Biz X magazine March 2017

YOUR ONLY INTERNATIONAL BORDER CITY PUBLICATION

“I Fought The Law, And The Law Lost!”

Local Couple Takes On The City Of Windsor

E vent Coverage: “Economic Development Week In

Windsor-Essex,” March 27 - 31, 2017; T2B “Gala XX”; “In Honour Of The Ones We Love Annual Gala Dinner” And The First “Woofa~Roo Shaggy Chic Social”

March 2017

$3.50

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Takin’ Care Of Business With: Fusion Massage Studio;

Hair Force One; Michael Anthony Hair & Tanning Salon; Aerus; Lakeside Bakery And Great Lakes Chiropractic

Millennials On A Mission!

The Windsor Essex region is full of young, hard working entrepreneurs all hoping to make their mark in the business world. – PAGE 18 B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7

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

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table of contents March 2017 volume 20 • issue 3

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4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: Who’s 20?

6 Editorial Viewpoint: The Floods vs. The City Of Windsor In launching a risky lawsuit, which ended in a mediation settlement worth $151,000 from the City of Windsor, student housing developers Kevin Flood and his wife Anne-Marie Laniak showed fortitude and savvy seldom seen from citizens up against the City Hall monolith, believes columnist Alan Halberstadt. Flood is pictured (top photo

by Halberstadt) with legal binders containing mountains of emails from City Hall staff.

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8 Front Lines 13 Heard On The Street 14 Newsflash 16 Dates To Remember 24 Event Profile: “Economic Development Week In Windsor-Essex,” March 27 - 31, 2017 27 Corporate Spotlight: Accelerator Embraces Immigrants 28 On The Fundraising Scene: The“Coffee Break” Campaign Every year, The Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County presents its “Coffee Break” campaign, which includes any social activity where hosts (businesses, organizations and individuals) collect donations in exchange for a cup coffee. (middle photo shows coffee cup cut-outs which supporters write their name on in recognition for their donation). So who were the top fundraisers for the local Alzheimer Society and how did they “perk” up their contributions this year?

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30 Milestones: Michael Anthony Hair & Tanning Salon Celebrates 20 Years 31 XX Files: Nicole Blais, Fusion Massage Studio 32 Portfolio Corner 33 Guest Column: The Tools For Relationship Success 34 Biz Bits: Tips to Stay Safe On Social Media 35 Event Profile: Dress Your Dog To The Nines For The First “Woofa~Roo Shaggy Chic Social” 36 Hot Shots: Transition To Betterness (T2B) “Gala XX”

Over 1,200 guests celebrated T2B’s 20th anniversary on January 28, 2017 at Caesars Windsor. Fifty sponsors supported the event hosted by media celebs Dave Hunter (left in photo below by Rod Denis) and Adam Wylde.

Hunter is Co-host of the “Dave & Chuck The Freak” radio show on 101 WRIF and Wylde is an on-air personality with Toronto’s Breakfast Television and Host of the “Adam Wylde” Show on 92.5 KiSS FM Toronto. What was the final tally of the night? Flip to our picture pages to find out!

38 Food For Thought: Lakeside Bakery, Leamington 39 Ask The Experts: Breathe Easy With Aerus Of Windsor 40 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: Hair Force One, A Tribute To Eighties’ Hair Bands 41 From The Bookshelf 42 Hot Shots: “The 19th In Honour Of The Ones We Love Annual Gala Dinner” 45 The Way It Was: Adopt A Vet 46 Biz Of The Month: Great Lakes Chiropractic, Lakeshore MedArts Centre

ON THE COVER — Millennials On A Mission! —18

Millennials across Windsor Essex are becoming more and more interested in planning their own financial future by opening businesses instead of relying upon others for their employment. Let’s meet the millennials profiled in our cover story now. From left: Jordan Lupas and Marius Petean, Brewin’ Bros. Beverage Company; Mesia Walker and Nena Buduhan, Moksha Yoga Windsor; Ali El-Gamrini, Pushers Collective; Yvonne Pilon, WEtech Alliance; David Burman, Mister Maid and Bianca Rivera, Rivera Building Maintenance. Missing: Santiago Rivera and Eric Kukucka, The Denture Center.

COVER PHOTO CREDITS: Location: The Art Gallery of Windsor, 401 Riverside Drive West (AGW.ca). Taken in the south wing of the gallery, the Art Gallery of Windsor complements the attitude of these hard working millennials since it creates experiences for people where artistic expression is discovered, encouraged, enjoyed and valued in an international border community. Photographer: Rod Denis.

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from the publisher

The Search Is On For 20 Year Businesses!

By Deborah Jones This issue we feature a cover story on Windsor Essex millennials starting out their careers. Me, well, I am from Generation X. My family business, although celebrating 20 years of publishing in 2017, is still relatively young and adapting to new technologies constantly. I am very proud of all the magazine has accomplished to date and all that is to come in the future.

Lately, when I am attending events and during email messages, many ask how we are going to commemorate our anniversary.

To start, we are in very good company with other 20 year old local businesses like The Bloomin’ Gardener in Oldcastle (Mike and Kelly Colasanti); Michael Anthony Hair and Tanning Salon (Michael Anthony Maio); and Generator Design (Alan Crouse and Jose Guzman). And because our mission is to promote the businesses of Windsor and Essex County, it is fitting that others share in helping us mark our milestone and theirs too.

Throughout the issues we will be publishing this year, we will profile other companies who also celebrate 20 years in business. So, if you know of a company that we should include, please fill out an online form at: BizXmagazine.com and let me know!

In closing, since we receive so many well wishes from our supporters when possible I will share some of the letters that come to my mailbox. Last issue was one from Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and now, Brian Masse, Member of Parliament Windsor West extends his congratulations to my entire team.

Thank you to all our supporters!

Congratulations to Biz X Magazine on 20 years of supporting the local small-business community.

Design services for small businesses with big ideas.

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editorial viewpoint

Floods Swim Upstream To Snare $151,000 Prize

By Alan Halberstadt If you would like to comment on my article, please post it under my column in the CITY section of BizXmagazine.com

W

hen I learned the details of the epic battle Kevin Flood and his wife Anne-Marie Laniak recently waged against the City of Windsor hegemony, the classic 1966 rock song “I Fought The Law,” invaded my mind.

I prefer a delicious twist to the couplet, and it goes like this: “I Fought The Law, And The Law Lost.”

If you have the fortitude, resources and knowhow of the Floods, you CAN fight City Hall.

Unfortunately, precious few citizens have those attributes.

On August 26, 2016, the City of Windsor agreed, in a mediation session, to pay $151,000 to the Floods, culminating five years of excruciating red tape and legal wrangling.

The Floods filed suit against the city on November 28, 2014, alleging that the actions and inactions of City Hall planning and building department officials, dating back to mid-2011, caused the loss of a lucrative 20-year Ontario Power Authority (OPA) solar microFit contract at 357 Indian Road.

The Floods, mavens of west-end student housing, acquired the derelict duplex under power of sale in 2009, with the intention to renovate the building and install money-making solar panels on the roof.

Thus began a tortuous odyssey to gain approval from layers of City Hall politicians, swivel servants, legal beagles and subcommittees imitating three-toed sloths.

Essentially, the Floods became caught in a fierce political crossfire between the city and the Ambassador Bridge, which had purchased dozens of houses on and around Indian Road with a mind to demolish them and build a truck plaza.

The city balked, passing an interim control bylaw in 2007 that was extended, and eventually led to the designation of Sandwich as a Heritage District. The designation finally occurred in 2009, placing stringent requirements on how vacant houses needed to be restored, rather than demolished. When the Bridge appealed the designation to the Supreme Court, implementation was delayed until the appeal was dropped in August of 2012.

The heritage designation on ramshackle Indian Road residences is a major stretch in the first place, but since City Council could vote to exempt certain projects, the Floods made a gallant application to extensively renovate a simple duplex, add solar panels, and ultimately wade through a regulatory minefield.

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357 Indian Road, still abandoned and derelict.

A building permit application to change the façade was denied by City Council on September 19, 2011 because the plaintiffs would not agree to the demands of senior planners.

Thom Hunt, Director of Planning, demanded imitation cedar shakes, which he suggested could be purchased cheaper in Detroit. From Senior Planner Kevin Alexander came a dictate to raise the porch wall on each side by approximately 2.5 bricks and require two fancy oak doors.

Not wanting to lose some $225,000 in OPA solar revenue, the Floods decided to re-apply and give the planners everything they desired.

Kevin Flood submitted drawings on June 11, 2012 to the building department after serving notice to city officials that the deadline to start operations on the winding-down OPA program was December 8th of that year.

“The application did not move forward,” Flood contended in his statement of claim, noting the drawings sat in the building department for two and a half months.

He says Chief Building Official Lee Ann Doyle was on record as saying the timeline to get applications to City Council was four to six weeks. But, Doyle then prematurely demanded interior design drawings, which were exempt under Green Energy bylaws and later Heritage District rules. That took a month.

An agonizing year passed before the Heritage Committee, the Planning Advisory Committee and ultimately Council, on June 13, 2013, all approved the exterior drawings. Former Councillor Percy Hatfield asked that night why it had taken a year to process the application and received no good answer.

By that time, the solar contract had long since been pulled and the Floods had no intention to move forward with the project. Flood had warned city officials long before that the project was not viable without the solar revenue.

It took another year and a half before the B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7

Floods filed the statement of claim. Toiling night and day, they did virtually all of the legal legwork themselves to make the ensuing law suit affordable.

They did all the pleadings to receive binders of emails, many of them internal exchanges between city officials. Lawyer Ray Colautti conducted the examinations for discovery and the case finally went to mediation before Superior Court Justice Richard Gates on August 26, 2016.

The closed door mediation ended with the city’s London lawyer and a City Hall risk management official agreeing to settle the case for $151,000 with the city paying all mediation costs.

Flood says in excess of $100,000 was compensation for losing the projected solar revenue. The rest was used to pay Colautti and ancillary costs.

The action was discontinued, on consent, against defendants Doyle, Hunt, Alexander, Manager of Urban Design Neil Robertson, Senior Heritage Planner John Calhoun and Senior Building Inspector Roberto Vani.

“It is difficult to prove bad faith in a civil suit,” says Colautti. “The standard of proof is very high in Section 427 of the Municipal Act.” Flood says he sued the individuals, in addition to the city, because he wanted their testimony in Colautti’s examination for discovery.

The city’s statement of defence blamed the Floods for all the delays and obstructions, and failure to submit completed applications in a timely manner.

The Floods contended that the Green Energy Act, 2009, had minimized the City’s authority to regulate projects, particularly in the Interim Control By-Law area of Sandwich, yet “city planners devised improper, time consuming demands.”

They stalled bringing forward approvals for months, until the heritage designation kicked in.

That gave the city the power to review renewable energy projects. It seems Alexander wanted 48 panels on the roof, rather than 53.

Of the delays, Flood says: “These are not the Keystone Cops. This was planned brilliantly by them.”

Today, 357 Indian Road sits abandoned, soon to be repossessed for back taxes unless the city grants a demolition permit. The Floods, who pay roughly $115,000 a year to the city on more than 30 properties, have on principle not paid taxes on 357 Indian Road for three and a half years.

Says Flood: “Hunt is refusing to accept a demolition application unless we are willing to bring forward at our cost a report from a heritage planner and a landscape architect. Don’t hold your breath.”

If the city takes his property, and determines the only way to dispose of it is by demolishing the home first, the city can expect more legal action, promises Flood.

“All of this over five lousy panels,” he cringes.

City of Windsor Chief Administrative Officer Onorio Colucci declined comment on the Flood settlement.

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Jean Laforge

Executive Director of Mental Health Connections since its inception in 2004

At Mental Health Connections, individuals can strive to maximize their potential by accessing psychosocial rehabilitation strategies for recovery: Healthy Mind Classes: Personal Growth, Self-esteem, Coping Skills, Anger Management, Assertiveness Training, Boundaries, Communication, Self-awareness and other personal growth classes to enhance the quality of their life.

Healthy Body Classes: Equipment Workout and Aqua Fitness at the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre, Circuit Training, Heart Walks, Aikido Classes, Yoga/Meditation Classes, Zumba, Nutrition and Cooking Classes for those who would like to learn ‘Healthy Eating on a Budget’.

Life Skills Classes: Budgeting, Basic Life Skills, Social Skills, Coping Skills, Stress Management, Home Repair and other classes to help them develop coping skills.

Creativity Classes: Music Lessons – learn to play the piano, guitar or how to sing; Art Lessons – basic sketching, watercolours, pastels and pencils; Writing Classes – poetry, journaling and creative writing; Ceramics – greenware cleaning, painting and glazing; Knitting and Crocheting Classes – beginning and advanced; Crafts – various crafts, sewing and pottery.

Computer Classes: Basic Computer Skills, Internet, Email and Advanced Classes.

Leisure Classes: Karaoke, Bowling, Pool, Ping Pong, Darts, Bubble Hockey, Board Games, Wii Games, Trivia and numerous others classes; Out of Town Trips in the warmer weather.

Peer Led Groups: Men’s and Women’s Groups, Peer Discussion, Personal Growth, Independent Ceramics/Art, 8-week Wellness Recovery Group and other programs.

Family Support and Education Groups: 12-week Family Education Program, Monthly Support Meetings and Individual Support by appointment.

Vocational Program: Customer Service and Kitchen-related Duties, i.e. Food Storage and Preparation, Cooking for Luncheons and Events; Janitorial Services; Paid Employment.

Certified Instructors: Personal Trainers, Yoga and Zumba Teachers, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioners, Social Workers and other professional staff.

Family Services Windsor offers on-site counselling to MHC clients at 370 Erie Street East.

Additional programs are also provided at the Community Health Centre at 33 Princess Street in Leamington on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

As a charitable organization (855131603RR0001), Mental Health Connections also accepts much appreciated donations that help us offer many of the programs noted above and for which we are able to provide a tax receipt.

Special thanks to everyone in Windsor-Essex who has contributed in a small or large way over the years.

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FRONTLINES

Town Of Tecumseh The New Home For CX North America I n mid-February 2017, Gary McNamara, Mayor of the Town of Tecumseh, along with other VIPS in attendance, announced the attraction of the new company, CX North America Information Services Inc. and the opening of its headquarters at 1608 Sylvestre Drive, Unit #2 in Tecumseh, Ontario.

“This is fantastic news for Tecumseh,” states McNamara. “We are pleased to welcome CX North America and look forward to their future growth and prosperity here. They say this is just the beginning and expect to increase their workforce. We will do everything we can to help them succeed in our Town and the Essex region. Tecumseh has a lot to offer and we encourage more businesses to consider our Town and the benefits it provides.”

CX North America is a leader in freight collaboration solutions for the transportation industry and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Transport Exchange Group, a major solutions provider to the road transport industry in the United Kingdom and operator of two of its largest freight exchanges. More than 4,500 companies currently rely on collaboration services from Transport Exchange Group.

Lyall Cresswell, President and CEO of CX North America, CX Euro and Transport Exchange Group explains, “Location is the heart of everything we do, whether it is helping out customers to keep track of their freight in real time or helping them easily work with the right vehicles, in the right place at the right time. Choosing exactly the right location for our new headquarters

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At the February media conference from left: Stephen MacKenzie, CEO WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation; Tom Bain, Essex County Warden; Lyall Cresswell, President and CEO of CX North America; Sharon Coburn, CX North America Vice President of Business Development; and Gary McNamara, Mayor of the Town of Tecumseh. Photo by Joe McParland.

is part of that and so we are delighted to be establishing ourselves here in Tecumseh.”

Sharon Coburn, CX North America’s Vice President of Business Development for North America adds, “I’m looking forward to heading up our North American market expansion and delighted that we have selected Tecumseh, Ontario as our headquarters. This location is a perfect fit to offer CX North America products and services because it’s known as the epicentre of international logistics at one of the busiest commercial border crossings on the continent. We look forward to bringing our proven technology and services to the North American marketplace to help our customers collaborate more effectively and grow their businesses.”

Stephen MacKenzie, CEO, WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation remarks, “This announcement certainly enhances our collective efforts in diversifying our economy. It’s been

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7

our pleasure working with you on your expansion plans, as our goal is also to assist companies in their business growth and success. Please be assured that we will continue to support CX North America as they bring advanced freight solutions to the transportation industry.”

Cresswell stresses they are not a broker nor trucking company, but rather, a technology software company providing “a sophisticated technology platform to allow those businesses to work together in the efficient movement of goods.

Through our platform, businesses can work collaboratively and more efficiently and ‘up their game’. ” CX North America (CXNAmerica.com) is based in the United Kingdom and has recently expanded its operations into the Netherlands. The North American venture, led by Coburn in Tecumseh, begins with five to six core employees and will see an expansion of staff as it continues to grow.

FRONTLINES

WEtech Alliance Launches Social Innovation Toolkit Entrepreneurs and organizations now have access to the tools they need to drive social change and become more successful than ever!

WEtech Alliance has launched a first-ofits-kind toolkit, which provides information to non-profits and entrepreneurs looking to create innovative new products, services or approaches that address social challenges.

“We are very excited to provide these tools to entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations,” states Yvonne Pilon, President and CEO of WEtech Alliance. “These resources will help inform and ignite even more innovation across our region.”

The comprehensive toolkit includes . . .

Learn how to be a Social Entrepreneur — online and in-class courses, Do-it-Yourself (DIY) toolkits and free resources locally and beyond.

Social Enterprises — what they are, and how they operate.

Social Business Model Canvas — a tool

for creating a business model around a social enterprise.

Starting & Growing a Social Enterprise — for creating a new enterprise, or expanding an existing one, a directory of educational and informational resources including courses, events, mentorship and incubation spaces.

Grants & Financing — local, provincial and national grants, loans and equity investment options.

Social Enterprises have been recognized as an important social innovation tool by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Growth, which launched a social enterprise strategy to accelerate their growth.

The more than 10,000 social enterprises already in Ontario are helping reduce poverty, protect the environment, build stronger communities and create jobs.

The Social Innovation Toolkit is one of several programs of the Windsor-Essex Social Innovation Project, funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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If you are interested in learning more about social innovation refer to the website page: WEtech-Alliance.com/socinn.

As another way to foster social innovation across Windsor-Essex on Wednesday March 29, 2017, WEtech Alliance hosts an educational “Do Good, Make Money” event at the Fogolar Furlan Club.

This free event is open to entrepreneurs, non-profits, investors, businesses, academics, government, and the general public, and includes a trade show exhibition where guests have the opportunity to discover local social enterprises and entrepreneurs.

The event also features Keynote Speaker Luke Anderson, founder of the StopGap Foundation, which builds custom ramps and raises awareness about accessibility and inclusivity.

For event registration and exhibitor info, visit: Eventbrite.ca and search under “Do Good, Make Money.”

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FRONTLINES

“Mmm....Beer!” Now At Wolfhead Distillery!

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raft breweries are among the fastestgrowing hospitality sectors in Canada and another one came on line in Amherstburg, in the middle of February.

Lonsbery Farms Brewing Co., in a partnership with Wolfhead Distillery, started selling its small batch craft beer in Wolfhead’s on-site restaurant, 7781 Howard Avenue in Amherstburg, on February 17.

Tom Manherz, left, Owner of Wolfhead Distillery, and Karl Lonsbery, Owner of Lonsbery Farms Brewing Co., display examples of Lonsbery’s small-batch craft beer, which went on sale February 17 at Wolfhead’s on-site restaurant.

“Coming on board with Wolfhead Distillery a year ago created an opportunity to get the brewery started and showcase both products and what we could accomplish together,” says Karl Lonsbery, Owner of Lonsbery Farms Brewing Co. “Seeing the success that Wolfhead has had over the past nine months and the positive feedback from our customers on the brewery concept, solidifies our vision from when we initially joined forces.”

For now, the beers will be available exclusively at Wolfhead’s restaurant, but Lonsbery plans to increase production as sales warrant it.

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Lonsbery has been working on a brewery concept for more than five years and when he joined Wolfhead’s Distillery team, it made sense to incorporate his brewery into the distillery’s future.

“With Karl being part of our distilling team, it made sense to join forces to give existing and future customers what they want — an optimal experience,” states Tom Manherz, Owner of Wolfhead.

At the moment, Lonsbery is using a small batch pilot system with production limited to three-quarter barrels, but there is ample room for expansion, either at Wolfhead or at Lonsbery’s seventh-generation farm property in Harrow.

Lonsbery says his initial plans are to produce four or five different types of beer from light ambers to dark stout-style brews. Ultimately, he would like to expand his variety of beers, but doesn’t want to get ahead of the market.

“I think there are enough restaurants and bars in the region so that taps and shelf space might not be a problem down the road,” Lonsbery notes. “Of course, getting into the LCBO or The Beer Store is a different story, so we’ll take small steps at first and see where it leads us.”

The brewery is also the latest addition to “Barrels Bottles & Brews,” an initiative of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, which encourages visitors to enjoy flights of craft beer or small-batch premium spirits, across Essex County.

There are nine current locations signed up with two more expected by summer.

Participants include Canadian Club, Walkerville Brewery, Frank Brewing Company, Motor Craft Ales, Craftheads, Wolfhead, Lonsbery, Banded Goose

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7

Karl Lonsbery pulls a pint behind the bar at Wolfhead Distillery in the restaurant. Photos by Dave Hall.

Brewing Company and Brew Windsor.

Expected to join by summer are Sandwich Brewing Company and J.P. Wiser’s.

“It’s a great opportunity to not only taste what is produced locally, but to see firsthand how all these businesses work to help and support each other,” addss Lynette Bain, Vice-President of the area’s tourism bureau.

“Consumers are more and more interested in eating and drinking local foods and drinks made from local produce.”

Bain continues, “We’re seeing much more collaboration, not only between brewers and distillers such as Lonsbery and Wolfhead, but also between restaurants and farmers.

There used to be a great divide between the two, but that is narrowing as more farmers are getting to know restaurant owners personally and vice versa.”

For further details log onto these websites: LonsberyFarms.beer; DrinkWolfhead.com or BarrelsBottlesBrews.ca.

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11

PRESENTS

REGISTER TO RUN • WALK

Y

PRIZES FOR TOP HIGH SCHOOL, TEAM, INDIVIDUAL & STUDENT FUNDRAISERS!

PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE

PROGRAMS IN THE WINDSOR-ESSEX HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM, EDUCATING AND SUPPORTING YOUTH AND EDUCATORS IN OUR COMMUNITY PRE-EVENT REGISTRATION & POST-RUN PASTA DINNER SPONSOR:

LEGACY SPONSOR: KIND SPONSORS:

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part of the development built across the top of the Windsor-Detroit rail tunnel on Wyandotte Street West. Lui, who is now semi-retired, had even put down a deposit to buy a portion of that land, but when CN Rail pulled out of the deal in November 1999, the dream died. CN eventually turned the rail tunnel over to CP Rail which, in partnership with Borealis Infrastructure, planned to build a $350-$400 million double-stack rail tunnel. Lui resurrected his Chinatown plan in 2008, but again it came to nothing. In 2015, the rail tunnel proposal was shelved indefinitely by CP and Borealis.

BRINGING YOU UP TO SPEED ON THE LATEST BUZZ AROUND TOWN! Almost 20 years after it was first proposed by businessman Peter Lui and supported by local realtor Al Teshuba, a Chinatown district along Wyandotte Street West or University Avenue West may come to fruition. It’s now among many suggestions in a City of Windsor strategic plan to create districts within the city to help build distinct identities across all the business improvement areas. But, almost two decades ago and then again more recently, all the idea needed was an agency to take the lead and about $150,000 in seed money to get it started, says Teshuba. It needed promoting, it needed flags and banners and after one year, the merchants and business owners would get a chance to continue it beyond a year by chipping in about two percent of their property taxes to keep it going, Teshuba indicates. But, Teshuba remarks, overtaxed merchants had little appetite for paying out any more money and the idea faded away. In 1999, Lui’s dream included a hotel, commercial and retail developments, restaurants and Asian Gateway arches with

There’s no word yet (at the time of writing) from Devonshire Mall officials as to when its HMV store will close. The company went into receivership in late January, owing $56 million to suppliers and with no possibility of reversing a trend, which has seen former customers favour streaming, downloading and online shopping. A store employee, who declined to be named, said no closing date has been announced to staff. The store will not be adding any new merchandise and a sale offering up to 30 percent off continues until closing. The company, which was established in 1986, operates 102 stores across Canada.

A new family-fun centre at a transformed Amherstburg Verdi Club is expected to be fully open by June. A partnership between Terry Jones of The Jones Group and Brad Hearn of Hearn and Sons Construction will see the centre renovated to include six bowling lanes, six outdoor volleyball courts, a restaurant, party rooms, a large space for laser tag and a games arcade.

General Manager Doug Clarke anticipates everything to be completed by early summer. It’s expected that when fully operational the centre will create about 70 full and part-time jobs. The sports-bar themed restaurant is already open. Closure

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of the long-time Verdi Club continues a trend, which has seen Royal Canadian Legion branches, Knights of Columbus (K of C) halls and private clubs, such as the Teutonia Club, close their doors because of dwindling memberships.

After more than 60 years, the Knights of Columbus Centre at 2401 Columbus Drive in South Windsor, has closed its doors. The final events were held in mid-February.

It’s the second K of C hall in Windsor to close in recent years. Average Joe’s Sports Bar now occupies the building which formerly housed a K of C hall on Lauzon Road on the city’s east side. More than a year ago, a K of C hall at 1303 County Rd. 22 closed and has since been transformed into the Lakeshore MedArts Centre.

The K of C hall on Lesperance Road in Tecumseh also closed a few years ago. But, there are still a number of active K of C councils in Windsor, as well as across the county, including those in McGregor, River Canard, Kingsville, Harrow, Amherstburg, Comber, Belle River, Woodslee, LaSalle, Essex and McGregor, according to the K of C’s website.

Eight months after opening its doors, products from Amherstburg’s Wolfhead Distillery are now available in select LCBO stores between here and Toronto. Tom Manherz, Wolfhead’s Owner, informs us that vodka and grapefruit vodka are available in 26 stores, including many locally. Manherz says that even before LCBO stores began stocking his product, he had to pay $16 to the LCBO for every bottle sold from his own distillery on Howard Avenue in Amherstburg. “On a $34.95 sale, we make $9.17,” says Manherz. “The rest goes to an LCBO fee and taxes.” Manherz is also close to reaching an agreement with liquor control systems in New Brunswick and Manitoba to sell Wolfhead’s apple caramel whisky.

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NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN MARDA Management Inc. is pleased to announce that it is now Windsor’s largest privately owned property management company. Based in Windsor, they also serve, Leamington, Kingsville and Chatham-Kent and manage 1,500 units throughout the region. MARDA Management will be moving to their new Canadian headquarters at 1000 University Avenue West in Windsor this spring. The new building hosts newly renovated office spaces with access to a boardroom and shared printing services. Spaces range from 600 square feet to 1,000 square feet. Their team is also growing with the addition of Marketing Manager, Chantelle Meadows; Property Manager Kristine Nduna; and Maintenance Manager, Ron Caughlin.

View more details about this company by visiting their website: MardaManagement.com.

A team of executives with expertise in corporate strategy, industrial and institutional leadership, entrepreneurial and technology support, and banking and innovation investment, was recently appointed to UWindsor’s first EPIC Board of Advisors (University of Windsor, 2455 Wyandotte Street West, 2nd Floor; EPICentreUWindsor.ca).

The board, selected by UWindsor President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Wildeman, will give guidance to Entrepreneurship Practice & Innovation Centre’s (EPICentre) students, faculty, alumni, and community stakeholders in the areas of innovation and commercialization, as well as access to business contacts throughout North America. The board consists of:

Mark Dietrich, President and CEO of Compute Canada; Debbie Landers, Vice-President, Cognitive Solutions & IS/BD, IBM Canada; Stephen M. Lanier, Vice-President, Research, Wayne State University; Roy Verstraete, former CEO, Anchor Danly; and Mary Ann Wenzler, Vice-President, Financing and Consulting, for the Southwestern Ontario area of the Business Development Bank of Canada.

Full biographies of the board are available at: EpicentreUWindsor.ca/epic-board-ofadvisors.

ON THE MOVE WEtech Alliance (Wetech-Alliance.com) has graduated out of the Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator and begun a new EPIC journey as of late February 2017. The Regional Innovation Centre for Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent has spent five years at the Accelerator supporting the growth of tech companies, as well as cultivating a community of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.“Like many start-ups, WEtech Alliance found its strength and built its network of partnerships at the Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator,” says Yvonne Pilon, President and CEO of WEtech Alliance.

“It is time to yield that space to other startups that can benefit from such support.”

Arthur Barbut, Managing Director at the Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator, notes there are companies lining up to enter the Accelerator, which is a sign the local economy is gaining strength and that the Accelerator’s services are in demand.

“At its heart, the mission of the Accelerator is to incubate businesses, so in a way we

are returning to our core mandate,” says Barbut. “But, the partnership with WEtech will remain strong, and we remain proud of our role incubating a key business support organization for our region.” WEtech Alliance has moved their office to the Entrepreneurship Practice and Innovation Centre — EPICentre — at the University of Windsor, 2455 Wyandotte Street West, 2nd floor (EPICentreUWindsor.ca), which is an on-campus entrepreneurship centre and business incubator for student startups. WEtech will continue to work with tech and innovation businesses of all ages, all sectors and stages across our entire region, says Pilon, who looks forward to new possibilities. “We are excited about the opportunity to strengthen WEtech’s partnership with the EPICentre, the University of Windsor and the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation just next door,” she states.

The EPICentre — home to nine incubator members and 17 discovery members — has engaged with more than 1,100 students in the past six months. EPICentre’s mission is more about engaging faculty and students and developing entrepreneurial culture/ skillsets on campus. “We have collaborated with WEtech Alliance on a number of initiatives and events, and we often support the same start-ups along their journey to commercialization,” says Executive Director Dr. Francine Schlosser. “Our strengths and resources complement each other nicely and that benefits companies in our region.”

A new senior promotion was announced in late January 2017 for Jennifer Charron, the Director of Recruitment Services for Lucas Professional Search Group.

It’s our people that are the reason we succeed on a daily basis 4 The puzzle continues on page 30 WWW.CAVALIERTOOL.COM

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Charron was promoted to Director of Recruitment Services for the Lucas Group of Companies and expands her role by taking on the leadership responsibilities for the temporary staffing division of LucasWorks. In addition to maintaining the success of the LucasWorks brand in Southwestern Ontario, in her new role, she will expand the Lucas Professional Search Group presence on a national scale. “This newly created position adds even more value to the two sides of our business,” explains Founder and President, Maureen Lucas. “Jennifer’s leadership, high standards of excellence and dedication to the needs of our clients, exemplifies the vision for the Lucas companies.” Taking on the added responsibility is a challenge that Charron looks forward to. “We have an amazing team who bring their best to their work every day,” she says. “It’s my privilege to help advance all our efforts, and to set the company up for continued success and even more growth.” With locations in Windsor, London, Kitchener and Mississauga, LucasWorks and Lucas Professional Search Group are positioned to successfully service customers at a national level. To find out further details on the two companies, check out the following websites: LucasWorks.ca and LucasPSG.ca.

Bill Bevan has announced he will retire April 6, 2017 from his role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society (WECAS.on.ca) after almost 19 years at the helm. Bevan’s career has spanned 40 years in child welfare serving in various roles at both original Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Societies, and in the CAS’ of St. Thomas, London, Grand Prairie (AB), Newmarket, Owen Sound and Thunder Bay. He was appointed Executive Director of the Children’s Aid Society to lead the amalgamation of the HaldimandNorfolk agencies. Bevan returned to his home town of Windsor in 1998, having accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer of the local Children’s Aid Society.

Bevan facilitated the growth of the agency from 120 staff to a current complement of 400, and saw the growth of a $13.5 million budget to approximately $60 million today.

There are also over 200 foster parents and 250 volunteers that support the operations.

Terry Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of the Society, assumes the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer while the Board of Directors conduct a search for a permanent CEO. Billie’s Place ran under the solo supervision of Billie Jo Zacher for over 13 years and unfortunately closed recently due to poor building conditions, on very

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short notice. Zacher previously worked at The Dominion House Tavern (DH), 3140 Sandwich Street in Windsor for 12 years, prior to opening Billie’s Place. Fast forward to 2017 and DH current Owners Chris Mickle and Cory Clarkson have not only invited Billie’s Place customers to their tavern, but they also have welcomed Zacher to join them as an owner of the Dominion House Tavern.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO . . .

Happy second birthday Cowell Auto Repair and to Dave Crundwell who took over the shop officially on February 2, 2015.

This full service garage has a quick lube oil and filter pit, offers emissions test and repair, brakes, exhaust, tune up and suspension work. Cowell Auto Repair also sells and services tires, performs safety inspections, annuals, alignments, A/C & heating and electrical repairs.

Recreational Vehicles are welcome to come for inspections or repairs also. Cowell Auto is now a certified NAPA AutoCare Centre too! For all your car or RV needs, drive on over to 2918 Walker Road, Windsor where they will “treat your vehicle like it’s their own.” Log onto their website: WindsorONAutoRepairShop.ca to learn more!

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

MARCHtoAPRIL2017 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.

VISIT BIZXMAGAZINE.COM UNDER “CALENDAR” AND INPLAYMAGAZINE.COM VIEW THE “SPORTS CALENDAR” TO SEE EVEN MORE EVENTS IN THE BORDER CITIES!

WINDSOR ESSEX

Having an event? Fill out our online form at Bizxmagazine.com and InPlaymagazine.com

*unless noted the area code to dial is 519 March 12: The Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) Windsor-Essex County “Adoption Event” takes place at Pet Smart, 4001 Legacy Park Drive in Windsor from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. If you’re looking to add an adorable fur baby to your family, SCAR’s available cats and dogs would love to meet you! Visit: SCARescue.org TO get more information; call 990-1760 OR send email: scarescue.julie@outlook.com.

March 15: The Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre Team will be on hand at Lifetimes on Riverside (3387 Riverside Drive East, Windsor) for The Lung Association’s BreathWorks Support Group — a free and informal monthly meeting — to talk about the free counselling and dietetic services offered by their organization. Topics include (among others): stress and anxiety, depression, eating disorders, family and relationship conflict and more. To sign up or for more details, phone Julie, 256-3433.

March 17: IRIS House “St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser” begins at 6 p.m. at the Torino Banquet Hall, 12049 Tecumseh Road East, Tecumseh. Just $40 for an Irish feast created

by Chef Rob Kelly and entertainment

by Christopher Windsor of Mack Flash Entertainment. More details at: IrisInns.ca OR call 252-1819.

March 25: The “Presley and Cash Highway Road Show” at The Olde Walkerville Theatre, 1564 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor from 7 to 10 p.m. General admission is $20 in advance ($25 at the door) with a portion of the proceeds going to The Miracle League from Amherstburg.

This show features two local Windsor bands — Paying Cash: The Johnny Cash Show and James Gibb backed by The Silverstones, a tribute to Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

For more info refer to: PayingCash.ca; send an email to: theturcotte5@hotmail.com OR call 980-8337.

March 27 to March 31: “Economic Development Week In Windsor-Essex,” see page 24 for full details.

March 29: WEtech Alliance hosts an educational event: “Do Good, Make Money,” see page 9.

March 30: “The Great Soup Kitchen”

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for the Heart and Stroke from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts. Only $10 a ticket for a chance to enjoy 40 delicious soups and entertainment. Call 254-4345 for more information.

March 30: Mesh wreaths are all the craze right now and you can learn how to make your own! Join Second Chance Animal Rescue at Cramdon’s, 2950 Dougall Avenue, Windsor where you will create your own gorgeous spring or Easter-themed wreath to take home. The event is held from 7 to 10 p.m. and the cost of $45 includes all of your materials. Space is limited so please contact Julie, 990-1760 to sign up now.

March 31: “Rock Your Socks: Western Style” with Andrew Banar takes place at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, 1550 Road 3 East in Kingsville from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Advance tickets: $20 adults and $12 for children 12 and under or at the door: $25/$15 respectively. Banar is an outstanding, hard working, young man with Down Syndrome who holds fundraisers to benefit his “Helping Sick Children One Shirt At A Time” campaign. Over $65,000 has been raised to date! “Rock Your Socks: Western Style” will be fun for the whole family with a photo booth, goofy golf, bake sale, awesome raffle prizes and children’s area. If you can’t make it, pay it forward by purchasing tickets to be given to a member of the Up About Down Association. To help out in any way or to learn more, check out: GroupHugApparel.com; call 819-5250 OR email: grouphugapparel@gmail.com.

April 1: It’s time again for the “Bridal Ball” at the Ambassador Golf Course (1025 Sprucewood Avenue, Windsor) beginning at 6 p.m. with the 2017 theme, B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7

“A Night in Paris.” Any gown, dress or suit, including wedding gown can be worn.

“Bridal Ball” is a social night of silent/ live auction, dinner and dancing with all proceeds being donated to a local charity with this year being the Windsor-Essex County ALS Society. Tickets are $100 and available online at: Eventbrite.ca/e/2017-bridalball-tickets-24490888908. For further details call 999-1411; send an email to: dfarquhar@cocogroup.com; OR visit the website: BridalBallWindsor.com April 1: The Southwestern Ontario Gleaners present their “Spring Fundraiser” at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, 1550 Road 3 East in Kingsville featuring entertainment

by Bob Gabriele and Dan Woods. Doors open 6 p.m. dinner 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost to attend: Adults $35; ages 4 to 12 pay $15 and those 3 and under are free to attend. Tickets available at SWO Gleaners, 40 Industrial Road, Leamington. 326-7687 April 1: The first “Woofa~Roo Shaggy Chic Social,” see page 35 to learn more.

April 7: The “27th Annual Gourmet Wine & Food Gala” at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, 201 Riverside Drive West, Windsor. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Canadian Cuisine From Coast to Coast” honours Canada’s 150th birthday. You will be taken on a journey of succulent menu items from across our country and enjoy four gourmet food courses, Ontario wine tastings and an extravagant dessert buffet, all prepared and served by culinary, hospitality and tourism students. Doors open 6 p.m. for wine tasting and dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets $100. All proceeds benefit the tourism & travel, hospitality – hotel & restaurant and culinary programs at the college. For tickets, log onto: ChryslerTheatre.com OR call 252-6579.

April 7, 8, 9: 20/20 Show Productions Inc. presents The “35th Annual Windsor Home & Garden Show” and the “Windsor Boat, RV and Recreation Show.” Details and admission coupons online at: OntarioTradeShows.com OR call 226-363-0550.

April 9: The Finale “Run for Rocky” at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, 201 Riverside Drive West, Windsor and Dieppe Gardens (across the street). Early checkin: April 8 (day before event) from noon until 4 p.m. in the lower level lobby at the college. Last minute check-in on event day:

METRO DETROIT & REGION March 24: Sterling Heights Regional Chamber’s “Sales & Marketing Conference” held at Andiamo, 7096 East 14 Mile Road, Warren. This event is designed to help small and medium-sized business owners, operators and managers take their business to the next level. Log onto: SHRCCI.com for more information. To register send an email to: events@shrcci.com or call 586-731-5400 ext. 10 or 11.

© istockphoto.com/scanrail

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pre-gathering begins at 11 a.m. Run/walk starts at 1 p.m. Admission is $30 in donations or $30 entry fee. This event is a charity run/walk inspired by Rocky Campana who passed away in 2012 after attempting to take his own life. The Campana Family, along with the Windsor Pride Community, Education and Resource Centre, wanted to share Rocky’s story. Through their collaboration, they’ve been able to fund GSAs in the local high school and post-secondary school systems, ensuring that parents, educators and youth have the knowledge and funding needed to help create safe schools, and creating a support system for youth in times of crisis.

For info email: nancyc@nouveauevent.com; visit: RunForRocky.com OR call 978-0676.

Cash Prizes For Kids & Youth Entering Film Competition During “National Youth Arts Week” Film Camp for Kids & Youth invites students ages 11 to 25 years, who reside in the tri-county region (Essex, Lambton, Kent Counties), to participate in “Celebrating Canada & Ontario — A Short Film Competition for Youth” taking place during “National Youth Arts Week,” May 1 to 7, 2017.

Thanks to a grant from the Ontario150 Community Celebration Program, $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to aspiring filmmakers in the region.

The film competition requires participants to submit short films with themes of celebrating Canada’s and Ontario’s culture, history, environment, future, innovation, becoming a new home, sports, art, tourism, and more.

All pre-screened (for quality and content) short films will be viewed publicly during “National Youth Arts Week,”

judged in age groups based on a public vote, as well as professional adjudication.

Film Camp for Kids & Youth has offered year-round programming in all aspects of film making, serving Windsor-Essex since 2013.

The camp expanded in 2015 thanks to a grant from Libro Credit Union and now offers day and overnight camps to over 200 participants ages eight to 18 years.

Classes in writing, photography, acting, special effects, lighting, and more are included in programming offers.

The camp also employs university and college film students to give them work experience in their field.

Email: info@filmcampforkids.com to receive a Film Contest registration form.

The short films submitted should range from one to five minutes and be individual or group projects.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR ALL 2017 CAMPS DAY AND OVERNIGHT SUMMER CAMPS English and French camps in filmmaking; English camps in creative writing and photography

MARCH BREAK CAMP Monday–Thursday, March 13–16 Visit our website for details: FilmCampForKids.com Questions? E-mail us at: info@filmcampforkids.com

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COVER STORY By Dave Hall

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

Is Alive & Well In Local Millennials

“We’ve got spirit, yes we do!

We’ve got spirit, how ‘bout you?”

Not only do Windsor Essex millennials have plenty of entrepreneurial spirit, but they also are big cheerleaders for the region they call home. Our profiled group of young business executives show off their civic pride by wearing Your Quick Getaway (YQG) brand clothing from Pushers Collective. Top row from left: Yvonne Pilon, David Burman, Mesia Walker, Ali El-Gamrini, Jordan Lupas and Bianca Rivera. In front: Marius Petean and Nena Buduhan. Missing: Eric Kukucka and Santiago Rivera. Photo location: The Art Gallery of Windsor, 401 Riverside Drive West (AGW.ca). Photo by Rod Denis.

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YQG It’s not unusual for new generations to be criticized for being spendthrifts, feeling entitled, and only interested in what involves them in a direct way on a daily basis.

But, there are dozens, if not hundreds of millennials under the age of 40 in the Windsor Essex area, who are actively building a future for themselves and others by opening their own businesses.

Most operate small, nimble familystyle businesses capable of adjusting quickly to today’s ever-changing marketplace where personal service is once again being valued.

Others run larger businesses, which have shown remarkable growth since opening their doors.

But all are working hard to cast aside myths held by many.

For Yvonne Pilon, President and Chief Executive Officer of WEtech Alliance, those negative descriptions are outdated and unfair to the many young entrepreneurs in the local region who are not only creating jobs for themselves, but also employment for others.

“Millennials like the opportunity to make a difference and do their own thing,” says Pilon. “This is not their parents’ economy where people tended to stay in the same job and with the same company for most of their working lives.”

Pilon estimates that millennials might have 10 or 12 different jobs in a variety of sectors before they retire and most will be in small companies and not major corporations.

“Millennials embrace change rather than being nervous about it,” believes Pilon, 33, who is a millennial herself. “Not everyone is cut out to be a young entrepreneur, but millennials are fully capable of working hard and taking risks to get where they want to go in life.”

Pilon and her employer, WEtech Alliance (Wetech-Alliance.com) are also moving on up in the business world and recently re-located to the Entrepreneurship Practice and Innovation Centre — EPICentre — at the University of Windsor, 2455 Wyandotte Street West, 2nd Floor. EPICentre is an on-campus entrepreneurship centre and business incubator created to encourage entrepreneurship on campus, and to support students and graduates interested in launching their own businesses.

In many respects, young entrepreneurs have to be more focused than many of their predecessors because many are leaving university with a considerable

Yvonne Pilon: a millennial #GoalDigger passionate about entrepreneurship, tech, social media, and putting #YQG on the map! Connect with her as President, @WEtechAlliance; Instructor, @The_MediaPlex; Host, #TechInCity

amount of student debt and little or no work experience, according to Francine Schlosser, EPICentre Executive Director. (website: EPICentreUWindsor.ca) “Windsor doesn’t have a long history of Angel Network funding opportunities so many millennials have to deal with this investment burden on their own and that takes considerable self-confidence,” remarks Schlosser.

“It’s relatively easy to find $5,000 for a start-up,” states Schlosser. “It’s a little harder to find $30,000 and even if you do, you are often asked to match it. So what you often find is that millennials will launch multiple businesses in order to generate enough money to help keep them all afloat. It’s a challenge but many are meeting it.”

I want instant gratification, but I also want to work hard for it and earn it on my terms,” Burman stresses. “It’s not only about the money, it’s also about being part of a wider young business community, many of whom are working hard to improve society and help their employees earn a stable living.”

Burman pays his employees between $13 and $20 an hour depending upon experience and seniority. He started out with commercial clients exclusively, but now about 50 percent of his customers are residential accounts.

He notes that 10 of his employees have come to him from Community Living Windsor, which provides work situations across the region for people with developmental disabilities.

“It allows those employees to earn a decent wage and develop their skills for possible future employment,” states Burman.

“I believe there are many millennials who are thinking outside the box and providing a host of different ideas and opportunities that can only help society as a whole.”

Burman mentions he is always willing to sit down with older business owners because he wants to absorb their life lessons and business advice.

David Burman — Mister Maid

At 26, David Burman has found his niche as an entrepreneurial business owner.

After spending a few years working in the hospitality and big-box store industries, Burman decided in July 2012 that a major change was in order.

Now the Owner of Mister Maid, which he bought five years ago, Burman has 40 employees working directly for him and has never been more fulfilled.

“It was a tremendous leap of faith, which it is for any business owner, but it’s one that I do not regret for a minute,” says Burman.

“There’s always been entrepreneurship in my family going back as far as my great grandfather, so I guess it’s been in my blood for a long time.”

Burman acknowledges there are many people who believe millennials feel entitled and that they are, in some way, selfabsorbed and short on work ethic, but he also believes he’s just one of thousands of young entrepreneurs working hard to dispel those myths.

“Yes, I want to be successful, and yes B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7

David Burman, who bought Mister Maid five years ago, officially opened the doors to his new location at 4776 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor. The February 18th event featured live music and catering by Vito’s Pizzeria and Dee’s Daily Dish. Burman has 40 employees and his business has a equal mix of residential and commercial clients. Photo courtesy of John Liviero of Sooter’s.

“I’ve often heard that entrepreneurs either succeed alone or fail alone and I don’t want to work in a vacuum,” says Burman. “I want to succeed with the help of others and by helping others myself.”

For more information on Burman and his business check out: MisterMaid.ca or stop by his new location at 4776 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor.

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Ali El Gamrini — Pushers Collective

Ali El Gamrini opened Pushers Collective, a six-business complex in the heart of downtown Windsor, a little over two years ago after leaving a job in the city’s logistics industry.

“I just felt I was getting older and I was no longer interested in a regular job,” recalls Gamrini, now 33. “The world is full of people who wish they had tried something when the chance came along and I didn’t want to be one of them 20 years from now.”

Gamrini, a rapper with a growing fan base, started out writing and recording his own music, but soon branched out.

“There’s not a lot of money to be made locally in music so I decided to get into merchandising as well and we have just kept growing from there,” says Gamrini who has 12 employees.

Pushers sells high-end street wear including hoodies, jackets, joggers, zipper tees, sweatshirts, caps and athletic shoes.

And you have probably seen their items, which show respect to the City of Windsor with the YQG logo (see page 18).

“We design all our own merchandise in-house and we are getting busier all the time,” Gamrini reports.

The complex also houses a barber shop, photo studio, full-service print shop, recording studio and a dining/lounge area

Ali El-Gamrini pictured in his downtown Windsor business, Pushers Collective, which houses a clothing store, recording studio, print shop, barber shop, photo studio and lounge. His store sells upscale urban streetwear, which are all designed in-house.

Photo courtesy of James Johnson.

(Blanche) which fills up on weekends.

Gamrini believes one of the traits of the growing millennials’ business base is their desire to give back to the community and help other young individuals achieve their dreams.

“It’s not work if you enjoy it, but you have to find someone who can give you encouragement,” says Gamrini.

As a result, Gamrini hosts workshop and youth-oriented events at his business, including recording lessons, barber lessons and entrepreneurial workshops designed to help young people reach their potential.

Among the people who have helped out at these workshops are former Michigan State Spartans football player Arjen Colquhoun and celebrity barber Pacinos, who visited from his base in Lake Worth, Fla. “We also have a Wall of Fame with photos of celebrities wearing our gear, and when the kids see that they’re surprised those people have bought merchandise here in Windsor,” states Gamrini. “It’s all part of showing them they can achieve their dreams if they work hard.”

As well, another way Pushers helped support the local community happened when they gave away more than 100 gifts to children in Windsor over Christmas.

Pushers Collective is located at 487 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor and on the web:. PushersCollective.com.

Nena Buduhan and Mesia Walker — Moksha Yoga Windsor

Twin sisters Nena Buduhan and Mesia Walker operate one of Windsor’s few hot yoga studios and four years after opening their doors, the two young entrepreneurs have never been busier.

“It’s been awesome, amazing and fabulous,” expresses Nena, who followed her sister from Winnipeg in 2012. “There are certainly no regrets about becoming our own bosses and creating our own employment.”

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Nena Buduhan, left, and twin sister Mesia Walker perform a side plank, a yoga position designed to firm the body’s core and abdomen area, at Moksha Yoga Windsor. Photo courtesy of Noel Ymana. Individual shots by Rod Denis.

The sisters, now 37, were yoga teachers in Winnipeg before Mesia moved to Windsor in 2010 after her husband Kent landed a faculty position at the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor.

Nena was soon to follow when she and Mesia decided to open their own studio in 2012.

Business has gone so well that the sisters are planning to open a studio in Tecumseh later this year.

“We were the new kids on the block and we still are in some respects, which created some challenges,” says Nena. “We’re not from Windsor so we don’t have the deep networking contacts that many Windsorites have. We had to start from scratch, but the

business community has embraced us and so have our clients.”

Introducing hot yoga to Windsor clients has also presented some challenges, but “once people give it a try, they seem to love it because it’s so therapeutic physically, especially for people with joint pains and aches,” states Mesia.

With the aid of overhead infrared heat panels, the studio is kept at a steady temperature of between 39C and 41C. “It helps you limber up and get loose and while it has sometimes been a challenge to convince people to come in during Windsor’s hot summer months, we’re growing very quickly,” Nena informs us. “We have six employees and we are very happy with how our business has grown.”

Mesia adds, “We’re young, we’re energetic and we wanted to build our own future and not rely on someone else to provide it for us. There are many other young business owners like us in this city and we all want to dispel the myth that millennials are simply depending upon others.”

Moksha Yoga is located at 1214 Ottawa Street in Windsor. For more information, visit: MokshaYogaWindsor.com.

Marius Petean & Jordan Lupas — Brewin’ Bros. Beverage Company One of the latest additions to Windsor’s

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coffee shop scene, Brewin’ Bros. Beverage Company is located on a busy stretch of Walker Road surrounded by commercial and retail business, seemingly flush with people anxious for a good cup of coffee or tea. (Or even something over the top like a doughnut on top of an iced mocha with tons of whipped cream and chocolate topping!)

Marius Petean, Co-owner of the Brewin’ Bros.

Beverage Company, has a passion for java creation and loves being his own boss. Photo by Rod Denis.

“Windsor hasn’t been known for its coffee culture and I wanted to replicate what you see in European cities,” explains 27 year old Marius Petean, who opened the coffee shop two years ago with his wife Denisa. “After working in marketing for a big-box store for a few years, I decided to become my own boss.”

He continues, “I was way too busy at the start to even think about what challenges a new business could face. We were fortunate

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Jordan Lupas of the Brewin’ Bros.

Beverage Company, may have started his career at a very young age, but the business is definitely his cup of tea! Their teas are already sold in more than a dozen locations across Windsor. Photo by Rod Denis.

to be able to pay cash for virtually all of our supplies, so we’re not carrying a huge amount of debt.”

Marius says Denisa is fully supportive of the business venture, but with a small child at home and another on the way, she has stepped away temporarily from daily involvement in the café.

But, things keep brewing for this business, literally. In addition to serving specialty coffees, teas and sandwiches, a line of detox teas designed to purify and cleanse the body was launched.

In mid-2016 Jordan Lupas, 18, became a partner in the Brewin’ Bros. Beverage Company which produces and distributes the teas, all of which are produced and bottled in-house.

The teas are already sold in more than a

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dozen locations across Windsor with plans to continue expanding.

“I never thought I would end up here but I love it,” says Marius. “The idea that millennials expect everything to be handed to them is outdated. I know many people of my age and generation who are working hard to build their own businesses because they don’t want to be dependent on someone else for their future.”

The café is located at 3873 Walker Road in Windsor. Look for them on Facebook under “Brewin’ Bros Beverage CO.”

Eric Kukucka — The Denture Center

Less than seven years after graduating from George Brown College, Eric Kukucka has built a five-practice denturist business, The Denture Center, with offices in Windsor (750-2601 Lauzon Parkway), Leamington (156 Talbot Street West), Waterloo, Oakville, and Fergus.

“Our growth has been remarkable and it’s all down to hard work, a great staff, attention to quality and loyal clients,” states Kukucka, 28, a Denturist. “Not everyone wants to work hard today but if you want to be successful, that’s the key to everything.”

After graduating, Kukucka worked for Tom Bardgett before branching out on his own in September 2014 and buying a 600 sq. ft.

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clinic operated by James Bennett in South Windsor.

“Within that first year, our business grew by 600 percent and we moved to a 4,300 sq. ft property on Lauzon Parkway and grew from two employees to nine,” Kukucka recounts.

A year later, Kukucka bought Bennett’s Leamington practice and then within eight months, bought practices in Waterloo and Fergus as well as opening another in Oakville.

In addition to managing five practices and working long hours in his own Windsor office, Kukucka is a lecturer and consultant for Ivoclar Vivadent, a global leader in the manufacture of dental products including dentures, crowns, bridges and other acrylic dental products.

“I give lectures across Canada regarding their products,” says Kukucka. “I also consult with them regarding new products so that our practices are always a step ahead of others in the field.”

Kukucka suggests another pathway to success involves surrounding yourself with quality people and letting them do what they do best.

“We’ve built a good reputation so that the people who sell their practices to us know they are going to a good home,” Kukucka states.

psychological and it’s important for people to feel good about what we do.”

For more information visit their website: TheDentureCenter.ca.

Bianca and Santiago Rivera — Rivera Building Maintenance

Fortune certainly is smiling on Eric Kukucka, Owner of The Denture Center. Already a success story with his ownership of five locations, he has plans for expanding with a goal of 100 practices. Photo by Rod Denis.

“They have their reputation to protect after being in the business for 25 years or more and we strive to maintain that reputation while, at the same time, introducing new innovative processes into their practices.”

Facebook has become a large part of his marketing because “Baby boomers are becoming far more savvy day-in and day-out.

Facebook has become a large asset for social media advertising for our clientele.”

Kukucka said he has further plans for expansion with his goal being 100 practices.

“It sounds impossible but we are always looking for opportunities with the idea of creating jobs for people interested in our profession,” says Kukucka.

Kukucka also plans to establish a mobile division to make it easier for residents of nursing homes, retirement residences and assisted living facilities to access his services.

“It’s important for people to have quality teeth and for us, quality is not simply a choice, it’s a habit,” he stresses. “Denture wearing is

Bianca and Santiago Rivera started their business eight years ago while studying for a business degree at the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business.

“My husband’s family had been in the cleaning business since they moved to Canada from El Salvador,” says Bianca, 27. “When my husband moved here for school, from Hamilton, we decided to open a business so his parents could move here with us and work in the family business. We started with a few small clients and now we service large commercial and industrial clients as well as many others in the retail sector and fitness industry.”

Bianca Rivera of Rivera Building Maintenance, says small business owners have to wear many hats, including working with employees in the cleaning business, marketing, accounting and scheduling client visits. Photo courtesy of Adele Lane Photography (Erica Beckett).

Bianca explains they “take care of retail businesses on a daily basis all the way up to 200,000 sq. ft. factories. We also work with builders and contractors cleaning up after construction and renovation projects so the new tenant or owner has a clean space to move into.”

Working out of an office inside the

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Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator, 720 Ouellette Avenue, the services provided include: daily cleaning programs, window cleaning, carpet care and hard-floor care to maintain a healthy, vibrant, productive work space for clients and their employees.

Bianca believes that by virtue of being a family business, they are able to respond to client needs and requests in a timely manner.

“Sometimes, smaller is better especially when your business is built on one-toone relationships and word of mouth,” comments Bianca.

Bianca mentions that she and Santiago (also 27) ran into little or no resistance when they started out, despite being so young.

“It takes time to build a reputation in any business regardless of your age and experience,” she comments. “In the end, all a client is looking for is performance and quality. We still have some of our original clients with us, which is a testament to their loyalty and our ability to keep them happy and satisfied with our work.”

The company has recently been rebranded as Rivera Building Maintenance to more accurately reflect its growing commercial client base.

“We are still researching how we can best reach out to our clients and what social media platforms they are using,” remarks Bianca. “Once that research is complete, I’m sure we will be utilizing social media on a regular basis.”

For more information, log onto their website: RiveraBuildingMaintenance.com.

Millennials Creating Their Own Future

Young entrepreneurs bring vitality and fresh ideas to the marketplace with a strong emphasis on using technology to get ahead. The vast majority are hard-working, energetic, imaginative and willing to take a chance on their own future rather than waiting for it to be handed to them.

So to all the hard working millennials out there, dream big and always be inspired to change the world!

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EVENT PROFILE

“Economic Development Week In Windsor-Essex” Story And Photo By Joe McParland

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arch 27 to March 31, 2017 is the date set for “Economic Development Week In Windsor-Essex.” Today, the Windsor-Essex region finds itself in a much-improved position from just five years ago, both in population growth, and business development and retention.

The 2016 Census shows this region with a three percent growth rate. In 2016 the region saw a significant increase in business start-ups, and business expansions, resulting in millions of dollars in new investment.

“Tecumseh alone had 17 new business start-ups in 2016 and just recently welcomed CX North America, an international logistics software platform company, to Tecumseh as its North American headquarters,” says Gary McNamara, Mayor of the Town of Tecumseh.

Stephen MacKenzie, CEO, and his staff at the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation (WE EDC) are buoyed by this progress, but aren’t resting on their laurels.

Like the Atlanta Falcons experienced in the “2017 Super Bowl,” they know to take nothing for granted. Therefore, a full court press or an all-out blitz (my metaphors) is being employed by WE EDC through “Economic Development Week In Windsor-Essex.”

WE EDC is the umbrella organization for collaboration with the Municipalities of Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, Lakeshore, LaSalle, Leamington, Pelee Island, Tecumseh and Windsor. They are assisted by WorkForce WindsorEssex, WEtech Alliance, WindsorEssex Small Business Centre and the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth.

WE EDC is a not for profit organization supporting the City of Windsor and the municipalities of Essex County. It is responsible for advancing economic development to grow and sustain prosperity in the region.

Most businesses are aware of the local economic development organizations that assist businesses in this region. What some may not realize, however, is that each municipality has their own representative dedicated to economic development for their community. These are not redundant positions, but, rather, positions complementing and working in tandem with the external organizations. It’s all about teamwork and collaboration!

The first component of the “Economic Development Week In Windsor-Essex” project is a “confidential” survey being administered to all regional large and medium size businesses across all sectors, including small business and storefronts.

This survey is being E-blasted to all businesses through multiple social media platforms and advertising, including Biz X magazine, and has a “face to face” component to it.

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All signs point to “Economic Development Week In Windsor-Essex” with this strong group of regional economic development partners ready to promote our region this month.

It takes about 20 minutes or less to complete and can be found at: SurveyMonkey.com/r/ BRE2017. Deadline for completing the survey is the end of April 2017.

Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Essex, sees the survey as a real positive: “Duplication is being replaced by coordination. Instead of each municipality doing their own surveys, one consolidated survey for the entire region is undertaken.”

Lee McGrath, Director of Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) with the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation explains the survey’s purpose : “The survey helps communities understand local business needs and respond — so that businesses stay, grow, and become more competitive in the community. The data collected will aid the city, county, and region to identify specific areas to help and promote collaboration.

This survey is modelled after the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs Business Retention and Expansion survey, which has been recognized as a leading tool for economic development in Ontario. It is broken up into the following sections: Business Information, Business Climate, Future Plans, Business Development, Workforce, and Community Development.”

Yvonne Pilon, President and CEO of WEtech Alliance, views the survey “like a doctor’s diagnoses of patients; this survey will assist us in diagnosing business needs and help prescribe regional solutions.”

WorkForce WindsorEssex is a not for profit organization with a mandate “to plan, facilitate and advocate for regional workforce development, defined as the development, retention, and recruitment of a wide range of skilled workers to meet the current and future economic and social development needs of Windsor-Essex.”

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Heather Gregg, Manager of Employer Engagement with WorkForce WindsorEssex describes “they will aggregate the survey data with data from previous surveys to share with regional businesses and governments.”

The second component of this “Economic Development Week in Windsor-Essex” project is the five-day blitz of regional businesses, March 27 to 31, by the participating Economic Development partners of the municipalities, along with support

by Work Force WindsorEssex, WEtech Alliance, WindsorEssex Small Business Centre, and the Ministry of Economic Growth and Development.

Sabrina DeMarco, Executive Director of the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre, sees the visits “as an opportunity to create a touch-point by engaging with the business community, including main-street entrepreneurs from across the region, to learn about their particular business needs, challenges and opportunities.”

Matthew Johnson, Economic Development Officer for the City of Windsor, tells us that “this blitz is aimed directly at business retention, expansion, and support for existing businesses.

Local economic development partners will visit businesses in their municipality. They will help educate businesses about the services within each municipality, assist the businesses in the completion of the survey, and provide them with contact names for the support organizations available to assist them in their growth and development.”

So, Windsor-Essex businesses, mark March 27 31 on your calendars and be prepared for an all-out blitz by local and regional economic development partners. This is an historic endeavour — the first collaborative regional survey and face-to-face outreach to businesses, large and small, in our region. These folks mean BUSINESS!

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CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

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Destination Windsor & Essex County

By Arthur Barbut

indsor Essex County is exceptionally well positioned to become a favourite destination for entrepreneurs who are fleeing Silicon Valley due to the fear and confusion caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

According to recent articles in The Atlantic and The Globe and Mail, immigration lawyers across Canada are receiving calls from engineers, managers, and Ph.D. and master’s students, working in the U.S. tech industry, who are looking for an opportunity to relocate to Canada.

This presents a great opportunity for Canada, and particularly the region of Windsor and Essex County, to fill the gap and establish a landing pad for tech companies, both small and large.

According to immigration lawyer Richard Kurland, U.S. companies often use a Canadian subsidiary for employees that cannot qualify for the H-1B status.

The difference now is the magnitude of movement towards Canada.

The process to secure a visa in the U.S. is lengthy and cumbersome, which and has been made more uncertain by the shift in immigration policies mandated by President Trump.

Visas are capped at 85,000 per year — 65,000 are set aside for foreign workers and 20,000 are for foreign students. In 2015, the H-1B visa, referred to as the genius visa, received over 230,000 petitions.

This opportunity is exceptional because we can attract the brightest talent in the world to Canada. Yoree Koh of The Washington Post cites a recent study from the National Foundation for American Policy that shows immigrants started more than half of the current crop of U.S. based start-ups valued at $1 billion or more.

In addition, immigrants make up over 70% of key management or product development positions at these companies.

These individuals are the drivers of innovation at the forefront of creating the next wave of industries. According to the study, the largest concentration of founders of billion dollar start-ups originate from

India (14) followed by Canada and the U.K., with eight each, then Israel (7), Germany (4) France (2) and Ireland (2).

The Canadian tech community has responded to this situation in a magnificent manner.

In an open letter to our government they reiterated the tech community’s position on diversity: “The Canadian tech community comprises many different nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, mental and physical abilities, and perspectives. We believe that this diversity is a source of strength and opportunity. Canadian tech companies understand the power of inclusion and diversity of thought, and that talent and skill know no borders. In choosing to hire, train, and mentor the best people in the world, we can build global companies that grow our economy. By embracing diversity, we can drive innovation to benefit the world.”

The Accelerator is home to a number of founders and co-founders who are immigrants to Canada.

EatDrinX founders, Pramod Mendonca (left) and Matt Guignard share a moment of inspiration.

Photo courtesy of Ricardo Veneza of Blackburn Radio.

Pramod Mendonca came from India to pursue his master’s degree in computer science at the University of Windsor. During this time he connected with Matt Guignard and together they built EatDrinX, a mobile food, drink and experience app.

EatDrinX allows consumers to explore new food experiences, find deals on food and drinks, learn about upcoming events or live entertainment and even earn money by becoming an ambassador and reaping some

Gbenga Olayemi-Akingbade, founder of SMOOTCHē Global, pictured at the Accelerator Biz X Lounge.

Photo by Arthur Barbut.

of the share of getting a restaurant to sign up with the app.

Another wonderful example is Gbenga Olayemi-Akingbade, who immigrated to Canada in 2014 with his wife and two children. Gbenga previously managed a large bottling company in Nigeria and he has founded SMOOTCHē Global, a food and beverage company, which he is currently operating out of the Accelerator.

SMOOTCHē has developed four lines of vitamin-infused water beverages that provide a healthier alternative to sugary, carbonated drinks. Currently, the vitamininfused water beverages are distributed in Ontario, but the goal is to enter the U.S. market.

The value proposition that Windsor Essex County offers is unparalleled — providing the best combination of location and affordability. The strategic location allows access to all the U.S. market, making Windsor/Detroit one of the most important trade nodes in North America.

This is a great opportunity for stakeholders from our region to come together and develop a strategy to position Windsor Essex County as a primary location for entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses searching for a new home.

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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ON THE FUNDRAISING SCENE

Annual Alzheimer Society “Coffee Break” Campaign Raises $34,000 For Locals Living With Dementia

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indsor and Essex County showed their support for locals living with the challenges of dementia, last fall, by hosting “Coffee Break” events in support of the Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County (ASWE) at home, at work, at community centres, and at places of worship, just to name a few!

What Is “Coffee Break?”

“Coffee Break” is any social activity where hosts collect donations for their local Alzheimer Society in exchange for a cup of coffee.

“One location hosted a cookie bake-off around the holidays and another provided free face painting to get kids involved. “We love seeing what they come up with year after year.”

To kick off the campaign and raise awareness on September 21, 2016 “World Alzheimer Day,” Peggy Winch, Manager of Community Engagement & Fund Development at ASWE, and Overton, delivered coffee and treats to local media outlets and town halls, sharing on social media as they went. The pair even recruited County Warden Tom Bain to ride along in the afternoon!

Top Local Fundraisers

Warden Tom Bain (left) and Peggy Winch of the Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County deliver coffee to John Paterson, Mayor of Leamington on “World Alzheimer Day.” Photo courtesy of the Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County.

“Coffee Break” can be customized to any group or organization, with hosts combining the “Coffee Break” with bake sales, raffles, or casual dress days to maximize donations.

Additionally, thanks to the generosity of local coffee sponsor, Colonial Coffee, ASWE is able to distribute coffee, cups and lids, stir sticks, and sugar, to hosts free of charge — all that’s left to do is brew!

“Our hosts are so creative,” says Sarah Overton, Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator for ASWE.

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CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. was the top fundraiser in the area, smashing their record of $4,000 in 2015 and raising over $5,600 in 2016!

Donna Beaudoin, Accounts Payable Specialist at CenterLine, attributes the organization’s success to generous staff and a great corporate matching program.

“We take great pride in being able to support an organization that helps people living with dementia, locally,” Beaudoin comments. “We always hold a bake sale along with the ‘Coffee Break.’ The staff is very supportive of the event. From the ‘bakers’ to the ‘buyers’ — everyone is very generous with their time, resources and donations.”

CenterLine has been involved in the campaign since 2009, raising over $32,000 for ASWE to date.

Green Shield Canada and Unifor Local 240 also raised the bar this year and donated $3,060, a 20% increase from last year! Along with coffee, staff participated in a casual dress day and a 50/50 raffle to help raise additional funds.

Ground Effects Ltd., a new “Coffee Break”

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host, held events at each of their five plants over a week in November. CEO Jim Scott was even spotted personally serving coffee to staff at one location. Employee donations were matched and helped raise over $2,900.

“Coffee Break” isn’t just for large organizations though.

The first “Coffee Break” of the campaign was hosted by longstanding ASWE volunteer Rehana Akhtar and her friends at Budimir Library. Along with hot coffee, yummy baked goods and hotdogs were available for donations. Henna and face painting stations were also set up to boost fundraising efforts and add to the festivities. Over $1,450 was raised! Way to go!

Also new to the “Coffee Break” campaign this year, was Dr. Azra Ghumman of Leamington who invited friends to her home to enjoy an afternoon with good conversation and great food.

Their “Coffee Break” raised $1,770 — thank you Dr. Ghumman!

ASWE is very thankful to all their corporate sponsors. Biz X magazine was proud to be the exclusive media sponsor again this year, and its continued promotion of “Coffee Break” helps spread the awareness about the campaign.

National corporate sponsor, Bulk Barn hosted a three week campaign in September 2016 and sold coffee cup cutouts to customers and proudly displayed them throughout their stores. The campaign wrapped up on September 21, with store owners matching all donations made that day. Local Bulk Barns raised a combined total of $7,766!

FreshCo., also a national sponsor, participated in the coffee cup cut-out program. Throughout November, local stores raised a combined total of $3,343.

Alzheimer Society volunteer Rehana Akhtar (standing fourth from the left in top photo) and friends hosted a “Coffee Break” at Budimir Library with snacks, face painting and more (see photo below).

Photos courtesy of Rehana Akhtar.

Congratulations and a special shout out goes to the team at Leamington FreshCo. whose employees raised $1,969!

The “Coffee Break” campaign, has been steadily growing over the last 20 years and it is proving to be more vital with each year that passes.

Dementia is one of the fastest-growing diseases of our time and there is no cure.

Locally, ASWE provides programs and services to address the current needs of over 2,800 persons diagnosed with dementia and their partners in care, and this number is increasing.

Local programs like the Memory Café and “Minds In Motion” provide social opportunities for individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

Additionally, respite care, via in-home visits or the “Day Away” program at the ASWE offices provide safe and social opportunities for people with Alzheimer’s, while providing their care partners much needed time to relax and rest.

January marked “Alzheimer Awareness” month and ASWE will be using #InItForAlz all year long on social media to help bring awareness and understanding of the disease to Canadians.

ASWE is encouraging you to get #InItForAlz and donate to help lessen the impact of this disease on those living with it today, and help fund vital research to help eliminate it in the future by visiting: AlzheimerWindsor.com.

Thank you to all the “Coffee Break” hosts, volunteers, sponsors and donors, your help ensures there is help today for those who

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Employees from Green Shield Canada and Unifor Local 240 present a cheque to Sarah Overton (far left) of the Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County.

Photo courtesy of Green Shield and Unifor Local 240.

need it, and hope for tomorrow that a cure will be found.

“Coffee Break” 2017 kicks off in September.

To sign up your business, send an email to Sarah Overton at: soverton@aswecare.com.

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MILESTONES

Michael Anthony Hair & Tanning Salon Celebrates 20 Years Story And Photo By Joe McParland

“Give me a head with hair, long beautiful hair; shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen; give me down to there, hair, shoulder length or longer . . .”

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bove are the words of the title song chorus from Hair, the American loverock musical, which this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of its off-Broadway debut in 1967.

These words also capture the passion that Michael Anthony Maio, Owner and Stylist at Michael Anthony Hair and Tanning Salon, has for his work.

Located at 139 Tecumseh Road West in Windsor, Maio has just celebrated 20 years of being in business — and at the same location.

The son of hard-working Italian parents who laboured long hours in the grocery store they owned, his parents imparted to Maio the values of hard work and service to the public.

After graduating in accounting, Maio spent nine years as a cost accountant for Primo (foods). Responding to an inner urge for greater community service, he left Primo and at age 33 went to beauty school and purchased his own hair salon.

In his 20 years, Maio and his stylists have served over 22,900 clients — with his accounting background, the guy knows figures!

If you visit his salon early Saturday morning you will meet his wonderful 85 year-young mother, Maria, who comes for her weekly “wash and set.” Afterwards, she grabs a broom and dust pan and pitches in to keep the salon floor immaculate. She’s deservedly proud of her son.

The salon has four chairs, a tanning bed and esthetical area, and has room downstairs for an RMT (Registered Massage Therapist).

Gathering for a group shot to celebrate the salon’s 20th anniversary are customers and family members from left: Stephane Guerette, Kyle Berry, Mike (last name withheld) ready for a trim, Michael Maio, Michael’s nephew Matteo Guerette, Gail Eldracher reading Biz X magazine, Diane Morris (Esthetician), Phil Daikens, (top right) Sam(antha) Woltz (Stylist) with client Jessica (last name withheld) in the chair, Michael’s sister Adela Maio Emery, Candy Berry and Maria Maio, Michael’s mother, with broom in hand.

Currently, Michael and Sam(antha) Woltz are the Stylists, while Diane Morris oversees esthetics.

When asked about the key to his success, Maio attributes it to “our people skills, and the fact that we never forget our humble beginnings.” His greatest challenge is that “the hair industry is constantly changing and we keep up with the changes.”

Maio also maintains a part-time job where he works in the early morning, about 20 to 25 hours a week. He leaves that job and heads over to where his real passion is — his salon — where he puts in another 30 plus hours each week. And if that’s not enough, he and his brother, Joe Maio, play local gigs as the musical group, Timeless Drive.

Afterhours, Maio can be found in the salon laying tile, drywalling, painting and performing other activities to keep the salon fresh and appealing.

His greatest satisfaction is in having so many longstanding families — moms, dads, kids and grandparents — who have been with him throughout the years. Maio says, “they ignite the passion for what I do.”

An overflow crowd of guests and wellwishers showed up November 26, 2016 for the anniversary celebration in the salon; a testimony that Maio and crew have an appreciative and loyal following.

For more information on this successful local business, visit their website: MichaelAnthony-Salon.com.

Our processes are key to our efficiency and quality standards 4 The puzzle continues on page 43 WWW.CAVALIERTOOL.COM

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By Rebecca Wright

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL BUSINESS WOMEN

NICOLE BLAIS A Teacher/RMT Who Has Your Back Covered!

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ith wellness and holistic living on the rise, individuals are always looking for natural ways to improve their bodies and minds.

Registered Massage Therapist Nicole Blais, Owner of Fusion Massage Studio, says her journey began many years ago.

“How the body works and feels has always been an interest of mine, along with healing and natural health,” explains Blais.

In 2008, she went back to school to become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). At the time, she recalls many people looking into alternative therapies.

“While still in school I started looking into unique and innovative modalities that would not only help my future clients, but help me as well,” explains Blais. “This is when I stumbled across Ashiatsu and Bamboo therapies and I knew immediately this was the perfect fit for me.”

Ashiatsu is a type of massage where the therapist manipulates the patient’s back by walking on it. Its origins can be traced back to ancient India, China and Japan.

Bamboo therapy involves using different sized bamboo sticks as an extension of the therapist’s hands, forearms and elbows, allowing for a deeper and more effective massage.

In October 2009 she opened Fusion Massage Studio (FusionMassageStudio.com) specializing in Ashiatsu and Bamboo therapies.

With more than eight years experience practicing these unique methods — which Blais asserts are wonderfully effective — Fusion Massage Studio is about providing the community innovative and forwardthinking approaches to massage therapy.

Nicole Blais says Windsor Essex is full of forwardthinking individuals who are open to trying the innovative massage therapies she offers, which is the main reason her business has been successful over the years. Photo by Jon Gillies.

“Windsor had never heard of either of these therapies and economically we weren’t doing that well,” Blais recalls about her start in this field. “It was very difficult to convince people of what I was doing, but my passion kept pushing me forward. It was literally one client at a time and many times I thought that I may have to close my doors, but something deeper within me said, ‘keep going.’”

For years, as she perfected her craft, Blais set her sights on a new goal — to impart her knowledge to others. In 2015, Blais contacted the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and was approved to teach Ashiatsu and Bamboo therapies to other therapists.

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“I take the seat of ‘teacher’ very seriously and I feel like I’ve truly come full circle,” says Blais.

Located at 1017 Greendale Drive in Windsor, her private practice exists in her home, where she’s also created a Teaching Centre.

Blais is proud of what she has accomplished and happily reports she absolutely loves what she does for a living. She adds that her clients are her inspiration, and she loves that they are loyal and always willing to try new things.

While owning her own business has been tough at times — like at the start due to tough economic times and because she was offering therapies that nobody knew anything about — she believes it’s all about finding your passion, believing in yourself, working hard, being patient, not giving up and persevering.

“Being a woman in business has been very rewarding and it shows other women that if they persevere and believe in themselves, they will succeed,” Blais stresses. “Success is measured in many ways. While for some it’s only about the money, for myself, it’s been more about building a great practice with clients that believe in what I’m doing and always moving forward.”

Blais informs us that her mission with Fusion Massage Studio is to provide an environment which is nurturing, supportive and above all else, healing.

“My philosophy is that I am an integral member of a greater community,” says Blais. “I strive to be the best global citizen, making our community stronger and healthier through my services.”

XX FILES

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portfolio corner

Fighting Human Nature

By Steven Mayo

Plenty has been written since the U.S. election about what President Donald Trump will do, what he has done, the effect on the markets, the unleashing of “animal spirits” and reinvigorating the U.S. economy. This article is to do with managing emotions, keeping perspective and keeping one’s portfolio in line with the original goals.

Considering, a year ago, the title of one of my articles was, “Haters Gonna Hate” in which I encouraged investors to take advantage of a decidedly bearish market and consider it a buying opportunity — we are now in an investment world with possibly too much love.

Let’s relive last winter and how we felt about the markets: oil was still on its way down to $30; China’s economy and currency were a major concern; recessionary talk was getting louder and the media was very negative, telling investors to be cautious. There was much fear and short-term thinking.

Fast forward one year: the media is loving the market rally, the investment personalities are discussing the improvement of the U.S. economy, “anxiety” has been replaced by “comfort” and long-term thinking is okay.

The market rally of 2016 was impressive, with only one short-lived market correction brought on by Brexit last June. The emotions people are expressing about the market brings me to an old list, last shared with readers three years go.

The “Cycle of Market Emotions” — published in 1998 by AIM Trimark — outlines 14 emotions experienced by investors.

Going up the emotional hill starts with “Optimism,” then “Excitement,” “Thrill,” then tops out with “Euphoria” (the point of maximum financial risk).

We then experience a downward spiral from “Anxiety” to “Denial,” “Fear,” “Desperation,” “Panic,” Capitulation,” to the bottom with “Despondency” and “Depression” (the

point of maximum opportunity). “Hope” and “Relief” set in, moving us back to “Optimism.” This emotional cycle can apply to an individual stock, sector, or the markets as a whole.

Here we are in 2017 with investors being fearful of missing out, which in itself is a sign be more cautious. The U.S. and Canadian markets have had outsized returns and I can sense “Euphoria” setting in.

Going forward I believe investors should re-evaluate their portfolios by both position and sector, and look at those that are underperforming such as the Healthcare/ Pharmaceutical sectors for opportunities and — dare I suggest — considering trimming those positions/sectors that have had significant appreciation in the past year Please remember that volatility is a twoway street, corrections will occur, and to be prepared.

As always we will end this article with a quote: “If you cannot control your emotions, you cannot control your money.”

~ Warren Buffett 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.

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B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7

GUEST COLUMN

The Tools You Need To Have The Relationship Of Your Dreams

By John Sullivan Do any of you know a friend, a family member or a business associate who is struggling in their relationship? We all do, don’t we?

As a relationship coach, I truly believe, from my own experience and from working with couples over the past 25 years, that the tools are available in today’s world to have a great relationship. I coach couples, using a five step system, to create that relationship of their dreams.

Step one assesses where a couple is, currently, and if they are willing to do the necessary work to achieve their goals.

Step two looks at the absolute necessity of safety in any great relationship. Why safety? It is part of our DNA. Reading this right now you are using the rational, cerebral part of your brain, but we all also have a brain stem, which we share with all animals.

The brain stem is simply concerned with

survival — is it safe or is it dangerous? If dangerous it will defend itself. And that is 500 million years of survival. We aren’t going to change that.

Over millions of years, nature has learned there is a better to chance to survive if you explode your energy outwards, the ‘fight or flight’ we have all heard about, than if you constrict your energy and hide or freeze or submit. And then, as we often see, they marry each other. This different expression of energy often becomes one of the causes of the power struggle.

Step three looks at a system explaining why two people are attracted to each other in the first place, called Imago Relationship Therapy. Developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix and his wife, Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt over 30 years ago, it has stood the test of time. Their book, “Getting The Love You Want,” has sold over

two million copies and been translated into 50 languages and they have trained over 2,000 Imago therapists in 35 countries.

Step four details the four key skills couples need to learn to keep their relationship safe.

They are: to learn how to communicate safely, to makes sure that anything negative is expressed by appointment only, to eliminate anything negative (no blame, shame or criticism), and to amplify the positives in the relationship.

Finally, step five is an evaluation of progress and a celebration of the work to date at creating the relationship of their dreams.

John Sullivan, M.A. was personally trained by Dr. Harville Hendrix, the creator of Imago Relationship Therapy and has been coaching couples for the last 26 years. Contact John via his website: JohnSullivanCounselling.com.

Howie & Partners LLP is a Windsor based, mid-sized firm with a reputation for providing the highest quality services primarily to private corporations and their shareholders.

In addition to providing the core services of auditing, accounting and tax compliance, we have specialist groups working in the areas of: tax planning and structuring; estate planning and freezing; family business succession planning; business valuation and pricing; purchase, sale and reorganization of private corporations; business investigations; and computer systems advisory.

If you would like to know more about us and our services, we invite you to contact our office.

Anthony Campagna, Partner Sarkis Isaac, Tax Partner

Member of PKF North America www.pkfna.com 3063 Walker Road, Windsor, Ontario N8W 3R4 (519) 250-8663 www.howieca.com

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#IShouldntHaveClicked Be Smart And Stay Safe On Social Media

(NC) Many of us love sharing on social networks — whether that’s pictures of our family, information about an upcoming vacation, or updates on a new fitness trend we’re trying out. But, with so much personal information out there, it’s easy for scammers to get hold of your money or steal your identity.

With the growing popularity of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and other social media sites, it’s important to be careful about how much information we share, where, and with whom. Canadians lose millions of dollars every year from these kinds of vicious attacks, so be on the lookout at all times.

Protect yourself by being mindful when using social media with these tips . . .

1. Be password savvy.

Create strong passwords and ensure they are unique and challenging so scammers won’t be able to guess them. A good password is one that’s easy to remember, but hard to guess. Make it a habit to change your passwords regularly and use different

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ones for different sites. Don’t save them to your browser — a password management tool is much safer and can help you keep track of them all.

2. Explore your privacy settings.

Managing your settings wisely can help avoid any unwanted attention to your social media pages. Adjust your settings to select who can access your personal information, photos and posts.

3. Avoid over-sharing.

While social media encourages the sharing of personal information, avoid revealing too many personal details. Scammers can use this to track down information that allows them to steal your identity.

Remember, just because you post something in a private group or with advanced privacy settings doesn’t mean that someone won’t take a screen shot and share it.

4. Be careful where you click.

There are many attention-grabbing links, photos and articles that pop-up, but don’t click on just anything. While these

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NewsCanada.com

BIZ BITS

sites may look legitimate, they can contain programs that attempt to take your contact information and share it.

5. Stay alert and cautious.

Be vigilant about who you communicate with online and how you verify their identity.

Be extra cautious when people online ask you to do something. Never click on suspicious links, and never share personal or financial information unless you can absolutely trust the person on the other end and verify they are who they say they are.

Find more information on the following website: CompetitionBureau.gc.ca/fraud.

EVENT PROFILE

Party With Your Pup On April 1!

By Rebecca Wright

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t’s time to primp your pup for a night on the town together!

The “Woofa~Roo Shaggy Chic Social” is a chance for you and your canine companion to enjoy each other’s company in a more social setting — and with other like-minded individuals.

“Social barriers just evaporate when you include animals,” says Lorene Clayton, Organizer and Director of the “Woofa~Roo Pet Fest” held each year in the summer which is the precursor for this new event.

Pictured in the event marketing materials are Martene and Daniel Sementilli who have two young daughters, two Great Danes and a cat . . . but who rules the house?

The cat! Photo courtesy of Martene Sementilli.

“While evaluating our major festival, Woofa~Roo Pet Fest, we noticed that the social aspect of our festival was a huge drawing card for many of our guests,” explains Clayton. “Since we couldn’t fulfill the numerous requests to host two Pet Fests, we decided to create an event that would focus on an adult and pet friendly gathering.”

The “Shaggy Chic Social” — April 1, 2017 from 5 p.m. until midnight, indoors at the Libro Credit Union Centre in Amherstburg — is meant for adults,

whether single or in a relationship, to be able to mingle with others who share their affinity for animals.

“Of course friendly dogs are welcome to bring their responsible owners, but a four-legged companion isn’t necessary,” states Clayton. “For those of you wanting to bring your dog, please read our pet policy found on our website.”

Clayton suggests people purchase tickets online (WoofaRoo.com) because ticket sales are limited.

“And, as with our Pet Fest, Woofa~Roo Shaggy Chic Social has a charitable side, too,” says Clayton, adding that it’s about having fun for a great cause. “All of the activities at Shaggy Chic will benefit our charities and rescues.”

Admittance is restricted to those over the age of 19. Advance tickets are $20, before March 25 online or $25 at the door. Ticket includes two drink tokens.

“We have several activities that we think people would enjoy, not only to watch, but to participate in,” adds Clayton. “Euchre tournaments, bean bag toss tournaments, the Woofa~Roo Gauntlet (an obstacle course for dogs) just to name a few, will benefit our charities and rescues.”

Clayton says she is thrilled the event features several local options of adult beverages, from Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, Wolfhead Distillery and the BREW Microbrewery, as well as delicious food from Wrap Shack and Tasty Traditions.

There are many communities across Canada’s west coast and in Quebec offering events which include furry family members, and it’s becoming more popular to see pet-friendly stores and cafes in these regions.

“It’s slowly being accepted in this part of the country, but we seem to be behind the curve when it comes to pet-friendly establishments,” believes Clayton who hopes to change this in our area.

“I believe that Woofa~Roo Shaggy Chic Social will be a highly anticipated yearly event.”

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Transition To Betterness (T2B) “Gala XX”

HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT S January 28, 2017 at Caesars Windsor

Photos by Rod Denis. All people in photos listed from the left.

To see even more photos from the gala, visit Biz X Was There at: BizXmagazine.com

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1. Over 1,200 guests celebrated T2B’s 20th anniversary to raise a gross total of $565,000.

Armed with a team of dedicated volunteers and plenty of sponsors, the T2B powerhouse group responsible for it all were: Co-founders Tania Sorge and Doris Lapico; Amber Hunter, Executive Director; Dave Hunter, Spokesperson and Co-Emcee of the gala and Melissa Iarusso, Fundraising Coordinator.

2. “Gala XX” wouldn’t be possible without the immense backing of title sponsors: The Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation, Cypher Systems Group and The Lisa & Brian Schwab Foundation. The Lisa & Brian Schwab Foundation supports a number of health, arts, and sports initiatives in the Windsor Essex area, as well as humanitarian causes across the globe. Brian Schwab is also the leader of the Cypher Systems Group and a strong advocate for T2B for many years. On hand representing The Lisa & Brian Schwab Foundation were (Standing): Michelle Maggio, Franco Coscarella, Sam Bonadonna and John Minardi. (Seated):

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Diana Coscarella, Connie Bonadonna, Teresa Minardi and AnnaRita Giorgi.

3. During their own 20 year history Families First funeral homes have had the opportunity to support many local charitable groups including being a “Walk of Fame” sponsor of the 2017 T2B gala. And since Families First is a locally owned and family operated business, their staff — Denis Duguay, Simonne McNorton (Duguay), Jennifer Wells, Courtney Lightfoot, Kate Laub and Sherri Tovell — came out in full force to help the communities they serve.

4. Established in 1969, the Rosati Group encompasses several construction related companies and part of their success involves building relationships within the community where they live and work. The company also was a major sponsor and attended the gala with a few friends: Nick Rosati, Co-Owner; Chantel Rosati, Tania Sorge (T2B Co-founder), Reno Vespa, Toni Maceroni, Gloria Cavenago, BBIZIZ XX MMAAGGAAZZININEE •• MMAARRCCHH 22001177

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SHOTS

Katina Taylor, Alain Wicke, Tina Tepperman and Andrew Tepperman.

5. The evening also celebrated the memories of 10 loved ones. Iain Macri and Chantelle Bacon were the parents of four year old Mason Macri who sadly lost his battle with cancer in June 2016. Little Mason lived life “thumbs up,” always had a smile and was a true hero! Check out: FightLikeMason.org to support the foundation created in his name.

6. Kingsville’s Michelle Maitre was a well known local Realtor with RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. who passed away in October 2016. Michelle cherished her family ties and was a big supporter of many charities

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including the Hospice Erie Shores Campus and the T2B annual galas. Honouring her memory at the gala were family members (Back Row): Mike Vagi, Dayne Malloch, Dave DeLellis and Brett Corey. (Middle Row): Kristen Malloch, Marlene Corey, Diane Guilbeault and Erika Corey. (Front Row): Joe & JoAnn DeLellis and Denise Hunter.

7. Over 50 sponsors brought “Gala XX” to life including Breadth Consulting Inc., a boutique wealth management firm located at 2055 Sandwich West Parkway in LaSalle.

The company was a “Black Tie Sponsor” and represented by: Angie Houghton, Ryan Wakeman, Christine & Paul Dufour (President) and Mike and Pam Beausoleil.

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To date T2B has raised over $10 million for patients and their families impacted by life-altering illnesses in Windsor Essex. Every dollar raised by T2B has stayed in the local community, which reinforces their slogan, “Give Where You Live.” Funds from “Gala XX” support T2B’s 17+ programs in our local hospitals and healthcare facilities — as well as their newest capital campaign — The Dr. Lisa Ventrella-Lucente Greenhouse project at Hôtel Dieu Grace Healthcare. For more information on their programs visit: T2B.ca.

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THIS ISSUE FEATURES . . .

FOR THOUGHT

Lakeside Bakery, 286 Erie Street South, Leamington

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othing beats the aroma of fresh baking, especially with the quality and variety of goods baking away at Lakeside Bakery.

Since 1999, in the heart of downtown Leamington, Lakeside has delivered a little bit of everything with many offerings to suit the most discerning of palettes.

According to Owner/General Manager Danielle Tartaro; “We are a one-stop destination where you come for fresh bread and deli items and end up staying for coffee with a friend!”

With the ambiance of a European marketplace and a true artisan bakery, this home of culinary delights has many tasty reasons for further investigation.

A few of the varieties of hearth-baked loaf breads include the signature Multigrain, which is high in fibre, and the popular Light Rye. The Russian Rye comes wider and darker than the regular Light. The French style Vienna has a nice, crispy crust, and the Pumpernickel is dark and makes for a delicious bread bowl.

Some of the specialty bread that you love to take home, include the signature Raisin Bread, Granola Bread, Marathon Bread and the French Baguettes with the crusty loaf — perfect for bruschetta.

The tempting buns and paninis at Lakeside keep you coming back too.

Lakeside also makes the sweetest and most undeniable treats, which are created just the way you desire.

“We are able to customize wedding, birthday, and celebration cakes for any occasion, upon request,” notes Tartaro.

For the chocolate lover in you, may we present the Chocolate Explosion Torte.

Layers and layers of chocolate mousse and

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Story And Photo By David Clark

Lakeside Bakery Owner/General Manager Danielle Tartaro shares the spotlight with a scrumptious Strawberry Romanoff and a hot cup of Espresso.

cake stacked high and considered to be a favourite of many. Also, demanding plenty of attraction is the Strawberry Romanoff, a towering vanilla, mousse and strawberry dream torte. Both of these delightful desserts serve between eight and 12.

For those special get-togethers, the Celebration Cakes come large and small in any flavour you desire and can serve eight to 96. Of course, wedding cakes are big business at Lakeside and customizable by you as well. In fact, any kind of pastry you require is available.

When you’re looking into Lakeside for a great meal, think about the 70 seat café, an aesthetically pleasing space with some really stunning features. You will find a full breakfast and lunch menu available.

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Great meals such as the monster Hungry Man ($8.95) for breakfast and the Grilled Chicken Ciabatta ($8.55) for lunch will satisfy your appetite.

As you investigate what Lakeside has to offer, you will also discover the deli with gourmet meats and cheeses from around the world.

“Explore our Lakeside deli counter or linger in our inviting gift shop where you will find truly unique gift ideas,” suggests Tartaro.

Also, the attached wine bar boasts a selection of local wines for you to investigate.

With many customizable options to choose from, Lakeside can cater in a big way.

With seating for 70 and possibly 25 more on the patio, they do many kinds of special events including bridal and baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate/office parties etc. Events can be held at the café or offsite.

Custom party food, including sandwiches, wraps, and veggies, fruit, antipasto, meat/ cheese and dessert/cookie platters, are available. Spinach or crab bread bowls, Focaccia and herb dipping oil also. A great selection is available to you for any special catered event.

With all of these above services, Lakeside truly is a one-stop solution for many of your culinary needs.

In closing, Tartaro wraps up her mission appropriately: “We always try to provide a comfortable setting and a warm welcome for people to enjoy quality food and exceptional service.”

Find out more about this outstanding bakery, deli and cafe by logging on to: LakesideBakery.com.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ask the experts

Let’s Take A Moment And Clear The Air

By Dave Halliday

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n your drive home one night you notice a truck in front of you, spewing dark smoke into the air. You immediately close your window and set your blower to internal air circulation. Who would want to drive behind that truck inhaling all those nasty fumes?

Once home, you settle in to relax when you begin to realize there were hundreds of vehicles around you as you drove home.

Each vehicle was sending exhaust fumes out the tail pipe towards you. Since you couldn’t see the fumes as plainly as that of the 18 wheelers, you didn’t seem to mind, notice, or take precautions.

You begin to wonder what other hazards might be affecting you and your family without even realizing it. You glance around the house — it all seems fine. Sure, there is a little dust here and there and as you look further you see some cob webs, but is a little dust that big a concern?

Curiosity takes you over now and you begin an internet search of harmful living space contaminants. To your horror you discover articles outlining the threat of air-born particles, moulds, organic vapours, volatile organic compounds, and ironically even contaminants associated with the products you use to clean your home and clothing!

You immediately decide that you have to do something to better ensure the health of your family and minimize this potential risk — but what can you do? Fortunately, we at Biz X were able to sit and discuss this important topic with Michael Crawley, Owner of Aerus (AerusHome.com/windsor) located at 5428 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor.

Aerus has been assisting their customers in managing and maintaining the quality of their interior environment for an impressive 93 years!

Crawley has 29 years of personal experience that he was kind enough allow us to draw upon.

What are the types of services that Aerus can provide? Crawley indicates, “We specialize in Healthy Home Products, Air

Purification, Residential and Commercial Vacuum Systems and Water Purification.”

What are the benefits to adding an air purifier to one’s home? “Incorporating an air purifier into your home can reduce and eliminate asthma attacks, reduce reliance on medications and give people more energy,” states Crawley and adds, “It will also reduce the dust and contaminates from the air and surfaces making a healthier home.”

What types of impurities can your air purifiers remove? Crawley replies, “They can reduce bacteria, viruses, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), pet dander, cigarette and cigar smoke, dust, mildew and mould, and more.”

Can your personnel assist the client in assessing what type of equipment they will require for their specific situation?

“Absolutely!” stresses Crawley. “They are trained for this and we also offer Air Quality Testing and Humidity Tests.”

Laundry Pro by Aerus featuring ActivePure Technology.

What can you tell me about Laundry Pro? “It hooks up directly to your washing machine and converts the water to hydrogen peroxide and gases, which lift the dirt away, making clothes softer and brighter,” explains Crawley. “It’s a relatively easy installation and saves the average family of four about $500 a year.”

I understand that Laundry Pro works without bleaches and detergents? “Yes” he says and elaborates, “There is no need for detergents,

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bleach, fabric softeners or dryer sheets. The residue that is left by the traditional detergents is what creates the need for the dryer sheets.”

Describe the benefits of the Laundry Pro as it relates to your home interior and with respect to the environment. Crawley indicates, “A slimline-machine that cleans with the natural power of H202 that is better for your skin, better for your clothes and better for the environment, especially our Great Lakes!”

I also understand you offer water purifiers.

What are the benefits to employing a water purification system? “Our water purification systems remove chemicals and contaminants from the water you drink, which makes for great tasting water!” Crawley emphasizes.

“We encourage drinking pure, fresh water and LOTS of it!”

Is there much maintenance involved in the equipment you provide and are they energy efficient? “Each unit is unique, but all are low maintenance and we provide services to make sure that your equipment runs smoothly for years,” Crawley says and concludes, “The devices are Energy Star Certified, as well as healthy home appliances. We take the homeowner into consideration and enjoy helping people save money through the benefits of these healthy home products.”

Well, you’re still stuck dealing with exhaust fumes during your daily commute, but the arrival home is even more pleasurable now.

The difference in your home’s environment is remarkable since the incorporation of the healthy home products you chose.

Your clothing is softer and cleaner. Your hot water bill has reduced significantly and everyone seems to be feeling a little better these days. Even your wife’s allergies seem to be improving, which means fewer allergy medications.

You have to admit though that you always found her sneeze to be pretty cute and you’re kind of missing the multiple opportunities to bless her!

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HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE

The Best Of Eighties Music Lives On With Hair Force One

By Joe McParland

Big hair, spandex, loud guitars and rock n’ roll. Hair Force One in action! Photo collage courtesy of Brad Brode.

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ot to be confused with the official government jet of the President of the United States, Hair Force One is a Windsor based band of five musicians styled after 1980s’ hair metal bands like Motley Crue, Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, Skid Row, Poison, Quiet Riot, Ratt, KISS, Scorpions, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi . . . just to mention a few.

What exactly is this genre of music performed by hair bands? I consulted with my buddy, Dan MacDonald, radio personality on 93.9 The River, and host of “Hear And Now,” a local music show on AM800. Here’s his take on hair bands . . .

“Hair metal is a really cool genre. There’s a lot going on. It’s an underrated genre.

In many ways, hair metal is the epitome of the ‘sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll’ caricature.

It’s also very glam, there is an element of supercharged masculinity and the unlikely combination of this flashy, borderline-drag aesthetic: lace, leather, chrome, makeup and lots of teased hair!

The songs are catchy and need to have pop sensibilities, but they still have to be heavy, they still have to be metal. These songs are filled with epic guitar solos, catchy choruses; they are anthemic — meant to fill stadiums, meant to unify people on their quest to rebel, to be ourselves and have a whole lot of fun while we’re doing it!

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Hair metal was wedged between pop and grunge; it had the androgyny of new wave and a bit of the reckless rebellion of punk.

It’s unapologetically fun, meant to tick off the grownups and bring out the frisky side in all of us. Whether it’s roller-skating at breakneck speed around the rink at the old Wheels, or making out in the backseat past curfew — hair metal is music that set up the soundtrack to wild times and ALWAYS makes being naughty feel so, so good!”

Hair Force One played their first gig as a band last April, and have quickly become a crowd favourite at RockStar (2418 Central Avenue, Windsor). They currently have dates there through March and April, and are reviewing requests for their music at other local venues. They’ve also volunteered their musical talents to assist local charitable organizations like Transition to Betterness and The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.

The group consists of Sydney Snow, lead vocals; Kevin Harris, guitar, backup vocals; Mickey Bonez, guitar, backup vocals; Brad Brode, bass guitar, backup vocals and Vince Sollazzo, drums.

They are an eclectic group with ages ranging from the 20s to late 40s. During the day-time they can be found teaching music for a local school board; doing CAD (Computer Aided Design) in the tool B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7

and die industry; working with special needs children or working as a Corporate Quality Control Manager for a Michigan automotive firm.

If you are a longtime fan of 101 WRIF: “The RIFF” and the bar bands of the 1980s in Windsor, Hair Force One is for you.

What they give you is so much more than just music. Lead vocalist Snow says, “it’s a lot about the show, not just the music; the genre of music — hair bands — was very much about the show.”

So, expect to see these guys in spandex, tank tops and other attire reminiscent of the ‘80s. The younger members, Snow and Bonez, have cultivated their own natural shoulder length (or longer) manes. Two of the “elder” group members are “follicly challenged” and don wigs to authenticate their group look. They are frenetic on stage and boast an impressively vibrant light show that complements their high-energy guitar riffs and licks. And, drummer Sollazzo warns, “I do the drum stick twirls — and occasionally miss.”

Brode and Sollazzo have been playing together for 13 years in previous bands Bender, Heavyfixx and After Nightfall.

Harris also plays in another band in town called Big Sexy. Snow and Bonez play in a local original rock band called Love Razer under different stage names.

I recently kicked back with these guys in Sollazzo’s South Windsor home. We spent time chatting and it became immediately clear to me that these guys are a genuine brotherhood.

We watched some YouTube videos of their RockStar performance from October 2016. I was impressed by their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s performance. Very little ego detected here.

I highly recommend that readers check out their performance recordings on YouTube — just enter “Hair Force One, Windsor Band” to search.

For more information on booking them for private parties, events and more refer to: Facebook.com/hairforceonetribute.

from the bookshelf

The “Highway of Tears”& The Best Food In Windsor

By Marlene Markham-Gay

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irst up we have “Finding Hope,” the story of a woman who goes missing on the outskirts of Jasper on her way home to her young daughter in Stewart, B.C. This book is a work of fiction set in an area called the “Highway of Tears,” which is very real. Since 1969, there have been 1,200 women reported missing in northwestern Canada. Twenty three of these women have disappeared in the stretch of highway #16, that runs from Prince George to Prince Rupert in B. C. Windsor author, Edmond Gagnon is a retired Police Detective, who worked the streets for over 31 years. He has travelled the world and written about his adventures in his book “A Casual Traveler.”

“Finding Hope” is the fourth novel in a series of detective stories involving Inspector Norm Strom.

Detective Strom rides his motorcycle from Calgary to Hyder, Alaska and along the way he meets a waitress named Hope Lachance.

When he learns, she is missing along the “Highway of Tears,” Strom offers to help the RCMP find her. Fiction and reality are intertwined in this compelling story that tells the real horror story of missing Canadian women, many who are indigenous.

On the dedication page of this book Gagnon has listed the names of the 23 actual victims, missing on highway #16, the notorious “Highway of Tears.”

Full of suspense and courage, this is a first rate story of fiction and fact.

“Finding Hope” can be purchased from the author’s website: EdmondGagnon.com or by visiting in Windsor: Juniper Books, 1990 Ottawa Street; PB Books, 3947 Tecumseh Road East; Chapters in Devonshire Mall and Indigo, St. Clair Beach, Windsor.

Now, let’s read all about delicious food in “The Best of Windsor Cookbook” — where to order it, where to dine and how to make it at home.

Local author Jonathan Pinto explores every corner of the region for the best in ingredients and deliciousness in his book.

Pinto, who moved to Windsor in 2012 to join CBC Radio’s Windsor morning show, is their food columnist. He describes this cookbook

as a reflection of discovering the food and the people that shape Windsor and Essex County.

A bit of a culinary tour guide, the cookbook is made up of beautiful photographs by Mario Chechi, recipes that local establishments were willing to share, and where to find these eateries.

Bakeries, such as Blak’s Bakery founded in 1918 and one of the oldest bakeries in Windsor, is a local institution.

Their recipe for their famous date squares is included, as well as Polish egg-twist bread.

Caribbean Island Spice (1725 Wyandotte Street West), gave up their recipe for ackee and salt-fish; Cooper Hawk Vineyards (1425 Iler Road, Harrow) and The Vines Restaurant shared their favourites, as well as Wagner Orchards & Estate Winery (1222 Lakeshore Road, Lakeshore) who imparted their famous recipe for Wagner’s autumn apple pie.

Over 30 restaurants contributed to this publication, some were reluctant to share their secrets, others were happy to spread the word of their farm fresh ingredients and unusual, as well as traditional, spices and herb savouries.

Pinto has brought it all together with flavour and fanfare. So, whether you are looking to dine out or you love to re-create your favourite restaurant dish — or maybe try something new in your kitchen tonight — you will enjoy the recipes and learning about your local owners and chefs. Discovering new and exciting eateries is a culinary adventure!

“The Best of Windsor Cookbook” can be purchased in the city at: Anchor Coffee House, 2187 Huron Church Road, Unit 230; The Blind Owl, 403 Ouellette Avenue; Blak’s Bakery, 1022 Langlois Avenue; Chapters, Devonshire Mall and Biblioasis, 1520 Wyandotte Street. For a full list of locations view: Biblioasis.com.

Marlene Markham-Gay is the former host of CFTV’s “Storyteller.” She promotes local authors through the book corner at the Essex Railway Station, inviting 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.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7

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salesprint@annexweb.com

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“The 19th In Honour Of The Ones We Love (IHOWL) Annual Gala Dinner”

HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT S February 4, 2017 at the Ciociaro Club, 3745 North Talbot Road, Oldcastle, ON. Photos by Rod Denis. All people in photos listed from the left.

To see even more photos from the gala, visit Biz X Was There at: BizXmagazine.com

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1. The “19th In Honour of the Ones We Love (IHOWL) Annual Gala Dinner” was another sold out event which raised $325,000. Organizing the high profile gala were: Laura Imperioli, Tina Caviedes, Founders Sergio and Anita Imperioli, Sue Mancini, Teresa Silvestri and Don Thibert. Since 1998 monies raised benefit local patient care for cancer and other life threatening illnesses.

IHOWL also supports the Kids Beating Cancer — Honourable Little Ninjas program and proceeds from the evening’s “Table Challenge” went to the John McGivney Children’s Accessible Playground. To view further information on this organization visit: InHonour.ca.

2. The evening featured a champagne and hors d’oeuvres cocktail hour to kickoff the gala sponsored by Koolini Italian Catering. Chef Mimmo Casagrande-Bei is pictured serving up mouth-watering scallops and seared tuna to Dr. Dennis Dionne and his wife Carolyn.

3. This annual event pays tribute to individuals who lost their battle with cancer and other major illnesses. One of the honourees was Istvan (Steve) Mojso aka “Papa Mojo” who passed away May 2014 after a long and painful illness. He was married to his wonderful caregiver and wife Julianna for 57 years and was a very proud father. His family and friends at the gala were: Bob Mojso (son), his wife Julianna, Sarah Shaw, Sue Mancini, daughter and 25 year employee of the Motor City Community Credit Union (MCCCU); Maria Lucier, granddaughter; Julie Mojso, granddaughter; Roberto Amato and Mary Mojso, daughter-in-law (Bob’s wife). MCCCU was also a sponsor of the gala and Mancini is on the event committee.

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SHOTS

7 4. Tammy, Gabriella, Matthew (son) and Doug Krystia were yet another family who have lost their loved one, Josh Krystia who was remembered during the evening. Josh was a bright, fun loving, inspiring, courageous and irreplaceable 12 year old son and brother.

5. In memory of Josh Krystia, his classmates and Principal Joe Bachetti (far right) from St. Pius X Catholic School in Tecumseh, raised $4,000 for IHWOL. Bachetti is also Deputy Mayor of Tecumseh.

6. A moving candle lighting ceremony along with a tribute video is a key element of this

8 event. Dennis Solet Sr. was also honoured by his son Dennis Jr., wife Julie and daughter Shannon.

7. The “Community Recognition” Award is presented each year to an individual who has promoted In Honour of the Ones We Love over the years. Mustapha Abdulhamid of the Rafih Auto Group’s Lexus Division was recognized for his long term contributions to the charity and its many projects for the Windsor & Essex County community.

Don Thibert and Sue Mancini, Committee Members from IHOWL, presented the award to him during the evening.

8. Another gala sponsor was Merchants Paper Company, 975 Crawford Avenue in Windsor. The company was represented

by Lindsey Legue, Christine Laforce and couples Alexander & Stephanie Carbonaro and Chelsea & Ryan Meyer.

9. Vince Moceri, President of Windsor Disposal Services Ltd. (WDS) and his wife, Margaret and his family members Marylena, Kathy and Frank Moceri, are long time major supporters of the gala. In addition to their sponsorship, the Moceri family honoured their own family members, Virginia and Antonina at the gala as well. (on next page)

We lead the way with equipment and technology 4 See the pieces come together (Inside back cover)

WWW.CAVALIERTOOL.COM

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HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT “The 19th In Honour Of The Ones We Love (IHOWL) Annual Gala Dinner” continued . . .

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9. (see photo caption on previous page) 10. The “Hand and Hand” Award is given to a member of the community who, over time, has had a significant impact on the success of IHOWL. This year the recipients were Robert (second from left) and Carol Robinson (holding roses) of Windsor Life magazine. Thibert and Mancini are also in the presentation shot.

11. Ed Harcus and his wife, Tish Harcus, Manager & Brand Ambassador at Canadian Club Whisky Centre (event sponsor) once again attended the gala to show their support. They, along with 1,000 other guests, enjoyed the seven course gourmet dinner, silent auction/raffles and dancing afterwards to music of the CIAO band. The gala was emceed by Kelly Blais, Managing Director of Media Street Productions and Mike Kakuk, Co-host of the Morning Drive for AM800 CKLW (event sponsor along with CTV).

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BBIZIZ XX MMAAGGAAZZININEE •• MMAARRCCHH 22001177

THE WAY IT WAS

Bringing Home The Memories

By Andrea Grimes

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ou’ve no doubt heard the saying, “Christmas in July?” Well, for a Windsor-based charity, Christmas comes even earlier, with this March article!

The tradition of Christmas is a celebration of family and the renewal of friendships, and with the passing of each generation, those treasured memories become etched in time.

Many of our local Veterans who rallied to the colours and spent more than one Christmas separated from family and the warmth of home, remember all too well how the bitter realities of war were never very far away from their thoughts!

For our Veterans who are living in care residences and are experiencing Christmas without family, the holidays can be a lonely reality of life.

According to Brad Krewench, CEO of Adopt A Vet (AdoptAVet.ca), “When I picked up my grandfather from his residence to bring him home for Christmas, I saw that some of our Veterans were without families to share Christmas. This got me thinking — what would be the best way to bring some Christmas cheer and companionship to our Veterans living in care residences?

I approached a few of my friends (who also serve in our Canadian Armed Forces) and we soon organized Adopt A Vet.” Founded in 2014 by Krewench, the Adopt A Vet team is on a mission to remember our Veterans who are going through the Christmas holidays without their families.

“Over the years, our Adopt A Vet team has worked with administrators of local retirement residences to establish the

At the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 143, from left are: Brad Krewench CD, CEO of Adopt A Vet and Mike Lepine, President of the North Wall Riders Association (Windsor Chapter). Photo courtesy of Ed Goodfellow.

needs of our Veterans, who would welcome sharing memories of their military service with our soldiers and receiving our gifts at Christmas,” Krewench explains. “Each year we establish a budget, and with a list in hand, we purchase enough Christmas gifts for our Veterans. In 2015, we were on the receiving end of a GoFundMe site and in 2016, we received some financial assistance from a few businesses, which helped us purchase gifts for our Veterans. We made the rounds, delivered the gifts and visited with our Veterans just in time for Christmas.”

According to Anne Marie Millette,

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General Manager, Chartwell Royal Marquis Retirement Residence (590 Grand Marais Road, Windsor), “We value the privilege the Adopt A Vet organization has provided to our resident Veterans. Each WWII Veteran resident received a special care package and they were grateful for these holiday treats, as this was a surprise to our Veterans.”

Krewench notes, “As more of our Veterans are making the decision to remain independent and retiring in care residences, the Adopt A Vet team is deploying an initiative that stands to the generosity of our community, to help us raise funds, which will enable us to purchase Christmas gifts for our Veterans this year.”

A resident of Chartwell Royal Marquis retirement residence, 92 year old WWII Veteran, Ken Bickle (who served with the Royal Canadian Ordinance Corps) adds, “I was overwhelmed with all the gifts and felt recognized. I look forward to meeting with the group in the future.”

Mike Lepine, President of the North Wall Riders Association — Windsor Chapter, comments, “Our communities must come together to support our Veterans so that no soldier is ever left behind.” Learn more about this group by checking out “North Wall Riders Association Windsor, Ontario” on Facebook).

To honour our Veterans for their duty, sacrifice and service to Canada in all theatres of conflict and peacekeeping missions, Adopt A Vet looks to stepping into the breach once again, sharing holiday cheer in the company of good friends . . . all present and correct!

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OF THE MONTH

By Dave Hall

Great Lakes Chiropractic . . .

Personalized & Attentive Care Every Step Of The Way

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uilding a new healthHe also works two days a week care practice from the ground at a chiropractic clinic at the up takes hard work and long University of Windsor. hours, but it’s already beginning “I started working two days a to pay off for Great Lakes week at the university when I came Chiropractic, which opened its back to Windsor after graduation, doors in Lakeshore last summer. but it wasn’t until mid-2016 that we “This is a fast-growing area, were able to set up the practice in so we’ve already been able to Lakeshore,” says Bondy. attract a good mix of clientele Bondy says his clinic also in just six months, which is very includes three other Chiropractors, encouraging,” says Co-Owner a Naturopathic Doctor and two Paul Bondy, a graduate of a fourRegistered Massage Therapists, year program at the Canadian which allows them to collaborate Memorial Chiropractic College on different patient cases and in Toronto. “I live nearby so this is determine what works best for a perfect location for the practice.” individual patients.

Great Lakes is part of The goal of the Lakeshore MedArts Centre is to provide the rapidly growing Lakeshore Bondy believes chiropractic the newly-opened Lakeshore township with a one-stop shop of young professionals, all born and raised locally. treatments are being included MedArts Centre, which includes Great Lakes Chiropractic — situated inside the centre — is a perfect example of by more patients as a part of young workers with a goal of providing Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, a number of different health-care and Naturopathic Medicine for each patient. A few of the staff members are pictured their regular health-maintenance practitioners under one roof. here from the left: Nina Marshall (Reception); Jennie Papineau (RMT); Amanda program.

Other members of the Quilliam (RMT); Dr. Paul Bondy (Chiropractor); Dr. Jennifer Strong (Naturopathic “People go to their Dentists Great Lakes practice include Doctor); and Nikki Paltridge (Office Manager). Photo by Rod Denis. and Doctors on a regular basis Co-Owner Dr. Aaron McKinlay, for preventative consultations and Dr. Devin Humphrey, Dr. Jennifer Strong Windsor. “There are also a great number people are now viewing Chiropractors in and Registered Massage Therapists Jennie of auto workers and factory workers in the much the same way,” Bondy comments. “You Papineau and Amanda Quilliam. community so we also see a lot of workcan always treat an ailment after it occurs, “Gathering different practitioners under related injuries and repetitive strain issues.” but if you can prevent it from happening, it’s the same roof has created opportunities Bondy also works with the LaSalle better for the patient and it’s better for the for inter-referrals and I think it’s helping Vipers Junior B Hockey Club as their team overall health-care system.” everyone,” Bondy remarks of the MedArts Chiropractor, which requires him to be in The practice also offers acupuncture, roster of businesses. “It allows us to bounce attendance at each home game. spinal decompression treatments, and ideas off each other and since most of us “I played a little bit of junior hockey and laser therapy. started off together, we have the same goals the treatment I received from Chiropractors Located at 1303 County Rd. 22 in Belle and interests.” during that time is largely why I became River, the medical centre also includes The demographics in a fast-growing area interested the field in the first place,” three Family Physicians, a hearing clinic, of Essex County have also played a role in explains Bondy. “Working with the Vipers a walk-in clinic, an eye-care specialist, helping the practice grow. gives me the opportunity to combine both an Orthodontist, a Physiotherapist and “There are a lot of older residents in the and it’s great to get involved with the hockey a therapy and rehabilitation practice.

Belle River area so we have been dealing community again.”

Great Lakes Chiropractic is open Monday with many patients with chronic pain Bondy helps players with treatment and to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday issues,” notes Bondy, who also has a degree stretching before the game and is available to from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information in human kinetics from the University of offer in-game treatment if necessary. visit: GreatLakesChiro.ca.

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B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7

ON MARCH 29TH

THE PIECES WILL COME TOGETHER!

Cavalier Tool is proud to announce our facility unveiling the best in the industry, just got better.

On March 29th, our facility expansion will be revealed, giving us 40% more manufacturing power.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our great employees, our loyal customers, and quality vendors who have made our success possible.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7 3450 Wheelton Dr. Windsor, ON N8W 5A7 | (519) 944-2144

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Location: Ambassador Golf Club Open House Photos by Jill Wilhelm - Real Image Photography Dresses by It’s Your Day Bridal Boutique

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