Submitted by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association, Downtown Victoria Business Association, and the Urban Development Institute – Capital Region.
 
There has been a lot of talk lately about Downtown Victoria. Who hasn’t chatted about downtown issues with work colleagues, or on the sidelines of our kid’s soccer games? We’re certainly seeing it in our news scrolls and online commentary.
 
Some of the talk is positive. Greater Victoria often ranks highly in lists of desirable places to live, work and visit. Our region has a sterling reputation — especially to people who aren’t from here. The climate is the mildest in Canada, and we’re the main city on an Island oasis covered in magnificent rainforests and facing the vast, enigmatic Pacific Ocean. There are an unlimited number of reasons for locals to get to know their downtown again and use their experience to amplify all the amazing reasons we are so lucky to have a world-class centre in our region.
 
But it would seem many of us believe our own bad publicity. Have we taken on an inferiority complex?
 
Unfortunately, a lot of what we’re hearing about downtown has become disparaging. That’s a concern, especially in today’s world where it’s easy to become trapped in an echo chamber of our own making. There is a cognitive dissonance between our real-world experiences and the stories we hear about property crime and random violence, or of people struggling to survive a life on the street. It’s a discourse that ends up frightening ourselves and each other and makes us ask why nobody is doing anything about it.
 
Crime and violence are real but not rampant as some would have us believe. And at the root of these issues are housing and mental illness.
 
Of course, as with many complex challenges, if there was a simple solution it would have been implemented by now. The reality is that to fix downtown, we first and foremost need to decide that we want to invest in change and then be honest about where things have gone wrong.
 
The most important rethink needed is that Downtown is somehow the sole responsibility of the City of Victoria. Our arbitrary municipal borders are absurd to outsiders because they don’t reflect how we live our lives. Few of us notice when we’re crossing lines drawn on maps as we commute to work and school or go about visiting parks or do our shopping.
 
Downtown Victoria is a place that belongs to everyone who lives in the region. It is, in fact, our collective regional downtown. Even if we don’t experience it daily, it’s always there for us. It’s where we go when entertaining out-of-towners or when we’re celebrating important occasions. Thousands of people come downtown every single day and have fantastic experiences.
 
When we’re out in the city, letting your hair down to have fun should not make you a target. Businesses, their staff and the public all support the role that our police play in building safe communities and neighbourhoods. Stepping up police patrols and increasing bylaw enforcement are part of the solution, and areas that can be addressed by the Police Board and the City of Victoria. The other parts of the solution require the provincial and federal governments to invest in the infrastructure and workforce needed to deal with repeat offenders, and to help people with profound mental illness and addiction challenges. We need to house them and help them on the path to recovery. We urge the provincial and the federal governments to act quickly to deliver these services needed to improve the lives of people on the street, which, in turn, will also improve conditions for businesses and their staff who encounter these issues every day.
 
Much of that talk has tried to address the growing visibility of people in distress on our streets and sidewalks. There is no denying there are challenges in Greater Victoria’s downtown core, as there are in every North American city. We are a compassionate community, and, regardless of political stripes, no one wants to see human beings suffering on city streets. The solution is exceptionally complex and difficult. We need the provincial government to accelerate housing in all areas of the province and also to massively increase support for mental health care and addiction treatment. Let’s keep moving forward with programs such as complex care and find a way to compassionately house and help people who, through illness or addiction, are unable to care for themselves.
 
Homelessness isn’t unique to Victoria. In many West Coast cities, the situation is much more dire. Let’s learn from those jurisdictions so we don’t repeat their mistakes. The ongoing opioid crisis is devastating, but we need to face it head on and not retreat.
 
We need a society-wide commitment to invest in funding the specialized roles required to help people when they need it — not months later when it’s often too late.
 
We are currently unaware of any meaningful plans or actions being taken by the provincial or federal governments to directly address these Downtown issues. This reinforces the emerging public narrative that our downtown is in disarray and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Faith in our elected leaders is being lost. We are requesting more open and collaborative dialogue so we can come up with a plan together to start the undoubtedly long journey of solving these issues.
 
Also, if you are someone who worked Downtown before the pandemic, don’t you wonder about the people who operate businesses you used to frequent? How are they doing? Maybe it’s time to check in and say hello again.

This column originally ran in the May 18 edition of the Times Colonist.

Spring has returned to southern Vancouver Island!

The Chamber was proud to usher in the new season with the 48th annual Flower Count. This evolving tradition began as a fun way to market Greater Victoria to folks in Canada’s prairie cities. Over time, Flower Count has turned into a spirited contest between municipalities to earn the title of Bloomingest Community. This year, Sidney narrowly outpaced North Saanich to take the crown, while a Grade 4 class from Saanich won the elementary school challenge that runs concurrently.

Spring also means it’s time for The Chamber to review our own business and gather support from our board and members for the year ahead. The Chamber Annual General Meeting, sponsored by Fortis, is April 18. Our guest speaker is B.C.’s Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon, who was given a mandate in December to refresh the province’s housing strategy.

Many of the details in the mandate are also priorities for business, specifically the initiatives aimed at increasing the supply of accessible and affordable housing for people of all incomes. We know that the cost of paying rent or mortgage as well as the difficulty finding a suitable home are major deterrents for people who want to build careers and start families in our region. That’s a major concern for employers and the top advocacy priority for our chamber. The pressure is only going to build.

WorkBC’s 2022 Labour Market Outlook forecasts 176,700 new employees will be needed by 2033 to fill expected job openings on Vancouver Island. Some of those employees will find homes in existing housing stock as people move into different phases of life. However, with a current housing shortfall, we face a major challenge ensuring our region will have enough homes for every middle-income family and individual, including seniors.

Minister Kahlon is someone who knows Greater Victoria well having grown up here and attended UVic. I’m looking forward to hearing the government’s ideas for helping industry build more housing. We need more supply to meet demand for buyers and renters. I’m also interested in hearing more about the minister’s mandate to streamline housing approval processes. Talk to people who work  in construction or development and you’ll hear maddening stories about the various levels of municipal red tape that can bog down projects. The idea for a one-stop shop for getting all provincial permits is a great idea. Working with municipalities to fast-track permit approval and construction is another.

It's going to be an informative event, and I hope you can join us. Until then, get outside and enjoy the feeling of renewal that comes with the blooming of flowers and the end of winter.

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

This column was originally published in the March 2023 edition of the Business Examiner.

Valentine’s Day was an appropriate date to hear from Chamber partners hoping for a little something special as all levels of government announce their financial plans for the year ahead.

I’ve written in the past about the Royal BC Museum and Belleville Terminal, which should both gain a little clarity from provincial budget day on Feb. 28 and the federal budget sometime after (no date has been announced yet).

Another ongoing concern that impacts communities from Victoria to Courtenay is the fate of the Island Corridor.

On Feb. 14, I facilitated a discussion with Paul Robinson of the Vancouver Island Transportation Corridor Coalition and Larry Stevenson, CEO of the Island Corridor Foundation. The meeting was held over Zoom and we invited members of chambers from across Vancouver Island. This is something we’re trying to do more, as the largest business association on the Island. By joining together we have a stronger voice to speak to government on behalf of business. Our goal is to strengthen Island economies by working locally and as a community of chambers.

Transportation is a major issue for many communities and the idea of rail has been talked about for years. The Island has also seen an end to inter city bus service creating yet another barrier to safe travel between communities for those who do not own or have access to a vehicle. The Chamber has asked the Federal Government to subsidize a return of that service. There’s an urgency right now as the March 14 deadline approaches for the province to address the future of the Island Corridor.

No question — the infrastructure needs a lot of TLC. But it did support an active railway for more than 100 years, until service was suspended indefinitely in 2011. Since then, train enthusiasts as well as some environmentalists and transportation planners have been vocal in calling for the return of rail. They argue that a modern passenger train will reduce the number of cars and transport trucks on Island highways, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and offering an efficient and even pleasant alternative for commuters.

Others have been just as vocal against the return of rail, instead calling for the corridor to become a hiking trail or be used in other ways.

Meanwhile, more questions have been raised by the fact the corridor runs through the territories of 14 First Nations. A lawsuit by the Snaw-naw-as First Nation wants to reclaim the land that runs through its territory. They say the right-of-way granted by Canada to E&N Railway in 1912 is no longer being used as intended.

On Sept. 14, 2021, a BC Court of Appeals judge gave the federal and provincial governments 18 months to renew their commitment to improve the infrastructure required for rail. If no commitment is made, then an entirely new discussion will need to begin. As we heard Feb. 14, there are no simple solutions and the costs will be high whether rail service returns or the land is rehabilitated to be repurposed.

Now we wait for government to make difficult decisions with limited public funds to see which way the story will go.

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

This column was originally published in the February edition of the Business Examiner.

VICTORIA, BC – I still catch myself whenever I hear someone note that we are now in 2023. It seems like a year from the future and, I guess, in some ways it is. There has been so much anticipation for this year.

It’s the first January since 2020 that businesses aren’t facing major public health restrictions. A weird sense of normalcy is returning, though we know the world will forever be much different than it was before the pandemic.

At the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, 2023 also marks the 160th anniversary of the founding of our organization. That’s a long time to bear witness to history and a remarkable testament to the important role The Chamber continues to play supporting the business community. The secret to our successful longevity has been our willingness to adapt and grow with the times. And that can be directly accredited to the amazing board of directors who are elected each year by our members.

This year, we welcome Kris Wirk as our new board chair. Kris is a partner with Dusanj + Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants and takes over from John Wilson, of the Wilson’s Group of Companies.

John served stoically over the past three years, and I can’t thank him enough for his guidance and steady hand during turbulent times. There is no one who cares about our community more than John, who remains with the board in the role of past chair. I know he’s looking forward to passing the torch and Kris brings a vision that is laser focused after three years as an understudy. He is clear eyed about the challenges facing our regional economy, and, after three years as chair of The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy committee, Kris is well-positioned to drive positive changes.

Christina Clark of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre steps into the role of vice-chair. Christina is a go-getter who understands the work and benefits of Indigenous reconciliation. The Chamber, on behalf of our members, is committed to working with First Nations to facilitate connections that will improve life for everyone in our region. Our forward-thinking approach is being adopted by chambers across Canada due to my active participation in the national chamber network. Our initiative to create an Indigenous Economic Reconciliation Table has resonated with Canadians who want to do better. We have embraced the value of diversity and inclusion — and our economy and society have benefited as a result. We’ve seen this firsthand as The Chamber’s board has become much more reflective of the community at large. The other members of our board are: James Gatsi, CEO, CL Web Developers Inc., (secretary); Moira Hauk, Regional Manager South Island, Coastal Community Credit Union (treasurer); Rose Arsenault, Branch Manager, Agilus Work Solutions; Judith Ethier, CAO, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority; Fallon Lindsay, Director of Finance and Administration, Kinetic Construction; Pedro Marquez, Vice President of Vice-President, Research and International, Royal Roads University; Richard Michaels, President, Maccrim Solutions; Ann Squires Ferguson, CEO, Western Interior Design Group; Jessica Stigant, Associate Director of Government Relations and Partnerships, Ocean Networks Canada; Capt. (N) Jeff Hutchinson, Base Commander, CFB Esquimalt and Josue Dubon, DesignWealth, Co-Founder and Chair of the Emerge Committee (ex-officio).

So, as we prepare to celebrate 16 decades of serving Greater Victoria’s business community, I look forward to working with our tremendous board to build connections with every energetic entrepreneur attracted to this amazing region we are grateful to call home.

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

This column was originally published in the January edition of the Business Examiner.

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce  

Small business is called the backbone of a community, but there is nothing small about a sector 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.

Throughout October, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Small Business Month, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP. They provide some great insight and data on the state of the economy.

For example, a report published this summer provided businesses with a well-informed forecast of how rising inflation will affect costs. Research included in the 2022 Grant Thornton International Business Report, which surveys mid-market companies, showed the biggest constraints are staffing and the cost of energy. These expenses have increased considerably. For example, the survey found that transportation, material costs and utility bills have jumped an average of 18% for respondents. Increases to wages, equipment and interest payments were close behind.

It all adds up to more challenges to a sector that is vital to Canada’s economy. And it won’t get easier anytime soon. The expectation that inflation will continue is enough for the Bank of Canada to suggest interest rates will go higher before they eventually come back down.

Operating a small business has never been easy. It is a pursuit full of risk and requires a tremendous amount of courage. But the rewards can be incredible for those who choose to follow their dreams. The goods and services provided by small businesses are also what create a great community — all of us rely on the retailers and restaurants that animate our downtown and our neighbourhood hubs. And those businesses, in turn, need the support of accounting firms, notary publics, property managers and so many other small companies who specialize in helping create good business.

Of course, without customers and clients, none of this is possible. Over the last few years, we really experienced how important it is to spend locally. Our support of businesses operated by friends and neighbours makes a real difference during challenging times.

I encourage everyone to express their support by doing business locally — and by expressing gratitude to business owners during Small Business Month 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.

This column was originally published in the October edition of the Business Examiner.

GREATER VICTORIA – Last November, I went shopping for a new tie. It was more exhilarating than it probably should have been, but my excitement wasn’t really about the tie. Sure, it was sweet and looked great with my suit. But the real thrill of the purchase was that it was part of preparing for the biggest gala celebration in years. Certainly bigger than any gathering I’d been to during the pandemic and arguably as grand as any gala in The Chamber’s recent history — and we’re known for hosting some pretty fun parties.

Alas, Omicron had other ideas. The COVID-19 variant brought renewed restrictions and my tie stayed tucked away until it could debut on a less auspicious occasion. It was difficult to ask Chamber staff to stand down after so much work had gone into planning for the launch of a brand-new Business Hall of Fame, presented by RBC.

Since then, we’ve had time to refine our plans as we patiently waited for a return to certainty. We settled on Oct. 5. And now, as that date quickly approaches, I’m feeling the same anticipation I had last fall.

I have a sense I’m not alone. We need this as a business community. We need to celebrate each other and our long history of businesses serving as the backbone of our city. So, for those of you who agree, here’s a refresher on what’s planned for Oct. 5.

As this is our inaugural Business Hall of Fame event, we are essentially inducting two cohorts to create a solid foundation for the hall.

The first cohort is comprised of everyone who has been awarded a Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award. This was an annual honour that was part of our Business Awards gala until 2020, and winners being inducted into the hall are: 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.

In 2021, we actually moved away from this category to include leaders who are in the prime of their working life. Since then, the Award of Distinction has “highlighted a business person who has contributed to Greater Victoria through leadership and vision as a positive role model and a sustained commitment to a prosperous community.”

Of course, we also want to pay tribute to people whose lifetime of work deserves to be commemorated. I believe the Business Hall of Fame is the best way to do this going forward.

This year, we have five inductees entering the hall: Chief Robert Sam, Ian Maxwell, Helen Beirnes, Clare Copeland and Ron Lou-Poy. They were selected by a committee of community leaders based on their roles as pioneers and innovators. Each has a unique story that helped pave the way for others to follow.

These are all pioneers who helped build our economy and paved the way for today’s entrepreneurs and organizations. Innovators who broke through barriers to blaze new trails and help our region become the extraordinary place it is today.

I hope you will be able to join us on Oct. 5 at the Victoria Conference Centre to celebrate the tremendous history of business in Greater Victoria. I promise it will be a milestone marking the start of a promising future where we can work together to build good business and great community for all.

Time for me to find a new tie! To register for the Business Hall of Fame, presented by RBC, go to victoriachamber.ca.

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

This column was originally published in the September edition of Business Examiner

I was able to take a few days off in August, and it was a great time to rejuvenate, reflect on the past year and look ahead at the next few months. It is amazing how far we’ve come.
 
A sense of certainty has returned for many businesses with retailers and restaurants enjoying the steady stream of customers they typically expect during peak tourist season. The Coho and Clippers ferries have returned to the Inner Harbour, and hotels are once again filling with happy visitors to our destination.
 
After two years of not knowing if up was down or we were coming or going, life seems to have gotten back to the plan. We’re experiencing this at the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce with sold out events for the last few months. We knew people were missing the chance to connect with others in the business community, but the demand has been exceptional. There is a sense of optimism in the future, and an eagerness to celebrate successes and embrace opportunities as they arrive.

There is a sense of optimism in the future, and an eagerness to celebrate successes and embrace opportunities as they arrive. Even rising inflation seems to have peaked and begun its expected decline back to more typical levels. This is a relief for every business planning to make investments in the coming year.

I’m getting a sense that the turmoil is settling into something better.Old ways of thinking are being replaced by initiatives that are more inclusive and sustainable. We really are stronger together and it takes work to change outdated attitudes and embrace ideas that are different than our own. I’m part of a new national committee created to better welcome entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. The committee has a similar mandate to our own Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) Committee, which we created last year. It offers advice and guidance to The Chamber to help ensure Greater Victoria’s business community truly represents the diversity of our region.

Like all the best committees, it provides as much to me as I provide to it. I’m continuing to learn and grow, and the experience has me excited about many new opportunities for our economy that come with opening ourselves up to more people. From an increased workforce to global connections, I truly believe the next decade is bright for Canadians because of the diversity of our multicultural society.
 
We’re also taking action on reconciliation with Indigenous nations. By listening to how we can help, there is an opportunity to do better. All of us need to be accountable and respect the will of those who were here long before colonization. We have so much to learn from Indigenous ways of knowing and the more we embrace that, the better we will be at addressing many of the major issues of our times. From climate change to economic resilience, we have much to learn from First Nations.
 
There’s definitely a sense we’ve moved on from the storm that shook us for the past two years and, more importantly, we’re becoming more resilient. That’s a good thing.
 
Now, with autumn closing in, I’m looking forward to a major new initiative happening this October. The Business Hall of Fame was initially planned for last February — until Omicron forced our hand. It was supposed to be a spectacular kickoff to the start of the year and a celebration of business resilience over the decades.
 
Fittingly, we reset, and our tribute to barrier breakers, entrepreneurs and philanthropists who helped build our region is now set for Oct. 5. Get your tickets soon, as this will be a party you don’t want to miss.
 
We’ve come a long way since last year, and much of the credit goes to the business leaders whose steady hands helped guide us through the uncertainty. This year, more than ever, we need to work together to build good business and great community for all.

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

This column was originally published by Douglasmagazine.com.

Instead of looking back on 2021, let’s choose to focus on what’s ahead in 2022.
The new year is a time for hope and a chance to reenergize and prepare for the year ahead. If we’ve learned anything from the last two years, it is how to carry on when plans change. Immunization is helping us put the pandemic behind us, but we know better than to declare it’s over. Variants and vaccine holdouts continue to put pressure on our health-care system and our mental health. Let’s be ready for the curveball while also enjoying new opportunities.
With that said, here’s a look at a few things we’ll be watching.

Provincial funds for Citizens Assembly
The pandemic has understandably required everyone to focus on staying safe and finding ways to get back to business and reclaim our lives. However, it’s time to carry on with this important journey, which has already made historic progress toward examining a merger of Greater Victoria’s two largest municipalities. Voters in Saanich and Victoria have given their respective councils a mandate to cover the costs of a Citizens’ Assembly. The Chamber will reach out to the provincial government to encourage the third funding partner to ante up so that the process can continue as soon as possible. It’s time for a fresh look at the pros and cons of arbitrary borders that divide our region. Let’s work together to continue improving governance to make our streets safer and our economy more sustainable.

Climate change innovations
Businesses are responding to the public’s demand for sustainable goods and services. The Chamber continues to call on all levels of government to work with, and invest in, innovations led by businesses. We’ve seen this work well with regulations restricting the single-use plastics. Customers wanted alternatives to plastic shopping bags and throwaway containers that were ending up in landfills. Businesses responded by sourcing biodegradable packaging and providing reusable bags. When municipalities decided to create regulations, they smartly asked businesses what they were already doing. The result was a set of rules that worked with public demand rather than against it, and the outcome has been an outstanding success. Businesses are finding solutions — that work needs to be supported.

Action on Indigenous Reconciliation
Last summer was an awakening for many Canadians who had been unaware of darker chapters of our nation’s history. The Chamber is committed to acknowledging the truth of our relationship with First Nations. We have started to take action on reconciliation and will continue to do so in 2022. For our communities and our country to grow stronger, we need to take on our share of the burden unfairly placed on Indigenous people. We must act now to address centuries of discrimination and bias that has kept First Nations from fully participating in our economy. The Chamber’s Indigenous Business Task Force is being created by Indigenous entrepreneurs and local First Nations to provide direction on moving forward together.

Sufficient staffing for all employers
Before the pandemic, employers were having challenges finding and keeping workers. Forecasts by WorkBC showed that the combination of economic growth and a reduction in the eligible workforce will add to this challenge over the next decade. The last two years have greatly accelerated this issue. The solution is not simple, but it starts with governments doing more to increase housing supply so we can welcome new arrivals. We need homes for families and individuals at every income level. We also need transportation options for moving commuters more conveniently around our region. Attempts so far to address affordable housing by stifling demand through taxation haven’t lowered costs. It’s time to get building.

A secure and resilient supply chain
Living on an Island, we are always conscious of the precariousness of our connections with the rest of the world. Recent climate events have shown why we need to be prepared. There are opportunities to invest in the future of Vancouver Island by expanding transportation infrastructure. In 2022, the Greater Victoria Chamber will work with chambers across the Island to identify ways to make our supply chain more resilient. Some of the ideas include expanded port facilities, renewal of rail and — last but not least — local agriculture production, which is critical for our food security.

This column was originally published in the January 2022 edition of the Business Examiner.

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce  
After a year of heart-wrenching stories that cast a shadow on our country’s colonial history, Canadians are wondering how we can do better. How can we move forward without leaving anyone behind?  
It’s a challenge we need to face together, but I believe we have been given an opportunity to be better.   
Having more voices on the record will only benefit future generations as they learn from, and improve on, those who came before.   
The new Business Hall of Fame, presented by RBC, shines a light on those leaders. People from diverse backgrounds who broke barriers, built communities, and created opportunities for the future.  
This was an initiative I came up with shortly after taking on my role as CEO of The Chamber. The idea grew out of a need to acknowledge the importance of small business in shaping our modern economy and the character of our region. It builds beyond the Business Awards, which celebrate the hard work done every day by entrepreneurs.  
Those winners and finalists represent organizations that have achieved excellence over the last year or decade. Their success inspires others and encourages all of us to strive to do good business and build a great community for all. The Business Hall of Fame takes a look at a lifetime of work and inspires us to try to be that next leader that will be looked at in several decades as being the catalyst for change. 
Earlier this fall, we announced the inaugural cohort and are well underway in planning for a gala ceremony on Feb. 3, 2022. It’s going to be a great night celebrating the diversity of our region’s business history.   
A committee of community leaders chose five people to be inducted in 2022: Chief Robert Sam, Ian Maxwell, Helen Beirnes, Clare Copeland and Ron Lou-Poy. 
All of them have unique and inspirational stories that illuminate a history that includes diverse perspectives of the past. These are all pioneers who helped build our economy and pave the way for today’s entrepreneurs and organizations. They were innovators who broke through barriers blazed a new trail and helped our region become the truly extraordinary place it is today.  
The five inductees for 2022 will be joined by 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.  
Every year, the Hall of Fame will induct positive role models who have shown regional leadership, insightful vision and a sustained and significant commitment to the prosperity of our region. The selection process recognizes and respects the diversity of leaders who helped build business in Greater Victoria over the decades.  
I truly believe that getting together this February will be an evening of joy and renewal, helping us work together to build economic resilience and growth for all. I hope you’ll join us there!  

This column originally appeared in the November 2021 edition of the Business Examiner
  
Chamber Events  
Thursday, Nov. 18 | November Prodigy Group Mingle | 5 – 7 p.m. | Swans Pub (506 Pandora Ave.) 
Thursday, Dec. 2 | Chair’s Holiday Reception | 4 – 6 p.m. | Lion’s Den Restaurant (1925 Blanshard St.) 
Thursday, Feb. 3 | 2022 Business Hall of Fame | 5 – 9 p.m. | Victoria Conference Centre (720 Douglas St.) 

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is pleased to announce the election results for our 2022 Board of Directors.
Jessica Stigant, Associate Director of Government Relations and Partnerships for Ocean Networks Canada, and James Gatsi, founder and CEO of CL Web Developers Inc., have been elected to two-year terms on The Chamber Board. Incumbent candidates Rose Arsenault, Agilus Work Solutions and Tom Plumb, Kinetic Construction were also re-elected.
The Chamber holds staggered elections every fall, so we can maintain continuity while ensuring fresh voices are able to join the table. This year, there were 11 candidates vying for four open positions.
That level of competition is a good indication of just how interested Greater Victoria’s business community was in this election. That’s not surprising, given the work The Chamber and its board have been doing on behalf of business. We’ve been going full-out since the pandemic started to try and help businesses get through the uncertainty and prepare for recovery. Our efforts have shaped government relief programs and championed innovations that businesses were able to embrace as the way forward.
I’m grateful for the expertise and guidance I’ve had from our current board and look forward to working closely with the new board, which formally begins its term on Jan.1, 2022.
Jessica, James, Rose and Tom will join John Wilson, Kris Wirk, Christina Clarke, Moira Hauk, Judith Ethier, Pedro Marquez, Richard Michaels, Ann Squires Ferguson as well as past chair Dan Dagg as members of the 2022 board.
On a related note, the board will also have two other new faces. The Chamber maintains a seat at the table for whoever is the current Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt. So, when Capt. (N) Sam Sader was re-assigned to a new post in Ottawa, we welcomed new Base Commander, Capt. (N) J. Jeffery Hutchinson to the table. As well, the incoming chair of The Chamber’s Prodigy committee, Paul van Koll, will join the board in 2022.
It really is an outstanding cast of diverse community leaders with decades of experience in successful organizations. Put them together on our board and they became a remarkably influential group that can get the ear of decision makers at all levels of government. It’s a blessing for me, as CEO of the organization, and a true benefit for our members. Even beyond that, the work our board does improves conditions for entrepreneurs and businesses — and even other chambers — across Vancouver Island.
Thank you to everyone who put your name forward as a candidate for The Chamber board, and to all our members who voted. The work never ends, and we know that many challenges lie ahead.
We’ll keep doing what’s right for the entire business community as we continue down the recovery runway.
 
This column was originally published in the October 2021 edition of the Business Examiner

Chamber Events
Celebrate Small Business Month sponsored by Grant Thornton!
Tuesday, October 19 | Annual General Meeting – Speaker Min. Ravi Kahlon | 11:30am – 1:00pm | Union Club (805 Gordon St.)*
Wednesday, October 20 | Data for Better Business Efficiencies with Grant Thornton | 12:00 – 1:00pm | Webinar
Thursday, October 21 | Virtual Membership 101 | 12:00 – 1:00pm | Zoom
Thursday, October 21 | Modified Business Mixer | 5:00 – 6:30pm | Max Furniture (3460 Quadra St.)*
Tuesday, October 26 | International Students and Local Business Connector |5:00 – 6:00pm | Zoom
Wednesday, October 27 | What Comes Next? Plan Your Exit with Grant Thornton | 12:00 – 1:00pm | Webinar
Thursday, October 28 | Small Business Month Networking Breakfast | 7:30 – 9:00am | Victoria Sandman (2852 Douglas St.)*
*Pre-registration and double-vaccination required to attend all in-person events.

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 

The end of summer has brought renewed concern over COVID numbers and new challenges for organizations. 

When the provincial government announced on Aug. 23 it was bringing in a proof of vaccination requirement, there were strong reactions across the province. And businesses reached out to their local chambers of commerce to do our jobs as powerful vehicles for advocacy and bringing people together.

For employers, the shared concern was frontline staff. who already struggle with backlash to current rules. With so many organizations struggling to bring back enough workers to meet the demands of a recovering economy, there is little capacity or desire to have staff enforce new restrictions. 

In our region, where the population has one of the highest rates of immunization in BC, the attitude was we can do this — but we need to know training and help will be there if needed.  At the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, staff went to work engaging with our members and decision makers in government. I reached out to other community leaders and chambers of commerce across the province. The response was illuminating and, I believe, helps us better understand the different approaches required in urban and rural communities. 

We don’t need divisive discourse that takes away from efforts to protect ourselves and each other from the current and future waves of COVID-19. The protests outside hospitals that, rightfully, attracted so much negative attention don’t reflect the attitudes of business.  

As chambers, it’s in our nature to believe in people. We talk about building good business as the way to create a great community for all. We want business with good values to prosper so they can offer the products and services and provide the jobs and the tax base necessary for a community to be great.  This is the same whether we live in cities with diverse populations or small towns where everyone knows your name. 

During my outreach to other chambers, this was clear and helps explain why chambers might initially seem to have conflicting opinions about requiring proof of vaccination. However, all chambers represent the interests of their members and are working for the return of a healthy and inclusive economy. For example, one rural chamber said they needed better solutions for members who face a Sophie’s Choice between protecting their livelihood and turning away a client that is integral to their business. Both have value but the choice can be difficult especially when differing points of view are in play. The difficulty of course is when that client is a neighbour and a friend or relative who has different politics about the medical advice they should be following. In that situation, the priority needs to be ensuring COVID is not being transmitted. Period. 
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Businesses in Greater Victoria won’t typically face that dilemma. We’ve had great success already following the advice of BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. With 83% fully immunized in Greater Victoria (as of Aug. 31), 78% on the West Shore and 87% on the Peninsula, we’re well protected by vaccine coverage. The proof is on our relatively low case counts and hospitalizations.  
But COVID is unpredictable, and vaccines are not magic. The longer the virus sticks around the more likely it is for even fully vaccinated people to be part of the chain of transmission. And with fall expected to bring a typical upturn in respiratory illnesses, we need to stay focussed on the best outcome more than ever. We can do this. We have the experience and knowledge that we can do what it takes for a temporary period to stop the spread. Vaccines work, and masks are a helpful layer of protection. But respect for each other and the safety of our community is what will get us to the finish line.  

This column was originally published in the September issue of Business Examiner

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

The B.C. Day long-weekend typically marks the middle of the dog days of summer. But this year, it’s an ideal time to think about change, and how we can embrace a new reality as we emerge from our pandemic cocoons.

Our province officially turned 150 on July 20, but there was little celebration other than a few thoughtful columns in this paper. Even the provincial government barely acknowledged this historic date. With wildfires prompting a new Provincial State of Emergency, politicians can be forgiven if they had other things on their mind than marking the anniversary of when the Colony of B.C. formally became Canada’s sixth province.  

Of course, the bigger question is whether our colonial history is even worth celebrating. The revelation of mass graves at former residential schools across Canada continues to be heart wrenching. The news hit all Canadians hard, and has been devastating for First Nations. We know the way forward is through reconciliation, but how can we work together to achieve that in a meaningful way?

We can start by acknowledging that our economy and mainstream culture were built by actively suppressing the spiritual beliefs, family practices, freedom and culture of First Nations. Indigenous stewardship of the land, sea and air was also derided — to the detriment of all of us today.

One of the reasons it’s tough to celebrate joining confederation is that it effectively legitimized discriminatory laws and policies. For generations, there was a systematic attempt by Canada’s ruling class to tear down Indigenous people so they could be built back as “good Canadians.” This wasn’t a case of ignorance or the past being a different country, as the saying goes. This was people treating others as less than human. Assimilation, of course, failed horribly and caused so much trauma to families and communities that it will take generations to overcome.  

This is a burden all of us must bear. At the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, we’re taking steps to help — starting with a long look in the mirror. As Board Chair John Wilson recently said, “as an organization founded in 1863, we are part of the history of our community. Regrettably, we need to acknowledge that means we share responsibility for the suppression of Indigenous peoples.”

To do more to ensure First Nations are included in economic activity happening in their traditional territory, The Chamber is creating an Indigenous Business Task Force. Our goal is to better engage Indigenous-owned businesses and First Nations to do what we can to help them flourish. Our board has agreed to reduce barriers to Chamber membership so these businesses can participate in relationship-building, advocacy efforts and other services that are so valuable to our members.

We are also forming a new committee focused on diversity and inclusion. We want to hear from members of the business community to identify and help overcome systemic discrimination. If it wasn’t front of mind before, the Black Lives Matter movement and the experience of Asian Canadians during the pandemic shows that we have a long way to go to ensure everyone feels safe and has access to the same economic opportunities.

The last 16 months have forced almost all organizations to rethink their operations and, often, their core values. At The Chamber, our wickedly fun mixers went from being in-person events to Zoom meetings, and our annual Business Awards gala became a television show on CHEK TV. The thing is, though these changes were made by necessity, they’ve opened new doors for us. In fact, we’re planning to continue with some of them long after the pandemic is behind us.

Another project that we announced this year is the launch of the Greater Victoria Business Hall of Fame presented by RBC. This is a natural fit for our organization and one I have been working on for some time. It’s a chance to celebrate the legacy of pioneers and leaders who helped build our business community. And it’s a chance to do our due diligence and offer context to our complex history. We deeply value the connection between good business and great community, and we want inductees who were known to be inclusive and fair in their business practices.

The first class will be announced this fall with an official ceremony scheduled to take place on Feb. 3, 2022. In following years, the hall will recognize those who have shown leadership, vision, and a true commitment to the prosperity of our region. Those stories of success will be showcased in a few high-profile places around Greater Victoria.

The goal is to recognize and respect the diversity of leaders who came before us, and, hopefully, show that honouring our history can lead to positive social change. Let’s learn from the past and use its lessons to create a brighter future.

With restrictions lifting and the threat of COVID-19 fading into the category of rarely contracted communicable disease, we’re all ready to get back to “new” normal. But what is normal? Can we get back to the life we enjoyed before social distancing, variants of concern and never-ending Zoom meetings? Do we want to?
 
Businesses have led exciting new innovations and systemic changes in the last 450 odd days. It’s time to bring that drive to change and improve into all aspects of our world so that the second-half of 2021 will be much different than it was before 2020. I truly believe in many ways we’re much better off. The crisis of a pandemic has forced us to reexamine our values and revealed systemic dysfunction that had been easy to ignore when times were good.
 
We need to do a better job of providing a safe community for all. The Chamber has long advocated on behalf of businesses for policies and investments needed for all of us to feel safe at our jobs and in our homes. This really is a foundation for a functional and thriving community. When COVID-19 erupted, the issues around homelessness, mental health and addiction were exposed like never before. People who were out of sight in shelters and alleyways were suddenly in full view. We needed compassion for those in despair, resolve for those who sought to prey on the vulnerable and practicality for finding solutions to a lack of housing and services at the root of so many issues. The darkest days are now behind us, and downtown Victoria is undeniably safer and well-poised for a powerful economic rebound.
 
We’ve also experienced a reckoning that forced us to question the narratives we have as a country and a community. Discrimination and bigotry — forced into the light during the pandemic — are no longer acceptable. Period. The question now is how do we do more than pay lip-service to ensure we really are inclusive? At The Chamber, we’re creating a new Committee for the Advancement of Diversity and Inclusion (CADI). It will consist of members who represent voices that are underrepresented and will guide our vision to be the “region’s most diverse and influential business association.”
 
We have also added two words to the end of our mission statement so it now reads “working together to build good business and great community for all.” This includes doing more to achieve reconciliation with Indigenous people. The Chamber has had a strong relationship with local First Nations for years, and, to be frank, we are angry and ashamed of the discovery of unmarked graves at residential schools across Canada. As a business organization that dates back to 1863, we are interwoven in the history of our region. Without doubt, chambers of commerce bore witness and participated in the suppression of Indigenous peoples and heinous efforts to destroy their culture. We have publicly acknowledged this and are committed to do better. A Chamber task force led by Indigenous representation is one way we can ensure real changes are made. We have also invited all First Nations businesses and Indigenous entrepreneurs to join The Chamber and be part of the work we do on behalf of the region.   
 
There has never been a more important time for us as a Chamber and for all businesses to join together to be part of the solution. There has also never been a better time to grow your business and connections, and joining your local Chamber is an effective way to accomplish that. Connecting people, connecting businesses, together we will build good business and great community — for all.
 
Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

This column was originally published in the July edition of the Business Examiner

One of the silver linings of being CEO of The Chamber during a pandemic is having a front-row seat to innovation. The conversations I’ve had with hundreds of businesses over the past year have been amazing.  

You can hear many of these great stories for yourself as part of our Chamber Chat vodcasts. We have an entire series on Pivot Pilots — businesses that found ways to be successful by adapting to new rules and behaviours.

We also talk about the Recovery Runway — it’s a positive visual that expresses where our economy is at as we near the end of the pandemic. Our economy will takeoff as restrictions ease and people regain confidence to get out and celebrate their lives in public.
Here are a few highlights from what I’ve learned from my conversation with Pivot Pilots.
 
Retail Innovations
•    Small retail outlets that were able to quickly shift to appointment shopping have been successful. The unexpected benefits include no lineups of customers waiting for service, and a more engaged shopping experience as clients come in looking to make a purchase.
•    Many retail operations ramped up their online presence and, by offering to deliver products, most businesses were able to stay competitive against established digital goliaths such as Amazon.
 
Pivoting Products
•    Some businesses were so successful with their adaptions that they actually expanded. Furniture and home décor outlets were popular as they catered to people working from home and spending more time around the house. Many restaurants expanded take-out and delivery models. Some, such as Big Wheel Burger, even opened new locations to meet demand.
•    Early in the pandemic, Starfish Medical switched its focus at the request of the federal government, helping with a made-in-Canada solution to supply 7,000 ventilators.
•    Camosun Innovation Centre developed capacity to manufacture custom trays that made it easier to ship vaccine vials.  
 
Remote Work Realities
•    Working from home requires creative use of living space. You might be surprised that the most important consideration — even more than your desk or lighting — is your chair. If you’re not comfortable, you’ll be less productive.
 
Employees Matter
•    Care-home operators faced tremendous pressure throughout the pandemic, and they understood early how important it was to support staff. That translated into better support for residents and a stronger, safer community for everyone.
•    Many non-profit organizations have had to adapt their service delivery, especially those that rely on volunteers. Staff have had to wear even more hats than usual to keep their organization’s mission alive.

Virtual Connections
•    A ban on travel led to an increase in virtual experiences as people enjoyed armchair travel or used the technology as a cool way to plan future vacations.  
•    With local sports leagues shut down, CHEK created a new program for fans called The Upside. It’s become one of the most successful features in the station’s history.
•    Streaming events helped arts groups compensate for the loss of live music and theatre, offering their patrons entertainment and raising revenue for musicians.
To hear these stories and many more yourself, go to VictoriaChamber.ca/chamberchats.

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

Where did you get your first dose of COVID-19 vaccine?   

There’s a growing buzz building at pharmacies and immunization clinics across Greater Victoria as the light marking the end of the pandemic is getting a lot brighter. I must admit, getting vaccinated was a profound moment for me. There was a hum of anticipation among those waiting their turn, a feeling of community and doing your part. Some were even welling up with tears knowing they would soon get their much anticipated vaccination — and from seeing the joy on the faces of those who had their shot and were heading out into the sunshine.  

The better days we’ve been working so hard for are a little more tangible now. BC’s immunization plan is rolling out faster than anticipated, and it’s looking like we will have our summer of safe celebration. That’s been the experience of other jurisdictions that are farther along in getting people vaccinated. The United Kingdom, for example, had record numbers of new COVID cases in January but is now down to a handful after half the population had their first dose. Deaths and hospitalizations also dropped and there’s a sense of revitalization among people finally able to get their social lives back.   

After a slow start, Canada has shifted into a higher gear. The supply of vaccines continues to ramp up and the expectation is all Canadians will have a chance to experience the joy of getting their first dose by July 1. The only cloud threatening our return to the sun is vaccine hesitancy. We’ve seen examples of that in some jurisdictions where citizens lack clear channels of information. Let’s not let that happen here.   

At The Chamber, we’re doing our part by asking business and community leaders to post photos of themselves with their proof of vaccination. We call them #ChamberChangeMakers and hope all of you do the same and promote your newly vaccinated status when it’s your turn. The campaign is working. It’s building trust in the process and creating excitement and awareness that we really can put the past behind us.   

Businesses have been leaders throughout the pandemic and will lead the way out as we transition to fundamentally sound economic growth. All indicators suggest that pent up demand, months of unspent savings and new job opportunities will be a boon for business. Government has begun planning to carefully turn down the taps of public spending as the private sector ramps up. There is a lot to be excited about in the months and years ahead.  

Vaccination is what will get us there. So, again, please be a change maker. Book your appointment as soon as possible and encourage others to do the same.   

Years from now, when we look back at our pandemic experience, I know you’ll remember the moment you felt the joy of being part of the solution — and we’ll all think a little less about the long months it’s taken to get us here. 

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

The provincial and federal budgets unveiled in April have finally given us a better sense of the financial implications of living with COVID-19. There are a lot of unknowns about how pandemic-economics will resonate in our daily lives, but there are reasons for optimism.

B.C.’s immunization campaign is rolling out faster than anticipated, and, on Vancouver Island, we have done a remarkable job of keeping case numbers low and our communities safe.

To better understand what the federal and provincial budgets mean for businesses, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce hosted an online event with Matthew Hohnsbehn, Liaison Officer at the Canada Revenue Agency, and Kris Wirk, Partner at Dusanj & Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants. Kris is also the Vice Chair of The Chamber’s Board of Directors.

We’ve spoken with Matthew and Kris several times during the course of the pandemic as part of our ongoing Business Restart Series. If you’re a Chamber member, you’re likely familiar with these events. And if you’re not — you should be! I highly recommend checking out this event, or the many others we regularly host. All the information is accessible at victoriachamber.ca.

On May 6, I spoke with Matthew and Kris about Grants and Taxes in 2021, and what tools businesses can access to bounce forward as we recover from the pandemic. We also talked about changes that have happened, and what businesses can expect in the months ahead. The CRA has had to re-invent its operations, reassigning staff and responding to new demands. One way that has happened is expanding call centres to deal with the increased volume of people with questions about new programs.

The CRA has also learned from its experience at the start of the pandemic when it was focused on throwing a safety net under Canadians as fast as possible. At the time, government was lauded for moving quickly to put money into pockets, but hindsight shows it was a little too fast. With a little perspective, the CRA can develop a new playbook for future crises that will allow government to do a little more due diligence without too much administrative burden. For example, verification methods must be quick enough to balance the burden on administration with the need to keep Canadians solvent.

In April’s federal budget, we heard that extensions to relief programs will help employers continue to cover the cost of wages and rent, though these subsidies are scheduled to start decreasing over time. We need to move away from an economy propped up by public money and toward growth led by the private sector. From what we’re seeing at The Chamber, our members have embraced the need to pivot their operations to cater to shifting consumer demands. Even as restrictions are lifted, society has changed and we can’t look back to the way things used to be.

In Greater Victoria, this is most evident in our tourism economy. This is a sector that should be gearing up for its high season, when revenue allows most businesses to rebuild their war chests to survive the leaner shoulder and winter seasons. However, with restrictions to international travel sticking around for the foreseeable future, tourism businesses will need to tap into the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy much longer than other sectors.

The construction industry, for example, hasn’t missed a beat during the pandemic and is actually dealing with the same constraints that have affected the economy for a number of years — finding and keeping workers. This is an ongoing advocacy priority for The Chamber. We’re calling on government to incentivize getting people, especially those who lost jobs or are underemployed, into skilled positions that are currently in demand. There is a huge opportunity to remake our economy by investing in workforce training that helps organizations reach their potential.

Here at The Chamber, we like to speak about being on the Recovery Runway. It’s a fitting analogy of where we are, moving forward slowly but surely. We’re like a plane taxiing on the tarmac waiting for the right time to throttle up and take off.

If you’re not there yet, here are a few things you can do to prepare for the flight. First, make sure you’re taking advantage of the shift to digital. We are in an online world, and your business needs to be as well. This includes having an online account with the CRA so you’re not reliant on the telephone or printed mail. You need to do your part. Governments are trying to adjust their administrative practices to the new reality, and relief programs are designed to get more people working. But everyone is still adjusting the flight plan. For businesses to succeed they have to fully plan, and then plot out alternate routes — not just for the summer and the end of government programs, but out to the great blue beyond.

It’s no surprise that, as a result of that planning, this is an especially active time for mergers and acquisitions. With low bank rates and so much uncertainty, we’re seeing a lot of consolidation as industries seek efficiencies and fortify themselves.

Speaking with Kris and Matthew, it’s clear that the world’s financial order is in uncharted territory. How this will affect Canadians remains to be seen, but it will be a long flight to zero debt. The only way we will arrive there is through economic growth in the private sector. As the recovery intensifies, the expectation is we will also see higher taxes for top earners and businesses, as well as capital gains.

To hear more details, I encourage you to watch my conversation with Matthew and Kris. Are you ready for the better days ahead? And is your business prepared to meet the pent-up demand that promises to propel our economy to new heights?

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

This column was originally published at DouglasMagazine.com

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

It’s time for government to recognize business as a partner in a safe and healthy community. The next few weeks and months are a critical time as vaccination efforts race against the spread of more infectious variants. It’s vital that businesses be consulted now on how to innovate solutions so we can ensure a smooth transition to post-pandemic life.  

At some point, the state of emergency must end and the Provincial Health Officer will step away from regulating so much of our daily lives. It will be up to each of us, and, importantly, our business communities to continue the practices we know keep our staff and customers safe.  

Government, with its enormous size and available resources, has been essential to backstopping our economy through its darkest hours. Relief programs will continue to play a role as we taxi down the recovery runway and prepare for better times in the years ahead. But it will be the private sector that will allow us to reach our economic capacity and build resilience.   

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and our chamber network, as well as our community partners, are hard at work as your voice of business to forge a new role for business.  

Getting government to return to its more traditional role in our lives won’t be a simple process. We can start by increasing the dialogue between the public and private sector and offering the services of a business advisory group. This will help us avoid some of the pain points and the resulting anger and anxiety that comes with misunderstandings. Businesses, especially retailers and hospitality providers, have gone out of their way to find innovative solutions to fight the spread of COVID-19. They’ve listened intently to the directions from our health authorities and have done the right things. From the data and information that has been made available by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, we know that businesses are generally not the reason we’ve had problematic outbreaks. The few exceptions need to be dealt with — no one disputes that.  

However, as a rule, businesses have overwhelmingly earned the trust of the public and, we would like to think, of decision makers in government. A good example of our ongoing advocacy to work closer with government is the April 8 announcement of a Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant. The program pulled $50 million in unused funds from the province’s Business Recover Grant program, which had a bumpy rollout because of the red tape and arbitrary hurdles that made getting the money more difficult than necessary. When we spoke with the Minster of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, Ravi Kahlon, he understood our concerns and has been working to free up the funding. It’s not a perfect process, and businesses are still frustrated by bureaucratic decisions. But, if we’ve learned anything from the past year, it is that we are resilient. We’ll keep talking to decision makers and keep offering solutions.  

We have been listening to government. It’s time for government to listen to us.
We want the ball because we know, as a business community, we will be called on to reach the next level. Pharmacies are already finding innovative ways to ensure more efficient immunization, and employers have adapted operations that will be with us for months and years to come.  
Let’s roll up our sleeves, figuratively and literally, and end this pandemic together. 

We want the ball because we know, as a business community, we will be called on to reach the next level. Pharmacies are already finding innovative ways to ensure more efficient immunization, and employers have adapted operations that will be with us for months and years to come.  

Let’s roll up our sleeves, figuratively and literally, and end this pandemic together.  

Originally published in the April edition of the Business Examiner

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

As the days get longer and the light that signals the end of the pandemic gets closer, it’s time to make sure our house is in order so we can enjoy the better times ahead. Our ongoing economic recovery is clearly uneven. There are too many businesses unable to move forward because they rely on close human interaction — experiences that will be so important for us to get back to a sense of normalcy. These businesses will need more time to recover. Others will be back much faster because they embraced technology that allowed them to adapt to the times. We at The Chamber are calling the roadmap to a post-COVID economy the “Recovery Runway” and we are identifying “pivot pilots” as those organizations and leaders who have been nimble with pivoting the way they do business. They are a beacon for optimism as we begin to taxi down the recovery runway.

Before we can truly take off, our economy will require a shift in federal priorities. We will hear details of the next federal budget April 19 — the first full budget in two years. The Chamber is working closely with our national network to make sure government understands the priorities for business. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has brought together a highly talented team of top executives from some of Canada’s most influential companies. The goal is to develop a business plan to win the fight against COVID-19, and ensure a private-sector led recovery that allows Canada to move away from a subsidized economy and invest in getting back to self-sufficient individuals and businesses.

In a speech to the Sidney Rotary Club this month, Canadian Chamber CEO Perrin Beatty said the government has to “differentiate between the must-haves and the nice-to-haves: if a program was unaffordable at this time last year, before we added hundreds of billions of dollars of public debt, it’s most assuredly unaffordable now.”

This national Chamber council is working with the federal government ahead of the 2021 budget to articulate what the private sector needs to create jobs, and what investments will lead to more businesses starting up and re-opening. As Beatty noted, experience has shown this won’t happen through austerity alone. We can’t cut our way to prosperity. However, we also can’t continue the levels of public-sector spending that have seen our federal government rack up almost 20 percent of our GDP on pandemic relief, the highest among G-20 countries. At the last fiscal update in November, the government was forecasting a deficit of $400 billion. That’s clearly unsustainable and will eventually lead to turbulence that can be avoided with a better flight path. The same holds true for all levels of government, with BC set to unveil its own budget April 20.

The challenge for the provincial and federal governments will be to show Canadians a plan that businesses can get behind. We know there’s no going back to how life was before the pandemic. We need to embrace the momentum of our rising economy and lift all Canadians. If there has been a benefit to the past year, it’s how creatively we have embraced technology and reexamined standard practices. I hear amazing stories from Chamber members about innovations and new ideas for doing businesses. There are opportunities now to invest in retraining so that we have the workforce needed for a more resilient economy. The idea of micro-credentials, championed by The Chamber, is being embraced by post-secondary institutions in Greater Victoria. We need to provide opportunities for skills upgrading and invest in the infrastructure that will allow our workforce to adapt to ongoing transitions in the economy. 

Our region’s economy remains fundamentally sound. We are lucky to have the stability of a large public sector and a geography that is the envy of the world. Our tech sector will continue to bloom and attract new talent, and, eventually, our tourism industry will recover and reach even greater heights.

It’s time to get ready for take-off, and with the help of our members and our board as well as, our national network and our Chamber Champion initiative, we’re working to make sure all of us have a smooth flight. So buckle up, this will be a once in a lifetime ride.

This column was originally published at DouglasMagazine.com

Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
 
In early January, when our staff were getting back to their routines after a break for the holidays, I sent an email to remind them of the need to keep moving forward. The subject line was one word: “Surgite!”
 
Let me explain to those of you might not be history nerds like me. Surgite — Latin for “push on” or “onward — is said to be the final word spoken by General Isaac Brock before he succumbed to injuries at the Battle of Queenston Heights during the War of 1812. “Surgite!” is the motto of Brock University, where I went to school and the reason why I know this.
 
These are not easy times, and the events of 2020 will be taught in history classes for generations to come. Even as we carry on into a new year, we know there are challenging times ahead. But, onward we must go with optimism and renewed energy drawn from lessons learned and perspective gathered. By now, all of us are experienced at managing COVID. We know what must be done to keep this virus away from our most vulnerable, and protect ourselves and the people around us.
 
All of us are anxious for the pandemic to end. Uncertainty is the only thing that has been a constant in our lives since the outbreak began a year ago. When we think we know the best course of action, or what will come in the weeks or months ahead, something unforeseen happens. We now have variants of the virus that are causing concern, along with delays to an immunization plan that was a source of so much hope only a few weeks ago. The vaccines will get here, and they will end this pandemic, though not as quickly as any of us want.
 
Still, we push on and we innovate. We adapt. Some days, I’m truly awestruck by how our local businesses and our community are supporting each other. Ideas that wouldn’t have gotten off the ground in 2019, are proving to be the path forward. We are rethinking how we can use this time to better address climate change, as well as how we can ensure our communities remains vibrant and affordable for everyone.
 
I am also encouraged by a renewed interest in working with indigenous people to shape a more resilient future. First Nations have lived on these lands for centuries and we can only benefit by listening to their ideas and learning from their knowledge. Life after the pandemic will be a time of renewal, and a chance to make real progress toward reconciliation.
 
It’s important to keep our eye on better days, even as we struggle with restrictions and numbers that don’t always seem to make sense. Dr. Bonnie Henry has been clear that decisions are based on data, but the data changes every week — if not daily. A lot of us would love this to be more transparent, more concise. We want to know that if we can get numbers to X, then we can remove Y restrictions. But that’s not reality.
 
We need to continue to trust the science and the experts. I really don’t have time for people who claim conspiracies or choose to risk the lives of others by refusing to wear masks when asked. At the same time, I’m also frustrated by people who are quick to judge others when they don’t know someone’s circumstance. The provincial health officer has emphasized kindness, and that is the best approach right now. Some people have medical reasons for not wearing a mask, or might have a larger household than others. This is less about numbers than doing the right thing.
 
It's easy to let anger get the better of us. Take a deep breath, count to 10 and let reason and perspective kick in. Find that kindness within yourself
 
That said, part of our job at The Chamber will be to continue to respectfully question government policies, especially when there’s concern specific rules are bad for business. Our organization has played a key role in the health of our region’s economy for 158 years. We are deeply connected to the business community in a way that government can never be. This is not something I take lightly — when we need to speak up we will make sure our voice is heard.
 
The last year has not been easy, but all of us have grown in ways we might never have imagined before the pandemic. I’ve been CEO of The Chamber for 10 months, and it has been the ride of a lifetime. I’m thankful for all our members who are taking this ride with us, and for the dedicated Chamber team that has kept the lights on and done whatever it takes to serve our region.
 
The roller coaster ride isn’t over, but when it ends we’ll all look back at this experience as something we shared together. Until then, take a deep breath and count to 10. Surgite!

This column was originally published in the Times Colonist on Feb. 27, 2021.

Bruce Williams is CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

As we continue to adapt to new ways of doing business, we are starting to get a much clearer idea of what lies ahead. This is good news for businesses that have been forced to leap into the future sooner than planned. Knowing where we’re going can help an organization ensure it has the capacity and resources to fulfil its potential. 

RBC recently published an excellent article titled “Eight ways COVID-19 will transform the economy and disrupt every business.” Written by John Stackhouse, former Globe and Mail editor and current Senior VP at RBC, the piece highlights a few ways we might eventually be better off despite the unprecedented pace of change. 

For example, the pandemic has accelerated technological adaptation, forcing us into the future much sooner than any of us expected. The way we work has changed forever, Stackhouse says. Three-quarters of Canadians are hoping to continue working from home in some way after restrictions ease. That’s going to require new ideas for managing employees, and new challenges to ensure the networks we use to communicate are secure. 

We’ve also experienced a profound shift in how we shop. The great news is Canadians have overwhelmingly embraced calls to “buy local.” Online shopping, for many years, has been a nebulous threat for brick-and-mortar businesses. But with 78% of Canadians choosing Canadian brands, the pandemic has shown that people are more than willing to support local businesses if doing so is convenient. To add a dimension of engagement to shopping local we have a social media campaign underway titled #ChamberLocalVicBC. Chamber members define how they are local by completing the sentence “We are local because…” This is a means to help followers better understand what local really means.

Travel has also refocused on local experiences, with people staying close to home. There is no question Greater Victoria’s tourism sector is suffering, but Stackhouse’s forecast offers a few reasons for optimism. He’s predicting higher demand for wilderness tourism experiences, as well as high-end destinations within driving distance of major population centres. Time will tell what that means for the South Island, though, the loss of another cruise ship season will hurt. We need all levels of government to make sure our larger hotels and private transportation providers have an opportunity to survive and get back to contributing to our economy.  

The pandemic has also caused disruptions to the way we trade, how we learn, how we share and how we heal. To this last point, at The Chamber we’ve noticed an increase in interest in our Teladoc benefit which allows Chamber members 24/7 access to doctors and mental health professionals virtually. 

Many of Stackhouse’s points are echoed in another excellent article put out by MNP, about the top risk management trends for 2021. MNP calls the shift to working online a “cyber tsunami” that creates an opportunity for tech services, as companies update their culture and strategy to align with remote working. “Now that team members understand remote options are viable, it’s likely they will expect greater autonomy, flexibility, and trust from employers,” MNP’s article says. “At the same time, employers need to re-evaluate how they create cultural alignment and support employee engagement.” 

I should mention that RBC and MNP are Chamber Champions, a new echelon of membership we introduced this year. In addition to the leadership both companies are exhibiting nationally, this demonstrates their local leadership. Champions help provide stability for The Chamber, and offer support and guidance to our organization. It’s one way we’ve adapted to the new reality facing businesses now, and for years to come.

Bruce Williams is the CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

VICTORIA, BC – What will 2021 mean for businesses in Greater Victoria? If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we can expect the unexpected.
Thankfully, The Chamber can count on the experience of our expert Board of Directors. On Jan. 1, our new board took on the role of providing guidance for our 157-year-old organization. We continue to be led by Chair John Wilson, CEO of Wilson’s Group of Companies, and one of the strongest voices for government relief for the tourism sector. It’s become clear that as our economy recovers from the pandemic, not all industries are faring the same. This is a real concern and goes against the spirit of resilience all of us shared at the beginning of the crisis. If we are truly all in it together, we need to make sure all businesses have a chance to recover. With immunization efforts in full swing and the promise of summer prosperity in sight, we need to hang on to our most vulnerable industries — especially ones as capital intensive as transportation operators whose fleets have been grounded through no fault of their own. If these businesses are allowed to fail, our entire economic recovery will be affected.

Helping steer our board this year will be two newly elected directors: Ann Squires Ferguson, CEO of Western Interior Design Group, and Richard Michaels, President of Maccrim Solutions. Also new is Raul Caballero, owner of Oui Jewelry, who will serve as a non-voting board member in his role as chair of the Prodigy Group, a Chamber committee. Returning to the Board in 2021 are: Vice-Chair Kris Wirk, Partner at Dusanj and Wirk; Past Chair Dan Dagg, President and CEO of H2; Secretary Christina Clarke, CEO of Songhees Development Corp; Treasurer Moira Hauk, Regional Manager South Island for Coastal Community Credit Union; Rose Arsenault, Branch Manager at Agilus Work Solutions; Ian Batey, Owner and Principal of IPB Consulting; Pedro Marquez, Vice President of Global Advancement and Business Development at Royal Roads University; Tom Plumb, President and CEO of Kinetic Construction; and Capt. (N) Sam Sader, Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt.

As CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, I’m thankful for the direction provided by all of our board. We know better days are ahead, but, as the riot in Washington DC reminded us, there remains plenty of uncertainty about how we will be affected by events south of the border. With the inauguration of Joe Biden on Jan. 20, the world begins a new era of relations with the United States.

Business Restart Series:
A few hours after the inauguration, The Chamber hosts Perrin Beatty, the CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and formerly Canada’s Secretary of State for External Affairs. This promises to be a great opportunity to gain expert insight into what’s in store for the special relationship between Canada and the US. If you’re interested in being part of this historic event, you will need to register at victoriachamber.ca. I know I’m looking forward to speaking with Perrin and asking about what it will take to re-open our borders and what needs to happen before we can welcome U.S. travellers back to our city. I hope you’ll join us.

Don’t forget:
Nominations for the 2021 Business Awards are open until Jan. 25. Don’t forget to nominate a business, including your own, that went above and beyond in 2020. This year’s event promises to be exceptionally inspiring!

This column originally appeared in the Business Examiner on Jan. 25, 2021

A commentary by Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
 
I’ve covered my share of elections over the years but I don’t know if any of them have been quite like the by-election being held in Victoria on Dec. 12. The city needs to fill a seat on council that has been vacant since the writ dropped on the last federal election. That was back in September 2019.

That’s when rookie Coun. Laurel Collins took leave to run for the federal NDP after serving less than one year on council. Collins won, succeeding longtime MP Murray Rankin, and is now in Ottawa representing the Victoria riding. Since then, we’ve had a provincial election, which saw Rankin return to politics and win a seat for the BC NDP in Oak Bay-Gordon Head. We’ve also had more than 12 months of city council operating with a short bench. That normally would be a huge concern, but, nine months into a global pandemic, there have been plenty of other priorities that needed the public’s attention.

The business community’s biggest priority right now is surviving the dramatic disruption in revenue and the profound uncertainty we all share. I’m part of a group of committees that meet regularly with Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps and municipal staff to offer advice and direction on public safety and wellness, as well as support for small business. We discuss and plan strategies to get through this crisis together. During an emergency, it’s good to know so many people truly have the best interests of the city at heart. It’s been a long road for everyone, but there is reason for optimism. Vaccines have started to roll out and businesses finally have a sense of certainty around federal relief programs. I’m optimistic that spring will be a time of renewal and summer will be phenomenal.   

It’s time to fill that vacant seat on Victoria council. Other municipalities in B.C. have safely held their own by-elections, and, of course, we’ve been through high-profile elections in BC and south of the border. Victoria isn’t the largest municipality in our region, but it is the hub of business and commerce, and for that reason the city is at the centre of much media and public scrutiny. That’s what makes this outcome important and impacting.

Over the last few years, we’ve heard from many Chamber members who are concerned about some of the decision-making that was coming out of council. We have a diverse business community made up of many sectors of the economy, but the questions were often similar — is this council interested in representing people who own and operate businesses in the city?

It’s also troubling that we seem to be moving away from how municipal councils traditionally function in B.C. Unlike the provincial and federal party systems, which elect many dozens of representatives, municipal councillors are traditionally non-partisan. With only a handful of people on a council representing an entire community, there is value in having a mayor and councillors who vote as individuals. That has changed in Victoria and created confusion and alarm among many people. With four of eight members of council connected to the political organization Together Victoria, we have a situation where one ideological point of view can effectively speak over the voice of individual councillors and even the mayor. To put it bluntly, the candidate who wins Dec. 12 will decide if the majority of council is made up of independents or is affiliated with a single political organization.

So, for everyone who has said they want business to have more of a voice on Victoria council, now is your time. If you live within the City of Victoria or own property, you can vote. And because there are no other civic elections happening at the same time in our region, this is a rare opportunity for businesspeople who own property in the city but live outside its borders. There are no long lists of school trustee candidates, no high-profile mayoral races and no rosters of council hopefuls to pore over. There is one vote, one seat and the winner could potentially set the tone for Victoria for the next two years. This is how democracy works.

As a non-partisan organization that truly believes good business is vital for a great community, we reached out with questions to the 11 candidates hoping to fill the vacant seat on council. Not all of them responded. You can find out which ones did, and where they stand on issues our members have identified as important, at victoriachamber.ca/vicbyelection. We also held a virtual discussion with five candidates who have experience as entrepreneurs or work extensively with businesses. You can check the video out on our Facebook page or our website.

This column originally appeared in the Times Colonist on Dec. 9, 2020.