Editor:
A challenge to all of Ladysmith: There has been a lot of talk in the election debate about economic development, some mention of shopping locally and my opinion is that for more businesses to want to come to our town, they need to see that the current ones are successful and being supported by the community.So as you head into the Christmas shopping season, please think Ladysmith first, and what I mean by that is, instead of saying I am going to get my mom item X, which they don’t sell in Ladysmith, so off to Nanaimo I go, try thinking instead ‘what would mom like that I can buy in Ladysmith?’I encourage you to get out of your car and walk into each business in Ladysmith and see what it has to offer. I heard a council candidate say at the all candidates meeting that you can’t buy clothes or shoes in town. Yes, you can! We have art, antiques, boating supplies, books, candy, clothes, collectibles, computers, cosmetics, crafts, electronics, flowers and plants, games, hardware, kitchenware, pies, personalized calendars, RESPs, shoes, tires, toys, turkeys, wiper blades, wine and spirits, yarn to make something homemade, and think about all the places where you could get gift certificates for services: aesthetics, B&B stays, fitness, gas, hair, kayaking, massage, oil changes, restaurants, tax services, theatre tickets, yoga ... the list is endless. And yes because I work at the Chronicle and I hear people complaining on social media about not knowing what is going on in their community — a subscription to the Chronicle!So I challenge all of you: Try and buy every Christmas present in Ladysmith this year.Lots of stores are staying open late Fridays in December. The Ladysmith Downtown Business Association kicks off the month of December with Old Tyme Christmas on Dec. 5, where you can combine some family fun with some shopping or browsing. Do I hear: “Challenge accepted”
Teresa McKinley
Publisher, Ladysmith Chronicle
Vice-President, Ladysmith Downtown Business Association