JUN
24

Events Recap May-June 2024

As we approach the end of June, it's worth reflecting on the vibrant season of events hosted by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade for the local business community. These events have provided opportunities for members to connect, share insights, and stay attuned to the latest industry trends and developments. From networking sessions to thought-provoking forums, each gathering has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and driving the region's economic growth.
JUN
24

Work Disrupted: Building a Reinvention-Ready Workforce

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's 'Work Disrupted: Building a Reinvention-Ready Workforce' event featured a detailed presentation and a panel discussion that delved into these critical topics and discussed strategies for future readiness.

Featuring Vancouver Airport Authority's Richard Beed, CPHR BC & Yukon's Naz Kullar, PwC Canada's Jean McClellan and Carolyn Rush, BC Hydro's Carolynn Ryan and Purdys Chocolatier's Paul Taylor, the event focussed on multiple PwC surveys including the Hopes and Fears 2023 survey. The survey brings to light the issues facing workers and the impact of current workforce strategies, including the desire for employment changes, financial dresses, reskilling obstacles, and the implications of AI for their roles.

MAY
31

How to boost workplace productivity through a people-first approach

This blog post is part of a TELUS Health series to support employers in navigating several workplace challenges by providing ways to prioritize employee well-being, foster a strong company culture, reduce absenteeism, and increase retention.

This article explores how a people-first approach can boost workplace productivity. From mental health support to flexible work schedules, Telus Health highlights the key factors that help create a productive and engaged workforce.

MAY
24

Best Practices to Navigate International Payments

Small businesses are the backbone of British Columbia, numbering over 500,000 in the province. According to BC Stats, we have more small businesses per capita than any other Province, which means one in ten British Columbians operates a business in some capacity. Market expansion and doing business abroad is a crucial growth strategy for many BC companies.

Small businesses benefit from working with clients and vendors in other countries, including the US whether tapping a larger customer base, gaining options for vendors, or mitigating risk with income in different currencies. We see this in importing and exporting, mining and forestry and e-commerce, but also through marketing, advertising, gaming and film and TV production services.

At some point in their journey abroad, businesses need to navigate foreign currency. This can involve bringing in revenue in USD or Euros or paying vendors in other countries. In this blog post, the Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange shares best practices for small business owners to navigate international payments.

MAY
16

Recapping ‘Shaping the Future Together’

On May 7, Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, President of the University of British Columbia (UBC), spoke to the Greater Vancouver business community During his keynote, Dr. Bacon emphasized UBC's commitment to fostering healthier lives, restoring the planet's health, and nurturing thriving communities. Dr. Bacon touched upon various topics, ranging from UBC's dedication to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples to its pivotal role in driving innovation and addressing global challenges. Here are a few highlights:

MAY
07

One-to-one with Cathryn Wilson

Meet Cathryn Wilson, who leads the BC Achievement Foundation (BC Achievement). As Executive Director, she spearheads an independent foundation dedicated to honouring excellence across British Columbia to drive meaningful change. Through five award programs, BC Achievement showcases the very best of the province, highlighting the remarkable efforts of individuals who contribute to building stronger and more engaged communities. With a mission to elevate excellence and inspire achievement in program areas which include civic leadership, artistic endeavors, entrepreneurship, and reconciliation, BC Achievement tells powerful stories of extraordinary people doing extraordinary work

APR
29

Governors' Gala and Rix Awards 2024

Last week, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade hosted the 36th annual Governors' Gala and Rix Awards on Monday, April 22, 2024, to commemorate outstanding leadership within our community.

The Gala paid tribute to the recipients of the Rix Award for Engaged Community Citizenship and the Rix Award for Engaged Corporate Citizenship, both named in honour of the late Dr. Don Rix, a former Chair of the Board of Trade and esteemed philanthropist.
MAR
20

One-to-one with Joshua Myers

Joshua Myers is the Executive Director of the BC Centre for Ability (BCCFA). Under the leadership of Joshua Myers, the BC Centre for Ability designs and delivers community-based programs for persons with disabilities. They are on a quest to foster inclusive communities where every person thrives at all stages of life. Based in Vancouver but serving nearly 5,000 people across BC each year, they offer a wide range of programs to support people with disabilities to achieve personal goals and be meaningfully included in all aspects of life.

MAR
14

Navigating the Social Media Landscape: Trends and Insights for 2024 with Megan Shallow

Hello there! I'm Megan Shallow, the founder of BNL Media Consulting. We specialize in helping businesses engage with their communities both online and offline through a range of services, including social media management, email marketing, UGC creator management, and social media consulting.

With over 7 years of experience in the social media industry, I've gained valuable insights that I'm eager to share. That's why I founded BNL and launched my Social Media Academy last September. And today, I'm excited to share with you the top social trends to keep an eye on in 2024!

Here are the top 4 trends you'll want to pay attention to this year as you navigate your own social media marketing journey:

JAN
20

Legacy: Alan Hart

Reflecting on Alan Hart's impact and legacy.

JAN
15

Reinvest in B.C. by making carbon tax revenue neutral again

Read the latest op-ed in the Vancouver Sun by Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson on the rising costs squeezing B.C.'s smaller businesses and the need for action.
NOV
20

Vancouver's other land crisis

Read the latest op-ed in the Business in Vancouver by Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson on the current industrial land crisis facing our region.
NOV
07

One-to-one with Susan Tohyama

Susan Tohyama is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Ceridian. Susan is a highly accomplished leader with a proven track record of driving organizational transformation with some of the world's top brands. 

NOV
03

Update on British Columbia Pay Transparency Requirements

Beginning on November 1, 2023, in accordance with British Columbia's Pay Transparency Act (the "Act"), employers will be required to specify the expected salary or wage or expected salary or wage range, as well as any other information prescribed by regulation, for any publicly advertised job opportunity.
OCT
26

2023 Business Distinction Award Recipients announced

On October 25, 2023, the Vancouver business community gathered at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront for the annual GVBOT Business Distinction Awards.

The awards were presented to businesses that have gone above and beyond to set themselves apart in one of seven distinct categories.

SEP
22

Advancing Diversity and Inclusion: A Year of Impact at the DLC

A message from Rob Chiarello, Senior Vice President of People and Culture at Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) and outgoing co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council (DLC) at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
SEP
08

Empowering Local Businesses

A message from Kim Osborne, CEO of Chemistry Consulting Group Inc. and outgoing Chair of the Scale-up Centre for SMEs (SCS) program by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
SEP
05

What B.C. Businesses Need to Know About the EV Transition

British Columbia is leading the way in Canada's shift to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Statistics Canada says that nearly one in five of all new vehicles registered in the province in the first quarter of 2023 was a ZEV, the highest percentage in the country.

There is still a long way to go in the transition to electric vehicles—and businesses need to consider how ZEV sales targets, provincial and federal incentives, B.C.-wide charging infrastructure and new regulations and legislation could affect them.
AUG
25

Measuring Inclusivity Diversity and Equity Progress: New Challenges, Fresh Opportunities

For years, if not decades, companies have used data to hold themselves accountable for diversity initiatives under the adage, "What gets measured gets done." Companies now have digital tools to collect and access Inclusivity Diversity and Equity (ID&E) data more efficiently and face regulatory requirements requiring ID&E metrics, such as pay transparency legislation. As companies face increasing pressure to collect and use ID&E data, it's important to proceed carefully and thoughtfully.
JUL
03

Unleashing the Leader Within: A Journey of Growth

In the world of sports and community engagement, my journey has been an incredibly fortunate one. What started as a two-year working holiday in Canada became a fulfilling career with the Vancouver Whitecaps. I had the privilege of being part of their business development team and now the Canucks as the Director of Premium Sales & Experience. I firmly believe that sports organizations should be pillars of their communities, using their influence to drive positive change. Reflecting on my professional growth, I can confidently attribute a part of my success to the transformative experience of GVBOT's Engaged Leadership Program.

Featured stories

Beginning on November 1, 2023, in accordance with British Columbia's Pay Transparency Act (the "Act"), employers will be required to specify the expected salary or wage or expected salary or wage rang...
A message from Rob Chiarello, Senior Vice President of People and Culture at Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) and outgoing co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council (DLC) at the Greater Vanco...
Reflecting on Alan Hart's impact and legacy.