Introducing our 2025 Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors made up of amazing dedicated volunteers who make everything we do possible!

Strong leadership is the foundation of a thriving business community. Our Board of Directors brings together dedicated local leaders who are passionate about driving growth, fostering connections, and advocating for a prosperous future.

2025 Chamber Board of Directors:

President: Cheri Mactier, Realtor, Mactier Real Estate Group

Vice President: Martin Sanderson, Lawyer, Robson O’Connor Law Office

Treasurer: Tammy Leslie, Partner, Palmer Leslie Chartered Accountants 

Secretary: Bailey Dill, Owner, Juniper & Sage Decor

Director: Dave Devana, President / CEO, Nanaimo Airport

Director: Sandra Day, Wealth Advisor, Designed Securities Ltd. 

Director: John Manuel, Financial Services CPCA

Director: Kara Olson, Multimedia Marketing Consultant, Chronicle

Director: Marina Sacht, Editor/Publisher, Take 5 Print & Digital Media

Director: Millie Stirling, Commercial Account Executive, Insurance Services LCU Insurance Agencies

Grow Your Network, Elevate Your Business!

Join fellow Chamber Members for an fun evening of networking, connections, and business growth at Beans & Banter Cafe & Creperie! Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this is your opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and expand your network.

Date: Monday, May 26

Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Beans and Banter Cafe and Creperie (422 Esplanade Ave)

Event Highlights:

• Showcase Your Business! Bring a door prize to highlight what you offer.
• Come Prepared! Don’t forget your name tag and business cards.
• Bring a Friend! More connections = more opportunities!

Enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Beans and Banter while making meaningful connections in a relaxed, friendly setting. Support this vibrant Chamber Member business and take advantage of a fun and productive networking opportunity. We can’t wait to see you there!

Join Us for the 16th Annual Ladysmith Chamber Golf Classic!

Get ready for a fantastic day, good company, and plenty of fun at Cottonwood Golf Course on Friday, June 13, 2025! Whether you're playing for the love of the game, enjoying a day with friends collegues, or looking to showcase your business as a sponsor, this tournament is the perfect way to connect and enjoy a fantastic day on the greens.

• Early Bird Special – Register your team by May 14, 2025 for exclusive savings!
• Register your team for a memorable round.
• Sponsorship opportunities available to highlight your business.
• Donate a prize and be part of the excitement!
• Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
• Location: Cottonwood Golf Course

Don’t miss out—sign up, sponsor, or donate today!

We are thrilled to announce our new membership agreement with the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA)! This partnership opens up exciting opportunities for our members to enhance local connections and grow their businesses.

Key Benefits Include:

🔹 25% Discount on Island Good Membership: Supporting local has never been more rewarding! Enjoy a special discounted rate for businesses qualifying as Island Good Members. Licensing is available to growers, makers, retailers, restaurants, and accommodation providers committed to local producers.

About VIEA: Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) has been driving regional economic development since 2007. Their initiatives like Island Good, the 'State of the Island' Economic Summit, and the Economic Dashboard empower our community towards a sustainable and vibrant local economy.

Spread the Word! Help us share this exciting news across our community! Together with VIEA, we look forward to creating more opportunities and fostering economic resilience on Vancouver Island.

Learn more about VIEA at viea.ca.

Thank you to the Microtel Inn & Suites Oyster Bay, BC for hosting our April Chamber Business Mixer! We had a great time making connections and enjoying one of their lovely conference rooms!

The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome our newest members! We remain committed to fostering connections among our members and within the broader community.

Take a moment to greet them—visit their website, send a friendly email, or drop by in person to introduce yourself. Your warm welcome and personal outreach will help our Chamber continue to flourish and strengthen our vibrant network.

VANCOUVER ISLAND ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) has been operating since 2007 and is a non-government, non-profit society dedicated to spearheading regional economic development across Vancouver Island and the rural islands region.

Funded by memberships, sponsorships, and the annual Summit, VIEA works collaboratively to strengthen and diversify the Island’s economy.

Website

C&S Heating & Cooling

C & S Heating + Cooling prides themselves in offering fair prices and energy-efficient solutions.

C & S Heating + Cooling is a locally owned and run company based on Vancouver Island and catering to the surrounding areas, including Duncan, Ladysmith, Chemainus, and Nanaimo.

Phone: (250)-709-8302

Website

Register for DBC's Upcoming Webinar: Welcoming the American & Canadian Visitor This Season

Rising political and economic tensions between Canada and the US—including renewed attention on tariffs and “Buy Canadian” sentiment—are influencing how visitors perceive and experience travel. As the summer season approaches, Destination BC is seeking to equip tourism operators with the tools and information they need to welcome visitors and navigate this evolving landscape with confidence. 

Join them on Friday, May 23, 2025, for a one-hour webinar designed to help you better understand the current context and adapt your approach to meet evolving traveller expectations.

Town of Ladysmith

Important Update for Short-Term Rental & B&B Operators

As of May 1, 2025, all short-term rental hosts in B.C. must register their listings and obtain a provincial registration number. While enforcement deadlines have been extended slightly to accommodate platform updates, hosts must already be registered.

Key Dates to Note:

• June 2: Platforms must remove listings without a valid registration number.
• June 23: Platforms must cancel future bookings from unregistered hosts.

In Ladysmith, operating a short-term rental or B&B also requires a municipal business licence and compliance with the Town’s Zoning Bylaw. A Town licence does not replace the Provincial registration—you need both.

To learn more, view the B&B and Short-Term Rental Guide or contact the Town’s Development Services team at ds@ladysmith.ca or 250-245-6415.

Community Futures Rural Resiliency Resources Now Available for Small Businesses

In recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week, Community Futures British Columbia (CFBC) has launched the Rural Resiliency Initiative (RRI)—a new program to help small businesses and rural communities prepare for and recover from economic disruptions.

Through their Emergency Quick Response and Recovery Team, CFBC works directly with community leaders and local governments to guide economic recovery planning, assess impacts, and support local businesses in times of crisis.

Business owners can also access free webinars, workshops, and one-on-one consulting via myCommunityFuturesBC.ca. Topics range from digital marketing and HR to finance and emergency planning—designed specifically for small, rural businesses.

With over 30 offices across BC, Community Futures is a proven support network in times of need, including our very own Community Futures Cowichan.

Economic Development Cowichan - Navigating Tariffs Resource Page



Shifting U.S. trade policies and tariffs are creating challenges for Cowichan businesses involved in importing, exporting, and international trade. To help, Economic Development Cowichan has launched the Navigating Tariffs & Trade Resource Page—your one-stop hub for key insights, support programs, and compliance tools.

What’s Inside:

• How U.S. tariffs impact BC businesses
• Trade agreements & compliance resources
• Financial & advisory support programsGuidance on dispute resolution

With insights from Export Development Canada and other key sources, this resource will help you manage risks and stay competitive.