Committees and Working Groups
The purpose of committees and working groups at the Chamber varies depending on the issue(s) being addressed and the type of group formed. Each year, the Board of Directors evaluates the groups to determine their focus and structure for the upcoming year. For 2010, the Chamber has six committees whose works support the Chamber’s vision, mission, values and goals.
2011 Committees
Greater Victoria Development Agency
Chair: Robert Bennett
The Greater Victoria Development Agency is an industry led group that will facilitate and promote development of a strong economic base in Greater Victoria. The initiative is governed as a committee of the Greater Victoria Chamber. Members of the agency are nominated by the partner organizations and appointed by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The partner organizations include:
- Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
- Tourism Victoria
- Victoria Real Estate Board
- VIATeC
- Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
- Victoria Airport Authority
- Royal Roads University
- University of Victoria
- Camosun College
- Downtown Victoria Business Association
- Sidney Business Association
- And three industry representatives
Specific objectives will be approved on a yearly basis. The committee was launched in the spring of 2007. Its mandate is to aid in business retention, to help business grow in place and to attract new business investment to the region. A specific project of GVDA is developing and marketing a vibrant Sustainability Cluster.
The Greater Victoria Development Agency will not duplicate services already being provided by partners, agencies or other areas of the chamber including tourism marketing, workforce development, and advocacy. Click here to visit the Greater Victoria Development Agency website.
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Prodigy Group
Chair: Janell Karst
The Prodigy Group provides an opportunity for emerging professionals, to develop leadership skills, network with peers, and gain community project experience. Besides committee work, the Prodigy Group holds a variety of activities including:
- Monthly Mingles, providing networking opportunities;
- Community Connections, providing quality volunteer opportunities that will affect positive change;
- Mentorship Program, a pilot program for a small group of mentors/mentees
The Prodigy Group is open to all younger Greater Victoria Chamber members, whether business owners themselves or employees of Chamber member companies.
The Prodigy Group Committee meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 a.m. Other Prodigy Group activities are posted in the Chamber events calendar, on the Prodigy Group pages on the chamber's website, and in the ChamberNews newsletter.
For more information on the Prodigy Group, click here.
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Policy and Public Affairs Committee
Chair: Pauline Rafferty
The Policy and Public Affairs Committee makes policy recommendations to the Board regarding matters of importance to the business community. They accomplish this task by consistent involvement in the community, keeping their eyes and ears open on important issues and “getting out in front” of issues of concern. The committee lends significantly to the work of the chamber in the goal of influencing public policy.
Finance and Audit Committee
Chair: Ray Kolla
The Finance and Audit Committee works to ensure financial responsibilities of the GVCC Board of Directors by reporting to and advising the Board on financial and audit issues.
Governance Committee
Chair: Gerry Brimacombe
The Governance Committee monitors board development, reviews the chamber’s bylaws and acts as a nominating committee for external appointments.
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Ambassadors Committee
Chair: Carl McLean, Dominion Lending Centre
The Ambassador Committee works to make new members feel welcomed and informed about the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. The Ambassadors' Committee members have been Chamber members for at least one year and are people who have records of achievement and leadership in the community. To welcome new members, the Ambassadors contact them in person or by telephone, to provide a resource and encourage new members to participate in Chamber events. The Ambassadors attend Chamber mixers and receptions and make a particular point of networking with new members and introducing them to other Chamber members.
Those interested in getting involved should contact Pam Noel.
The Ambassador Committee members are:
- Cindy Brar - Royal Roads University
- Lori Elder - Volunteer Victoria
- David Lloyd - ScotiaMcLeod
- Sarah McQuillan - University of Victoria
- Natasha Dilay- Camosun College
- Daphne Shaw - Victoria Telecommunity Network
- Lyn Stewart - Island Savings Credit Union
- Joan Stiebel - Placement Group
- Wally Rolofs - ACN Canada
Membership Committee
Chair: Bruce Carter/Rose Arsenault
The Membership Committee is an operational committee charged with strengthening chamber membership and improving member engagement. Members are:
- Rose Arsenault - Placement Group
- Rob Bennett - Simation Global Technology Ltd.
- Bruce Carter - Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
- Pam Noel - Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
- Peter Miles - Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
- Lori Munoz - Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Joshua Schmidt - Small Feet Inc.
- John Wilson - Wilson'sTransportation
- Jody Beck - Page One Publishing
150th Anniversary Committee
Co-chairs: Rose Arsenault/Kimberley Hughes
To groups at the Chamber varies depending on the issue(s) being addressed and the type of group formed. Each year, the Board of Directors evaluates the groups to determine create a plan for the 150th anniversary party for the Chamber of Commerce. The celebration should raise the profile of the Chamber of Commerce and engage its members.
- Al Hasham - Maximum Express Courier and Freight
- Janell Karst - CGI - Wilson Transport
- John Juricic - Juricic Sehmi Marketing Group
- John Wilson - Wilson's Transportation
Brand Strategy Task Force
Chair: Dan Dagg
The Brand Strategy Development Task Force is a new task force for the Chamber in 2011. Its mandate is to provide strategic counsel and tactical support as needed to the board and staff in areas related to the development, implementation and measurement of the organizations brand efficacy.
- Rose Arsenault - Placement Group
- Gerry Brimacombe - Sector Learning Solutions Inc.
- John Espley - Accent Inns
- Al Hashan - Maximum Express courier and Freight
- Bea Bate - Kinar Curry Lawyers
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