CHEK News anchor Jim Beatty is leaving journalism for a job in the corporate sector. Beatty has anchored the television station’s news for more than three years, moving there after seven years as CTV bureau chief in Victoria. Prior to television, Beatty spent a decade working for the Vancouver Sun, covering B.C. politics at the legislature. He is not revealing the name of his new employer yet, but said he will remain in Victoria. A “fantastic” job opportunity came up and Beatty decided to accept it, giving his notice on Monday after returning from holidays. Although he still loves journalism, he said “it’s time for a change.”
Madone Pelan joins Oak Bay hotel
Madone Pelan is the new senior sales manager at Oak Bay Beach Hotel. It’s a new position and responsibilities include enhancing group sales and contracted/group business. Pelan was previously group sales manager at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, where since 2003 she worked her way up from tour co-ordinator and business travel sales manager. Pelan started her career as captain’s secretary for Princess Cruises and transitioned to hotel front office at The Sutton Place in Vancouver. The Oak Bay Beach has been in court-ordered receivership since December, but it’s been business as usual under receiver Ernst and Young. The 139,000-square-foot hotel includes 100 guest rooms, 20 condominiums, the Snug pub, David Foster Foundation Theatre and Kate’s Café.
Local tech firm, Alstom ink deal
Saanichton-based technology company Quester Tangent has signed a long-term agreement as a global supplier for Alstom Transport, a French transportation giant operating in more than 60 countries. The firms will work together on electronic solutions and services for rail transit bids. They have previously collaborated on systems for fleet operators in North America, such as the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. Quester Tangent supplies passenger rail and locomotive industries. Its offerings include train management, passenger information and diagnostic systems.
Clipper boosts check-in system
Clipper Vacations has launched an enhanced online system that allows passengers to check in for trips and print or email boarding passes from anywhere in the world up to seven days before their trip. The ability to check in online also enables customers who are not checking luggage to head straight to boarding. See clippervacations.com
Victoria honoured for gardens
The International Garden Tourism Network has named Victoria as Garden Destination of the Year. There are an estimated 250 million garden tourists worldwide, according to Tourism Victoria, which is hoping the honour will attract some of those international tourists to the city.
