Employers report that new workers entering the workforce often do not have the skills required to fulfill the terms of their employment. In addition, much of the existing workforce requires retraining to update their skills so companies can continue to compete in the changing economy. Educational institutions and local employers would benefit from a closer…
Last month I discussed the strategy of growing the economy by attracting more people to live in an area and suggested the most desirable groups to target based on their ability and willingness to contribute to the overall health of a community are baby boomers, entrepreneurial immigrants and millennials. Now we will look at how…
There was a significant shift between the old and new economies that occurred between the 1990’s and 2000’s. The old economy is filled with success stories of companies whose road to prosperity began initially by identifying an inexpensive place to do business in a community with preferential zoning and taxation policies and ideally, an established…
In honour of National Volunteer Week which was celebrated the last week of April, I wish to acknowledge our new Board of Directors: Doug Walker, President (Cambium Leadership) Gordon Benn, Vice President (Pearlman Lindholm) Sheila Henn, Treasurer (Paterson Henn Chartered Professional Accountants) Tara Keeping, Secretary (Tiger Lily Events) John Treleaven, Past President (The Treleaven Consulting…
Many years ago I had the privilege to work on a community economic development project with Ernesto Sirolli. Lessons from that project and from his book Ripples from the Zambezi: Passion Entrepreneurship and the Rebirth of Local Economies, have long resonated. His lifelong passion for empowering entrepreneurs is inspirational and instructional when considering how we…
We wrapped up another successful Tour of Industry at the end of January. The Tour is important for many reasons, one of which is because it strengthens the relationship between businesses and the community. The business/community relationship is not one-sided. The most obvious benefit for the community is that businesses create jobs. The business and…
An investment in your local Chamber of Commerce is an investment in your own prosperity, as a businessperson and as a member of the community. Our role is to promote business, monitor all levels of government and champion managed growth in the economy. As the voice of business, we mobilize like-minded individuals who, together, work…
Tis the season for considering the successes and challenges of the past year while making plans for the New Year. In the spirit of making resolutions, we offer some straightforward suggestions for optimizing your financial health in 2017 by making good use of your Chamber benefits. We would rather you didn’t feel the same way…
Ours is an organization that is inherently in flux due to our communities being in transition, yearly election of board members, changes in office staff, and the varying levels of involvement and participation of members. Change helps us grow and reveals our strengths and opportunities. It is essential that we check in periodically to ensure…
Congratulations go out to all our Crystal Award Winners! This year’s turnout was exceptional and we are happy to present you with the Winners below: [lsvr_definition_list custom_class=”pad-definition”] [lsvr_definition_list_item title=”Business of the Year (1-15 Employees)” value=”Coastal Heat Pumps “] [lsvr_definition_list_item title=”Business of the Year (16+ Employees)” value=”Seastar Chemicals “] [lsvr_definition_list_item title=”Contribution to the Community” value=”Bayshore Home Health…
Being part of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber says you care about your staff, the community, and the future.