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.

• Date: Wednesday, October 8
• Time: 5pm - 7pm
• Location: Budget Blinds Showroom | 19 High St.
• In partnership with Stor-X. 
• Door Prize(s), refreshments, food/snacks and networking!

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!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Your Brand at the Heart of Every Event in Ladysmith

Be the Name Behind Ladysmith’s New Community Calendar

The Ladysmith Chamber and Tourism Ladysmith are ready to launch something our community has been asking for: a central, all-in-one Community Calendar.

This calendar will be the go-to hub for tourism events, local happenings, and business meetings/events — a tool that keeps our community connected and helps event organizers plan smarter.

But here’s the key: this project depends on finding the right sponsor to bring it to life.

As the exclusive Community Calendar Sponsor, your business will:

• Have your brand seen year-round on the calendar and every promotion
• Gain high-visibility recognition through both Chamber and Tourism Ladysmith marketing channels
• Be celebrated as the leader who made this much-needed resource possible

This is a rare opportunity — one calendar, one sponsor, unlimited visibility.

Will your business be the one that helps Ladysmith shine?

Contact us today at 250-245-2112 or roberta@ladysmithcofc.com to secure this unique sponsorship opportunity before it’s gone.

Chamber Membership Drive: Help Us Grow the Chamber Community

We’re excited to kick off our September Membership Drive, and we’d love your help! If you know a business that would benefit from being part of the Ladysmith Chamber, now is the perfect time to invite them to join.

Special Promotion:

New members who pre-pay for a 2026 membership will receive the remainder of 2025 free!

By joining, businesses gain access to:

• Exclusive member perks
• Members-only advertising opportunities
• Networking connections that spotlight and support their business
• A strong voice in the community and advocacy on issues that matter to local business

Please share this promotion with your business contacts—together, we can grow our Chamber community and strengthen our local business network.

250-245-2112 | roberta@ladysmithcofc.com

We’re excited to introduce the newest members of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce. Each one brings fresh energy, ideas, and opportunities to connect.

Take a moment to reach out — explore their websites, send a note of welcome, or stop by to say hello. Small gestures help build the strong, supportive business community we’re proud to share.

GenEdge Financial

GenEdge Financial empowers West Coast families with comprehensive financial solutions tailored to their unique needs. They blend insurance and investments to craft personalized plans that go beyond traditional wealth management. Their inclusive approach ensures every client receives tailored guidance and support for life and legacy planning. 

Island Web Assistant

Get professional web design services tailored for small and local businesses on Vancouver Island. We create reliable, mobile-friendly, and easy-to-manage websites that help you attract more customers and grow your business online. Fast turnaround and affordable pricing.

Mañana Resort & Marina

Rooted in history and charm, Mañana Resort and Marina offers guest moorage, a boutique inn, and spectacular seaside dining overlooking Ladysmith Harbour. Inspired by the natural tranquility of the Pacific Northwest with a touch of Mediterranean, the Inn is a peaceful retreat for travellers seeking comfort, elegance, and a touch of coastal magic, emulating its Spanish translation, Mañana [ma-nyah-nah]: tomorrow, the indefinite future.

Tamara Kronis, Member of Parliament Nanaimo-Ladysmith

Tamara Kronis is the Member of Parliament for Nanaimo–Ladysmith. As an MP, she represents the community in Canada’s House of Commons, advocating for local priorities and contributing to national policy. Tamara works to ensure the voices of individuals, families, and businesses are heard in Ottawa and is committed to building strong relationships with community partners, including the Chamber of Commerce.

Welcome New Individual Members!

We’re pleased to welcome two new Individual/Retired Members, Rick Rake and Joy Davies to the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce. This membership is designed for those who want to stay connected—receiving Chamber communications, and taking part in general meetings and events—without the full business membership benefits. We’re excited to have them join our network and look forward to seeing them at upcoming Chamber gatherings!

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.

AI EDGE: An AI skills program

Feeling lost in the AI hype?

Take control with hands-on AI skills training. The BC Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with CopperTeams.AI offers busy small and mid-size business leaders practical AI skills training that delivers real results.

Program Highlights:

• Save 6+ hours per week with custom AI workflows

• 3-month program, just 1 hour every week, fully remote

• Expert 1:1 coaching and AI tools tailored to your business

• 80% grant: BC Employer Training Grant offers 80% reimbursement, reducing the program fee to only $800 per person (regular fee $4,500)

For more information and to register for the AI Edge program, click here

For information on the BC Employer Training Grant, click here

Agreement Strengthens BC Chamber of Commerce and Members Insurance Offering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

VANCOUVER, B.C., August 27, 2025

Today the BC Chamber of Commerce and the Chambers of Commerce Insurance Corporation of Canada (CCICC) announced a new partnership agreement that will see the Chambers Plan become the exclusive employee benefits insurance provider offered through chambers of commerce and boards of trade from coast to coast and will provide the BC Chamber of Commerce with an additional source of stable revenue.

“The alignment with CCICC and the Chambers Plan reflects the BC Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to delivering real value to our members,” said Chris Callanan, BC Chamber Board Chair, “This partnership provides small businesses with support through affordable, high-quality benefits from a trusted national network that understands their unique needs. It’s a win for our members, a win for our organization, and a win for the future of business in British Columbia.”

Embracing Truth: Honouring the National Day for Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for Canadians to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system. In this spirit, we are honoured to invite you to the virtual event, "Embracing Truth: Honouring the National Day for Reconciliation," with guest speaker Chief David Jimmie of Squiala First Nation. Hosted by the BC Chamber of Commerce, this event is a step towards fostering understanding, collaboration, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in British Columbia.

Join the BC Chamber over Zoom on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 8.30am to 10.00am (PT) for an opportunity to contribute to ongoing reconciliation efforts.

Important Update from Export Navigator for Exporters to the U.S.

Effective August 29, 2025, the U.S. has suspended the duty-free de minimis customs treatment for commercial shipments valued at US$800 or less.

This means:

• Small shipments to the U.S. will now face tariffs.
• Goods sent via courier (FedEx, UPS, DHL) will be subject to normal tariff rates from day one.
• Goods sent via Canada Post/USPS may use a temporary 6-month flat fee option (US$80–$200 per item), but this is often more costly than the actual tariff.

For many Canadian exporters, this change could significantly impact the cost of shipping small parcels to U.S. customers.

Resources & Support

• Global Affairs Canada Commentary
• U.S. Customs FAQ for E-commerce
• Funding Available: The CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI) offers up to $5,000 for B.C. businesses to access customs, legal, or trade advisory services.
• Export Navigator clients may also access the Technical Specialist Pilot (TSP) program for free expert consulting.

If your business exports to the U.S. and you’re unsure how these changes affect you, reach out to Export Navigator for guidance and support.