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Meet the Board
Shawn Patterson
President
Shawn Patterson is the Sales & Marketing Manager at Rhyno's. He is passionate about supporting local businesses and held the position of Provincial Sales Manager at the Chronicle Herald before joining Rhyno's.
Previously, Shawn spent 12 years working in social services with a focus on mental health and counselling. Shawn also has a strong sense of community and currently volunteers with South Shore Minor Hockey. He's been involved with the Chamber for several years, and is a Past President.
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Jayme Rhyno
Vice-President
Jayme is a second-generation owner of Rhyno's on North Street which was established in 1976 by his father. He started working in the family business at a young age, officially taking over as President in 2008. He holds a Red Seal in Refrigeration (since 2006) and is a volunteer firefighter with the Northfield Fire Department (since 2003).
Jayme has lived on the South Shore all his life and currently resides in Lower Northfield. He is very much committed to Bridgewater being a hub for the business community – a place where local businesses feel supported and can thrive.
Shaan Kamboj
Treasurer
Shaan moved to Bridgewater in 2021, lured to South Shore’s beautiful landscape and local life. Coming from a diverse professional background, he holds a degree in Economics and Accounting. He migrated to Architectural Technology to expand his educational & professional portfolio landing a prestigious opportunity to work for the federal government.
Shaan is fond of collaborating with community’s locals and shows support for small businesses. His interest in diversifying local infrastructure and becoming integral with the community sparked his involvement with the Chamber. He currently works with O’Regan’s South Shore.
Shaan lives in Wileville with his family. Outside of work he has a knack for cooking and exploring the area’s serene surroundings and trails with his dogs.
Rae Ann Bonneville
Past President
Rae is the co-owner of Stone Court Studios Inc. In partnership with her husband, Alan Wall, a 3D designer and animator, they provide marketing expertise primarily to Industrial, manufacturing & engineering clients. Most of their client base is outside of Nova Scotia, allowing them to live where they choose, and they chose Upper LaHave, Nova Scotia.
Rae has been on the Board of Directors for over 5 years, holding the position of President for just over 3. She is thrilled to be welcomed back as past president to share her experience and support for Chamber activities.
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With an obvious passion for business success, Rae is also the Chair of the South Shore Economic Alliance since it's formation in 2023.
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Jill Cooper
Executive Director
Jill Cooper is a professional artist and long-time entrepreneur, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Computers from Memorial University of Newfoundland and both a Master’s and Bachelor of Architecture from Dalhousie University.
With 15 years of experience as a freelance set designer for television in Toronto and seven years as the owner of a custom frame shop and art gallery in Chicago, she brings a wealth of creative and business expertise.
Over the past seven years, you may have seen Jill and her vibrant art of women and waves at various shows and events in Bridgewater, along the South Shore, and Halifax.
Now settled in Bridgewater with her husband, young daughter, and pets, she is passionate about fostering local businesses and contributing to the community's growth and success.
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BOARD MEMBERS
Debra Porter
Debra was born in the Annapolis Valley, raised in Grand Pré, Nova Scotia, and began her professional career in the local service industry. She transitioned into the real estate industry in 1993.
Currently, she is employed with Royal LePage Atlantic, maintains a permanent office on King Street in Bridgewater and serves clients across the South Shore, the Annapolis Valley, and surrounding areas.
In addition to her real estate career, she co-owns Complete Driving with partner, Mark Pearson.
Debra is deeply committed to community service. She is a past president of the Rotary Club of Wolfville, sits on two committees at the Town of Bridgewater and has been an active member of the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce since 2012.
In her personal time, Debra enjoys gardening, home renovation, and travel. She values the lasting relationships she has built with her clients over the past 32 years and remains dedicated to helping them find their ideal homes.
Cheryl Fougere
Cheryl has called Bridgewater home for the past 23 years with her husband and two teenaged children. She is honoured to be serving a 2nd term on Town Council and is excited to be working with a great council team and mayor.
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Her educational background is Financial Services with fifteen years in banking and mortgage lending. She decided about a year ago to change her career path and is currently enrolled in courses through UBC, working towards her real estate appraiser designation. In her free time, Cheryl enjoys volunteering in the community, gym workouts at the YMCA, and walking her dog through the trails and parks in town.
“Believe in YOURSELF and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is GREATER than any obstacle.”
Edgar Bruns
Edgar is our MODL representative on the board. short bio to come.
Jada Ann Davis
Jada is a first year student at MSVU ( Mount Saint Vincent University) studying a BA with a major in political studies.
She took interest in the board last year when student positions were added. Since then she has moved into her own seat, and looks forward to learning even more about our developing business community.
Jada is very passionate about community change and development, and hopes she can continue to have positive impact on the community.
Rita Caissie
Rita Caissie is the plant manager of the Michelin Bridgewater facility for Michelin North America. She has been in manufacturing for over 30 years, working in two countries, at three separate sites. Before coming to Bridgewater, Rita was the plant manager at the Michelin facility located in Ardmore, Oklahoma. She also helped co-develop FUEL – a program designed to help young aspiring leaders discover their potential.
Rita is at her best when developing people to achieve their potential and working with my teams to make progress. “It is up to us, as leaders, to help our people realize what potential they have – and that what they do matters,” she says.
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Outside of her professional life, Rita loves the outdoors, and any activity associated with fresh air, family and movement. Admittedly her heart belongs to her 2 grandchildren and watching them grow. Anytime she can combine these things brings her great joy!
Kimberly Sanderson
Kimberly runs Beeline Content Creation from her home in Bridgewater. She provides marketing and design services supporting businesses big and small across Canada.
Kimberly spent a decade working in Marketing at RBC's Toronto headquarters before moving to the South Shore in 2018. She’s a lifelong learner with curiosity, experience and education in a wide variety of industries and subjects.
Kimberly likes to explore the South Shore alongside her 5-year-old daughter Seneca and 3-year-old son Arlo. Together, they’ve found great businesses, fun events, and a few dodgy backroads that should not have been included on GPS.
Joey Richard
Joey is the owner of La Casetta, a favourite Italian restaurant in Bridgewater.
Don Horne
Don Horne is a long time business owner in Nova Scotia and founded a number of businesses in the Marketing/Event Management/Sponsorship/Pro Athlete Representation spheres.
He is currently involved in starting a new Young Entrepreneur Success Program in Bridgewater & Area.
Neil Cullington
Neil, in partnership with his wife Hailey, own Fancy Pants Café - a favourite coffee shop in Bridgewater.
They are often the Chamber's first choice for catering breakfast meetings.