2026 Board of Directors

Maria Fiallos, President

Las Chicas del Cafe / Streamliners

Maria Fiallos is a Nicaraguan-Canadian entrepreneur and community advocate based in St. Thomas, Ontario. She co-founded Las Chicas Del Café, a coffee roasting business that imports beans directly from Nicaragua, and operates Streamliners Espresso Bar, a downtown café known for its Nicaraguan coffee offerings.

In 2017, Maria was honored with the Newcomer Champion Award by the St. Thomas-Elgin Local Immigration Partnership for her contributions to the community.

Through her businesses and community involvement, Maria actively promotes cultural exchange and economic development in St. Thomas.

Chris Patriquin, Past President

Simply Pure / My Water Guy

Chris Patriquin is the owner of Simply Pure Water, a St. Thomas-based company specializing in bottled and bottle-less drinking water solutions, as well as water treatment services. Since acquiring the business in 2019, Chris and his wife, Jame, have expanded their offerings to include a Zero Waste Refillery, promoting environmental sustainability by providing refill stations for household products.

Beyond his business endeavors, Chris is actively involved in the community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, contributing to local economic development.

In recognition of their contributions, Chris and Jame received a Lifetime Business Achievement Award from the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation and the Small Business Enterprise Centre in 2022.

Through his leadership at Simply Pure Water and active community engagement, Chris demonstrates a strong commitment to both business excellence and local development.

Grayden Laing, Director

Establish Media/Laing Studios

Grayden Laing is the founder and creative director of Establish Media, a St. Thomas-based company dedicated to amplifying local stories through digital media. With a background in art and design, Grayden offers services including photography, videography, and drone footage to showcase the vibrant culture of the St. Thomas-Elgin community. Beyond his media work, he is an active community member, supporting initiatives like the 100 People Who Care campaign and collaborating with local organizations to promote regional development. Grayden's commitment to his craft and community underscores his role as a key contributor to the area's growth and engagement.

Joel Van Bynen, Director

Fanshawe College St. Thomas/Elgin

Joel Van Bynen is the Associate Dean at Fanshawe College's St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus, where he oversees a diverse array of programs that appeal to learners across various sectors.

Joel began his career in the skilled trades, having completed his apprenticeship in-class learning at Fanshawe College. With over 25 years of experience in leadership and education, his commitment extends to helping learners gain entry into careers in healthcare, business, and technology, ensuring they have the skills and experience needed to succeed in these high-demand sectors.

Joel believes that colleges help to create a vital link to communities and culture, and he is passionate about ensuring that Fanshawe College remains committed to ongoing community success in St. Thomas and Elgin County.

Sean Dyke, Director

St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation

Sean Dyke is the Chief Executive Officer of the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation, where he leads efforts to attract investment, support business growth, and strengthen the local economy. Under his leadership, the EDC has driven industrial and residential development and enhanced St. Thomas’s reputation as a destination for business and community prosperity. Sean’s strategic vision and collaboration with government, industry, and community partners have earned him provincial recognition, including the Joseph A. Montgomery Economic Development Achievement Award for outstanding leadership in economic development.

Fran Dunseith, 1st Vice President/MSC Committee Chair

Caps Off Brewing Co.

Fran Dunseith is the co-owner of Caps Off Brewing Co., a craft brewery located in downtown St. Thomas, Ontario. Since its establishment in 2019, Fran and her husband, Rick, have transformed their passion for brewing into a community hub celebrated for its creative beers and welcoming atmosphere. Caps Off Brewing emphasizes local collaboration, sourcing ingredients from area farmers to craft their brews. Fran's passion for event planning has fostered community engagement through events and support to local artists and musicians. 

In addition to her role at the brewery, Fran serves as the 2nd Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, contributing to the region's economic development.

Tonya Sheldon, Treasurer 

St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital 

Tonya Sheldon serves as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH), overseeing the hospital's financial operations and strategic planning.

Beyond her role at STEGH, Tonya contributes to the local business community as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, where she plays a key role in financial oversight and strategic initiatives.

Her leadership in both healthcare and community organizations underscores her commitment to enhancing the well-being and economic vitality of the St. Thomas and Elgin County regions.

Crystal Kaustinen, Director

Acera Insurance

Crystal Kaustinen, President of the St. Thomas Elgin Insurance Brokers Association and a Board Member of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario,  is committed to advocating for industry standards and supporting fellow brokers in delivering top-tier insurance solutions.

Specializing in business insurance, Crystal helps companies navigate complex risk exposures with confidence. Her expertise spans commercial insurance, risk assessment, and compliance with industry regulations. She stays ahead of emerging trends to ensure her clients receive tailored coverage that meets their unique needs.

Beyond her leadership roles, Crystal is passionate about continuous learning and staying active. With a background in customer service and business operations, she takes pride in building lasting relationships and delivering value-driven insurance solutions.

Jacob Baribeau, Director

Baribeau Construction 

Jacob Baribeau is the co-owner of Baribeau Construction and CEO of the Elgin Innovation Centre. With a BA in Business Administration from Briercrest College & Seminary, he brings practical industry experience and a strong commitment to economic development in Elgin County. Jacob’s work across Elgin, London-Middlesex, and Oxford counties positions him as a resource for businesses navigating local municipal processes. He lives in Dorchester with his wife, Breanna, and their three children, and looks forward to contributing his leadership and community focus to the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Suzie Dennis, Director

Doug Tarry Homes

Suzie Dennis...

Michel Alvarez, 2nd Vice President

Royal Containers

Michel Alvarez is an experienced Plant Manager at Royal Containers Ltd., a leading manufacturer of corrugated boxes and packaging solutions. Since September 2021, he has overseen operations at the company's St. Thomas plant, focusing on optimizing production processes and ensuring quality standards. Prior to this role, Michel has held various leadership positions at Kruger and Menasha Packaging accumulating nearly three decades of expertise in operations and production management within the packaging industry. His comprehensive background underscores his commitment to operational excellence and team leadership.

Jennifer Babcock, Impact Awards Chair

City of St. Thomas

Jennifer Babcock serves as Impact Awards Chair on the Board of Directors for the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce. She works as Administrative and Communications Assistant to the Mayor and City Manager of the City of St. Thomas, supporting executive leadership, public communications, and cross-departmental coordination. With experience in healthcare administration, Jennifer applies a community-focused, collaborative approach to initiatives that strengthen local businesses, enhance civic engagement, and foster sustainable economic and social development.

Chichi Kejeh, Director

STELIP

Chiyemenma "Chichi" Kejeh is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates engineering expertise with strategic communication skills. Holding a Master of Science in Advanced Mechanical Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University and a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communication and Public Relations from Fanshawe College, Chichi currently serves as the Senior Business Development Consultant at Fanshawe College's Centre for Research and Innovation. In this role, he collaborates with industry partners to innovate and integrate advanced technologies within their organizations. Beyond his professional endeavors, Chichi is deeply committed to community development. Amongst other roles, he serves as a Council Representative for the St. Thomas Local Immigration Partnership, advocating for the integration and support of immigrants in the community. Additionally, he co-founded the Young Entrepreneurs Initiative in St. Thomas, Ontario, that empowers business leaders under 40. Through his diverse roles and initiatives, Chichi exemplifies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community empowerment.

Harsh Singh, Director

The Wing Boyz

Harshjot Singh is the co-owner of Wing Boyz, a popular take-out restaurant in St. Thomas, Ontario, renowned for its diverse wing flavors and menu offerings. Since opening in 2022, Wing Boyz has garnered acclaim, including the St. Thomas/Elgin 2022 New Business of the Year Award.

In 2024, Harshjot was recognized as a finalist for the Impact Award, highlighting his significant contributions to the local business community.

His dedication to quality and community engagement underscores his commitment to enhancing the culinary landscape of St. Thomas.

Carolyn Krahn, Director

County of Elgin

Carolyn Krahn is the Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Strategic Initiatives for the County of Elgin, where she leads efforts to support local entrepreneurs, attract investment, and promote sustainable community and tourism growth across the region. A lifelong Elgin County resident, Carolyn champions a holistic approach to economic development that strengthens community resilience and regional prosperity. In her role, she oversees strategic initiatives that foster business development and enhance the visitor experience throughout the county. Outside of work, she enjoys creative pursuits like sewing and designing clothing.

Chamber Committees