Biz X magazine July August

YOUR ONLY INTERNATIONAL BORDER CITY PUBLICATION

Get The Scoop On Two Sizzling Summer Things To Do . . .

The “Walkerville Buskerfest” & “Kingsville Folk Music Festival” Plus September’s Cool “We Will Rock Blue” Concert

The Pros And Cons Of Guaranteed Annual Income

July/August 2016

$3.50

Ready, Set, Nominate! Announcing The “19th Annual Biz X Awards” Categories A rticles For Animal Lovers — Riverside’s In The Dog’s House Inc. And Sam’s Pampered Pets In Beautiful Belle River

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“Hot Diggity Dog!”

“Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” returns to Amherstburg this August. We run down the list of what to see at this “funtastic” festival and introduce you to a few vendors. – PAGE 18 B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

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FOR BUSINESSES AND PEOPLE IN WINDSOR, ESSEX COUNT Y AND METRO DETROIT

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B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

table of contents July/August 2016 volume 19 • issue 7

WWW.BIZXMAGAZINE.COM

4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: The “19th Annual Biz X Awards” Categories 7 Editorial Viewpoint: The Pros And Cons Of Guaranteed Annual Income

Since the Windsor-Essex municipalities have applied to the province to pilot a guaranteed income system, columnist Alan Halberstadt examines the benefits and pitfalls of the controversial scheme to replace and greatly enhance the welfare state.

8 On The Mayor’s Mind: The Future Of Healthcare Is Upon Us 10 Front Lines 11 Heard On The Street 12 Biz X Was There

Fantastic Fathers — a charity group founded by Steven Brown (left in top photo by Rod Denis) and Seth Perera — recently celebrated their very first “Family Father’s Day Charity Event” at Unifor Union Hall, 3400 Somme Avenue in Windsor. Geared towards all in the family, the event had a fantastic turnout (1,500) with plenty of free activities on a scorching hot day and raised $6,000 for three charities. Check out a few more exciting events in our double page photo spread, from a Jeep convoy throughout the county to flying high with the air cadets, and everything in between!

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14 Newsflash 16 Dates To Remember 25 XX Files: Heather Bryans, In the Dog’s House 26 Hot Shots: “Bras For A Cause” For Transition To Betterness

Supporting T2B, a fun fashion show of bras featuring a specific design for the month or associated holiday, was the big highlight of the night. Who needs Madonna when we have these beauties! In the middle photo (by Rod Denis), models from left are: Ashley Ruccolo (October); Joana Szeen (August) and Alyssa Boston (March).

28 Feature Story: Pass The Hat At “Walkerville Buskerfest”

The streets in Olde Walkerville (photo at left by Rod Denis) come alive in mid-August when the “Walkerville Buskerfest” takes place along Wyandotte Street East between Devonshire Road and Lincoln Road. The three day festival features top buskers (free to watch, but please tip generously in the hats of the performers) from an international circuit as well as local performers. Bars and restaurants are expected to extend their patios in order to welcome street performers and their fans to Windsor’s hottest, trendiest neighbourhood.

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30 Hot Shots: “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” For The Sexual Assault Crisis Centre of Essex County 32 Event Profile: “Kingsville Folk Music Festival” August 2016 34 Up Close & Personal: Allan Conway, Odette School Of Business 36 Power Lunch: The New Walkerville Eatery 37 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: John Ansell and Steven Thompson Take Maiden Lane By Storm 38 Ask The Experts: Redmond Home Inspections 39 Your Local Biz Forecast: Spray It Like New In The Kitchen 40 Gen YKNOT: Believe In Yourself To Get Ahead 42 Hot Shots: The “5th Annual Windsor Corporate Challenge” 44 Portfolio Corner 45 Event Profile: “We Will Rock Blue!” September 2016 46 From The Bookshelf 47 Corporate Spotlight: Making A Difference In The Community 49 The Way It Was 50 Biz Of The Month: Sam’s Pampered Pets, Belle River

ON THE COVER — “Hot Diggity Dog!” — 18

Whether you have a pet or not, the “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” (August 13 & 14) is a family-friendly event that attracts both the young and old who share one passion — a love for animals. All friendly, leashed pets are welcome to bring their responsible owners to this four year old festival.

Cover photo credit: © Can Stock Photo Inc./PhotoEuphoria

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Live the life of Riley and ride ’em cowboy!

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Rosie always takes time to stop and smell the flowers.

VICE-PRESIDENT Colin Jones OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Della Jones-Goulet, Assistant to the Publisher Kathleen Jones BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jack Rosenberg MARKETING ASSOCIATES Stella Ciancio WRITERS / PHOTOJOURNALISTS Erik Amonite Arthur Barbut Arms Bumanlag David Clark Liz Daniel Drew Dilkens Michelle Fortier Chelsea Girard Andrea Grimes Alan Halberstadt Dave Hall Dave Halliday Marlene Markham-Gay Steven Mayo Joe McParland Rebecca Wright PHOTOGRAPHER Rodney L. Denis Photography PRODUCTION DESIGN Rae Marie

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from the publisher

NOMINATE

New Voting Process In The “19th Annual Biz X Awards”

BUSINESSES

By Deborah Jones

YOUR FAVOURITE AND

PEOPLE UNTIL

SEPT. 12, 2016 @ BIZXMAGAZINE.COM

VOTING TAKES PLACE SEPT. 12 TO 26, 2016 I hope everyone is enjoying the summer so far, business is good and you are getting a little R&R. Here at the magazine we are busy getting ready for our next round of Biz X Award nominees for 2016.

This year we thought we would shake this up a bit and work with the latest technology!

Coinciding with our slick new website we have streamlined the voting process to incorporate social media interaction.

Here is a quick rundown on how the revised awards process works. In the July/August edition (and repeated in the September issue) the categories are released and we begin accepting nominations on our website, BizXmagazine.com.

Our readers nominate the businesses and people in Windsor Essex who they believe are the best in each category and deserve to be recognized. So if you own a business, ask your customers to nominate you ASAP! Nominations are accepted until September 12. Whenever possible please include some supporting evidence, for your nominee, on our online form. ***If you choose the wrong category, we reserve the right to move it to the appropriate category so that your nomination counts.

Nominees will now be made public on the Biz X website when voting commences September 12 and continues through to September 26.

During the voting period you can go online to BizXmagazine.com and cast your vote for your choice to win the 2016 Biz X Award in each respective category.

You can also vote using your smart phone or tablet via our mobile friendly voting site.

If you or your business is fortunate to be nominated, you will be contacted to supply further details on your qualifications, history, and to confirm information supplied by nominators. And once the polls open in September, don’t be shy to toot your own horn. Do whatever you can to get your customers to vote for you on the Biz X website — use social media and your own website to get those votes coming in!

Keep in mind the nomination and voting process is not a popularity contest — it only takes ONE nomination to be included in the voting poll. Vote tallies are only a portion of the overall selection process.

All votes received, along with company background information supplied, are then

reviewed by the Biz X panel of Judges after the polls close on September 26.

The next step involves the Judges meeting in the fall to determine the final winners.

The Judges will not know who has actually won as voting during this meeting is done by secret ballot. The final results are posted in the November/December edition of Biz X magazine, released mid-November.

In the past 19 years, Biz X has awarded over 635 recipients in all kinds of industries, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a certain category here as it may have been previously awarded (check our website to see a list of past winners).

For 2016 you will see our six staple categories that are awarded each year: “Outstanding New Business,” “Powerhouse Professional,” “Artist of the Year,” “Best Little Retail Shop,” “Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot” and as of 2015, “The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year.”

Listed below are the four major sections containing the 24 various categories. While the majority of nominations and votes come from Essex County residents, US citizens and those living outside Essex County can vote in any category, since they could be patrons of the business.

Please follow the rules below to ensure your nomination counts . . .

1. Only nominate ONE company/person per award category. Businesses/people are only permitted to win one award each year.

All nominees must be over 19 years of age.

2. Be certain that the company or individual you are nominating fits with the category’s criteria.

3. The business/person you nominate must be located (or reside) in Windsor or Essex County and NOT be part of a national franchise/chain (except for categories in the PEOPLE section) or non-profit organization.

The PEOPLE section is being judged on the individual and not the company itself and those working for chains/franchises and non-profits are eligible to win only in this section and category #22 for events.

4. Every business in Essex County (with the exceptions above) has the opportunity to win a Biz X Award. *Please note: NO MEDIA can participate.

The Biz X Awards are open to ALL businesses in the region (except for those noted above). You do not have to B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

be an advertiser with the magazine to be nominated or to win. Judges do not know who advertises which ensures there are no biases or conflicts of interest.

Good luck to all area businesses and if you are lucky enough to win . . . you and your guests receive a complimentary invitation to the “19th Annual Biz X Awards Gala” (held November 18 at St. Clair College Centre For The Arts with decor by Designs

by Diane and Arms Bumanlag as MC); a plaque from The Trophy Boys in Windsor; a write-up in our Nov/Dec awards issue and will be declared #1 in their category.

So be sure to check your email account in August or early September to see if we contact you about an award nomination.

Visit: BizXmagazine.com for the very latest information and watch for our September issue to learn how to vote!

And now we present the . . .

2016 BIZ X AWARD CATEGORIES

*Only businesses & people in the Windsor & Essex County region can be nominated. *Chains, franchises and non-profit organizations are NOT ALLOWED in any category with the only exception being the PEOPLE section and category #22. *Brackets following the award category outline the type of businesses we are looking for and also mention those that can’t be included.

BUSINESS & SERVICE

(*no chains/non profits allowed) 1. “Outstanding New Business Of 2016” (businesses that opened from September 1, 2015 to September 1, 2016) *No restaurants/food trucks can be included as they can participate in category #2 and also the Hospitality & Entertainment Categories #20/21 or #24.

2. “Fantastic Family Biz” (open to all family businesses with either a brother/ sister team or couple running it or a business operating for two generations or more) 3. “Land Surveyors Who Go The Limit” (land surveying companies who do as much as possible for their customers: residential property boundaries, land developers, and industrial clients for new buildings etc.)

4. “The Small Engine Repair Shop That Gets Your Motor Running” (where to fix your riding/push mowers, snow/leaf blowers, chain saws etc.)

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NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 AT BIZXMAGAZINE.COM 5. “The Safety Consultant Our Lives Depend On” (companies who help you prepare for a medical emergency with CPR, first aid and defibrillator training or health/safety matters in the workplace) 6. “The Transmission Shop That’s Always In High Gear” (good pricing, a trusted reputation, experience and flexible appointments) *Note can specialize in fixing transmissions or be a general automotive repair centre.

7. “Top Of The Heap Bin Rental” (where to rent disposal bins to clear away unwanted items at home or a waste management solution for businesses. Check for competitive rates, large selection and sizes)

PEOPLE

8. “2016 Powerhouse Professional” (a local business owner or manager that has who it takes to keep the company/organization they own or work for profitable in today’s tough times) 9. “Artist Of The Year” (singer, painter, musician, sculptors, bands, actors only) *No authors, photographers or corporate entertainment businesses.

10. “Ace Of Cakes” (cake decorators/bakers who make delicious cakes for all occasions with amazing and creative designs) 11. “The Makeup Artist Who Puts Your Best Face Forward” (a professional who can turn you into a cover girl for any social/business function or even your own wedding!)

12. “Charity Begins With This Mover & Shaker”

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(an individual who contributes to the betterment of the community by volunteering their time to one or more charities/organizations, helps with fundraising or even donates money or resources) 13. “Leader Of The Franchise World” (a successful executive who owns or runs one or more franchises for a chain of stores or restaurants)

RETAIL

(*no chains/non profits allowed) 14. “The Best Little Retail Shop Of 2016” (open to all retailers with good prices, excellent customer service and selection) *Note they must have a storefront, no on-line businesses please.

15. “Deli Dreamland” (a deli or market with high quality meats/sausages or cheeses to make lunch for work or a sammie at home) 16. “A Bookworm’s Paradise” (a bookstore featuring, new, old, and rare books with a variety of local authors as well as being nicely organized and perhaps offers a comfy space to browse) 17. “Trendiest Fashion Boutique” (women’s apparel with the latest casual styles in plenty of sizes with staff who can make you look and feel good!) *Note selling formal dresses is not a factor in this award.

18. “Most Memorable Memorial Company” (during a time of sorrow companies you can rely on for monuments/tombstones, grave markers, urns/vases or even pet memorials) 19. “Lettuce Declare This The Healthiest Delivery Around” (the produce delivery service to

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

call to get the freshest local veggies, fruit or other non-prepared grocery items right to your door)

HOSPITALITY & ENTERTAINMENT

(*no chains/non profits allowed - exception only #22) 20. “Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot For 2016!” (can be a new or an existing restaurant that offers exceptional cuisine, fair prices and has a unique, trendy atmosphere) *Restricted to dining establishments in Windsor, Tecumseh and LaSalle.

21. “County Cuisine Worth The Drive” (whether it offers small town diner hospitality or fine dining extraordinaire, the choice is up to you! consider menu, prices, customer service). *This is for restaurants outside Windsor, Tecumseh and LaSalle only.

22. “The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year” (annual runs, golf tournaments, motorcycle rides etc. which take place for a limited time; if they fundraise for a charity, brownie points are given!) *Non-profits and charities can participate as a special exception, however festivals and trade shows can’t.

23. “The Lanes That Bowl You Over” (bowling alleys with a large amount of lanes, leagues, extra perks like an on-site restaurant, party room and more) 24. “Simply The Best Wings In Town” (bars that serve tasty chicken wings with a great price/deal, large number of sauces, good customer service) *Nominee must be a bar, club or pub.

editorial viewpoint

Guaranteed Annual Income Striving To Execute Utopia Story And Photo By Alan Halberstadt *If you have a comment on this topic, please post it under my column in the CITY section of BizXmagazine.com

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any people are aghast over the latest scheme by Ontario’s social engineers — Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government — to grant a Guaranteed Annual Income (GAI) unconditionally to citizens without a means test or a requirement or expectation to work.

Wynne has joined the GAI vanguard by committing to a pilot project to test the merits of a system that has recently gained global attention — notably in Switzerland, which resoundingly rejected a referendum proposal to pay every man, woman and child $40,000 (Cdn) a year.

Windsor Essex has eagerly petitioned the province to pick us as the pilot community.

Everybody is seemingly on board, including Mayor Drew Dilkens and Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce President Matt Marchand.

Without knowing exactly how GAI would work, I can hardly blame regional officialdom for pursuing the pilot. The utopia would be that our citizens would all receive the free money for a few years, paid fully by the province. There would be no beggars on the street and everybody would have disposable income to pump into the local economy.

I would be surprised if we are chosen, since we have three NDP MPPs, and Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, a long-time Liberal, is also applying. The nod would likely go to a much smaller community that would require less largesse, like Dauphin, Manitoba, a town of 8,200 that was selected for a minimum income pilot between 1974 and 1979. One third of the people in that community qualified as below the poverty line and received monthly cheques. The program was shut down after its reported $17 million budget was exhausted.

There is more to this complex issue than meets the eye, and Marchand’s stance proves it.

Voices of business or fiscal conservatism have advocated for Universal Basic Income for years. These include Richard Nixon, in 1969, when he was the Republican U.S. President, and claimed GAI would abolish poverty.

Retired Senator Hugh Segal, Tory Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s chief of staff in the 1980s, has made attaining a GAI his lifetime goal. In June, the province appointed Segal to provide advice on the design and implementation of the pilot. He is expected to deliver a blueprint in the fall.

The push for Basic Income in Ontario sprouted after it became obvious the province’s Poverty Reduction Plan, hatched seven years ago, is not coming close to the goal of reducing poverty in Ontario by 25%.

Adam Vasey — Poverty Reduction Plan not working.

“What we are doing now is not working . . . the poverty rate is not declining,” says Adam Vasey, Director of Pathway To Potential, the agency that receives $185,000 a year from the City of Windsor and County of Essex to co-ordinate multiple efforts to reduce poverty.

Recent efforts include advocating for a higher minimum wage (rising to $11.40 an hour in Ontario in October) and recruiting businesses, charities and unions to volunteer to pay their workers a minimum living wage, set at $13.10 per hour with benefits, generating $25,545 per year of gross income.

Twenty-eight organizations in the region have signed on.

In total, Windsor and Essex Councils budget $1.8 million a year to alleviate poverty, such as providing free bus passes to low income citizens and subsidizing 90% of fees to access recreational programs.

Pathway partners with many other local organizations like United Way to provide programming and job training for the poor and underemployed, but Vasey acknowledges that these are merely band-aids that don’t nearly address the broader poverty issues.

“Research by McMaster University concludes that we are moving towards a low wage economy,” he says. “One-quarter of all workers in Ontario earn less than $15 an hour and that does not guarantee an exit out of poverty.”

In Windsor Essex, 18,000 people are deemed working poor.

Canada does not have an official poverty measurement, but Vasey remarks that B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

Statistics Canada’s low income benchmark is 50% of the median income and doesn’t cover the basic needs of shelter, food and clothing, plus a pittance to see a show or go out for dinner once a month.

The Stats Canada low income thresholds by household size, after taxes, are $19,930 for one person, $28,185 for two persons, $34,520 for three persons, $39,860 for four persons and $44,565 for five persons. The Living Wage of individuals in Windsor Essex is pegged at $2,128.75 a month.

Under that measurement, Pathway calculates that 73,910 people in Windsor Essex are living in poverty.

The challenge for Segal is determining how much a Basic Income for Ontarians should be.

I’m guessing anywhere between $20,000 and $30,000 a year.

This is a far cry from what non-working people receive from Ontario Works (OW).

A single adult gets up to $680 a month, and a couple up to $1,077 a month. People on disability, a single parent, and couples with children receive marginally more.

These primitive incomes can be eased by various supplements, such as public housing, subsidized child care, free public transportation and food banks. Each case is unique and must adhere to the 800 OW directives. The average number of monthly OW beneficiaries in Windsor Essex through May this year was 17,142.

Right wingers like the GAI concept because they see it as an opportunity to dismantle the massive bureaucracy that micro-manages government programs of the welfare state.

Wynne’s government is not saying that, as you can imagine given her 2014 election victory over Tory Tim Hudak, after he promised to fire 100,000 civil servants.

The Liberal proposal claims the plan will be cost neutral, since poverty engenders unhealthy citizens and criminals. Savings would thus accrue in hospitalization rates, as happened in Dauphin, and the justice system.

People would be more able to live without other subsidy programs, lowering the cost of public housing and education.

Proponents claim that GAI would not be a recipe for laziness and joblessness. With a secure income, young people wouldn’t have to work three jobs to survive and would devote that gained time to further their training and education and foster creativity and entrepreneurship.

How much would taxes rise to pay for GAI’s upfront costs? The only way it would possibly work, if everyone received a Basic Income, would be to claw back, through taxes, a percentage of every dollar each individual earns above the poverty line.

My view? Another one of those grand ideas that is impossible to execute.

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ON THE MAYOR’S MIND

Transforming Healthcare In Windsor-Essex

By Mayor Drew Dilkens

“Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.”

— Winston S. Churchill In April 2016, Essex County Warden Tom Bain and I sent a letter to the Honourable Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, advising him that our region is ready to move to the next phase in planning for the new Windsor-Essex Hospitals System.

Following receipt of overwhelming approval by both City and County Councils on an agreed upon cost-sharing plan, it was important for us to give the Minister our commitment to take the necessary steps and raise the mandatory local contribution of 10% of overall project costs. This was an opportunity for us to clearly state that our community has united in support of a shared vision — One System. One Focus. One Community. Countless Strengths.

I am proud of our elected representatives and administrators from the City of Windsor and County of Essex for showing true leadership, making bold decisions and reaching consensus on these important community support measures.

I am not surprised to see this support and assurance from our councils. We know that our existing facilities are out of date and hardpressed to meet current healthcare needs — let alone our future service needs. In short, we know this project is needed for our region.

Our new single-site acute care hospital will be a 1.6 million square foot, 10-storey, stateof-the-art facility that includes emergency/ trauma services, cancer centre, obstetrics, pediatrics, regional cardiac services, critical care, inpatient units, surgical services and

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outpatient clinics. The new hospital will open with nearly 500 beds, and will modernize regional healthcare delivery in Windsor Essex.

The new single-site acute care hospital is only one piece of this larger healthcare revitalization in our region. The Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, Tayfour Campus will see redevelopment of the existing site to add a new 60-bed acute mental health wing, which will give patients direct access to mental health assessment and treatment 24 hoursa-day, 7 days-a-week, along with the addition of dialysis services and the expansion of diagnostic imaging.

The former Grace Hospital site will see construction of a new $130 million urgent care centre, maintaining our commitment to provide service in our downtown. This facility will include a range of diagnostic equipment, chronic disease management, laboratory services and a pharmacy: effectively a fullservice emergency department.

Finally, site redevelopment of the Windsor Regional Hospital Ouellette Campus will support current outpatient mental health services and offer chronic disease management to serve the region’s most marginalized, disenfranchised and vulnerable populations.

The message sent to Minister Hoskins is clear: WE ARE READY. This transformation of healthcare in Windsor-Essex will provide modern, stateof-the-art facilities that are accessible to all and capable of serving the nearly 400,000 residents of Windsor and Essex County. We need, and deserve, modernized healthcare infrastructure that embraces the best of new hospital technology. Other communities are

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getting these upgrades and we should too.

We will see an increase in the number of private rooms, which will improve our ability to prevent hospital-acquired infections, and offer patients privacy and dignity. There will be sufficient space to remove remaining structural barriers staff must surpass to continue providing the best and safest care possible for our patients.

We will be able to attract the best and the brightest healthcare professionals to our community. A hospital with research capabilities — a driving force of this project from the beginning — will enhance training opportunities, unlock grant money and prioritize medical research in our community.

Completion of this project will see us join the list of dozens of new hospitals that have been constructed over the past 15 years — involving billions of dollars in investments, and lifting much of our provincial healthcare infrastructure out of the risk of decay.

This is a system designed by and for the residents of Windsor-Essex. I believe the process used by the hospital selection committee was open, transparent and fair. It included hundreds of dedicated professionals, volunteers and local leaders and provided numerous opportunities for public dialog and discourse. The process is unlike any other undertaken in Ontario. But, this is not the end — community consultation and engagement will continue as we move to the next stages of the planning process.

This $2 billion investment in the new Windsor-Essex hospitals system will transform our regional healthcare system, spur economic development, create jobs and benefit each of us in countless ways for decades to come.

I urge everyone to support this once-ina-lifetime opportunity. Our message to the Minister of Health is clear — Windsor-Essex is ready to turn our shared-vision for the future of healthcare into a reality.

If you have any thoughts and ideas on this article, log into Facebook and post a comment under my column in the CITY section of BizXmagazine.com.

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Chris Leavens, Owner of Porsche of London, Audi & Volkswagen Chatham, Orillia Volkswagen and Leavens Volkswagen of London is adding yet another dealership to his Leavans Automotive Group — AUDI WINDSOR. Located at 10980 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, the future “Audi Terminal-Style” site is set to open between Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2016. When completed, this whopping 23,000 square foot building will house an eight bay full service and parts centre, an automatic car wash and will showcase new, used and leased vehicles.

Audi Windsor will open with approximately 15 employees to start, but Leavens firmly believes that within five years time, the employee numbers will grow between 50 to 70 %.

The accompanying photo taken during the official ground breaking

Photo by Rod Denis

FRONTLINES Audi Windsor Is Comin’ To Town Christmas 2016

ceremony in mid-June included VIPs from left: Steven Smith, Director, Network Development & Training; Douglas Black, Area General Manager; Chris Leavens, Principal Owner of Audi Windsor; Drew Dilkens, Mayor of the City of Windsor; Tam Burgess, CET of Bremor Engineering Ltd. and Dave Graham, General Manager of Audi Chatham.

Kolody Homes Receives Provincial “Homeowners’ Choice Award” The province’s home builders with the best customer service were recently announced and a company from Windsor Essex was one of the five recipients!

Tarion presented the 2016 “Homeowners’ Choice Awards” recipients, as chosen by Ontario’s new home buyers. These are the only awards that focus exclusively on customer service, and let the buyers decide who should shine.

Kolody Custom Homes won the “Small Volume” category and was a first time finalist and recipient.

According to David Kolody, President of Kolody Custom Homes, “Exceptional customer service and delivery of an exceptional product are the foundation that our company was built on. It is how I was taught to build, no short cuts — to be honest and transparent with the customer. Making the conscious decision to remain a smaller family run building company has allowed us to have more control over the quality of the homes that we build. There is only one standard we know and we always strive to bring that to every home we build.”

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Taken at the award ceremony in Toronto on April 28, 2016 from left are: Mark Basciano, Chair of Tarion’s Board of Directors; David and Corinne Kolody of Kolody Custom Homes and Sharon Henderson, Manager, Customer Service, in Tarion’s Warranty Services department. Photo courtesy of Tarion.

Formerly known as the “Tarion Awards of Excellence,” the Homeowners’ Choice Awards are the result of thousands of new home buyers being polled across the province, annually. Anyone that moved into a new home between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015 was offered the chance to rate their builder by filling out a survey.

Out of more than 56,000 invitations to

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participate, an impressive 21 percent of new home buyers participated. This translated into nearly 12,000 responses that were tabulated by Crunch Research and Nielsen The survey asks homeowners to share opinions of their builders’ customer service delivery. Home buyers are asked to evaluate every customer service touch-point in the new home buying process The questions are all centred on customer service delivery.

To qualify for the awards, builders must have had at least five new home possessions during the survey timeframe and a specified number of completed questionnaires must be returned.

Other winners included: The Daniels Corporation (Toronto) and The Tricar Group (London): “High-Rise” category (tied); Tribute Communities (Pickering): “Large Volume” category and LEMAY Homes (Gloucester): “Medium Volume” category.

Kolody Custom Homes works out of a Belle River address and you can learn more about our local award winning company by visiting: KolodyHomes.com.

General Motors Transmission Plant down the road. He says the previous owner bought the bar 13 years ago for $430,000. Another possible shot in the arm is a strong rumour that the huge GM parking lot across the street from the tavern will be converted into housing.

BRINGING YOU UP TO SPEED ON THE LATEST BUZZ AROUND TOWN! A pair of well-worn neighbourhood pubs in the Olde Walkerville district — Kilroy’z Bar N’ Grill, 1848 Shepherd Avenue East, and Gladstone Grill and Draft House, 792 Gladstone Avenue, have changed hands with the promise to revitalize the businesses with some youthful vigour. Kilroy’z, at the corner of Kildare Road, was purchased for $100,000 by husband-wife team Darcy Lauria and Katie McArthur, who immediately threw a pre-renovation party dubbed “Say Goodbye to the Dive.” Five months later, thanks to $60,000 in renovations and oodles of do-it-yourself elbow grease, Orwell Public House was set to open, hopefully in July. “George Orwell is the prophet of the time,” says Darcy on the choice of a new name. The 30-something owners are graduates of Walkerville Collegiate and hope to build up the name of the area by etching a big W on one of the walls. “We’re going to sell local craft beer,” says Lauria, noting there will be 21 different beers on tap. Bar food, live music and Sunday board games in the pool room will also be available. Lauria came home after working oil drilling rigs in Alberta and Texas for several years. He and McArthur were able to capitalize on a great price to purchase Kilroy’z, which had suffered customer declines from the closure and gutting of the

The sale of the Gladstone Grill, formerly Back Street, closed on June 30. “Jim Lott is retiring after five bars and 40 years in the business,” says Lott’s Royal LePage Binder Realtor Joan Charette. The purchaser, working through LePage agent Dan Zajac, is another Walkerville graduate, 37 year old John Bradt. “I was working with Dan to buy a multi-unit rental property to add to my portfolio, when I came across it on MLS.” A lover of Walkerville who lives in the area, Bradt was “inspired” by the low price and the potential of the building. So inspired that he decided to quit his nursing job and run the place himself. Bradt has worked as a Chef and Kitchen Manager in Toronto and Windsor and is planning to introduce Mexican street food and tequila-based cocktails as staples in the tavern he intends to rename. He is shutting it down for a few months to undergo a major renovation inside, as well as to apply Mexican street art on the exterior. His brother Jeff has moved back to Windsor from Mexico to assist.

The upstairs of the tavern has 10 fully occupied subsidized rental units and there is a property next door, which he calls “a bonus,” to be used for parking.

Long-time customers of Purples Lounge, 2462 Tecumseh Road East, sold in early spring to a Calgary investor, might be wondering what is happening to their favourite watering hole. In fact, the Purples name has disappeared. The replacement — QQ Coffee Shop Restaurant — does not have a liquor licence and specializes in Asian cuisine. The new Owner is Tony Quach, who spruced up, operated and sold several hospitality businesses in Calgary before deciding to relocate his family to Windsor. “It was a little too early to retire,” says Quach, who is of Vietnamese heritage.

Like many business people these days, he has discovered Windsor is an affordable city

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to work and raise a family. His wife Anh has helped him with the renovations of the old bar, which involved mostly Asian décor and cosmetic changes. The makeover took longer than expected because of the condition of the facility and the need for a major clean-up.

QQ opened quietly in late June and is saving its grand opening and promotional push until later in the summer. The café and restaurant, which features a full range of Asian dishes and “regular” coffee, is open from 10 a.m. to 9 .p.m. seven days a week and offers take out and a patio, out front. Quach says he might re-apply for a liquor licence depending on the success of the current format.

Lee Valley Tools Ltd., a family-owned chain business selling top quality gardening and woodworking tools, and an exhaustive array of specialty home products, is expanding to Windsor in the fall. The Windsor store, the 18th Lee Valley in Canada and ninth in Ontario, will be located in the Roundhouse Centre, across from Devonshire Mall.

“We’re excited about it,” says Vice President of Marketing J.J. Hochrein, who would not be pinned down on the exact date of the opening.

“A strong customer base of woodworkers and hobbyists in the Windsor market, including the U.S. and Chatham, fits our profile.” Lee Valley first opened in Ottawa in 1978, and has built a loyal following across the country, and through mail orders in the U.S. The company has had a London outlet for 27 years. Four years ago it opened a store in Waterloo. In a growth mode, it launched a store in Kelowna, B.C. this April. About one third of its total sales volume is from products of the company’s own design.

The vast majority of these are products made by Veritas Tools Inc., its manufacturing arm. The company has a research and development team of 11 people and 130 more in manufacturing.

Also, a number of customers earn royalties on company-manufactured products based on designs received from them. “Whether a tool from Lee Valley is one made by Veritas Tools or is one of the 5,000 or so we get from around the world, it will always have our full guarantee,” the company boasts on its website, where you can order a product on line and have it delivered in a few days.

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Bringing you all the events in the region since 1998.

To view more events visit: BizXmagazine.com

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was there!

The “Third Annual Jeep Jam Poker Run,” hosted by the Windsor Jeep Club, wound its way through the 105 kilometre Essex County trip on June 5 with the Ciociaro Club as the starting and ending point. Over $17,000 was raised to support local brain injury survivor programs by Assisted Living of Southwestern Ontario (A.L.S.O.). The hard working team, driven to succeed, from left were: Laura Kay, Greg Masse, Brooke Gyetvai, Debbie Kay, Jordan Morency, Kim Trudell and Gord Causton.

In the convoy, 175 Jeeps participated in the five card Poker Run at predetermined locations. Once again the major sponsor was Motor City Chrysler, 2300 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor. Participating in the run for the dealership, from left: Karen Girard, Nicole Unis, Joe Wheeler, Emma Lavictoire, Adrian Lavictoire and Brad Pouget. Jeep photos by Paul Drouillard.

On May 25, 2016 Wolfhead Distillery (7781 Howard Avenue, Amherstburg) opened its doors to the press for an exclusive preview of the first premium craft distillery in Essex County.

Wolfhead Distillery produces small batch vodka, whisky and flavoured spirits, but their location also features a retail store, restaurant and bar. Since all the magic takes place in the distillery room that’s where we found, from left: Owners Larry Girard and Tom and Sue Manherz with Ryan Bezaire and Karl Lonsbery (who both work blending and producing).

Of course no one can open up a distillery and be thrown to the wolves! Happy to join the “wolf pack” and offer their expertise were Owner Steve Wright (left) and Consultant Joseph Dan DeMarco of SpiriTech Solutions in Tecumseh, who each have a long history of experience in the distilled spirits business.

Wolfhead photos by Rod Denis.

Jim Ryan, (middle) Owner of Unwined— The Wine Making Company, 3759 Walker Road in Windsor held an open house on June 18, 2016.

Catering by Philippe Octavian (left), owner of Black Magic Culinary Creations, combined with wine tasting with (right) Robert Ivankovic, Account Manager for RJS Craft Winemaking, made for the perfect summer afternoon party to “unwined!” Photo by Della Jones-Goulet.

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On June 5th, at the “Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix,” a unique steel art piece for the 50th anniversary of Team Penske was presented to Roger Penske, as a part of the opening ceremonies, by Windsor Artist Marc (“Motor Marc”) Lacourciere who is shown with Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. Photo by Rod Denis.

Advocis Windsor presented the “40th Annual Poor Boy Luncheon” June 3, 2016 at the Caboto Club, hosted by The Financial Advisors Association of Canada. Photographed were Committee members (Front Row): Aaron Keogh, David Nader, Elias Doskoris, Helen Bennett and Michellyne Mancini. (Back Row): Jeff Willms, Mike Steffler, Chris Clark, Tom Ferreira, Julie Charrette, Scott Collier, Martin Sobocan and Kareyn Gauthier.

The event is a fundraiser to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Julie Charrette, Financial and Insurance Advisor at Greendoor Financial, Inc., joined Merisa LePage and her daughter Sasha (who lives with Cystic Fibrosis) and Zane Handysides, Financial Services Professional at Handysides Insurance Brokers, who is considered the founder of the “Poor Boy Luncheon.”

As a major sponsor (along with London Life), The Great West Life (GWL) Assurance Company of Windsor was well represented

by Helen Bennett, Employee Benefits (EB) Coordinator, Selectpac; Michael Steffler, EB Account Manager, Selectpac; Jennifer Bondy, EB Service Rep; Tom Ferreira, EB Account Manager and Connie Scott, EB Service Rep.

“Poor Boy” photos

by Rod Denis.

In the Caboto Club atrium we assembled a few of the volunteers from Sun Life Financial Greenwood Centre, also a sponsor: Advisors Kareyn Gauthier; Scott Collier, Financial Centre Manager; Jeff Willms; Berit Defelice; Elias Doskoris, Associate Manager and Carmen Green.

Lancaster Squadron photo by Della Jones-Goulet.

The “75th Squadron Anniversary Gala Dinner & Fundraising Event” was held June 18, 2016 at the 364 Lancaster Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets hanger, 2600 Airport Road, Windsor. Former Air Cadets and their guests from Squadrons 13, 310, 332 and 364 were reunited to help raise money for the Air Cadet program for youth aged 12 to 18. Smiling for our camera is Captain Steven Stephenson (right) a Training and Flight Officer who provides up to 100 flights per year for the 364 Squadron on his plane, financing all out of his own pocket. Also pictured (on left) is Major Jeremy Souchuck, the Commanding Officer of the 364 Squadron. Windsor has approximately 130 cadets and is the largest squadron in Ontario. For more information on how to become an Air Cadet and earn your “wings” visit: Cadets.ca.

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NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN Derek Kovacevic started his video production company Delirium Media in the spring of 2005. His company produces commercials, profile videos, testimonials, training videos, and more.

After taking a hiatus from wedding videos, they are now accepting a limited number of bookings. In addition to cameras, lights, and mics, Delirium Media also has a green screen, drone, crane, and other specialty equipment to tackle any project. This past April, the business moved into a beautiful new office and studio at 1614 Lesperance Road in the Tecumseh Towne Centre. See samples of his work at DeliriumMedia.com.

Workforce WindsorEssex has rolled out a survey on a quarterly basis to gather local labour market information and uncover the latest workforce trends. Following each survey, a bulletin is released with anonymous, aggregated results from the survey. The survey is short and easy to fill out. Based on the nature of the questions, the ideal respondent would be one who has access to both current and future staffing information. To gather information that reflects the diversity in our region, all employers across all sectors are encouraged to complete the survey. Survey responses can be saved following completion, allowing the respondent to compare their own results with others following the release of the aggregated bulletin. Completing this survey also serves as an opportunity to look closely at your workforce, plan for the future, identify growth potential, mitigate risk through recognizing gaps and be a part of the regional workforce conversation. The survey can be accessed and completed via the website: WorkforceWindsoressex.com. The release dates of the quarterly survey and bulletins are as

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follows: Survey 1 — June 1, Bulletin 1: July 18; Survey 2 — September 1, Bulletin 2: October 18; Survey 3 — December 1, Bulletin 3: January 18 and Survey 4 — March 1, Bulletin 4: April 18.

If you have any feedback or questions regarding the survey, direct them to Heather Gregg at: hgregg@workforcewindsoressex.com.

To help celebrate the 200th birthday of its founder, Hiram Walker, the Canadian Club Brand Center launched in June a number of new public tours (the first time since 2004) and unveiled their new website: CanadianClubCenter.com to showcase tours, tastings and rental programs. “Cask Tastings” (casks are unique wooden barrels that many of the whiskies are aged in) start at 6 p.m. every Friday. For $25 per person patrons can sample tastings of scotch, whisky and bourbon in addition to the unique Canadian Club whiskies.

No advance reservation is required for this tour. However, advance bookings are required for their new “Scavenger Hunt,” a fast-paced game where guests seek answers to the clues in a number of rooms in the historic building. With a cops and bootlegger theme from prohibition days, attire from the 1920s is encouraged.

Individual admission is $30 (tastings included), and group outings are welcomed. Also new for 2016 is “MIXOLOGY” where guests receive cocktail lessons for $35 that include a “make your own” competition. All ingredients and tools supplied. And a popular favourite of former years returns, “Tastings With Tish.”

Enjoy a session with Canadian Club Brand Center’s General Manager, Tish Harcus, as she entertains and educates patrons with sample tastings of scotch, whisky and bourbon, and of course, unique Canadian Club whiskies. But, that’s not all! Each year the Canadian Club Brand Center hosts more than 100 wedding ceremonies, both outside and inside their

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beautiful building. For the first time since 1894, they now offer their waterfront gardens for wedding receptions (for groups up to 75 people). Couples can choose from an array of options to meet their wedding needs including tastings, ceremonies on site, and photo sessions, in addition to catered garden receptions. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor receptions can be moved inside. For additional information email: info@canadianclub.com or stop by 2072 Riverside Drive East, Windsor.

Security ONE Alarm Systems, a regional electronic security and automation company headquartered in Leamington, ON, has acquired customer accounts from Homematix Systems, Inc. The purchase adds approximately 500 accounts to the Security ONE Southwestern Ontario customer base.

“Homematix commitment to providing customers with outstanding service makes them a great fit for Security ONE,” says Corey Robertson, Director of Marketing for Security ONE. “They have been serving their community for 43 years, and we are proud to introduce Homematix customers to the local Security ONE team.” The purchase of Homematix is the first acquisition for Security ONE this year, following the acquisition last fall of customer accounts from Gladiator Security in Windsor. Security ONE has been active in the acquisition arena and continues to challenge national competitors for local market share. Director of Corporate Strategy, Chris Neumann says, “Our goal is to provide the absolute best technology combined with local monitoring and prompt and courteous service.

When it comes to real security — you don’t want to leave that to the cable guy.” Robertson notes Homematix customers will have access to the advanced automated and smart home solutions, video surveillance, access control and fire & life safety solutions offered by Security ONE.

He adds, “Most notably Security ONE is the only ULC listed, CSAA Five Diamond Certified monitoring station in Southern Ontario, which offers the secure MySecurityONE online account management portal.” The purchased accounts will be serviced from the Security ONE/Homematix office at 2237 Wharncliffe Road South in London, ON. Further information can be found at: SecurityOneAlarm.com.

In mid-May 2016, “Best-in-class” just got better with the addition of Radix and their vision expertise to the Active Industrial Solutions (AIS) portfolio. Windsor Essex is a hub of manufacturing excellence and the region is ready to embrace the value that it brings to global manufacturers. Situated within an international marketplace, the Detroit — Windsor corridor is the gateway for advancement in technology-based manufacturing for a wide range of industries. “The AIS-Radix acquisition is the perfect example of technology and manufacturing coming together to present the innovation and advancement that the world has come to expect from our region,” says Shelley Fellows, VP Operations, Radix. Precision manufacturing and cutting-edge technologies create expanded sector opportunities globally.

Looking to the future, AIS is aligning talent and resources to be well positioned to compete in the global marketplace. With a local commitment and a global platform, AIS and Radix are well positioned for accelerated and sustained growth. AIS’s acquisition of Radix is taking a relationship that has worked and combining their strengths to create another level of excellence and quality assurance. Radix is the vision behind innovation and advancement of technology-based, best-in-class manufacturing.

Chuck Curtiss (President, AIS Automation, Gauge & Fixture) adds “Approaching 40 years in business, AIS continues to combine deep customer relationships and proactive problem solving to deliver innovative manufacturing solutions. The addition of Radix to our portfolio allows us to address current industry needs and have a vision for what will be essential to excel in tomorrow’s global manufacturing market. Radix is now one of the ‘Active’

industrial solutions.” Founded in 1994, Radix (5140 Concession Rd 8; RadixInc.ca); has been recognized for its innovative solutions for manufacturers, with award winning vision systems and other advanced manufacturing technologies at leading companies like Ford Motor Company, Magna and Toyota.

AIS (ActiveIndustrialSolutions.com; 2155 North Talbot Road), a diversified leader in plastic injection molds, gauges & fixtures, precision machining and factory automation, has a strong history of value added solutions for a variety of manufacturing sectors. Radix Inc and AIS are both privately held companies based in Tecumseh, Ontario, with operations in Michigan, Tennessee, Quebec and India.

NEW IN BIZ -In April 2016 Josh Mastronardi started Go Produce Inc., a produce delivery service running out of Kingsville delivering to all Windsor Essex residents. His goal is to help people eat healthily by delivering freshly picked produce straight to people’s doorsteps.

Choosing Go Produce is a socially responsible and sustainable way to get fruits and vegetables.

When customers purchase a bag, they’re supporting many local farmers, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and the overall carbon footprint of the local community. Customers can order premade or custom bags of produce online that range between $29 and $54. There is no delivery or sign up fees. The bags include up to 20 options of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

To purchase a bag or learn more about this new biz, visit: GoProduceNow.com.

Dr. Maxwell Abraham and the team at Abraham Orthodontics, opened the doors in March 2016 to their new clinic with a ribbon cutting and grand opening taking placing in June. Dr. Abraham returned to his hometown to provide progressive, affordable, individualized orthodontic care, including the latest technology in “Invisalign” and clear braces at the 7,000 sq. ft. facility at 185 Erie Street South, Unit 1 in the heart of Leamington. Serving adults and children across Windsor Essex and

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Chatham-Kent, they offer complimentary initial examinations and follow up. Referral from a family dentist is preferred, but not required. Visit: AbrahamOrthodontics.com for more details.

The Henna Boutique is now located at The House, 131 Elliot Street West in Windsor as of mid June 2016. Proprietor Olga George’s intricate and original body art designs were a big hit at many of Windsor’s outdoor markets and festivals, so the move was made to have an additional location. The Henna Boutique offers breathtakingly beautiful temporary body art and specializes in henna design and services. George uses only the highest quality Henna and Jagua organic products.

The boutique also sells an exciting selection of hand-crafted custom jewellery. Check out her website: TheHennaBoutique.weebly.com to see how you can express yourself for your next event or just to feel beautiful each and every day!

HALL OF FAME Cheers to Walkerville Brewery for being awarded two medals in the “2016 Canadian Brewing Awards” at the end of May in Vancouver, BC. The company earned a silver medal in the “Scotch Ale” category for their Scotch Ale and a bronze medal in the “Sweet Stout or Cream Stout” category for their Easy Stout. With more than 1,200 submissions from 244 breweries all over Canada, these local craft beers were able to win over the judges and take on some national recognition. “We are really delighted to be recognized for the quality of our beers,” comments Ian Gourlay, Partner at Walkerville Brewery. “It’s a great credit to the excellent work of the brewing staff here at Walkerville Brewery.” These Canadian awards were the perfect follow up to their wins at the “Ontario Brewing Awards” in late April in Toronto, in which they won a silver medal for their Dark Winter Lager and a bronze medal for their Scotch Ale. And last year, they earned the Biz X Award for “Tops of the Hops Beer.” The brewery is at 525 Argyle Road in Windsor and on the web at: WalkervilleBrewery.com.

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LATE JULY TO EARLY SEPT 2016 D AT E S T O R E M E M B E R

Biz X has the list of business events (and some fun stuff) that you shouldn’t miss! Please be sure to confirm all events before attending.

WINDSOR ESSEX *unless noted the area code to dial is 519 July 17/20/24/27: Willistead Manor (1899 Niagara) summer tours take place Wednesdays 7 to 9 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. $5.75 (Adults); $4.75 (Students and Seniors); $2.25 (Children 12 and under). Make a tour of one of the City of Windsor’s most elegant mansions a part of your summer plans, and see the manor in its natural beauty. For more information, visit: Willistead.ca. 253-2365 July 29 to 31: “2016 Hogs For Hospice Motorcycle Rally” in Leamington, a three day event with a Bret Michaels concert, block party, bike games and more.

Visit: HogsForHospice.com to get the nitty gritty!

July 30: “Fiesta Latina” a Latin-American music, dance and cultural celebration on Maiden Lane West, downtown Windsor features unforgettable music and dance experiences, culture kiosks, children’s activities and more.

Admission is free and the festival runs from 2 to 9 p.m. Visit: FiestaLatina.ca to get the info you need to know to be there!

July 30&31: The “15th Annual Sun Parlour Rodeo” on the property of J&R Excavating (1835 County Rd 18, Kingsville) with both shows at 6 p.m. Proceeds to benefit The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. Erie Shores Campus. Come enjoy this exciting family event which includes bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing. Check out: SunParlourRodeo.com OR phone 796-0151 to find out where to buy tickets.

Aug.9: The summer “Biz MiXer” cruise aboard the Macassa Bay. Boarding starts 5:30 p.m. for a three hour tour, but you MUST purchase your ticket in advance at BizXmagazine.com. Call 977-2199 with any questions.

Aug.12&19/Sept.9&16: The “Kingsville Night Market” happens on the second Friday of every month in the summer (Aug. 12, Sept. 9) in downtown Kingsville. “Tecumseh Night Market,” (Aug. 19 & Sept. 16) takes place on the third Friday of the month in the summer. The Night Markets are a community

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Willistead Manor

July Summer Tours Wednesdays 7-9PM Sundays 1-4PM info at willistead.ca

market series promoting the hip and historic neighbourhoods, bringing people together with local business, musicians and artists. A place for good times and great finds! With over 30 local Windsor & Essex County vendors, live music and a children’s craft corner, the markets are a family friendly all ages event. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. To find a Night Market near you, or for details visit: MyNightMarkets.com.

Aug.12 to 14: “Walkerville Buskerfest” on the streets of Walkerville along Wyandotte Street East from Devonshire to Lincoln. Turn to page 28 to read all about the return of this great event!

Aug.12 to 14: “Third Annual Kingsville Folk Music Festival” at Lakeside Park, see event profile on page 32 for all details.

Aug.13&14: The “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” (WoofaRoo.com) at the Libro Credit Union Centre in Amherstburg. Turn to page 18 of this issue to learn more.

Aug.19: The “Ouellette Car Cruise” kicks off its parade of classic and vintage vehicles at 5 p.m. in the heart of downtown. The route runs south from Ouellette Avenue to Tecumseh Road East to Pillette Road, and west on Riverside Drive to Ouellette.

Participation is free and all vintage, classic, custom, collector and special interest cars, street rods and muscle cars are welcome. 252-5723 Aug.19: The tribute to Elton John and Elvis returns to the Water’s Edge Event Centre by popular demand!

The “Simple Elton” tribute is performed by outstanding musician Brian Harris from Chicago. His Elton tribute has played across the U.S. and here in Windsor to standing ovations and he is joined by Windsor’s Norm Ackland Jr., the winner of the “2015 Collingwood Elvis Festival” with his Elvis tribute. Show starts at 8 p.m. at the Water’s Edge Event Centre, 2879 Riverside Drive East, Windsor. Information and tickets — WindsorKingFest.com. 226-783-5069 Aug.19 to 21: The “Windsor International Psychic Expo” at the Caboto Club is the city’s largest psychic expo with private readings, books, crystals, lectures and more. Admission is $10 and good all weekend.

Hours: Friday noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to

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9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information and a coupon get to: PsychicExpos.com.

Aug.20: The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation presents the “3rd Annual Glow Ride” at the Riverside Sportsmen’s Club, 10835 Riverside Drive East, Windsor from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. This ride is a 7.5 km night time bike ride on the Ganatchio Trail and surrounding Riverside neighbourhood with several hundred riders of all ages. Questions?

Visit: GlowRide.ca.

Aug.20&21: The “RCMP Musical Ride” hosted by Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (3323 North Malden Road, Essex ) comes to town with three shows: Saturday 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.; Sunday 3:30 p.m. Tickets at: WETRA.ca OR call 726-7682.

Aug.21: The Essex County OPP host their “3rd Annual Torch Ride for Special Olympics Ontario.” Ride begins at the Atlas Tube Centre (ATC), 447 Renaud Line Road, Lakeshore at 8 a.m. with registration. Then at 10 a.m., the ride takes you along the shores of Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie and the Detroit River. Riders participate in a poker run with stops scheduled at Freddy’s (Leamington); The Royal Canadian Legion (Amherstburg) and finally, Brews and Cues (LaSalle). All participants return to the ATC for entertainment and a pasta luncheon provided by Chochi’s Pizza of Essex. Registration fee is $30 and $20 for a passenger. All fees are waved if riders raise $100 or more in donations. $200 ESSO gift card to be won for the top fundraiser, other prizes for the best poker hands. You can also pre-register on Aug. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at Johnny Shotz, 13037 Tecumseh Road East, Tecumseh or visit: TorchRideOntario.com.

If you have any further questions, contact Cst. Jim Chauvin by email: Jim.Chauvin@opp.ca.

Aug.21: The “Madonna Di Canneto Festival” in Oldcastle, 10 a.m. mass, 11 a.m. bbq/picnic, 1 p.m. traditional foods and the festivities continue with entertainment until 11 p.m. For more details, visit their website: CiociaroClub.com.

Aug.21: The “ 9th Annual Family Fun Day” at St. Clair College South Campus, 2000 Talbot Road

VISIT BIZXMAGAZINE.COM UNDER “EVENTS” AND ON INPLAYMAGAZINE.COM VIEW THE “SPORTS CALENDAR” TO SEE EVEN MORE EVENTS IN THE BORDER CITIES! West, Windsor from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission and free parking! Events include: a magician, Spitfire hockey player autograph signing, Zoo 2 You show, fire trucks, Windsor’s largest garage sale, face painting, balloon animals, inflatables for kids to enjoy, Border City Barkers Dog show, free swimming, a BBQ, Comic Book SyndiCON and more. Call 972-2747 with any questions OR visit: StClairAlumni.com!

Aug.25 to 28: The “41st Annual Tecumseh Corn Festival” at Lacasse Park in the Town of Tecumseh has something for the entire family, including delicious corn-on-the-cob, exciting carnival rides, vendor village, “Miss Tecumseh” pageant, parade and amazing entertainment all weekend long. For more information visit: TecumsehCornFestival.ca.

Aug.27: The Pajama Angels presents the “2016 Yoga 4 Hope” at the Vollmer Complex Outdoor Pavilion, 2121 Laurier Parkway, LaSalle from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. “Yoga 4 Hope” is an outdoor yoga, meditation and wellness event with yoga each hour with local teachers. Come for one class or stay all day or simply enjoy a variety of healing exhibitors, food & fun! Visit: PajamaAngels.org/yoga-4-hope.

Aug.27: The Inaugural “Summer Volleyball Splash” “on grass” at Bridgeview Park, South/West Windsor., organized by John Dunstan (Lacasse Fitness, Certified Personal Trainer Specialist) with proceeds to benefit The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Check-in at 10 a.m., games begin at 11 a.m.

Prizes, food and lots of fun! Entry fee is $25 with the opportunity to raise pledges as well. To register visit: Kidney.ca/WindsorEssex, email: jodunst@yahoo.ca or call John at 416-357-4242.

Aug.27: The “8th Annual March For Jesus Celebration Event 2016,” a free community event with everyone welcome. Gathering at 3 p.m. at Morris Sutton Funeral Home parking lot, 68 Giles Blvd East. The Celebration March begins at 4 p.m.

The route is Ouellette Avenue ending at Charles Clark Square Park. Prayer and music to follow.

Bring your flags, banners and floats. T-shirts available for purchase at the gathering point and at the park. For updates check “March for Jesus Celebration Event” on “Facebook.”

Aug.27&28: Join over 150 top notch artists and artisans in Amherstburg for the 50th anniversary of “Art by the River,” Essex County’s original arts and crafts show. Browse before you buy from 10 to 5 at Fort Malden National Historic Site.

All art is juried and personally handmade by the artists. Admission is $5; children 12 and under are free to attend. Check: GibsonArtGallery.com for more details.

Sept.9, 10, 11: “Windsor Essex Harvest Festival” showcases spectacular waterfront views at Fort Malden National Historic Site in Amherstburg. The first “FEAST ON” certified event in Southwestern Ontario. The festival features local beverage producers of wine, craft beer and spirits paired with restaurants offering delicious culinary tastes. A unique event experience that is sure to not disappoint! To learn about tickets, entertainment, times see: WEHarvestfest.com OR call 736-2001.

Sept.10: “Kids in Flight” at Windsor International Airport is a charity air event with aircraft displays, flypasts, exhibits, kids fun zone, air-crafts and more.

Admission and parking are free. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Concessions and aircraft rides at cost. This is a great family event and all are welcome to attend. For more information check: Facebook.com/topgunskidswithcancertakeflight.

Sept.10: The Olde Riverside Business Association presents the “6th Annual Wheels on Wyandotte Car and Motorcycle Show” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. from 5300 to 5900 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor. This classic car show is one of the best and features family friendly activities, as well as a Silent Auction featuring a Windsor Spitfire Box for one game, bikes and sidewalk sales. $10 registration fee for all vehicles with all proceeds going to Windsor Police Service Camp Brombal for Kids. For more information go to: OldeRiversideBIA.com OR call 962-6550.

METRO DETROIT & REGION July 28 to 30: From 10 a.m. to 11 pm. head to the “Sterlingfest” festival, a partnership with the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sterling Heights. Visit: Sterling-Heights.net for additional details.

Aug.8: Sterling Heights Regional Chamber’s “Annual Golf Outing” at Cherry Creek Golf Club (52000 Cherry Creek Drive) Shelby Township.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Log on to: SHRCCI.com to register or for more information.

Aug.18: Sterling Heights Regional Chamber’s “Largest Business Card Exchange,” Sycamore Hills Golf Club (48787 North Avenue) Macomb Township.

View their website: SHRCCI.com to register or for further information.

http://bit.ly/1XYwZVE

This project is funded by the Government of Ontario

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COVER STORY By Rebecca Wright

“Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” Returns Bigger and Better Than Ever!

The festival attracts thousands of people and their pets with attendance numbers continuing to increase each year. (Left): A crowd gathers at the “Dock Diving” event.

(Middle): A couple of big breeds pose with Kelsi Mayne and Ruth Evangeline of BarbWire TV, emcees at the 2014 festival. (Right): Roland St. Pierre talks to a very eager crowd who gathered to watch one of the festival’s exhilarating events, dog agility, featuring the Border City Barkers. Photos courtesy of “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest.”

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nimal lovers are excited that the “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” is once again returning to the area this year — an event people look forward to all year long which draws crowds from both near and far.

“We are thrilled that “Woofa~Roo” has become a hub for information, education, excitement and interacting with others,” says Director and Founder Lorene Clayton.

“Animals break social barriers and even the most reserved person will reach out to another animal lover. There are instant bonds made between strangers every year.”

“Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” Founder and Director Lorene Clayton presents Windsor Police Service Canine Unit representatives —from left: Sgt. John Virban, Const.

Rob Wilson and Const. Pattie Posterius — with the 2015 “Gold Collar Award” to recognize their canine officers’ extraordinary achievement in the animal world.

Photo courtesy of “Woofa-Roo Pet Fest.”

Now in its fourth year, the “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” (WoofaRoo.com) takes place Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Keep in mind the event has something for all pets, not just your fur kids! Held at the Libro Sports Complex, 3295 Meloche Road in Amherstburg, the cost to attend is $5 per person or $10 per vehicle, and Clayton says to call ahead for pricing on buses.

After testing the waters with the inaugural

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“Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” in 2013, Clayton is thrilled that attendance has continued to substantially increase each year, as well as the line-up of events and competitions.

Last year, close to 12,000 people and 3,000 dogs, cats, horses, birds and exotics were on site. Clayton is hoping for the same or more this year!

For 2016 there are about 60 exhibitors, including several new ones such as Pawz Therapy and KenZart. Clayton adds there are also several vendors that are not only geared to pets, such as Livin and Lovin Life – positive apparel for people and pets — Sentry Windows and Doors, Avon, Tupperware and Sunset Gourmet.

New to “Woofa~Roo” is “Disc Dog,” an exciting toss/fetch competition with a frisbee.

“We are so excited to present this new sport at ‘Woofa~Roo’ with some top notch nationally ranked performing dogs in this sport,” states Clayton, adding the ‘Disc Dog’ competition is on Saturday only. This event has several different categories according to size and experience. It also has a men’s and women’s class of the longest toss and an amazing freestyle event.

Also new is the “Woofa~Roo Gauntlet,” which involves public participation in an obstacle course including hurdles, weave poles, a limbo bar and other challenges for dogs both big and small. Proceeds from this event benefit Danes in Distress.

Clayton explains that a big attraction of the event is the fact that there are internationally ranked dogs competing who have won competitions in the division of their sport in Canada and the U.S., such as the entire Windsor Police Service Canine Unit, which has earned top titles winning in competitions against significantly larger forces from the U.S. and Canada.

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The entire Canine Unit is attending in full force with their entire squad of awardwinning officers — both human and canine — and are doing a demonstration Sunday morning at 11 a.m., which is quite exciting to witness, declares Clayton.

“This is truly an honour to have these superior officers and canine athletes entertain our festival,” expresses Clayton.

“It’s such a rare occurrence to have them demonstrate their skill as a team in public.

We are thrilled.”

Nationally ranked champion dog, Hollie, leaps to fetch a frisbee during a “Disc Dog” competition.

Photo courtesy of Luke Zubick.

It’s hard to say how many dogs are adopted at the festival each year as they do not allow the sale or adoption of the animals right at the event. But Clayton says it’s always significant and many people sign up and apply to adopt or become a foster caregiver.

“Last year applications were completed for all available greyhounds and many more people were on a wait list,” proudly states Clayton.

On another note, she encourages people to read the festival’s pet policy online before bringing your dog.

“If your dog is not comfortable in crowds, please leave them home,” Clayton suggests.

“Only one dog per adult and please keep them on a lead no longer than six feet long, and we’d like to remind people to ask before they approach or pet a strange dog.”

Vaccinations are mandatory and puppy owners are asked to keep their young ones who haven’t had all their vaccines yet, at home. Water stations are available to keep your dog hydrated and there is a climate controlled indoor segment of the festival.

There are silent auctions and several charity events benefitting local organizations, including the “Dock Diving Splashes” and “Treasure Hunts.”

“Our festival is fun, it’s exciting and we have a huge charitable component,” Clayton comments. “Our festival has helped our rescues and charities with thousands of dollars. Dozens of foster homes and countless adoptions have been made possible through Woofa~Roo.” Biz X Magazine is again sponsoring the “Flyball” portion, a high-octane event Clayton describes as “fun on so many levels” and a great demonstration of speed, athleticism, practice and perfect timing, which makes it “a wild experience to watch.”

Pet-Ucation exhibitors and presentations take place indoors throughout the weekend.

“You can easily see the love and care people have for their pets and we hope that through our Pet-Ucation Centre we can continue to help educate our audience to become great animal stewards,” says Clayton.

Also running both days are the “Dock Diving” and “Lure Coursing” events, as well as the pony rides.

Clayton is especially thankful to all sponsors who help make this event such a huge success each year.

“Thanks to our media sponsors, Biz X Magazine and AM800, and our presenting sponsor, the Windsor Star, our popularity is growing,” Clayton notes. “We have amazing support from the general community and find people altering their vacation and work schedules to be available every second weekend in August to attend ‘Woofa~Roo’.

People love to come together and celebrate their animal ownership.”

Wigle Home Hardware Building Centre, 35 Renaud Drive in Amherstburg, is one of this year’s sponsors. Owner Brad Waters says he likes to support local Amherstburg events and initiatives.

“This is a great event that is very familyoriented,” believes Waters, who has a pet dog and loves the concept behind the event.

“Woofa~Roo Pet Fest attracts people young and old. There’s something for everyone, and that’s in line with what my business provides to the community, so it made sense to sponsor.”

This is the first time Wigle Home Hardware Building Centre will sponsor the event, but Waters hopes to continue sponsoring it in the future.

And now on to the vendors! Here’s just a taste of some of the many exhibitors you’ll find at this year’s festival . . .

Holistic Health & Happiness

Much of the overall wellbeing of your pet has to do with what they ingest, so why not make sure they’re getting the best?

At Riplee’s Ranch Holistic Pet Food (RipleesRanch.com), Owner James O’Connor is proud that their products are all natural, all Canadian and holistic. And from pet food to treats to the latest and greatest in grooming care, everything is delivered right to your doorstep.

Locally, O’Connor runs the warehouse out of Tecumseh. The products are manufactured and shipped from British Columbia.

“We’re your pet food store, at your door,” states O’Connor. He adds Riplee’s Ranch Holistic Pet Food is a good wholesome alternative for your pet and a great way to get fresh products without even leaving your home — with orders delivered within 24 hours.

This is the third time O’Connor’s business has had a booth at the “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest”.

When you see him on site you can find a lot of their new products including their popular

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Riplee’s Ranch Holistic Pet Food Owner James O’Connor is photographed at his booth during the 2014 “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest.” Photo by Jack Rosenberg.

grain-free fresh turkey and sweet potato dog kibble, their grain-free fresh chicken and whole peas cat kibble, handcrafted jerky in four flavours and more.

O’Connor continues, “We are also now carrying Green Lipped Mussel powder, which is great for older pets with sore bones or arthritis; Barkley’s bubbles bar of soap, which is a repellant for fleas and ticks; freedom no-pull harnesses; we have alternative methods to get rid of pets’ hot spots and itchiness, and of course our adorable boneshaped doggie waste bag dispensers, which come in blue and pink.”

All of the products at Riplee’s are all-natural and have no chemical additives or chemicals, as well as no by-products of any kind, no corn or fillers, and include meat from the bone and fresh fruits and veggies, claims O’Connor.

“We make nutritional, holistic one-of-akind pet food,” O’Connor stresses.

“May I Take Your Pet Reservation Please?”

Looking for lodging for your family pet? A place that is safe, clean, reliable, and geared towards their specific needs? Well, coming this fall, look no further.

Ameriden Dog Hotel is slated to open at 4483 Concession 4 North in Amherstburg, by wintertime 2016.

Owner Denise Fernandes describes

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Dog Hotel will be taking reservations and answering questions about the new business.

Their website is currently under construction, but more info can be found online on their “Facebook” page called “Ameriden Dog Hotel.”

Tricks & Treats

Talk about the royal treatment! At last year’s festival, a cute dog sits in the throne at the “Game of Bones” themed exhibit Candid K Nines presented to the public.

Photo courtesy of Candid K Nines.

her new business as follows: “We are offering an elegant full-service animal care facility dedicated to consistently providing high customer satisfaction by providing excellent service, quality pet care in a fun, clean safe and secure atmosphere for dogs, cats and birds.”

From daycare type services to overnight care in their elite hotel-like facility with customized bedding and individual suites, Ameriden Dog Hotel is sure to keep your pet comfortable.

They also offer emergency after-hours drop off services in case immediate care is necessary.

The Dog Hotel will be situated on 24 acres of beautifully kept grassland and trails for dogs to walk, run and play on a leash. The facility will resemble a hotel, more than a boarding kennel, she adds.

“I will be available on site 24 hours a day to provide care to your loved ones,” mentions Fernandes, adding she has cared for pets her whole life and has many years of animal care experience.

At the “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” Ameriden

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We all indulge in sweets and treats from time to time, and so it makes sense to want treat your pup to the same. At local dog bakery Candid K Nines Treats For Dogs (CandidKNines.com), you’ll find a variety of tasty specialties sure to please your pup’s palette — after doing a trick — or just as a reward for good behaviour.

“Candid K Nines is an all-natural dog treat bakery, offering wheat and gluten free treats and cakes,” says Owner Nicole St-Onge. “Our treats are great for dogs with allergies or for people looking for an alternative, healthier, treat than what the big name brands may be able to provide.”

The home-based business in Windsor does mostly wholesale and limits direct sales to festivals like “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” and online orders only.

St-Onge explains that what started out as a hobby in 2012 has turned into a business she now runs full time with the help of her husband West Bertozzi.

“In 2014 we went into wholesale, and started providing our band of homemade dog treats to franchised and independent pet supply stores, subscription boxes, groomers, pet sitters and other pet-related businesses,” St-Onge proudly states. “We are currently providing our treats to approximately 30 other small businesses who range from retailers to pet sitters.”

St-Onge has participated since the event began in 2013. At the “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” this year, they’ll have some of their homemade dog treats for sale and a cool display exhibiting their “Game of Bones” themed booth for the final time before retiring it.

“Albeit, you might not have recognized us because we started out as a pet photographers

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Candid K Nines Owner Nicole St-Onge holds up some of her homemade treats, as her dogs, Harley, a brown Yorkie-mix and Izzy, a white Maltese-mix beg for a taste.

Photo courtesy of Collar Town/Maggie Pona.

selling our dog treats as a side business to that and gradually the treats became our main focus,” remarks St-Onge, adding they no longer offer pet photography services.

Dress Your Doggie To The Nines

Your furry friend deserves to look and feel fabulous. At Fashionrooo, you’ll find the accent pieces and accessories to stylize your pooch and give them a fashionable flair in no time!

“My business is all about good quality handmade hound clothing that is just ‘roooing’ with fun, glamour and comfort,” advises Fashionrooo Owner Diane Garant Michaud.

This is the third year Fashionrooo is participating in the “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest.”

They’ll be featuring many fun and affordable products, such as shirt collars and bow ties, jewellery for your hound, bellybands and diapers.

“And best of all, we’ll be featuring the Windsor Weather Coat, great for all seasons

and weather such as wind, rain, snow and much, much more,” Garant Michaud informs us.

To support greyhound rescues and help end racing, 30 percent of their sales are donated to organizations and groups dedicated to this cause.

The business is located in the Windsor area so be sure to check: Fashionrooo.com to view some of the styles of clothing available for your fashionable hound!

The Nanny Named Teal

When you’re not able to care for your pet, you want to be able to rely on someone to step in, take your place and care for them as if s/he was their own. That’s what you’ll find with local business Pet Nanny claims Owner Teal Hallam.

As a Registered Veterinary Technologist, Hallam provides a wide array of services, including home pet sitting, dog walking, cageless boarding, at-home visits for nail trims and dog paths, and pet transportation to groomers, vets and weddings.

“And because I’m a Registered Vet Tech I’m able to properly administer medications including diabetic animals requiring insulin,” explains Hallam. “My clients are also very comfortable that I’m trained for emergencies.”

Pet Nanny (TealThePetNanny.com) is

currently situated at 1340 Graham Side Road South in Kingsville, but will move to a new location, 258 Cherrywood Crescent in Kingsville, by the end of the year.

At “Woofa~Roo” for the second time, Hallam is promoting her pet sitting business as well as selling her handmade pet supplies, which are called Bonzai Gifts by Pet Nanny.

“These pet supplies include dog and cat collars, martingale collars, dog leashes, doggy doorbells, no-tie dog bandanas, and squeaky dog toys,” Hallam describes.

“Good Dog!” How To Have A Well Behaved Pet

It’s a common problem with pet owners.

You try to tame and train your pet on your own, but nothing seems to work. Sometimes professional help is the best option.

At Animal Antics Behaviour Centre, Animal Behaviourist/Owner Kelly French specializes in modifying and bettering behaviours in dogs, cats, birds, horses and more.

French ran her company part-time for more than eight years while working at the various vet clinics and the Humane Society.

Then, in October 2015, she opened Animal Antics Behaviour Centre at 2465 McDougall Avenue in Windsor and the business became a full-time venture (Learn more here: AnimalAnticsBehaviour.com).

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Animal Antics Behaviour Centre Owner Kelly French commands a group of pups during a training session at her centre. Photo courtesy of Animal Antics.

“We also offer Windsor’s only indoor dog park — temperature controlled, 1,500 square feet and complete with bathrooms and coffee bar — a large doggy daycare with a separate area for small dogs, and a party room available for rental for doggy birthday parties or private use for less social dogs,” describes French. “This is the only place in the area where dogs can play safely, with supervised park space and vaccines required to enter.”

This is the third year Animal Antics is showcased at “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest.” French says her booth highlights harnesses

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and other training tools for sale, lots of information, staff to talk about services and training tips and yummy birthday cake for dogs to sample!

“At Woofa~Roo we feature the daycare and training as well as our birthday parties, complete with sample dog cake provided by Candid K Nines Treats For Dogs, who supply all our cakes and cookies,” states French who adds, “I’ll also be speaking on stage both days on the topic of separation anxiety.”

Grooming Pros Promise “Purrfection”

With more than 30 years grooming experience combined, Certified Groomers and Co-Owners of Purrfect Clips Pet Grooming, Beth Wiese and Danielle Souligny are sure to provide your pet with the maintenance and care they deserve.

“We do all dog breeds and cat grooming,” states Wiese. “There are not many groomers who do cats, so that makes us unique.”

Purrfect Clips (PurrfectClips.com) specializes in all types of grooming, with no job too big and no job too small for Wiese and Souligny to take on.

“We have lots of experience, so we know how to handle even the most aggressive of dogs and cats,” explains Wiese. “We do a lot of dogs that are in bad condition and we’ve seen it all, so nothing scares us when it comes to grooming.”

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A man shares a special moment with a dog during the festival in 2014. The event is a great way for affection for animals to be shared by many and a way for strangers to relate and bond, says Director Lorene Clayton.

Photo courtesy of Ontario Dock Dogs.

Wiese began the business 27 years ago in her home. In October 2015, she opened a storefront at 73 Murray Street in Amherstburg and that’s when Souligny became Co-Owner of the business after being an employee for several years. Wiese believes having a lot of patience and a passion for pet care is what’s kept her business successful over the years.

“We love caring for all cats and dogs,” says Wiese. “And we’ve always been reasonably priced, which makes it easier for clients to bring in their pets to get groomed more often.”

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Their business also sells products like shampoos, nail clippers and other pet care supplies. At “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” Purrfect Clips can do nail clipping at their booth with proceeds donated to Second Chance Animal Rescue (S.C.A.R.), a local organization.

This is their second time participating in the “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” and they’re once again going to be offering some fun ways to jazz up your pet’s appearance. Why not add some colour to your pet with some fur highlights — in a variety of colours like bright pink or purple — or make them shine with some sparkles? These snazzy style-ups will also garner donations for S.C.A.R. “We will also be having a draw for a free pet grooming and we’ll be selling handmade bows and bandanas,” adds Wiese. “Woofa~Roo is just a really fun event. And it’s a great way for the community to get out and learn about and support local businesses.”

Calling All Animal Lovers

So. if you are a pet owner or you have a soft spot for animals — whether it’s to check out one of the amazing events, learn a thing or two from specialists in the animal industry, donate to a cause, sign up to adopt or buy some goodies for that special animal in your life — “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” is sure to provide you with a unique summertime weekend festival experience like no other!

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Story And Photo By Rebecca Wright

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL BUSINESS WOMEN

HEATHER BRYANS

Grooming Pets To Be Happy & Healthy

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eople love to pamper their pets, so techniques, shampoo options and in grooming is a booming industry some cases, even nutritional choices. and is also a special treat for those four“I want everyone to be happy, but legged friends in your family. Local ultimately your pet’s comfort is my pet groomer, In The Dog’s House Inc., main goal,” states Bryans. provides full-service pet grooming for Bryans says balancing home life with medium-sized dogs and cats. work can sometimes be a challenge.

Packages range from the full “When I first started, I tried to do it grooming experience to a simple nail all,” she recalls. “I would groom pets, trim — with no job too big and no have a retail space, bake cookies at job too small for Owner and Groomer night and I even took some pets home Heather Bryans to handle for you. to board. It was exhausting.”

“My clients love when their pet She had to come to terms with the comes home clean and smelling great fact that she didn’t have to do it all. and feeling fresh,” states Bryans. “High So she moved into a smaller space quality shampoos, conditioners and immediately next door to her original finishing sprays along with a great cut space in order to be able to focus on Heather Bryans trims the fur of an adorable little dog in her trendy what she feels she is truly good at and and fluff dry go a long way.”

Bryans took over In The Dog’s boutique-style business, In The Dog’s House Inc. likes doing most: grooming.

House in the fall of 2007. Prior to this, “That’s it, and I love it,” expresses she believes the business was open about every client is taken care of thoroughly and Bryans. a year before. properly, no matter what sort of service they She also has made Sundays a “no-work Located at 5530 Wyandotte Street East require. She tries to provide the grooming day whatsoever” dedicated to spending time in the heart of Riverside, Bryans proudly service that best suits the pet’s needs at with friends or family. Her new business informs us that her storefront business has the time of their appointment, while also approach has also given her time to teach an open-door policy. following what their owners request. yoga a couple of times a week without getting “I provide my community with ease and This isn’t always easy and is sometimes burnt out and feeling overworked. trust that their pet is well taken care of,” she a tough balance, but Bryans maintains For other local entrepreneurs who may explains. “Over the years in business, my integrity in her work and pet owners just be starting up, Bryans has this advice clients have become my friends. They can appreciate her professionalism. to pass on, based on her personal experience call me or pop in anytime to ask questions “For instance, when a pet comes in over the years: “There is always going to about their pets.” with fur in bad condition and the owner be someone that wants to do your job for Bryans says she has great clients, many just wants a trim, that may not always be cheaper — let them. You are worth what you who have been loyal to her for many years. possible,” Bryans describes. “For the health believe you are worth.”

The company’s website: She loves being able to care for their furry and comfort of the pet, the best thing InTheDogsHouse.ca, is currently under family members and provide them the sometimes may be a pretty short cut.” tender care and spa-like treatments they She does her best to educate her clients construction, but you can always refer to their “Facebook” page by looking up deserve in a boutique-style setting. (the pet owners) on the best way to manage “In The Dog’s House Inc.” She takes the time to be sure that each and their pet’s fur through home brushing

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HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS Scotiabank’s “Bras For A Cause” For Transition To Betterness (T2B)

May 13, 2016 at Water’s Edge Event Centre, 2879 Riverside Drive East, Windsor. Photos by Rod Denis. All people in photos listed from the left.

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1. Committee members for “Bras For A Cause” were: Samantha Arpino, T2B Program & Volunteer Coordinator; Melissa Iarusso, T2B Fundraising Coordinator; Jennifer O’Neil, Scotiabank; Amber Hunter, T2B Executive Director; Elaine Genyn, Scotiabank; Linda Santos, T2B Office Manager and Kathy Drouillard, Scotiabank. The event raised $30,000 for the “Holiday Meal” program which provides a complimentary meal for families and patients of the entire unit during holidays.

Created in 2014, T2B introduced this unique program at Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Tayfour Campus, within its Supportive Care Unit “Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Wing.”

2. Maden Industrial Ltd. and Dennis Sylvestre Ltd. were sponsors of the evening and were well represented by (Standing): Patti Lanoue, Chastity Sylvestre-Jurak, Sharon Sylvestre, Cheryl Pinsonneault, Kelly Strilchuck and Joanne Lehoux. (Seated): Melissa Dupuis, Michelle Trepanier, Nicole McKinlay and Maureen Tramontozzi.

3. Spinning the tunes and lighting up the night were DJ Chino and Jesse Thivierge, Production Manager of Corbett Productions Disc Jockey & Production Services.

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4. Talk about a room with a view! Our beautiful models over looked the main floor of the Water’s Edge Event Centre just before they walked the runaway in the fun fashion show of bras featuring a specific design for the month or associated holiday. Models Ashley Steele (Christmas) and Amara Mitchell (New Year’s Eve) are photographed with Designer Jill Thompson (check on “Facebook” at “Bras By Jillish”) and models Katie Durham (May) and Tessa Johnston (Canada Day).

5. Over 220 were in attendance including a group from The Narmco Group, another big sponsor. Representing the company were: (Standing): Ray Gignac, Larry Elliott, Mike Peters and Julie Dawson. (Seated): Diane Gignac, Philomena Elliott, Arla Peters and Janice Santos Carlini.

6. Striking a pose for our camera was Marty Beneteau, Editor-in-Chief Windsor Star and Postmedia Regional Vice-President, Editorial; Nancy Beneteau; Roseann Danese, Metro Editor at Windsor Star and Curtis Pope on behalf of The Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation.

Read more on this charity at T2B.ca.

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Our group of characters certainly fit in well with their surroundings for the upcoming “Walkerville Buskerfest” in a street alley behind the Willistead Restaurant. From left are: Mark Lefebvre, Executive Director; Jason Henderson, Artistic Director; Kaela Henderson, Site Management & Performer Relations; Jon Liedtke, Marketing, and Mark Boscariol, Producer. Photo by Rod Denis.

HATS OFF To The “Walkerville Buskerfest” FEATURE STORY

By Dave Hall

W

indsor’s hottest and trendiest neighbourhood is gearing up to host street performers from across the globe with the “Walkerville Buskerfest” set to take over a stretch of Wyandotte Street East in mid-August.

Dotted with great restaurants and interesting stores, all connected by a beautiful new streetscaping design, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than all those which preceded it, according to organizers.

A similar festival has been held in Windsor on and off for most of the last 20 years, but this year’s version promises to be even more successful, largely because of the location, believes Co-Organizer/Executive Director Mark Lefevbre of the Stilt Guys.

“It will be held along Wyandotte from Devonshire to Lincoln, anchored at one end by the Walkerville Brewery and at the other by the Olde Walkerville Theatre,” explains Lefebvre, who performs all across Ontario. “In between there are dozens of great restaurants and stores, which will benefit from the exposure during the weekend party.”

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The festival is expected to draw hundreds of people to the three day event and business owners are hoping they stay, eat and shop in stores, bars and restaurants throughout the area.

“It should be a great event and our BIA members are looking forward to being a part of it,” says Jake Rondot, Chairman of the Walkerville Business Improvement Association (BIA) for the past decade. “We have been very welcoming to any kind of festival in our BIA because we know how much it means to our businesses to have hundreds of people walking the streets for three days.”

The festival takes place August 12 to 14, running from 6 to 11 p.m. on opening night, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Lefebvre says the event also features a preview show on August 11 at the Olde Walkerville Theatre, for which tickets must be purchased, and a big finale featuring all of the buskers on the final afternoon at 5 p.m.

During the day, the event is completely free B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

and family-friendly, but in the evening, “Busk After Dusk” takes over at the Walkerville Brewery with a pair of late evening adult themed shows for which tickets must be bought.

Producer of the event Mark Boscariol, Owner of the Willistead Restaurant in Walkerville, as well as downtown’s SnackbarB-Q, comments that the festival’s demise in the past was largely due to the fact it was held at the Riverfront Festival Plaza.

“It’s a festival of street performers so first of all, you need a street,” says Boscariol. “It didn’t fail from lack of interest. It just wasn’t the right venue for such a festival.”

Lefebvre agrees: “I have always thought that the riverfront was more of a concert venue, but this is a true street festival and an urban setting works best.”

Boscariol continues, “Now it’s in the right place, we hope we can create a long-running festival in a great urban setting. It already has

great name recognition from past festivals and Mark and I felt the best way to bring this festival back is to get buskers themselves involved in running it.”

So Lefebvre enlisted a fellow busker to be the show’s booking agent in order to bring the best and most entertaining buskers on the international circuit to Windsor.

Performers from across Canada and the U.S., as well as Holland, Germany and Ireland have been retained for the show by Artistic Director Jason Henderson and his wife Kaela, through their booking agency.

As “Kobbler Jay” Henderson is showcasing his juggling, fire-eating, glass walking and unbelievable balancing talents. And as “Seb Whipits” he shows off his unicycle and whip cracking skills. This adult show also features an incredible duel fire whip finale.

A native of Niagara Falls, Henderson has been on the travelling busker circuit for the past 10 years and is also Artistic Director of the “P.E.I. Busker Fest.”

Henderson started his career as an entertainer by launching an Improv Club in high school. He also studied drama while learning about set design. Henderson then attended the University of Windsor and lived here in the city for a few years before moving back to Niagara Falls.

“I always had an interest in performing and after I watched a DVD about a busker festival, I decided it was what I wanted to do,” says Henderson. “It took a few years to learn all the skills and put together a show and now I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

In addition to travelling across Canada, Henderson got his start by performing at kids’ parties and later outside restaurants. He’s also performed in 15 countries around the world.

“One thing I’ve learned from speaking with other buskers is how much they enjoyed performing in Windsor because the crowds are so appreciative and engaged,” Henderson expresses. “Everyone I’ve spoken with is extremely excited about returning to Windsor for another festival. It’s going to be held on a brand-new urban canvas and we are very excited about it.”

Lefebvre, also performs at the festival as part of the Stilt Guys and thinks the festival will generate even more interest in a neighbourhood which is already one of the most popular in the city.

“We’re throwing a big outdoor party and we’re inviting restaurants and bars to extend their patios and stores to extend their hours, where possible, and join in the fun,” says Lefebvre. “Performers are excited about coming back to the city and I think our crowds will be excited as well.”

Lefebvre also started his career by learning to juggle and then studied drama at the University of Windsor. He launched his

performing career about 30 years ago and then started the Stilt Guys with business partner Kyle Sipkens a dozen years ago.

“I quickly realized it’s a very marketable act and plays well with all audiences,” states Lefebvre. “The neat part is that I’m nine feet tall on stilts which makes me very visible, but it also enables me to give a toddler a high five.”

Lefebvre adds, “It’s also gratifying to run into parents who show me selfies or photos from years back. I have three kids and this (the previous “Busker Festival”) was always their favourite festival because it’s aimed at families and it’s fun for people of all ages.”

In addition to organizing the festival, Lefebvre, Boscariol and Henderson are also all past winners of Biz X Awards.

Rondot indicates the buskers are just one of many festivals which call Walkerville home, including “Art Walk” and a “Holiday Walk,” which the BIA produces, along with the “Bob Probert Ride,” a craft beer festival, night markets, a “Canada Day Parade” and this year, the 200th birthday of Hiram Walker.

“They all bring in crowds and this kind of activity, along with the beautiful streetscaping, has re-energized our BIA,” says Rondot, Managing Director of Human Kinetics Publishing. “We used to have just enough people to staff our board, but now we have enough volunteers for a number of committees.

Walkerville has always had the historical infrastructure. All it needed was the human support and now we have that as well.”

The streetscaping which was completed over a year ago was “our one chance to change the nature of the street and it has come together beautifully, which makes it a perfect location for a street festival,” Rondot mentions.

Among the other featured performers are Jack Wise, a ventriloquist and magician from Dublin; The Secret Circus, a pair of unicyclists, jugglers and comedians from Vermont; Blanko, a living white canvas from Germany who invites audience members to paint him; Pyromancer, a fire breather from Holland; Pogo Fred, a stunt pogo stick performer from Indiana and Woody, a living wooden statue from Germany.

“They are all fantastic performers and we’re expecting a great show,” says Henderson.

“Their skill level is remarkable and they really know how to engage their audience, which is one of the most important aspects of a busker festival.”

If you are headed to the festival, cheer loud and please tip generously. Buskers perform in public places for gratuities, which are generally put into a hat passed around to the crowd after their act is over. So let’s show them how happy we are to have them back!

For more information, and the complete schedule, as well as special event ticket information, visit: WalkervilleBuskers.com.

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HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” For The Sexual Assault Crisis Centre Of Essex County (SACC) May 28, 2016 at Riverside Sportsmen’s Club, 10835 Riverside Drive East, Windsor. Photos by Rebecca Wright. All people in photos listed from left.

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1. The “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the issue of sexual violence against women. This year’s event was a great success thanks to all

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those involved who put their “best foot forward” including Joe McParland, Emcee from Biz X magazine; Steve Bell, Emcee from AM800; Denise Parent, Board President, Sexual Assault Crisis Centre of Essex County (1770 Langlois Avenue, Windsor; SACCWindsor.net); and Molly Reese, Community Engagement Coordinator at SACC. 2. Joining in the rally to take action to prevent sexual violence, University of Windsor Lancers Football players Alex Bornais, Tarik Bonas, Lekan Idowu and Matt Gayer traded in their helmets, shoulder pads and cleats for stilettos during this year’s march.

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3. There were many teams who participated in this year’s event (150 men total), but also several individuals who showed support for the cause, including Stephen Droin, whose sparkly heels shimmered in the sunshine!

4. Education is key when it comes to preventing sexualized violence. A team of educators from Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence French school board in Windsor proudly participatedas well. This group of men were looking spiffy with their spunky socks!

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5. Matching their red engine, Windsor Fire & Rescue firefighters Mason MacDonald, Jocelyn Jobin, Bill Hopkins, Kyle Aarssen and Paul Jobin were looking hot in shiny red pumps!

Representatives from Windsor Police Service also walked a mile in high heels along the Ganatchio Trail at this year’s event. Emergency services personnel are integral community members who are committed to ending and preventing sexual violence.

6. Edward Jones Investments continued their strong presence and participation for this event once again. Photographed here are some of the members of the large team — Norm Bezaire, Brenda Pageau, Glynis Atkinson, John Atkinson, Denise Parent (SACC Board President), Quinn Hunt and Sean Hunt.

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EVENT PROFILE

As Easy As One, Two, Three For “Kingsville Folk Music Festival”

By Michelle Fortier

T

Alex Cuba, Irish Mythen Bill Bourne, The Laws Alysha Brilla Maneli Jamal Kaia Kater, Garnet Rogers Connie Kaldor, Tony Gouveia & More Tickets: 1­800­838­3006 www.kingsvillefolkfest.org

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he “Third Annual Kingsville Folk Music Festival” takes place August 12 to 14, 2016 at Lakeside Park, in Kingsville, Ontario.

Named a Finalist in the 2015 “Ontario Tourism Awards” for “Tourism Event of the Year,” the ticketed outdoor festival is a celebration of all styles of music, boasting three daytime session stages, children’s stage and evening main stage.

So what can attendees expect this time around?

“The 2016 line-up is very diverse this year,” explains Michele Law, Producer and Founder of the festival. “Buffy SainteMarie, Cree activist, “Oscar,” “Juno,” “Golden Globe” and “Polaris” winner, is the Saturday night headline performer, gracing the festival stage in one of her ONLY ONTARIO SOLO shows this summer!

Sunday night headliner is Latin Grammy winner Alex Cuba.”

Festival Co-Producer John Law adds, “We’re bringing in world music acts, folk music from around the world that these performers bring us from their native homelands. In their cultures these performers are well known: Quique Escamilla, Portuguese Fado singer Tony Gouveia, Alysha Brilla, Maneli Jamal and Kaia Kater.”

John continues by stating, “Folk festival fans will also know performers such as Garnet Rogers, Qristina & Quinn Bachand, Bill Bourne, Irish Mythen, The Boxcar Boys, Jason Dennie & Rochelle Clark, Connie Kaldor, The Laws, Rob Lutes, Danielle Miraglia, The O’Pears, Amanda Rheaume, Gordie Tentrees, Union Duke and Luther Wright.

Jaxon Haldane hosts a Tribute to Willie P. Bennett, and local favourites Dale Butler, Francine Leclair, Whoa, Nellie!: Vera & Johnny join us too.”

And we can’t forget about the kids!

Children’s performances by Jangles The Magical Clown, Butterfingers, and returning favourite Magoo, plus Todd Crowley’s Musical Petting Zoo is back on site to thrill all ages with over 100 instruments to play.

Along with the fabulous music going on five stages all weekend long, new events have been added to make “fest weekend” even more popular. The first annual “Canada South Songwriting Contest” is one such new event.

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“There are some really talented songwriters in our region,” notes John.

“This is an opportunity to showcase their craft, win some great prizes from D’Addario Canada and the winner performs on the main stage Saturday night!”

The “MOSAIC Food Village,” in partnership with South Essex Community Council, features delicious menu items representing the region’s cultural diversity.

Local music educators, Gloria White and Rebel Cowboy Music, also have the opportunity to show off their students with performances on the Children’s Stage on Saturday and Sunday.

At the “Media Launch” announcing the line-up and sponsor/partner recognition, from left were: Producers & Founders of the “Kingsville Folk Music Festival” John and Michele Law, shown with Domino’s Pizza of Canada CEO Michael Curran and his wife Ann. Curran received a certificate of appreciation for sponsoring the event. Photo courtesy of Carole Chadwick.

Folk Roots Radio with Jan Hall is a new addition to the festival, having recently relocated from Guelph to Leamington. Hall emcees again this year and will conduct live interviews with performers at the festival.

A documentary about the festival is planned as well.

Yet nothing would happen without the involvement of local businesses and organizations.

“Sponsorship is what keeps the festival running,” says Michele, “and we can’t do it without the support of the community. As a non-profit society we rely on sponsorships, donations and ticket sales. The economic impact that the festival generates (visitors spend over $500,000 over the festival

Festival attendees in 2015 are pictured enjoying The Arrogant Worms. Photo courtesy of Michael and Kim Dick.

weekend!) makes it worthwhile for folks to get involved and there are many amazing opportunities such as having a stage named after your company. In return our sponsors receive side-stage seating, marketing opportunities, and corporate blocks of tickets.”

Domino’s Pizza of Canada is returning as a sponsor for the third consecutive year.

CEO Michael Curran believes, “It is a privilege for Domino’s to be able to be a small part of the ‘Kingsville Folk Music Festival’.

To celebrate the Arts and the gathering of families in this magnificent outdoor venue is truly a unique opportunity. I look forward to supporting the music festival for many more years.”

The festival is made possible with generous grants, sponsorship and community partnerships from the Town of Kingsville, Municipality of Leamington, Canadian Heritage, Leamington Southpoint Sun, Domino’s Pizza of Canada, TD, Leamington Marina, SECC (South Essex Community Council), Unconquered Sun, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Best Western Plus Leamington, IBEW Local 773, Unifor Local 444, Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Blueline Rentals, Kingsville BIA, Schroeder Electric, Pelee Island Winery, La Voz Latina, Blackburn Radio, Boggs, Turner Moore LLP, Windsor Laser Cutting Inc., Biz X magazine, Eyes on Windsor, Windsor Square, AM800 and CTV. “Kingsville Folk Music Festival” is a project of the non-profit Sun Parlour Folk Music Society.

A portion of the net proceeds from the Festival and “Road to FolkFest Concerts” are designated for “The MAY FUNd” (Music and Arts for Youth), a project developed by the Society that provides financial assistance to area youth to access the arts through workshops, lessons, mentoring sessions and an annual scholarship.

For more information, tickets, schedule of performers, and accommodation specials, please visit: KingsvilleFolkFest.org.

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

U

With Allan Conway, Odette School of Business Story And Photo

By Dave Hall

niversity of Windsor Business Dean, Allan Conway, is heading back to his hometown of Calgary after leaving his mark on the Odette School of Business over the past 11 years as head of the program.

Conway came to Windsor from the University of Calgary, where he had worked for 19 years, and set about introducing programs and student-led initiatives, which exist and flourish to this day.

“I don’t think I have ever seen something and not thought it was broken,” says Conway with a smile during our interview. “I guess that makes me an anarchist, but it also makes me determined to fix things and make them better in any way I can. But, it is only something you can do with the co-operation of faculty, staff and students.”

When Conway arrived in Windsor, he helped establish a student-led organization called Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship, which had just five members when it was launched.

Now called Enactus, the organization boasts 130 members who work annually with community organizations and businesses through its entrepreneurial outreach programs.

EPICentre, another student-led business organization, focuses on venture start-ups and provides practical experience and tools to help young entrepreneurs create innovative, viable businesses through a community-wide mentorship program.

“It’s incredibly important to offer experiential learning programs outside of the classroom,” states Conway of his approach to business education. “If you are not careful you can find yourself thinking that if you spend two hours reading three case studies and then attend a one-hour class, you are somehow qualified to rescue three companies.”

He adds, “The real world is far messier and more complicated and that’s what I believe our programs are designed to prepare our students for, moving forward.”

Conway himself comes from the corporate world, having worked for Onex founder Gerry Schwartz and Canwest Global entrepreneur Izzy Asper after graduating from St. Francis Xavier and earning an MBA from Western University’s Ivey School of Business.

Conway also has a Ph.D. in business administration from Harvard University, which is when he decided his future lay on the academic side of the business spectrum.

He believes business schools have a responsibility to shape and drive ethical

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Allan Conway working in his office before he retired from the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor after two terms as head of the program.

Conway and his wife are returning to Calgary.

business standards, leadership and business sustainability and “that didn’t seem like a great fit for corporate life.”

The Odette School is also host to the World Health Innovation Network, headed

by Dr. Anne Snowden, who explains the program is designed to help build a network of collaborators across Canada and the Unites States, and also to be a catalyst for accelerating innovations in health systems.

These initiatives, along with outstanding individual performances by its faculty and students, have led the Odette School to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Odette is one of only eight schools in Canada and among fewer than five percent across the globe to receive such an accreditation.

“It was important to all of us to receive that accreditation because it recognizes and validates all of the hard work and dedication from our faculty, staff and students,” Conway told Dylan Nash of the Odette Business Review. “It speaks to our growing reputation as an innovative business school that offers a comprehensive business education with exceptional opportunities for students to develop valuable, practical and applied skills through progressive, experiential learning practices.”

Conway also indicates that, as a Dean, “your role is to help people run their programs and I have been blessed with many incredible people who have all done what is necessary to make the Odette a very fine business school.”

On the practical side, EPICentre has received more than $5.5 million in private, B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

government and university donations, staged 40 workshops, 28 competitions and 69 events, as well as making presentations to more than 5,000 students since being established 18 months ago.

It has also helped launch 22 startups through collaborations with 15 entrepreneurial partners and 70 mentors.

“Those are some of the initiatives of which I am most proud because they have engaged our students in a positive way,” says Conway, who still has lunch with a group of students every few weeks.

“Whenever I’m sitting in my office and grinding away, I know that all I have to do to become rejuvenated is to step out into the hallways and talk to students about what is on their mind,” comments Conway. “That is always a positive reminder of why the grind is so very important to everyone at the Odette.”

He mentions there is no question that he will miss that daily interaction with the students.

Conway informs us he is no hurry to start another chapter in his life, while admitting something will inevitably present itself.

“I have already received calls from people asking me if I am interested in this, that or the other thing,” he states. “Looking ahead, I would be happy to help if I can, but I will not be running anything.”

So for the time being, Calgary beckons Conway and his wife who have bought a home in the Alberta city. It will also mean that the couple can spend more time with their adult children and four grandchildren.

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SHOWCASING SOME OF THE BEST CUISINE IN WINDSOR & ESSEX COUNTY

POWER

LUNCH Where to dine for a business meeting or a quick bite with co-workers

THIS ISSUE FEATURES . . .

Walkerville Eatery 911 Walker Road, Windsor, ON

The “Crispy Duck” pizza comes in a personal size with strong and exotic flavours for just $12.50.

Photos courtesy of Mark Hawken.

that they are created in a wood-fired stone oven where 100% hardwood is burned. The difference is the natural and flavourful taste you get, which cannot be duplicated in a gas service oven.

One of the many choices are the “Crispy Duck” with Asian Style Crispy Duck, Onions and Hossain Sauce on top. A meat lovers delight, the “Carnivore” seizes your appetite and doesn’t let go with Chorizo Sausage, Bacon and Ham. The “Salty Ham” is also a favourite, loaded with Prosciutto, Artichokes and Black Olives. For your own personal pizza, you get any of these and several more for a very comfortable $12.50 per pizza.

new place to be in glorious Olde Walkerville features some of the best sliders and wood-fired pizza you will experience anywhere in the city.

This Walker Road location has been home to previous restaurants in the past, but the new Walkerville Eatery is now a reborn place that honours the history of what Hiram Walker built in this great Walkerville community. The Eatery opened its doors on May 1 of this year.

A commitment to the heritage of the area, Mark Hawken, Owner/Operator of the Eatery sources almost everything they serve locally including the meat, bread (Blak’s Bakery), dough, cheese, wine, beer (including Walkerville Brewery) and produce. Talk about convenience, The City Market is right across the street where Chef Joshua Bourque, formerly of Smoke & Spice takes the daily stroll to where the finest produce awaits — now that’s fresh!!

With his exemplary background, Hawken is a natural at the helm having served as the

Corporate Director of Food/Beverage and Entertainment for Sandals Resorts and back home he was the Food & Beverage Manager at the casino.

He describes the atmosphere at the new eatery as celebrating Walkerville’s history and adds, “You will find photos and archives throughout the place of past and present Walkerville and of Hiram Walker himself.”

It’s a warm and inviting casual environment with charm and pleasantly rustic in appearance.

The sliders at the Eatery are tastefully handcrafted with the dream ingredients you’re looking for. At a comfortable $3.50 a piece, the first star may very well be “The Prime,” a tantalizing Roasted Prime Rib with Caramelized Onions layered on top.

Reminiscing about home-style cooking, “The Traditional” brings you back with classic ingredients including the Beef Patty, House Cured Bacon and a zesty slice of Cheddar to top it off.

The hearty “Cap’n Brown” is a real manhandler with Fried Chicken, House Cured Bacon, Monterey Jack Cheese and crusted with Captain Crunch cereal.

“If a quick lunch is necessary, order any of our sliders that are quickly prepared and you’re in and out,” Hawken recommends.

The story on the pizza at the Eatery is

Some of the sides at the Eatery give you a good dose of veggies and there are more sliders to chose from on the healthy side.

“For the lunch crowd, we are happy to be open for an early lunch at 11 a.m.,” says Hawken. If you want to order online during business hours, you can utilize the Sirved app where you can order for takeout. Also see the Eatery on “Facebook” and “Twitter” for more information on weekly happenings at the restaurant or visit: WalkervilleEatery.com.

Hours of Operation Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Saturday: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

GASTROPUB

PIZZA, BURGERS & MORE

YOUR AD HERE

By David Clark

A

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B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

“The Prime,” “Mama’s Meatloaf” and “The Traditional” sliders are some of the best representatives of what the Eatery has to offer.

HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE

A “Howling” Success Story On Two Maiden Lane Entrepreneurs Story and Photo by Joe McParland

F

ew people possess the ability to look at a sow’s ear and imagine its transformation into a silk purse. It takes a very special level of creativity and risk aversion. This thought came to mind after chatting for an hour with John Ansell and Steven Thompson, owners of four Maiden Lane businesses — The Squirrel Cage, A Dog’s Breakfast, Buuntz & Co. Ice Cream, and Bungalow Home Décor (scheduled for a summer 2016 opening).

First, a little bit about Ansell and Thompson.

Along with being business owners/partners for the past four years, they have been domestic partners for seven years.

Thompson was born in Sault Ste. Marie where he lived for 19 years. After stops in Barrie, where he studied Hotel and Restaurant Management, and a four-year stint in New York City working in the food service industry, he returned to Toronto where he worked in securities as a stockbroker for 13 years.

Until he and Thompson moved to Windsor four years ago, Ansell had been a lifelong resident of the GTA. He obtained his degree in political science. After graduation he worked with equity funds before embarking on a successful real estate career. He and Thompson moved together to Windsor in 2012.

There is a bit of an oddity in the fact that Ansell and Thompson chose to leave Toronto to work and live in Windsor. Historically, it is young Windsorites who bolt for Toronto in pursuit of their dreams.

Thompson had some limited experience with Windsor, since his mother had moved here 20 years ago. Ansell, on the other hand, had no personal experience or knowledge of Windsor other than the unflattering description his father had for the city.

When Thompson first proposed the idea to Ansell to leave their homes and careers in the

John Ansell and Steven Thompson in front of the recently opened A Dog’s Breakfast. Behind them, going east toward Ouellette, is Buuntz & Co. Ice Cream, The Bungalow Home Décor (soon to be opened) and The Squirrel Cage.

GTA and move to Windsor to open their own café styled sandwich shop, not only did Ansell question Thompson’s sanity, but so did their circle of friends.

Thompson and Ansell arrived in Windsor to scout out potential properties for their new business ideas. They looked at the historic Low-Martin Mansion in Walkerville as a possible event centre, and also looked at a former Montessori school on Ottawa Street for a similar venture.

But, while downtown in the city core, they stumbled upon Maiden Lane, and it was love at first sight. Ansell saw the property as “adorable with its interlocked bricks“ and Thompson said “this could be in Yorkville.”

When Ansell told his father about their find, the senior Ansell — already incredulous about their move to Windsor — opined “make sure there aren’t too many vacant buildings nearby.” Neither Ansell or Thompson had the heart to tell him the truth.

So four years ago they opened The Squirrel Cage, a welcoming, trendy sandwich and salad restaurant café with an outdoor patio featuring all-season, sofa-type furniture.

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The Squirrel Cage is licenced and features a variety of coffee, teas and smoothies. It quickly became a popular neighbourhood gathering place for friends and strangers alike. Ansell and Thompson live above the restaurant on the third level, providing them the best opportunity to be hands-on owners.

A big part of the success of The Squirrel Cage is Thompson and Ansell themselves and their welcoming, gracious, and often times hilarious and quirky personalities. Both are friendly people with never ending smiles on their faces who genuinely make their guests feel welcomed and valued. This helps explain why more than 80 percent of their business is from repeat customers and why they are the Biz X Award winner for the “Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot For 2013!”

About two years ago they purchased the property adjacent to The Squirrel Cage running westward from the alley to Pelissier.

They wanted to exercise some control over what kind of businesses would be in the hood.

Since then, they have opened the popular Buuntz & Co. Ice Cream (the nickname of Ansell’s former dog) and then followed that up this spring by opening A Dog’s Breakfast at the corner of Pelissier and Maiden Lane.

This quaint 24 seat light fare eatery (with possible additional seating expanded into the ice cream shop during the winter) features a selection of sandwiches, hamburgers and hot ‘dogs and breakfast’ all day.

Their hours are currently Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for it to be licenced in the near future. With the recent start-up of the Downtown Farmers Market on Pelissier and Maiden Lane, A Dog’s Breakfast has become one of the hottest summertime food establishments on Saturday mornings.

And finally, the fourth piece of their real estate puzzle, just east of the ice cream store, is set to open this summer as a retail establishment called Bungalow Home Décor. Ansell and Thompson are looking for creative ways to increase retail presence in the downtown city core. More details will follow.

Ansell and Thompson two visionaries who are transforming a sow’s ear into a silk purse — and residents and business owners in the downtown are grateful for their efforts.

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ASK THE EXPERTS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Without Inspection Your Dream Home Could Become A Nightmare

By Dave Halliday

S

o, you think you have finally found the perfect house! The two of you have been searching online and attending as many open houses as you could squeeze in to your busy schedules. You both excitedly discuss the prospective purchase of the home as you shop at the local produce market.

Your wife raves about the size of the laundry facilities and the enclosed rear porch, while she carefully chooses a bunch of grapes. You are already plotting out your plans for the garage and basement while seeking out the freshest local tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce for tonight’s salad.

As you leave the market, you realize you spent over 45 minutes choosing your $27.44 worth of produce to ensure it was the best available. In stark comparison you spent 20 minutes going through the $325,000 home that you are seriously committed to purchasing . . . perhaps you should get an expert opinion!

Professional, accredited home inspection can be an invaluable tool when making what is often the largest single purchase in one’s lifetime.

We at Biz X were fortunate to discuss the home inspection process with Robert Redmond, CPI (Certified Professional Inspector) and Owner of Redmond Home Inspections (RedmondHomeInspections.com). Redmond Home Inspections has been serving the needs of local residents for the past two years and Robert draws upon 10 years of home renovation experience. Redmond Home Inspections is member of INTERNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) the largest home inspection association in the world with over 10,000 members.

What services should a reputable home inspection company provide? Redmond indicates, “Typical inspections services offered would be Pre-listing Inspections (Sellers Inspections); Pre-Purchase Inspections (Buyers Inspections); Annual Maintenance Inspections; New Construction/Home Warranty Inspections; and Thermal Imaging Inspections.”

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Having a home inspection completed for the largest purchase of your life is just common sense.

Photo credit: © Can Stock Photo Inc. /Andrey Popov.

When does one typically have a home inspection completed? Redmond states, “Most inspections are Pre-Purchase Inspections and are typically done after financing has been removed as a condition of sale leaving just the inspection clause. The typical time frame for all conditions to be met is five business days and inspections usually end up being done on the second last or last day most times.”

Describe the importance of carrying out a home inspection. “A home is probably the largest purchase you will ever make, so it is important to understand the condition of your biggest investment,” says Redmond. “In the full scheme of things, an inspection fee is small compared to the cost of a home. Having an inspection gives you the knowledge to make an informed decision whether buying or selling.”

What are the components of a home that are reviewed during a typical inspection? “Each association has their own SOP (Standards Of Practice) of what is/isn’t inspected,” mentions Redmond. “What are typically inspected are all major components of the home (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, structure, and roof) as well as the interior and exterior of the home. Cosmetic issues are not inspected but may be mentioned as a courtesy.”

What devices and tools of the trade should one expect their home inspection to utilize during the inspection? “There are bare minimum tools that

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

are needed for an inspection, which would include a ladder, flashlight and outlet tester,” he explains.

“The findings from having just these tools will be limited. We arrive at each and every inspection with an arsenal of tools including, Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera, Non-Contact and Pin-Probe Moisture Metres, Combustible Gas Detector, Carbon Monoxide Tester, Borescope, IR Thermometer, Humidity Reader, Anemometer (test air speeds from the HVAC systems), GFCI Tester, Digital Camera, Mobile Reporting Software, Telescoping Pole with Wi-Fi Camera for inaccessible roofs, Telescoping Ladder, Multi Position Ladder, Stepping Stool, Water Pressure Gauge, lights and headlamps, and many more tools that far exceed the minimum that is needed. I have a tool for just about anything we will come across” What should one expect to be reviewed within the body of the report for the home? Redmond suggests “the report be broken into sections, which makes for an easier read. There should be a section covering each system of the home such as electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, roofing, exteriors, the structure, kitchen, bathroom, and interiors.”

Should recommendations regarding remediation of existing conditions be anticipated within the report? “Yes” he firmly states and continues, “Within my reports I provide a summary which lists the major issues and safety concerns that should be addressed immediately. The other issues typically found are more maintenance items, conditions to monitor, or small repairs which are located within each section accompanied by the inspector’s recommendations for correction.”

Well, you wisely had the home inspection company take a good look at your prospective dream home and they were able to identify several items of concern.

You had the opportunity to weigh the relevance and financial implications of each of the items identified prior to signing on the bottom line. The peace of mind this provided is invaluable as there were no “sour grapes” at all (unlike the grapes you picked at the market) in the biggest transaction of your life!

YOUR LOCAL BIZ FORECAST

Find True North With Your Kitchen

By Arms Bumanlag

H

ome renovations are a big part of any home owner’s experience — from bathrooms to kitchens — renovations can add value to your home.

There are many options for home owners to investigate and consider, especially if you are looking for a fresh take on your kitchen.

One popular and cost effective method is to “re-spray” your kitchen. And one area company has the experience — from Toronto to right here in Windsor Essex — True North Home Services (TNHS) which continues to give new life to kitchens and fireplaces.

TNHS Owner Tracy Sauer sets the standard for Kitchen Cabinet Spray Painters & Finishers in Southwestern Ontario with quality long lasting, durable chip resistant, wood finishing work.

How did he get interested in this type of business?

Sauer tells me he “attended St. Clair College starting in 1982 in a two year program for a Furniture Technician where we learned the art of furniture building and wood finishing procedures.”

Years later, fast forward to the present day and his business is going strong. It’s also a family owned and operated business, which is definitely headed on the right course for a long future.

Renovations can take time and can disrupt the flow of everyday life for families, however, TNHS promises to be quick and efficient.

Sauer describes the process: “In most cases we can complete the in-home portion over two days, reducing the time you lose the use of your kitchen and the time having someone work in your home. Our process has us removing your doors, taking about an hour

on one day and bringing them to our shop for spraying. We then book two days in your home where we arrive, prep and prime your cabinet trim, gables or islands, returning the next day to complete the lacquering portion and cleaning up. We then return one to two days later and re-hang your doors and drawer fronts. The entire process, from acceptance of our quote to completion, usually takes between five to 15 days.”

BEFORE

AFTER See the difference with an ultra white lacquer in these before and after shots.

With 30+ years in the furniture refinishing business, Sauer and his team have the edge in ensuring the best, longest lasting finish to meet their customer’s needs now and into the future.

“With high quality lacquers and modified Acrylic Urethanes available that are durable,

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

moisture and chip resistant, the product we use is more flexible than paints; they expand and contract better along with the wood they are applied to,” Sauer claims.

Whether working with a company or a homeowner looking for a new look, he spends time with his clients and walks them through the process.

“It’s important to me that people know what they are getting with our quality work,” stresses Sauer. “We explain the entire process, the results you can expect and how to clean and maintain your new finish for long lasting results.”

Meeting customer expectations is the primary goal — or exceeding them when possible — is the standard for True North Services. It’s been a successful career for Sauer.

He lists a few factors that help him succeed: “Attention to detail, informing potential customers on the process, what is and isn’t possible and ensuring the best possible outcome. We offer a great deal of information regarding the process and potential outcomes for any given piece based on the wood type and quality of manufacturing.”

As Owner, Sauer does the majority of the work, but also employs local painters to service many of the clients in Windsor Essex area. He also offers “Do It Yourself” (DIY) Kits.

Sauer explains the DIY kits are “a method for those that are handy or wish to save some money. We’ll reduce the cost to you when you remove any doors and hardware, as well as bread boxes, moulding etc. We can also show you how to effectively complete the in-home portion, at your leisure, in as little as two days. You can complete this while we re-spray your doors in our shop.”

Take a look at some of his work on his website: TrueNorthServices.ca, and let it give you some inspiration for your next home renovation project.

Arms Bumanlag is a Radio Host and Reporter for over 10 years at AM800 CKLW and CTV Windsor Weatherman and Entertainment Reporter at CTV News at 6 p.m.

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GENERATION YKNOT

Believe In Your Vision

By Erik Amonite

M

any people told me not to give up my job as a forester with one of the utility companies here in Windsor, because I had benefits, a pension, and was paid well. They also said my vision of creating my own tree service would never survive in Windsor and I’d have

better luck moving to a bigger city.

Having a secure job didn’t make me happy. I always had a vision of managing my own tree service, full time. Since 2006, I had been working for myself on weekends and after work. I saw the potential.

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The key to believing in your vision is to start making it a reality by taking small steps, such as running your company part time. This gave me the confidence and knowledge to move in the direction of entrepreneurship.

I eventually went against what people said and decided to take the leap. It’s better to love what you’re doing, and chase that dream, than stay put because of security.

I’ve never looked back.

You just have to be creative, think outside the box, and take advantage of all the resources available to you.

Windsor is a great place for an entrepreneur to start a business. Part of believing in your vision is knowing what resources are available to fuel your spark of an idea.

Are you on social media? Have you talked to people who are successful in your field? Have you tapped into the wealth of knowledge and networks at the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre, Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator, and WEtech Alliance?

Are you aware of government grants available? Are you networking?

Windsor has lots of amazing business organizations you can tap into and monthly socials you can attend. You know what they say, “always surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.”

There isn’t another city where the cost of living is as low, the cost of starting a business is affordable, the potential to be an entrepreneur is attainable, the geographical location is helpful, and the resources available are limitless.

My question to you is, why wouldn’t you start your vision in Windsor?

Erik Amonite is a 31 year old Windsor entrepreneur and President/ CEO of Green Tree Professional Tree Service INC. He has a passion for the environment, trees and helping the community and is a certified Utility Arborist with over 10 years’ experience in the trade.

Erik is also a proud member of YKNOT Windsor-Essex’s #Windsor180 Movement. For more information visit: Facebook.com/yknotwe.

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HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS The “5th Annual Windsor Corporate Challenge” June 18, 2016 at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex, 2121 Laurier Parkway, LaSalle. Photos by Rod Denis. All people in photos listed from the left.

1. Over 900 participants, volunteers and Ronald McDonald House (RMH) families came together for the “5th Annual Windsor Corporate Challenge” in this one-day “FUNraiser” in support of the Ronald McDonald House Windsor. This year an impressive $118,940.38 was raised! Grinning from ear to ear on the high total were: Christine Richer, Manager Ronald McDonald House Windsor; Jenne Wason, Director of Development RMH; Meighen Nehme, Owner of The Job Shoppe/“Windsor Corporate Challenge” founder and Christopher Brackett, Event Coordinator RMH. 2. Over 50 business and organizations took part in this team-building and fundraising event. Every year we see a few teams participating and sponsoring from St. Clair College, so this time around we are featuring the Alumni Association made up of (Back Row): Andrew Love, Justin Fox, Jeremy Roberts, Marc Jones and Chris Cooper. (Front Row): Loren Bosazzi, Chelsea McCloy and Ralph Frak.

3. The Toronto Dominion “Cruzers” team emerged victorious once again as the overall winners for the fifth year! The champs were (Standing): Colleen Hendrican, Alfonsa Siggia-Pearsall, Eva Siniarska, Rob Pearce, Aariz Jamali, Eric Griggs, Awais Saleem and John Aquino. (Kneeling): Kathy Sherlock, Tracy Moore, Bernadette Sleiman and Kristine Graceffa.

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4. The Spencer//Butcher Group team, better known as the “Superheroes,” put on a marvelous performance on one of the hottest days of the month. (Back Row): Megan DeJong, Lisa Rennie, Whitney Suta, Rob Suta, and Sandi Spencer. (Kneeling): Glenn Thomson, Lisa Williams, Angela Bastien, Erica Takeshima, Karen Booth, Ryan Dhiman and Craig Brown. (Front Row): Kenji Takeshima, Ken Dimu, Randy Cebulski, Mat Allaire and Bob Schmidt.

5. Having a good time and a whole lot of spirit accurately describes our next team, photographed.

The “Vistaprint Vipers” were (Top): Ryan Gauthier, Donnie Salidas, Daniel Rafi, Lee Sprague, Brett Maheu and Nabil Kusturica. (Seated): David Blanchette, Allison Yoell, Christine Johnston, Tina Pillon, Brittney Morgan, Jackie Pillon and Jamie Leigh Hayes.

6. Founder of the Challenge, Meighen Nehme, takes a minute for a quick shot at the colourful “Slippery Slope” slide with the gals from Cypher Systems Group, composing the “FUNaddicts” team — Missy McDonald, Sara Moccia, Amanda Decaire, Marie Chevalier, Erisa Qyteza, Danielle Graves, Jennifer Miller, Nehme, Nicole Bussieres, Samantha Lyons, Vivian Ma and Vira Hirmiz.

Biz X magazine is proud to sponsor this great event, keep up the good work Meighen!

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

The “5th Annual Windsor Corporate Challenge” is the 2015 Biz X Award winner for “The Most Wonderful Event of the Year.” If any companies or volunteers are interested in participating in “Windsor Corporate Challenge” 2017, please email: meighen@windsorcorporatechallenge.com.

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portfolio corner

Dare To Imagine

By Steven Mayo

In a market place that had a rough start to the year, and then a recovery, investors, in general, maintain a great deal of scepticism.

The markets for two years have been in a tight trading range, and other than a few select stars, it’s been more of a traders market; buying a sector when it’s down, selling a sector when it’s up.

Throughout all of this, it seems the markets are fixated more on negatives than on the underlying, positive, long-term fundamentals.

While the list of negatives can be long (China, commodity prices, currency issues, Zika virus, earnings reports, Brexit, interest rates) they’re also quite normal. Indeed, the stock market can be a confusing place.

This summer, I encourage investors to treat any disruptions caused by talk of the US election, and the other negatives mentioned above, as a possible trigger to put money to work.

When the majority of investors are too

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cautious, this is usually priced into stocks.

Do I believe that railroad stocks are now becoming attractive after two years of a challenging environment? Yes. Do US banks, which are constantly improving their balance sheets, eventually become worth more? Yes. Do drug stocks always get picked on during a US election year? Yes. Do US elections eventually end in November? Yes. Railroads, US banks, and drug companies are all worth keeping an eye on, over the summer, for possible buying opportunities.

Here’s a short list of positives that are currently present . . .

1. Billions and billions of dollars are looking to be put to work in equities, especially at opportune times. Fund flows could easily push markets higher than expected.

2. Mergers and take-overs continue.

3. Buy-backs continue.

4. Many companies continue to raise their dividends.

5. Interest rates are low.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

6. Earnings are generally good. Some sectors have cycles, and some are more predictable.

7. North America is a good place to start.

8. The US economy remains a giant cash generating machine.

Let’s look forward now. Opinions on the health of the economy and the stock market will remain very mixed. But, portfolio returns are based on knowledge and patience, asset allocation, timely buys and sells, interest rates and dividends. Investors, and their Advisors, control these things.

So, in an environment where negative headlines get more attention than positive ones, and in which the stock market absorbs selling periods well, can you dare to imagine where the stock markets could rise to if news and opinions improved? The next surprise could be to the upside.

I will leave you with these two quotes to consider . . .

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” ~ Albert Einstein “The man who has no imagination has no wings.” ~Muhammad Ali Steven Mayo is a Vice President, Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. (Member — Canadian Investor Protection Fund). This article is not intended as, nor does it constitute, investment advice. Readers should consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on information in this article.

EVENT PROFILE

D

“We Will Rock Blue!” For Autism Awareness Saturday, September 17, 2016

id you know that autism now affects 1 in 68 children in Canada? This Pervasive Developmental Disorder affects almost every aspect of life, impacting behaviour, social interaction and communication skills. As well, statistics indicate that the estimated number of children identified as having this disorder continues to rise at an alarming rate, affecting more and more families each year.

To raise awareness for autism, Scott Rawlings, President of Magic Enterprises Productions, produces an annual concert.

“I coordinated events for children with autism for many years,” says Rawlings.

“This led me to want to help in a bigger way. Galas are wonderful, but I wanted to offer something for everyone. A concert is affordable for most people. Plus, I’m more of a Hawaiian shirt kind of guy!”

And so the “We Will Rock Blue” concert series was born. For 2016, the third instalment features the music of Elton John.

“Elton Rohn” is North America’s premiere Elton John experience, touring with a seven-piece band. They’ve headlined theatres and festivals and were the only tribute band asked to perform at the Elton John convention in Las Vegas. They’ve played in Legends, at Mardi Gras, and Stage West Theatres in Toronto and Calgary, Check out a few quotes from these music reviewers.

-“Yes, this is a tribute band, but so right on the money you forget you’re not watching the real thing…” ~ Bob Segarini, Canadian music reviewer -“The Best Elton John Tribute in North America, visually and vocally perfect.

A must see!” ~ Allan Wright, VME Productions

So we can guarantee concert goers will be dancing in the aisles to classics like “Rocket Man,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Candle in the Wind” and “Crocodile Rock” when Elton Rohn comes to Windsor in a few months.

Rawlings started in the entertainment business as professional magician “Steven Scott,” touring with his illusion show to raise funds for groups such as Shriners Hospital For Children and the Lions Club. He then produced shows for Bob-lo Island, Canada’s Wonderland and other theme parks.

He launched his event planning and entertainment agency Magic Enterprises Productions around the time Casino Windsor opened. He produced “The Casino Entertainment Series” at the Capitol Theatre, the only live production show for casino patrons at that time. Since then, Rawlings has produced turn-key corporate events for area businesses, and also books talent for casinos, resorts, hotels, grand openings and special events.

Scott Rawlings, President of Magic Enterprises Productions is pictured in October 2015 with “The Fab Four,” a Beatles tribute band at the “We Will Rock Blue” concert. In the group photo from left are: John Turfryer (Ringo), John A. MacDonald (John), Rawlings, Mark Harrison (Paul) and Tom Walsh (George).

Photo by Rod Denis.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

When “Elton Rohn” takes to the stage audiences may believe they are actually seeing Elton John live!

Photo courtesy of Ron Camilleri.

One of his largest ventures was a 19-day Halloween festival in Michigan called “Hauntfest” held at various venues owned

by Palace Sports and Entertainment.

This “Hallopalooza” of Halloween featured three haunted attractions, concerts, a carnival mid-way, guest stars and food and retail vendors.

Last year for the “We Will Rock Blue!” concert Rawlings featured “The Fab Four” as the iconic Beatles. Funds raised were used to purchase “iPads” to assist autistic children with their learning and communication skills, and the event was nominated for a Biz X “Most Wonderful Event of the Year” Award. “Simply Queen” rocked Windsor in 2014 and funds raised supported families in various ways.

Now, this year, you can join all of us at Biz X magazine (plus 1,000 of our closest friends!) on September 17, 2016 and support autism awareness too.

Tickets are available in person at the Chrysler Theatre Box Office (201 Riverside Drive West, Windsor) or online at: WeWillRockBlue.com.

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from the bookshelf

An Arson Mystery And Religious Fiction

By Marlene Markham-Gay

T

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he lazy days of summer are finally here, so make time for some relaxing and reading. Find your comfy spot, pour a tall glass of something cold, relax and enjoy an advantageous read.

“Tangleville: Just About Any Town, Anywhere” written by Windsor author, Reverend Canon Donald Hull is a story about a two people who have very different views on religion and how they became friends through a radio talk show.

Rev. Barclay Steadmore is invited as a guest on Harry Sting’s radio talk show.

Much to Harry’s astonishment the Reverend not only shakes up the thinking of people in small town Tangleville, but he finds himself inviting him back weekly as the radio ratings soar. St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church also sees an increase in attendance, people are rethinking their religious viewpoints. Even Harry Sting has changed his religion hating ways and a friendship and total transformation takes place.

Donald Hull was born and raised on an eastern Ontario dairy farm. A former teacher, he had a career change in midlife and became an Anglican priest. After continuing his education and serving at an Anglican Church in Windsor he became Principal of Canterbury College, affiliated with the University of Windsor, retiring in 2008.

Hull is an avid woodworker, an interest in photography and is a sports car enthusiast. He has been married for more than 50 years and he continues to lecture part time.

Reverend Hull invites Christians and secularists alike to rethink their commitment to the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through his book “Tangleville.” It can be purchased in Windsor at Brisebois Christian Bookstore and Gift Shoppe, 2475 Central Avenue and also at Chapters at

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 6

Devonshire Mall. It is available online at: FriesenPress.com/bookstore.

Book enthusiasts who enjoy reading a good mystery will enjoy “Torch: Fire For Hire” written by retired Windsor Detective Edmond Gagnon. Inspired by his 31 years as a detective, Gagnon uses his experience to write about crime and catch the bad guys.

“Torch” is the third in his “Black & White” series, which reveals the investigations and escapades of Detective Norm Strom. (“Rat: A Cop’s Secret Weapon” and “Bloody Friday: Drugs, Guns & Women” were the first two books).

Each book is set in Windsor, Ontario and locals will enjoy the references to streets and local hangouts as Gagnon unravels the mystery to his readers.

Johnny Eagle tells how he feels and the high he gets from setting fires and Detective Strom makes this small time fire bug an informant to help him catch the serial arsonist responsible for burning several buildings in the city, using one torch to catch another.

“Torch” is available at Ed Gagnon’s website: EdmondGagnon.com and in Windsor by visiting Juniper Books, 1990 Ottawa Street and PB Books, 3947 Tecumseh Road East.

Be sure to check his website to learn more about the summer 2016 release of “Finding Hope: The Highway Of Tears” inspired by the hundreds of missing and murdered women in northern British Columbia.

Marlene Markham-Gay is the former host of CFTV’s “Storyteller.” She promotes local authors through the book corner at the Essex Railway Station, which allows them to display and sell books. Marlene is an avid reader and encourages her eight grandchildren to read. So many books and too little time prevent her from reading the same book twice.

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

The Accelerator’s Rising Impact

By Arthur Barbut

O

n June 9, 2016 The Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator hosted its “7th Windsor Women Accelerate” (WWA) networking event featuring keynote speaker Tanya Allen.

Allen is an incredible entrepreneur who developed and patented ForeverFresh Disposable Undergarments and recently launched ToddiFresh, a children’s line of disposable underwear. The product is currently sold in select Walgreen stores and distributed to schools across the U.S. through School Nurse Supply, School Health and MacGill Discount School Nurse Supplies.

She is also the President of the National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Detroit Chapter (NAWBO GDC).

Allen believes that whatever you aspire to do in life is attainable with faith, perseverance and the willingness to continue to learn — never being afraid to think outside the box.

She lives life passionately with two credos — “Lift as you climb” and “Live to give.”

Allen was the first U.S. speaker featured at the WWA networking series and she was absolutely inspiring. Her entrepreneurial journey has spanned over 30 years and the stories she shared with the audience created a powerful impression on the more than 60 women who attended this wonderful event.

It is important to recognize that events hosted by the Accelerator would not be possible without support from our amazing sponsors and community supporters.

A huge thanks goes to the food sponsors for this event: The Manchester, The Squirrel Cage, Rock Bottom, Rino’s Kitchen and Ale House, The Loose Goose, Vanessa’s Bakery, Blak’s Bakery. As well the Accelerator wishes to recognize the following door prize sponsors: Shop Eco, Nefertiti Salon, Quick Sushi, Polish Me Pretty, Christina Does My Hair, Tommy Nails, Coral Medical Health Spa, JCasey Media, and Aha Interiors.

The reason The Accelerator started the “Windsor Women Accelerate” networking series three years ago was to connect women who are passionate about entrepreneurship

Tanya Allen of ForeverFresh and ToddiFresh delivers the keynote address to attendees at the “7th Windsor Women Accelerate” (WWA) networking event. Photo courtesy of Jacquelyn Bezaire.

and create a platform that provides aspiring women entrepreneurs access to a network, mentorship, and resources. This has encouraged more women in our region to consider starting a business and has created an ecosystem that greatly increases the chances of business success.

This provides an ideal segway to showcase the major economic impact the Accelerator has generated over the past five years in our region.

The Accelerator conducted its second economic impact survey of members and graduates and the report provides ample evidence why the Accelerator is one of economic drivers of this region.

The companies that currently operate out of the Accelerator and responded to the survey, reported employing 56 full-time direct employees with another 75 on a contract base and 12 part-time employees. That makes the total number of jobs created by the start-ups currently working out of the Accelerator, 143.

Former Accelerator tenants responding to the survey reported having 13 full-time staff and 26 part-time staff, bringing the total number of jobs created to 39. The number

of jobs created was 182, but that accounts for only a portion of the jobs given that only 40% of current and 30% of graduates responded to the survey.

It is also important to note that jobs created by the innovation sector create disproportionally more jobs than other sectors. According to Economist Enrico Moretti, the innovation sector has the largest multiplier of all, three times that of the manufacturing sector.

Furthermore, in 2015 the revenues of the start-ups residing at the Accelerator exceeded $2.5 million, which is an increase of 127% from 2014. The combined revenue of current and former members exceeded $4 million in 2015. In addition, current and former Accelerator clients’ total expenditures were $2.8 million in 2015.

The Accelerator has played a major role in driving the entrepreneurial agenda in the region over the past five years and we expect the impact to grow exponentially in the future.

To access the full economic impact report and get more information regarding the Accelerator please visit: DowntownAccelerator.com

For more information regarding the Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator, 720 Ouellette Avenue and how you can become a positive contributor to the region’s entrepreneurs, please contact Managing Director, Arthur Barbut by emailing: Arthur@downtownaccelerator.com.

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THE WAY IT WAS

“My Boy Willie”

By Andrea Grimes

T

he year was 1936. Depression lingered on in Canada and unemployment forced thousands of families to search for work across the province — across the nation.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation replaced the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission. Gas was 10 cents a gallon. The deadliest heat wave ever recorded took place in Ontario, July 5 to 17, 1936.

The first Safety Patrol in Canada was established in Windsor at St. Alphonsus School and a memorial service for King George V was held at the Windsor Armouries January 28, 1936.

With Hitler’s destructive might rapidly spreading across Europe, Germany, Italy and the Empire of Japan formed an alliance, which would give rise to World War II. Cities all across Canada were gearing up for the inevitable; slowly becoming aware of what was taking place over there!

In December 1936, the Essex Regiment (Tank) was formed in Windsor as Canada’s newest Armoured Regiment.

Training exercises took place at the St. Luke Road Barracks and at the Windsor Armouries where our young lads from the farms and factories from across Windsor and Essex County “joined up” for freedom — they served for honour.

History has shown that military music contributed a great deal to the morale of soldiers, provided a much-needed reprieve from the realities of the time, and, assisted in the “esprit de corps” of a Regiment. Balanced instrumentation allows a military band to perform a variety of music, but marches will always be part of a band’s repertoire for ceremonial occasions.

The Windsor Regiment Band marching on Ouellette Avenue during Windsor’s “Centennial Day Parade” 1954. Photo courtesy of The Windsor Regiment.

For many years, the public enjoyed seeing the units on parade; anxiously waiting as The Essex Scottish Pipes and Drums and the Bugle Band heralded the arrival of their respective Regiments, proudly marching through the streets of downtown Windsor.

The Essex Regiment (Tank) Bugle Band was formed in 1938. It consisted of dedicated musicians recognized for their passion for music and performance. Private Thomas Brown, who had served for 12 years with the Essex Fusiliers, was transferred to the Essex Regiment (Tank) and appointed Bandmaster.

As musicians also needed to work to support their families, they were not always readily available for rehearsals. According to an article published in The Windsor Daily Star August 20, 1938, “the Bandmaster was so adamant that a particular musician be available that Brown contacted the lad’s mother to make arrangements to get him to Windsor as he was urgently needed for the Tattoo. The mother was so impressed with the Band Sergeant’s request, that she took her son’s place in the tobacco field in Delhi so that he was free to play in Windsor.”

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Understandably, with the onset of WWII, the Bugle Band was “stood down.” However, in 1946-7, it was reinstated. The Band functioned very well and had the honour of performing for H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth and H.R.H. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh during their royal visit to Windsor on October 15, 1951.

Continuous demands for the Band to perform non-military functions brought it notable acclaim and numerous awards.

However, this situation became second to its official military duties and the Band was dismissed, severing all connections to the Unit.

On February 1, 1953, the Band re-joined the Essex Regiment (Tank) under the name of The Windsor Regiment Band and continued until 1965. A year later, the 39th Technical Squadron Band (RCEME) was disbanded as was the HMCS Hunter Band in 1970.

With the reorganization of the Canadian Militia, these musicians formed another band that was re-named the Windsor District Military Band.

After further reorganization in 1991, the Band became the Windsor Military Band.

In September 1997, the Band became a sub-unit of the 31 Canadian Brigade Group HQ (London, Ontario).

In 2006, the Band was re-instated into The Windsor Regiment (RCAC) as the Windsor Regiment Band (read their history on the website: WRband.ca). Under the direction of Captain Beth Dykeman (Director of Music), the Band has earned the reputation for giving outstanding military and civilian performances . . . on all fronts!

As The Windsor Regiment (RCAC) celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2016, its Regimental quick march, “My Boy Willie” will be performed by the band at various official ceremonies.

Once again, our communities will be introduced to the history and tradition of military music, in honour and in memory of our soldiers from all theatres of conflict and peacekeeping missions who served (and continue to serve) with duty and valour here at home and abroad.

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OF THE MONTH

By Rebecca Wright

Fur, Fins & Feathers Come Together At Sam’s Pampered Pets

F

inches flying free, baby bunnies “Anything local,” stresses Fallon. bustling about and a pet parrot “I always support local initiatives.” riding on the back of an African spurred Sam’s Pampered Pets always places the tortoise. No, it’s not a magical land far, need of the customer above all else. far away — it’s what you’ll find at one of Fallon believes that best practices Essex County’s most treasured unique involve providing exemplary customer local businesses! service, keeping the shelves well Sam’s Pampered Pets is a full-line pet stocked and adapting to the needs of shop that carries small animals, birds, the community. tropical and marine fish and, coral. The “I look for long-term customer business is located at 616 Notre Dame satisfaction, not just short-term Street in Belle River and can be found sales,” he mentions. “My motto is ‘the online at: SamsPamperedPets.com. customer first’.’’

Owners Sam Fallon and his Standing in front of the newly added salt water fish tank at his store, He adds that he considers every person wife Lisa operate the store with their Sam’s Pampered Pets Co-Owner Sam Fallon is surrounded by a few of who walks through their doors a friend three children Nicole, 16, Derek, 14, and his friends — Angel (Poodle); Abby (African Grey Parrot) and Garfield and not just a customer. And he and (Persian Cat). Photo by Rod Denis.

Lilly, 12. his family strive to make the business Sam’s Pampered Pets also has a full in need of a bigger place,” he states. “So we as kid friendly as possible, recognizing grooming department, which features opened up at our current location with 3,200 that this to will likely lead to potential services seven days a week, with two certified square feet, which offered lots of room to future customers. groomers on staff. Grooming services expand and grow the business into what we Sam’s Pampered Pets also carries a large include everything from nail trimming have today.” selection of pond fish that Fallon says attracts to full breed specific grooming which can Fallon was inspired to start the business customers from as far away as London contribute to a dog’s well-being. with his wife after he was laid off from the and even Toronto.

People always enjoy their visit to Sam’s tool and die industry due to downsizing “Many people depend on my expertise for Pampered Pets, Fallon says. He has always during the economic recession. help and advice and on occasion will drop by been a creative individual and he feels that “This prompted me to follow a childhood the store just to talk about their pet,” explains it’s his personal touch that sets his business dream of owning my own pet shop, which Fallon. “And I sometimes visit the home apart from others in the industry. became Sam’s Pampered Pets,” says Fallon. of a person who is experiencing a problem “People just love to come and play with “It was a risky venture, but one that with with their pond to provide on-site advice our store pets or just hang out and admire determination and many hours of hard free of charge.” our many display aquariums,” remarks work, has paid off.”

Fallon feels it’s the above-and-beyond Fallon. “People also recognize that we are The local business supports the customer service, professionalism and not just a business; we truly are pet lovers community in a variety of ways, offering overall unique experience that he and his with a passion for what we do.” local charities door prizes and monetary family provide their customers that has led Sam’s Pampered Pets also sells live bait support, as well as supporting minor to the success of Sam’s Pampered Pets over and has a huge greenhouse full of pond fish, sporting teams. Fallon is also a Belle River the years. plants and products.

Improvement Association member and “With many independently owned pet Fallon and his wife opened Sam’s often lends support to its community shops disappearing as large corporations Pampered Pets in October 2006 with initiatives. flood the market with their franchises, very little stock to fill a 1,400 square-foot In addition, he frequently takes on co-op I believe that it’s important for me hold my building. students from the local high schools, in an ground and keep what I believe to be a real “Three years after opening, we were effort to teach them the business practices of pet shop running for many years to come,” bursting at the seams with inventory, and a family-owned and operated business. says Fallon.

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