The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is marking Small Business Month with two special editions of its Lunch & Learn series, the first featuring Vancouver Island business leader Donna Hais as keynote speaker.
The free event takes place Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Fox and Hounds Pub. Attendees can network, learn and (optionally) lunch from the pub’s menu.
Hais is the owner and CEO of the Bob Wall group of companies, with ventures in construction, land development and healthcare, including the development of a comprehensive hospital campus in Nanaimo. She also chairs the Fair Care Alliance and serves as board chair of the Nanaimo Port Authority.
“Donna Hais is a dynamic leader on Vancouver Island,” said Ladysmith Chamber Executive Director Roberta Bowman. “Her experience gives her a unique perspective on how business and community interests intersect.”
Bowman said Hais’s work with the Fair Care Alliance is especially relevant to Ladysmith’s small business community, noting that “access to equitable healthcare and community services strengthens the workforce, supports families and creates the conditions where small businesses can thrive.”
Each Lunch & Learn begins with informal networking followed by a focused presentation from the guest speaker.
“We start with networking so people can make new connections right away, and then move into a more formal program with our guest speaker,” said Bowman. “That way, attendees get the best of both worlds — time to mingle and meaningful takeaways from the presentation.”
The Lunch & Learn series aligns with the Chamber’s broader mission to support local entrepreneurs and build a resilient business ecosystem. Bowman said the sessions often spark mentorship and collaboration.
“We often hear stories of two businesses teaming up, or a seasoned entrepreneur mentoring someone just starting out,” she said. “These sessions plant the seed, and the collaborations that follow really strengthen our business community.”
She encouraged all local businesspeople to attend, whether or not they are current Chamber members.
“I’d encourage both members and non-members to view all of our events as not just as a luncheon or business mixer etc., but as an investment in themselves and in Ladysmith’s business network,” she said. “Supporting local business goes beyond transactions — it’s about building lasting relationships.”
To reserve a spot for the Oct. 15 event, email [email protected] by Oct. 10.
Heads up: the next Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn event will be Wednesday, Oct. 22. Focusing on accessibility in small business and the community, the guest speaker will be Diane Hobelaid, chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the Town of Ladysmith.
