Board of Directors
The Squamish Chamber of Commerce is proud to be represented by 12 board members who generously volunteer their expertise over 2-year terms. Six of these Directors make up the Executive and include the President, Past President, 1st Vice, 2nd Vice, Treasurer and Secretary.
These highly dedicated and talented individuals represent our vibrant community and numerous volunteer committees. All come from diverse backgrounds and companies of varying size and meet on a regular basis to assess the concerns of our business community. As a result, the board acts as the primary body that advances support or concern to various levels of government and other public and private sector organizations to enhance the vitality of life in Squamish - The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.
The 2010 Board of Directors and their representing companies are as follows:
Sameer Kajani, President (Squamish Inn on the Water)
E-Mail Me Directly: sameer@innonthewater.com
Stephanie Wells, 1st Vice President (Capilano University)
E-Mail Me Directly: swells@capilanou.ca
Steve Drinkwater, 2nd Vice President (SGD Consulting)
E-Mail Me Directly: steve@sgd.ca
Denise Jimmo, Secretary (Training Innovations)
E-Mail Me Directly: denise.jimmo@traininginnovations.com
Denise Imbeau, Treasurer (Greg Gardner Motors)
E-Mail Me Directly: denise@greggardnergm.com
Margo Dent, Past President (Prismatic Soul)
E-Mail Me Directly: margo@prismaticsoul.com
Directors:
Ron Anderson (Squamish Terminals)
E-Mail Me Directly: ron_anderson@sqterminals.com
Amy Fast (Cardinal Concrete)
E-Mail Me Directly: amy@cardinalconcrete.ca
Maurice Freitag (Granite Art Masonry)
E-Mail Me Directly: granite-art-masonry@hotmail.com
Nancy Hamilton (Squamish House & Homes)
E-Mail Me Directly: nancyhamilton@nancyhamilton.ca
Darren McCartney (ReMax Sea to Sky Real Estate)
E-Mail Me Directly: darren.mc@shaw.ca
Kris Szylowski (Executive Suites Garibaldi Springs)
E-Mail Me Directly: kris@executivesuitesgaribaldi.com
Our Esteemed Chamber Senator:
Bill Manson
SAMEER KAJANI ~ President
I have lived in Squamish for the past 6 years and I have loved every day of it. I own and operate Squamish Inn on the Water as well as a few commercial properties in our growing town center. I have been a Chamber member for the past 5 years and recently had the opportunity to be part of the Chamber Golf Tournament Committee. It was a great experience, which along with some encouragement from other members prompted my decision to become more involved and run for a seat on the Board of Directors.
I have been on the Property Assessment Panel for the last 5 years (Sea to Sky Corridor) and I am on the Board of Directors for Squamish Savings. I am also the current President of the Squamish Lions Club and have been an active Lion since 2002.
My Bachelor of Commerce degree from UBC as well as my professional and community experience will give me the background to be a positive and effective voice on the Board. I am excited about Squamish’s growth potential and a prosperous future for the Business Community. I would like to be part of this process and represent Business Owners on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Thank You for your support!
STEPHANIE WELLS ~ 1st Vice President
Stephanie Wells is an Instructor and Convenor in the Faculty of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Management at Capilano University.
Prior to teaching Stephanie spent over 20 years in the tourism industry working at Walt Disney World Resort and several local organizations including Tourism Whistler, Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Whistler Chamber of Commerce.
She is currently in her second term as a Chamber Director and serves on various committees including Communications, After 5 Events, 2010 Opportunities and the AGM Steering Committee.
Stephanie believes that tourism is one way to diversify the local economy and bring real revenue to local business. As a mother of two boys she is also cognizant of the need to have post- secondary programs that can provide local students the opportunity to stay, study and build a career…locally. Stephanie is currently a student herself, in the process of obtaining her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and in her spare time loves wine night with her girlfriends and board games with her family.You can reach Stephanie at Capilano University at 604-892-5322 or via email at swells@capilanou.ca.
STEPHEN DRINKWATER ~ 2nd Vice President
Born in New Westminster, Steve grew up in Coquitlam and then Surrey, where he served on both the city‟s Heritage Advisory Committee and Advisory Design Panel.
Career in the resource industry took Steve abroad for a number of years. Returning to BC in the early „90s, he purchased a small business and took up residence in Vernon. During that time, Steve served as a director of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer firefighter on Silver Star Mountain.
In 2002, Steve‟s career again took him abroad for a five-year stint. Steve decided to leave the resource sector and chose Squamish to begin his new life back in Canada. Now resident here for over a year, he works as a business consultant through the ERA Canada network. This network provides cost reduction consulting services to medium and large businesses across Canada. Steve is responsible for ERA Canada‟s Vancouver operations.
Having a strong interest in public transit and transportation infrastructure issues, Steve is currently serving the community as the Squamish Chamber‟s representative to the Lower Mainland Chambers Transportation Panel, an advocacy group pooling the expertise of Chambers from Hope to White Rock to Squamish.
“Squamish is going through a tremendous transition from primarily a resource-based economy reliant on a few major employers to a more diversified economy comprising many small businesses and enterprises. During this rapid phase of growth, I look forward to serving these entrepreneurs and the business community at large by ensuring its voice is heard.”
DENISE JIMMO ~ Secretary
Denise has a degree in Human Resources and Business Management and over 20 years experience in the field of Human Resources and Employment Services. Since she moved to Squamish in January 2008 to take on the position of Career Services Manager for Training Innovations running the Howe Sound Employment Resource Center, she has been instrumental in the expansion of existing employment services programming initiatives in Squamish and the region. This included expanding the local provincially funded Employment Resource Centre with the addition of 4 staff, a new site in Function Junction Whistler and re-naming the program The Sea to Sky Employment Resource Centre; implementing the new Encore Employment Program – a initiative of Training Innovations that is a provincially funded “Targeted Initiative for Older Workers” which provided recruitment resources and ageism awareness training at no charge for local employers and sponsoring several organizations in their local recruitment efforts by providing a free on-line job posting service and on-site job fairs.
Denise is now the Director of Career Services and Human Resources with Training Innovations and, while she has accountabilities throughout the lower mainland, she continues to make Squamish her home and primary office. Most recently, Denise has completed a one year term as a Director with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and has been nominated for another term. In her first year with the board, Denise represented the SCOC at the regional BC Skills Council meetings, served as the SCOC board liaison with the WCOC and chaired the SCOC Business Success Committee. The Business Success Committee exceeded their mandate and goals for the 2009 year with over 100 chamber members attending over 6 learning opportunities on topics including “Hiring Foreign Workers”, “2010 Business Strategies”, “2010 Winning Strategies” and “What is a Request for Proposal (RFP)? - Demystify the RFP Bid Process”.
Prior to moving to Squamish she successfully secured and managed the delivery of government funded employment services and initiatives in the communities of Abbotsford & Mission for over 9 years. She was a member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce for 10 years where she held numerous committee positions. Her tenure with the Abbotsford Chamber was highlighted by Chairing the Education Committee and creating the Youth Community Leadership Award and Leadership Mentorship Program.
Denise is interested in continuing as a Director with Squamish Chamber of Commerce in order to contribute her expertise in the area of human resources, employment, training and skill enhancement initiatives in relation to local labour force challenges for the chamber membership. She brings her professional expertise, her past chamber experience, her sound voice of reason and her undeniable enthusiasm for full participation in the development of a thriving local chamber of commerce.
DENISE IMBEAU ~ Treasurer
Denise Imbeau was born and raised in Squamish. She is married with two children – 18 & 14 years old. Denise worked for 17 years for Carney’s Waste Systems in sales, environmental education, and marketing as well she performed a host of other administrative roles during her time with Recycleman. Denise became very familiar with all business in Squamish because of this work. In 2005, she took the role of Manager of the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and in 2007 she joined the team at Greg Gardner GM in her present position of Business Development Manager.
In 2009, Denise won the Chamber’s prestigious Citizen of the Year award largely for her organizational work with CALOC but her volunteerism in the community has been extensive and varied and includes such things as being an active Rotarian, a host on Channel 10, an Emcee at many local events, a director with the Squamish Skating Club, a PAC chair and a facilitator with Restorative Justice. Denise would welcome the opportunity of putting her experience and knowledge of the local business community towards the positive development of The Squamish Chamber of Commerce.
MARGO DENT ~ Past President
Margo has been a director with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce for 4 ½ years, currently in the role of Past - President. Margo came on to the Board to fill a vacancy mid-term and had no intentions of staying beyond the first term, however what she has determined is that the Chamber is a vital organization for local business, and it’s success is important to the community at large. Margo enjoys the diversity of the twelve member board and watching how they work together and come to consensus.
Margo loves a good party and is known to be the one who organizes Golf Tournaments, AGM’s, Trade Show’s and other networking opportunities.
RON ANDERSON ~ Director
Ron has lived in Squamish since 1989 and has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 19 years, he has been on the executive in various positions for almost the entire time and has served as President for four terms. He is currently President and CEO of Squamish Terminals as well as being on the Board of Directors for the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association and other associations as well.
Ron has enjoyed the challenges of working in a dynamic community, with a cross section of very enthusiastic individuals and he would like to continue to contribute to the Chamber of Commerce for another term.
AMY FAST ~ Director
Amy Fast is the Human Resource & Marketing Coordinator for Cardinal Concrete. Amy grew up in Squamish and though she has also spent time living in Whistler, New Zealand and North Vancouver, Squamish has always been her home.
In 2007, Amy graduated from Capilano University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and an Advanced Diploma in Marketing. After graduating, Amy returned to Squamish with renewed passion for the community she was raised in. Amy has volunteered her time as the Media Coordinator for the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival since 2006 and last year made her return to the stage with Between Shifts Theatre.
As a team player, Amy’s enthusiasm and creative nature enable her to take on new challenges with quick success. Amy is excited to be part of Squamish’s growth and development and looks forward to a successful term with the Squamish Chamber board.
MAURICE FREITAG ~ Director
Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1976. Moved to Squamish in Feb. 1995. Married to Carrie Freitag and proud father of two beautiful children Zoe ( 7 ) and Zaiden ( 1 ).
Profession: President of Granite Art Masonry Ltd. since 2003. Community Involvement: Currently second term secretary of The Squamish Lions Club. Former board member of Squamish Youth - Community Services Volleyball.
Recreation: In my spare time I enjoy taking advantage of Squamish's outdoor recreational oppurtunities; Soccer , Golf , Mtn. Biking and fishing to name a few!
NANCY HAMILTON ~ Director
Nancy joined Denise Salmon who has 12 years Real Estate experience to form a partnership in Squamish House and Homes, RE/MAX Masters. They specialize in Lifestyle Real Estate in the Sea to Sky Region including Vancouver, Squamish & Whistler, British Columbia.
Nancy brought 20 years of experience in the Business and Finance to SH&H. She was a business owner in downtown Toronto, Stock Broker in North Bay, ON, Financial Advisor and Mortgage Broker in Squamish and Whistler areas. Nancy earned degrees at McMaster University & Queens University in Health and Education. She earned her private pilot’s license and float endorsement.
Nancy has a number of recreational passions, which the Sea to Sky region is legendary for. She enjoys winter on skis at the world class venues of Whistler Olympic Park and Whistler Blackcomb Mountains where she also volunteers on the Patrol. Nancy & her two dogs enjoy hiking on the extensive mountain biking trail system or by the ocean & river trails around Squamish all year.
Nancy is often volunteering for cultural events and raising money for local charities. Her leadership is often found on Boards & Local Organizing Committees including those leading up to and including the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. A portion of the sales from Squamish House & homes is donated to Children’s Miracle Network. “It’s Simple - We Love It, We Live It, We Sell It!”
DARRREN McCARTNEY ~ Director
My wife and I moved to Squamish in 2004 to take advantage of the lifestyle and opportunities that the Sea to Sky Corridor has to offer. We are excited about the future of the region and we look forward to starting and raising a family here.
The Chamber Commerce has an important role to play in supporting the economic growth of current and new businesses in Squamish. I very much enjoy being part of shaping of our community and I see the unlimited potential for the region with such diversity in our natural surroundings and the people who choose to live here.
Following my move to Squamish in 2004, I entered the field commercial real estate and project sales after a 10 year career in finance and accounting within several business sectors including property development, asset management, resort hotel operations, high-tech and financial / tax advisory services.
My business and day to day life cross paths with old and new Squamish residents and I look forward to being involved with the Chamber for years to come.
KRIS SZYLOWSKI ~ Director
I moved to Squamish in 2007 to open and manage the Executive Suites Garibaldi Springs Golf Resort. Growing up in Vancouver I was always drawn to the Sea to Sky region, its picturesque mountain, valleys, forests, rivers and life style that goes with living in this versatile community. When the prospect to open the hotel in Squamish presented itself my choice was easy.
Now that the hotel is open and flourishing it is time for me to get involved and contribute to the community I call home, I feel that given a chance the chamber will provide me with that opportunity.
I bring 15 years experience in hospitality industry commitment to continue building Squamish as a tourism destination, quality place to live and do business in. I am excited about the opportunities 2010 and Callahan Valley Nordic sports development brings to the area.
I thank you for considering me for a position on the board of Squamish Chamber of Commerce.
Letters of Support
The following are letters of support from the Squamish Chamber Board of Directors:
Squamish Legacy Sports Park Letter of Support 2009 : PDF File
Adventure Centre Letter of Support 2009 : PDF File
Conny Millard Letter of Support 2009 : PDF File
Sea to Sky Community Services Letter of Support 2009 : PDF File
Squamish Oceanfront Development Letter of Support 2009 : PDF File
Garibaldi At Squamish Letter of Support 2008 : PDF File
Anthem Properties Group Ltd Letter of Support 2008 : PDF File