Board of Directors

Board of Directors

• President: Rob Waters
• Vice President: Rhonda Shirley
• Treasurer: Michael Furlot
• Secretary: Cyndi Beaulieu
• Director: Nita Grant
• Director: Kathy Holmes
• Director: Alana Newton
• Director: Paul Nettleton
• Director: John de Leeuw
• Director:  Rick Morencie

President: Rob Waters

Rob Waters is general manager of Ladysmith Marina.

He has served in management roles focusing on sales and operations in tourism and marine tourism businesses since moving to the west coast from Edmonton in 1968.

Rob has been employed by the Oak Bay Marine Group for over 25 years.  He is a Board Member Emeritus of Pacific Salmon Foundation.

 Vice President: Rhonda Shirley

Has been living in Ladysmith for over 7 wonderful years, moving here to Co Own & Operate Hawley Place Bed and Breakfast with husband Ed.  Born and raised in Jasper, hospitality industry always provided employment.  Lived and worked as a Health Centre Unit Clerk in St.Albert, Graduated from N.A.I.T.’s two year Culinary Arts program.

Loves the smaller Town Community atmosphere. Currently enjoying my second two year term, as a Director with the Chamber of Commerce

Treasurer: Michael Furlot

Michael Furlot is an Independant Investment and Insurance Advisor with 25 years of business-management experience. He is based in Ladysmith and has been a member of the community since 2000.

Furlot has been a part of many different community groups including a  past president of the Rotary Club and is currently club Secretary, is a board member for the Ladysmith Resources Centre, member of the Ladysmith Seniors Advisory Council and Treasurer of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce .

Secretary: Cyndi Beaulieu

Cyndi has lived in Ladysmith for the last 16 years and has been a part of Royal LePage for the last 15 years.

During her time in Ladysmith, she has been a part of the advisory planning commission and is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Ladysmith Golf Course and the Chamber of Commerce.

Cyndi has worked everywhere from the office to the coal industry and has even been a disk jockey at a radio station in Nelson, B.C.

Director: Nita Grant

As owner of Grant Jewellers, Nita has been an active member of the Ladysmith business community for more than 30 years. During this time, she served on the board of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association, the Boys and Girls Club, as well as the Heritage Commission.

Nita was integral in introducing heritage revitalization to the Ladysmith area. More recently, Nita has studied many facets of the jewelry industry at the Gemological Institute of America.  Nita is also involved in a number of organizations on a volunteer basis.

Director: Kathy Holmes

Kathy Holmes has been a resident of Ladysmith for 15 years after living in northern Alberta for 25 years. Her business experience includes running five businesses. Holmes volunteers for the Art Council of Ladysmith, Arts on the Avenue, The Ladysmith Tourism Advisory Committee and the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association. Kathy has served on the chamber of commerce board in the past and has enjoyed her time as a member. She believes the chamber is an integral part of the community.

Director: Alana Newton 
 

Royal Roads Graduate, Certified Exec Coach.  28 years experience as a board member and/or CEO of various NGO’s from 2004-2007. I was the Chief Administrative Officer for the Villiage of Longview, Alberta.  Cert of Management of Banff Centre.  Previous in Alberta, Notary Public, Commissioner for Oaths and Marriage Commissioner.  Currently I am Exec. Secretary/Admin for Seventh Step Society of Canada.  Business owner of Presents of Mind Coaching and Jockey Person 2 Person (direct Sales business).  I am also a trained facilitator and public speaker.  My husband George and I are the Managers of the Town & Country Mobile Home Park and have been residents of Ladysmith for threee years.  I believe I can bring my knowledge of good governance, Municipal perspective and an entreprenerial attitude.  I have good computer skills and a good grasp of Social Media. 

Director: Paul Nettleton

Paul Nettleton is a partner in the law firm of Robson O’Connor with offices in Ladysmith (1987) and Chemainus (2011).  Paul’s background includes almost a decade in provincial politics, and several years working for government having served as the Executive Director for Legal Services in the Eastern Arctic before returning to his hometown, of Ladysmith in 2009. Contact Paul at paul_robcon [at] shaw [dot] ca or view the Home Page of Robson O’Connor at: www.robsonoconnor.ca

Director: John de Leeuw

John de Leeuw has been the CEO of Ladysmith & District Credit Union since 2005. Prior to acting as CEO he worked at the Credit Union as Operations Manager for 10 years. John has been working in the Credit Union system for over 22 years in Alberta, Saskatchewan and BC. In his role as CEO, John has assembled an excellent Executive Team consisting of Managers of Member Services, Support Services, Insurance and Human Resources.

John has been involved within the Ladysmith community for many years having served previously on the Chamber of Commerce and other community boards. When not at work he enjoys spending time camping, fishing and spending time with his wife and daughters.

 Director: Rick Morencie

After 25 plus years of military service and wanting to stay in the Cowichan Valley, Rick and his wife Kathy moved to Ladysmith.
Rick joined the military pretty much out of high school and became a Naval Electrician.  He worked his way up the ranks through various postings, training and positions dealing with people and machinery difficulties on a regular basis.
While still active in the military Rick was an active volunteer in the community, volunteering in several positions from coaching sports, to a Scouting Leader.  He also spent 10 years as a volunteer fireman with the Duncan Volunteer Fire Department. 
After the summer off following his retirement, Rick started dealing in second hand items and was offered to rent a commercial space at a real decent rate.  Being an offer to good to refuse, he opened a second hand store called Red’s Emporium.  Shortly after the opening of Red’s Emporium, Rick received the Sears Catalogue Merchant position for the Ladysmith and surrounding areas.
After being in business for a year and being part of the Chamber for the majority of this time, Rick would like to step forward and assist with various activities that the Chamber is involved in.