Kim Smythe and the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce have parted ways after nearly ten years. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

big change

Longtime Nanaimo Chamber CEO leaves amid change in direction

Jan 4, 2023 | 3:43 PM

NANAIMO — The longtime face of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is no longer with the organization.

Kim Smythe, who served nearly a decade as president and Chief Executive Officer of the non-profit business advocacy organization confirmed the board of directors decided to go in another direction.

He was informed of the decision on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

“They felt they would need new leadership, or different leadership, to make that shift and I respect that,” Smythe told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He said the news came as a shock and surprise to him.

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As a result, Smythe is no longer a board member of several community and out-of-town organizations which he served in his role as head of the Nanaimo chamber.

He said he remains fully committed to Nanaimo and looks forward to providing his expertise in some fashion in the future.

“I’d really like to say that I’m thankful for the time that I’ve held the trust of the community in order to work to better Nanaimo,” Smythe said, who emphasized further advancing reconciliation work with Snuneymuxw First Nation is something he’s keen to continue doing.

Looking back at his accomplishments, Smythe said one that stands out is the Commercial Street Night Market, which first launched in 2018.

“I’m certainly most proud of the night market, that was a baby born in my brain and I think its been successful in helping downtown — I hope that it grows and continues.”

Helping to broker the pending passenger-only ferry service linking the downtowns of Nanaimo and Vancouver is another key highlight for Smythe.

NanaimoNewsNOW has contacted the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce for comment.

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