MAY 2012

BUSINESS MATTERS

THE PULSE OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY

BEST PLACE TO DO BUSINESS

FERRIES: ANCHORED TO A DEAL

WHERE DO YOUR

TAX DOLLARS GO?

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4 Business Resource

5 Where do your Tax Dollars Go?

10 Member News

12 Anchored to a Deal

16 Victoria - The Best Place to Do Business

18 Upcoming Events

20 Taking the Pulse of the Local Economy

21 New Members

26 Advocacy in Action

Business Matters is a semi-monthly publication of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and a key business resource targeted to 2,000 business leaders in our community.

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is a progressive, inclusive and dynamic community leader. It is a supportive resource for business people who wish to learn, grow and create a stronger business and a more robust and sustainable community while respecting people, planet and profit.

To advertise in Business Matters, contact us at:

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce#100 - 852 Fort St.Victoria, BC V8W 1H8(250) 383-7191 chamber@victoriachamber.ca

Publication Mail Poste-Publications 40005319

BUSINESSMATTERSMay 2012

CONTENTS

Breaking apart your contributions to the federal government and how your loonie is spread around.

The latest session of the Chamber’s Economic Roundtables highlighted a number of challenges and opportunities for local businesses.

Keep up with what’s happening in the Chamber community.

BC Ferries is caught between a rock and a hard place as they face declining ridership and increasing costs.

Victoria stands out as one of the top places to do business in the Pacific Northwest.

Studies show that people prefer to do business with Chamber members. Check out who has recently made the decision to join us.

Don’t miss out on all the opportunities to connect with fellow business people.

We bring important issues to the attention of leaders in a position to effect change. Find out what we are working on now.

Many people underestimate their capacity for negotiating success. Do you?

4 BUSINESSMATTERS

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Many people underestimate their capacity for negotiating success. Do you?What is a negotiation? Negotiation is intentional communication driven by the desire of each party to maximize their interests and opportunities. Your potential for success is enhanced when you approach any prospective deal with a Negotiation Strategy.

What is a Negotiation Strategy? It is a plan designed in anticipation of a negotiation, implemented when a negotiation begins, and modified over time to reflect the progress of a negotiation. Fuelled by information, it is a tool to help maximize and leverage your position over the course of a negotiation.

Does a Negotiation Strategy guarantee success? Of course not. Come on, you’re reading something written by a lawyer - did you really expect a guaranteed yes? That being said, the contribution of time and attention to a Negotiation Strategy is unlikely to negatively impact your success and is more likely to keep you on track for your best result - whatever that turns out to be. Adopting the immortal words of the Rolling Stones - “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find - you get what you need.”

Developing and applying a Negotiation Strategy forces you to engage in objective analysis of the information required to chart your course through a negotiation. As a negotiation proceeds, each party learns new information. This information is critical for evaluating and reevaluating your goals: you may find that your objective is available for fewer concessions than you were prepared to give; you may find that your objective will come with costs you hadn’t considered; and importantly - you may find that a better alternative to your original objective exists. This process engages your critical reasoning and reveals to you - both before and during a negotiation - your own criteria as well as the respective roles, leverage and bargaining power for you and your negotiating partner.

How do you - solidify a new business relationship? Take your business to

the next level? Afford a new lease? You use a Negotiation Strategy. You systematically evaluate what you have to offer and gain and do the same for the other party. You refine these inventories by asking questions and eliciting more information, by seeking objective advice to complement your subjective beliefs, and by sharing your own information strategically in a way that preserves your ethics, credibility and reputation without compromising your chance to secure your best possible result.

Part of your Negotiation Strategy must be defining your win. A win is the deal where everyone believes they captured the best possible outcome. Whether you can identify any particular outcome as a win depends on how you have prepared for and conducted a negotiation. What was your approach? Did you unwittingly take a competitive posture where a collaborative approach was your path to success or vice versa? Did your Negotiation Strategy include the best information-sharing tactics for the situation? Or did you play your cards all at once? Have you under- or over-valued relative leverage? Remember David and Goliath... Did you consult a professional about your Negotiation Strategy before starting into the negotiation? Or did you limit your potential before the other side even entered the negotiation? Have you internally land-marked potential outcomes over the course of a negotiation? Or left yourself without any measuring stick to test whether an outcome was actually a “win”?

If you define your win, you should also define the flipside. A universal “loss” arises when people fail to capture what they didn’t even know was on the table. Conversely, where two parties fail to strike a deal but have benefited from the experience - is that really a loss? If you design and stick with a Negotiation Strategy you dramatically increase the likelihood of your success and effectively limit your opportunity cost of the pursuit.

So, how do you sit now after reading this? Hopefully you have increased your leverage in any future negotiation simply by considering the concept of a Negotiation Strategy. Imagine your greater potential for success!

5BUSINESSMATTERS

WHERE DO YOUR TAX DOLLARS GO?June 6th, 2011 was a very average day weather-wise for Greater Victoria: sunny with a high of 14 degrees and everywhere you looked there was a sea of Canucks jerseys still hoping for a Stanley Cup. This Monday was memorable for a different reason though. Whether you knew it or not you had another reason to be hopeful, it was the day that you finished paying your share of tax and started working for yourself. It was Tax Freedom Day in Canada. To be totally honest, if you had felt particularly generous and decided to pay your share of the deficit last year, you would have had to wait for another 12 days, but why add insult to injury.

For 157 days, you had been working hard to earn enough money to pay your taxes. Over such a long time it is entirely reasonable that you would get attached to your money and would want to know where it goes and that it is being put to good use. So where do your federal tax dollars go? We decided to take your hard earned loonie and break down the various uses that the government has for it.

Transfer Payments

In federal budget terms “transfer payments” are those payments made to individuals, provincial and territorial governments as well as a number of other organizations. These transfers are, by far and away, the largest portion of your loonie, taking up more than half of your hard-earned dollar. Coming in at 58¢ on the dollar of the federal government budget, or $157.9 billion in total, these transfers run the spectrum from employment insurance, childcare and retirement

payments to individuals, to the transfer payments received by provinces to pay for healthcare, education and other programs.

The largest of these payments go to provincial governments, totaling about $53 billion last year. Included in this figure are the “Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing” programs, or equalization payments, which the federal government distributes to help less prosperous provinces and territories provide services, the so-called “have” and “have not” provinces. On a local level, projects like the Johnson Street Bridge received funding from this portion of your federal tax dollar, in part through the federal gas tax program for municipalities. Rounding out the transfer payments category, 14¢ of your tax dollar went to support a number of initiatives across the country including student assistance, regional economic development, the arts, multi-culturalism and amateur sports in your community.

6 BUSINESSMATTERS

Government Operating Costs

After transfers, government operating costs are the next largest portion of your loonie. Representing 30¢ of every tax dollar, the government funded more than 130 departments, agencies and crown corporations to the tune of

roughly $82 billion in total. Incredibly just under half of that, or 14¢ per tax dollar, went to just three organizations. As citizens of the region, you can take some comfort that one of these organizations is a major contributor to the economic and social fabric of our community. At 8¢ - or $21.3 billion

dollars - the Canadian Armed Forces was one of the three. The next category could also give you comfort, with $9.4 billion being spent on public safety and emergency preparedness, including the RCMP, federal prison system and border security. Sadly, the last of the three probably won’t elicit such a warm feeling. At $7.3 billion, the Canada Revenue Agency spent 3¢ of your tax dollar, making sure that they had your loonie in the first place…

Putting aside the three we just mentioned, another 12¢ or $33.1 billion, went to fund the government’s other major departments including Public Works, Environment, Health, Fisheries and Oceans, Justice, Industry, Natural Resources, Transportation and Human Resources Canada to name just a few. In your day-to-day life, if you took out a mortgage, listened to CBC radio or are involved in our local tourism sector, you received a benefit from the roughly $10.5 billion or 4¢ of your tax dollar that went to fund organizations like the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canadian Broadcast Corporation and Canadian Tourism Commission.

Parliament Itself

When you look at the federal budget and where things go, you may be interested to know that one of the “smallest” ($555 million) allocations goes to paying for Parliament itself. Last year between the budgets for MPs, Senators and their staff, as well as facilities and other services, just one quarter of one cent ($0.0025) of your loonie went to funding our public representatives. If you watch question period on TV, it just feels like a lot more.

Interest on the Public Debt

Each year the federal government has to pay interest on the debt accumulated that has not been repaid. In case you were wondering, that amount currently sits at approximately $582 billion. That’s billion, with a “B”. How fast is it growing? In the time it

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took you to read the previous sentence, we added another 10,000 loonies to the debt. What does that mean in terms of your tax? It means that roughly 11¢ was spent just to pay the interest on this debt. The good news is that our creditors are largely other Canadians, with individual citizens and domestic institutions holding roughly 78% of the outstanding debt. So thanks again for your help in that regard, “we” (and by “we” that includes you too) are totally good for it.

As you start biting your nails about the growing debt, know that your wallet is not the only one that the government removed its hand from on June 6th of last year. The government puts your 3¢ spent on the CRA to good use, raising revenues from a number of different sources.

Federal Government Revenues

In the government’s 2010/2011 fiscal year, all those sources – personal tax, corporate tax, federal sales tax, Employment Insurance, Crown Corporation revenue, various other taxes and revenues - resulted in over $237 billion being sent to the federal government coffers.

Personal and Corporate Taxes

In terms of government revenue, the largest contributor is personal income taxes, raising over $113 billion dollars or 48¢ of every dollar raised. If you’re wondering about our own backyard, the most recent numbers for Greater Victoria show over 220,000 tax filers reporting an average taxable income of just over $44,000. Corporations of all shapes and sizes across the country contributed 13¢ of every dollar raised for a total of over $30 billion.

GST, Employment Insurance Premiums, Crown Revenues and other Excise Taxes

Even after being reduced to 5%, everyone’s favorite tax, the GST (aka the federal portion of the HST), contributed over $28 billion to the federal government’s finances last year. Adding further to their tax rolls, a number of other taxes including non-resident withholding taxes, import duties, energy taxes and duties on alcohol and tobacco raised another 8¢

of every revenue dollar, totaling close to $20 billion. The government has a number of Crown Corporations who earn revenue that goes to support the annual federal budget. Representing 12¢ of every dollar of revenue, the goods and services these companies brought in totaled over $28 billion.

When does 100¢ not equal your tax dollar? When it’s still not enough…

You may recall that June 6th was the day that you finished paying your taxes and started working for your own benefit. Unfortunately, that date didn’t seem to work for the federal government. They would have really

7BUSINESSMATTERS

Graphic credit: Department of Finance Canada

appreciated another 12 days worth of your taxes in order to balance their budget, or an additional 14¢ on top of the dollar that you already gave them. Being a concerned citizen, if you had gone around and collected all those dimes and pennies (the additional 14¢) from all the personal and corporate taxpayers from across the country (and the world), you would have probably needed to enlist the help of CN Rail to haul the coins, because added up, that deficit totaled over $33 billion.

Conclusion

So now you know where your tax dollar goes, and having read all the places that it does go, you might be reminded of the old saying, “no one spends a dollar as wisely as the person who earned it.” That is why the Chamber works with all orders of government, municipal, province and federal, to make sure that taxes remain as low as possible in the first place, that they balance their budgets and that they provide the best possible value for your hard-earned loonie.

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There’s a New Dean in Town

The University of Victoria is pleased to announce Dr. Saul Klein as the new Dean of the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business. Dr. Klein begins his term July 1st taking over from former Dean Ali Dastmalchian. Dastmalchian is one of the business school’s founders and will remain with the faculty. “Dr. Klein has a strong record of academic leadership with a proven ability to establish priorities and develop strategies to achieve goals,” says UVic Vice-President and Provost Reeta Tremblay. “I am positive that with his experience and knowledge the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business will continue to flourish.”

Solidly Made in Canada

Maximum Furniture warehouse has just introduced Made in BC Solid Wood – custom furniture. Clearly this locally grown, locally built, locally sold option is hitting home with the furniture buying public as it has become their most popular selling furniture item in just 4 weeks. In response to demand, Maximum Furniture has begun offering custom builds.

You Look Fabulous

The Bay Centre is dressing for success and adding to its fashion forward repertoire with the opening of BCBGMAXAZRIA. Overall this year, 12,000 sq. ft. of space in the Bay Centre will be primped and restructured for both new and existing tenants. Le Chateau will be showcasing the new concept store look that is beginning to roll out across Canada. La Senza will be flashing their sense of style in a new location across from BCBGMAXAZRIA.

Both Le Chateau and La Senza will remain in their current positions until ready to reveal their new looks. The Bay Centre will also play host to the only downtown Victoria retail location of Chatters.

Manulife Securities welcomes New Team Member

Stephen Whipp Financial at Manulife Securities Incorporated is thrilled to have Annette Quan bring her Financial Advisor and Life Representative talents to their socially-responsible investing practice.

Annette is a life-long Victoria native, and has been working in the financial services industry for over 24 years. She marries her professional experience with her passion for making our communities better by focussing on socially responsible investing. Her passion for making communities better extends beyond her practice. Since 1994 Annette has been a member of the Victoria Chinatown Lioness club, an all-female organization that contributes both time and money to community events and services particularly those serving women and children.

11BUSINESSMATTERS

MEMBER NEWSNetworking Nets New Partnership

It all started at a Chamber monthly mixer. Adam Sullivan, co-owner of Victoria Transmission and Auto Care began talking with Shannon Whissell from The Cridge Transition House struck up a conversation and found a partnership opportunity.

“I’m very excited to share the news about a new partnership between The Cridge Transition House for Women and Victoria Transmission and Auto Care, in part because this partnership can be attributed to our Chamber membership,” says Whissell.

As part of this partnership, Victoria Transmission is donating a percentage of sales the week of May 28, 2012 to the non-profit organization.

Tourism Victoria with a View

Tourism Victoria knows all about picking the best places to go. After touring around the city, they found a

great new place with everything they were looking for including a downtown location.

Boxes will be packed and wires will be run over the next month and Rob Gialloreto, President and CEO, has pledged that there will be as little interruption as possible to their business operations. The Visitor Centre on Wharf Street will, as always, remain where it is serving visitors to Victoria.

The new space will be smaller but redesigned to create a new collaborative office environment more conducive to teamwork. They hope to be in their fabulous new space in St. Andrew’s Square by mid-June – with an open house planned for the fall.

Comics are for Big Kids too

Camosun College is pleased to announce a new eight-month Comics and Graphic Novels certificate program starting in September. This is a one of a kind program in Western Canada, blending drawing, creative writing and publishing. Ken

Steacy, an inductee into the Joe Shuster Awards Hall of Fame, will be crafting this new program with his wife, visual artist Joan Steacy.

Visualize your treasured stack of comic books becoming 82 million copies of comic books and graphic novels – that’s $420 million in annual sales - and you get a strong picture that there is interest in the area.

Full details are online at www.camosun.ca/comics.

Ruffell and Brown celebrates their 25 year anniversary this May.

Nigel Brown credits their ongoing success to their team of experienced window covering experts, quick delivery and professional installation. Of course it also doesn’t hurt to have expert seminars that inspire. Their next seminar on May 29th features Sally Morse, TV personality and author, as she talks about the Magic of Three’s in Design.

12 BUSINESSMATTERS

Imagine as a business, that you were legislated to maintain hours or locations where staff consistently outweighed customers. That not only was your customer demand-ing pricing well below your cost of doing business, they were getting it, despite your irrefutable numbers. You’re looking at fewer customers and higher costs with few options.

That’s the outlook from the offices at BC Ferries Corporation just before sitting down to review their 60 year contract with the province.

The management team at BC Ferries is once again facing some rather major issues in order to steer their ship out of heavy waters. They are projecting a net loss of $19.4 million in fiscal 2012. Less than four years ago, when tourism was high and fuel costs were low, their numbers told a happier tale with $49.9 – $48.8 million in net earnings. Since they can’t manufacture tourists or affect world oil prices, their opportunities for digging out of this rut include changes to user costs, subsidization and service levels.

Service levels are a significant challenge as noted both by BC Ferry Commissioner, Gord Macatee and BC Ferries. “There are numerous times out there during the operational day where we’re sailing with no passengers – or fewer passengers than crew. And during that same time, typically late at night, is often when we’re paying overtime, so it is the worst case scenario highest costs, least revenue,” explains Mike Corrigan, President and CEO of BC Ferries.

It doesn’t take much more than a glance at their capacity utilization numbers to recognize where there are opportunities for efficiency. Only 6 routes – about a quarter of all their routes – exceed an average of 50 per cent capacity.

It will come as no surprise to those who travel to Vancouver that Swartz Bay/Tsawwassen has the highest capacity utilization, averaging out at just below 80 per cent, with, surprisingly, Mill Bay as the next most efficient route in terms of ridership. On the other side of the scale, ferry service to Haida Gwaii barely crests 20 per cent and Texada Island’s numbers are only just a little higher. Having only a quarter of your routes at over 50 per cent capacity and a third under 40 per cent capacity isn’t sustainable. BC Ferries is trying to infill where possible encouraging commercial customers to utilize the ferries when personal travel is lower. The drop trailer business is growing,

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13BUSINESSMATTERS

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but is not capable of overcoming only 20 per cent occupancy.

To compensate for lower numbers and higher costs, a fare increase of 4 per cent was recently authorized and took effect April 1st. Even prior to this increase, user costs or farebox recovery was quite high with over 80 per cent of the costs coming from BC Ferry riders. Other major ferry corporations range between 50 – 60 per cent such as the Washington State Ferries, CalMac in Scotland and Marine Atlantic. When BC Ferries Corporation was set up in 2003, a conscious decision was made to pass costs along to users. Macatee feels that rate is already high enough and pushing it higher may create a tipping point of resistance from users.

Which brings things back to government subsidization and who is paying for what. When you boil the numbers down there are basically two major routes that are paying the way for the remaining routes. Mike Corrigan indicated, “We’ve been talking to government about the fare affordability issue because they haven’t increased their subsidies on the minor routes, which are the only ones that they subsidize, since 2003.”

The solutions are clear cut but not simple. Ferry ridership is at a 20 year low and route cuts have to follow. Macatee recommends modest service reductions of 400 sailings a year – about four per cent of the overall sailings. The government either needs to adjust their subsidy model to include annual inflation adjustments or relinquish its control on fare-setting.

BC Ferries needs to continue on its current path of keeping costs down, maintaining a stable union environment and generating non-fare related revenue. Despite the ongoing challenges, BC Ferries continues to provide a world-class ferry service that is emulated by other ferry corporations as a model for success. The Chamber will be working closely with BC Ferries and the BC Ferry Commission over the coming months to advocate on behalf of our membership and community to maintain key service while encouraging ongoing fiscal responsibility and transparency from the corporation.

When we learned about the CRD’s program to audit our water consumption, we jumped at the opportunity. Making small changes, like educating our customers on the benefits of using our larger machines and switching to cold water washing for our drop off services, has resulted in both water and energy savings.

We’re a small business and we run the business to make a profit, but we’re a family business too. We believe in setting a good example for our kids by being green at work as well as at home.

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The three major routes connecting Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland generated 58% of BC Ferries’ revenue. With the remaining revenue coming from the Northern Routes (10%) and other routes (31%). BC Ferries is the third largest car ferry service in the world carrying 21 million passengers per year. They are also one of the largest restaurant operators in BC. Catering and onboard services generates between $77 – 79 million in revenue annually.

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16 BUSINESSMATTERS

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Victoria: Best Place to Do Business

Sasha Angus, Economic Development Officer, Greater Victoria Development Agency

Admittedly that sounds like bragging, but we have the numbers to back it up. 2012 saw the release of the next in the series of KPMG’s Competitive Alternatives report studying competitiveness factors in more than 110 cities in 14 countries. Here in the Pacific Northwest, Greater Victoria was cited as being in the top five places in which to do business, separated from first place by only 0.9 of a point.

Although the study may not measure how the region’s snow-capped mountains, bike paths and ocean views can positively impact the workforce, their research is intense. The study measures the combined impact of 26 significant cost components that are most likely to vary by location, such as labour, facilities, land, construction, transportation, utilities, and income taxes. The study further refines the data focusing on the cost results by industry.

Where Victoria really stands out is in those highly desirable knowledge-based industries. Our cost of doing business in profitable sectors such as digital and biomedical technologies, is the lowest in the Pacific Northwest – something

that has been consistent for the last two surveys.

Based on KPMG’s detailed examination of 26 significant business cost components, Victoria outranks other notable cities in this region including Vancouver, San Diego, Seattle and San Francisco. This is an impressive feat when you take into account the fact that the Canadian dollar increased by four per cent between studies.

Even the Conference Board of Canada is shouting out that Victoria is a great place to do business. Their Metropolitan Outlook report predicts that our 1.7% GDP growth in 2011 will be moving up to 2.3% by 2013. There are strong indicators that Victoria’s economic recovery continues to move forward:

• Employment numbers have grown in every quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012

• Retail sales are expected to rise by 3 per cent in 2012 – 3 times as fast as the 2011 growth

• Personal income per capita is above both the Canadian and BC average at $39,300 and is forecast to rise to over $40,000 in 2012

Beyond the costs and stats, Victoria is growing because everyone wants to live here. Cutting edge companies like Microsoft, Gamehouse and Flock have made the decision that Victoria is the right location choice to grow their business.

Who are we to disagree?

Contact Greater Victoria’s co-op and career programs to find the right student for your hiring needs.

When tax season rolls around each year, Victoria-based chartered accounting firm Green Horwood & Co LLP knows where to turn for help—Greater Victoria’s co-operative education programs. The Chamber of Commerce member has been hiring Camosun College students for 20 years and University of Victoria co-op students for the past five, with very positive results.

As one of several co-op student supervisors at the firm, Keith Smith is also the partner in charge of human resources and hiring. He has seen great advantages to welcoming Camosun and UVic co-op students to the team, especially during the hectic tax season.

“Historically, tax season is a busy time, and students come in ready to work,” he says. “But they do more than bring extra hands to the office—they also bring a younger vibe to the company, including more energy and enthusiasm.”

Blake Bedwal, a University of Victoria co-op student enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce program, has only good things to say about his experiences at Green Horwood. This is his third co-op term, and he has enjoyed the unique experience offered by the accounting firm.

“I’ve taken accounting courses at UVic, but haven’t had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience,”

says Bedwal. “In this position, I’m responsible for bookkeeping and tax returns, and I’ve been able to get a sense of what it’s like to work in this field. I’ve really enjoyed being able to learn in such a dynamic environment.”

Greg Lewis, a Camosun College co-op student pursuing the Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting, was thrilled to secure this work term as his first co-op experience. After working in the hotel and restaurant industry, he has found his job with Green Horwood & Co LLP to be invaluable.

“This has been a complete 180 degree turn around for me,” he says. “Not only have I gained practical experience by working with T4s and T5s, but I’ve been able to learn about how different partners and Chartered Accountants communicate, and to understand how the firm works as a whole.”

Welcoming co-op students onto the team has helped Green Horwood & Co LLP excel during tax season and beyond, while providing students with outstanding experiential learning—it’s a good fit for everyone.

Learn more about Green Horwood & Co LLP at www.greenhorwood.com.

Local accounting firm supports co-op education

Co-operative Education and Student Employment www.camosun.ca/cese250.370.4410

Co-operative Education Program and Career Serviceswww.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/employershttp://learninginmotion.uvic.ca250.721.7628

L-R: Greg Lewis, Keith Smith and Blake Bedwal

18 BUSINESSMATTERS

MAY & JUNE EVENTS

◆ Located steps from the Inner Harbour and Beacon Hill Park

◆ Standard, One and Two Bedroom Suites, Spa Suites, and Penthouse Suites - All with Balconies

◆ Samuel’s by the Park Restaurant◆ Complimentary Local Calls, Wireless

Internet, and Business Centre◆ Meeting Room (up to 45 people)◆ Complimentary Downtown Shuttle

Service◆ Indoor Pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna and

Fitness Centre

QUEEN VICTORIA HOTEL & SUITES

655 Douglas Street Victoria BC V8V 2P9

1-800-663-7007Tel 250-386-1312Fax 250-381-4312www.qvhotel.com

visit us on the web at www.chinookbusinessbrokers.ca

Chinook Business Brokers is a full service Business Brokerage offering businesses for sale on Vancouver Island.

We specialize in valuating, packaging, listing and selling existing business opportunities, new business opportunities, and franchise opportunities. Chinook Business Brokers provides comprehensive personal support to

our clients through every stage of the transaction. From the initial business valuation, through the due diligence process, to signing

the final documents, Chinook Business Brokers offers guidance every step of the way.

We create an environment where you can access the information necessary to make decisions, enabling you

to maximize your investment and minimize your risk.

For a free, no obligation Courtesy Business Valuation please contact Keith MacKenzie, CBB at (250) 710-3265 or email kmackenzie@chinookbusinessbrokers.ca

Tuesday, May 1, 2012May Members Orientation Breakfast7:30am – 9:00amSponsored by: Comfort Hotel & Conference Centre

Wednesday, May 2, 2012Building Momentum Series – Learning to Speak Banker10:30am – 12:30pmSponsored by: KPMG

Wednesday, May 9, 2012Six for Lunch12:00pm – 1:30pmMembers only please

Thursday, May 10, 2012Prodigy Group May Mingle5:00pm – 7:00pmMembers & their guests only please

Tuesday, May 15, 2012Building Momentum Series – Rules & Regulations10:30am – 12:30pmSponsored by: KPMG

Thursday, May 17, 2012May Business Mixer 5:00pm – 7:00pmHosted by: Union Club of British Columbia, 805 Gordon St.Members & their guests only please

Wednesday, May 23, 2012Business Leaders Series: Mr. David Labistour, CEO, Mountain Equipment Co-op6:00pm – 7:30pmPresenting Sponsor: United Way of Greater Victoria

Tuesday, May 29, 2012Annual General Meeting & Mayoral Address11:30am – 1:30pmSponsored by: Times Colonist

Thursday, May 31, 2012Building Momentum Series – Keeping Score8:00am – 10:00pmSponsored by: KPMG

19BUSINESSMATTERS

trapeze.ca

We’ve helped a lot of people stand out.How can we help you?

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THEN GET IN THE POOL!

DROWNING IN UNEXPECTED EXPENSES?

CONCERNED ABOUT RISING GROUP INSURANCE PREMIUMS BECAUSE OF UNUSUALLY HIGH CLAIMS? THEN YOU NEED OUR POOLED PLAN!For details call: Rob JackJack Insurance & Financial Services#201-1137 Yates Street, Victoria, BCP: 250.383.9866 | F: 250.383.6241rob@jackinsurance.ca

MAY & JUNE EVENTSTuesday, June 12, 2012Six for Lunch12:00pm – 1:30 pmMembers only please

Thursday, June 14, 2012Building Momentum Series – Marketing for Success8:00am – 10:00pmSponsored by: KPMG

Thursday, June 14, 2012Prodigy Group April Mingle5:00pm – 7:00pmMembers & their guests only please

Tuesday, June 19, 2012Victoria Chamber & Tourism Victoria Golf Tournament10:30am – 6:30pmHosted by: Olympic View Golf Course, 643 Latoria Rd.

Thursday, June 21, 2012June Business Mixer5:00pm – 7:00pmMembers & their guests only please

20 BUSINESSMATTERS

Economic RoundtablesTaking the Pulse of the Local EconomyIn an effort to provide our members with a better understanding of the nuances of our local economy, The Chamber holds Economic Roundtables with local businesses and economic stakeholders. They are invited to talk about what is happening in our region’s economy and share insights into sector challenges and opportunities. Conversation centers on current conditions, the steps being taken to continue growing and how they are positioning themselves to take advantage of better times to come.

BankingVictorians, like most Canadians, have been hoarding their cash since 2008 while economic instability swirled around. During that time, very few people took out loans, instead stockpiling their money away and creating an imbalance between the loan book and the deposit book for many institutions. Some institutions were seeing the deposits side of their business nearly double the loans side, a ratio that is normally quite close. This trend is starting to reverse as Victorians are easing up on the hoarding of their cash and beginning to take out loans.

Since the fall, loan requests have been growing in the 5 to 10 per cent range and the banking industry is forecasting a good year. Loan rules are still being stringently applied, but the message was clear, the banking industry is open for business and looking to loan money.

TechnologyIn a word – growth. Many of the firms have been seeing double-digit growth annually for the last few years. This trend did slow down but didn’t falter despite the strength of the Canadian dollar. Clients for this sector are North America-wide or international for the most part, creating a positive flow of money into our local economy. This sector has a high value for Victoria, employing desirable staff at better than average wages with minimal waste by-products creating a positive ripple effect across the region. The challenges they are regularly facing relate to finding both the right staff and sufficient staff to grow their business.

DevelopmentThe real estate market was deeply impacted by the HST. The recent unveiling of a series of HST relief

measures for home buyers is starting to make a difference in sales. The units that are selling are considered to be at the lower end of the scale while the higher-end homes are moving very slowly. In Victoria, there seems to be a trend towards relative downsizing - people moving out of their million dollar properties and into $700,000 homes.

Developers considering new opportunities are finding that loans are being stringently reviewed and aggressive targets of pre-sales of between 70 to 75 per cent are mandated as a minimum. Regional differences are creating both challenges and opportunities beyond the typical location argument. The development approval process in Langford can take as few as 3 months whereas in Victoria the process may take as long as 2 years but allows for increased density.

TourismThe tourism industry is susceptible to many outside influences beyond their control from the horrendous price of gas to something as simple as a flu outbreak. Many of the larger hotels in town, such as the Coast Victoria Harbourside and Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, are taking this slower period as an opportunity to upgrade and renovate in anticipation of a resurgence in tourism forecast for 2014. The other bright spot is the re-emergence of Tourism BC. In its former heydays as a crown corporation it was seen as an industry leader, able to drive significant tourism dollars with minimal budgets. There is bated breath across the sector as everyone waits to see what the new Tourism BC will be able to do.

Transportation - Air1.5 million people dash across the carpets at Victoria Airport each year. This is slightly down - around one per cent – but compared to the numbers at other regional airports, relatively flat numbers is a positive. Westjet regional service is looking at expansion that could bring about better service to Kelowna as well as new service to Prince George and Vancouver. The next likely opportunity for Westjet expansion includes service to LA. Diversification and expansion are the key drivers for the airport. Construction at the airport includes the new Sobey’s warehouse and some light industrial companies with each new tenant providing supplemental revenue for their new landlord, the Victoria Airport Authority.

21BUSINESSMATTERS

NEW MEMBERS

Bruce ReadArea Manager, Business Banking1080 Douglas St.Victoria250-507-1067bruce.read@td.com

Banking can be this comfortable

*On average versus any other Canadian Bank. Individual branch hours may vary. ® / The TD logo and other trade-marks arethe property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.

It’s our business tounderstand and helpbuild your business

We offer businesses a range of innovative, specializedproducts and services. Our specially trained anddedicated Small Business Advisors are committed tohelping you by providing:

• Insightful advice and innovative financial solutions • Flexible products and services • Branches open longer* to suit your busy schedule

Contact us today to discover how we canmake your business banking easier.

TD Canada Trust

Evolution HR ServicesHR Services to support business goals. 20+ years experience in technology, financial services, fortune 500 companies and many countries. 250.208.4605kathy@evolutionhrservices.com

RegusThe world’s largest provider of workspace solutions; offering furnished office space, meeting rooms, business lounges, video conferencing, reception facilities, phone messaging and many other services.778.410.5000elizabeth.backman@regus.comwww.regus.ca

This Guy Contracting Services Ltd.We do small renovations, fences, decks, odd jobs and take on challenges. Estimates are always free. Why would you want to hire THAT GUY when THIS GUY can do it cheaper.778.678.8588thisguyltd@shaw.cawww.facebook.com/thisguyltd2008

Nurse Next Door - Esquimalt & Western CommunitiesIt’s about caring, not just healthcare. Our goal isn’t simply to provide care, but to get you healthy and happy again. Let us ensure the details are taken care of so you can breathe a sigh of relief. Our approach to caring is different. And we’re proud of it. 250.590.6141esquimalt@nursenextdoor.comwww.nursenextdoor.com

Dress Me Up OrganicDress Me Up Organic is a small independent toy company. We specialize in the manufacturing of handmade organic soft toys, eco-teethers and baby linens. 250.590.4670jen@dressmeuporganic.comwww.dressmeuporganic.com

Dog NationDog Nation is a novel and original mobile hot dog grill with a unique multicultural approach, offering gourmet hotdogs from around the world.250.882.8224inquiries@hotdognation.cawww.hotdognation.ca

Wizard of Paws GroomingAt Wizard of Paws Grooming, we strive to provide the most positive experience possible for you and your pet. Chemical free, kennel free facility. Some of the best grooming prices in Victoria. 250.590.5171pawwizard@live.comwww.victoriadoggrooming.com

Tatiana Kostour - ViolinistPerforming at different events, corporate and private functions. String faculty member at Victoria Conservatory of Music. Private violin and piano instructions.250.508.9409info@tatianakostour.comwww.tatianakostour.com

Franklin Templeton InvestmentsFranklin Templeton Investments delivers an extensive array of investment solutions from one global platform, offering products under the Franklin, Templeton, Mutual Series, Bissett and Fiduciary brands. 250.588.7288jhelm@franklintempleton.cawww.franklintempleton.ca

Seeker SolutionsWe create software to extract relevant information from unstructured natural language documents. The objective is to make the growing volume of available data useful to decision makers. 250.483.4129robyn.quinn@seekersolutions.comwww.seekersolutions.com

22 BUSINESSMATTERS

NEW MEMBERSYour Pet PalsOur focus is pet health and we carry only the highest quality food. We specialize in alternative treatments, homeopathic remedies, herbs & nutritional supplements. 250.360.1322lori@yourpetpals.comwww.yourpetpals.com

Salon Label Inc.Salon and Beauty Industry specialists in brand creation and product development. Full research, development and consulting services including small to medium scale manufacturing.250.590.7999james@salonlabel.comwww.salonlabel.com

Camargue Investments/ Properties Inc.Member of the Denux Group, a family based group of companies with real estate holdings on Vancouver Island, Calgary, Montreal and Montpellier France. 250.686.4746robin@groupedenux.comwww.groupedenux.com

St. John AmbulanceSt. John Ambulance is the only safety advocate providing First Aid solutions anytime, anywhere – your one-stop shop for first aid training, kits, supplies and publications. 250.388.5505cmcphee@bc.sja.cawww.sja.ca/bc

UC Life Chiropractic Centre Inc.Upper cervical, a discipline of chiropractic focussing on finding & correcting the root cause of chronic conditions. Restoring the natural healing potential. 250.386.5433drtayal@uclife.cawww.uclife.ca

Outshine Salon & SpaIs an integrated beauty centre, services we provide are skin solutions, esthetics, hair, body treatments and now featuring weight loss using the ‘Ideal Protein’ method. 250.383.5598kepoole@telus.netwww.outshinesalonandspa.com

Creative JuicesAward winning communicator, strategist and brand builder. Assists in all aspects of marketing from strategy to conceptualization and implementation. 250.508.1409bradfelt@creativejuices.cawww.creativejuices.ca

Ribbon - The Gift of Choice‘Ribbon’ Gift Collections provide you with a simple, cost-effective solution to show your appreciation of employees and customers. For recognition? Ribbon – The Gift of Choice.250.812.3561dharsent@shaw.cawww.myribbongift.ca

4 RefuelWe increase your productivity and save labour dollars by providing on site diesel refueling to company fleets, construction fleets, construction sites, marine and home heating. Servicing Victoria and Duncan. 250.893.0810vi4refuel@shaw.cawww.4refuel.com

Purolator778.229.1579jlinden@purolator.comwww.purolator.com

Life on PurposeI help businessmen and professionals find the answers and solutions they are looking for in business and life so they can have the success, satisfaction and happiness they want!250.889.0988shane@lifeopc.comwww.lifeopc.com

Art Department DesignA quality graphic design studio offering clients all the benefits of a full service agency for a fraction of the price. 25 years experience. Traditional art techniques or integration into the electronic world. 250.381.4290victora@artdepartmentdesign.comwww.artdepartmentdesign.com

DesignHouse SalonOur salon community will be focussed on achieving a supportive and mutually beneficial environment of wellness for inner and outer beauty. Hair.Spa.Health. 250.516.1485chantellepasychny@gmail.comwww.designhousesalon.com

SureWork Solutions Ltd.Affordable live in homecare for seniors, disabled, and nanny care for children. One caregiver for one client. 250.361.2028ben@sureworksolutions.comwww.sureworksolutions.com

23BUSINESSMATTERS

NEW MEMBERS

The real people behind computer support

Work from virtually anywhere and on almost any device. From Office 365 mobile work force solutions to full computer and systems management and with over 37 years of experience Tecnet has an innovative service solution to keep your computers and systems running at peak performance keeping your staff effective and productive.

For more information call 250-475-6066 ext 3 or email sales@tecnet.ca

www.tecnet.ca

Nirvana Pet Resort Inc.Cat and dog grooming by profesional groomer. 2200 sq. ft. area for large dog daycare, seperate small dog daycare.Boarding for dogs and cats. 250.380.7795nirvana_pet@live.cawww.nirvanapetresort.weebly.com

Uniqua SpaUniqua Spa offers a stunning waterfront experience beyond your wildest dreams. Our treatments include massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, make-up application & tinting and waxing. We nourish your mind, body and spirit. 250.478.1763info@uniquaspa.comwww.uniquaspa.com

Bosley's Pet Food Plus- Royal Oak250.744.1125brunoroti@hotmail.comwww.bosleys.com

Stevenson DoellWe specialize in Personal Injury and Family Law matters, but also handle Wills, Estates, Corporate and Conveyancing of real estate, as well as Criminal matters. 250.388.7881inge@stevensondoell.comwww.stevensondoell.com

Saanichton Massage TherapyWe offer 34 years of combined Massage Therapy experience for our clients' healthcare needs utilizing Deep Tissue Therapy, Cranial Sacral Therapy and Pregnancy Massage Therapy.250.652.5740saanichtonmassagetherapy@gmail.com

Action Talent Sports ManagementAction Talent Sports Management – partnering corporations, who recognize the value of sponsorship, with Canadian high-performance Olympic, World Cup and X-Games athletes.604.696.6296connie@actiontalent.cawww.actionsportsmanagement.ca

Sweet BeginningsNorth America's leading wedding consulting, event planning and decor rental firm. 250.885.6040sweetbeginningsvictoria@shaw.cawww.asweetbeginning.com

Island Montessori House Society / SchoolIsland Montessori is an inclusive, integrated and nurturing preschool, kindergarten and grade 1/2 program. We are located in a lovely rural setting.250.592.4411imhs@telus.netwww.islandmontessori.com

Locate Your Soulmate Matchmaking Ltd.A Professional Matchmaking company based in Victoria, BC. We offer singles a safe, off-line, and highly personalized approach to finding love.250.418.0982info@locateyoursoulmate.comwww.locateyoursoulmate.com

Instruction ProfessionalsInstruction Professionals is a leader in designing, developing, and delivering training. We have built long lasting client relationships by offering the best educational designers and training professionals available in Canada.778.677.0344jlenardon@instruction-pros.comwww.instruction-pros.com

Tofino Vacation Rentals Inc.Tofino’s premier provider of vacation rentals offers a portfolio of privately owned beachfront and oceanfront homes, cabins and condos.1.250.725.2779leahmcdiarmid@shaw.cawww.tofinovr.com

Canadian Custom CleanersTo provide an affordable, efficient & worry free custom solution designed to meet all your cleaning needs. We provide an industry leading cleaning team & unsurpassed service.250.800.0922jneill@teamccc.cawww.teamccc.ca

Adventure Travel Company250.405.5880victoria@atcadventure.comwww.atcadventure.com

Shelley Quinte, Labour & Employment LawExperienced management-side labour, employment and human rights lawyer, providing advice and representation in all aspects of the employment relationship, from pre-emptive planning to litigation. 250.213.2400shelley@shelleyquinte.comwww.shelleyquinte.com

Maurice Properties Ltd.As of October 1st 2012, Maurice Properties Ltd. focuses on Strata Property Management.250.634.8144pmaurice@shaw.ca

Fan Tan Entertainment Inc.Fantan Group specializes in the management and execution of large-scale, outdoor sports and music productions, custom-designed conferences and festivals for both live and television audiences.250.414.0006 ext.201melissa.legge@fantangroup.comwww.fantangroup.com

UpanUp StudiosUpanUp provides cutting edge digital communications for leading companies & organizations. Our offerings include web application, websites, mobile solutions, web marketing campaigns and digital creative.250.590.1721peterk@upanupstudios.comwww.upanupstudios.com

West Bay Auto Sales778.433.5511sean@siguyscomputers.com

Chinook Business BrokersChinook Business Brokers is a full service brokerage offering businesses for sale on Vancouver Island. We evaluate, package, list and sell existing businesses, new businesses, and franchises. 250.812.0089kmackenzie@chinookbusinessbrokers.cawww.chinookbusinessbrokers.ca

Maple Leaf School of BalletWe offer ballet students the opportunity to be instructed by a past professional dancer in a gothic revival setting usually only enjoyed in a European environment. 250.514.5021karen-lorene@hotmail.com

Greg Sheres Inc.Greg Sheres Inc. manufactures all types of furniture and fixtures for commercial and residential applications. We provide design, production, and installation at highly competitive prices.250.858.6867gsheres@sheres.comwww.sheres.com

Chrisal Canada Ltd.CHRISAL Canada Ltd. has acquired a breakthrough technology for cleaning all types of facilities from healthcare to commercial and institutions to agriculture.250.519.0244johnedwards@chrisal.cawww.chrisal.ca

Island PhotoboothProud to be Vancouver Island's original Photobooth rental company. We create the ultimate party favor and entertainment service for special occasions. 250.897.9109blair@islandphotobooth.comwww.islandphotobooth.com

Pikosocial Media Inc.Pikosocial works with clients to define their marketing strategy. We then develop class leading campaigns and execute tactics, across relevant channels that deliver results.778.677.0050jude@pikosocial.comwww.pikosocial.com

24 BUSINESSMATTERS

NEW MEMBERS

A huge THANK YOU to our generous sponsors for helping to make the Prodigy Group’s 2012 Amazing Race a great success!

For the Prodigy Group’s Mentorship Mingle With esteemed guest speaker Mr. Terry Farmer - Founder and Chairman Accent Inns, Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award Winner. RSVP to mingles@prodigygroup.ca

Save The Date!

Thank You to Our Amazing Race Sponsors!

may 105:00-7:00 pm

Academy of Learning Bosley’s Pet Food PlusCanoeClub 9ONE9Cedarwood Productions

Executive House Hotel Grant Thornton Maximum Express Maximum Furniture Warehouse

Party Guy Tech Guys The Bay Centre Victoria Athletic Club

www.pgstaff.com

New Look. New Site. Check us out online.

Recruitment with great taste!

Staffing professionals who go the extra mile to match the right

candidate with the right employer.

Main Floor, 1124 Fort StreetVictoria, BC

Call us today 250.381.3254

The Soap ExchangeThe Soap Exchange can help your business reduce your waste management and removal costs and cleaning product costs, while providing environmentally-sensitive, 100% biodegradable products.250.475.0033cleanguy@pacificcoast.netwww.victoriasoapexchange.com

Tactix Leadership Inc.TACTIX Leadership Inc. assists you to improve the capacity of your Association or organization, large or small. We provide guidance to Association leaders to develop and implement transformational strategy. We facilitate stakeholder and special interest group engagements.250.382.3437pservos@tactixleadership.comwww.tactixleadership.com

Earth's Option- Cremation & Burial ServicesWhat makes us different? We come to you, we specialize in “Green” Burial ,we are not corporate owned, and we will do everything we can to exceed your expectations.778.440.8500earthsoption@shaw.cawww.earthsoption.com

Flowers by AnthonyBoutique floral shop dedicated to providing superior, creatively styled arrangements. We are committed to your absolute satisfaction and are privileged to service the corporate client with above and beyond service. 250.383.5116cathy.compagna@gmail.comwww.flowersbyanthonybc.com

Anna's Hair Design250.361.2662annashairdesign@hotmail.com

The UPS StoreThe UPS Store supports small business by offering a one-stop shop for digital printing, copying, mail box rentals, packing, worldwide shipping services & much more. 250.380.7023store116@theupsstore.cawww.theupsstore.ca/116

Nova BeautyNova has served the Beauty industry for over twenty years and has never lost sight of the importance of extending our service far beyond the products we represent. 250.382.3636darren@novabeauty.comwww.novabeauty.com

devEdge Internet MarketingHelping businesses find new customers and clients from online sources. Guaranteed to create a positive ROI. We use ethical, proven, and measurable Internet marketing techniques.250.516.4327kevin@devedge.cawww.devedge-internet-marketing.com

Daksha's Gourmet SpicesWe freshly grind our spices to manufacture 10 delicious curry blends, Chai Latté and Chai Spice which are all gluten free, no salt added and no MSG.778.426.1441daksha@spicesgourmet.comwww.spicesgourmet.com

Your

GRE

ENER cleaner store

TACTIX Leadership Inc.

Association Excellence

www.tactixleadership.com

TACTIX Leadership Inc. assists you to improve the capacity of your Association or organization, large or small.

The principle consultant of the company, Paul Servos, has three decades of demonstrated success leading Associations facing serious challenges in a wide range of governance structures and lines of business. Paul has walked many miles in your shoes and can quickly assess the situation you face.

We provide guidance to Association leaders to develop and implement transformational strategy.

25BUSINESSMATTERS

NEW MEMBERSFreedom 55 FinancialThrough our financial security advisors, Freedom 55 Financial, a division of London Life Insurance Company, offers Canadians financial security advice and planning. www.freedom55financial.com 250.475.1100 x403chris.johnstone@f55f.comwww.chrisjohnstone.ca

Vancouver Island Conference CentreExperience the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Vancouver Island’s newest and most exciting meeting and events venue located in downtown Nanaimo, BC.250.244.4050dboleszczuk@viconference.comwww.viconference.com

Quills Promotional ProductsWe specialize in reproducing Corporate, Logos, Fine Art, Native Art, etc. onto over 300,000 promotional items. We have a standardized lowest price across Canada with 3500 professional suppliers. 250.727.6777q777@quillstees.comwww.quillspromotionalproducts.com Co-op students have the

skills and energy to help your workplace excel.

Contact us today to hire a student. Work terms normally begin in January, May and September.

It’s simple. Hire a student. See results.

Co-operative Education and Student Employment www.camosun.ca/cese250.370.4410

Co-operative Education Program and Career Serviceswww.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/employerslearninginmotion.uvic.ca250.721.7628

It’s simple. Hire a student. See results.

Cooper FinancialTracking Benefit Trends for Employees Benefits & Individual Insurance Products for over 30 years. We offer Cost - Effective planning solutions for Businesses & Individuals with innovative knowledge & skill.250.475.0557 ext.105stephanie@cooperfinancial.cawww.cooperfinancial.ca

Victoria Home Staging Inc.Sell fast for higher price shorter period of time! Real estate agent and certified homestager with staging team! Unique, proven, integrity beyond. Call today.250.857.6666cathy@cathytravis.cawww.victoriahomestaginginc.com

Social Media CampSocial Media Camp brings together the brightest social media minds in North America for 2 days (June 8-9, 2012) of social media exploration, sharing & teaching, with a large dash of networking. 250.508.7761chris@socialmediacamp.cawww.socialmediacamp.ca

26 BUSINESSMATTERS

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

Chamber Call for Sustainable City Budgets Supported by Two Reports

The Chamber agreed with a City of Victoria report highlighting the need to manage municipal finances in a more sustainable way, but is concerned that continually slashing capital budgets and reserves will only make things worse in the future. For some time now tax hikes have been far in excess of the GDP, average wage increases or any other economic indicators available. Most businesses

and residents have had to adjust the way they operate in the current environment, finding ways to do more with less. The Chamber recognizes the tough economic conditions the region has faced and believes that there needs to be a stronger emphasis on controlling spending by all municipalities.

As part of the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy efforts Chamber staff worked with a consultant retained by the City of Victoria to review the City’s property tax structure and its impact on the business community. The consultant’s report highlighted the Chamber’s concerns about the overall level of spending and recommended that the portion supported by the business community be reduced over the next three years.

Chamber Call for BC Transit Tax Relief Supported

The Chamber advocated for, and was encouraged by, the recent news that BC Transit will not be asking for a property tax increase and has indicated that they will lower the business tax ratio from 5:1 to 4.85:1. Over the past year the Victoria Chamber has

called for local governments and organizations like BC Transit to hold the line on property taxes. We are glad that they have recognized the pressures that residential and business taxpayers are under and chosen not to add to that burden.

Our ongoing “Our Vibrant Community” campaign focuses on the pillars of affordability, accountability, transparency and collaboration. Minimizing budgetary and property tax increases is the first pillar in the initiative. We support the goals of public transportation and the principles of sustainability, and continue to call for the formation of a regional transportation authority.

Chamber Meets with Federal Cabinet Ministers Moore and Duncan

Following on the Chamber’s federal budget submission, the day after the recent federal budget the Chamber hosted a breakfast with federal Minister John Duncan to discuss the budget with regional economic stakeholders. The federal budget reinforced the Chamber’s call for balanced budgets and included over $100 million for upgrades to the Esquimalt Graving Dock, an important economic asset for the region. In meetings with Minister James Moore, the Chamber discussed other important regional assets, including recent funding for the E&N rail line. Also discussed were changes to the federal tax code to support workforce housing and the need for reforms to federal immigration programs to allow local businesses to attract and retain the workers they need.

Sasha Angus, Manager of Policy and Government Affairs at the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, with Federal Cabinet Minister James Moore at the Chamber luncheon on April 17, 2012.

The Victoria Chamber works to have a constructive influence on public policy on a variety of issues that support our members and a healthy, free enterprise system. In regular meetings with MLAs, MPs and Ministers, the Chamber lobbies government, and in recent months, has been particularly successful in having our policies adopted as government legislation.

JOB #Y100-12595CLIENT: YMCA VICTORIA

PUBLICATION: VICTORIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCESHIPPING DATE: NOVEMBER 15

AD DIMENSIONS: 8.5 X 11PREPARED BY: ECLIPSE CREATIVE 250-382-1103

Your Community.

Your

WE BUILD STRONG KIDS, STRONG FAMILIES AND STRONG COMMUNITIESYMCA-YWCA Greater Victoria • 851 Broughton Street, Victoria • Ph: 250-386-7511 • www.victoriay.com

CELEBRATEGreater Victoria Business Awards

2012

Business LeadershipBee-Clean Building MaintenanceRunner-up: Richmond Property Group Ltd.

New BusinessThe London ChefRunner-up: Nurse Next Door - Esquimalt & Western Communities

Business of the Year (1-10 Employees)Lûxe Home InteriorsRunner-up: Sector Learning Solutions

Business of the Year (11-25 Employees)Cairnview Mechanical Ltd.Runner-up: Smart Dolphins IT Solutions Inc.

Business of the Year (26-75 Employees)Root Cellar Village Green Grocer Ltd.Runner-up: CHEK News

Business of the Year (76+ Employees)Harbour Air Ltd.Runner-up: Connect Hearing

Outstanding Customer ServiceBath FitterRunner-up: Pets West Ltd.

InnovationVicPDRunner-up: Synergy Enterprises

Employer of the YearUNIT4 Business SoftwareRunner-up: Tourism Victoria

Sustainable Business PracticeMonk OfficeRunner-up: Heritage Office Furnishings Victoria Ltd.

Business Person of the YearShelagh Rinald, Rinald Tax Advisory Inc.Runner-up: Deirdre Campbell, Tartan Group

Young EntrepreneurRichard Van Leeuwen, Academy of LearningRunner-up: Rachel Paish, Passion and Performance

Employee of the YearRowena Hendriks, Carlton House of Oak BayRunner-up: Amanda Broad, City Green Solutions Society

COURIER, FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Mr. Terry Farmer, Founder & Co-Chairman, Accent Inns

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 2012 FINALISTS!

Terry Farmer has what’s known around Accent Inns as the “sparkle factor.” That indefinable characteristic that energizes and inspires those around him, coupled with the drive to simply get the job done. What makes it notable is his generosity in sharing his talents through extensive community activism over the last few decades.

His efforts with the Victoria, BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce saw him catapulting through the ranks as director then president. He was one of the founding members of Tourism Victoria and once again, not content to follow, his vision placed him in the guiding role of Chair. His work with a wide variety of sports organizations

and charities over these last few decades – including the Commonwealth Games, Greater Victoria Hospital Society and Pacifica Housing - are a road map to Victoria’s communal spirit.

His guidance and verve have not only benefitted associations, charities and boards, but Terry’s work as a mentor has also inspired on an individual level. “Our society depends on our young people, but we have to encourage them in their efforts. We also have to encourage our young people to get involved and give back. Join community organizations, give back to our society.” Terry counsels wisely.

OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: