It’s hard to think of things that had a progressive outlook back in 1750, but there was one for sure. Back then a group of forward-thinking business leaders met in Halifax to form the first chamber of commerce.
The group of Canadian business owners met because they knew the best way forward was together, united as business leaders around shared goals of prosperity, progress and social benefit. Along with government and others, business contributes to building strong communities and addressing social challenges.
In 1925 they got together as they realized the need for a voice to carry the interests of the Canadian business community. That gathering, in Winnipeg, saw the creation of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, known then as the Canadian Board of Trade.
Information gathered by Ed Nicholson from the Ladysmith Archives shows that, “The Ladysmith Board of Trade was established on March 15, 1902. By the end of the inaugural meeting, the group had 35 members. It’s objective was to advance and improve the community through the expansion of the local economy. P.H. Marshall was the first president and J.W. Coburn was vice-president. The entry fee was a dollar and members also had to pay a twenty cent monthly subscription fee."
An article in the Saturday, Oct. 21, 1907 Ladysmith Chronicle read, “Through some misunderstanding the regular monthly meeting, of the Board of Trade, was called off late last evening. Several of the members had braved the elements to be in attendance to discover about 8:00 o’clock that the meeting had been adjourned due to the fact that the police office had not yet been wired for electric lights.”
Sometime, after 1911, the Board appears to have ceased being an entity. In 1924 a new Board was formed with Thomas Colllinge as president and Theodore Bryant as secretary. It appears that that board also disappeared at some point and then another board came on the scene in 1929. E.L. Kenny was president, J.A. Knight was secretary/treasurer and the membership was more than 10 individuals.
In 1934 the Ladysmith Board of Trade changed its name to the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and that is the progressive organization we have serving the community today.
This year, 2025, is being celebrated as the 95th anniversary of the local Chamber. To celebrate the special anniversary, although some dates could vary, the Chamber will be hosting an open house. On Feb. 12, at the Chamber of Commerce office, at 33 Roberts St., there will be cake and refreshments from 2-4 p.m.
Special Guest speaker, Kenzie Knight from Tourism Cowichan, will be in attendance. She'll be happy to answer any questions about Tourism Cowichan opportunities and assist businesses in signing up as free stakeholders. The event is open to all area businesses and community members.
