Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read about the new leadership at the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, innovation in the ocean, 2024 business award nominations, and what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 531 words: a three-minute read.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Starting the year with fresh and familiar faces

Looking for a who’s who of business leaders in Victoria?

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is starting the year with the introduction of its 2024 to 2025 board of directors. The board is welcoming back many returning members, but also a few fresh faces.

• Deborah Huelscher, chief financial officer at Camosun College, will begin her term on the board of directors as its treasurer.

• Dean Clarke, senior partner owner of Tru Value Foods, is entering his first full year as a board member.

• Among returning members are the board’s chair and vice-chair, Kris Wirk and Christina Clarke.

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has been operating in the region for 161 years, and the new board of directors have been entrusted to shepherd the organization for its 162nd. The outfit serves nearly 1,400 members and is one of the largest chambers of commerce in British Columbia.

Board elections are held every summer, with terms officially beginning on January 1 every year — so if you’re interested in running, it’s worth thinking about your application now.

🏙️ Community catchup, powered by VIATEC

Did you know VIATEC has been around since 1989? That it owns the Fort Tectoria building? Or that the organization’s goal is to grow Greater Victoria's Tech Sector to $10 billion by 2030? 

Join the VIATEC crew on January 31 for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. to meet the organizers and hear the who, what, why, and how of VIATEC and the technology community.

Registration is open now.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

🎸 Like a rolling stone: Ocean Networks Canada president Kate Moran was featured on CBC’s The National to discuss the company’s Solid Carbon Project, which is focused on turning carbon dioxide into rock.

🏆 Say my name: The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce put out a call for nominations for its 2024 Business Awards. Nominations close on January 18.

🌟 We are the champions: Humaira Ahmed, founder and CEO of Victoria’s BestHuman, shared her thoughts on the two essential qualities of a successful entrepreneur.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Product Marketing Specialist at VertiGIS

• Regional Sales Manager at Zetron

• Remote Sensing Specialist at BC Public Service

Hiring in Victoria? Reply to this email and let us know!

📅 Upcoming events

Jan 25 | Women Leaders in STEM Panel and Networking

All are welcome to join the iWIST community for a social evening to meet and network with other women in STEM, sponsored by Quicksilver Software Development. Hear from a panel of accomplished women leaders in science, engineering and technology: Christina Jones, Humaira Ahmed, Dr. Kathryn (Kate) Moran, and Dr. Katherina Tarnai-Lokhorst.

Jan 31 | Introduction to VIATEC 101

Join the VIATEC team for lunch: meet the VIATEC crew and hear the who, what, why and how of VIATEC and the local technology community.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

🙋 I need a…

We at Victoria Tech Journal know you, our community, pretty well. Are you searching for someone in your field to have coffee with, a hiring hookup, a lead on local investors, or suggestion for a great Victoria tech tool? Whatever you’re hunting for, let us know. We’ll post it in this section and make it happen.

Email your requests to [email protected].

Have something or someone we should know about? Reply or email [email protected] so we can work together to spotlight the lesser-known stories of Victoria's tech ecosystem.