Katie Youwe

Alice & Brohm
President

Originally from Sun Peaks BC, Katie moved to Squamish in 2014. She graduated from TRU with a degree in Physical Geography and Environmental Studies. Katie has experience working in different levels of government and has also worked in industries like corporate travel and sustainability focused non-profit organizations.

While looking for a bit of a career shift, Katie co-founded Alice + Brohm Ice Cream in 2017 with her partner, Matt. Their mission? To create community and support local producers, one ice cream at a time. Katie loves owning a small business and is grateful for the ability to do so in such a vibrant community. Her hidden talent – probably the limbo.

Cedric Edmund Rolf Carter “Eddie”

Race & Company LLP
Vice President

Eddie grew up in Vancouver, enjoying the surrounding outdoors in Squamish and Whistler. After graduating from Bishop’s University in Quebec, he worked in the tourism industry in Whistler for several years before attending law school at the University of Saskatchewan.

After moving to Squamish in 2010 and articling at a local law firm, he worked at a boutique North Vancouver law firm specializing in solicitors’ practice. Eddie joined Race & Company LLP in January 2020, and was extremely grateful to cut out his commute to spend more time in his adopted hometown. He’s passionate about helping his clients navigate buying their first home, scaling up their business and making important decisions about their estate planning.

When not working, Eddie can be found (laboriously) towing his two small children in a chariot while nordic skiing, backcountry snowboarding, mountain biking, and playing hockey. He is a proud and active member of the Squamish business community, and is a director of the Squamish Food Bank and Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association. He also spent five years as a volunteer firefighter with Squamish Fire Rescue.

Kevin Young

XOCO Chocolate
Treasurer

A true Squamish native, Kevin’s roots are deeply intertwined with the Lower Mainland, where he spent his formative years. In 2015, driven by a passion for his beloved community, he returned to his hometown to fulfill a heartfelt mission – opening Xoco Westcoast Chocolate. With unwavering dedication, Kevin aspires to bring the finest quality chocolate within reach of everyone in Squamish.

The Xoco team is continuously expanding their knowledge and expertise to introduce fresh, one-of-a-kind products to the town. Their pride in serving the community knows no bounds.

Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Kevin enjoys reading and writing, cherishing precious moments with his partner, Claire, and sharing affectionate times with their quirky feline companion, Patricia.

Having witnessed Squamish evolve significantly over the past decade, Kevin eagerly embraces the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing growth and prosperity of his cherished community. His excitement for the future is palpable, as he remains a dedicated steward of the town he holds dear.

Laura Di Cecco

Grateful Giftshop
Director

Laura is the owner & operator of Grateful Gift Shop, a community hub and lifestyle store in Downtown Squamish. Laura is a passionate entrepreneur, brand manager, community builder and creative. Her excitement lies in storytelling through brand development and building community through unique events and offerings. Laura’s goal is always to create a different and new experience, and leave a positive impact and legacy through her projects.

Melissa DeWolf

Queen Bee Boudoir
Secretary

Melissa and her husband decided to escape the city 8 years ago and move to a small town they knew nothing about, and 2 weeks in, they fell in LOVE! After a couple years, an opportunity (that she just couldn’t pass up) came Melissa’s way…and she became the 3rd owner of The Hive – Home & Gifts which has been downtown since 2005. Since then, Melissa has expanded the business to carry lingerie and costuming & putting on events to raise money for local charities. Melissa loves Downtown Squamish, the community and the potential of what the town has to offer. And for this, Melissa is thankful to be on the Board for the BIA and represent downtown businesses.

Jamie Brandon

Sunflower Bakery
Director

Jamie has been in Hospitality in the Sea to Sky for over 15 years. He moved to Whistler in 2005 and started with Whistler Blackcomb in the Bike Park & different ski shops. Worked with Gibbons Hospitality for 11 years where he managed Tapley’s Pub during the 2010 Olympics and recently managed Norman Rudy’s in Squamish. Also spent 2 years commuting to Vancouver to work for the Vancouver Canucks as a Manager in their Hospitality Department.

Most recently Jamie has taken over the historic Sunflower Bakery with Chef Ryan Newton & together they have given the 25 year old Bakery a refreshed menu & makeover. With a simple idea of great coffee & amazing food that you can pick up quickly with great service & atmosphere.

Gerald Cote

Freshii
Director

Boyd Folkard

Cliffside Cidery
Director

Boyd has called our picturesque town of Squamish, his home for the past seven years. Before settling in Squamish, he had spent three and a half decades in Vancouver.

A graduate of Carleton University in Ottawa, Boyd’s journey has been marked by remarkable achievements. Currently serving as the President and Co-founder of Cliffside Cider, he has left an indelible mark in the industry.

Boyd’s professional trajectory showcases his exceptional leadership skills, evident during his tenure as President and Co-founder of Renovation One Construction and his role as Co-founder of Raincity Marketing. With over 24 years of experience, Boyd’s expertise lies in the food and beverage sector, specializing in marketing, branding, and the global positioning of these products.

Danielle Mah

Seed Studio
Director

Kerry Neil

Executive Director

Kerry Neil is the Executive Director of the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association (DSBIA), a role she’s held since the summer of 2020. Since moving to Squamish in 2019 to embrace her family’s love for the mountains and outdoor adventures, Kerry has become an integral part of the community. With a business ownership background, Kerry understands small business challenges and is passionate about supporting and advocating for local businesses.

Under Kerry’s leadership, the DSBIA has seen remarkable growth and impact. In 2021, she founded the Squamish Mural Walk Festival, which has grown into a vibrant event in its fifth year, adding over 40 murals to the downtown core. Kerry also created the Engagement and Advocacy Committee in collaboration with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Squamish, strengthening ties between local organizations. One of her proudest achievements was reinventing Squamish’s Canada Day celebration into Squamish Together, a community-focused event that honors the region’s diversity and unity.

Kerry is deeply involved in the community, serving on various boards and committees to help foster collaboration and growth in Squamish. Outside of her professional commitments, she is a keen runner, an average skier, a tentative mountain biker, a passionate hip-hop dancer, and a busy mom of two. On weekends, you can often find her chasing her kids down mountains or cheering from the sidelines of the soccer pitch.

A strong advocate for the power of local businesses, Kerry is dedicated to making Squamish a vibrant, connected, and thriving community.