Chamber of Commerce News
Monday, March 24 2008
The Chamber of Commerce will be profiling one or two members each week in the Sounder.
And, the Go Gabriola Brochure has gone to print and will be available at the office in the next two weeks. Please call if you would like copies set aside, 247-9332.
Artworks
Almost everyone on Gabriola knows Kathy Ramsey, owner of Artworks. Her community spirit and support of island artists is nearly unparalleled. On top of being a single mom of three teenagers and owning two Artwork’s locations, she is president of Gabriola Arts Council, on the Board of the Gabriola Radio Society, and the Dancing Man Festival and has previously been on the Chamber of Commerce and Gabriola Co-op preschool Boards. She’s also hoping to expand Artwork’s cheeky little sister, the Bungalow on the Bay, by introducing a whole line of silly “must-haves.”
Born and raised on Salt Spring Island, and a former reporter for various publications she is now focused on ensuring Gabriola continues to provide opportunities for artists - economically, socially and educationally. She has a long-term vision of a Gabriola Art Institute where island artists and artists from across Canada will teach, learn and share. However, she believes strongly that issues such as rising property prices, public transportation (or lack thereof) and rising ferry costs need to be addressed if this vision is ever to be realized. If these issues aren’t dealt with, then young families, artists, musicians, indeed anyone on a lower or middle income, will not be able to afford to live here. She hopes that the Chamber will act as the voice of business on Gabriola and help the business community address some of these issues.
As the busy summer season arrives we are sure to see more and more of Kathy. If her plans continue to move forward maybe we can catch up with her again this summer hosting an art show, zipping between the two Artworks or maybe, just maybe, sipping one of Artwork’s yummy lattes at the beach!
Spring Beach House B&B
Cindy Pellant and her husband Dodd own and operate Spring Beach House B&B. They bought their first home on Gabriola in 2004 and moved here full-time the following year. Since then they’ve made extensive renovations to Spring Beach House, to create a quiet and peaceful romantic getaway. Their two bedroom B&B is also just steps away from the lovely, secluded Spring Beach.
Before arriving on Gabriola, Cindy worked as an office manager for Hambleton Fine Art Services and spent more than twenty years in the travel business. She also raised three daughters, one she now gets to visit in Hawaii.
Actively involved in the Gabriola B&B Association and Gabriola Players, Cindy loves doing business on Gabriola. She and her husband enjoy the island’s natural beauty and peacefulness. They also love that Gabriola is such a safe, pleasant place to live and has a very caring community spirit.
Cindy and Dodd recognize there are some barriers to doing business on Gabriola. However, at the moment they’re very happy with their business and are thrilled with what they receive from their Chamber membership. They are particularly happy with the Chamber’s new website which, Cindy says, has had a significant influence on her bookings.
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