BusinessMatters

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Vol. 5 Issue 2 March/April 2009

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ABOUT BUSINESS MATTERS Business Matters is the news magazine of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. It is published six times per year and distributed free-of-charge to members of the GVCC.

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Messages from the Chair and CEO

Member News

Events Calendar

Prodigy Group

Greater Victoria Development Agency

Policy Moves

New Members

Ask An Expert

2009 Greater Victoria Business Awards Finalists

Building for the Future

Local consulting agency hiring UVic students since 1993

Is the Capital Region Economically Sustainable?

Front cover photo courtesy of the Office of the Minister of Finance.

18 Membership and Policy & Public Affairs Committee Columns

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contentsmarch/april 2009 l vol. 5 issue 2

Divisions of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group

Business Matters4

John JuricicChair

Bruce CarterChief Executive Officer

messages

I have spent a considerable amount of time talking to business owners this year to understand their concerns and to stay in touch with the local economy. My overall impression is that business is OK. No one is expecting their best year ever in 2009 but it is not as bad as news reports are making it out to be. Businesses are operating conservatively and trying to keep a supply of capital on hand for unexpected turns of events. The majority of businesses have been able to access existing lines of credit but the financial institutions have become much harder to satisfy if businesses are seeking new capital arrangements. One significant phenomenon we have seen is the decisions affecting local branches of national chains. The economy is much weaker in Ontario and many national businesses are making decisions nationally based on Ontario Economics. This has saddled Victoria branches of national companies with constraints that do not reflect the local reality. The same can be said of businesses that are branches of US companies who have much greater challenges than their Canadian branches. I expect this trend will continue and local managers will have to work very hard to explain our economy is not the same as Ontarios or that in the United States. We have seen significant job losses in the construction sector and I expect that hiring in the tourism sector for peak season will be weaker than normal. Our conference and cruise businesses look good for 2009. In the high tech sector venture capital for new projects has dried up but companies with market ready products are doing well. Overall our economy has some challenges but dont believe everything you hear from the East.

Its the economy. Thats the top message we have been getting from our members and the top focus of our priorities over the last number of months. With the rapid downturn in the economy in the last half of 2008 and a growing number of forecasts for continued weakness, the Chamber made sure to connect with as many of our members as possible to find what their biggest business concerns are for the coming year. We were fortunate to be able to take some of those issues to federal finance minister Flaherty in early January and were pleased to see some of the input from our chamber, and the Greater Victoria Development Agency reflected in the budget that was released on January 27th. The commitment of the federal government to address the difficulty business has been having in accessing capital is welcomed. As is the substantial commitment to infrastructure investments across the country. Our challenge now is to move quickly to identify those projects that we can get off the ground in short order and that will have long-term economic benefits through supporting our major industries in the region: high tech, tourism, marine, and research and development. In harder economic times, we do look to the leadership in our community to step up to an even greater degree than is normally required. Leadership is always important, but it is more important when times are tough than when times are good. We need all our leaders, and particularly our municipal leaders, to make tough decisions, to prioritize regional objectives, and to keep the challenges of the economy and what it means for small businesses across the region at the forefront of their minds when they make each decision before them on a daily basis. As chair of the chamber, I will continue to speak for the small business owners across our region with the goal of ensuring a vibrant business environment with the best opportunity to flourish, even in tough times.

Business Matters 5

membernews

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The Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites is delighted to launch its newest food and beverage offering, Clives Classic Lounge. Named after hotel owner, Clive Piercy, the new lounge located off the lobby, defines modern elegance while embracing the unique and distinctive qualities of the hotel and its well known owner.

Clives Classic Lounge features traditional cocktails fashioned from only the freshest ingredients as well as import and local beers on tap, a diverse offering of wines and a large selection of premium spirits. The menu features dishes such as fresh Dungeness crab potato skins, hand peeled shrimp cocktails with brandy cream, mouth-watering Kobe beef burgers and much more.

Nominations are open for the VIATeC Technology Awards, recognizing the achievements of Greater Victoria technology companies over the past year in the provinces fastest growing technology region.

VIATeC Technology award winners are widely renowned as leaders in research, technology and innovation and the awards recognize the individuals behind all of the hard work in the technology industry.

You can nominate any technology business headquartered on Vancouver Island, including your own! To nominate, please go to www.viatec.ca. This years nomination deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16th, 2009. The Victoria Foundation Board of Directors welcomes three new

appointments to the Board for 2009. Joining the board are Heather Raven from the Faculty of Law at UVic, Deidre Roberts, former radio and television broadcaster, now full time artist, and Bob Worth, retired Executive Director, Finance for the University of Victoria.

Departing Directors are Kirk Davis, Fiona Hyslop and Roger Soane. The Foundation Board and staff would like to extend their sincerest gratitude for their dedication and commitment to the Foundation over the years.

The Victoria Conference Centre has celebrated its 20 year anniversary. Over its first 20 years as BC's second largest convention facility, the VCC has hosted 6,495 events generating more than $670 million in estimated economic impact for Victoria.

Hosting more than 250 events per year, the VCC welcomes delegates from all over the world. In 2008, the VCC hosted 262 events and generated more than $50 million in direct delegate spending for Victoria. With the Crystal Garden expansion, the VCC offers a total of nearly 75,000 square feet of function space.

Conference centre business can provide a real boon to the hospitality industry, suppliers, and the workers they employ. Conference delegates often fill hotel rooms during the shoulder season and mid-week travel when leisure travel is traditionally low. In addition, many conferences are booked years in advance, and as such are less susceptible to short-term economic fluctuations. Conference delegates tend to spend, on average, $450 per day.

The Victoria Airport Authority is pleased to announce increased flight frequency to San Francisco. United Express will increase their flights to twice daily effective March 29. Flights will be offered in two 50 seat regional jets, replacing the one 66 seat regional jet currently in operation. The new jet will have 100% economy seating and will offer a more attractive schedule for passengers making connections out of San Francisco.

Tourism Victorias promotion, Set Sail on Us was named Best Tourism Marketing Campaign of 2008 at the Tenth Annual British Columbia Tourism Awards. Announced at the British Columbia Tourism Industry Conference, this award recognizes a tourism company, city, region, or sector association for their success in launching an innovative marketing campaign to increase business and enhance the tourism industry in British Columbia between January 1 and October 31, 2008.

The Set Sail on Us promotion, offered complimentary ferry fare between Vancouver and Victoria and sold out in less than three days. Tourism Victoria points to their partnership with BC Ferries as instrumental to the success of the program.

Bayview Residences is delighted to announce that the first building, Bayview One, is completed and owners are living in their new homes. The 10 storey building on the Songhees hilltop has generated significant interest lately from local residents who are very pleased with the quality of the Bauhaus-inspired finishes in the suites and the spacious floorplans.

Bayview reports that they consistently hear that Bayview One is with no exception, the finest quality project purchasers have ever seen.

A selection of one, two and three bedroom suites are still available and can be viewed at the Presentation Centre - open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Victoria Symphony Society has named Mitchell Krieger to serveas the organizations executive director.

Krieger who started in the position in late January, has relocated from New Jersey, where he most recently served as Managing Director of George Street Playhouse. In partnership with Artistic Director David Saint, Krieger produced critically acclaimed productions including a number of world premieres.

Deedrie Ballard, President of the Victoria Symphony, said that the Victoria Symphony search committee unanimously selected Krieger based on his previous experience leading other arts organizations and his passion and extensive knowledge of symphony orchestras.

Kriegers career as a musician and teacher included positions at New York City Opera,Virginia Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Cleveland Opera, Juilliard Opera Center, and guest engagements with many other companies. Krieger also served as Professor of Opera for theUniversity of Michigan, as well as

judge for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

Peter Maddaugh, Board Chair of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, is delighted to announce the appointment of Jon Laughlin Tupper as the new Director/CEO for the Gallery. He comes to the AGGV from his previous position as the Director of the Confederation Centre Art Gallery, located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. His background as an artist and seasoned cultural manager spans the country.

Tupper began his new post as the Art Gallery of Greater Victorias Director/CEO on March 2, 2009.

Victorias Leadership Award is a program partnership between Leadership Victoria, the Rotary Clubs of Greater Victoria, the University of Victoria and the Victoria Foundation to recognize outstanding contributions to the vibrancy of the Greater Victoria community.

Awards were given to Trudi Brown,Q.C., Bea Holland, Dr. Ealine Gallagher, Dr. Budd Hall, Ivan Watson, and The Victoria Native Friendship Centre. Leadership Victoria Lifetime Achievement Award honours outstanding long-term service in community leadership roles such as philanthropy, innovation, mentoring and career achievementwas awarded to Helen and Ted Hughes.

Business Matters6

membernews contd

FINALISTSgreater victoria business awards

2009

Business Leadership Accent Inns Dodds Furniture & Mattress

New Business Ooh la la Cupcakes Root Cellar Village Green Grocer Ltd.

Business of the Year (1-10 employees) Cedarwood Productions Inc. SW Audio Visual

Business of the Year (11-25 employees) Island Displays Robinsons Outdoor Store

Business of the Year (26-75 employees) A1 People Care Ltd. Neverblue

Business of the Year (76+ employees) Victoria Shipyards Co. Ltd. Victorian Epicure Inc.

Sustainable Business Practices Monk Office Fiber Options Naturals

Outstanding Customer Service Food for Thought Catering Robinsons Outdoor Store

Business Person of the Year Brian Sharp, DFH Real Estate Ltd. Margaret Lucas, Hotel Rialto

Innovation Island Displays Schneider Electric

Employee of the Year Sheri Kasnik, Island Savings Credit Union Darcy Westfall, Neverblue

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Scott Dewis, Race Rocks Digital Ross Dunn, StepForth Web Marketing Inc.

Employer of the Year ASPECT Megson Fitzpatrick Inc.

Join us as we reveal the award winners at our annual awards gala www.victoriachamber.ca

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 6 p.m. Reception 7 p.m. Dinner

The Fairmont Empress

Governors Lifetime Achievement award winner... Alex A. Campbell, Founder, Thrifty Foods

Research-intensive universities have an enormous impact on the availability of jobs in clean, sustainable industries in their regions.

Dr. Howard Brunt, UVics vice president research

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In this photo: Site B of proposedVancouver island Technology Park expansion.

Infrastructure investment is the buzz of the day. With the federal government pledging $7 billion in infrastructure investments, including $4 billion to be implemented through provincial and municipal partnerships, municipalities across the country are scrambling to get their projects on the preferred list and have investments flowing to their communities.

BUILDING FOR THE

FUTURE

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Business Matters10

While investments in infrastructure will have the immediate impact of putting people to work in household sustaining

jobs, it is more important to consider the long-term economic impact of each proposed project. Working today is good, but working today on projects that will bring increased business vitality, increased employment opportunities, improved education capacity, and better community transportation connections in the future is even better. Keeping focused on the long-term goal of greater vitality and productivity is also important to help Canada be in a better position to bounce back when the economy turns around. Because infrastructure funding will be largely dependent upon matching dollars from provincial and municipal governments, there is a danger that municipalities will not be in a position to engage in larger projects with the type of long-term economic benefit that the country needs. While small localized projects will get people working, the benefit ends when the job is finished. The Chamber of Commerce along with the Greater Victoria Development Agency, chamber members, and association representatives have worked together to identify projects that have the greatest long term economic benefit for our region. While

the following list is not exhaustive, it shows a few projects in our region that have the potential to improve our regions assets for the long-term. University of Victorias Vancouver Island Tech Park Expansion and Ocean Technology Park Two of the proposed regional infrastructure projects are closely connected with the University of Victorias role in innovation and knowledge-creation and its effect on economic development on southern Vancouver Island. Research-intensive universities have an enormous impact on the availability of jobs in clean, sustainable industries in their regions, says Dr. Howard Brunt, UVics vice president research. Support from federal and provincial infrastructure initiatives for these projects would mean that UVic and our private sector partners could accelerate the development of cutting-edge, commercially-viable products and services that will attract jobs and investment to Greater Victoria. UVics Vancouver Island Technology Park (VITP) has been a powerhouse of jobs and opportunities since the university purchased the going concern in 2005. It currently houses 32 high tech companies that employ 1,300 highly skilled and educated workers in new media, wireless, life sciences, oceans technology and information

communications technology fields and contributes $280 million to the provincial economy each year. Several of the companies got their start as university spin-offs. With a municipally-approved plan that will eventually allow for an additional 250,000 sq. ft. of buildings, VITP could, with federal infrastructure funding in the coming months, construct a much-needed $28.5 million, 80,000 sq. ft environmentally-friendly facility to attract small and medium-sized companies that focus on clean and information communications technology. The new leading-edge facility would accommodate 500 employees and could stimulate another $140 million in annual economic activity. UVic has spent the past year planning, in collaboration with government and local industry, a world-class, national-scale Ocean Technology Park (OTP) and regional ocean energy and engineering facility in North Saanich. With federal infrastructure funding, an 80,000 sq. ft. $28.3 million environmentally-friendly ocean research facility could be built as the first step toward a 300,000 sq ft park that would provide space for technology companies and research organizations and ultimately house 1,800 highly skilled ocean and marine technology workers. A full scale OTP could stimulate an estimated $440 million in annual economic activity.

Photo courtesy of Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

In this photo: Current docks at Ogden Point with cruise ship extending past the pier.

11Business Matters

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It would capitalize on UVics position as a world leader in oceans research and technology and on the major economic growth potential in the international ocean and marine science and technology markets. By putting leading ocean researchers, engineers and companies side by side, an OTP would encourage technology transfer, market access, and business development.

Expansion of Ogden Point Cruise ships docking at Ogden Point represent a significant impact to our regions economy, not only through direct tourism spending, but through increased customer base for a number of product and service suppliers throughout the area. Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has a plan to build a new mooring dolphin, which would in effect, extend the pier at Ogden Point and increase the safety of the tie-ups for existing ships and enable the new generation of larger cruise ships to dock. The timing for such a project is important to provide a port of call that can accommodate the increasing volume of larger cruising vessels coming of Seattle. Other ports of call along the route to Alaska will also be vying for large cruise ship business and Victoria needs to be positioned to capture a share of that market. This rather simple shovel-ready project at Ogden Point could provide expanded business opportunities to receive tens of thousands increased visitors per year, with lasting spin off economic activity for a wide-range of local companies. The project budget as currently envisioned would cost approximately $4.5 million and could be funded through a partnership with the federal and provincial governments, and the GVHA.

Victoria International Airport Runway Expansion

Victoria International Airport is Canadas 9th busiest airport, and has the shortest runway of all major Canadian airports and Provincial Capitals. The airport has seen year over

year growth, averaging 5.7% per year since 2002.

Photo courtesy of Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

Victorias FASTEST Seattle Connection!

866.435.9524 KenmoreAir.comHyack Air Floatplane Terminal , 1234 Wharf Street, just below the Victoria Regent Hotel, Tel. 250.384.2411

Quick 45-min. flights Downtown-to- downtown service Inner Harbour to Seattles Lake Union

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Photo courtesy of Victoria Airport Authority

In this photo: Aerial view of the entire length of the main runway 09/27.

This $41.2 million dollar project will enable non-stop air service to international destinations such as London.

12 Business Matters

tel 250.413.3203 toll free 1.866.604.8396 fax 250.475.2829 web www.alphaselect.ca

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The Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) has successfully completed a major terminal expansion and is setting the stage to attract additional international air service. To promote economic growth and sustainability for Vancouver Island, the VAA is proposing a 1400 foot runway extension. This $41.2 million dollar project will enable non-stop air service to international destinations such as London. A three-way equal partnership between the Airport Authority, Province of British Columbia and the Federal Government would allow this project to begin almost immediately, with a target completion date of 2010. Connectivity is the key to prosperity and this

project will positively impact our entire community. Extending our main runway will allow us to attract additional non-stop service to international destinations, notes Richard Paquette, President and CEO of the Victoria Airport Authority. The local tourism and technology sector will directly benefit from the new opportunities this will create Pacific Institute of Sport Excellence Phase Two

World-class programs and services are being delivered to both National and Provincial level athletes

at the Pacific Institute for Sport

Excellence (PISE). In addition, Camosun College is offering diploma and degree level programs in Exercise & Wellness, Sport Management and Athletic & Exercise Therapy to over 200 students. All this after the Phase 1 completion of PISE, a LEED Gold project, brought in on time and on budget in September 2008. The first phase was funded by the Province of British Columbia ($24.5 M) and Canadas business and philanthropic community ($3.25M), including significant contributions from Hudsons Bay Company and Thrifty Foods. The Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence is a Canadian first and is considered a model for sport development across the country and around the world. The second phase of development will expand the facility to its larger vision of better serving athletes, coaches, students and the community with additional classroom, training and research space, including a track and broadcast centre. The Institute features a full complement of expert staff and offers healthy living programs and services for the community as well as leading edge support for high performance athletes. The $15 million second phase will provide up to two hundred construction jobs and on completion, provide space for up to 20 positions including new faculty, sport scientists, coaches, maintenance and support staff, sport administrators and fitness supervisors. The economic impact is expected to be double the original forecast and contribute over $25 million to the CRD economy each year. The completion of Phase 2 will ensure that the Institute and the CRD remain leaders in sport development in Canada. McTavish InterchangeThe Victoria International Airport is the regions key transportation link to the rest of the world. Road links between the Airport and Victorias city centre have not kept pace with airport improvements. Traffic leaving the Airport passes smoothly through the new roundabout at East Saanich Road and along Canora Road, until it reaches the stop sign prior to entering McTavish Road. This is an increasingly congested and dangerous intersection, and turning left towards the highway can be a serious challenge during peak hours. Traffic approaching the Airport from Victoria can be even more problematic, with backups overflowing

In this photo: Future expansion of the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence.

13Business Matters

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the left turn lane to McTavish from Highway 17. At a local level, the Town of Sidney, District of North Saanich and District of Central Saanich have all expressed support for a highway interchange at McTavish Road. The Airport Authority has committed $3 million dollars towards the initiative. Highway 17 is Victorias gateway for freight and passengers traveling to and from the mainland, comments Richard Paquette, President and CEO of the Victoria Airport Authority. And the efficiency of this corridor is key to the regions economic success. Richard adds, This proposed interchange will be a boon for the local construction sector while both locals and visitors alike will benefit from the improved flow of traffic and greatly increased margin of safety.

E&N Rail Corridor

Renewal of the Rail Corridor requires an investment of 103.8 million dollars to bring the entire 267 kilometre corridor up to full operating standards. A project of the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF), the scope consists

of two tracks: a 225 kilometre stretch between Victoria and Courtenay and a 64 kilometre link between Parksville and Port Alberni. The Island Corridor Foundation positions the project as an important improvement to the Islands rail capacity for freight and passenger service. It notes that decades of neglect and under-investment in the rail corridor have greatly diminished the ability to carry freight or passengers, citing declining freight traffic from 7800 cars in 1997 to fewer than 900 in 2005.

The organization also links the proposed project to a decrease in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from Island transportation. With increased freight capacity, there is opportunity to remove a fair number of transport vehicles from the TransCanada Highway, and with the possibility of commuter rail service on the South Island portion of the line, there is the additional possibility of removing passenger traffic from the roads. ICF points to the economic impact of the rail renewal indicating that government investment would spur further private sector investment in a new rail/marine terminal proposed by Southern Rail of British Columbia (SRY). This parent company of the owners of the Island rail have indicated that a new facility to be built on Annacis Island in Richmond, should the Island Corridor go ahead, would provide expanded direct access for island companies to North American and Asian markets.

Senior governments have moved beyond the recognition of the extreme downturn in the global economy and the fact that British Columbia, though sheltered, is not completely immune to the downturn. Their willingness to go into deficit budgets and put significant funding into infrastructure investments, provides our region with an opportunity to grasp those projects that will keep the construction industry on track, support our local economy, and provide long-term positive economic spin-off. As a Chamber, these are the items we will focus our advocacy efforts on.

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Business Mixer

Start your day with Bruce Carter, CEO, and bring forward issues of importance.8:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m.Members only please.Chamber Offices

Sponsored by Sector Learning Solutions Inc. Energy Efficiency Grants & Rebates for Homeowners & Small to Medium Business Owners11:45 a.m. 1:00 p.m.Chamber Offices

Sponsored by Sector Learning Solutions Inc. How to Develop and Write a Winning Proposal11:45 a.m. 1:00 p.m.Chamber Offices

Comprehensive board training specific to your organization8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m.Executive Eurostar Hotel &Conference Centre 3020 Blanshard St.

Comprehensive board training specific to your organization8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.Executive Eurostar Hotel &Conference Centre 3020 Blanshard St.

A three-part retail training series. Part One: Keeping the Customer Satisfied 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.Chamber Offices

A three-part retail training series. Part Two: Retaining Top Talent 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.Chamber Offices

A three-part retail training series.Part Three: Management Leadership Skills 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.Chamber Offices

Prodigy Group Mingle

Hosted by Canoe BrewPub Marina & Restaurant.5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.450 Swift St.

Business Matters14

eventscalendar

PAULA STEELECity Green SolutionsEnergy Efficiency Grants & Rebates for Homeowners & Small to Medium Business OwnersIn a time of rising fuel prices, a recession, and customer demand for greater corporate social responsibility, more building owners are realizing the multiple benefits of investing in building energy efficiency. Paula Steele will review the programs and incentives available today to create a conservation culture.

Business Education Series March 11 Business Education Series March 25

SUZANNNE DANEResource Solutions Group

How to Develop and Write a Winning Proposal

If you're preparing a letter proposal that's due in three days or a 1000-page formal proposal due in three months, this seminar is for you. Suzanne Dane, Principal, Resource Solutions Group will give you all the information you need to craft a comprehensive, compelling proposal package.

For more information or to register, visit www.victoriachamber.caFor more information or to register, visit www.victoriachamber.ca

Boot Camp for Board Members

Boot Camp for Board Members

CEO Coffee Hour

Business Education Series

Business Education Series

Peak Retail Series

Peak Retail Series

Peak Retail Series

Hosted by Ambrosia Catering & Event Centre 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.638 Fisgard St.

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Business Mixer

Start your day with Bruce Carter, CEO, and bring forward issues of importance.8:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m.Members only please.Chamber Offices

Sponsored by Sector Learning Solutions Inc. 10 Guaranteed Marketing Strategies to Increase Your Bottom-line 11:45 a.m. 1:00 p.m.Chamber Offices

Sponsored by Sector Learning Solutions Inc. Achieving Breakthrough Customer Service11:45 a.m. 1:00 p.m.Chamber Offices

Celebrate with us!6:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.Fairmont Empress 721 Government Street

Prodigy Group Amazing Race 2009

Starts: 5:15 p.m. Mile Zero in Beacon Hill Park. Ends: 7:30 p.m. at the Sticky Wicket.

Business Matters 15

For more information or to register, visit www.victoriachamber.ca

CEO Coffee Hour Business Education Series

Business Education Series

Business Awards

Hosted by Royal Scot Hotel & Suites5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.425 Quebec St.

Business Education Series April 8 Business Education Series April 29

SUSAN LOWDirectis Consulting GroupAchieving Breakthrough Customer ServiceCustomers are the lifeblood of any organization, and companies that deliver consistently high customer experiences make breakthrough profits and enjoy astounding loyalty. Join Susan Low, Principal Consultant of Directis Consulting Group, to explore the ways any organization can achieve breakthrough customer service.

GEOFF AFFLECKSmall Business Makeovers 10 Guaranteed Marketing Strategies to Increase Your Bottom-line In today's economy, becoming a marketing expert is critical if your business is to survive and thrive. Sales and marketing expert, Geoff Affleck will offer 10 proven and practical marketing strategies designed to bring you more leads, clients and profits.

Sponsored by Sector Learning Solutions Inc. Foreign Worker Seminar - For the Tourism and Hospitality Sector 8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.Chamber Offices

Business Education Series

16 Business Matters

CONNECT WITH BUSINESS LEADERS YOU CAN RELATE TOAT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

MONTHLY MINGLESI cant believe the energy in the room when Prodigy Group Members get together! One of our first time guests captured my sentiment well when he described members at our Anniversary event as an amazing group of utterly enthusiastic individuals. The start of our second year as Prodigy Group kicked-off with an overwhelming amount of support at our Anniversary mingle on January 29th. Thank you to all of our speakers, and especially to Dan Barton for his key note address. Im sure all in attendance will join me in thanking our Monthly Mingle sponsor Canoe Brewpub for all of their tasty food and delicious drinks. As noted at the event, the Prodigy Group is launching the 2009 Prodigy Mentorship Program. This pilot project will allow achievement orientated Prodigy Group Members an opportunity to work closely with a Chamber mentor in order to achieve their personal and professional goals, all within an established program structure. If you are interested in being part of the 2009 Prodigy Mentorship Program either as a Mentor or Mentee, please contact Shannon Renault at srenault@gvcc.org. I am always delighted when I have people come up to me and ask me how they can become involved in Prodigy Group. My answer is: come and network at our mingles, participate in Community Connections and volunteer your time for a good cause, and think about being a mentor or mentee and sign up for our mentorship program. Keep an eye out for more information arriving in your inbox about all of our events and initiatives.

March

Date and Time: Thursday, March 12th, 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Location: Canoe BrewPub Marina & Restaurant, 450 Swift St.Price: Free to members and their guests

April

Prodigy Group Amazing Race 2009! Date and Time: Thursday, April 9th, 5:15 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Location: Meet at 5:15 p.m. at Mile Zero in Beacon Hill Park. Finishes at the Sticky Wicket (919 Douglas St.) at 7:30 p.m. Price: Members team of 4: $80 Non-Members team of 4: $100

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSThrough a relationship with the Victoria Foundation, Community Connections identifies quality volunteer oppor-tunities in the community that will offer professional and personal growth experiences while contributing to the greater good of the Capital region. These volunteer opportunities are offered exclusively to Prodigy Group members. Please contact Community Connections Liaison Kelly Leach, at kellyleach@royallepage.ca for information on current opportunities and how to apply. If you are a not-for-profit organization that operates in the Capital Region and feel you can create a quality volunteer opportunity for a Prodigy Group member.

ANNOUNCEMENT This year we will be launching a new program that will pair Victorias Prodigies with mentors who are long time masters of their field. To receive more information on this program as it is launched send your name and your interest: as a mentor or mentee to srenault@gvcc.org.

David VinnelsChair

17Business Matters

David NicholsonChair

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Over the past few months the Greater Victoria Development Agency (GVDA) has been very busy helping local businesses and raising awareness about the positive attributes of our local economy. With the kind support of Rogers Broadcasting, the GVDA has developed a series of radio addresses from our regions major stakeholders outlining the tremendous work that continues to build an even brighter future for our region. The campaign has received a great response and will be augmented by a similar drive in the Times Colonist over the next few weeks. The GVDA also hosted an economic roundtable with regional stakeholders and discussed the region's economic conditions. The group included representatives from across our economic spectrum including our tourism, technology, academic, marine, construction, finance and public sectors. The group discussed potential economic stimulus for the region and identified shovel-ready projects and other potential government investments to help shore up our economy. Projects were identified based on their ability to provide not only near term economic activity, but also for their contribution to our long term economic prosperity, by fostering new capacity for our region. The items that fit these criteria included an expansion of the runway at the Victoria International Airport, expansion of the Ogden Point cruise ship terminal, development of phase two and three of the Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence, and further development of the Vancouver Island Technology Park. In addition to the industry representatives, all three members of parliament for the region were in attendance, as well as regional elected officials. During these times of economic uncertainty, the GVDA exists to serve the needs of local businesses and entrepreneurs. If you need advice on developing new markets for your products, or help with any other issue facing your business, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Our Economic Development Officer, Sasha Angus, would be happy to help.

18 Business Matters

committeecolumns

Rose ArsenaultChair, Membership Committee

David MarshallChair, Policy and Public Affairs Committee

'Policy' may not be the most enticing lead-in to this column. But sound policy is an important element of the Chambers work. As the Voice of Business for the Greater Victoria region, the Chamber works, in part, to constructively influence public policy to support a healthy private enterprise system. When our Chair or CEO is asked to comment on the issue of the day or when we are advancing an issue of importance to the Chamber and our members we are doing so on the basis of our vision, priorities and/or policy. A significant amount of behind-the-scenes work goes into policy development. Much of this work is done by Chamber staff (notably by our CEO, Bruce Carter, and by Shannon Renault, our Manager of Policy Development & Communications) before receiving board approval. But we live in interesting times and your Board has put even greater emphasis on this crucial activity in 2009. A Policy and Public Affairs Committee has been formed to get out in front of emerging issues, provide early Board-level input to the policy development and review process, and effectively to turn up the volume on the Voice of Business in our advocacy efforts. And we are hard at work. In January, we hosted a Roundtable on the Economy where 30 Chamber members answered the call to assist us in providing input to the recent federal budget. Timely positions were developed on each of deficit financing, and infrastructure and industry investment. These were provided to our local MPs and, through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, to the Minister of Finance. As suggested at the start of this article, policy may not seem glamorous. If you are interested in the Chambers current policies, synopses are available at www.victoriachamber.ca/policy_positions. And if you believe that the Chamber should be taking a particular position on a specific issue that impacts the broader business community, please contact us and help us work on your behalf.

Annie Wong-Harrison, John Espley and I are excited to be involved in the newly re-formed Membership Committee. Our direction over the next year will be to provide input and advise for continuous membership growth, enhancement of membership services and improvement of member retention. One of our main goals will be to increase membership participation and input. This is your chance to let us know what we do well, what you see as important or the areas that you think we might need improvement on. To quote John Juricic, Chair of the Board, greater member involvement builds a stronger Chamber and a better business community. We are the Voice of Business, let us be heard. The Ambassador Committee, now part of the Membership Committee will continue to play an active and important role in the Chamber. They are there to encourage meaningful participation in the Chambers programs and services among new members, in an effort to build member commitment and increase member retention. The Ambassadors are professionals from various backgrounds who serve as another avenue to liaise between the Chamber and its members. If youre interested in learning more about the Ambassador Program either Dorothy Crawford at the Chamber or I can answer your questions. As Chair of both of these committees I invite you, our members, to contact any of us to give your feedback, input or suggestions. You can reach me directly at rarsenault@pgstaff.com

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19Business Matters

Call Greater Victorias co-op programs today to nd a student that meets your hiring needs.

Students: dependable,bright, cost-effective help.

www.camosun.ca/coop250.370.4410

www.uvic.ca/coop 250.721.6076

Victorias Sierra Systems, one of Macleans Top 100 Employers in Canada and a Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce member, has been hiring co-operative

education students from the University of Victoria since 1993. They have placed more than 61 engineering, math, computer science and health information science students in a variety of roles. Co-op students tend to have a fresh and enthusiastic outlook and theres nothing like youthful energy to question the status quo, says Sierra Systems Victoria Operations Manager Peter Gilliland, who has personally hired seven students from the UVic Co-op Program. He has always been pleased with the results and finds the students inquiring minds encourage regular employees to look at their work routines differently. Whether the students are repairing computers, developing new software or trouble-shooting with Sierras client list, they provide the company with an edge. Sierra recently hired UVic engineering co-op student Mike Gorman to work as

a help desk analyst. Gorman has been a computer enthusiast since he was a child and after years in the workforce, he moved from Calgary to begin his studies at UVic. As part of the mandatory co-operative education component of his degree, he jumped at the chance to work at a great local company. I was just looking for more, he says. At Sierra, Gorman repairs computers, liaises with clients and helps deal with software issues. Gormans work term at Sierra Systems will be his last before graduating in 2010. He hopes to find a career in communications or industrial design and feels that his experiences at Sierra Systems have prepared him for the future.

Gilliland is pleased that Gorman chose Sierra, and considers him an asset to the company. I have had the good fortune to hire some great people through the UVic Co-operative Education Program, he says. UVics Co-operative Education Program merged with the universitys Career Services unit in February 2009 to become the newly named Co-operative Education Program and Career Services. Employers now have access to a more diverse applicant pool, in terms of both skills and availability. For more information about our program, or to hire a student, contact 250-721-7628 or visit www.uvic.ca/coop and www.careerservices.uvic.ca.

uvic co-op success story

Local consulting agency hiring UVic students since 1993>> By Will Johnson

In this photo: Mike Gorman at Sierra Systems Victoria office.

Business Matters20

newmembers1st Impressions Furniture & Accessory Rentals1st Impressions is the premier company in Victoria for home-staging, furniture and accessory rentals. 1st Impressions has years of experience designing, staging homes and preparing property for sale.

p: (250) 857-6666e: info@1stimpressionsrentals.com w: www.1stimpressionsrentals.com

Admirals Walk Health Centre Inc / Admirals Medical ClinicGeneral family practice and walk-in clinic.

p: (250) 380-9070e: jmott@awhc.ca w: www.awhc.ca

Art and Science DesignArt and Science Design is a boutique marketing and communications firm. Creativity is our true passion - you can count on Art and Science Design for the most innovative, actionable and memorable concepts.

p: (250) 882-0696e: hkohler@shaw.ca w: www.artandsciencedesign.com

ctc TrainCanadactc TrainCanada offers software classes ranging from the latest Microsoft Office 2007 to Microsoft Certified and technical courses.

p: (250) 381-8838e: alisonm@traincanada.com w: www.traincanada.com

CVS Cruise Victoria Ltd.Sightseeing and charter motor coach operator with a large fleet operating on 100% bio diesel. Wherever you want to go, CVS Cruise Victoria is the environmentally friendly way to get there!

p: (250) 386-8652e: ggale@cvscruisevictoria.com w: www.cvscruisevictoria.com

Fernwood Coffee CompanySpecialty coffee roasters.

p: (250) 590-3320e: info@fernwoodcoffee.com w: www.fernwoodcoffee.com

Fleetway Inc.Fleetway Inc. provides professional engineering services, from production design to in-service support, to commercial and government clients in the shipbuilding, oil and gas and other industrial sectors.

p: (250) 480-3344e: iacuele.paul@fleetway.ca w: www.fleetway.ca

GPM Ltd.GPM is a contract sales and marketing company with over 25 years of experience specializing in market development and brand recognition for new or existing products.

p: (250) 744-3686e: jackprice@shaw.ca w: www.duraliteflightsystems.com

HENDRA Moving and StorageServing Vancouver Island since 1982. Residential and commercial moves, seniors and mid-month discounts and fully insured.

p: (250) 477-5614e: hendra2@telus.netw: www.hendramoving.com

Hillsborough Holdings LimitedRegistered mortgage broker and private lender. 103-1022 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3P5.

p: (250) 592-3159e: p.dale@shaw.ca

Honeycomb WebworksHoneycomb Webworks enjoys helping people use the web to improve, innovate, and inspire. Find out how they can launch a successful website for you that inspires your clients.

p: (250) 655-9202e: info@honeycombwebworks.caw: www.honeycombwebworks.ca pure performance. sweet results.

Hope Bay StoreExplore Pender Islands historic oceanfront shops and services. Enjoy the caf, hair salon, art gallery, home dcor, jewellery, real estate and more at Hope Bay!

p: (250) 629-3166e: info@hopebayrising.comw: www.hopebaystore.com

Hyack AirHyack Air operates an international floatplane terminal in the Victoria Harbour and are agents for Kenmore Air with daily flights to Seattle.

p: (250) 384-2411e: marty@hyackair.comw: www.hyackair.com

De Dutch Pannekoek House - Johnson

p: (250) 382-9118e: aminmasiki@hotmail.com

Dollar Financial Group

p: (250) 595-5465e: chris_crowe@shaw.ca

Business Matters 21

www.victoriachamber.ca

Kuhl Consulting Group

p: (250) 388-5385e: vkuhl@kuhlconsulting.com w: www.kuhlconsulting.com

Man-go NutritionPrivate nutrition consultant services for public events, private practice, and project consultative services.

p: (250) 889-2026e: c.charlene.cheri@hotmail.com

Mr. Handyman of VictoriaMr. Handyman is your professional choice for your office, business and home maintenance. From an hour to a week, we can take care of your maintenance needs.

p: (250) 391-6333e: victoria@mrhandyman.comw: www.mrhandyman.ca

MSJ Park Ent. Ltd.

p: (250) 896-3300e: park_studio3300@hotmail.com

Ocean View Auto RepairsBuilding trust with a personal touch. Free diagnosis. Free estimates. Auto detailing available. Free pick-up and delivery. Call anytime.

p: (250) 883-0401e: kneepster@gmail.com

Out of Ireland / Irish ImporterImporters of Irish knitwear, clothing, Celtic jewellery, official Guinness merchandise, Irish and other European rugby shirts.Centrally located in a beautiful heritage building on Government Street.

p: (250) 389-0886e: info@outofireland.caw: www.outofireland.ca

Resume HutThe Resume Hut provides employment-related consulting services to individuals and businesses.

p: (250) 383-3983e: success@resume-hut.comw: www.resume-hut.com

Rinald Tax Advisory Inc.Combining technical professionalism and passionate purpose, Rinald Tax Advisory provides efficient and effective tax advisory services to individual and family enterprise. Making a difference for you is the difference for us.

p: (250) 361-1300e: niki@rcatax.comw: www.rcatax.com

RMAC Wealth Initiatives Inc.RMAC Wealth Initiatives focuses on business owners getting the most from their success by providing secure, tax effective, wealth building strategies, and products such as corporate insured annuities and insured investment loan strategies.

p: (250) 483-4363e: info@wealthinitiatives.comw: www.wealthinitiatives.com

Salon Amici Hair & EstheticsLocated at the Royal Oak shopping centre, Salon Amici Hair & Esthetics is experienced in cutting, colours, highlights, facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, threading. Special event packages are also available.

p: (250) 727-9880e: praveena@charan.ca

Solbakken & Associates - Chartered AccountantsLocal, personalized service providing all levels of accounting, bookkeeping, business advisory and taxation from reorganizations and estates to corporate, personal tax preparation and planning.

p: (250) 590-5211e: admin@solbakken.caw: www.solbakken.ca

Victoria Police DepartmentThe VicPD now employs 238 police officers who are supported by 108 civilain employees and almost 80 volunteers.

p: (250) 995-7654w: www.vicpd.ca

Vitamin ShopCanada's premier vitamin and nutritional dispensary established in 1984, offering high quality products at affordable prices. Shop from retail store, mailorder or website.

p: (250) 386-1210e: vitaminshopadmin@shawcable.comw: www.canadianvitaminshop.com

WCS Web Conferencing SolutionsWeb conferencing, video conferencing and online streaming webcasts can save you time and money while reaching a larger audience. Let WCS, your remote conferencing specialist, show you how.

p: (250) 590-4585e: info@wcswebconferencing.comw: www.wcswebconferencing.com

West Shore U-Lock Mini Storage Ltd.West Shore U-Lock Mini Storage Ltd. offers secure, heated storage units in a number of sizes for personal effects or commercial warehousing in a modern, accessible, award winning building.

p: (250) 478-8767e: westshoreulock@selfstorage.caw: www.selfstorage.ca

Business Matters22

policy moves

Success on Tax Burden Policy Position Concern about the level of overall taxation is a consistent focus for the chamber. Applying a consistent measure to the level of overall taxation has been an advocacy item for our chamber, and one that has been picked up by both the provincial and federal Chambers of Commerce. We are pleased that this issue will begin to be addressed by the provincial government. In the 2009 Throne Speech the province has committed to working with the Union of BC Municipalities to develop new legislation over the summer, for introduction early next year that will protect provincial tax reductions. The provincial government noted that all levels of government must be equally disciplined to ensure that tax reductions at one level of government are not negated by tax increases at another. This is a direct win for our chamber on the advocacy front and we applaud the provincial government for taking this step.

Lobbying to Save our Film Industry The film industry is doing very well in British Columbia but not so well in the Capital Region. Why? In part, because of what appears to be an unintended consequence of one tax policy. The provincial government introduced the Distance Location Tax Credit in

February 2008 to encourage the film industry to work in locations outside of metro-Vancouver. The credit of 6% applies to all other distant areas of the province with the exception of the Capital Region. As a result, film makers are working everywhere in the province with the exception of the Capital Region. Filming in the Capital Region has dropped from 11 productions in excess of one million dollars each in 2006 to one production in excess of one million dollars in 2008. Private Property Rights Trumped by Victoria City Council A council decision in the City of Victoria has once again disregarded the desires and goals of private property owners. Council has voted against allowing renovations to the interior of Rogers Chocolates. Rogers had intended to extend its retail space into its own storage space in the building that they have owned for more than 100 years. The renovation, which Rogers says would honour the buildings heritage nature, would have added 650 square feet of retail space, providing opportunity for significant business growth. Under provincial legislation Rogers is able to seek compensation for lost property value and lost business revenue as a result of the heritage status attribution. The value of that compensation is not yet known, but could easily be $500,000 to $1 million, if not more. Thats a hefty chunk of taxpayers dollars that the chamber believes could be better invested in municipal infrastructure or policing. This is the second time Victoria city council has over-ridden the wishes of private property owners as to the use of their buildings. In the summer of 2008 Council decided to add 11 buildings from the Modern Movement, buildings built between 1945-1975, to the Heritage Registry against the fervent protests of property owners, the Real Estate Board and the Chamber of Commerce. While the registry status itself does not necessarily prohibit renovation, it does put the building on a watch-list for potential restrictions on property usage. Doing so changes the investment potential of the building making it significantly less attractive. Though the city disagrees, the Heritage Registry is seen by property owners as equivalent to down-zoning.

The film industry is doing very well in B.C. but not so well in the Capital Region because of what appears to be an unintended consequence of one tax policy.

Business Matters 23

Phone: (250) 386-5542

3050 NANAIMO STREET, VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA V8T 4Z1

Phone: (250) 386-5542 www.hillsideprinting.com www.hillsideprinting.com

BUY LOCAL!BUY LOCAL!Buying LOCAL keeps $$$ in the Island Economy. With this money, taxes are paid, goods and services are bought, recycling $$$ many times over, MAKING OUR BUSINESSES STRONGER.

Printers who are not local spend their money where they live. This does not help your business if your primary market is on the Island. Off-Island printers include Hemlock, Teldon, Mitchell, Generation, and there are many others. Think LOCAL before you buy!

Your business will have a stronger market in which to operate.

In establishing their budgets, municipalities first look at the expense side of the ledger, determining what amount of revenue they need to raise from the tax base to balance the

books. The revenue to cover expenses comes from primarily one revenue source: property taxes. There is no doubt that the cost of a municipalitys business is rising. Seems to be the cost of everything is going up, and why would municipal budgets be any different? However one must ask if the rate at which municipal property taxes are increasing is sustainable in the long-run. This question is always on the minds of business owners, as property taxes are a considerable expense item for any small business owner. And lets not forget that businesses in the Capital Region pay 1.79 to 7.27 times more in property taxes per $1000 of assessed value than do residents. But the question here is about residential property owners. How do their property tax increases in the last number of years measure against their income increases? To find the answer to that question we looked to two sources. The first was the Ministry of Community Services, who record the taxes on a representative household in each municipality in the province. The second was Statistics Canada who records the average income in each municipal area in the country. The results were

quite surprising. While household incomes in the region increased by 15.8% from 2003 to 2006, the total dollars paid in municipal taxes has fluctuated wildly across the region during that same time frame. Some municipalities had increases below the rate of average wage increases, while others are well above that rate. Though Stats Canada has not yet released income figures for 2007 and 2008 to enable an income comparison to 2008, we would venture to guess that increases in some of our municipalities are far outstripping wage increases of the average household. This observation leads us to question whether the approach to municipal taxation is sustainable. Is it feasible to continue along the trajectory we are currently on?

Is theCAPITAL REGIONEconomically Sustainable? It is municipal tax season again. All across the region staff and council are wrestling with the equations of revenue and expenses and determining what tax increases, if any, will be required to deliver the spectrum of municipal services.

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VictoriaCity of Gardens

Municipality $ paid

$ paid

Percentage Increase (S)

03-06

$ paid

Percentage Increase

($) 03-08

C. Saanich Municipal tax

904 1,177 1,365

User fees 673 425

Total Municipal

1,577 1,602 1.6% 2,035 29.0%

Colwood Municipal tax

894 989 1,085

User fees 75 75 220

Total Municipal

969 1,064 9.8% 1,305 34.7%

Esquimalt Municipal tax

1,279 1,752 1,950

User fees 0 0 0

Total Municipal

1,279 1,752 37.0% 1,950 52.5%

Highlands Municipal tax

1,314 1,404 1,418

User fees 0 0 0

Total Municipal

1,314 1,404 6.8% 1,418 7.9%

Langford Municipal tax

803 892 896

User fees 0 0 0

Total Municipal

803 892 11.1% 896 11.6%

Metchosin Municipal tax

868 930 962

User fees 0 0 0

Total Municipal

868 930 7.1% 962 10.8%

N. Saanich Municipal tax

758 954 1,124

User fees 824 872 887

Total Municipal

1,582 1,826 15.4% 2,011 27.1%

Oak Bay Municipal tax

1,748 2,101 2,275

User fees 151 573 192

Total Municipal

1,899 2,674 40.8% 2,467 29.9%

Table One shows the details of tax patterns in each municipality. Taxation and how it affects the viability of the region is an important issue. Chambers across the country advocate for a manageable level of taxation for both business and residents. We have been rather successful in the last few years in seeing a more competitive tax environment due to tax cuts from senior levels of government on both personal and corporate income tax. However, if those tax savings are being eroded by increases in property tax at the municipal level, we are not decreasing our overall measure of taxation and are not creating a more affordable community. We believe that municipal governments have a greater role to play in decreasing the overall tax burden that people pay by being far more conservative in property tax increases. Because property tax increases affect everyone - property owners and renters alike as property costs are passed on as increases in rent. Another way to ponder the issue may be to ask what level of increase is sustainable if the current trajectory is not. Perhaps it would be reasonable to ask municipal governments to limit their tax increases to a percentage not to exceed the rate of average wage increases in the region. See Table Two on page 26. Doing so would require a fundamental change in the way that municipalities go into their budget deliberations. It would mean starting from the basis of a revenue projection and then managing the expense side of the ledger within that revenue amount. In reality, it would mean running a municipal budget in a similar way that you and we run our household budgets. How much do we earn and therefore how much can I spend and save. It would mean asking municipalities to rationalize the expenditures they have now and be stricter with expenditures moving forward. It may seem to be a radical idea, however, recent announcements on the provincial level suggest that it may be an idea whose time has come.

Business Matters 25

Table One: Rate of tax increases on representative households in the CRD2006 20082003

Business Matters26

$ paid

$ paid

Percentage Increase (S)

03-06

$ paid

Percentage Increase

($) 03-08

Saanich Municipal tax

1,353 1,618 1,755

User fees 316 448 293

Total Municipal

1,669 2,066 23.8% 2,048 22.7%

Sidney Municipal tax

883 1,120 1,256

User fees 1,038 707 779

Total Municipal

1,921 1,827 -4.9% 2,035 5.9%

Sooke Municipal tax

483 698 875

User fees 0 248 495

Total Municipal

483 946 95.9% 1,370 183.6%

Victoria Municipal tax

1,133 1,644 1,759

User fees 564 525 613

Total Municipal

1,697 2,198 27.8% 2,372 39.8%

View Royal Municipal tax

726 927 1,059

User fees 205 204 237

Total Municipal

931 1,131 21.5% 1,296 39.2%

In the 2009 Throne Speech, the province recognized that tax relief from decreased personal income taxes was in essence being negated by tax increases at the municipal level and has committed to working with the Union of BC Municipalities to develop legislation to protect provincial tax reductions. This is good news. The Chamber applauds the provincial government for this initiative. It represents a partial victory on a lobbying effort on the part of the Chamber. We have been asking senior governments for two years to develop a measure of overall tax burden and a method to ensure that the tax burden was not increasing at an unmanageable rate. Full victory on this front will come about when the federal

Your tax bill is made up of taxes paid to the municipality as well as taxes the municipality collects on behalf of other bodies and then distributes to them. Those include taxes for the CRD, hospitals, schools, and other provincial bodies. Those figures are not included in Table One.

The municipal portion of your tax bill also has three components. 1. The variable portion, shown here as municipal tax, is the part where a tax rate is applied to your assessed property value. 2. User fees. Some municipalities will choose to have services covered by user fees rather than the property tax. Water usage, garbage collection and sewer services are some items that may be charged through user fees.3. Parcel taxes. This is a set amount of tax based on a parcel-of-land basis, rather than by assessed value. Parcel taxes are often used to fund a particular municipal asset. They may therefore vary greatly as assets are acquired or the debt is retired.

2006 20082003Table One: Rate of tax increases on representative households in the CRD contd

government tax reductions are also protected from erosion at the municipal level. Clearly, municipal numbers show that we simply cannot continue on the path we are travelling and expect that the region will maintain the high quality of life that we have all grown to enjoy. For quality of life is after all comprised of not only life style, but the financial ability of citizens and businesses to sustain that life style. We encourage our councils across the region to consider the broader context in which they are making budget decisions and acknowledge the importance of their role in making our region a more affordable place to live, work and invest.

Table Two: Median Income in the Capital Region2003 2004 2005 2006 Percentage

Increase 03-06

Percentage Increase

03-08

$61,700 $64,200 $66,900 $71,500 15.88% Not yet available

from Statistics Canada

Representative household is derived by dividing the total number of households by the total assessments. The value may vary slighly from the median. Municipal tax refers to variable tax portion of your total tax. User fees includes both municipal user fees and parcel taxes as a portion of the overall taxes paid to the municipalities. Some municipalities may also issue separate bills, not captured here, for garbage collection or water consumption.

YOUR TAX BILL

Business Matters 27

ask an expert

In order to make the financial change desperately needed in North America, we need to help people develop their own financial knowledge, not tap into experts like Suze Orman and others who continue to deliver the same outdated message that is just adding to the problem. Creating income, not getting a job and saving more money for old age, is a process that seems to be forgotten by most of todays financial teachers yet well understood by developing countries. Saving large sums of money for a distant retirement hasnt produced a financially independent nation for decades (if at all) and isnt going to start now. In fact, this concept actually contributes to fear and financial stress because it promotes: Build up your nest egg then reduce your risk because you cant afford to lose it; Get out of debt and reduce your spending; Buy long-term investments and hold and hold and hold through all market conditions; and Someone else (government or corporations) will take care of you.We need to teach people how to create income (not just get a job) so they can spend money the way they want to. We need to encourage and help people take control of the things they can control (like the amount of loss theyll accept on their investments or amount of money they earn) not make them feel bad for wanting more. We need to help them learn to ask questions of financial professionals who have the specialized knowledge they need and who also know their personal situation not ad hoc tidbits that will add to the confusion. We wont succeed in changing the personal financial situation around us if we continue to deliver information from a technical perspective that makes people feel inferior, intimidated or wrong for spending their money the way they want. We need a dramatic shift in perspective now. For more information, visit www.moneyminding.com/ media.

Obamas Paradigm Shift Wont Come from Old Teaching >> Tracy Piercy MoneyMinding Inc.

Tracy Piercy is the President of MoneyMinding Inc. Contact her directly at tracy@moneyminding.com.

There are numerous cost-effective incentives that an employer can implement to help increase employee happiness and retention. These range from physical work area improvements to better company perks to encouraging more workplace fun. But how do you know what measures will work in your company with your employees? The only way to really know how to keep employees is to find out what they want and need by proactively seeking their input. Encourage feedback on a day to day basis as well as during meetings. Employee surveys are growing in popularity in todays proactive organizations. However the manner in which the staff members are asked to give their input can greatly impact whether they will be up front in disclosing their desires and suggestions for improvement. Most employees want to provide feedback but not in a way that jeopardizes the employee/supervisor relationship that means providing feedback while remaining in the safety of anonymity. For this reason, employers who survey their own staff in a manner that does not respect anonymity often do not get accurate information and the skewed responses can actually send the organization in the wrong direction when it comes to implementing changes. To safeguard against that, more organizations are utilizing the services of a third party to conduct employee surveys. This arms-length approach ensures employees anonymity while at the same time provides more accurate data with which to make improvements. Proactively seeking the input of your employees helps with morale and retention as it makes them feel more involved, valued and heard. You may not be able to fix everything, but it is amazing how many improvements can be made that help increase retention. Employees have a wealth of information when it comes to improving their workplace, it is a matter of tapping into that knowledge in a manner that is comfortable for them and beneficial to all.

Angela Greene is the owner of Elevate Retention. Contact her directly at 250.858.4088 or visit her online at elevateretention.com

How can I be more proactive regarding employee retention? >> Angela Greene Elevate Retention

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