The Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association's executive director has stepped down, saying her business is taking up more of her time.
As a result, she has been replaced by the organization's event co-ordinator.
Robyn Kelly, who became the executive director in October, announced June 12 that she'd be resigning from the post and taking her place will be Kerry Neil.
Kelly said that COVID-19 has caused a spike in demand for online marketing services, which is what her business specializes in.
It's created an unforeseen workload that has taken up more of her time than she anticipated.
"I think once businesses realized, 'OK we need to adapt and everyone's hanging out online because they can't come in,' things just really picked up," said Kelly.
As a result, she's handing over the reins of the DBIA to Neil, the association's events co-ordinator.
"I see a lot of value that the BIA brings to downtown Squamish and I'm excited that I've been able to negotiate with...those involved and help bring awareness and foot traffic to downtown Squamish," said Kelly.
"I think Kerry's going to do a phenomenal job, she's a very outgoing, bubbly, people person."
Neil is perhaps best known locally as the organizer for the 2019 Santa Claus Parade.
She moved to Squamish in 2019 from Kitsilano after spending over a decade in Vancouver. Neil immigrated from the UK back in 2008.
There, she was the owner of a pub and restaurant.
"I've worked the local business that takes you away from your family and is 24/7, so I have some understanding of how it feels and the responsibility of having your own business," said Neil.
She originally decided to make the switch to Squamish as it was a good fit for herself and her partner because of their outdoorsy interests.
Being from a small town in the UK, she said she preferred the tight-knit atmosphere of Squamish.
Since moving here last year, she's thrown herself into meeting people and getting engaged in community groups.
She even took up mountain biking.
"Learning to mountain bike when you're in your mid-40s could be classed as a little bit crazy but while I can, I will," Neil said with a chuckle.
Taking over the role in the middle of a pandemic, Neil acknowledged she's coming in at a difficult time for local businesses, and said she's keen on getting to know people's concerns by meeting with as many people as she can.
"I'm thrilled to take on this role and hope to bring lots of energy and enthusiasm to [the] downtown core," she said.
