Many thanks to the businesses who have already renewed!

It is Membership Renewal time.  We are pleased to offer convenient renewal options again this year. The online portal is open for your renewal at your convenience. Our personal service has not been lost through online renewals. If you would like an invoice sent, please do not hesitate to email us.  Also, we welcome the chance to connect with our members so feel free renew your membership in person at the office Monday-Friday from 9:30-4.

Ladysmith’s business community has a positive future with opportunities quickly expanding as one of Vancouver Island’s growing communities. Chamber membership is an excellent way to keep your business operational, during these ever-changing times.

Your ongoing support of the Chamber helps us to continue moving forward with government advocacy, rebuilding business and social networks that were fractured during the pandemic and providing information-sharing and learning opportunities to help our business community deal with today’s challenges… among many other initiatives!

Please don’t hesitate to contact us personally if you have any questions about your membership and/or with any ideas to help the Chamber continue to move forward. 

Thank you for your ongoing support!

The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce has have been working hard to build a calendar for 2024 to allow you to put these dates into your calendars:

February 12 - February 16

Chamber of Commerce Week, celebrated annually, recognizes the outstanding contributions that Chambers and Boards of Trade make to communities across B.C. The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating 94 Years serving Ladysmith and Area.

Celebrate Chamber Week with us! Join us for a Lunch & Learn.

TOPIC: Discussion on some of the basic expense deductions small business owners are 

most concerned about getting right, from vehicle expenses to business use of the home to cell phones and more. This should be relevant for both unincorporated and incorporated businesses.

Speakers: Lori John, CPA, CGA and Tammy Leslie, CPA, CGA, CA Partners at Palmer Leslie, CPA’s

Time: 11:30-1pm

Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024

Location: Chamber Office, 33 Roberts Street

Cost: Free to Chamber Members | $10 for non members

RSVP by February 13, 2024 | 250-245-2112 / admin@ladysmithcofc.com

Sandwiches / Dessert / Coffee & Tea provided

Hosted by: Ladysmith Chamber & Palmer Leslie Chartered Professional Accountants

Sponsored by: Nanaimo Airport / Kubera Payments 

Hosting a successful business mixer can be a powerful tool for fostering connections and expanding your professional network.

Mixers are an ideal opportunity to gain exposure for your business.  As a host you will also benefit from a large, positive and business-oriented crowd.

As a valued member of the Chamber of Commerce, we extend an exclusive invitation to you to host a business mixer. 

The Ladysmith Chamber Memorial Golf Classic is our marquee fundraiser of the year. It offers a special Memorial sponsorship opportunity for you to honor and remember a local business person or valued employee who was dedicated to making a positive impact on the community. In their memory, we come together to celebrate their life, share stories, and contribute to a cause that reflects their values.

Partial proceeds from the tournament will go towards a charitable cause that aligns with the values or interests of the person being memorialized.

If there is someone that you would like to honor and would like to find out more about this Memorial Sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to the Chamber. 



Let's come together for a day of golf, remembrance, and giving back.

This years event will take place on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Closing Date for Memorial Sponsorship is: February 9, 2024. 

The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is delighted to introduce our newest members. We continually strive to connect you to one another and to the community at large. 

Please welcome them by visiting their website, sending them an email or stopping by to introduce yourself. The personal touch will help our Chamber continue to grow and thrive.

WorkBC Job Fairs! Employer applications are open!

Is your business in need of employees?

Want to get a head start on your summer hiring?

Registration is open for all businesses that would like to be part of the WorkBC Cowichan Valley Job Fairs and it’s FREE!

Duncan’s will be held Thursday, February 22nd from 10am to 2pm at the Cowichan Community Centre.

The Job Fair in Ladysmith is Wednesday, March 6 from 1pm to 3pm at the Ladysmith Eagles Hall.

Town hosting Dinner & Dialogue #2 to improve affordability and inclusion

Cowichan Tourism Industry Workshop & Networking Lunch

When: Monday, February 12th, 2024, 9:00am - 1:00pm

Where: Arbutus Ridge Golf Club (Mt. Baker Banquet Room), 3515 Telegraph Rd, Cobble Hill

Cost: FREE

Join representatives from Tourism Cowichan and 4VI for a free industry workshop and networking lunch at the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club in Cobble Hill. There will be presentations, networking, and roundtable discussions around building a sustainable tourism economy in the Cowichan region. 

All tourism and tourism-related businesses based in Cowichan are invited!

Topics being covered include:

• Marketing and destination development initiatives in the Cowichan region
• Updates from 4VI and grant-writing support
• Tips for working with travel media and engaging on social media
• Biosphere Commitment Program
• HR advisory services and resources with go2HR
• Fortis BC Commerical Energy Assessments

This workshop will also include roundtable discussions to explore the following questions:

1. What does a sustainable tourism economy in Cowichan look like to you?
2. What can Tourism Cowichan do to better support our stakeholders?

As lunch will be provided, please register by February 1st, 2024.

Grant Writers Available for Tourism Funding Applications

4VI, formerly known as Tourism Vancouver Island, has partnered with Destination BC to support businesses and organizations to access and pay for a grant writer to assist in tourism funding applications. To access grant writing support, you can fill out the simple six question form attached and submit your application directly to Caleb McIntyre, Manager of Sustainable Development, 4VI at caleb@forvi.ca.

This grant writing program is timely, as Pacifican recently launched its new Tourism Growth Program which aims to help small and medium-sized businesses, tourism organizations, and local communities to grow and develop tourism products and experiences. Eligible businesses may apply for an interest-free repayable contribution of up to $250,000, and not-for-profit organizations may apply for non-repayable contributions up to $250,000. The Tourism Growth Program will be accepting applications until February 20, 2024 at noon (PST).

Your business or organization can leverage the grant writing program for the Tourism Growth Program, or any other tourism related grant that suits your needs. Be sure to check out the South Central Island Destination Development Strategy to see what actions your project aligns with and supports. You can also access Destination BC’s planning area look-up tool to find associated strategies that match your project.

*SAVINGS ALERT* Did you know #BCCC members can purchase a one-year subscription to BCBusiness for only $12?! To access this special rate for BC’s premiere business magazine, get in touch with your local chamber or board of trade to sign up today!

Three reasons to join the Chambers Plan:

1. It's simple – plans are easy to set up and manage

2. It's stable – premiums are pooled with 30,000 businesses across Canada, so rates are reliable

3. It's secure – they've been providing benefits to chamber members for over 50 years.