2025 Board of Directors

Maria Fiallos, Chair

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 Chair

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.

Jennifer Babcock, Impact Awards Chair

Royal Oak Senior Living

Jennifer Babcock is the Manager of Client Experience at Royal Oak Senior Living in St. Thomas, Ontario, where she is dedicated to enhancing resident engagement and well-being.

Her commitment to fostering an active and vibrant community is evident through organizing events like the annual Fall Fair, which brings together residents and the local community.

Beyond her role at Royal Oak, Jennifer serves as the Impact Awards Chair on the Board of Directors for the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, contributing to the recognition of excellence within the local business community.

Her leadership and dedication significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors and support the economic development of the region.

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.

Michel Alvarez, 1st Vice Chair

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.

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

Reith & Associates

Crystal Kaustinen from Reith & Associates, a leading insurance brokerage serving the London and St. Thomas, Ontario area. As the President of the St. Thomas Elgin Insurance Brokers Association and a Board Member of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario, she 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.

Michael Warren, Director

RBC

Michael Warren is a Senior Relationship Manager at RBC Royal Bank's St. Thomas Business Banking Centre, where he provides comprehensive financial services to local businesses. He is also a member of the Finance Committee on the Board of Directors for the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, contributing to the region's economic development.

His expertise in business banking and active involvement in the community underscore his commitment to supporting local enterprises and fostering economic growth in St. Thomas.

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.

Fran Dunseith, 2nd Vice 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.

Sarah Groeneweg, MSC Chair

Locke Insurance Brokers

Sarah Groeneweg is a partner at Locke Insurance Brokers, an independent family-owned brokerage in St. Thomas, Ontario, with a legacy spanning nearly a century.

Leveraging her background in journalism and media, she brings a unique perspective to the business educating clients on the nuances of insurance products, using clear and concise communication with the goal of changing the insurance experience one client at a time.

Sarah is deeply involved in her community having served as board chair of the Elgin St. Thomas Community Foundation's board of directors and organizing local events such as St. Thomas Uncorked and 100 People Who Care St. Thomas.

Her dedication to client relationships and community engagement underscores her commitment to both her profession and her hometown.

Tatjana Burcul, Director

ARC Benefits Planning

Tatjana Burcul is the President of ARC Benefits Planning, a fully licensed independent agency based in St. Thomas, Ontario. With over 30 years of experience in financial services, including marketing and product development, she specializes in assisting businesses with customized employee benefit and group retirement solutions. As an independent broker, Tatjana collaborates with top industry carriers to offer comprehensive services.

Her dedication to client service has earned her several industry awards, including the Ron Beriault Award for highest client retention in Ontario with the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan.

Beyond her professional commitments, Tatjana actively contributes to the local business community. She serves 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.

Through her leadership at ARC Benefits Planning and active community engagement, Tatjana demonstrates a strong commitment to both business excellence and local development.

Sarah Foshay, Director

Elgin Business Resource Centre

Sarah Foshay is the General Manager of the Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC) in St. Thomas, Ontario, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Since joining EBRC in March 2021, Sarah has held various roles, including Community Engagement & Business Advisor and Assistant General Manager.

Prior to her tenure at EBRC, Sarah operated her own independent dental hygiene clinic, "Smart Dental Hygiene," and has a background in Human Resource Management, Preventive Dentistry, and Public Health.

Beyond her professional commitments, Sarah actively contributes to the local business community. She serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce and participates in several committees, including the CFWO Governance Task Force and the CFWO Regional Economic Development Committee.

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.

Chamber Committees