VICTORIA, BC – Dressed up in their finest formal wear, almost 500 people celebrated Greater Victoria’s legends of business Wednesday night at the Victoria Conference Centre.

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s launch of the Business Hall of Fame presented by RBC came after more than a year of planning and a few pandemic-related delays. The wait was worth it.

The inspirational stories of triumph and accomplishment drew loud applause and even a few tears of joy as the first inductees into the Business Hall of Fame took their place among our region’s pantheon of entrepreneurial excellence.

“This has been an amazing night. We’ve been anticipating this for so long and it truly delivered for everyone who was here,” Chamber Chair John Wilson said. “Our business community was tested by the pandemic. I’m not going to lie — it was tough for a lot of people. So having a celebration of business in Greater Victoria was cathartic. It’s so good to be together with the many people who have played key roles in the development of our region’s economy. These are legends who deserve to be honoured so they can inspire all of us going forward.”

An independent selection committee chose the inaugural inductees: Chief Robert Sam, Helen Beirnes, Clare Copeland, Ron Lou-Poy and Ian Maxwell. The group takes its place alongside previous winners of The Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Business Award: Bill McCreadie, Gordy Dodd, Eric Charman, Mel Cooper, Murray and Lynda Farmer, Naz Rayani, Bob Skene, Keith Dagg, Terry Farmer, Cedric Steele, Gordon Denford, Alex A. Campbell, Robert H. Wright and John Chew.

“The Business Hall of Fame was an idea I had to create a proper avenue to preserve and honour the work of leaders who paved the way for so many businesses to be successful in Greater Victoria,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We built on that idea with amazing insight from our Chamber Champions and direction from our board. I can’t say enough about the work Chamber staff has done to make this night happen. We’re truly grateful for everyone on the events team, our volunteers and RBC for presenting the event and making the inaugural Business Hall of Fame gala so successful.”

Now that a foundational cohort of community leaders are in place, the next step for the Business Hall of Fame is to begin selecting the next inductees for 2024. Planning is also underway for a permanent instalment accessible to the public.

Every two years, new inductees will be honoured as positive role models in the business community. Inductees are selected for showing regional leadership, insightful vision and a sustained and significant commitment to the prosperity of our region. The process to select inductees recognizes and respects the diversity of leaders who helped build business in Greater Victoria over the decades.

For more information on The Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame, including profiles of the inductees, go to victoriachamber.ca/business-hall-of-fame. For access to high-resolution photos from the evening, email communications@victoriachamber.ca.

• Presenting Sponsor: RBC
• Premium Sponsors: TELUS Business, Victoria Foundation, Thrifty Foods,
• VIP Reception Sponsor: Wesbild
• Dinner Sponsors: Cascadia Liquor, Royal Caribbean Group
• Supporting Sponsors: City of Victoria, Commissionaires, Oak Bay Marine Group
• Media Sponsors: Times Colonist, CHEK, Aspen Films

About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca.
 
Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Communications and Project Manager 
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

VICTORIA, BC – We often hear small businesses called the backbone of a community. The fact is there is nothing small about the group of businesses that employ more than half of all British Columbians. When you shop at a locally owned business, you are investing in the quality of life of your hometown. The dollars that go to local businesses recirculate in the community about 4.6 times more than the same money spent at corporations that have head offices far away or even in other countries.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and heartbeat of our downtown,” Downtown Victoria Business Association Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bray said. “Small Business Month provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the unique, vibrant and creative businesses that make up our downtown small business community.”

“Small business month is an important time to reflect on the importance of and to double down on supporting our amazing small businesses,” Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said. “Our small businesses are a key character-defining feature of our downtown and our city. This month and always I encourage residents to pop in and visit them in person and resist the temptation of the online non-local alternative.”

Throughout October, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating Small Business Month, sponsored by Grant Thornton.

“We really experienced how important it is to spend locally over the last two years. Our support of businesses operated by friends and neighbours made a real difference in helping many make it through challenging times,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “This October, I encourage everyone to express their support by doing business locally — and by expressing gratitude to business owners for all they do to support our community.”

To learn more about the events and activities The Chamber has planned for Small Business Month, go to victoriachamber.ca.

“Small businesses empower our community by bringing people together, creating jobs, and helping our economy thrive,” Grant Thornton LLP partner Kyman Chan said, noting his firm is helping small businesses weather the current inflationary storm and plan for future growth. “We’re proud to support the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and businesses within the region during Small Business Month, and beyond.”

Every year, the DVBA highlights approximately 30 small businesses by introducing them on social media and writing dedicated blog posts. Visit dvba.ca/smallbusinessmonth to meet some hardworking business owners within downtown Victoria’s small business community.
 
About Downtown Victoria Business Association
The Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) focuses on nurturing and promoting the vitality and vibrancy of downtown Victoria and its business community. Through advocacy, marketing, events, and the fantastic Clean Team, the DVBA supports downtown businesses and encourages Victorians to experience Victoria’s beautiful core area. Visit dvba.ca to learn more.
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and
great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca.
 
Media Contacts: 
Jim Zeeben, Communications and Project Manager 
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca
 
Jeff Bray, Chief Executive Officer
Downtown Victoria Business Association
250-386-2239 | jeff@downtownvictoria.ca