The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce held their annual general meeting on Wednesday, April 10.
The event, held in the conference room at the Microtel Hotel at Oyster Bay, was sponsored by the Nanaimo Airport Commission. The meeting, catered by the folks from In The Bean Time, attracted almost 70 individuals who heard presentations from Chamber President Cheri Mactier, Executive Director Roberta Bowman, and Treasurer Tammy Leslie with a special report by Dave Devana, from the Nanaimo Airport. Special guest Mayor Deena Beeston also gave a presentation to the group.
Mactier said a highlight for the chamber in the last year was the success of their annual golf tournament, one of their major fundraisers.
She also presented the Chamber’s annual bursary to Keizo Tollefson, who was one of the summer students working for the Visitor Info Centre, which is run by the chamber.
She said she was glad to be a part of the BC Chamber Conference and AGM, in Kelowna, representing Ladysmith.
“The discussions and advocacy efforts were hugely worthwhile,” she said and she will be attending this year’s AGM in Nanaimo.
"One of our standout achievements for 2024 was the success of the Spirit of Ladysmith Business Awards evening, which returned after more than a decade. This event allowed us to recognize the outstanding contributions of local businesses and volunteers, celebrating all nominees and honouring 10 deserving winners.”
Mactier also pointed out that in December she had an opportunity to meet with MLA Stephanie Higginson to discuss Ladysmith’s economic footprint and the ongoing opportunities and challenges facing the business community.
Other highlights in her report included dealing with international matters.
"I joined Member of Parliament Lisa Marie Barron; MLA Stephanie Higginson; Brianne Mactier, president of the Downtown Business Association; and the Chamber’s Executive Director Roberta Bowman to discuss the impact of tariffs and explore collective strategies to support Ladysmith businesses," she said. “As we move forward, I am excited about the opportunities ahead for our Chamber and our business community. Together, we will continue to foster growth, advocate for our members, and build a stronger, more vibrant Ladysmith.”
Bowman followed Mactier with her report which encapsulated various efforts of the Chamber.
“We continue to advocate for our community and the region through the BC Chamber and Canadian Chamber by working with local, provincial, and federal governments. Locally we maintain a strong partnership with the Town of Ladysmith and have recently signed a service agreement to continue operating the Tourism Centre and support economic development initiatives. Additionally, we participate in multiple initiatives spanning Vancouver Island. The Chamber strategically collaborates with all 30 Chambers across the Island, as well as being part of a four-Chamber Accord with Cowichan Valley. Our newest affiliation, the Mid Island Chambers, strengthens our collective voice, allowing us to advocate more effectively for our region.”
Bowman finished her report by adding that the Chamber will be hosting their 16th annual golf tournament on Friday, June 13 at Cottonwood Golf Course. There is still time to be a supporter of this popular event, she noted. Besides support from the Town of Ladysmith the local Chamber is supported by the Ladysmith and District Credit Union, Nanaimo Airport Commission and FMC Holdings.
The meeting closed with the selection of the board of directors for 2025. The board will consist of Cheri Mactier, Dave Devana, Tammy Leslie, John Manuel, Kara Olson, Martin Sandeson, Sandra Day, Bailey Dill, Millie Stirling and Marina Sacht.
