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2026 Board of Directors and Nominees

Board Elections & Appointments – Chamber AGM, November 27, 2025

As part of our proceedings at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 27, our members elect candidates to join our Board of Directors.

Incorporated under Canada’s Boards of Trade Act, the Chamber could not exist without dedicated and passionate volunteers, giving their time and expertise to serve on our Board of Directors. For more than half a century, scores of local business leaders, non-profit executives, and community champions have skillfully guided our organization to grow and thrive. The board is responsible for strategic, governance, and fiduciary leadership, oversees the Chief Executive Officer, and is accountable to our members.

Past Chairs of our Board of Directors join our Board of Governors, who remain involved and connected with the Chamber in meaningful ways. In 2026, we will welcome Vivien Symington and Jennifer McKinnon to this esteemed group. Our sincere thanks as well to Governor Daniel Richardson, stepping down from the Board of Directors, having served as immediate Past Chair for 2025.

The Board consists of the Chair, Vice-Chair and 10 Directors. In addition, the immediate Past Chair, Chief Executive Officer and the Treasurer of the Chamber are ex-officio members of the Board.

REGISTER TO ATTEND THE AGM

2026 Board Executive: Motion to Appoint 

vivien symington

Vivien Symington
Past Chair
Owner
Club Aviva

Vivien Bio

Vivien Symington

2025 Board Chair
Owner, Club Aviva
LinkedIn

Vivien Symington has 50 years of gymnastics experience and earned BA/BPHE degrees from Queen’s University.

Established in 1986, Club Aviva is a large family-owned and operated gymnastics facility, offering a wide variety of unique programs to promote healthy physical and emotional lifestyles.

In 2002, Vivien invited the Empowering Steps Movement Therapy Program (ESMT), a unique child centre intervention for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

Vivien is an active volunteer with Coquitlam Festival Society (since 1992), Kids Brain Health Network, Gymnastics BC, and Simon Fraser Society. In 2017, she was inducted into the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame as a Community Builder and Club Aviva won the best BC Gymnastics Club of the Year.

She believes that society is vital to building a strong sense of community and shared goals. She strives to provide an inclusive centre in Coquitlam offering a safe and nurturing environment to promote the empowerment and health of all participants no matter what their abilities.

MohammadProfilePicture

Mohammad Darwish
Board Chair
President & CEO
Aplicata Technologies Inc.

Mohammad Bio

Mohammad Darwish

President & CEO, Aplicata Technologies Inc.


Mohammad Darwish is Aplicata’s Chief Executive Officer and serves on the Board of Directors. He is recognized for his experience, innovative contributions and leadership spanning over 25 years in the computing industry. Prior to founding Aplicata, Mohammad founded AdvancedIO, where he pioneered adaptive wideband network solutions that have become an industry benchmark. Earlier in his career, he worked at Spectrum Signal Processing, developing real-time communication systems for defense and commercial markets. Mohammad taught computer engineering courses at UBC for many years. He is deeply passionate about education and the development of young people. While teaching at UBC, he brought invaluable industry insights into the classroom, enriching the learning experience of his students. Alongside his business achievements, he is an avid community volunteer and serves as an economic advisor to the City of Coquitlam. Mohammad holds a master’s degree in computer engineering from UBC, where he also pursued a Ph.D. degree.

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Justin Levine
Vice Chair
Lawyer
Golbey Levine, Lawyers + Advisors

Justin Bio

Justin Levine

Lawyer, Golbey Levine, Lawyers + Advisors


Justin Levine practises business and real estate law with Golbey Levine, Lawyers and Advisors . Phrased pretentiously, he helps clients identify and manage their risks to help accomplish their goals. Justin is passionate about local business and thinks Main Street trumps Wall Street. One of his greatest work accomplishments is PROTECTED BY SOLICITOR-CLIENT (that's a joke). He is an advisor to boards and a past director of a non-profits and a charity. Justin used to be actively involved with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce as a member of the Government Relations Committee and the initial TCYP steering committee. He used to volunteer with Douglas College's self-employment program. He provides some pro bono legal work for people and organizations in need. He was raised in Port Coquitlam, with a stint in Maple Ridge, and currently lives in Coquitlam with his spouse, two children, and a dog that eats everything.

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Eric Salvador, CPA
Treasurer
Partner
Rise CPA Inc.

Eric Bio

Eric Salvador, CPA

Partner, Rise CPA Inc.
LinkedIn

Eric graduated from Capilano University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance. He began his accounting career in 2014 where he worked at a national accounting firm in Calgary providing accounting and assurance services in the private enterprise group. Eric then joined Rise in 2016 due to his passion of building strong relationships with his clients and their businesses to become their trusted advisor. Eric advises on accounting, assurance, tax and other business matters in various industries such as restaurants, breweries, manufacturing, franchises, retail, construction, film, etc.

In addition to assisting his clients, Eric also has a passion for mentoring soon to be CPA’s and business professionals. He often attends campus recruiting events and has mentored individuals under the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Launch2Success Mentorship program. If you see him around campus, make sure you come and say hi!

Outside of work, Eric is a big foodie. He enjoys spending time with his wife trying new restaurants and learning new recipes to cook for his friends and family.

2026 Director Candidates: Six to be Elected / Re-elected

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Jamileh Askarian 
President & Co-Founder
Noura Homes

Jamileh Bio

Jamileh Askarian

CEO & Co-Founder, Noura Homes


Jamileh Askarian has driven Noura Homes’ growth from a modest five-home project into a regional leader in custom luxury homebuilding for over 30 years. A committed advocate for community and sustainability, she has stewarded the company’s support of more than 30 local organizations, from youth sports and mental health programs to women’s initiatives and environmental causes, while preserving land for wildlife habitat and waterway protection. Her business philosophy of “honesty, hard work, good intentions and giving back” has empowered countless tradespeople, apprentices and staff to launch their own ventures. With over 1,000 unique homes delivered and $250 M+ in project experience, Jamileh balances strategic vision with hands-on leadership. Her record of innovation, mentorship and community investment perfectly meets the Tri-Cities Chamber’s mission to advance economic growth, strengthen business leadership and support vibrant neighbourhoods.

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Jacob Edenloff 
Senior Development Manager
Beedie

Jacob Bio

Jacob Edenloff

Senior Development Manager, Beedie


Jacob Edenloff is a seasoned development professional with over a decade of experience in urban planning and development. As Senior Development Manager at Beedie, one of BC’s largest commercial property managers, he leads industrial development projects across the Lower Mainland. His career spans private development, municipal planning, and consulting. Jacob holds a Master of City Planning from the University of Manitoba and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta. A Port Moody resident, he currently serves on the City's Land Use Committee, supporting thoughtful and sustainable growth in Port Moody. He brings a deep understanding of municipal processes, planning, and development advocacy. Jacob is eager to contribute his expertise to the Tri-City Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses and promote community prosperity.

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Munu Hicken-Gaberria 
CEO 
LFT Group Brands Ltd

Munu Bio

Munu Hicken-Gaberria

CEO, LFT Group Brands Ltd.


Munu Hicken-Gaberria is a sustainable product innovator and former multi-unit retail CEO with over 18 years of experience in consumer packaged goods and retail. As founder of Live for Tomorrow, he has developed more than 20 plant-based formulations and advised emerging brands on ethical sourcing, circular design, and commercialization. Munu bridges entrepreneurial insight with community leadership, serving as President of the Port Moody Heritage Society and contributing to city committees that shape local policy and cultural development. Known for driving collaboration between business, environment, and community, he brings a pragmatic yet forward-thinking approach to growth—anchored in transparency, innovation, and sustainability.

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Gwendolyn Maddock 
Co-Founder & CEO
A5 Cleaning Services

Gwendolyn Bio

Gwendolyn Maddock

Co-Founder & CEO, A5 Fleaning Services


I am an entrepreneur with over 2 decades of leadership experience. An active community leader dedicated to strengthening local business and civic engagement. As Executive Secretary and Administrator for the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce, I have supported board governance, advanced municipal advocacy, and led key initiatives in economic development and organizational growth. I have actively served on the City of New Westminster’s Arts, Culture, and Economic Development Advisory Committee, contributed to strategic community planning. I have been actively involved with the Rotary club as a Rotarian with over 20 years of volunteer leadership where I love to help others, give back to the community with service, collaboration, and sustainable community impact. My background in executive management, operations, and stakeholder relations reflects the passion for transparent leadership and innovation. I am ambitious and driven to help other local businesses to succeed. I am committed to civic excellence and always advocating for the Tri-Cities business community.

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Matthew Sebastiani
Senior Analyst,
Bank of Canada

Matthew Bio

Matthew Sebastiani

Chair/Senior Analyst, Coquitlam Foundation/Bank of Canada


Matthew Sebastiani is an experienced policy analyst and community leader with a diverse background spanning government, financial services, and life sciences. He currently serves as a Senior Analyst at the Bank of Canada, and previously worked in biotech and as a policy advisor to the Deputy Leader in the Senate of Canada. A dedicated volunteer, Matthew is Chair of the Coquitlam Foundation, President of the Board of Place des Arts, Treasurer of the Coquitlam North Road Business Improvement Association, and Director of the Association of Professional Economists of BC. He previously served as President of the Vancouver Chapter of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and was a member of the Business Council of BC’s NEXT Leaders Council. Since 2022, he has been appointed to the City of Coquitlam’s Economic Development Advisory Committee. In 2025, Matthew was honoured as the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year. He holds an MBA in Finance from UBC’s Sauder School of Business and a BA (Honours) in Economics from SFU.

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Eugene Chua
Branch Manager
Scotiabank

Eugene Bio

Eugene Chua

Branch Manager, Scotiabank


Eugene Chua is a seasoned banking professional with over 20 years of experience in customer service, 20 years in sales, and more than 12 years in management. Currently serving as Branch Manager at Scotiabank in Port Coquitlam, BC, Eugene leads a dynamic team of 19 staff, driving performance through strategic coaching, operational excellence, and a customer-first mindset. With a strong academic foundation that includes a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology & Genetics with a minor in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, and a Diploma in Accounting from UBC’s Sauder School of Business, Eugene brings analytical rigor and financial acumen to every aspect of his work. He holds multiple industry designations including the Professional Financial Planning Course (PFPC), Canadian Securities Course (CSC), and Branch Compliance Officer (BCO) certification from the Canadian Securities Institute. Eugene is passionate about building lasting client relationships, optimizing branch operations, and mentoring high-performing teams. His leadership style is rooted in empathy, accountability, and continuous improvement, making him a trusted advisor and respected manager within the organization.

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Cindy Ference
Controller
Synergy Engineering Ltd.

Cindy Bio

Cindy Ference

Controller, Synergy Engineering Ltd.


I am a passionate community advocate and experienced leader with a deep commitment to supporting local businesses and driving economic growth in the Tri-Cities. With over 25 years in my field, I have had the privilege of leading initiatives that bring people together, strengthen partnerships and create meaningful impact. In my role as Controller at Synergy Engineering Ltd., I focus on collaboration, innovation, and building relationships that last. As a proud Tri-Cities resident for more than 40 years, I'm invested in the long-term success of our region. I believe the Chamber plays a huge role in shaping a vibrant, inclusive business community and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute at the Board level. My leadership style is rooted in transparency, service and a genuine desire to see others succeed.

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Ryan Jamieson
Deputy Executive Director
Coquitlam Public Library

Ryan Bio

Ryan Jamieson

Deputy Executive Director, Coquitlam Public Library


Ryan Jamieson is a strategic, community-focused leader dedicated to strengthening local business ecosystems and fostering inclusive economic growth. As Deputy Executive Director of Coquitlam Public Library, he leverages over two decades of leadership experience to build partnerships connecting public, private, and non-profit sectors. His work focuses on creating spaces and initiatives that drive innovation, learning, and collaboration. Ryan holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University and has extensive experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading strategic planning processes, and developing cross-sector projects with social and economic impact. He has contributed to more than 50 task forces addressing workforce development, policy, and community engagement. An elected member of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Ryan champions collaboration, inclusive leadership, and forward-looking strategy to help local businesses and communities thrive.

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Navid Morawej
Managing Director
Aultrust Financial Ltd.

Navid Bio

Navid Morawej

Managing Director, Aultrust Financial Ltd.


I’m an entrepreneur and executive leader with experience in strategic planning, finance, real estate, and education management. As Managing Director at Aultrust Financial, I support community-focused ventures. I also serve as CEO of SwissReal Group, leading large-scale developments, and Managing Director of Acorn Family of Childcare, overseeing early learning programs across multiple locations. I’m on the Board of the Rotary Club of Vancouver and will be President for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. The club is the first Rotary established in British Columbia and the second in Canada, with over a century of service and members who practice true philanthropy, collectively contributing over a million dollars annually and managing millions in foundation funds. As a past Tri-Cities Chamber member and recipient of the Aultrust Community Builder Award, I’m eager to serve on the Board to help foster collaboration, drive innovation, and strengthen community connection across the Tri-Cities.

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Katie Fitzmaurice
Executive Vice President
Invest Vancouver

Katie Bio

Katie Fitzmaurice

Executice Vice President, Invest Vancouver


Katie Fitzmaurice is a strategic and collaborative leader driving economic transformation across the Metro Vancouver region. As Executive Vice President at Invest Vancouver, she champions initiatives that foster inclusive prosperity, regional wellbeing, and long-term competitiveness. With experience spanning the private sector and all levels of government, Katie brings a unique systems-level perspective to her work. She is known for her ability to convene diverse stakeholders, shape bold strategies, and unlock opportunities that strengthen the region’s economic resilience. Katie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC’s Sauder School of Business and remains deeply committed to community impact—whether through policy innovation or a 4,500-kilometer fundraising bike ride from Amsterdam to Istanbul.

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Josh Richardson 
Commercial Loan Broker
Ashdown Capital

Josh Bio

Josh Richardson

Commercial Loan Broker, Ashdown Capital


Josh joined Ashdown Capital and the Chamber in 2020. Through his prior banking experience, Josh developed an aptitude for commercial financing, catering to small and mid-sized businesses that other banks frequently overlooked. Now as a broker, representing borrowers, he has a level of attention that most Banks reserve for their larger clients. Josh has worked with many clients in the Tri-Cities that look to him for the capital requirements they need to grow their business. He has 13 years experience in banking and real estate development, a master’s degree in international business from UVic and a BBA in finance from SFU. His experience representing clients from many different industries allows him to provide well-rounded client service and match clients with the most appropriate lending solutions. Josh grew up in Port Moody and now calls Coquitlam home, where he lives with his wife Alicia and their two sons Oliver and Emmett.

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Karen Qiu
Commercial Relationship Manager, RBC

Karen Bio

Karen Qiu

Commercial Relationship Manager, RBC


Karen Qiu is a Commercial Relationship Manager with RBC in Metro Vancouver, supporting Canadian mid-market businesses. She brings extensive experience across personal and commercial banking, credit analysis, and strategic partnerships, helping clients access financing and solutions that enable sustainable growth. Beyond her professional role, Karen is passionate about collaboration between businesses and the community. As an active Chamber Ambassador, she enjoys connecting local entrepreneurs, sharing insights, and contributing to initiatives that strengthen the economic vitality. Karen values integrity, teamwork, and continuous learning, and believes that small actions create lasting impact. Through board service, she hopes to further support local business success and advocate for inclusive economic development.

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Cassandra Curtis
Owner 
Cassandra Cake Co.

Cassandra Bio

Cassandra Curtis

Owner, Cassandra Cake Co.


Owner and Founder of Cassandra Cake Co., a leading bakery and high-tea venue in downtown Port Coquitlam. With over 18 years of experience in the culinary industry and recognition as a two-time Food Network Champion, she has built a brand defined by excellence, innovation, and community impact. Cassandra’s diverse professional background in banking, event management, and fitness coaching provides a strong foundation in leadership and business strategy. As Vice Chair of the Downtown Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association, she contributes to local economic growth and strategic development. A finalist for Young Professional of the Year and recipient of Business of the Year at both the Tri-Cities Business Excellence Awards and the PoCo Biz Awards, Cassandra is deeply committed to fostering collaboration, supporting small businesses, and strengthening the local economy.

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Adel Gamar
CEO & Co-Founder
GLG Ltd.

Adel Bio

Adel Gamar

CEO & Co-Founder, GLG Ltd.


Adel Gamar is CEO of GLG, a boutique leadership and management consultancy based in Vancouver. He is an Adjunct Professor at the UBC Sauder School of Business, where he teaches adaptive leadership and organizational management. Adel has advised senior leaders across Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and governments worldwide. He previously served as Education Specialist at UNESCO and Policy Fellow at Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, he taught adaptive leadership and co-facilitated the Think Tank on Global Education: Empowering Global Citizens. In 2015, he advised the Co-Chair of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. A former Board Chair of Douglas College and current board member of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, Adel co-founded the Gamar Foundation to inspire, empower, and connect young leaders for the public good. He holds an MPA from Harvard and a B.Ed. from the University of Calgary. He is a husband, father, and relentless optimist.

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Katherine Kim
Senior Account Manager, Business Dev. Bank of Canada

Katherine Bio

Katherine Kim

Senior Account Manager, Business Development Bank of Canada


Katherine is a Senior Account Manager with the Business Development Bank of Canada, BDC, with more than 10 years of experience in the financial industry. Specializing in advising business owners and commercial relationships, Katherine uses that experience to deliver a value-add component to every interaction she has with her clients, network and stakeholders. Katherine possesses a unique blend of professional expertise and a passion for community development. Her track record of successfully leading initiatives within the region, combined with her strategic thinking and collaborative approach, makes her an ideal candidate for a leadership role. Katherine's ability to inspire and mobilize teams toward a common goal is truly remarkable. Her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication make her an asset to any organization. Furthermore, Katherine's deep knowledge of the Tri-Cities area and her extensive network of connections within the local business community would undoubtedly benefit the Chamber's mission and objectives.

BARRIE (1)

Barrie Seaton
Licensed Realtor (R)
Evergreen West Realty

Barrie Bio

Barrie Seaton

Licensed Realtor (R), Evergreen West Realty


I have been a member of the TriCities Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years. During that time I have held positions on the economic and business development, relocation, membership and executive committees. During my previous12 year tenure on the Chamber board I gained many insights into Chamber operations and responsibilities. I was proud to hold the position of Chair for the 2009 to 2010 Chamber year. After having spent many years at the manufacturing and management levels in the automobile industry with General Motors, BMW and Nissan, I joined the real estate industry in 1994 and now have a very active client data base that provides me with about 70% of my new business created by referral or past clients. My responsibilities at Evergreen West Realty currently include training, education and agent support. I have always supported the Chamber movement, and as an independent business owner am committed to the advancement of fairness and inclusion in the marketplace. If elected to the Board of Directors again, I would look forward to helping this Chamber become more successful, continue to increase its membership levels , its profile within the Chamber movement across Canada and to provide support to all types and sizes of businesses whenever needed.

2026 Continuing Board Directors: 2nd Year of Term

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Chris Chong
Owner
Butter Studios

Chris Bio

Chris Chong

Butter Studios


Owner of a successful photo/video studio for the past 15 years servicing local, national and international clients.

Previously, I was a director for a national telecommunications company leading up to 500 employees and gained extensive experience in project and people management and consistently exceeded targets in relation to revenue, productivity and quality.

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Mike Forrest
Vice President
Forrest Marine Ltd.

Mike Bio

Mike Forrest

Forrest Marine Ltd.


Mike Forrest is the co-owner (with his brother Ray) of Forrest Marine Ltd, a third generation river oriented family business in Port Coquitlam, with Tugboats, Fishboats, Log Salvage, Water Taxi, Rescue and more.

Forrest Marine has been a member of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce since 1993, and Mike has served on the Chamber's Board of Directors since 2020.

Mike’s past experience includes serving as a member of the Fraser Panel of the Canada/US Pacific Salmon Commission for 19 yrs.

He also served on the Fraser River Port Authority from 1993-1999.

His community spirit and involvement is shown in having served 18 years on Port Coquitlam city council (2000-2018)

Mike and his wife Karen both have third generation POCO roots, and raised their family here.

Mike believes that Chambers of Commerce are not only an integral part of a vibrant community, but also the best venue for business to share their collective voice with Governments in respect of fair regulation and minimizing bureaucracy!

Pulkit Sharma

Pulkit Sharma
Project Manager
Peter Kiewit Sons ULC

Pulkit Bio

Pulkit Sharma

Peter Kiewit Sons ULC


Pulkit is a Professional Engineer and currently working as a Project Manager with Kiewit, a local contractor with a history of building projects in the Tri-Cities area and an employer to residents of Tri-City region. Pulkit graduated with a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia and joined Kiewit soon-thereafter as a Field Engineer.

Pulkit and his family established roots in the Tri-Cities area of Coquitlam to enjoy the beautiful landscape and bountiful parks, Pulkit is an active member of this vibrant, multicultural community. He is also an angel investor and partner of multiple local businesses and encourages business owners to take root and grow within the community. Pulkit is also one of the board of directors with Coquitlam Foundation that encourages and supports creative, targeted philanthropy that builds a vibrant, sustainable, and healthy community

Pulkit and his wife are pro-actively involved within their community and promotes fellowship by connecting residents to community resources, mentorship and aids aspiring students in the field of engineering and healthcare with career advice and scholarships.

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Reihaneh Mirjani
Vice President / CEO
Food Link Society / Soul Bite Food

Reihaneh Bio

Reihaneh Mirjani

Immigrant Link Centre Society


Reihaneh is a resourceful and reliable professional who has excellent interpersonal skills across all levels including stakeholders and government. She has received her Women Influencers Award from Women's Collaborative hub in 2019 and her society received a Business Excellence Award from the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she has been awarded the Medal of Good Citizenship 2024 by the Government of British Columbia. She has a bachelor's degree in English literature and is working as Vice President in Immigrant link Centre Society and also as CEO of Soul Bite Food Inc.
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