Newsflash

THE RUNDOWN

Libro Credit Union announced it recently adopted Government Sign-in by Verified.Me as a new, real-time way to verify people’s ID online when logging into Government of Canada websites. This is a convenient way to access government services, provided by Interac. Instead of creating and managing a new user ID for accessing government services, Libro Owners can sign in with Libro online banking credentials — which they already know and trust. Once Owners sign in with their Sign-In Partner, they are returned to the government service. No passwords or personal information (i.e. name, address, date of birth, etc.) are exchanged during this process. Government Sign-In by Verified.Me is a commercial service operating independently of the Sign-In Partners and the Government of Canada. Previously, Libro announced a partnership with interVal, a software platform offering business Owners better insights into the value of their businesses, and more. It’s part of an ongoing march forward to enhanced online services, which also includes a partnership with MX Technologies to build Yooli, the exciting Libro app that helps Owners more easily understand and manage how they’re doing financially. See: Libro.ca.

A new year brings changes, including The Grove Brewing Company expanding and moving its operations to a new location. The multi-award-winning craft brewery is relocating its entire operations to 86 Wigle Avenue in Kingsville, come spring 2022. The Grove Brewing Company’s new facility will boast 9,000 sq. ft. compared to their current 1,800 sq. ft. space at 12 Main Street East. The move allows the brewery to immediately begin doubling its production capacity to meet increasing demand. “Our brand is growing to the point where 12 Main Street is no longer practical to operate in,” explains Co-owner Jeremy Truax. “The need to increase storage, update brewing equipment and redesign the production layout has become imperative for us to function.” Expanding will benefit the brewery’s logistics and open more

Local street artist DERKZ designed the facade of The Grove Brewing Company’s new location. Photo courtesy of The Grove Brewing Company. opportunities to both highlight and collaborate with the local community. Hiring local street artist DERKZ to design the facade of their new facility is the first step in driving this initiative. The newly revealed mural memorializes legendary Kingsville stories that are told through The Grove’s beer brands. “DERKZ is an influential, modern-day storyteller who brought our stories of Kingsville’s history to life,” says Co-owner Jeff Smith. “Our local community, past and present, is a massive part of who we are, and we will continue to demonstrate this idea moving forward in our new space.” View their social media pages and their website: MyGroveBrewHouse.com for updated information on the transition.

After a two-year absence, Art in the Park returns June 4and 5, 2022 and public interest is expected to be as high as ever. The pandemic has given the organizers of Art in the Park the opportunity to update and refine their procedures, and significant efforts have been made to ensure the safety of all participants. This year, organizers are committed to adopting technology to host an eco-friendly event that generates less paper and waste, with online ticket sales, cashless transactions, and app-based maps and directories. “These new tools allow us to streamline the way people enter the park and locate favourite vendors,” indicates Co-chair Allan Kidd. “But more importantly, they make our event safer and cleaner. In this way, we secure the future of Art in the Park and Rotary as responsible partners within the community.” Art in the Park is an entirely volunteer-run event put on by The Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) with 100% of the proceeds being returned to the community. Kidd adds: “The event itself is our gift to the people of Windsor/Walkerville, but the money raised allows us to do even more. Because of Art in the Park, the members of our Rotary club have been able to give over $1 million towards the restoration and upkeep of the Willistead Manor and have generated more than $2 million for projects to combat poverty, disease, and illiteracy, locally and around the world.” As many as 20,000 attendees enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours offered over the weekend by hundreds of artisans that bring together every form of creative expression, from watercolours to waffle cones, from lithographs to leather crafts, music and dance. Interested exhibitors can submit applications online: Rotary1918.com/page/art-in-the-park by January 31. The jury will make efforts to notify accepted artists by March 30, 2022.

HALL OF FAME

Choice Hotels Canada has announced the national winners of its prestigious 2021 APEX Awards (Awards for Property Excellence). To start, Justin Barker, General Manager of the Comfort Inn, 2955 Dougall Avenue in South Windsor, was presented with the firstever Marketing Star Award. This inaugural national award recognizes an individual that stands out from the crowd when it comes to local marketing. The individual demonstrates an eagerness to engage with Choice Hotels

Comfort Inn General Manager, Justin Barker (holding his Marketing Star Award) is pictured with Bonnie Zhao, Operations Manager. Photo courtesy of Justin Barker.

Canada’s marketing team and to leverage the digital resources available to increase the effectiveness of its local efforts. Altogether 12 national APEX Awards, which recognize stellar performance, ongoing commitment to guest service and community leadership, were distributed to top performing properties and individuals across the country (another local winner follows after this write-up).“We added this award because we recognize that local marketing efforts are integral to success,” says Brian Leon, President of Choice Hotels Canada. “We congratulate Justin and his team at the Comfort Inn in south Windsor, for their hard work and marketing prowess.” As an active member of the regional co-op and marketing committees, Barker proactively shares ideas to improve the digital exposure of his and other Choice properties, including utilizing social media. He is actively engaged in shared marketing programs, webinars and regional calls, and has become an invaluable asset, while helping promote tourism and business in the Windsor area. “We are delighted to win this award from Choice Hotels Canada,” states Barker. “Our entire team has contributed to this award, which makes it especially meaningful.”

Another APEX Award from Choice Hotels Canada went to Dharmesh Patel, General Manager of the Quality Inn, 279 Erie Street South in Leamington. He is the recipient of the national award for Choice Privileges

General Manager of the Quality Inn in Leamington, Dharmesh Patel is the recipient of the Choice Privileges Ambassador of the Year. Photo courtesy of Dharmesh Patel.

Ambassador of the Year. “We are proud to honour Dharmesh for his dedication, enthusiasm and leadership, as he truly represents the best of the best,” says Brian Leon, President of Choice Hotels Canada. “He has extremely high response and knowledge rates when it comes to our frontline campaigns. His team’s efforts in maintaining high Likelihood to Recommend scores and executing Choice Privileges Elite Recognition on property are outstanding.” To qualify for the award, the recipient must help foster a strong Choice Privileges culture at the hotel, consistently motivate the on-property team and fellow Ambassador community, and participate in related webinars and campaigns. “It is such an honour to receive this distinguished award,” states Patel. “I am a true believer in the power of Choice Privileges and the benefits that the loyalty program provides to our guests, so it makes being an Ambassador especially personally rewarding.” Along with his family, Patel has been providing outstanding customer service in Leamington for over 30 years and he is also currently the Chair of the Windsor

Region Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel

Association and on their Provincial Board of Directors. To make a reservation at this hotel or the Comfort Inn mentioned in the previous paragraph visit: ChoiceHotels.com.

NEW IN BIZ

In mid-November 2021, Sean Davidson officially opened Aqua Verde Artisan Foods at Windsor Crossing Premium Outlet Mall, 1555 Talbot Road, Unit 503 in LaSalle. The business is open year round and serves customers looking for imported speciality products from Italy, along with local favourites from Galati Cheese and Mancini’s Italia Bakery. There are also fresh pastas, pastries, international cheeses and organic meats available. Fresh sandwiches are prepared daily too! “Aqua Verde was born out of a desire to provide our customers the freshest produce available, so fresh, you can ‘Taste The Life’,” states Davidson, emphasizing their company slogan. The last two years have seen the return of family dinners and for many the days are busy and there is not always time to stop by the market to prepare a healthy meal. Eating fresh is now easier with Aqua Verde’s in store menu items and local delivery service. Home delivery for residents in LaSalle is offered and there is a curbside pickup for all customers on certain days of the week. Find further information on: AquaVerdeArtisanFoods.com.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO . . .

November 2021 marked the 10th anniversary for Bubby’s Plumbing, Heating & Drain Service. It all began back in 2011 when Robert “Bubby” Cronin Jr., started his own plumbing company, known as Bubby’s Plumbing. The early days saw Cronin operating his business from the family home.Within a few years Bubby’s relocated and expanded to over 10 employees. Outgrowing this site by 2019, Bubby’s Plumbing, Heating & Drain Service was on the move again to 1074 Crawford Avenue, Windsor. This new location has allowed the growth and expansion to 10 trucks and 16 employees. Bubby’s continually provides customers with a full range of services, including drain cleaning, camera inspections and repairs. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, Bubby’s is also licensed by the City of Windsor. From residential to commercial sites, they guarantee excellent service and workmanship at a fair price. For more information visit: BubbysPlumbing.ca.