2010 Events at a Glance
Board of Directors
Farid Jamal – Board President
Farid Jamal, an entrepreneur and successful hotelier is this year’s Festival Board President. Farid and his wife, Tazeem Jamal, founded Have to Have Chocolate Inc., a successful manufacturing and wholesale, Belgian Chocolate and Fudge Company. Farid was instrumental in the start-up of the West Coast Chocolate Festival, one of the original financial investors in 2002, sitting as a Board Member and advisor for the past eight years. Farid was nominated for and voted into the Board President position in 2010, and has accepted the role until 2014. In May 2010, Farid was awarded the Tri City Reach Award in recognition of his roles as an adult mentor.
Linda Baker – Secretary/Treasurer
Linda Baker is a member of the ARC Arts Council and founder of the West Coast Chocolate Festival. She holds the position of the Secretary/Treasurer for the Board. Her vision before taking on the role as the 2002 Festival Coordinator was to hold a fundraiser for youth arts and a destination tourism event for the host region.
Barb Hobson
Barb Hobson has lived, worked, and volunteered in Coquitlam-Maillardville for close to 30 years. She is a dependable team leader and experienced elected representative. She is also a former School Trustee and Chair of the Board in School District No. 43 and a current member of the Place Des Art board.
Pam Palmer
With a passion in community volunteerism, Pam Palmer has worked with the West Coast Chocolate festival as a volunteer administration manager and vice-president. She is excited to be part of the West Coast Chocolate Festival for the 8th year.
Josée Grice
Josée Grice has a rich background in fine dining and has been a part of the West Coast Chocolate Festival since 2007 where she was an Assistant to Event Coordinator. With skills in fluent French, desktop publishing and design, and business, she will be an asset to this year’s festival.
Julie Pellizzari
Julie Pellizzari, Project Manager and community leader, invested in the success of the Chocolate Festival since its inception. Julie Pellizzari was born and raised in New Westminster and holds a Certified Quality Assurance Professional designation and Project Management certification from BCIT. She resides with husband and family in the Tri Cities region. Julie is a fabulous addition to the Board, Chair of the Events Committee, and dedicated mentor.
Arlene Hatto
Arlene Hatto is from Hazel Trembath Elementary in Coquitlam and is part of Nihongo BC: B.C. Teachers of Japanese. She brings culture and kids together in events in her classroom such as Children’s Day where samurai dolls are displayed in homes. She is thrilled to be part of this year’s West Coast Chocolate Festival team again.
