UPDATES & BUSINESS RESOURCES
the latest from your Chamber
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From your Chamber and Local Partnerships
- Executive Director Mark Drysdale to leave the Ladysmith Chamber
- Business Walk 2021 | Survey Available Online!
- Small Business Month Luncheon Invitation to Chamber Members from Nanaimo Chamber
From Local Partnerships
- October 6th Art is a Big Deal! Impact assessment
- It Takes a Village LaFF’s Winter Celebration FUNdraiser
- Upcoming Ladysmith Events
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Resources for Members
- Have Your Say on Paid Sick Leave
- BC Chamber: Big Thinking for Small Business Updated to Reflect Evolving Economic Recovery Priorities
- Destinations BC’s Professional Development Opportunity: POWER UP
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Executive Director Mark Drysdale to leave the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce for a new position in the community. |
Mark Drysdale, Executive Director of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, has announced his acceptance of a new position in the community and will be leaving the Chamber effective October 15, 2021. Mark has been with the Chamber in the role of Executive Director for over eight years and has steadily moved the organization forward to new partnerships and collaborations as well as growing our funding and programs.
“I, personally, have worked with him in my role as President for almost six years and I will miss his dedication and hard work on behalf of the Chamber,” says Tammy Leslie, Board President. “While we are sad to see Mark go, we wish him all the best as he embarks on his latest adventure.”
The posting for the position of Executive Director of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is open effective Tuesday, October 5th. For more information on the position and application process please visit the Chamber website at www.ladysmithcofc.com or email: admin@ladysmithcoc.com.
For further details regarding the Executive Director job posting please contact:
Jacquie Chellew
Administrative Assistant
Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce
T: (250) 245-2112
F: (250) 245-2124
E: admin@ladysmithcofc.com
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Business Walk 2021 | Survey Available Online!
Taking the Pulse of Ladysmith’s Business Community
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The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce with the support of Island Coastal Economic Trust is organizing a Business Walk
From September 27, 2021 to October 8, 2021
A “Business Walk” is an event dedicated to learning more about our local businesses through face-to-face interviews on their turf. Millie Stirling, the Chamber’s Economic Recovery Coordinator, will be going door to door from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily and will be asking business owners or managers a few questions about their businesses. By taking the time to answer just a few questions, business owners will be providing valuable information that area support agencies (like the Town, Chamber and LDBA) will use to develop programs and services to support and help grow our local businesses.
What happens if I was unavailable, I was missed, or I would prefer to meet virtually not to meet face to face?
If you were unable to be at your business, were too busy, or Millie missed you, there are still ways for you to participate:
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Connect with Millie at the Chamber of Commerce at 33 Roberts Street or by phone (250) 245-2112 or by email to arrange a phone or zoom interview before Friday, October 8, 2021.
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Complete the survey online and let your voice be heard.
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Small Business Month Luncheon Invitation to Chamber Members from Nanaimo Chamber |
Hello Island Chambers,
Brown bag it, grab a grilled cheese from the kitchen that’s your office… or order in!
We tried to make it a live event, but the world’s not ready for a real Chamber Luncheon quite yet apparently. We are excited that our stellar speakers have agreed to present at this October 15 noon hour event virtually.
Minister Ravi Kahlon is in charge of BC Jobs, Economic Recovery & Innovation and will bring us up to date on policies and programs to aid business that we might see from the current sitting of the legislature. He’ll also highlight Recovery issues and actions impacting Vancouver Island especially.
Minister Sheila Malcolmson is BC’s Minister of Mental Health & Addictions and MLA for Nanaimo. There is great pressure on this portfolio considering the opioid and toxic drug crisis, growing concerns over social disorder, and rising mental health issues. The Minister will update us on the latest strategies and tactics her ministry is implementing, and what’s coming next.
This free event is presented by the Nanaimo Chamber for members and friends of all Vancouver Island Chambers.
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Art is a Big Deal! Impact assessment. OCTOBER 6TH
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The Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery and Digital Innovation Group are excited to announce the results of their Arts Impact Assessment!
Join them on Zoom on October 6th to hear how integral the Arts are to every corner of our super region!
Like the stats? Download the Infographic HERE!
Download the Press Release HERE!
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"It Takes a Village", LaFF’s Winter Celebration FUNdraiser |
It Takes a Village… Join LaFF as they create a festive and safe community experience with magical take home activities.
Together, with your help, they will create 16 village stations, each with a unique theme and activity.
Thanks to this amazing community, for the last twenty six years, LaFF has been wrapping a blanket of support around thousands of families and seniors. They need your help this holiday season as they continue to connect families and build a healthy and safe community for all.
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Upcoming Ladysmith Events |
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Resources for Members and more... |
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Have Your Say on Paid Sick Leave |
The BC Provincial Government is developing paid sick leave for employees in B.C., so they are able to stay home when sick or injured, without losing wages, for a set number of days each year. The new model will come into effect on January 1, 2022.
This program could have a significant financial impact on your business. Have your say on paid sick leave.
How to participate
In the first phase of this engagement, they sought information from employers and workers about what paid sick leave they currently have in their workplaces and what improvements could be made.
Now, in phase two, they have used your responses to help develop three options for the minimum number of paid sick days. They need your feedback to help decide what option is best for B.C.’s workers and employers.
What do you think BC’s minimum standard should be for paid sick days?
Tell them which of the three possible options you prefer for B.C.’s new paid sick leave entitlement.
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Big Thinking for Small Business Updated to Reflect Evolving Economic Recovery Priorities |
The BC Chamber of Commerce released its updated Big Thinking for Small Business, a bold plan to grow British Columbia’s economy by focusing on three pillars: inclusivity, innovation, and competitiveness.
Updated from the previous year’s Economic Recovery Submission, the Big Thinking for Small Business plan underpins the pan-provincial priorities as set out by the BC Chamber of Commerce to guide the province through continued recovery efforts. To support the removal of economic barriers and to help pave the way for small- and medium-sized businesses to thrive once again, emphasis is placed on the critical need for action to address the skilled labour shortage and housing affordability.
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Destinations BC’s Professional Development Opportunity: POWER UP |
Destination BC’s Power Up! program is an application-based, digital mentorship program that will provide 75 eligible BC-based, small and medium sized tourism businesses, sole proprietors, and non-profits across the province with free access to digital audit and technical services designed to improve digital marketing activities and use of digital technology.
Businesses can choose one of the following service areas that they deem a priority for their business. The service costs will be directly covered through the program up to a maximum of $5,000 per participant and will include supporting educational resources for further learning and ongoing implementation in the future.
Subject areas include:
Digital Strategy
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Website Assessment
Email
Social Media Audit & Strategy
Digital Advertising
For full program information including eligibility, eligible expenses, timeline, and application process, please review the Program Guide.
How To Apply: Application will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis starting September 20th at 9am.
There are just 75 spots available, so we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible if you’re interested.
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Tourism Relief Fund in Western Canada |
The Tourism Relief Fund, administered by Canada’s regional development agencies and Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), supports tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. With a budget of $500 million over two years (ending March 31, 2023), including $50 million specifically dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives, and $15 million for national initiatives, this fund will position Canada to be a destination of choice when domestic and international travel is once again safe. |
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The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce works with many partners to create and improve business opportunities for our members |
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Proudly working with Provincial & local Chambers |
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(250) 245 - 2112
33 Roberts St
Hours:
Monday to Friday
10am - 4pm
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