Happy October!

This is such a beautiful time of year in Ladysmith and as you can see by this newsletter, a very busy time of year at the Chamber!

We have had a successful first offering of Governance Training – Board Governance Overview with Deb McLelland of OnBoard Training. After the first session, it was easy to see why Deb is known as the “Governance Guru”! With such positive feedback, our Board is entertaining the option of offering it again next year! So, if you missed out this time, we hope you can join us for the next one!

I recently had the opportunity to attend two caucus meetings with the BC Chamber in preparation for the Canadian Chamber AGM. We reviewed the policies that will be brought forward to the Canadian Chamber that have been submitted by Chambers of Commerce all over Canada. It was so interesting! It is amazing how small our big Country is in that how similar issues are across the country. We are the voice for local business locally, Provincially and Federally.

Moving forward with your Chamber.......

Municipal Candidates Forum 2022 was a success! The event was a great kick off for the candidates and their campaigns as well as an opportunity for those who attended to get to know the candidates. The candidates were given 2 pre-determined questions and were given 90 seconds for their response, followed by an opportunity for the community in attendance to ask questions from the floor. The evening ended with a meet and greet, where members of our community were able to have personal conversations with our candidates.  Special Guest, John Elzinga from the CVRD provided information on the Referendum Question.  For those that were unable to attend, no worries, we are grateful to Take 5 for recording the event and posting it on their youtube channel.

Thank you to the Candidates for making yourselves available to the community, thank you to our sponsors, 49^th Parallel Grocery, The Chronicle and Take 5, Thank you to our volunteers, Cheri Mactier, Ladysmith Chamber President; Tammy Leslie, Ladysmith Chamber past president, Chamber Members Michael Furlot, Mark Drysdale and Dean Richards, and Chamber Board Member, John Manuel. Without your support, events like this would not be possible.

On Saturday, October 15, 2022 Ladysmith residents will vote for (1) Mayor, (6) Councillors. For more information about the Municipal Election click here.

Interested in hiring a Camosun or UVic Co-op student, but not sure where to start? Come learn about timing, mentorship and the benefit of hiring a student for 2023.

Engaging a student is a cost-effective way to tackle ebbs and flows in the workplace— no matter the economic temperature, and particularly now as we move into recovery from the pandemic. Students are available from a wide variety of programs from technology and sciences to business, communication and everything in between!

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is hosting a virtual information session with Camosun and UVic’s Co-op departments. The speakers will be sharing information with businesses interested in learning more about hiring Co-op Students. As Co-op students often travel around the Island and Province for work, this event may appeal to your member businesses looking for employees. Funding is often available to help offset the costs of hiring co-op students, but changes year to year. Their Chamber has co-op students work with us on a regular basis. In fact they currently have 5 former and current co-op students working with them now.

RSVP Appreciated but not required:  Email or 250-245-2112

Pre-pay now for a 2023 membership and enjoy the rest of 2022 free!

Why join a Chamber?

Chambers of Commerce are stronger than ever! By joining, you get members-only perks, educational opportunities, exclusive advertising and networking opportunities, and a whole lot of exposure for yourself and your organization. Value of Membership

Get on board and see the difference!

To our valued Members: Refer a business to join during Small Business Month promo and you will receive your choice of the following:

a) Locals Love Ladysmith Feature and bag

b) 1 free Chamber Eblast

c) 10% off your 2023 Membership

As BC’s business resource centre, Small Business BC (SBBC) is celebrating the achievements of local entrepreneurs this Small Business Week with free business education and events designed to elevate every business in BC.

From October 16 to 22, 2022, SBBC is helping create strong communities and a thriving economy with a wide range of free webinars, networking, and learning opportunities geared towards building resilient businesses. BC’s small business owners are invited to register today.

Located at 22 High Street ( lower level) Ladysmith

Phone: (250) 713-1764 | Email | Instagram:  @fig_and_olive.vi

 Click here to email | Calendly | Instagram

Their grooming room is private and booked only for your pet. They provide a calm and relaxed approach to grooming. All sizes and ages are welcome.

Email: Click here to email | Website

Their trained HR specialists will help you manage your paperwork and answer every employment-related question. From supporting your day-to-day duties like scheduling to life-changing decisions like layoffs, Peninsula guides you through it while keeping your business protected.

Find out what it’s like to have your own highly trained HR department—one that puts your business first.

Click here to email | Website

The 2022 Collective Perspective Survey is now live! This is B.C.’s largest and most comprehensive business

survey, capturing insight from every region, sector and business size in the province.

The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce wants to hear from Ladysmith businesses to:

• Identify evolving trends – and roadblocks

• Inform our advocacy efforts

• Brief government on the business climate during annual consultations

Join the conversation on the new usage-based model for Cowichan Recreation Facilities and vote in October 2022!

This new usage-based funding model for regional recreation services will be administered by the CVRD in partnership with the 4-member municipalities (City of Duncan; Municipality of North Cowichan; Town of Ladysmith; Town of Lake Cowichan) and the Cowichan Sportsplex.

The new funding model will affect every electoral area and municipality differently, but it is felt that this model is the most fair and equitable solution to a decades-old issue of inequity.

Questions? Click here for FAQ’s section at:

Click here for voting info for the 2022 General Local Government Elections in October 2022:

Housing affordability is now a key factor in our ability to attract and retain labour from entry level to highly skilled. Join panelists Jada Basi, Principal, CitySpaces Consulting Ltd. and Virginia Holden, Executive Director, Greater Victoria Housing Society to learn what communities are doing successfully, the common issues that they have had to overcome, and ideas for how processes can be expedited.