A local business magnate will be taking the helm of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce after current CEO, Bruce Williams, announced his intention to step down in December.
Starting July 15, John Wilson – CEO of Wilson’s Group of Companies and a 13-year member of the chamber board – will step into the executive role. He previously served as the board chair before stepping down last year.
"I look forward to hitting the ground running and rolling up my sleeves to be the unapologetic voice of business for Greater Victoria," said Wilson. "I think my history of business gives me the business acumen to be able to speak for businesses at all sizes. My dad and I, 40 years ago, were a business of 10 people, and pre-pandemic, we grew to about 250 people, so I've definitely been a small, mid and a large business in Greater Victoria. I know the challenges at all levels."
Wilson brings over 35 years of experience in local ground transportation and tourism, working with his family's fleet of charter and tourist buses operating across Vancouver Island.
He has also served as chair of Motor Coach Canada, co-chair of the Victoria Hockey Legacy Society, the Canadian Representative for the United Motorcoach Association, past president of Victoria’s SKAL Club, a board member of the city's Economic Development and Downtown Prosperity Task Force, and as a board or committee member for numerous local economic and tourism initiatives, including Destination Greater Victoria and the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission.
During his time on the chamber board, Wilson was chair when the organization first hired Williams, whom he says he "admires."
“I can’t imagine anyone more qualified than John Wilson to be assuming the role of CEO at the chamber,” noted Williams in a news release. “John served for 13 years on the chamber board, three of those as chair in the tumultuous years of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. I found great value and insight in our collaboration through those difficult times. John was born and raised in Greater Victoria and has a unique perspective on our local economy. Family has always been John’s priority, and we are proud to welcome him into the chamber family.”
Wilson said that among the biggest concerns of local business owners is the slowing economy and ongoing trade disputes between Canada and the U.S., which continue to impact Canadian industry.
"We have to play a role to streamline both for small, medium and large businesses, and take some of the burden off governments at all levels to help these companies survive and thrive in the future," he said.
As the chief advocate for the Capital Region's business community, Wilson also plans to address safety concerns in the downtown core and push for relief from high provincial and federal tax rates that he says have proven a burden on Greater Victoria businesses.
"I have nothing but respect for anyone who puts their hat into the political ring at any level, but you need to be accountable to all areas of the voting public – including businesses," he said. "That's what the chamber is originally put together for, to be the voice of business, and that's what it will continue to be – apolitical and just representing business at all levels, trying to be a strong voice and help them through some difficult times."
Wilson also hopes to continue to host business mixers, hall of fame events, and mingles for the local community in celebration of local businesses, and he's excited to get to work.
"[I was] born and raised here, been in business here for 40 years, and I think if anybody knows the climate, it's me, and certainly with my experience with the chamber, I'm ready to hit the ground running," he said. " I think it'll be a seamless transition for chamber members and staff, and I look forward to an event-filled summer."
