Ladysmith is located on the eastern shores of beautiful Vancouver Island in British Columbia. With a population of over 8,000, it has a thriving downtown business community centered around historic First Avenue.
The LDBA actively works to cultivate an environment of economic and cultural vibrancy in the Ladysmith downtown core. The meeting schedule is:
Paul Mycroft—owner of Paul Mycroft Design Ltd., professional web designer—has been a dedicated and active member of the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association (LDBA). Mycroft has made a significant contribution to the LDBA success through his time and energy spent on improving, maintaining and monitoring the LDBA website. The website boasts one of the most active in Ladysmith, with constant updating of information, including an increase in membership profiles, interesting articles and many exciting events hosted by the LDBA.
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Posted by Tracey Defrane under: Articles.
When considering to join an association, it’s important to get to know the people who are already involved with it. This can give you an insight into how it operates, what its goals are, as well as give an understanding of the personalities.
John Surtees is the LDBA President and owner of John Surtees RE/MAX Ocean Pointe, providing attentive service to clients selling or purchasing real estate in Ladysmith, Cedar, Nanaimo, Lantzville, Saltair, Chemainus, Crofton or Duncan. We asked John 10 questions about his role in the LDBA and living in Ladysmith.
1. How long have you lived in Ladysmith?
Laura and I moved to Ladysmith from the Okanagan in 1998 with a manufacturing business that chose to relocate its company to Ladysmith. We feel very fortunate to have found Ladysmith and enjoy our community immensely.
2. Tell us a little about your business
In 2005 I chose to build a career in real estate by joining the RE/MAX Network. I am now a residential property specialist, providing attentive, sincere, remarkable service to clients selling or purchasing in Ladysmith, Cedar, Nanaimo, Lantzville, Saltair, Chemainus, Crofton or Duncan. However, I also have interests in other aspects of real estate so I continue to learn and develop expertise.
After a successful first year of business, I formed a team bringing in additional dedicated professionals. As a team, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients by providing them with positive results and memorable experiences. My business is all about relationships. As I explain to my clients, “IT’S YOUR MOVE.”
3. How long have you been President of the LDBA and how did that come about?
I was nominated for President on August 7th, 2008. Previously in June, Doug Godkin announced that he would be stepping down as the President of the LDBA at the end of July 2008.
I joined the LDBA in March 2007 and quickly took on the Secretary responsibility. After working closely with Doug, Tina Fabbro plus other LDBA members to develop projects such as Thursday Nite Live, Movie Nite, and the Festival of Trees, the LDBA was creating some momentum and I found these experiences personally rewarding. The initiatives of the LDBA were making a difference in the community.
When the opportunity came about to build on the momentum the LDBA had already created by taking on the responsibility of President, the decision did not come easy. As the Association has a committed core group of members who are collaborating well together, I wanted to continue to contribute and be a part of more future successes.
4. In your time as President, how has the LDBA improved?
The LDBA’s membership has continued to grow and the number of members who are active is also growing. I believe this has occurred because the LDBA is truly inclusive and transparent. As an association, we communicate so everyone knows what we are striving for.
5. What do you see are the strengths of the Ladysmith’s downtown business core?
Character, sense of community, easy access and central location on island are definite strengths. The first impression of the compactness of the downtown and its heritage buildings leave a shopper feeling as if they are in an era long ago. The overall experience visitors and community members alike value and enjoy is the friendliness of passers by on the street and businesses serving customers in the shops. Whether attending a celebrated downtown event with your family or taking a friend for a coffee the sense of community in Ladysmith’s downtown is powerful.
6. What areas need improvement?
In March 2008 the LDBA did a SWOT Analysis Session to determined the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats to Downtown Business. During this session members acknowledged a few key items as weaknesses:
- Continuity of businesses hours are not consistent
- Businesses are not connecting properly with driveby highway and 1st Ave traffic
- Condition of key buildings
- Lack of visitor accommodations and public transportation
7. What role can the LDBA play in Ladysmith’s future?
LDBA members will actively work together to cultivate an environment of economic and cultural vibrancy in the downtown core. For example, the LDBA is working more closely with local community groups to support the continued success of their events. These events draw people into downtown and enhance the heart of Ladysmith. The LDBA also provides a forum and voice to share information, resources, ideas and expertise with and for local business and community organizations.
8. Can the LDBA learn from other similar organizations? If so, which ones and how?
Definitely… the LDBA can learn from other successful business associations and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs). By exploring what has contributed to the successes of other communities we can duplicate applicable initiatives in Ladysmith to create a thriving, competitive and safe business area that attracts shoppers, diners, tourists and new businesses.
9. If you had a magic wand, what would be your one immediate change for Ladysmith?
That the Town Council, Chamber of Commerce, all the businesses, community organizations, commercial property owners and citizens of Ladysmith could be on the same page to collectively build a vision and create a thriving downtown.
10. Will you be going to the Winter Olympics?
YES – I would love to attend a Team Canada hockey game! Although I don’t believe that it could top the extraordinary feeling of community I experienced playing in Ladysmith’s Guinness Book of World Record-setting street hockey game.
Read more about John Surtees and his Ladysmith-based business.
Posted by LDBA Admin under: Articles.
