marchapril 2010 business matters magazine
DESCRIPTION
MarchApril issue of Business Matters MagazineTRANSCRIPT
BusinessMatters
www.victoriachamber.ca#100-852 Fort Street, Victoria BC V8W 1H8
Vol. 6 Issue 2 March/April 2010
Publications Mail Poste-Publications
40005319
Tourism2010
Photo Credit: Tourism Victoria, Robert Gubiani
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Member Letters: 200 wordsAsk an Expert: 300 words (include high resolution photo and position title)Member News: Standard one page media release
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contentsMarch/April 2010 I vol. 6 issue 2
cover
feature article
also inside
in every issue
6
Messages from the Chair and CEO
Member News
Events Calendar
Prodigy Group
Greater Victoria Development Agency
New Members
Policy Moves
Ask an Expert
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5
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Paving the Way for Post-Olympic Benefits
ABOUT BUSINESS MATTERSBusiness 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.
The Chamber accepts no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The business profiles, and the views and opinions expressed by advertisers in this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber.
Content Editor: Shannon RenaultLayout Editor: Tessa Cogman
Business Matters’ content is copyrighted:Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce,Victoria, B.C., Canada.
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18 Are Municipal Budgets Fair to Business?
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13 2010 Greater Victoria Business Awards Finalists
13FINALISTS
greater victoria business awards
Business Matters4
messages
George FullerChair
Bruce CarterCEO
We have just come off of two weeks of the most intensive focus on our province that I can remember. The Olympic and Paralympic games have brought the world’s eyes to British Columbia and I look forward to the significant economic benefits for Victoria and Vancouver Island.
We were truly fortunate to receive the Olympic Torch from Greece and start its long journey throughout Canada. The launch of the Torch Relay in October of 2009 was a valuable opportunity for our region to be noticed on the international stage.
I have been fortunate to be involved in sport development for many years, and have seen firsthand how large scale sporting events can bring a community together and also create fantastic economic spin offs. Expo ‘86 in Vancouver was an event that provided long term benefit to BC as it brought people to the city and province for many years following that event. The 2010 Olympic and Parlympics, have brought far more media coverage and we now have the sophistication of a well-developed tourism marketing network. Victoria, Vancouver Island and the entirety of BC will most definitely benefit from these games
I was truly proud to be a Canadian throughout the Olympics and accept the challenge to capitalize on the business opportunities the games present. I will work closely with chamber partners to develop economic opportunities for chamber members. The recently approved destination status with China represents a specific opportunity in the post Olympic period and the Chamber, through the Greater Victoria Economic Development Agency, will work to build those economic links with China. We look forward to reporting back to the business community about the developing relationships and opportunities sourced through the trade mission.
The first few months of the year bring a flurry of activity for the Chamber on the policy front. All three levels of government are working on their budgets, and those budgets are of even more concern this year given the economic conditions we are just coming through. Both the provincial and federal governments are significantly trimming budgets, looking for internal savings where possible while continuing to invest in ways to stimulate economic activity.
Municipal governments are now in the midst of their budgeting cycle and will be finalized by early to mid April. The Chamber remains concerned about the escalating municipal tax burden and is calling upon local governments to look for internal efficiencies and refrain from excessive tax increases. The municipal budgeting process is flawed as property taxes, the most significant source of municipal income, are not affected by economic conditions. A continued increase in municipal property taxes beyond the rate of inflation or increased business revenue is unsustainable. I would like to acknowledge Saanich’s attempt to trim departmental budgets by 1% and hope this process will continue in most municipalities.
We are also focussed on other important areas on the advocacy front. We have visited with the Victoria Police Board, calling for a more visible presence in downtown Victoria during the daytime hours. We have heard from our members very clearly that the downtown conditions, including panhandling are negatively affecting our economy. We have done some great work with the Late Night Task Force; it may be time for the Business Day Task Force.
We continue to work to provide information on the HST to our members and will have conducted over a dozen HST consultations and information sessions before the tax is implemented. I don’t expect our work will finish there and working to continue to shape the tax to maximize business benefit will be part of our ongoing work.
I look forward to working with all chamber members and welcome your suggestions and feedback. The CEO coffee hours are a great opportunity to network and discuss relevant business issues. Why don’t you drop by a session in 2010?
Business Matters 5
member news
Hillside Printing in Victoria is pleased to announce that Ron Aichelberger has joined the company in a sales capacity. Ron brings a wealth of local trade experience to his position and John Norris, owner of Hillside, is excited to have an experienced, knowledgeable salesperson on staff. Ron was most recently at Morriss Printing. Ron invites all his customers to contact him at 250 386-5542 or by email at [email protected].
Career development and vocational specialists, Exec-U-Net Consulting Group, is pleased to announce the launch of Prevue Assessments, a unique benchmarking tool to assist employers with recruitment, retention, promotion, coaching and employee development. Your contact for Prevue at Exec-U-Net is Brenda Kolisnyk. She has worked with the public and private sectors in career counselling, vocational assessment, work placement and disability case management. Brenda can be reached at (250) 384-7723 or e-mail [email protected].
Sooke Harbour House is the proud recipient of two new accolades to start off 2010.
Sooke Harbour House has been awarded Most Excellent Eco Resort in the United States and Canada by Condé Nast Johansens 2010 Annual Awards for Excellence. The Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence are made annually to those properties worldwide that represent the finest standards and best value for money in luxury and independent accommodation.
Known as the “burgundy bible,” Zagat
Survey is the world’s most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink, stay and play around the globe, and as such has become a symbol of quality. Sooke Harbour House received high ratings in the food, décor and service areas with a 27, 26, 26 score, out of 30, for 2010.
TELUS has been recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the 2010 Freeman Philanthropic Services Award for Outstanding Corporation. They will officially receive the award at an event in April.
This award honours corporations that demonstrate commitment to philanthropy and community involvement with financial support while encouraging others to take on leadership roles in their communities. TELUS has contributed $158 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered more than 3 million hours of service to local communities since 2000.
Adele Matte, General Manager of The Bay in downtown Victoria, will retire after 48 years with the company. In her long career, Adele has moved through positions in the stockroom, to the sales floor, to buying and department management positions. She was promoted to general manager of the Bay at Mayfair Shopping Centre in 1993 and took over the downtown store in 2005 where she manages 150 employees and millions of dollars in inventory.
Management and crew of West Coast Air celebrated achieving carbon neutrality for its entire operations, including all flights. West Coast Air has
been certified with a carbon neutral designation from Pacific Carbon Trust, a crown corporation established to deliver BC based greenhouse gas offsets.
West Coast Air has been working on a multi-year strategy that measured its carbon footprint and took emissions-reduction actions. The company then worked with Pacific Carbon Trust to offset all remaining emissions. West Coast Air flights are now carbon neutral, due to the airline’s commitment to offset all of the net emissions through Pacific Carbon Trust. This means passengers do not have to make a decision to offset their individual flights nor pay a fee to do so.
West Coast Air’s strategy is ongoing and involves embedding sustainable initiatives across the organization. It is also enhancing its community investment, employee engagement and customer education programs, to promote high participation from its stakeholders.
Businesses and residents of the Victoria region will soon see more of Island Savings Credit Union. The organization is opening a new regional office at 747 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, which will house members of the executive team. The credit union is expanding its presence in the south Island region as a reflection of its commitment to serving members of greater Victoria. Island Savings now has 4 branches in the greater Victoria area and employs approximately 70 staff at those locations, including Mayfair Mall, Douglas and Broughton, WestShore, and Brentwood Bay.
Continued on page 12
The Olympic and Paralympic Games will soon be over and the eyes that are currently so intensely focused on British Columbia will be looking
elsewhere. And though the massive media centre at Robson Square in Vancouver will be gone and the camera lenses will be viewing other news stories, the exposure that BC will receive from the Olympic and Paralympic Games is phenomenal.
Pav i n g t h e way
f o r p o s t - o l y m p i cb e n e f i t s
Business Matters 7
The Games will have been viewed by more than 3 billion people worldwide, and along with the Games, there were many glimpses of the beauty of British Columbia, including Victoria and Vancouver Island.
The question on everyone’s mind now is how that exposure will translate into economic benefits for BC. Will those benefits go beyond the Vancouver area and bring opportunities to Victoria?
Business Matters8
What Will be the Legacy?
There are a number of areas where post-Olympic benefits will be seen. The most obvious are in the lasting infrastructure improvements made to host the Games and showcase the area. Those investments, such as the new Sea to Sky highway, the Canada Line and the Richmond Olympic Oval (to name a few) will remain with Vancouver, Whistler, and Richmond.
Other benefits not so physically apparent are the positive impacts on business investment that a host city or area can receive from the marked increase in exposure. A post-Olympic study of the 1992 games in Barcelona showed that they experienced a tremendous growth in foreign investment in the years following the Games. Even at this early stage, pre-Olympic economic impact projections of the Vancouver Games indicate that they have already contributed to the increase in the number of companies in Metro Vancouver and the Squamish-Lillooet region by 17 and 36 percent respectively. In addition, the study shows that Vancouver may already be enjoying an increasing popularity as a place to host international events (an increase of 46% from 2001 to 2007) as the result of pre-Olympic exposure.
Perhaps some of the highest expectations for post-Olympic benefits come from anticipated impacts to the tourism industry. There is ample basis for that anticipation. Studies following tourism results from the Olympics note that Barcelona saw its placement as the most visited city in the European Union increase from thirteenth place with 1.7 million visitors to fourth place with 5.5 million visitors by 2005, after the 1992 Olympics; a rate of growth accelerated by the Olympic experience. Similarly post 2000 Olympics in Sydney Australia, it was estimated that tourist visits induced by the Games would generate just over $2.9 billion of extra tourism revenues. Thus, tourism accounted for over 44% of the total projected economic impact.
However the tourism impacts of the Olympics are not likely to be realized immediately. Experiences from other host cities and countries note that benefits follow approximately two or three years after they are over. And if approached wisely, the benefits can be leveraged for a number of years.
How do We Make it Happen?
Building on the increased attention of the world requires a strategy and investment developed long before the Games and implemented consistently for a number of years after.
Perhaps some of the highest
expectations for post-Olympic
benefits come from anticipated
impacts to the tourism industry.
That sort of focus and marketing commitment comes from the professional involvement of tourism destination marketing organizations (DMOs).
In BC, we have three levels of DMOs. A provincial organization, whose role it is to bring the world to the province, six regional organizations, whose role it is to bring people to an area of the province (such as Vancouver Island), and community organizations. For the Capital Region, the latter is Tourism Victoria. Their role is to attract travelers to BC to Greater Victoria.
Rob Gialloreto, president and CEO of Tourism Victoria, and his team have been hard at work marketing the region in the years, months and weeks that led to the Games and throughout. Perhaps one of the greatest marketing advantages our region had was having Victoria being chosen as the host city to kick off the Olympic Torch Relay in October 2009. When the cameras started turning their lenses to the Olympics, they saw our beautiful region.
During the Games themselves, Victoria and the Island enjoyed a number of spots of media exposure as stations from around the world looked for BC scenes and stories to mix in with their main story of the Games and the athletes. And Tourism Victoria was active in marketing a “Calm on Over” promotion to bring people over to the Island from the mainland.
However it is the longer game that counts and pays off
Business Matters
Canada Line
in tourism marketing and there are a few key factors and policy directions that play into the success of that effort for BC.
Setting the Stage
Predictable, sustainable and dedicated funding for tourism marketing is vital to not only capitalizing on the post-Olympic time frame, but to the more general long-term health of the industry. And that funding is currently in a state of flux with changes in the tax environment in the province.
In the number of years leading to the Olympics, tourism marketing funding has been from a stable and mostly predictable source – a dedicated hotel tax allocated specifically to the DMOs at various levels. Yet with the introduction of the Harmonized Sales Tax in the summer of 2010, that source of tax revenue is due to fall off the tax books, and with it, the source of stable funding for the industry.
Clearly the provincial government is working hard with industry partners to identify a new funding model that will bring stability to the industry, appreciating the importance of uninterrupted marketing efforts. It is imperative that the funding formula be developed soon and that its allocation be protected in legislation against the allocation uncertainties of the regular government budgeting cycles.
A second area of policy change that will impact on tourism revenue potential in years to come is that Canada has achieved Approved Destination Status (ADS) with China. Achieving the status puts Canada and BC at the table of the fastest growing tourist market in the world. Tourism travelers from China are expected to exceed over 100 million by 2020. Without ADS Canada has only been able to welcome business travelers and students. But ADS, which is likely to be formally signed in the summer of this year, will open up the ability of the tourism industry professionals to sell BC and Victoria to this massive population of travelers already inclined to come to North America.
Though Canada is late to the ADS table, which creates some competitive disadvantages, with the exposure that BC has just received from the Olympics, the DMOs have plenty of marketing momentum to work on the sale. Gialloreto, notes that these things take time to develop but is hopeful that we will see traffic increase to Victoria by 2011 or 2012.
Torch Relay Launch, Victoria, October 2009
Torch Relay Launch, Victoria, October 2009
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There are other significant policy shifts that need to take place to assist in post-Olympic success for Canada and BC. Canada is a long-haul destination that depends on its aviation sector to deliver tourists here for business, conventions and leisure travel. For many years, cheap fuel prices and a weak Canadian currency concealed the intrinsic competitive weakness associated with high domestic aviation travel costs. Clearly, this is no longer the case. Canada must remain competitive in attracting mid to longer haul U.S. visitors and the less traveled members of the emerging middle classes in growing market economies of Brazil, Mexico, India and China.
To do so, Canada has to liberalize its currently restrictive, and some would say protectionist, air policy and introduce bilateral air transport agreements. The federal government has taken a step on that road with an agreement with the EU Council of Transport Ministers, which
revisiting of the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP). Currently, the program, which allows GST/HST rebates for non-resident attendees at conventions hosted in Canada and for the accommodation portion of a tour package, is a complicated system. It requires post event application for rebates,
and an independent review of the policy one year in has found that many U.S. tour operators are simply choosing to “price in” a further 5% to their overall tour package price rather than applying for the rebate. Doing so in essence renders Canada less
competitive as a destination.
Given that the pursuit of conference business post-Olympic has been such a successful endeavour for other host locations, it is important that Canada do all it can to create a policy environment where our industry is competitive.
It is important that Canada do all it
can to create a policy environment
where our industry is competitive.
will benefit travelers by providing more choices in terms of destinations, flights and routes, more direct services, and the potential for lower fares. However, more needs to be done to expand those policies.
And in our own region, to capitalize on
more liberalized air service, our region needs to continue advocating for an extension to the runway at the Victoria International Airport. The extension that the Airport Authority is prepared for and able to partially fund, will open our skies to welcome direct flights from Europe and around the world just as visitors want to come and explore BC.
Finally an important shift in policy to bolster post-Olympic benefits is a
BC Place Stadium
Business Matters 11
Gialloreto of Tourism Victoria notes the importance of these factors in building on the work they and their partner destination marketing organizations are so adept at. He notes that “DMOs exist to drive tourism revenues and build the economy. If we are successful, everyone benefits and jobs are sustained and created. While the industry “product” may not seen tangible, our results indeed very much are.”
We look to governments at all levels to examine and improve on the policy environment that impacts on our post-Olympic opportunities. Given the investment in the world event itself, it is imperative to continue to work to ensure the best possible return on investment.
Will Greater Victoria benefit from the Olympics? Absolutely! Getting there will take hard work and focus on capitalizing the marketing opportunities. We are confident our tourism partners will be working together to aggressively market our community in the coming years.
“If we are successful, everyone benefits and jobs are
sustained and created.” -Gialloreto of Tourism Victoria
Olympic Torch in Victoria
Business Matters12
Continued from page 5The District of Saanich is pleased to announce that more than 900 images by early 20th century Saanich photographerr Annie Girling can now be searched on line. Highlights of this unique collection are featured in a new web exhibit called “Developing Roots: Photographic Perspectives on Home and Nature” and can be found on the Saanich Archives website at www.saanicharchives.ca.
The City of Victoria has launched a new website dedicated to updating Victoria’s Official Community Plan (OCP) for engagement opportunities for citizens to shape Victoria’s future. Located at www.shapeyourfuturevictoria.ca the interactive website features background information about the OCP, as well as research and facts related to topics such as population, housing and employment forecasts, climate change, food systems, heritage, and economic development.
The website also contains a survey where citizens can share their vision and concerns about the City. A community forum is planned for March 26 and 27 at
the Victoria Conference Centre’s Crystal Garden where key topics highlighted in the survey will be discussed.
Daniels Electronics has announced a $6.5 million contract with a United States government agency to provide digital radio repeaters. Daniels is a locally owned company that sells radio technology hardware around the world. Daniels currently employees 63 full time staff.
Sterling Financial has relocated to 101-860 View Street. Sterling offers hands-on coaching with concrete help for those who need the assistance with their budget, financial or tax affairs. At Sterling Financial, they do as much or as little as you need by organizing affairs, offering services in financial planning, separation and divorce, estate and trust planning, tax planning and by inspiring people to make informed decisions and to find their personal potential. Information on Sterling Financial can be found at www.sterlingfinancial.ca.
member newsThe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) presented the City of Victoria with a vision for the future of its site, a plan that will see the provincial museum and archives property zoned as a comprehensive development zone. Currently, the RBCM property is zoned R-2, which allows for residential use but does not allow for a museum, gift shop or any of the other uses currently in operation on the site. The proposed uses in the new comprehensive development zone include public institution, theatre, retail, restaurants, business offices, multiple residential, parks, festivals and parking – uses that encompass all current operations and any that can be foreseen for the future.
The Royal BC Museum is hosting an open house so members of the public and the local business community may view and comment on the complete proposal. Open house dates are set for March 6 and 7, noon to 3 p.m., at the Royal BC Museum.
NOMINATErecognition • promotion • celebrationFINALISTS
greater victoria business awards 2010
Business Leadership Ambrosia Catering & Event CentrePage One Publishing Inc.
New Business Maximum Furniture and WholesaleSterling Financial
Business of the Year (1-10 employees) Admiralty Leasing Inc.Cedarwood Productions Inc.
Business of the Year (11-25 employees) Black Ball Ferry LineRuffell & Brown Interiors
Business of the Year (26-75 employees) City Green Solutions SocietyNational Car & Truck Rental
Business of the Year (76+ employees) Commissionaires Victoria, the Islands & YukonScott Plastics Ltd.
Outstanding Customer Service Rental Owners & Managers Society of BCVictoria Marriott Inner Harbour
Business Person of the Year Tim Cormode, Power To Be Adventure TherapyAl Kemp, Rental Owners & Managers Society of BC
Innovation Aquamist Carpet Care Ltd.City Green Solutions Society
Employee of the Year Lisa Brideson, Inn at Laurel PointCarinna Kenigsberg, Power To Be Adventure Therapy
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Jeremy Wilson, Adrena Line Zipline Adventure ToursAmanda Schofield, Clean Conscience Ltd.
Employer of the Year Chemistry Consulting Group Inc.Tourism Victoria
Join us as we reveal the award winners at our annual awards gala www.victoriachamber.ca
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 6 p.m. Reception • 7 p.m. Dinner
The Fairmont Empress
Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award winner... Mr. Gordon Denford, Berwick Retirement Communities
Business Matters14
events calendar
For more information or to register, visit www.victoriachamber.ca
Business Education Series • March 10 Business Education Series • March 24
March 2010Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
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Notes:31
5CEO Coffee HourA one hour policy discussion with Chamber CEO Bruce Carter Chamber Office #100-852 Fort St.8:30-9:30 amMembers only please
HST Transitional Rules - Session 2
8:00 am-10:00 amDelta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa45 Songhees Rd.
Prodigy Group March Mingle
5:30 pm-7:30 pmThe Pantry Restaurant3214 Douglas Street
Business Mixer
Hosted by Belfry Theatre5:00-7:00pm Members & their guests only please1291 Gladstone Ave.
Business EducationSeries
Sponsored by Sector Learning Solutions Inc.QUICKBOOKS: More Than Just An Accounting System 11:45 am-1:00 pm Chamber office
Boot Camp for Board Members Comprehensive board training specific to your organizationMarch 29: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm March 30: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Harbour Towers Hotel and Suites - 345 Quebec Street
Provincial Finance Minister Luncheon
11:30 am-1:30 pmDelta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa45 Songhees Rd.
Mike Mitchell & Bill Wagner Mico Consulting Group
QUICKBOOKS: More Than Just An Accounting System
Wouldn’t you like your accounting system to produce reports that actually help you run your business? Over many years, QuickBooks has become well known for easy transaction entry, however, the big return on investment comes from its powerful reporting capabilities.
Jan WallProfessional Business Writer
The Breadcrumb Path from Business Plan to Funding
Learn the major components of a business plan, the best book to guide you through the business planning process, and what loan managers are looking for in a plan. You’ll also learn why most business plans fail to build credibility and what you can do to make sure yours stands out.
Business EducationSeries
Sponsored by Sector Learning Solutions Inc.The Breadcrumb Path from Business Plan to Funding11:45 am-1:00 pm Chamber office
Plus!
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For more information or to register, visit www.victoriachamber.ca
Business Education Series • April 14 April Business Mixer • April 15
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
April 2010
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CEO Coffee HourA one hour policy discussion with Chamber CEO Bruce Carter Adamek Financial 104 - 3179 Jacklin Rd. 8:30-9:30 am Members only please
Prodigy Group April Mingle
5:30 pm-7:30 pmPhilip Nyren Menswear & Womenswear960 Yates St.
Business EducationSeries
Sponsored by Sector Learning Solutions Inc.Retirement, Succession & Estate Planning Tips for the Business Owner 11:45 am-1:00 pm Chamber office
Greater Victoria Business Awards
6:00 pm-10:00 pmFairmont Empress721 Government Street
Mike Kalinka Investors Group Financial Services
Retirement, Succession, and Estate Planning Tips for the Business Owner
Preparing for retirement and succession planning for a business owner is an important exercise that requires prudent planning. From
capital gains tax to estate equalization, this presentation discusses the various financial planning strategies Canadian business owners can implement as they consider retirement.
Hosted by:Metro Lexus Toyota Victoria
Networking is a powerful business tool. Use it! Join us for hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and an opportunity to network with the Greater Victoria business community.
Business Mixer
Hosted by Metro Lexus Toyota5:00-7:00pm Members & their guests only please625 France Ave.
10 Prodigy Group Amazing Race
12:00 am - 5:30 pmSticky Wicket Pub & Restaurant919 Douglas St.
Saturday
Business Matters16
Regan McGrathChair
I would like to start by celebrating the appointment of two Prodigy Group Committee members to chamber board groups. Dan MacKinnon was appointed to the Environmental Task Force and Chris Marra was appointed to the Membership Committee. This represents the first time Prodigy Group Committee members have been invited to actively participate on sub-committees of theBoard. It is a nod to the emerging business leaders of Victoria and a signal that the Chamber Board is listening to our voice. We consider this a crucial step in the advocacy of emerging professional issues in Victoria and we are thrilled to be involved.
We’re three! The Prodigy Group celebrated its third anniversary in January with a fantastic anniversary event. The talent and energy in the room was extraordinary and many valuable connections were made. We would like to thank Salute Restaurant and Lounge for hosting the event, our inspiring speakers for their words, and the many Prodigy Group members and Chamber members who attended and made the event a success.
We are very proud to announce the launch of our new website (www.prodigygroup.ca). Please visit our site for up to date information, opportunities, and ideas on how to get involved with the Prodigy Group and the Victoria community. We look forward to being in touch.
Our New Website is Live! Visit www.prodigygroup.ca for info on monthly mingles, special events, mentorship programs, community programs and much more.
Mentorship ProgramWe are currently seeking experienced Chamber Mentors for the 2010 Prodigy Group Mentorship Program!
Why volunteer your time as a mentor? Exposure in the community for you and your •business The satisfaction of giving back and sharing lifeexperiences Personal reward from helping emerging leaders in •their career path Better understand the perspective of a younger •generation in the workforce
Please contact Jesse Szczepanowski at [email protected] for more information.
Special EventsProdigy Group Amazing Race 2010Saturday April 10, 2010 – 12:00PMStarting Location: Sticky Wicket Pub & RestaurantRegistration: www.prodigygroup.ca or [email protected]
This year’s event promises to be better than ever with a longer race, harder challenges and a great victory party @ the Sticky Wicket! Amazing Prizes for top 3 finishers. Sign up in teams of two for the PG Amazing Race 2010.
March MingleMarch 11th, 2010, 5:30 to 7:30pmThe Pantry Restaurant, 3214 Douglas St
April MingleApril 8th, 2010, 5:30 to 7:30pmPhilip Nyren: Menswear and Womenswear, 960 Yates St
www.prodigygroup.ca
Business Matters 17
Roger SkillingsChair
The Greater Victoria Development Agency has been very busy early in the year reaching out to regional businesses and marketing our region to investors and businesses outside of Greater Victoria. Most recently the GVDA distributed the 2010 Business in Victoria Development Guide to business investors across North America and around the world.
As part of the GVDA’s efforts to raise awareness about the region and generate new business opportunities for local businesses, the agency is working with the City of Victoria on an economic development mission to China from April 19th to the 29th. The mission which will include representatives from the tourism, education and technology sectors, and is scheduled to visit four Chinese cities, including Suzhou, with which the City has had a 30 year sister city relationship. With the recent announcement of approved destination status for Canada’s tourism industry and China’s ascension to the 2nd largest economy in the world, there are considerable opportunities for local businesses and organizations to develop this growing market for their products and services.
As we come to the end of the first quarter of 2010, eco-nomic reports forecast that our regional economy performed much better than most of Western Canada in 2009, and are predicting growth of 2.8% in 2010.
Led by stronger wholesale and retail trade and a rebound in the “FIRE” (Financial, Insurance and Real Estate) sector it is anticipated that the region will have an average growth rate of 2.6% over the next three years.
While this bodes well for our economy going forward, the region’s economic challenges over the past year highlight the ongoing need to invest in diversifying our economy and marketing our advantages to the rest of the world to main-tain household-sustaining jobs for our citizens.
The GVDA
presents
its new
publication
Business
In Greater
Victoria
If you would like a copy of the development guide, or would like more information on how you can participate in the mission to China feel free to contact our Economic Development Officer, Sasha Angus at [email protected] or (250) 383-7191 ext. 204.
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Municipal Budgets:
Business VS. ResidentialMunicipal Budgets:Are Municipal Budgets Fair to Business?
Municipal budgets are developed from an expense focused perspective and lack connection to economic activity.
We have recently been exposed to the revenue challenges being experienced by federal and provincial budgets and the expense cutting that has been performed. The municipal government revenue stream is largely based on property taxes which are not subject to changes in economic conditions.
As the provincial capital, Victoria has seen the evidence of provincial government cutbacks that have been made due to falling revenues. Municipalities largely accept that expenses will increase and taxes must be raised to meet the increased expenditure level. The budgeting process would be much different if the revenue stream were not so secure but subject to changes in economic conditions. Indeed municipalities would take a much more active role in promoting the economy if their activities led to increased municipal revenue. Real estate development activity does affect municipal revenues as they collect permit fees etc., however these fees really only cover the costs incurred by the municipalities in processing applications, monitoring construction, and providing new services.
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Business Matters20
Not only do municipal governments establish how much money to raise through property taxes they must also determine which type of property pays how much. This is the process commonly referred to as setting the mill rate. There are nine property classes in the province, and these include residential, business, major and light industry, utilities and farm.
The tax rates are not set equally across the classes. Across the board, businesses pay more per $1,000 of assessed property value than do residents. And to complicate the matter, the tax rates are different across municipalities, as the proportion of tax that each property class type pays is strictly the purview of the individual municipality. (Table One shows the property tax rates by class in the CRD).
This is not necessarily a draw back if managed wisely. In fact, a municipality is free to use a more competitive rate on property taxes as a way to compete against other attractive jurisdictions. Unfortunately, what has more often happened across BC is that municipalities have set unreasonably high rates for business classes, unconscionably high rates for industrial classes and kept the residential rates relatively low by comparison. This has been highlighted by recent court proceeding involving a number of industrial locations on the island, such as Catalyst Paper.
Businesses in BC have been expressing concern about the high property taxes for some time. The opinion is that businesses are taxed disproportionately for the community services that they consume and are therefore subsidizing the cost of living for residents. Consumption studies in the Lower Mainland have found that non-residential properties consume less municipal service but pay a higher percentage of taxes than do residential properties. In Vancouver, commercial properties consume 24% of municipal services and pay 57% of the total tax bill. Residential properties consume 76% of municipal services but pay only 43% of the total tax bill. That means that commercial properties pay $2.41 for every dollar worth of service consumed and residents pay 56 cents for every dollar of service consumed. So commercial property classes are subsiding residential properties at a ratio of more than 4 to 1.
cast your municipal vote. But in many urban parts of the province, that is not possible. If your incorporated business is in a separate municipality than that within which you live, it will pay thousands, and perhaps hundreds of thousands of tax dollars, without a vote. In areas such as the CRD, with a
number of immediately adjacent municipalities, this is a considerable concern. It is feasible that a big part of the municipal budget is being collected from tax payers who have no vote on its allocation.
A municipality is free to use more competitive rate property taxes as
a way to compete against other attractive jurisdictions. How Did We Get Here?
There are a number of factors that set
the stage for our current tax environment. Since complete discretion was given to municipalities to set tax rates on different properties in British Columbia in 1984, observations show that municipalities have imposed increasingly higher taxes on the business classes. But the extra discretion is not the sole reason for the situation.
Professor Bish, from the University of Victoria, specializes in the subject of municipal governance and taxation. He notes that of all the provinces, British Columbia has the least favourable municipal tax climate, even though other provinces have as much discretion. In his 2003 study, he cautioned municipalities against creating an environment where businesses are discouraged to invest. Says Bish, “It is nice for residential taxpayers to reside in such a system, at least in the short run. It is not so desirable if the resulting high taxes...leads to a discontinuance of investment and addition to the tax base of the municipality.”1
because there has been no regional consumption study, but it’s not likely. And no one in their right mind would think that businesses in North Saanich consume 6.8 times the municipal services than residents.
There is also a concern of businesses that they do not get to vote in municipal elections. This is not a big deal if you live and own a business in the same municipality and can consider your business concerns when you
How can we compare that study to the Capital Region? Do we know, for example, that businesses consume 3.66 times the municipal services that residents do in Victoria? Do businesses in Colwood consume 3.58 times the amount of service as the municipality’s residents? We don’t know for sure
Vancouver ConsumptionStudy, MMK Consulting,2007 Commercial Residential
Share of net consumption 24% 76%
Share of property tax burden 57.40% 42.60%
Payment per dollar of service consumed $2.42 $0.56
Consumption payment ratio 4.3 1 Note that "commercial" refers to all non-resident property classes.
Business Matters 21
If business neither consumes more service nor takes up more assessed land than residents, why are they taxed at a
disproportionately high rate?
So if business neither consumes more service nor takes up more assessed land than residents, why are they taxed at a disproportionately high rate? Much debate has taken place about the rationale for such tax differentials. Some proponents for higher taxes on business posit that businesses can more afford higher rates and that they have the benefit of tax write-offs for their tax expenses. The Chamber and other business groups note that the growing disproportion is not sustainable and makes business operations more costly, risking the long-term competitiveness of our cities. We consistently call for the spread to be narrowed.
The Chamber is also calling for a revisiting of the issue of the business vote, which prior to 1993 existed in BC. The business vote went through some revisions during the 1970s before being repealed in 1993. At the time, a number of concerns were cited leading to the vote being repealed, most prominent being a desire to apply the ‘one person, one vote’ principle. Other concerns were that the criteria for eligibility for a business vote was complex and at times difficult for local governments to verify, the potential for abuse of the provisions, and the fact that not many businesses were eligible to vote. The issues call into question the effectiveness of the vote on addressing business concerns.
Notwithstanding the complexity of the issue, businesses across the province are significantly taxed in a system in which they have no say. The pattern of business and industrial tax increases in BC as compared to other provinces indicates a lack of political leadership at the municipal level to lead us off of this unsustainable trajectory. Ever increasing tax rates can be the straw that breaks the proverbial back, leading to business closures, increased unemployment, and revenue problems for municipalities. In order to encourage a vibrant economy, it is incumbent upon regulators to find a way to deal with the complexities and provide a fair and balanced municipal tax environment where residents and non-residents alike have a vote.
Business Matters22
Table One shows the tax rates and ratios of property classes in the Capital Region for 2009. The first two columns are the rates for business and property classes in each municipality. The way to read those figures would be to say, “for every $1,000 of assessed property value in Esquimalt (for example), a business would pay $14.04 in property tax and a resident would pay $4.70 in property tax.
The third column in Table One shows the property tax ratio for each municipality. This is a comparison on the rates in a ratio format. Again using Esquimalt as an example, the way to read that figure would be to say “for every $1 of tax that a resident pays on their assessed property, a business pays $2.99”, and so one for each municipality listed.
Table One Business and Residential Rates and Ratio, 2009
Municipality Business Rates
Residential Rates
Bus:Res Ratio
C Saanich 6.39 2.69 2.38 : 1Colwood 9.72 2.71 3.58 : 1Esquimalt 14.04 4.70 2.99 : 1Highlands 8.28 2.24 3.70 : 1Langford 7.29 2.31 3.16 : 1Metchosin 7.63 1.73 4.42 : 1N Saanich 10.32 1.52 6.80 : 1Oak Bay 5.02 2.81 1.79 : 1Saanich 12.42 3.25 3.82 : 1Sidney 7.82 2.76 2.84 : 1Sooke 8.54 2.60 3.29 : 1Victoria 13.00 3.55 3.66 : 1View Royal 8.65 2.16 4.00 : 1
Table Two ‐ % of Land Assessment to % of Tax for Business and Residential Classes, 2009
Business % of
Assessed Land
Business % of Tax Burden
Residential %of Assessed
Land
Residential % of Tax Burden
C Saanich 9 19 89 77Colwood 7 21 92 77Esquimalt 7 17 92 80Highlands 3 8 97 88Langford 18 41 81 58Metchosin 1 3 98 93N Saanich 5 25 94 72Oak Bay 2 4 98 96Saanich 6 19 94 80Sidney 12 28 86 69Sooke 5 15 94 83Victoria 22 51 77 48View Royal 8 26 92 73
Chart One CommerciaResidential
Share of net consumption 24% 76%
Share of property tax burden 57.40% 42.60%Payment per dollar of service consumed $2.42 $0.56
Consumption payment ratio 4.3 1
Note that "commercial" refers to all non‐resident property classes.
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Table One Business and Residential Rates and Ratio, 2009
Municipality Business Rates
Residential Rates
Bus:Res Ratio
C Saanich 6.39 2.69 2.38 : 1Colwood 9.72 2.71 3.58 : 1Esquimalt 14.04 4.70 2.99 : 1Highlands 8.28 2.24 3.70 : 1Langford 7.29 2.31 3.16 : 1Metchosin 7.63 1.73 4.42 : 1N Saanich 10.32 1.52 6.80 : 1Oak Bay 5.02 2.81 1.79 : 1Saanich 12.42 3.25 3.82 : 1Sidney 7.82 2.76 2.84 : 1Sooke 8.54 2.60 3.29 : 1Victoria 13.00 3.55 3.66 : 1View Royal 8.65 2.16 4.00 : 1
Table Two ‐ % of Land Assessment to % of Tax for Business and Residential Classes, 2009
Business % of
Assessed Land
Business % of Tax Burden
Residential %of Assessed
Land
Residential % of Tax Burden
C Saanich 9 19 89 77Colwood 7 21 92 77Esquimalt 7 17 92 80Highlands 3 8 97 88Langford 18 41 81 58Metchosin 1 3 98 93N Saanich 5 25 94 72Oak Bay 2 4 98 96Saanich 6 19 94 80Sidney 12 28 86 69Sooke 5 15 94 83Victoria 22 51 77 48View Royal 8 26 92 73
Chart One CommerciaResidential
Share of net consumption 24% 76%
Share of property tax burden 57.40% 42.60%Payment per dollar of service consumed $2.42 $0.56
Consumption payment ratio 4.3 1
Note that "commercial" refers to all non‐resident property classes.
Table Two compares the percentage of the total tax burden paid by each property class to the % of assessed land the class takes up in the municipality. The way to read this chart would be to say, “Business properties take up 18% of the assessed land in Langford (for example) and pay 41% of the total taxes; and residential properties take up 81% of the assessed land and pay 58% of the total taxes of the municipality.”
Business Matters24
new members
ALLSITE ITp: (877) 648-9675e: [email protected]: http://www.allsiteit.com
Applebee’sApplebee’s Neighbourhood Grill & Bar is located in the Tuscany Village on the corners of Shelbourne and McKenzie Avenue’s. Check out our wonderful Restaurant soon! Things are good in the Neighbourhood!p: (250) 590-9100 e: [email protected]: http://www.applebees.com
Artopia Adaptive Display Arts Ltd.Artopia turns your location into a landmark with fun and fabulous street banners. Colourful, creative images promoting your property, business, festival or event. Corporate flags too!p: (250) 472-8900e: [email protected]: http://www.artopia.info
BC HAZMAT ManagementTraining facility for WorkSafe BCp: (250) 656-3382e: [email protected]: http://www.bchazmat.com
Cactus Club Cafep: (250) 361-3233e: [email protected]: http://www.cactusclubcafe.com
CanAssistCanAssist, a unique, not-for-profit organization at the University of Victoria, provides innovative technologies, programs and services that improve the quality of life of those with special needs.p: (250) 721-7300e: [email protected]: http://www.canassist.ca
Caret Consulting Inc.Caret provides fraud risk management and investigative & forensic accounting services to address fraud and control risk on a proactive and reactive basis.p: (250) 592-4678e: [email protected]: http://www.caretconsulting.com
Chart Canada InsuranceGeneral insurance broker focusing on Commercial insurance, the business owner and Surety.p: (250) 478-5555e: [email protected]: http://www.chartcanada.com
E & G AutomotiveAutomotive sales centre for used vehicles.p: (250) 381-9974e: [email protected]
Eclipse Creative Inc. Eclipse Creative is a full-service advertising, communications and design agency providing solutions across a wide range of media.p: (250) 382-1103e: [email protected]: http://www.eclipsecreative.ca
Interior Accents BCAs an interior design studio, we work with furnishings, materials, and surfaces to add value of beauty, comfort and marketability for residential projects, homes and executive offices.p: (250) 884-4994e: [email protected]: http://www.interioraccentsbc.com
Janice Mangano, Realtor, Pemberton HolmesReal Estate selling. Residential & Commercial real estate sales.p: (250) 384-8124e: [email protected]: http://www.pembertonholmes.com
Lugaro JewellersLugaro Jewellers have been importers of gemstones and manufacturers of Fine Jewellery since 1986. We are proud and honoured to be the largest Canadian Diamond Jewellery manufacturer and retailer in Western Canada.p: (250) 382-2040e: [email protected]: http://www.lugaro.com
Power To Be Adventure TherapyPower To Be is a Victoria-based non-profit that provides outdoor recreation programs to enrich the health, education and quality of life for disadvantaged youth, adults and their families.p: (250) 385-2363e: [email protected]: http://www.powertobe.ca
Business Matters 25
www.victoriachamber.ca
Rainbow Express DaycareGroup Day Care Society.p: (250) 382-2314e: [email protected]: http://www.rainbow-express.bc.ca
Sage Internet Solutions Ltd.Sage Internet specializes in custom website design, web marketing and social media, web applications, content management systems, hosting and domain name registration.p: (250) 386-7243e: [email protected]: http://www.sageinternet.com
Salute Restaurant & Loungep: (250) 383-2313e: [email protected]: http://www.saluterestaurant.ca
Signs of the Times Enterprises Inc.SOTT is an award-winning custom sign and display company. We design, create and deliver everything from vehicle wraps to wayfinding signage. Effective, quality, custom products.p: (250) 383-8380e: [email protected]: http://www.signsofthetimes.ca
Time Warner Inc.Global leader in media and entertainment with business in television networks, filmed entertainment and publishing. p: (778) 433-4649e: [email protected]: http://www.timewarner.com
Victoria SealsProfessional Baseball Team.p: (250) 480-4487e: [email protected]: http://www.victoriaseals.ca
Rosemary Smyth & AssociatesRosemary Smyth & Associates specializes in business coaching for professionals in the investment industry and executives. We partner with our clients to maximize their potential!!p: (250) 380-5024e: [email protected]: http://www.rosemarysmyth.com
Sandler Training/ Trainwest Management and Consulting Inc.Sandler Training is the leader in innovative sales, management coaching and training, helping professionals become better, faster and stronger in today’s competitive selling marketp: (604) 291-1272e: [email protected]: http://www.tmcinc.sandler.com
TAO Business Solutionsp: (250) 857-3545e: [email protected]
Wildheartp: (250) 508-5408e: [email protected]
Business Matters26
policy moves
Movement of Buy American Policies
The governments of Canada and the United States have reached a productive and forward-looking agreement on Buy American provisions. The agreement puts Canadian companies in a position to be able to bid on US contracts awarded under their government’s infrastructure stimulus package. Conversely US companies are more free to participate in government procurement contracts in Canada.
There is further work to be done on the agreement, but this agreement represents a significant improvement for Canadian businesses.
Destination Marketing Funding
In January the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts (MTCA) released a Green Paper addressing the funding and structure of BC’s Destination Marketing Network. This discussion presented the preliminary conclusions on a new funding structure and sought feedback from key tourism stakeholders.
The Greater Victoria Chamber worked together with other chambers across the province in partnership with the BC Chamber and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) in their communities for consultation through a series of conference calls. Out of this process a set of policy proposals were established that the Chamber will be moving forward with through direct representation to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts.
New Tax Credits for Film Industry
The provincial government has announced a revised tax credit program for the Film and Interactive Media industry to make BC more competitive with other jurisdictions. The new credits recognize the convergence of traditional film with video gaming and animation sectors.
Subject to approval by the legislature, the planned tax measures include:
New BC Interactive Digital Media tax credit for video • game development of 17.5 per cent of qualifying B.C. labour costs.Production Services Tax Credit on labour costs for • foreign productions increased to 33 per cent from 25 per cent.Digital Animation or Visual Effects tax credit bonus • increased to 17.5 per cent from 15 per cent.Qualified B.C. labour expenditures cap increased to 60 • per cent from 48 per cent of production costs.
The announcement of new tax credits, while welcomed as a benefit to the province, do not address the concerns of the industry in Greater Victoria. The credits will be applied within the same geographic frame work, which disadvantages the Capital Regional District. The disadvantage is due to the CRD not receiving the same level of tax credit as other parts of Vancouver Island or the Lower Mainland.
Federal Budget Finance Consultations Pre-budget Consultations
The Chamber hosted a federal pre-budget consultation session with Minister Gary Lunn in January. Representatives of a variety of business sectors, including tourism, home building, the Airport Authority, the Harbour Authority, and various independent business owners, were able to provide input into what they believe are important federal budget measures for the health of our economy. Input from the meeting has been presented in written format to the Minister of Finance and included in budget deliberations.
Business Matters 27
ask an expert
>> Ben Ziegler: Mediator and Collaboration ConsultantCollaborative Journeys
How do I resolve a dispute with a client who I do business with online?
Budget Stretching Strategies
>> Shannon Schafer:ManagerDSA Media
The more we interact online, the more disputes will happen in that medium. I suggest you explore using ODR (Online Dispute Resolution), a type of dispute resolution that is becoming the defacto way to resolve cyberspace disputes. ODR is a branch of Alternative Dispute Resolution, a way of resolving disputes that helps the parties involved in the dispute settle the dispute themselves, instead of getting tangled up in the court system.
The typical ODR process goes something like this… Since ODR is voluntary, everybody needs to be okay with participating. Up-front agreement on the appropriateness of ODR, and the process to be followed, is required. Background information related to the dispute is exchanged. Facilitated conversations and negotiations between the parties take place. The objective is to draft and sign a resolution agreement (aka settlement agreement); terms of agreement as to how the parties decide to resolve their dispute, along with enforcement directives; e.g., if one party doesn’t comply with the terms.
Here are a few other ODR parameters you need to consider:
Type of dispute; commercial disputes effectively •leverage ODR, family disputes less so
Suitability for ODR; perception of neutrality, power •imbalances can be mitigated
Complexity of dispute; e.g., # issues, # participants, •cultural differences, past history
Location of participants; global, local, hybrid•
Timeline for resolving the dispute; scheduling •challenges in bringing parties together
Confidentiality requirements •
Third party (neutral) involvement; e.g., in-house •facilitator, contract mediator
Technology that supports online dialogue and •information management; e.g., audio, video, web conferencing, wiki
Cost model; e.g., cost avoidance (travel) •
Probably the most important thing to consider is your business relationship. Your relationship with your client should not be harmed, as a result of you both participating in ODR.
Ben can be reached at [email protected]
There’s no such thing as an ideal media plan. In fact, just about every plan written these days is tempered by what I call “planner’s compromise”. Unless you have an unlimited pool of money, something has to be sacrificed. So, what’s the best alternative if you have to make some compromises?
Before giving up too much, seasoned media planners look at a number of scheduling alternatives as a means of making the budget stretch as far as possible. There are four basic techniques to do this: continuity, flighting, pulsing, and blinkering.
The first technique is continuity. That is simply maintaining a constant presence in the marketplace at an even weight level for as long as possible. Mature packaged-goods brands do this by running ads year round at a very low but steady level of frequency.
The next and perhaps most commonly employed technique is flighting. That involves blitzing the target group with waves of advertising over short but measured time frames – usually called flights. A flight of advertising (never less than 3 weeks), is followed by a hiatus, which is then followed by another wave of advertising.
With pulsing, an advertiser picks a core media property that is a good fit with their business. This may include 5-6 TV shows only, or a banner position on a key website. It may also include two or three radio sponsorships where your commercials run every day in the same feature. Then, as you plan the rest of your year, you add periodic “spikes” or heavy-ups of media weight on top of the base buy.
Blinkering is the way to trick consumers into thinking that you have a continuous presence in the market. It usually consists of 26 weeks of advertising in 13, two-week bursts of activity; two weeks on, two weeks off. Potential customers don’t have time to forget your message and you can make more “noise” than if you tried to spread the same amount of money over 52 weeks.
Shannon Schafer can be reached at [email protected]
