Shopping Local First, Keeps Communities Strong and Health
Sep 27, 2023
Mary Lou Newbold, President of Think Local First
Shopping Local First, Keeps Communities Strong and Health

Mary Lou Newbold started working in the optometry profession in 1987 with Dr. Stephen Taylor as a part time receptionist. Over 30 years later, Mary Lou oversees a staff of 15 and shares ownership in “the leading eye care" business in Victoria.  At Mayfair Optometric Clinic, Mary Lou is responsible for finance, marketing including social media strategy, human resources, community engagement and patient experience.
As an alumna of Royal Roads University with graduate certificates in Leadership & Management as well as Values Based Leadership, Mary Lou makes continued learning a high priority.  Co-op students from Camosun College and the UVIC Gustavson School of Business have completed work terms under her direction, and Mayfair Optometric Clinic as an organization has mentored many optometry and optical students as well as learners interested in other areas of business over the years.

She has lectured for Pacific University Island Eyes conference in Hawaii several times and enjoys teaching topics such as leadership, social media and professional business management.

Outside the office, Mary Lou is a strong supporter of community engagement, and is heavily involved with the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, and the Victoria Chamber of Commerce.  Mary Lou is the current President of Think Local First Society, and is an Ambassador on the Member Engagement Committee with the Victoria Chamber.  She was named Chamber Member of the year for 2022.

Past achievements include Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9SlZHNpAGo
BC Section Coach of the Year (Figure Skating), 3 X Times Colonist Readers Choice Award, Business of the Year (11 – 25 Employees) Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and Top 3 Finishes in Victoria Best of the City Awards, Best EyeGlass Shop, and Best Eye Care!