BUSINESS RESOURCES
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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UPDATES & RESOURCES REGARDING THE COVID-19
It's incredible the way a community pulls together during difficult times. To everyone out there doing their part - even if that part is simply staying home to avoid possible transmission - THANK YOU! We'll get through this. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Shop local.
Over the past few days we have been collecting resources and sourcing information we found to be helpful and factual that would assist with our local businesses, visitors and community members. There are mass amounts of new information being released daily, so it can be incredibly challenging to keep up or sort through it all to find what you need.
As things progress we will continue to strive to be a valuable resource of information for our business community. For current updates please follow us on our
Facebook Page
We are here for you, please reach out to us if there is anything we can do to assist you and your business or organization.
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Government of Canada
Responding to COVID-19
To reduce the impacts of COVID-19, everyone has a role to play.
Funding Support Measures
Millions of tax dollars are being redirected towards programs to help Canada's economy make it through COVID-19.
View Press Release
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Federal Finance Minister, Bill Morneau, unveiled the "first phase" of Canada's "Economic Response Plan
Dear Chamber Members and Ladysmith & Area Businesses
,
Federal Finance Minister, Bill Morneau, just unveiled the "first phase" of Canada's "Economic Response Plan" - which includes $27B in direct support and aid to Canadians and $55B in tax deferrals.
The federal package includes a number of desired-actions you flagged in our network-wide COVID-19 Business Impact Survey the preliminary results of which we shared with both the federal and provincial government, including:
- A payroll subsidy equal to 10% of remuneration paid during a 3 month period up to $25,000 per employer (for companies with payrolls under $1,000,000)
- Liquidity measures for business that will be available through banks, other financial institutions as well as BDC and EDC
- An emergency support benefit for those who lose their jobs and don't qualify for EI (this includes self-employed workers who have to close up shop)
- Extending the tax filing deadline to June 1
- Allowing taxpayers to defer tax payments until after August 31 (for amounts that are due after today and before September)
- Temporarily boosting of the Canada Child Benefit payments, delivering about $2 billion in extra support.
Read More...
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COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information
The Province of British Columbia
has declared a state of emergency to support response to COVID-19
. The priority is to protect British Columbians and ensure our province is best positioned to effectively respond to the pandemic.
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BC Mindreader survey results regarding the COVID-19 Business Impact
Dear Chamber Members,
Thank you for your spectacular engagement in the BC chamber network COVID-19 Business Impact Survey that launched last Friday and closed at 5pm on March 18th.
We received an unprecedented 7900+ responses.
You can be proud - and know with confidence - that there is no more definitive business community "pulse check" in the province right now.
We have prepared three online "Insight Stories" with the results: READ BC Mindreader survey results regarding the COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
READ MORE...
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BC Chamber Resources for Businessess affected by COVID-19
The BC Chamber has compile a list of resources to help mitigate the impacts to businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. Note that restrictions may apply, so defer to each organization's website for details.
Financial Support/Relief. The list includes financial/operational support from the Bank of Canada, BC Hyrdo, Fortis BC, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Export Development of Canada, Work-Sharing Program and more.
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Small Business BC
HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR FAVOURITE SMALL BUSINESS DURING COVID-19
On March 11, the World Health Organization announced COVID-19 was now considered a global pandemic. Since then, entrepreneurs across British Columbia have been grappling with a rapidly shifting business landscape.
As we often like to say, small business is big business in BC. It makes up 98 per cent of all businesses in our province, employing over 1.1 million people (53 per cent of private sector employment). These businesses are the backbone of our provincial economy, providing essential services and a vital sense of community in rural towns and villages. It also takes a community to support these businesses. Now, more than ever, they need the support of that community.
While certain sectors are suffering right now, things will get better. The support we show now can help small businesses weather this storm and emerge to continue serving our communities.
Here are five ways you can show support to your favourite small business during COVID-19....READ MORE...
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COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) UPDATE
From Destination BC
Destination BC has created a comprehensive and regularly updated web page containing links to all Canadian & BC Health Authorities, government agencies, airlines and more. The site also offers information on support for visitors, your staff and businesses. Please bookmark it, and check back in regularly for updates.
https://www.destinationbc.ca/news/coronavirus-update/.
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British Columbia Economic Development Association
These are challenging times right now for communities around the world. We encourage everyone to be safe and stay informed.
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Town of Ladysmith Covid-19 Update
Ladysmith working closely with the Cowichan Region to coordinate Covid-19 preparedness and response
The health and safety of our citizens and staff are of utmost importance and the Town of Ladysmith is taking a number of measures to help safeguard them against the public safety risk posed by COVID-19 (coronavirus). This is a long advisory, but we have a lot of information to share. Read More...
Town staff to observe a precautionary 2 week self Isolation Period
Read More...
The Town of Ladysmith is stepping up in this challenging time with a goal of heightening the spirits of our community.
Town of Ladysmith 'Let's Stay Connected' Info Share
The Town of Ladysmith sending this email to community leaders, organizations and businesses in the hope of compiling a weekly list for our residents on activities, services, educational materials etc. that can be resources while we all practice social distancing and self-isolation. The vision is to share a weekly email and social media post with the community.
Examples - Online fitness or instructional classes, activities for children, restaurants offering delivery services, services for vulnerable sectors of our population, tips for starting a veggie garden, local stories of residents stepping up to help others.
The only criteria is that the material we're sharing must be free and support any of the latest recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer and health authorities.
Please share this email with your email contacts who would be interested in participating.
In the words of Dr. Bonnie Henry 'Let's Stay Connected While We're Staying Part'
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CVRD Update
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is actively monitoring the status of COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and will take appropriate precautions as necessary.
The CVRD is continuing to follow the advice of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer and the BC Centre for Disease Control. Our focus is on maintaining essential service levels and following the advice of public health officials.
Click Here for information and current news releases.
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Small Business BC
BUSINESS CONTINUITY & COVID-19 CHECKLIST: Key Considerations for Smal Business in BC.
B
usiness How Tos and Checklist
Read More
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DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST
HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR FAVOURITE SMALL BUSINESS DURING COVID-19:
Financial
Management | Leadership
Here are five ways you can show support to your favourite small business during COVID-19
...
.
Read More...
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BC Centre for Disease Control COVID-19
Find information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus.
Read More...
This self-assessment tool, developed with the BC Ministry of Health, will help determine whether you may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19. You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to.
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Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19
From Business Development Bank
The health and
well-being
of entrepreneurs, clients and
non-clients
as well as of our partners is our top priority. BDC stands ready to support companies through to a more stable period.
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STAY INFORMED
with local updates
Get the most up-to-date local news, local business updates and information about COVID-19 from Black Press Media as it unfolds.
Click here
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Temporary Closures and Changes to Local Businesses
Businesses are having to close or adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes are being updated continuously. Follow us on
Facebook for further and more current updates. If you are not on Social Media or if we missed sharing your post update, please
email us your business updates and we will share through our Social Media Channels
Here are some tips to keep in mind if your business is temporarily operating from home during the COVID19 pandemic.
1. Do your morning routine, get dressed & write a to-do list
2. Take breaks! Go for a walk & leave your computer
3. Set boundaries - dedicate 1 spot in the house for work only & decide on "work hours"
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WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
Join us in welcoming our NEW members of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce! We encourage you to welcome these new members by patronizing their businesses and or visiting their
websites.
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Vancouver Island Physiotherapy Clinic
Located at 1D 132 Roberts St. Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1A5
Phone: (250) 245-3444 \
Website
Our goal at Vancouver Island Physiotherapy Clinic is to return you to the highest level of functional independence and quality of life. This is achieved through in-depth dialogue and assessment, treatment excellence, innovation and collaboration with your integrated health care team.
We cater all our service and treatment methodologies to suit YOU! All our treatments are one-on-one; we do not provide "recipe style" treatments because our clients are unique and different. Let us zone in to the source of your injury and fix the cause of your pain!
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Colin Milledge, Independant
Associate,  LegalShield
LEGALSHIELD + IDSHIELD
Smart, simple legal coverage starts here
Protect your family, your business, and your personal identity with simple, comprehensive coverage from LegalShield and IDShield.
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2020 Chamber Membership Renewals
Membership Renewal invoices were emailed in December and unpaid invoices to date have been mailed. Thank you to everyone who has renewed. If you have not received your invoice please contact us at your convenience.
Please take a moment to review your
Business Listing in the Directory on the Chambers Website
and email us any updates that you would like made or questions you may have.
The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce greatly values your trust and confidence and sincerely appreciates your loyalty and support through your membership. We look forward to working with you again.
Here are just some of the incentives that are included with your Membership.
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Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce AGM
(Due to current Covid-19 outbreak this date will be rescheduled. Date TBA)
Location: Cottonwood Golf Course
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 (Doors open at 5pm)
Guest Speaker: Mike Hooper, CEO Nanaimo Airport Commission
Cost: $35 Chamber Members / $40 Non Members (includes GST)
Roast Beef Dinner
RSVP 250.245.2112 or
admin@ladysmithcofc.com
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Chamber Membership Meeting
Thursday, May 07, 2020 featuring ....
Stay tuned, tentative
a new Tourism Stakeholder who will be offering sail cargo services, experiential adventures and charter
opportunities aboard Providence, a 80' LOA class B tall ship. Ladysmith has been chosen to be one of their overnight stops! They will be overnighting at the Ladysmith Maritime Society on Thursdays beginning in May arriving in the afternoon and leaving in the morning leaving them time to explore, shop and dine in Ladysmith.
Dr. Richard Wiefelspuett, Executive Director of the Ladysmith Maritime Society
who will provide an update on their upcoming season, including marina updates, amenities and events. Thank you to Richard and LMS for generously providing the perfect venue for our meeting.
Date: Thursday, March 12th
Location: Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina
Time: 5-7pm
Cost: $10 / Non Members $15
Includes: Pizza & Beverages
RSVP
by
email
or call 250-245-2112 (by Tuesday March 10th at noon)
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13th ANNUAL CHAMBER MEMORIAL
GOLF CLASSIC
IN HONOUR OF LARRY INGRAM
Friday, June 12, 2020 at Cottonwood!
REGISTER YOUR TEAM BEFORE
April 08,2020
and receive 2 rounds of golf at Cottonwood!
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NEWS FROM CHAMBER PARTNERSHIPS
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Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce 
Black Tie Awards POSTPONED
The Duncan Cowichan Chamber has hosted the Black Tie Awards since 1996. The event is Cowichan's premiere awards celebration, recognizing excellence in business and volunteerism. Founded on the Customer Service Award, Black Tie now features nine award categories including, Volunteer of the Year, Non-Profit Organization, Art In Business, Green Business and Young Entrepreneur as well as three Business Achievement categories. Nominations are submitted by the general public and individuals, businesses and organizations across the Cowichan Valley Regional District are eligible.
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Town of Ladysmith
- The Town of Ladysmith holds regular Council meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month, at 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. The Council also meets on the second Tuesday of every second month as the Committee of the Whole, at 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. All meetings take place in the Council Chambers at City Hall, unless otherwise noted. Council encourages and welcomes your participation.
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The Town of Ladysmith is taking steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community and has changed the Ladysmith Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 to a Special Council Meeting to be held Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00pm.
The additional time will allow Town staff to examine options for holding the Council meeting virtually such as the use of teleconferencing technology.
Read More...
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Ladysmith Downtown Business Association
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Advertise here to support Your Chamber
& promote Your Business for $30 per month.
Call 250-245-2112 to book your spot!
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
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Host or Sponsor a 2020 Chamber Mixer
Mixers are an ideal opportunity to gain exposure and publicity for your business. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, you are invited to host or sponsor a monthly Mixer. As a host you will also benefit from a large, positive and business-oriented crowd.
To reserve your date, contact the Chamber office by phone at 250-245-2112 or
email
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Book your Chamber Member E-blast
Chamber Member Benefit
Chamber Members can have their event, news, announcements etc sent out to the business community, individuals, local media and politicians. The cost to send out an eBlast is $40+GST. Contact the Chamber office to schedule your eBlast. Space is Limited! 250-245-2112 |
Email
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Cowichan & Neighbouring Chamber News
Keep in touch with whats happening...
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