Hello from the Chamber!

We hope you're enjoying a relaxing and refreshing summer. While we typically take a step back from our regular event schedule during these warmer months, we wanted to pop in with a quick mid-summer update!

Our Visitor Centre has seen fantastic traffic this season so far—welcoming both locals and travelers eager to explore all that our community has to offer.

Behind the scenes, we’ve been busy planning for fall, and we’re excited to give you a sneak peek at what’s coming up—including great networking opportunities, community spotlights, and fresh ways to get involved.

So stay cool, enjoy the rest of your summer, and keep an eye out—we’ll be back in full swing soon!

Warm regards,

The Ladysmith Chamber Team

Exciting News from the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce!

We’re proud to share that our Executive Director, Roberta Bowman, has officially received the Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) designation through the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC)!

The ACE designation is a national recognition awarded to senior-level chamber professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic excellence, and a deep commitment to advancing the chamber network. It reflects rigorous standards of professional competence, community impact, and continued growth in the areas of policy, governance, economic development, and organizational management.

This achievement brings added strength and credibility to our Chamber’s voice as we continue working to support local business, foster economic growth, and advocate on behalf of our members.

Please join us in congratulating Roberta on this well-deserved milestone!

Join us as we tee off the fall season with a vibrant evening of local business connections at the Ladysmith Golf Club! After a summer break, we’re excited for the return of our Chamber mixers.

This special edition mixer is made possible through a collaborative partnership between Chamber Members joining forces to create a larger-scale evening of connection and celebration. Mingle with fellow members while enjoying some of Ladysmith’s favourite local flavors, refreshing brews, and great conversation in a relaxed golf club atmosphere. Come mingle, exchange ideas, and grow your business network in a welcoming and relaxed setting.

Bring a door prize to highlight your business, and don’t forget your name tag and business cards! Feel free to bring a guest.

Save the Date!

October Business Mixer

hosted by Budget Blinds

Join fellow Chamber Members for an evening of networking, connection, and community at our October Business Mixer, proudly hosted by Budget Blinds of Cowichan Valley!

If you’ve been thinking about transforming your home’s interior, Budget Blinds offers expert design guidance and a wide selection of stylish window coverings—from blinds and shades to shutters and drapery. Discover why they’re the #1 provider of custom window coverings in North America.

• Come mingle, exchange ideas, and grow your business network in a welcoming and relaxed setting.
• Bring a door prize to highlight your business, and don’t forget your name tag and business cards!
• Date: Wednesday, October 8
• Location: Budget Blinds of Cowichan Valley | 19 High St.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Help Us Bring a Community-Wide Calendar to Life

The Ladysmith Chamber and Tourism Ladysmith are working together to create a more robust, all-in-one Community Calendar — a central hub for tourism events, local happenings, and business/meeting listings.

This initiative responds to a growing need we've heard from community members: We need one place to find and share what’s going on in our town. It would also be a valuable planning tool — helping event organizers avoid overlapping dates and better coordinate future activities.

To bring this important project to life, we're currently seeking a Community Calendar Sponsor — an organization that values visibility, community engagement, and supporting local connection.

As the exclusive annual sponsor, you’ll benefit from:

• High-visibility brand placement on the calendar platform and promotions
• Year-round recognition through Tourism Ladysmith and Chamber marketing channels
• Being seen as a champion of connection, tourism, and community growth

This is a perfect opportunity for a business or organization that wants to boost its presence while helping Ladysmith shine.

Interested in learning more about this unique sponsorship opportunity?

Contact us today at 250-245-2112 or roberta@ladysmithcofc.com to explore how you can support this exciting project and become part of something truly impactful.

Future-Proof Your Small Business with AI:

Free Upskilling Program Now Open

Small businesses across Central Vancouver Island face increasing challenges—staffing shortages, limited digital skills, and overwhelming workloads that leave little room for growth. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses that do not adopt new technologies risk falling behind. However, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools does not have to be complicated or expensive. A new initiative is here to help.

Introducing the AI Upskilling for Small Businesses Program



Community Futures Central Island, in collaboration with Hufnagel Consulting and funded by the Province of British Columbia, is launching the AI Upskilling for Small Businesses program. Designed specifically for small businesses, solopreneurs, and nonprofits in the Regional District of Nanaimo—including Qualicum, Ladysmith, Parksville, Lantzville, and Gabriola Island—this program provides practical, hands-on training to help organizations embrace AI with confidence.

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS: B.C. advancing easier ways of doing business

Streamlining processes to reduce barriers, cut red tape, foster innovation and create a more supportive, business-friendly environment in B.C. are the goals as the Province launches an ease-of-doing-business review.

“We are listening to B.C. businesses as we work to ensure our province is an easy place to do business,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “This review will help us to continue to modernize our regulatory and permitting systems, as we secure B.C.’s position as the economic engine of Canada’s new economy.”

Businesses are invited to share their ideas, challenges and suggestions through an online website portal until fall 2025. By involving entrepreneurs, business owners and business-sector partners in B.C., the Province will gain a clearer understanding of current on-the-ground challenges when establishing or growing a business. Information gathered throughout the review will help government establish a set of performance measurements to make it easier for companies and organizations of all sizes and sectors to do business in B.C.