Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Membership 101

Connect · Grow · Advocate

Membership 101

Your guide to putting the Chamber to work — from day one through your first 90 days.

Membership is a business network. The value you get depends on connecting that network to what your organization is trying to accomplish. Use this guide to see what’s included and a simple plan for your first 90 days.

Start here — first actions
  1. Optimize your directory profile — clear “what you do / who you serve / why call you.”
  2. Tell us your goals — who you want to meet, and what success looks like.
  3. Pick one savings program that fits your business (see Member Savings guide).
  4. Attend one event intentionally — with a simple conversation goal.

Nine ways members get value

You don’t need all nine. Use the ones that match your goals right now.

1

Networking & connections

Intros to decision-makers, clients, and partners via mixers, roundtables, and Ambassadors.

2

Promotion & visibility

Directory listing, social features, newsletters, and event exposure.

3

Education & skills

Workshops and insights on marketing, finance, HR, leadership, and digital.

4

Policy & advocacy

Your interests represented at municipal, provincial, and federal levels.

5

Leadership opportunities

Board, committee, speaking, and mentorship roles that build profile.

6

Economic development

Regional growth and workforce development that strengthens every member.

7

Member discounts

Member-to-member and employee savings that can offset membership cost.

8

Affinity programs

Preferred pricing on insurance, payroll, shipping, fuel, and HR/finance.

9

Chambers Plan benefits

Health benefits plus HR/legal/financial advisory — a recruitment tool.

Think: Connect · Promote · Save · Influence

ConnectRight relationships
PromoteBe findable
SaveCut costs
InfluenceAdd your voice

Connect

WhatBuild the right relationships — customers, referral partners, suppliers, advisors.
WhoAnyone who wants targeted intros, not random networking.
HowTell us who you want to meet (person, org, or sector). Staff and Ambassadors can help.
Ask whenYou need named intros.

Promote

WhatIncrease visibility through Chamber channels.
WhoMembers launching, expanding, or needing more leads.
HowUpdate your directory; use Member News, Calendar, Deals, social, and events.
Ask whenYou’re launching or needing leads.

Save

WhatReduce the cost of doing business.
WhoAny member with staff, vehicles, shipping, or office spend.
HowOpen the Member Savings guide — one recurring saving can offset dues.
Ask whenCosts or hiring are on your mind.

Influence

WhatShape the conditions your business operates in.
WhoOwners affected by tax, safety, workforce, or red tape.
HowTell the Chamber what’s blocking you. Member stories drive advocacy.
Ask whenPolicy hits your business.

A simple 90-day membership plan

You don’t need to do everything. Aim for: one new relationship · one visibility opportunity · one meaningful cost saving · one strategic Chamber connection.

If you’re…
  • Hiring — claim the hire stack in Savings (benefits + payroll + HR Covered), then ask for a named intro to someone who has scaled a team like yours.
  • Expanding — book a Spotlight or e-blast for the announcement, and use Connect to meet partners in your new market or sector.
  • Quiet / just settling in — optimize your profile, pick one savings program, and attend one event with a three-conversation goal.
Days 1–30

Build your foundation

Optimize directory profile · Explore savings · Tell us your goals · List who you want to know.

Days 31–60

Get visible & connected

Attend one event with intent · Try Member News or Calendar · Meet an Ambassador · Start relationships.

Days 61–90

Turn activity into outcomes

Request targeted intros · Build a referral link · Consider a Deal or promo · Keep what works.

Don’t just network — network with purpose

Before an event, decide what success looks like. Ask staff or an Ambassador for an introduction. Follow up while the conversation is fresh.

Mixers

WhatBroad relationship-building.
WhoMembers expanding their circle.
HowRegister · set a 3-conversation goal · follow up next day.
Ask whenYou want warm intros in a casual setting.

Networking Breakfasts

WhatMore structured connection.
WhoMembers who prefer guided formats.
HowBook ahead · arrive with a clear intro · exchange next steps.
Ask whenYou prefer a guided format for first conversations.

Business Leaders

WhatAccess to executives and decision-makers.
WhoOwners seeking senior-level peers.
HowWatch BizNews for dates · prepare one sharp question.
Ask whenYou’re seeking senior-level peers or decision-makers.

Marketplace

WhatVisibility and lead generation.
WhoMembers with something to sell or showcase.
HowBook a booth or visit with a target list of prospects.
Ask whenYou have something to showcase and want leads.

Use the Chamber as part of your people strategy

Growing your team? Chamber resources support hiring, development, and mentorship:

  • Chamber Job Board
  • Professional development programming
  • Emerge opportunities for emerging leaders
  • Mentorship connections

Tell us when you’re hiring so we can point you to the right resources.

Request an introduction

WhoName the person, org, or sector.
WhereIndustry or role if you don’t have a name.
WhyWhy the relationship matters — specificity helps.
Ask whenYou’re hiring, expanding, or need a named door-opener.

Community integration: Emerge

Emerge is a peer-driven space where entrepreneurs learn from each other and build relationships that become informal mentorship. Value compounds through trust and shared growth.

Help us help you

We can deliver more when we know what’s happening in your organization. Tell us when you are:

Tell us your goals and your timing — hiring, expanding, launching — so staff can match you faster. Tell us where you’re trying to go — and give us the chance to help you get there.

Questions or ready to start?
Email membership@victoriachamber.ca · Call 250-383-7191 · victoriachamber.ca