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BUSINESS BEAT: Merry Maids embraces pet culture

Greater Victoria franchise welcomes dogs at office, values pets for clients
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Merry Maids of Victoria employees and office dogs Lupe

Walk into the Oak Bay office of Merry Maids Victoria and it’s possible you may be greeted by a four-legged welcoming committee.

Matt Tanner heads up sales and marketing for the local franchise. He is accompanied to work most days by his old English bulldog, Georgia, and says allowing pooches in the office is part of what makes this company, well, more merry.

“We have a dog-friendly office,” he says. “It’s great for the employee culture. Even if somebody’s having a bad day, they know they can always get a friendly greeting.”

That affinity for dogs is a big part of what prompted Merry Maids to select the Victoria SPCA as its charity of choice.

“We always do something over the holidays to give back to the community. We asked all of our team members what they’d like to do and they voted 90-plus per cent to help the SPCA,” Tanner says.

A bottle/can and spare change drive undertaken by employees between November and January raised nearly $3,100 for the cause.

Tanner’s parents, Scott and Susan, started the Merry Maids franchise in 1991 and have built their business to more than 30 employees from just a few, with clients spread around Greater Victoria. They’ve also won a number of company awards as one of the top franchises in North America.

Matt Tanner says in this highly competitive industry, being successful is “all about the people.”

“It’s about hiring the best people, treating them right and keeping them. And if you have a good workplace culture, people are happy, they stick around and do a good job.”

Find more information at merrymaidsvictoria.com or call 250-598-6243.

Island Health, UVic recognized for diversity

Mediacorp Canada this week named Island Health and the University of Victoria to its annual list of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. The honour recognizes employers that show exceptional workplace diversity and practise inclusiveness. The health authority’s work in aboriginal recruitment and employment initiatives caught the judges’ eyes. UVic was chosen for such initiatives as its faculty disability caucus, mental health task force, and Positive Space Network promoting LGBT awareness.

Local restaurants serving Mercy meals

The Village Restaurant is partnering with Mercy Ships Canada to raise funds for the charity group’s programs in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo. The Village is donating $5 from specific breakfast features sold during February to the cause. Restaurant locations are 2518 Estevan Ave. in Oak Bay, and 4517 West Saanich Rd. in Royal Oak. Visit thevillagerestaurant.ca for more information.

Victoria a sexy centre for adult toy company

Looking down its order book for the 2013 calendar year, PinkCherry Adult Toys determined that Greater Victoria residents ordered the most products per capita (of residents 18-over). Victoria topped the list of 25 “sexy cities,” ahead of No. 2 Grande Prairie, Alta. and No. 3 Fredericton, N.B. PinkCherry sells adult novelties and lingerie online.

Who’s making waves in Victoria business

Victoria chartered accountants Charles Burkett and Kyman Chan have been honoured with fellowships from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia for their contributions to the community and service to their profession … Synergy Health Centre, 106-3960 Quadra St., welcomes holistic nutritionist and weight loss consultant Sophia Briggs, a former realtor, to their health and wellness team.

Send your business news to ddescoteau@vicnews.com.