pre-register at: co-op@camosun.bc.ca Students are available from May to August
Co-operative Education and Student Employment camosun.ca/cese 250.370.4100
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Boyd Murata Coaching and Consulting
CBRE Limited
Bridges For Women Society
Choices Adoption & Counselling
Bunah Home Inspections
Constant Contact
Zen philosophy + coaching will put you on a solid path towards achieving greater fulfilment at work, and a more enjoyable and rewarding life. (250) 590-5950 www.brendaboydcoaching.com Our employment training and supportive programs inspire women impacted by violence or abuse, to reclaim their lives and build economic security. Providing education, training and consulting to community agencies, employers, and government. (250) 385-7410 www.bridgesforwomen.ca Buying a home is a big decision. It can also be a little intimidating as you weigh many factors to make the best decision for you and your family. We can help. (778) 432-2115 www.bunahhomeinspections.com
CBRE Limited officially opened its Victoria office in 2013, bringing industry-leading commercial real estate services to Vancouver Island. (250) 386-0000 www.cbrevictoria.com
Choices Adoption & Counselling Services is a nonprofit, non-sectarian licensed adoption agency offering a range of services to birth parents and adoptive parents throughout BC. We have been involved in adoptions and family counselling since 1989. (250) 479-9811 www.choicesadoption.ca Constant Contact has small business marketing experts across the country, ready to meet you in person and help you take your organization to the next level of success. (866) 289-2101 www.constantcontact.com
NEW MEMBERS Core6 Environmental Ltd.
Core6 are accomplished and recognized experts in their fields of environmental science. Core6 Environmental has developed strategic relationships with a range of specialists and reputable organizations that supplement our own team’s strength. (250) 686-0405 www.core6.ca
Corporate Development International (CDI Global)
CDI Global specializes in international company searches for middle-market mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures. We are known for the quality of our international personnel, our industry focus, and our trademark interview process. (250) 507-0436 www.cdiglobal.com
Creating Occasions Creating Occasions is owned and operated by a former Fairmont pastry chef, so let those industry secrets reach your finger tips! We have the answers, specialty products and ideas you’ll need. (250) 475-2611 www.creatingoccasions.com
Frontier Stone Export Ltd.
Island Express Air
FunctionFox Systems Inc.
Limitless Stone Effects Contractors Ltd.
Frontier Stone imports and distributes a beautiful, dense collection of veincut travertine, cross-cut travertine, limestone, marble and onyx tile from Peru. Stocked in Victoria, Vancouver & Calgary. (250) 661-7394 www.frontierstone.ca Simple, online timesheets & project management. FunctionFox Systems Inc. is dedicated to providing simple, secure, web-based tools to help smaller companies improve productivity and profitability. (250) 479-1285 www.functionfox.com
Industrial Marine Training and Applied Research Centre
IMTARC will support the growth, productivity, and competitiveness of the shipbuilding and repair sector by coordinating and facilitating workforce development and applied research. (778) 265-5005 www.imtarc.com
Island Express Air is dedicated to providing a first class flight experience, safely, on time and hassle free. Flying 7 days a week from Victoria to Abbotsford, Vancouver, Nanaimo & Tofino. (604) 856-6260 www.islandexpressair.com A concrete micro-top overlay system for existing or new substrates. A resurfacing tool for counters, floors, patios or anything with a solid substrate. (778) 440-0126 www.limitlessstoneeffects.com
Linda Ferguson Designs
Linda Ferguson is a fashion designer who has been ‘designing clothing with ATTiTude’ for women, who invest in themselves first! Eco-friendly clothing for discriminating women. (250) 642-1842 www.lindafergusondesigns.com
Downunder Voiceovers
It can be hard to make your business stand out, or grasp the attention of the masses. Hiring a voiceover artist to make that message pop is a GREAT start. Take things a step further & engage your audience with a fancyschmancy international accent. (778) 265-1413 www.downundervoiceovers.com
Fantastic Cleaning Ltd.
Fantastic Cleaning offers the highest quality janitorial and cleaning services on Vancouver Island, serving the Greater Victoria, Mill Bay, Duncan, and Nanaimo areas. (250) 391-0435 www.fantastic-cleaning.com
MeMBership
Become a member today to enjoy* Unlimited access Express entry Discounts at partner organizations 10% off events and programs and more …
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/join * some restrictions apply see website for details. Haida house frontal pole, RBCM 14679 a-c (detail).
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NEW MEMBERS McElhanney Consulting Services
(250) 508-4099 www.firmguru.com
McElhanney is a Canadian consulting firm, providing engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, and environmental services through a network of 20 local offices across Western Canada and in Indonesia. (250) 370-9221 www.mcelhanney.com
Michael Geoghegan Consulting BC’s most cost effective, results orientated government & media relations firm. Our focus is on getting real results for our clients. We bring over 30 yrs combined experience in working with local, provincial, federal & first nations governments. (250) 361-9242 www.mgcltd.ca
Mikhail Belikov Consulting
Mikhail Belikov Consulting helps define, develop and implement business growth strategies including international expansions. Extensive expertise in a variety of industries and countries.
Moksha Yoga
Moksha Yoga is a hot yoga series that stretches, strengthens and tones the muscles while detoxifying the body and calming the mind. The series is a cardiovascular workout that strengthens, tones and loosens the muscles, while calming the mind. (250) 385-9642 victoria.mokshayoga.ca
Mount St. Mary Hospital Foundation
Enhancing the care, comfort, dignity & respect of vulnerable members of our community. With the help of good neighbours like you, we can provide palliative care, programs & equipment needs for the 200 critical care residents and their families. (250) 480-3138 www.msmfoundation.ca
Nootka Marine Adventures
Design your Vancouver Island holiday to appeal to everyone in your group.
Nootka Sound Resort and Moutcha Bay Resort are both fun family vacation resorts and perfect for a corporate retreat. (877) 337-5464 www.nootkamarineadventures.com
NXS Innovations Inc.
Every project develops a unique identity based upon the natural environment, lifestyle and desires of the customer. Our aim is to make your renovation or new building experience as worry-free and as affordable as possible. (250) 580-4811 www.nxsinnovations.com
Original Joe’s
Original Joe’s serves more than great food ranging from nachos, lime chicken and fish tacos. (778) 265-5225 www.originaljoes.ca/tuscany
Pacific Tattoo
More dancers, kilts, bagpipes, drums, bands & pageantry than we can reel off. Celebrated here in Victoria each July. www.pacifictattoo.ca
Expert Cleaning Service
Canada's innovation leader providing cleaning services to Victoria and Area
Recruitment with great taste!
Staffing professionals who go “Canada's in the extra mile to match the right cleaning serv candidate with the right employer. Over 40 Years Experience And Canada’s Largest Janitorial Service Provider
Certified • Experienced • Sustainable Industrial Commercial Institutional Educational Retail
Main Floor, 1124 Fort Street Victoria, BC
For more information:
www.bee-clean.com Victoria Office: 526 Comerford Victoria B.C. phone:250-381-7566 fax:250-381-7570
Call us today 250.381.3254
E
Celebrating 15 Years of BusinessCertified • Exper in Victoria - September 2012 www.pgstaff.com THE CONTRACTORS’ CHOICE
40 Years Experience & Canada’s La New Look. New Site. Check usOver out online.
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100% Ca
NEW MEMBERS Padgett Business Services PADGETT is your local small business tax, accounting and payroll specialist, catering to the needs of small business owners through a network of local owner-operated offices. (250) 744-3854 www.countbeans.com Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa
Parkside is a sustainable resort hotel targeting LEED® Platinum Certification. Parkside features a 25-metre indoor pool, AquaTerre Spa, theatre, rooftop gardens, designer furnishings, gourmet kitchens and inviting suites. (250) 940-1200 www.parksidevictoria.com
Pattison Outdoor Advertising
Pattison Outdoor Advertising is Canada’s largest out-of-home advertising company, serving over 100 markets from coast to coast. (250) 413-3212 www.pattisonoutdoor.com
PayTrak Payroll Services
Paytrak Payroll Services is part of an international franchise group that has been addressing the concerns of small business owners like you for over 35 years. Whether you have one employee or 100 employees, Paytrak can help. (250) 708-0070 www.countbeans.com
Performance Bicycles
We stock great bikes for all levels of riders whether you’re riding the latest & greatest or just need to keep ‘old reliable’ spinning smoothly. We provide meticulous service. (250) 727-6655 www.performancebicycles.ca
Resilient Solutions
“The meat lover’s store.” We love finding ways to make your busy life easier. You’ll find a selection of prepared meats, poultry and seafood stuffed or marinated and ready to bake or barbeque.
H ea ve n ly!
Resilient Solutions uses a strength based approach to address diverse needs & enhance the capacity of individuals, organizations, & businesses. The heart of my work focuses on the creation of a resilient mindset for individuals & organizations. (250) 886-9212 www.resilientsolutions.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
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NEW MEMBERS Robert Bateman Centre
The Bateman Foundation is a national, not-for-profit charity dedicated to education and public service based on the philosophies and legacy of Robert Bateman. The Foundation’s purpose is to support educational programs delivered by others to promote lifelong engagement with nature. (250) 588-9981 www.batemanfoundation.org
Signature Detailing
Our experienced detailing service will keep your vehicle in top condition. We use top of the line products to provide high-quality service and the most thorough detail service available. Our staff is highly skilled and have years of experience. (250) 590-9644 www.signaturedetailing.ca
Stratasafe Team
At STRATASAFE we are committed to making the home buying process as simple as possible. We realize this process is about you - not us. It doesn’t matter if you’re purchasing your first
home or a savvy homebuyer, we will walk you through the process. 250-384-8124 www.stratasafe.ca
Studio Seven Salon
Studio Seven is a group of creative professionals who specialize in the art and style of great hair. (250) 480-7777 www.studiosevensalon.ca
Trans Mountain Expansion Project
Trans Mountain is committed to constructing, operating, and maintaining its pipelines to the highest standards. (866) 514-6700 www.transmountain.com
Wellesley Victoria
The Wellesley has for years been the focal point of many Victoria families & their retired parents. Independent & assisted living suites available, The Wellesley, truly is the epitome of living in style and comfort. (250) 383-9099 www.retirementconcepts.com/homes/ wellesley
WestBay Mechanical
At West Bay Mechanical our first priority is to deliver the highest quality in products, prices and service to our clients. We are committed to making your experience the best it can be. We recognize that a reputation for excellence must be earned. (250) 478-8532 www.westbaymechanical.com
Walk Abouts Historical Tours
Return to the 1840’s with either the Talk of the Town or The Empress Tour and discover how Victoria has evolved over the past 200 years. (250) 592-9255 www.walkabouts.ca Mike van Straubenzee of Vision 2000 Travel Group gives a speech at a Chamber mixer.
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Benefit Check
More Than Ink on Paper,
IT’S ABOUT YOU For Over 30 Years.
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.
Jack Insurance & Financial Services (250) 383-9866
Proud printers of
THE CHAMBER BUSINESS MATTERS
Hillside Printing 3050 Nanaimo Street 250-386-5542 • www.hillsideprinting.com
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Brought to you by
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The Chase is on across downtown Victoria and you can be a part of it! Check online at Prodigygroup.ca for more details. Remember: Winners never quit and quitters never win
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Enter your business, or a friend’s, to win the Boost Your Business package today by calling (250) 383-7191 or online at www.victoriachamber.ca
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BUSINESSMATTERS
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INDUSTRY PROFILE:
PROTOTYPE EQUIPMENT DESIGN The Chamber and the Greater Victoria Development Association visited Prototype Equipment Design during our latest industry tour in March. Those touring Prototype Equipment Design got an inside look at how imagination and machining within a micron of precision is providing tools that explore the sea, repair the human body and explore unknown galaxies. Business Matters was onsite as owner, Ray Brougham and his team took us on this magical mystery tour of their operation in Vic West.
In a nutshell: Prototype Equipment Design is an inventive machine shop that provides cool custom items that you’ll find exploring under the sea, trolling for new planets or helping to save lives. We take concepts and make them into reality. Number of Employees: 14 Industry Sector: Manufacturing and Dream realization. Area of Town: Victoria West Primary Product/Service: Precision prototypes custom-created using hightolerance CNC machining and Surface Mount Technology circuit board assembly.
Prototype Equipment Design in 30 words or less: We are a Swiss army knife type of manufacturing facility. We use computerized machinery to produce high-tolerance parts, assembled electronic circuit boards and integrated contract manufactured assemblies. Business Matters: What is the best part about doing business in Greater Victoria? Ray Brougham: The team can work directly with local clients and their engineering teams to take what’s in their heads and make it real. Greater Victoria offers a lot of opportunity between Redlen Technologies, the military, the local universities and colleges to create challenging new projects that test the team and their expertise. I originally lived in McKenzie before moving here and opening Prototype. I love the area, “you couldn’t pry us out of here if you tried.” BM: What is the best thing Prototype Equipment Design is doing for Greater Victoria? RB: We work directly with Camosun College and the University of Victoria along with mentorship programs like ICE to foster the next generation of creative engineers who can create something out of nothing. We also sponsor the Lego Stormers FIX IT Robotics Team, UVic Formula SAE racing team, UVic Eco Car, UVic Eco Sat and UVic Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Group. Sponsorship can range from cool gadgets to clever solutions for unsolvable dilemmas and some expertise to get things moving in the right direction. BM: What is it like working at Prototype Equipment Design? RB: Our team at Prototype Equipment are driven puzzle-solvers. Each day provides different challenges as most jobs are short-run - under 200 pieces
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- but high-quality pieces demanding precision accuracy with no more than a one or two micron tolerance. Diversity and creativity really are the driving force as we work with diverse products ranging from low tech paper, wood and stone to plastic and a wide range of metals. We provide highly unique solutions for very specific problems in sectors like medical, aerospace, automotive, military and high-tech industries where a poorly tooled part can literally mean the difference between life and death. Our team is very flexible and loves a challenge, meaning we get to push our brains and some pretty amazing machinery daily to produce something really different.
BM: Are there any other fun facts we should know? RB: We can also reverse engineer. Our team was brought a 30 year old nutcracker that no longer worked and $1,000 later a very avid baker had a better than new industrial-level nutcracker, that she swears never worked better. We also helped develop six different prototypes and patent drawings for a new screwdriver and screw for an inventor. He pitched it to the Dragon’s Den, got the funding and the screwdriver is in production.
Interested in participating in an Industry Tour? Email eventsmanager@victoriachamber.ca Reserve your space online at www.victoriachamber.ca/events. Visit www.victoriachamber.ca to view more industry tours and member profiles.
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BM: What are three things few people know about Prototype Equipment Design?
locally owned and operated since 1993
RB: Nobody knows we’re here, we have been very much an engineer’s machine shop.
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We once built a full-scale replica of a submarine control room for a client and created parts for them that exceeded the pressure tests they had for the surrounding pipes.
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We provided parts for the radio telescopes used in the ALMA project in Chile looking for new planets.
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Our machines are so precise they can do surgery, if you stand really still - just kidding - but we have worked with medical teams to create new surgical tools.
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BM: What is Prototype Equipment Design proudest of? RB: We are proud of our creative and highly skilled staff and our ability to take an idea from a drawing on a napkin to a working tool.
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Advocacy in action The Victoria Chamber works to have a constructive influence on public policy on a variety of issues that support our members and a healthy, free enterprise system. In regular meetings with MLAs, MPs and Ministers, the Chamber lobbies government and has been successful in having our policies adopted as government legislation.
Chamber will join other Chambers around the province for the BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting. The Victoria Chamber has prepared a number of new policies to present for provincial Chamber support on such pertinent issues as:
BC Ferries The islands and coastal communities in BC heavily depend on affordable and efficient ferry service. Following the recent Government of British Columbia’s community consultation to find $26 million in savings for BC Ferries, it is high time cost savings are implemented.
Natural Gas
Protecting Canada’s History In February, Victoria Chamber CEO Bruce Carter met with Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages James Moore to discuss the creation of a national network for sharing Canadian artifacts. The network will allow museums across Canada to access the near three million artifacts kept at the Canadian Museum of History, helping promote Canada’s history and enabling access to many items previously held in storage. In addition to sharing artifacts, the Canadian Museum of History is planning to explore major themes and seminal events to showcase a strong sense of Canadian identity.
BC Chamber AGM Later this month, the Victoria
The Chamber supports postage stamp rates for natural gas in BC. Flip to page 14 to read about how natural gas and electricity stack up against each other as BC’s top resourcebased utilities.
Infrastructure Management The Chamber encourages government to continue using public private partnerships to fund large scale infrastructure projects. Read more about infrastructure management, and the difference between P3s and conventional infrastructure in the March edition of Business Matters.
Regional Transportation The Chamber supports the creation of a regional transportation authority in Greater Victoria to incorporate transportation planning with development, funding, and maintenance.
Proposed National Marine Conservation Area In October of 2011, the governments of Canada and British Columbia proposed a national marine conservation area (NMCA) reserve in the Southern Strait of Georgia. The proposed area reaches from the southern end of Gabriola Island ( just south of Nanaimo) into Saanich Inlet, down to Cordova Bay ( just north of Victoria). An NMCA is a type of marine protected area, similar to a national heritage site or park, which maintains ecologically sustainable use. Parks Canada is responsible for the National Marine Conservation Areas Program which oversees management and coordination. The Chamber hosted a Community Engagement event in April to inform members of the potential risks and benefits to the community posed by the proposed NMCA. Nick Irving, Director of Marine Planning and Todd Shannon, Acting Park Superintendent with Parks Canada highlighted the key differences between a national terrestrial park and an NMCA. In a terrestrial park everything is prohibited, save for the few activities that are legally permitted. In contrast, in an NMCA, most activities are permitted except ocean dumping, undersea mining, and oil and gas exploration and development which are prohibited. Although Parks Canada will oversee the area, existing federal organizations such as Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will continue to manage and enforce existing regulations within their mandates.
Associate Member Members of the Victoria community may apply for Associate membership. Monthly dues are $20 plus applicable taxes (Annually: $240 plus applicable taxes)
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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
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