Chamber Chats SeriesAs part of The Chamber's commitment to keeping businesses up-to-date with information that can help them stay successful, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams is engaging in a series of conversations with leading subject experts.
Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings
For an archive of Chamber Chats, click here.
Tasty Treats and Local FlavoursLocal food producers have faced both challenges and opportunities with staffing, supply chain, and delivery networks throughout the pandemic.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with two operators who create unique and very tasty products that you can enjoy while supporting our local economy. Featuring Dave Best of Vanillablossom Flavours and Rob Curtis of Refire Kitchen
The State of the Island Economy - with MNPIn this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with MNPs Senior Economist Susan Mowbray about the State of the Island Economy Report.
MNP describes the report as "an overview of the drivers and entrants to Vancouver Island’s diverse economy."
The Art of Local CoffeeMany of us have a very close relationship — you might even call it a ritual — concerning our coffee.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with Fernwood Coffee founder Ben Cram to learn all about the process of creating a top quality local cup of java.
The Importance of Mental Health with CMHA BC CEO Jonny MorrisIt’s obvious all around us how the COVID 19 Pandemic has affected mental health in workplaces and families, as well as in our communities.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams discusses mental health management, treatment and understanding with Jonny Morris, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association - BC Division.
Small Business Month - Challenges and OpportunitiesAs we celebrate Small Business Month, it’s time to take a look at how the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted small business. What has changed, what are the opportunities, and what does the future hold?
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with Kyman Chan of Grant Thornton LLP and Small Business BC CEO Tom Conway.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Retail and Office SpacesThe COVID-19 pandemic created a lift in working from home and shopping online. How has that impacted office and retail space management?
We find out as Chamber CEO Bruce Williams speaks with Kristy Lowes, GM at Uptown and Robert Jawl, Managing Director of Jawl Properties.
What's Next for the Belleville Terminal?One of the Capital Region’s most important infrastructure proposals is in the public consultation stage, and your input is wanted.
Chamber CEO Bruce Williams discusses the proposed design and construction of the Belleville Terminal and its impact on cross-border travel to and from the United States with The Hon. Rob Fleming, BC's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Voting Essentials with former Mayor Frank LeonardWith municipal elections pending and other elections to eventually follow, we ask you these questions: Do you know how to vote? Do you think about the implications of casting your vote?
In this Chamber Chat, we talk about these points as well as strategic voting and why your vote counts with Frank Leonard, a former Mayor and Councillor in Saanich.
The Recovery of Hotels & HospitalityAs the travel economy surges across the Capital Region, hotels are doing their best to meet the demand from those travelers for rooms and related services.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams gets a snapshot of the hospitality sector and it’s recovery with Madone Pelan, GM of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, and Bill Lewis, GM of the Magnolia Hotel and Chair of the Hotel Association of Greater Victoria.
Protecting Our Waterways with Julie Angus, CEO of Open Ocean RoboticsOpen Ocean Robotics, a Chamber member based in Greater Victoria, does fascinating ocean research and data collection. Their equipment monitors seismic activity, oil spills, water quality, illegal fishing, water temperature, climate change and more across the world's oceans.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with founder and CEO Julie Angus.
Sweet Treats and Business SuccessIce cream and peanut butter are two favorite comfort and fun foods.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with two local companies creating their own version of those food favorites, Fatso Peanut Butter and 49 Below Ice Cream.
The Impact of COVID-19 on PharmaciesAs we maneuvered our way through the COVID pandemic, pharmacies were on the front line of health care and support. In this Chamber Chat we learn from two pharmacists about how supplies of medication and other lifestyle necessities were impacted.
CEO Bruce Williams speaks with Linda Gutenberg of Heart Pharmacy and Murray Byres of Royal Oak Shoppers Drug Mart.
Greater Victoria Welcomes 55+ BC GamesThis September, Greater Victoria will host the largest gathering of competing athletes since the 1994 Commonwealth Games.
In this Chamber Chat CEO Bruce Williams talks with organizers about the upcoming BC 55+ Games. Featuring Keith Wells, Executive Director of the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission, and Clint Flood, GM of the Greater Victoria 2022 55+ BC Games.
Taking Flight After UncertaintyAs airports and airlines return to service after the interruptions of the COVID pandemic there are both challenges and opportunities being managed.
In this week’s Chamber Chat we take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding air travel with Victoria International Airport CEO Geoff Dickson and Serge Corbeil, Director of Government Relations for Air Canada.
The Power of Co-op with UVic & CamosunThe University of Victoria and Camosun College are both very active in creating the workforce of tomorrow. Their co-op programs give both students and employers the ability to get a sneak peek at that workforce of tomorrow connecting the two to gain work experience and woo potential new employees.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with UVic President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Kevin Hall and Camosun President, Dr. Lane Trotter about the success of Co-op and how it could benefit you.
Modern Health Alternatives in the WorkplaceHuman health and safety in workplaces is a high priority now.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with three companies playing a role in creating enhanced health services for businesses. Featuring Susan Blanchet of Origen Air, Mercy Southam of Eir Mobile Medicine, and Sally-Anne Haug of Mental Blocks EMDR Therapy.
A Review of our Region with Bob Lapham, CAO of the CRD - Part 2The Capital Regional District manages our fresh water supply, waste water management, recycling and has a role in providing affordable housing to Greater Victoria.
Learn more about the CRD in Part 2 of this Chamber Chat with CRD CAO Bob Lapham in conversation with Bruce Williams.
How to Avoid the Challenges of Revenge TravelYou may have heard the term “Revenge Travel” to describe the vigorous return of travellers to worldwide destinations.
In this Chamber Chat, we have a conversation with Cathy Scott of Departures Travel and Niche Travel Inc about what we all need to know to avoid some of the challenges we are hearing about and where to go to make the best of your travel experience.
What's Next for the Royal BC Museum?The announcement of plans for a new Royal BC Museum was received with strong opposition from many. There are parts of that plan and next steps still unknown to most of us. What is the story behind the story?
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams discusses it all with RBCM CEO Alicia Dubois.
Building Communities with Reliance PropertiesAs we evolve through a housing crisis, projects are being planned to build communities not just homes. Reliance Properties is one of the organization leading those plans.
In this Chamber Chat, we speak with Reliance CEO Jon Stovell about plans for Royal Beach in Colwood, Capital Iron lands in Victoria and more.
Skills Training at Camosun CollegeAs workforce challenges continue in our economy, skills training is more important than ever.
In this Chamber Chat, we hear perspective from Camosun College President Dr. Lane Trotter.
Exploring the Seas with Ocean Networks Canada - Part 2This Chamber Chat is Part 2 of our conversation about the work being done by Ocean Networks Canada, based at UVic, to steward the oceans of the world.
Bruce Williams continues the chat with Ocean Networks Canada CEO Dr. Kate Moran.
Exploring the Seas with Ocean Networks Canada - Part 170% of Planet Earth’s surface is covered with water. One of the world's leading Marine Observatories is Ocean Networks Canada, an affiliate organization of the University of Victoria.
In this Chamber Chat, we hear fascinating information about our oceans from Ocean Networks Canada CEO Dr. Kate Moran.
Impact of COVID-19 on Rural CommunitiesThe COVID-19 Pandemic has had differing impacts in rural and remote communities compared to more urban communities.
In this Chamber Chat, we hear more from Elizabeth Aman-Hume of the Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce, and Jen Dart of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce.
MNP and Island Savings talk Business SuccessionOne of the economic impacts of the pandemic has been a decision by some business operators to accelerate their retirement plans. What needs to be considered when selling or buying a business? Is it worth what the owner thinks it is?
We get expert advice in this Chamber Chat with Jenn Bogwald of MNP and Jesse Honkanen of Island Savings.
Recent Updates at Royal Roads UniversityThe experience of visiting Royal Roads University as a student, a tourist or a resident is unique for everyone — it’s a castle after all!
There are exciting plans in place to transform students' lives and the university campus. Hear more in this Chamber Chat with Royal Roads President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Philip Steenkamp.
What's New at the University of Victoria?The academic year may be winding down at colleges and universities, but there is still a lot happening on campus and beyond.
In this Chamber Chat with University of Victoria President Dr. Kevin Hall, we hear about how the United Nations is now a part of UVic, education related to cybersecurity and the UVic Vikes!
Sustainable Innovation with Unbuilders and BinBreezeTwo companies doing innovative, sustainable and creative work are our guests for this Chamber Chat.
Unbuilders do as their name suggests and BinBreeze are enhancing the compost experience and eliminating the fruit fly problem!
The Elements of Local EntertainmentConcerts, theatre, dance and all other elements of the arts and culture scene are reopening post pandemic. How have our beloved performers and artists withstood COVID-19, and what does the future look like for our favorite entertainment events?
We learn more in this Chamber Chat with Kegan McFadden, Victoria Arts Council, Janyce Ronson, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and Ian Rye, Pacific Opera Victoria.
A Review of our Region with Bob Lapham, CAO of the CRDThroughout the pandemic, we could rely on the security of clean water, water treatment, and our network of trails and parks to help us cope with the stresses we all faced. All these elements are managed by the Capital Regional District.
We talk about these elements in our Chamber Chat with CRD CAO Bob Lapham.
Learning Lessons with your Local LibraryIf you haven’t been to your local library lately, either in person or online, you may not be aware of all the resources available to you. it’s an A-Z information universe including everything from Ancestry to Zoology.
In this Chamber Chat, we speak with Greater Victoria Public Library CEO Maureen Sawa about all we can access through the library.
The Effects of COVID-19 on Persons with DisabilitiesThe COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult on people who face the ongoing challenges of living with disabilities.
In this Chamber Chat, we hear more about that how we can help with two people representing organizations who support those living with disabilities. Featuring Joanne Neubauer of the Action Committee for Persons with Disabilities, and Wendy Cox of the Victoria Disability Resource Centre.
The State of Local FilmThe South Island has seen a boom of lights, camera, action! The film and movie industry has found Greater Victoria to be an very suitable place for production.
We get an outline of this activity and the prospect of even more happening in the future in this Chamber Chat with Film Commissioner Kathleen Gilbert of the Vancouver Island South Film & Media Commission.
Helping Hands in HealthcareThe healthcare provided for us in our hospitals is not solely funded by government. Many of us, maybe you too, provide much needed support to enhance our treatment.
We hear more in this Chamber Chat with Victoria Hospitals Foundation Executive Director Avery Brohman.
Challenges in ConstructionDespite an abundance of cranes on the landscape and busy work sites across the region, the construction and development sector is facing some challenges.
In this Chamber Chat, we talk with The Vancouver Island Construction Association and the Urban Development Institute about how the challenges impact housing, commercial space, and our economy.
A Chat with South Island ChambersWe have regions within our South Island region, all with specific and unique elements.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce advocates for the entire region, and those regions have local Chambers of Commerce advocating for them. Today we chat with two of them — WestShore and Sooke. Featuring Julie Lawlor, Executive Director of the WestShore Chamber of Commerce, and Britt Santowski, Executive Director of the Sooke Chamber of Commerce.
Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change with Jill DoucetteWe have all come face-to-face with the reality of climate change with the series of extreme weather incidents we have seen. Atmospheric Rivers, the heat dome, extreme snow and rain.
If you’re wondering what more you can be doing in your own work and home life to mitigate these effects, we have some ideas for you with Synergy Foundation’s Jill Doucette — one of the finalists for this year's Business Awards.
On The Rise in Colwood and SaanichTwo developments being planned will transform parts of the South Island and become distinct new neighbourhoods.
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams discuss Royal Bay/Royal Beach in the City of Colwood and Uptown Douglas in Saanich with the mayors of those municipalities, Mayor Rob Martin and Mayor Fred Haynes.
The State of Local Real EstateHousing. Real estate. Affordability. All are ongoing topics of conversation as we see record high prices for home sales and record low numbers for inventory for sale.
In this Chamber Chat we speak with executives with the Victoria Real Estate Board about the trend we are seeing and what’s to come in the next few months and years.
Unique Issues on Vancouver IslandAll businesses on Vancouver Island face unique challenges, but communities across the Island have their own economic issues particular to their region.
This Chamber Chat looks at those unique Island issues with Comox Valley Chamber CEO Dianne Hawkins and Greater Nanaimo Chamber CEO Kim Smythe.
Your Money with Island Savings and MNPOur relationship with personal and business money and assets has been put under a microscope as we have navigated COVID. Two business and investment strategists join this Chamber Chat to talk about where we have been and some ideas to consider as we move through the pandemic.
Featuring Robin Marshall of Island Savings and Jenn Bogwald of MNP
The Future of Tourism with Paul Nursey, Destination Greater Victoria CEOOur local tourism sector has been profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and has been a catastrophic disruption to our local economy.
In this Chamber Chat, we talk with Destination Greater Victoria CEO Paul Nursey about our journey together the past many months, where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going. This Chamber Chat was recorded prior to the announcement of increased restrictions caused by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Lights, Camera, Action! The Future of Film in Greater VictoriaThe film and movie industry has been very robust in the Capital Region. We see crews shooting on our streets and in our neighbourhoods on a regular basis. Soon we may also see the creation of studios and sound stages to take the industry and it’s economic input to the next level.
In this Chamber Chat, we speak about two pending possibilities to create our own Hollywood North in this region with Geoff Wilmshurt of Camosun College, Angela van den Hout of the Malahat Nation, and Beverley Dondale of Malahat Film Studios.
A Chat with Jean McRae, CEO of The Inter Cultural Association of Greater VictoriaCanada will eventually be seeing the return of immigration. How will that be done best, and what are the unique aspects of immigration for Vancouver Island?
Watch our Chamber Chat with Jean McCrae, CEO of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, and learn more about the organization responsible for helping those new Canadians settle here. This Chamber Chat was recorded prior to the announcement of increased restrictions caused by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Taking Flight with Geoff Dickson, CEO of YYJ AirportThe pandemic grounded flights across the world and now planes are gradually returning to service. Victoria International Airport is one of only two airports in Canada to not have any financial debt.
In this Chamber Chat, we speak with Victoria Airport Authority CEO Geoff Dickson about how the airport has functioned throughout the pandemic. This Chamber Chat was recorded prior to the announcement of increased restrictions caused by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Canadian Mental HealthThe mental health impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic has been deep and relentless. In this Chamber Chat we talk about how to best understand and manage the challenges so many of us face.
Featuring Jonny Morris and Aaryn Secker of the Canadian Mental Health Association - BC Division.
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