Victoria-based Connect Hearing has again been named on the “Best Workplaces in Canada” list, compiled by Great Place to Work Institute Canada.
“It’s all in the details,” Connect Hearing CEO Craig Cameron says of his company’s success in employee relations. “For example, a simple birthday acknowledgement shows the company does take notice. So do larger initiatives like encouraging all employees, not only supervisors, to recognize coworkers and encourage a national policy of growth and promoting from within.”
It’s the third consecutive honour for Connect Hearing, Canada’s largest network of hearing professionals, with 120 clinics in six provinces. Evaluation is based on two criteria: two-thirds of the score comes from a 58-statement survey completed by a random selection of employees, along with their open-ended comments about their organization; the remaining one-third comes from an in-depth review of the organization’s culture, including an evaluation of human resources policies and procedures.
This year’s list received more than 230 nominations and more than 49,000 employees participated in the survey.
New & Notable
Christine Gleed and Trisha Lees, previously senior account managers with Tartan Group, have struck out on their own with Mouthpiece Communications, specializing in communications strategy and media relations. Local web designer Neil Tran has also launched his own digital communications shop, Leap Web Solutions.
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe is nearing completion of $14 million renovations to its 240 guestrooms, in time to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The investment will provide spaces that are modern, adaptable and full of technology features such as the new SmartDesk, a fully-wired, multi-purpose area with built-in power and connectivity dock.
The Downtown Victoria Business Association and the Bay Centre, with EvoShift and a variety of downtown property owners, have introduced free public WiFi to a selection of high-traffic locations throughout Downtown Victoria, making it easy for people to stay connected.
Realtors have a new tool to get their message to customers with StreetInfo, developed in Victoria by Beta Street. Designed to meet the needs of tech savvy buyers who want information quickly, StreetInfo allows home buyers to instantly receive information on their mobile device about a specific property, with a local text number, phone number, QR code and mobile website all under a Property ID. Realtors then receive an instant notification when someone has viewed their listing.
Payline Financial has partnered with International Currency Exchange (ICE) to become Payline by ICE, offering secure online foreign exchange services and personalized account management for individuals and corporate clients. Company headquarters will remain in Victoria.
For a good cause
The 24th annual M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day is coming to an M&M Meat Shop near you. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 12, the nation-wide fundraiser for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada will offer a hamburger or hot dog, drink and a bag of chips for a minimum donation of $3. Find locations at www.mmmeatshops.com
Visit Country Grocer through Sunday, May 13 and support the fourth annual Bouquet of Hope promotion for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – BC/Yukon Region. Presented with Eurosa Farms, bouquets include roses, alstromarias and bright gerbera daisies and sell for $15.99.
Under construction
Construction is nearing completion at Westhills’ first condo building, GlenHeights, already two-thirds sold. Residents will begin moving in starting in September.
Uptown has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold certification for The Point Building. Beyond individual buildings, the entire mixed-use community is designed to the LEED for Neighbourhood Development gold standard.
To submit your event, send an email to jblyth@telus.net.