Biz X magazine May 2022

YOUR ONLY INTERNATIONAL BORDER CITY PUBLICATION

The 2nd Annual Incredible Kidney Quest Camp-Themed Edition

MAY 2022

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SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES 25 Years For LaSalle’s International Art Designs; Oldcastle’s KBC Tools & Machinery Hits The Big 30 And Artcite Inc. Turns 40!

Straight From The Horse’s Mouth, Our Cup Of Joe Tells You All About Windsor’s Connection To The TV Series, Yellowstone THE PARENTING BIZ We Honour Local Families For Mother’s Day, The International Day Of Families, And Father’s Day PLUS The Mechanical Contractors Association Of Windsor; Style Me Mena; COOK-UP And Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Best Of Windsor Essex Winners

Hands-On Approach Physiotherapy treatments can often make all the difference between living a fulfilling active life or suffering in chronic pain. Each May, National Physiotherapy Month celebrates thousands of healthcare professionals such as Charlotte Loaring, RPT and Owner of Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Centre in Tecumseh, ON. We do the “leg work” and profile her centre and many others in the area who are helping assist Windsorites along the path to recovery and better health. — PAGE 18 BIZ X M AG A Z I N E • M AY 2 0 2 2

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FOR BUSINESSES & PEOPLE IN WINDSOR, ESSEX COUNTY & METRO DETROIT SINCE 1998

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TABLE OF CONTENTS MAY 2022 Volume 25 • Issue 5

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4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: Become A Happy Camper And Register To Participate In The Incredible Kidney Quest Camp Edition 6 Rose City Politics: To EV Or Not To EV, That Is No Longer The Question For The Stellantis-LG Energy Solution Battery Plant 8 Front Lines 11 Heard On The Street 12 Biz Bits: For Swinging Soaps It All Comes Out In The Wash 14 Newsflash The 20th annual HandiCapable Fishing Derby at Assumption Park on the Detroit River, returns June 4, 2022 (pictured is the program cover).

The event offers special needs children (who can participate at no cost) the opportunity to go fishing under supervision by local pro-fishermen.

Get the “reel” story on this upcoming event and many others, plus all kinds of local good news updates in our Newsflash column.

16 Food For Thought: Nourish, Create & Transform With COOK-UP 23 XX Files: Mena Biafora Vincelli, Owner Of Style Me Mena 24 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: All Horsin’ Around Aside, Windsor Is Now Connected To A Very Popular TV Show Our Cup of Joe columnist is chomping at the bit to introduce our readers to Windsor lawyer, Cheryl Hodgkin, the proud owner of Metallic Eyes (in photo by Rod Denis). This new foal is sired by Metallic Cat, featured in the hit TV series, Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner. Hodgkin has great things planned for Metallic Eyes as he is

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expected to excel in Extreme Cowboy Challenge Racing, Reining, Cowboy Mounted Shooting and Cutting.

26 Portfolio Corner: Living With Rising Rates 27 Just Sayin’: Should Your Tax Dollars Be Used To Deprive Victims Of Medical Error Compensation?

28 Fun & Games: Calling All Pinball Wizards, The Iconic Game Returns 30 The Parenting Biz: Walking A Fine Line Between The Challenges Of Work, Family Responsibilities, And Making Money As a parent, balancing a rewarding career with raising children may seem, at times, like you are walking a tightrope. This issue we talk to entrepreneurs who have been able to not only make their personal situations work, but also make it look easy for the rest of us. It’s a great way to honour these hard working moms and dads in time for all the special days taking place in May. © Can Stock Photo/Elnur 37 Up Close & Personal: Kailey Jackson, Windsor’s Representative In The Ms. Canada World Universal 2022 Pageant 38 Tech Bytes: What The Heck Is An NFT? 39 Milestones: 25 Picture Perfect Years For International Art Designs 40 Awards Spotlight: TWEPI’s 7th Annual BOWE Award Recipients 42 Ask The Experts: The Impact Of Air Quality And Indoor Air Flow On The Construction Industry 44 From The Bookshelf : Christopher L. Menard’s Memoir In Poems 45 The Way It Was: Wee Ones Clutched Their “Kits” & Waved Goodbye 46 Biz Of The Month: KBC Tools & Machinery Celebrates 30 Years

ON THE COVER — Hands-On Approach — 18 May is National Physiotherapy Month across Canada and thousands of Registered Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Assistants are celebrated for their ability to help clients return to work and resume everyday activities. They combine their in-depth knowledge of the body and how it works with specialized hands-on clinical skills to assess, diagnose and treat symptoms of illness, injury or disability. Physiotherapy moves EVERY body so let’s find out which area clinics can provide you with the therapy, guidance and lifestyle changes you need.

COVER LOCATION AND REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST PHOTOGRAPHED: Charlotte Loaring, RPT and Owner of Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Centre, 13126 Tecumseh Road East, Tecumseh, works on stretching patient Daniel George, who is a long jumper and track and field athlete.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Rod Denis (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com).

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Adventure Awaits With The Incredible Kidney Quest Camp Edition

By Deborah Jones The Kidney Foundation is ready to launch its second annual Incredible Kidney Quest with a special camp-themed edition.

The all-inclusive virtual scavenger hunt runs from June 3 to June 12, 2022.

Proceeds will generate much-needed funds to support Canadians affected by kidney disease including education, peer support and emergency financial assistance.

“The Incredible Kidney Quest was created last year to be a unique event that people could participate in and still feel safe, but have some fun during the pandemic,” states Erika Muscat, a Windsor-based Kidney Foundation employee. “It received such positive feedback that we are thrilled to be bringing it back for a second year.”

This family friendly experience promises fun, adventure and memories — just like camp! You can complete the missions all in one day, or over several.

The Quest will test you and your team with trivia and take you around your local

community to complete a variety of photo and video missions using the Eventzee App. Since Biz X magazine is all about supporting local businesses, we are proud to be sponsoring the event once again with a special section of the Quest. Participants in Windsor Essex must take a picture of their favourite independently owned business (boutique, restaurant, retail store, or local business) to gain points.

There will be prizes for many of the highest points’ earners, the best team name and more.

“My friends and I participated in the first Kidney Quest and it was such a fun experience,” says Belinda Robertson, a 2021 participant from Harrow. “We travelled throughout our community, laughed, and took pictures, and the best part was that we knew the funds raised support people living with kidney disease. My husband struggled with kidney failure for many years and The Kidney Foundation was always there to support us, every step of the way.”

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A quick selfie shot during the 2021 Kidney Quest shows, (from left) Charlene Cote, Laura Gaskin, Diane Beck, Belinda Robertson and Sandy de la Pentiere with Tammy Mullins (red floppy hat) and Kelsey Henry (baseball cap) having fun just “Kidney-ing” around the city!

Through a special FUND A NEED component of this initiative, funds this year will be raised to make summer camp a reality for more patients and families.

In particular, The Kidney Foundation is proud to support Camp Dorset (near Huntsville) and Camp Kivita (outside of Bracebridge), providing transplant and dialysis patients the opportunity to experience a vacation while receiving treatment on site and connecting with others taking a similar journey.

The Incredible Kidney Quest can be experienced as a solo adventure for $30, with a partner for $55, or a group of three or more for $100. While it is a family-friendly event, appropriate for children of all ages, many will choose to complete the Quest with their friends. It can even be used as a team building event with co-workers.

For more information or to register, visit website: Kidney.ca/kidneyquest22.

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YQG EV Battery Plant

In this space the Rose City Politics panel will analyze, breakdown, and critique a local political issue that affects each and every Windsor resident.

For this edition, the Rose City Politics panel opines on the recently announced Stellantis-LG Energy Solution EV battery plant and what it means for Windsor Essex.

First 2,500 jobs. Now 3,200 jobs.

The potential of up to 15,000 spinoff jobs.

An entirely new supply chain.

Economic diversification this is not, but it is great, necessary, and something to trumpet.

The Stellantis-LG investment, as well as those from our governments, is the shot in the arm the region has needed.

CBC quoted Brian Kingston, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, as saying: “This is massive news, not just for the Canadian auto industry [but] for Windsor, the Canadian economy and Canadian jobs.”

I spoke with Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, on AM800 CKLW, and he professed how important this news was, not only locally, but also nationally.

Volpe didn’t mince words and made clear this was a significant reinvigoration that the automotive industry hasn’t seen in decades.

In 2018, on election night, City of Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens proclaimed

Doug Sartori The planned Stellantis/LG battery plant is a tremendous win for the city. It will put a floor under our local economy that wasn’t there before.

This investment helps modernize our key local industry.

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he ripped up his re-election speech to focus on economic diversification.

However, it can’t be spun that government investment into the automotive industry is economic diversification.

But don’t take the insight — or criticism depending on your perspective — to be negative. This is a meaningful investment, surely, to boost the auto industry.

There is nothing to dismiss about a $5 billion investment.

This will reinvigorate the automotive industry and parts sector, propel further investment, and even potentially may revive the third shift at WAP (Windsor Assembly Plant).

Windsor deserves this news, however, we can’t lose sight of the target — further economic diversification.

As we know from our collective local history, depending on an economic breadbasket filled only with bread, brings with it not only economic highs as well as economic lows, but also the potential for stale bread.

Jon Liedtke is a Commentator for AM800 CKLW, Co-host and Producer of Rose City Politics, a business consultant, serves on Artcite’s Executive Board, and is a band member of Windsor’s The Nefidovs.

Municipal, provincial and federal governments splashed out big incentives, and every politician in the region has done their bit to promote it.

That’s understandable, especially in a year when we’ll go to the polls municipally and provincially, but there is risk associated with the temptation to declare this investment “Mission Accomplished” as Mayor Dilkens did on social media.

The Windsor Works report, commissioned by the City of Windsor, recommended leveraging local expertise in the auto industry as a starting point for diversification. So far, so good, but to get the most out of the massive government investment in this plant it must be the beginning, not the end of the story.

As Frazier Fathers writes in his Ginger Politics blog, “Windsor Essex caught a Hail Mary, but it is only the end of the first quarter.” (Refer to: GingerPolitics.com).

Statistics Canada estimates Windsor’s GDP grew by 40% between 2001 and 2016, slightly ahead of inflation

over the period, which ran about 30%.

In the same period, Canada’s economy grew by over 80%, London and Hamilton by over 60%, and Toronto’s economy nearly doubled.

Part of the gap is due to dependence on auto manufacturing.

Economic diversification is needed to reverse this trend of relative impoverishment against the broader Canadian economy.

The new battery plant may well enable economic diversification, but in itself it deepens our dependence on an industry that is unlikely to drive higher economic growth.

The City spent $150 million in incentives to land this facility. That’s a play we can’t run very many times. We must move forward with urgency to diversify our economy to maximize the benefit.

Doug Sartori is a political observer and organizer. When he’s not recording podcasts or getting people out to vote he runs Parallel 42 Systems, a technology consultancy firm in downtown Windsor.

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Jon Liedtke

The Rose City Politics panel includes Doug Sartori, Pat Papadeas, Don Merrifield Jr., and Jon Liedtke and broadcasts Wednesday nights at: RoseCityPolitics.ca. It is available on all your favourite podcasting and social media apps and appears in print in Biz X magazine.

Windsor will be the home of Canada’s first lithium-ion battery plant and one of the largest Electric Vehicle (EV) battery plants in the world.

With manufacturer LG Energy Solution set to start production in 2024, creating 2,500 direct jobs, and laying the groundwork for thousands more in spin-offs, the massive size and historic scale of this investment will be transformational in many ways and no less so in its impact on our local communities.

The prodigious announcement was made possible by the collaborative efforts of all three levels of government. Each of those levels of government must now do its part to attend to the foreseeable challenges ahead in both the immediate future and in the long term.

These include securing the region’s needed power supply (taking expanding greenhouse operations into account), not losing sight of the fact that we have a housing crisis, and, of course, addressing the labour demand in a market already struggling with a skills shortage.

Just as importantly, each level of government must do its part to ensure that opportunities are not missed or mishandled.

These include the opportunities in the broader context of the supply chain, supporting new programs in the EV field at our post-secondary institutions, and investing in research.

The federal plan that requires half of all new cars sold in Canada be zero-emission vehicles by 2030, provides welcome impetus.

Now would be a good time for the province to reconsider the EV incentives that it cancelled.

Throughout all of this, Windsor’s local government must ensure that it diligently moves forward in developing and implementing strategies in line with the Windsor Works report.

The fundamental aspects of what makes a community worth living in remain relevant and, arguably, more pressing.

The startling recent decision by the Mayor and council to let the City of Windsor’s CAO go after only a year in the position, on the heels of the battery plant announcement, has not escaped concern by any municipal watcher. It is hoped that this doesn’t signal that our local elected officials plan to sit on the laurels of the battery plant

Pat Papadeas announcement, while they bask in the comfort of their political fortunes.

Pat Papadeas is a legal studies professor at St. Clair College and co-author of the textbook Canadian Business Law (Emond Publishing). She is active in organizations that directly or indirectly support a bold and vibrant downtown.

If you have a comment on this topic, please post it under the Rose City Politics column in the CITY section of BizXmagazine.com.

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FRONTLINES

Artcite Inc. Celebrates 40th Anniversary With $40,000 Fundraising Goal

Artcite Inc., 109 University Avenue West in Windsor (inside the Capitol Theatre building) is celebrating 40 years of service in the community as an incorporated non-for-profit, artist-run centre.

“Following several complications related to the pandemic, Artcite is fortunate to be pulling through the COVID crisis stronger than ever,” says Teajai Travis, Executive Director at Artcite Inc. “This is due to the support we receive from the community we serve.”

For 40 years, Artcite Inc. has exhibited the work of thousands of artists, and throughout its mission and dedication to celebrating and showcasing contemporary art, it has brought the works of local, regional, national, and international artists into its gallery with a focus on community and accessibility.

To help celebrate their anniversary, an online fundraiser has been launched on the website: ArtciteInc.ca, which runs until the end of October.

All donations, large or small, are greatly appreciated and help raise money for local

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Inside the Artcite gallery during the Vestiges and Remains 40th celebration exhibit, from left are: David Ennis (student), City of Windsor Councillor Fabio Costante and Teajai Travis (Executive Director).

Photo courtesy of Teajai Travis.

artist scholarships, micro-grants, community programming, gallery renovations, and the creation and development of a youth arts collective.

“Our dream is to be able to support local emerging artists by providing micro-grants for art projects and research, scholarships

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for students studying in post-secondary arts programs, and expanding our local and regional programming,” explains Travis.

“Our goal is to raise $40,000 in celebration of our 40th anniversary.”

With the organization’s Annual General Meeting set for November, they plan on making a big announcement regarding the funds raised.

But, the celebrations have already kicked off! Artist Morris Fox recently programmed a March/April installation at Artcite, entitled Vestiges and Remains, where visitors could take a deep dive into 40 years of archived materials.

Incorporated in 1982, Artcite Inc. is dedicated exclusively to expanding the visibility of contemporary arts within our region and advancing the professional presentation, promotion, and animation of contemporary art forms.

With the support of funders, sponsors and donors, the gallery remains open to the public with no entry charge.

FRONTLINES Agile Pharmaceutical Solutions Inc. (AgilePharma), operating since 2017, has designed, developed, and patented fastdisintegrating, water-soluble technologies for cannabinoids and psychedelics in a sublingual tablet dosage form. There is no other product like it on the market today.

Dr. Moe Harati, Ph.D., the founder of the company states: “My vision, after a couple of years of commercialization, is to selffund clinical studies on various medical indications and then to sell the product at stage III to a big pharma company, such as Pfizer and Bayer . . . for $1 to $2 billion” With a Ph.D. in chemistry, Dr. Harati has led product development from discovery to commercialization, for various pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Bayer, and Proctor & Gamble.

Recently, he has provided consulting services to a variety of companies in the cannabis space, while working to build his

During the past 20 plus years, Dr. Moe Harati, the Founder/CEO of Agile Pharmaceutical Solutions Inc. has successfully authored more than 200 technical summaries, publications, white papers, and training guides, and has presented at several national and international conferences.

REQUIRES INVESTOR FOR NEW MANUFACTURING OPERATION own business — Agile Pharmaceuticals Solutions Inc. AgilePharma’s sublingual tablets are placed under the tongue and dissolve rapidly.

The active molecules enter directly into the tiny blood vessels and dispense the full amount of the medication directly into the bloodstream, thereby bypassing the stomach and digestive tract.

As a result, sublingual drugs do not interact with foods and other medications before absorption. Consequently, they have higher bio-availability in comparison with other forms of cannabinoids such as oil, gummies, chocolates, and so on.

A variety of investigations have indicated that cannabis molecules may be useful with about 20 medical conditions such as; pain, anxiety, depression, cancer, nausea, inflammatory diseases, arthritis and so on.

At present, using cannabis as a treatment for these disorders has not been approved by medical authorities.

AgilePharma’s water-soluble sublingual tablets result in more effective treatments for these indications than what is currently available on the market. The company has developed a Psilocybin product for treatment of depression and mental health, as well as variety of products within the cannabis realm.

The business strategy is to commercialize and broadly distribute the products, at a reasonable price, to customers throughout the world who are suffering from the medical conditions mentioned by the World Health Organization (WHO).

These conditions affect every ethnic group, every country, every physical activity, and every economic segment.

Consequently, the growth opportunity is very large, because the tablet is applicable to the entire world’s population and can be used to treat a wide variety of common medical conditions more effectively than what is available today.

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Maurice Marwood, Owner/CEO of MMarco International Services Inc. has worked alongside Dr. Harati for about five years providing on-going advice and counsel.

Photos courtesy of AgilePharma.

Maurice Marwood, a Co-Founder, and Owner of MMARCO International Services Inc. (MMarco.net) is providing business guidance and coaching.

According to Marwood: “Agile Pharmaceuticals Solutions plans to take advantage of the worldwide demand by becoming part of large distribution networks. For example, the market for cannabis edibles in Canada is reported to be $2.7 billion per year, which is a very small part of the targeted worldwide market.”

Dr. Harati continues and mentions: “To implement this strategy the business is seeking a modest amount of funding to initiate commercial manufacturing and distribution. We are seeking about $500,000 to launch the initial manufacturing operations in Windsor.”

The worldwide demand has the potential of providing very high returns to any investor that has the foresight to see the opportunity.

For more information, please email: moe.harati@agilepharmaceuticals.com or visit: AgilePharmaceuticals.com.

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HEARD ON THE STREET Canada Salvage, a long-time Windsor hardware and general store, situated at 1246 Ottawa Street, was sold in January just a few months before it was to close. Janette Smith, along with two silent partners, bought the business from the Chapieski family, which had owned it for almost 40 years. Smith, a realtor by trade, who also owns a number of small apartment buildings in Windsor, visited the store back in October and noticed some of the shelves were quite bare. Smith made a few inquiries, found out there was only a month or so left before it was slated to close because the family was easing into retirement and she decided it would be a good fit for her and her partners. “It’s sad and getting very common these days, to not find many independent hardware stores,” says Smith.

“It’s mostly big box and chains now, but you can’t beat the customer service you find in an independent store.” The Canada Salvage building was sold two years ago not long after a second location in Tecumseh was closed. Smith adds that the store needed renovating and she’s also bringing in a computer system, complete with scanners, to make the operation more efficient.

“We’re keeping most of the same merchandise and we’ve added plants and flowers,” she indicates. Canada Salvage was launched by Abraham Katz, in 1928, on Chatham Street, before moving to Pitt Street. Richard Blondin later took over from Katz before selling it to the Chapieski family in the 1980s. The store has 15 employees, including Brian Chapieski, who elected not to retire along with the rest of his family. For more details on their services and products go to: CanadaSalvageHardware.com.

Thirty years after his father Emin Gorica established a Naples Pizza restaurant in Tecumseh, son Taner has rebranded the business as Capital City Pizza Co. “I just felt it needed

a few changes,” explains Gorica whose father passed away in 2020. “We’ve put on a new roof, changed the signage and freshened it up a little.”

Inside, not much has changed, but Gorica is now using Uniondale mozzarella cheese (the gold standard locally from Galati Cheese Company), and brought in a California vine-ripened tomato sauce. “When you’re part of a franchise, you don’t have as much control over ingredients as you do as an independent,” explains Gorica.

“Naples has been very good for us over the years, but I wanted to do something a little different.”

The changeover became official on March 7 and business has been even better than Gorica had hoped, with sales increasing each week. Gorica spent a number of years working alongside his dad in the restaurant before launching a career in sales and finance. Now that’s he’s returned to his roots, he wishes his dad were here to see the changes. “It’s hard not to get emotional because I think he’d be very happy with what we’ve done,” adds Gorica who played junior hockey and then minor pro before retiring in 2000.

The pizzeria is located at 12360 Tecumseh Road East and online at: CapitalCityPizza.ca.

After 41 years, Nick Pontikis is retiring and closing his long-standing Thanasi’s Olympus Greek Restaurant at 1204 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor. “It’s not often that someone is able to retire at the top of their game,” says Pontikis in a Facebook posting. “Thanasi’s is a victim of our own success. We have never been busier and that’s the problem.” Pontikis adds “the reason our food has been so consistently great is because the same people have been lovingly preparing it for decades. These wonderful people are now ready for retirement and have been waiting to join me in doing so.” The restaurant will switch over to Indian cuisine by the end of May.

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The Kingsville Folk Music Festival has been rebranded as the Greenway Jam (presented by the Kingsville Music Society), and will take place August 12 to 14, 2022 along the two-kilometre Chrysler Canada Greenway in Kingsville. “We have to plan festivals, such as this, well in advance and we were trying to think of a way to present a great musical line-up while at the same time making it as safe as possible for everyone,” explains Festival Director Michele Law. “We’ve spread out the venues and stages, which will help bring more restaurants and businesses into the mix.”

Law adds that the greenway is accessible along the entire route and there are also places along the way that will allow people to be dropped off closest to the musicians they want to see. “There’s actually less walking than in Lakeside Park and it’s all on level ground,” Law indicates. The festival, featuring Kathleen Edwards on opening night and Steven Page on the second night, will have a mix of free and ticketed live music events along the greenway. To view the entire line-up, check: Facebook.com/kingsvillemusicsociety.

The European Market, 6415 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor, is undergoing a major expansion, with construction being handled by a local company, Lester (LesterGroup.ca).

The new building is going up directly behind the existing market, which sells a wide variety of European foods from Germany, Poland, Italy, Hungary and France, among others. They include meats, cheeses, sauerkraut, pickles, pierogies, chocolate, candy, desserts, sausages and breads. There’s also a selection of hot foods including a variety of chicken and pork dishes, soups, pancakes and pierogies. Get more details on: TheEuropeanMarket.ca.

Pacific Belle, a new seafood restaurant, is in the process of being renovated at the intersection of Tecumseh Road East and Westminster Boulevard, in Windsor. The space was previously home to a Taco Bell and more recently an Asian restaurant. There’s no word yet on when renovations will be complete and when the restaurant will open. But, we know seafood lovers are ready to dive in to their menu ASAP!

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BIZ BITS

The Happiest Soap Shop In Canada Shares Lessons Learned While Trying To Stay Afloat

By Victoria Rose

B

efore anyone had heard of COVID-19, Jenny White, Owner of The Swinging Soap Company Inc., had seen monthover-month growth with her retail store, since opening in 2015.

Her plan to build a business to support her family, after her husband retired, was on track. Then the pandemic hit.

“It was a shock,” states White. “There were lots of changes across all areas of the business.”

Like many other storeowners, White faced skyrocketing supply prices and forced closures. She also found out that her business did not qualify for some relief packages and she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm.

There were changes at home too. White’s husband — an engineer from England — had to stop working.

“The shop wasn’t prepared to pay for our home or family’s day-to-day life,” White reveals.

Bills began to accumulate and she had to consider closing the store on several occasions. Even now, it’s still a possibility.

“I’ve come close to quitting . . . but I love my business and I’m proud of what we have created,” says White.

There are however, some bright points these days.

When The Swinging Soap Company revealed how bad things were, orders started pouring in.

White is feeling positive about the huge support from the community. It is still “one day at a time”, but if they can keep doing orders (and if her husband can find work now that borders have reopened), things could turn around.

While the economic fallout from the pandemic was nearly impossible for storeowners to predict, there are a few lessons White has learned . . .

Signage is worth the investment “We didn’t have signs for a long time as it wasn’t in the budget, but once we bought them, we saw an increase in traffic,” she indicates.

Have enough capital for any unforeseen costs She cautions entrepreneurs: “It’s going to cost more than you think.”

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Swinging Soap Company Owner Jenny White, pictured inside her shop, is grateful for all the support she has received during the ongoing pandemic. Faced with all kinds of obstacles, she built a website to sell her products online, and spent every day at the store. Every order helped put food on the table for her family and she is still trying to get through many challenges, “one day at a time”. Photo by Julianna Bonnett.

Consider a website early on White taught herself how to build an online store, which helped bring in orders while closures were in place. (Note you can still shop online 24/7 at the website: SwingingSoaps.com).

Great customer service counts The store is filled with orders, thanks to repeat customers and word-of-mouth, especially after it went public about its struggles.

White says the large amount of orders is overwhelming, but also a blessing.

“I’m just so grateful,” she expresses. “This business is my ‘bit of happy’ and I want to stay here. I’ll keep making our gentle, whimsical soap creations and hopefully things change.”

The Swinging Soap Company Inc. can be found at 2001 Provincial Road (Unit C) in Windsor.

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN Leamington District Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for 14 categories in their Business Excellence Awards until May 24, 2022. If you know a business that excels in customer service, a company that goes above and beyond, or who is your go to person in the business community that has helped Leamington businesses and organizations, send in your nomination!

The final winners will be revealed on September 14, 2022 during an awards ceremony. For more information email: info@leamingtonchamber.com or visit: LeamingtonChamber.com.

The University of Windsor welcomed RBC On Campus to its student community in April. “We are excited to deepen our relationship with RBC in this unique way,” says Gillian Heisz, UWindsor’s Vice President, Finance and Operations. “Having RBC representatives in the CAW Student Centre (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) conveniently brings important services to our campus community.” Building on the RBC Future Launch initiative (Rbc.com/dms/enterprise/futurelaunch) — RBC’s 10 year, $500 million commitment to youth across Canada — the on campus space is designed to provide convenience and empower students on their road to independence. “We’re thrilled to add the University of Windsor to our community of almost 20 on campus RBC branches across Canada,” states Tanja Wilkins, RBC’s regional Vice President. “It’s our commitment to help young people prepare for the future.

That’s why our campus locations go far beyond traditional banking services to provide unique experiences and advice to students to support them on their journeys.” Services offered include: advice workshops, including topics like building credit, budgeting, investing, job search 101, personal branding; in-person and virtual appointments; account openings; and loan/credit applications.

Album artwork for Tayler Lynn’s new EP, Yours Truly.

Tayler Lynn, a 22 year old pop/country music artist from Windsor, is excited about her first single, Second Guess, which

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debuted April 8 and for another release of Play It Safe (May 27). Until September, a new single will be released monthly and then all songs will be compiled on her EP entitled Yours Truly. Lynn writes all her own songs and already has 20 songs available on many streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. “I’ve been writing songs since I was 12 years old and singing for as long as I can remember,” Lynn states. “I’ve struggled daily with mental health/anxiety since I was 10 years old and music has been the only thing that has helped me cope, so I started releasing my songs in 2018 in hopes that my music can help at least one person feel less alone.” Learn more on: Facebook.com/TaylerLynnMusic and see a selection of her videos on: YouTube.com/c/TaylerLynnn (please note: the letter “n” three times is correct).

HALL OF FAME Becky Langlois, Motor City Community Credit Union.

Photo courtesy of MCCCU.

At an event held on March 8 for International Women’s Day, In Honour of the Ones We Love (InHonour.ca) celebrated the individuality, achievements and contributions of Becky Langlois, Marketing and Community Relations for Motor City Community Credit Union (MCCCU.com).

Born and bred in Windsor, Langlois spent 24 years in the media at CBC Television and 15 years with the MCCCU, and is set to retire this summer. As marketing and community relations manager, she has had the pleasure of meeting amazing members who do their banking with MCCCU, its staff and a Board of Directors who care about the members’ experience. The community is very connected and Langlois has learned that the passion and generosity of the community leaders have made a difference in the lives of many Windsorites, young and old, healthy and unwell. Congratulations Becky, on this well deserved recognition!

The WEtech Alliance winners of the fifth annual Tech Awards, powered by BIZ X M AG A Z I N E • M AY 2 0 2 2

TekSavvy Solutions Inc. are: Phillip Olla, Audacia (Tech Professional of the Year); Maxine Ebegbuzie Shelton, Max Mobile Solutions (Tech Woman of the Year); AlphaKOR Group (Tech Company of the Year); Doug Sartori, Parallel 42 Systems (Tech Mentor of the Year); Brian Aspinall (Tech Educator of the Year); Art Gallery of Windsor (Tech Adoption of the Year); REEL Outline (Tech Start-up of the Year); Nwanneka Baraka (Tech Student/Young Professional of the Year); St. Clair College IT Department (Tech Team of the Year); and Edison Financial (WEtech Choice Award).

To view podcast videos of each winner go to: WEtech-Alliance.com/awards.

ON THE MOVE Little Foot Foods has outgrown its space in Windsor at 1404 Tecumseh Road East and will be moving to 2010 Fasan Drive in Oldcastle, in June. Rob Myers, who owns the business, along with wife Rachael, states: “We have simply outgrown our current location and rather than find something else, we will eventually grow out of, we’ve decided to take on an empty shell and fix it up according to our needs.” Little Foot Foods, which opened in September 2013, now sells its products in over 50 locations across Ontario. “We needed more manufacturing space so that we can continue to increase and service our retail locations,” adds Myers. Products are sold in area grocery stores, markets, bakeries, delicatessens and butcher shops.

“We’re fortunate to live in a community that loves pierogies and we are very grateful for everyone’s support,” adds Myers. The new location will also include a retail storefront.

To see their menu view: LittleFootFoods.ca.

Dodgeball Canada appointed Windsorite Jeremy Renaud to the role of General Manager, in early April. As part of Renaud’s role, he is responsible for overseeing Team Canada’s participation at Nationals (June 16 to 19, 2022) and the World Championship (August 28 to September 4, 2022), taking place at the Saville Community Sports Centre (University of Alberta). For Renaud, who comes from a very extensive background in sport at the regional, provincial, national and international level — both as a past multi-sport athlete and current sports administrator — this is a dream come true. “I am very honoured and

excited to lead Team Canada to the highest apex of the medals podium in collaboration with our six national teams’ coaches and athletes,” he expresses. Renaud is currently a Professor of Sport and Recreation Management within the Zekelman School of Business & Information Technology at St. Clair College, the Esports Coordinator under Student Success & Leadership Centre at the University of Windsor, and General Manager for Canada’s National Sports Card & Memorabilia Expo.

He will also be joined by Eric Dominguez and Christian Oomen, both students of Renaud’s sport and recreation management classes at the college. Dominguez will intern at Dodgeball Canada as a marketing and operations coordinator to support national and world events, while Oomen will be the Assistant to the General Manager with direct involvement in Team’s Canada participation at both competitions. For more information on this organization, visit: DodgeballCanada.org.

DATES TO REMEMBER The Windsor Endowment for the Arts (WEA) and the City of Windsor, have partnered to celebrate the biennial 2022

WEA awards and grants’ ceremony and the Windsor Mayor’s Arts Awards (WMAA), to support and recognize creative individuals and organizations in our region. An outdoor ceremony is set to take place May 20, 2022 at 7 p.m. in the Vision Corridor (beside the Art Gallery of Windsor and Chimczuk Museum). All are welcome to attend by pre-registering at: WEA-Arts.com.

Every Friday from May 20 to October 2, 2022, starting at 3 p.m. until Sunday evening, the streets in downtown Amherstburg are open for visitors during Open Air Weekends. You can stroll through the award winning waterfront gardens; dine on amazing cuisine and sip on a beverage sitting at an outdoor patio, enjoy entertainment, shop sidewalk sales and so much more! To add extra fun to your experience there are street games for the young and the young at heart, plus free yoga in the park and music concerts. Learn more about the schedule for Open Air Weekends on: VisitAmherstburg.ca.

The Windsor Classic Chorale is excited to be hosting its first live concert since 2019 — One with Nature — featuring a program of selections inspired by, and written about, the beauty of nature.

Performances are scheduled for May 27

at 7:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army South Windsor Citadel, and June 12 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Point Pelee National Park’s Visitor Centre. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased via: WindsorClassicChorale.org.

Pat Pagano presents the 20th annual HandiCapable Fishing Derby at Assumption Park on the Detroit River, June 4, 2022, starting at 9 a.m. The event offers special needs children (who can participate at no cost) the opportunity to go fishing under supervision by local pro-fisherman, in a controlled atmosphere to ensure maximum safety and fun. Entertainment by Music Express, and Windsor Flyboard demos and the Snow Sisters from Enchanted Adventure Parties, are also on the schedule.

Special guests include Italo Labignan, host of Canadian SportFishing TV show, and his camera crew shooting clips of the event to be aired on Sportsnet this coming season.

The derby, sponsored by the Alan Quesnel Family Foundation, is a fundraiser for the Italian Canadian HandiCapable Association, an organization that works closely with individuals with a physical or intellectual disability living in our community. For further details check: Facebook.com/ICHAFishingDerby or you can register on: ICHA.ca.

JOIN THE ADVENTURE!

Support people living with kidney disease!

June 3 - June 12, 2022

kidney.ca/kidneyquest22

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© Can Stock Photo/Kurhan

FOOD FOR THOUGHT THIS ISSUE FEATURES…

COOK-UP, 875 Ouellette Ave., Windsor

By David Clark

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truly unique and needed operation in our region opened in 2019 as a food business incubator called COOK-UP. A not-for-profit organization, the staff helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their food businesses by providing access to a shared commercial kitchen, tailored business coaching, connecting entrepreneurs to local professionals/mentors, and coordinating market opportunities to sell their products.

According to Delna Buhariwalla, Co-Founder and Executive Director of COOK-UP, “The goal is to nourish local entrepreneurs to create thriving businesses that can help transform our community.

We train people to be able to sell their food with the assistance of other members of the team, including Trishauna Linton, Co-Founder and Head of Operations who helps orchestrate this winning group.”

Their services are available to early-stage food entrepreneurs (future restaurateurs, retail shop owners, or even for those selling food items at local markets) looking to start or grow their businesses.

The organization currently rents kitchen space from another owner and COOK-UP entrepreneurs rent the kitchen by the hour.

Custom plans are offered for entrepreneurs based on their stage of growth — Concept,

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Launch and Grow. (More information on their support can be found on: CookUpInc.com).

Food entrepreneurs face disproportionately higher risks and barriers to market entry. This imbalance is further amplified for people from marginalized communities and talented entrepreneurs may miss out on the opportunity to contribute their talents to their community to experience something new.

As Buhariwalla points out: “Our vision is to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports the needs of entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, including women, linguistic minorities, the LGBTQI community and newcomer and immigrant communities, to build successful food businesses and foster economic stability, improve food access, create jobs and strengthen our local food system.”

Funding partners providing support for the program are the WindsorEssex Community Foundation and Community Foundations Canada, Libro Credit Union, and the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association.

Some of the most notable names who graduated from the program include: Sijuola Folarin, Owner of Naija Food Eats; Zule Ankamah, Owner of ZuleEats and Taylor Meyers and Tanya Viens,

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Inside the COOK-UP kitchen Delna Buhariwalla (left), Co-Founder and Executive Director and Trishauna Linton (far right), Co-Founder and Head of Operations for COOK-UP, stand with new entrepreneurs Sadia Malik, Owner of Allergy Eatables; Khadijah Akbar, Owner of Nature Smile Frozen Treats & Bean Pies, and Izzah Siddiqui, Owner of Twist of Fusion. In the foreground is a sample of allergy-friendly sweets that Malik prepared.

Photo by Rod Denis.

Owners of All On Board Charcuterie.

COOK-UP itself is also in an exciting stage of growth as they are looking for a new home to accommodate their entrepreneurs.

They require a licenced kitchen operation and a space where they can welcome community members through a host of events, pop-ups, awareness-building workshops and special occasions.

We’ll be sure to keep you posted with news on the relocation in the future!

So, now you have learned a bit about this food business incubator, but you might still be wondering — what exactly is a COOK-UP? It is a rice dish in West Indian culture that represents the cook’s desire to make the best use of what is available, to improvise by transforming ingredients, often leftovers, into a new and satisfying meal.

Buhariwalla wraps up this column perfectly: “A COOK-UP is a feast that offers nourishment for the appetite, as well as for the heart and mind. This tradition is the inspiration behind, and the heart of our work, at COOK-UP.”

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Get Well, Move Well Let’s Get Physical For National Physiotherapy Month COVER STORY By Dave Hall

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hysiotherapists have long played an important role in the healthcare system of a community by helping injured clients return to their workplace, and enjoy fulfilling active lifestyles.

To recognize the work being done by these professionals, the month of May is celebrated as National Physiotherapy Month across Canada. (To read about the theme for 2022, visit the Canadian Physiotherapy Association website: Physiotherapy.ca).

Physiotherapy treatments help clients increase mobility, endurance, confidence and independence, in all areas of their lives.

All Registered Physiotherapists (RPT) are university-educated health professionals, able to assess, diagnose and treat a vast range of ailments.

National Physiotherapy Month focuses on how members of the profession help people living with chronic pain to live more pain-free lives and reduce the need for prescription drugs, such as opioids.

While injuries are often unavoidable, how they are treated can change a life and return the injured party to a normal healthy existence.

Keeping your body in tip top condition is the #1 priority always, so you can continue to work, pay the bills, look after your family and have a whole lot of fun as well — right?

According to the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, more than 20,000 Registered Physiotherapists work in Canada, in private clinics, general and rehabilitation hospitals, community health centres, residential care/assisted living facilities, home visit agencies, workplaces, and schools.

In past May issues, Biz X magazine has recognized Speech & Hearing Month in 2021 and Vision Health Month in 2019.

Now, this year, we turn our attention to local Registered Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Assistants, in honour of their special month.

Following is a brief overview of some of the physiotherapy clinics (many also offering other healthcare services) across the Windsor Essex region.

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Banners: ©Can Stock Photo/mindscanner

Pinnacle Physiotherapy

Former University of Windsor Lancer athlete Ritch Coughlin launched Pinnacle Physiotherapy, with just one location, 23 years ago. Grant Gagnon (Registered Physiotherapist) came on board one year later and Mario Ruggirello (Registered Kinesiologist), who had worked at the clinic since 2005, became a partner 11 years ago.

Pinnacle Physiotherapy — which now has three locations — has nine Registered Physiotherapists and one Kinesiologist on staff, along with an Ergonomist to help people set up work stations properly.

“We handle all types of injuries, from workplace accidents to sports mishaps and motor vehicle accidents, along with back and postural issues resulting from so many people working from home during the pandemic,” explains Ruggirello. “We also deal with the after-effects of hip and knee replacements and, for a lot of

people, it means education and a change in lifestyle habits.”

In addition to helping patients live life to the fullest, Pinnacle Physiotherapy also has a working partnership with hospitals in Windsor, Chatham, Leamington and London, to bring patients a hospitalfunded program of rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

If a patient undergoes a hip or knee replacement at an affiliated hospital, they are eligible for post-operative treatment at any Pinnacle location at no charge.

“We also offer pre-operative treatment for those scheduled for surgery,” says Ruggirello. “Going into surgery the strongest you can possibly be, is known to greatly enhance surgical outcomes.”

The types of injuries dealt with at Pinnacle Physiotherapy vary by the season.

In winter, it’s back injuries from hockey, skiing or shovelling snow, while in the summer, the injuries are more likely to be caused by outdoor activities such as running, soccer and baseball. And for the 50-plus crowd, injuries are more likely to be associated with knees and hips.

Ruggirello notes that Pinnacle prides itself on having an upbeat atmosphere, from the front desk all the way through its various treatment rooms where the adage “Laughter is the best medicine” is put to the test every day.

“It all helps patients, who are putting in the hard work towards recovery, have something they can look forward to,” At Pinnacle Physiotherapy, 1270 Walker Road in Windsor, friendly, knowledgeable staff work hard every day to ensure that your health, wellbeing and comfort are always a top priority. From left: Ritch Coughlin, Co-Owner; Mario Ruggirello, Co-Owner and Registered Kinesiologist; Zikra Nilam, Kinesiology Physiotherapy Assistant and (front) Jessica Firman, Registered Physiotherapist demonstrate a multi use machine for lower extremity strengthening on a patient while measuring her knee angle with a medical protractor goniometer.

Pinnacle Physiotherapy also has locations in LaSalle and Lakeshore.

Photo by Rod Denis.

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adds Ruggirello. “We recognize we are treating the whole person, not just an injury.”

In making the clinic more welcoming to clients, Ruggirello points out work stations have been spaced out, so that clients feel safe and comfortable.

“We have also made it a happy and jovial place to work for our staff, because that’s passed along to our clients,” states Ruggirello. “It’s hard to recover when you’re in pain.”

In accordance with what are now long-established COVID protocols, clinic staff work with clients in individual zones and use thoroughly sanitized weights and any other required equipment, so clients feel safe and protected. There are also virtual treatment options for those clients who wish to remain at home.

Pinnacle Physiotherapy has locations at 1270 Walker Road in Windsor, 5935 Malden Road in LaSalle, and 1303 County Road 22, Unit #2, in Lakeshore (Belle River). For more information, visit the website: PinnaclePhysiotherapy.com.

Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Centre

When patients arrive at the Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Centre, they’re not only going to receive treatment for their aches and pains, but they’ll also get advice about making lifestyle changes.

“We treat more than the injury itself,” expresses centre owner Charlotte Loaring, RPT, who has been practicing for 20 years and is the recipient of two Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce awards. “If all we do is deal with the current injury, we will likely see the patient again. We want to make sure all the parts of the body and mind fit together harmoniously so we can create long-term healthy outcomes.”

Her 13-person staff includes four Registered Physiotherapists, two Registered Massage Therapists, one

Charlotte Loaring, Registered Physiotherapist and Owner of Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Centre, stresses the importance of proper posture by the use of a physioball to improve core stability and balance. Since Physiotherapists help people correct their posture to reduce injury, one might say they are the Posture Police (hence the symbol on the centre’s wall)! Photo by Rod Denis.

Registered Kinesiologist/Personal Trainer, one Kinesiology Graduate/Administrative Assistant, two Physiotherapy Assistants, two student Physiotherapy Assistants, and one office manager. The 5,400 sq. ft. clinic is ideally suited for dealing with all kinds of injuries caused by sports, workplace accidents and auto accidents, for clients between the ages of six weeks to 90 years.

There are also acupuncture treatments available, focusing on integrated dry needling, along with virtual therapy sessions, for those unable to attend the clinic in person.

“We see a lot of weekend athletes and we try to impress upon them how important it is to warm up properly, but, at the same time, we try to explain what the root causes are so that they don’t undergo the same problems again,” adds Loaring.

When a patient arrives at the clinic, the

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first step is an hour-long private assessment designed to create a balanced treatment approach and that’s followed by individual treatment sessions.

“While we appreciate repeat business, we also like to think we are helping make a positive impact on the health and wellness of all our patients,” explains Loaring.

“We try to help our patients remain motivated because they also have a role in creating the best possible outcome.”

In order to keep up to date with the latest in treatment options, clinic staff all receive an education allowance to pay for courses, many of which are offered virtually.

There are monthly meetings of the entire staff and also monthly meetings of the clinical team to discuss how best to treat individual patients.

The clinic was closed for the month of April in 2020, just after pandemic restrictions were put in place, in order to prepare the clinic properly, and many of those protocols remain in place.

All staff members are registered in their particular specialties and belong to associations that govern those specialties, including physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, and personal training.

Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Centre is located at 13126 Tecumseh Road East in Tecumseh. To learn more, refer to: LoaringPhysiotherapy.com.

Ireland Manual Physiotherapy

After taking maternity leave for the birth of her first child, Corey Ireland decided she needed to create a better balanced life, so she opened Ireland Manual Physiotherapy rather than return to her original job working for someone else.

“I decided to prioritize my family, and by owning my own business, I’m able to set my own hours,” Ireland comments.

The clinic opened in October 2018 and there are three Registered Physiotherapists on staff, all of whom are members of the

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Out in Essex County, those going to Ireland Manual Physiotherapy in Kingsville can have a Registered Physiotherapist (RPT) they can call their own. From left: Stephanie Rhea, RPT; Corey Ireland, RPT and Owner; Steven Georges, RPT and Sara Berg, Client Experience Representative. All have the necessary training to understand the impact an injury or impaired mobility has on a client’s life. Photo by Rod Denis.

College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CollegePT.org). The college regulates Physiotherapists to ensure the ongoing improvement of the practice of physiotherapy, and to serve the public interest. All RPTs must register with the college to use the title.

Ireland, who is also certified by the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (CAMPT), has been practicing for more than a dozen years.

She is also the proud recipient of the 2020 Young Entrepreneur Award from the Town of Kingsville.

“We have a good work culture and great chemistry among our staff, and that sense of well-being and collaboration gets passed on to our clients,” says Ireland. “We offer treatment for an across-the-board range of injuries and ailments, along with some niche areas of practice including vertigo, jaw care, pelvic health and exercise programs.”

Ireland adds that her clinic helps men who have completed prostate cancer treatments and assists with improving bowel and bladder health for males and females.

“When it comes to that type of treatment, we are decades behind many other countries,” she believes. “We’re also able to take referrals from other clinics if they have clients facing these issues because they are specialized areas of practice.”

The clinic staff also treats individuals who have been injured doing sports such

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as volleyball, biking, hockey, soccer, and running.

College requirements include 30 hours of education annually in order to maintain full standing as members.

“We’re basically nerds,” says Ireland with a smile. “We’re always having professional development meetings and attending, either virtually or in person, a series of diploma workshops.”

Ireland says that COVID restrictions also allow clinic staff to access learning opportunities from qualified Physiotherapists across the globe.

Virtual sessions make it easy to tap into resources from other provinces and countries.

The clinic is accessible and welcoming to clients of all ages, regardless of their mobility and injury issues.

“Our goal is to make our clients comfortable and relaxed in addition to treating their aches and pains,” indicates Ireland.

Ireland Manual Physiotherapy is located at 313 Main Street East, Unit 19, in the East Kingsville Square (Movati Athletic Plaza) and online at: IrelandMPT.com.

Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic

After working at Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic for 15 years, Troy Sajatovich and wife Katie decided to buy the business, when previous owner Chuck Smith retired in November 2018.

“Chuck and I had talked about it over the years and it just made sense to both of us to keep it in familiar hands when Chuck was looking to retire,” Sajatovich recounts.

“And except for the fact that we’ve been under COVID restrictions for two of the past three years, it’s been going very well.”

Sajatovich has a human kinetics degree from the University of Windsor and a master’s degree in physiotherapy from Western University.

Due to COVID issues, he ran the clinic on his own for the first three months he owned it, before gradually bringing back his staff in August 2020.

Now, there is a staff of 13, including five Kinesiologists and four Physiotherapists.

“Our goal is to treat the person, not the injury, because every person is different and injuries are often caused by bad habits,” says Sajatovich. “If we can determine what has led to an injury, we may be able to prevent it from happening again.”

In addition to working with amateur athletes and people suffering from workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents, neck and back pain, muscle and joint strains, sprains and post-operative BIZ X M AG A Z I N E • M AY 2 0 2 2

Registered Physiotherapist and Owner of Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic, Troy Sajatovich and his team, are ready to welcome new patients to their doors at their Lauzon Road location. Their goal is to improve the function and tolerance of their patients, needed for activities of daily living, work and sport. Photo courtesy of Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic.

rehabilitation needs, staff also work in a couple of niche areas as well.

A long standing member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Sajatovich is a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Physiotherapist, which helps golfers avoid and recover from injuries caused by their golf swing. He is also the 2021 Biz X Award winner for The Physiotherapist With All The Right Moves.

The golf portion of his practice involves making a formal assessment of a golfer’s swing, and if the client is having trouble making a full shoulder turn, it probably means they are connecting with just their hands, which reduces power and accuracy.

“It might explain why they are having discomfort in their neck and shoulders,” explains Sajatovich. “The vast majority of pro golfers have access to Physiotherapists and there’s no reason why amateur golfers shouldn’t consider similar treatments.”

As well, Registered Physiotherapist Nathan Atkinson, born in Sydney, Australia, has worked with ski-cross and skeleton athletes competing for both Canada and Australia at international competitions.

Also, Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic has adapted a positive environment and Sajatovich encourages his staff to have fun at work, which creates an enjoyable, healthy atmosphere for clients.

“On April Fool’s Day, for instance, the entire staff wore Detroit Red Wings jerseys when they know I hate the Wings,” says Sajatovich laughing. “We also participate

in charity fundraising drives, including most recently, Hats on for Healthcare.”

The clinic is located at 832 Lauzon Road in Windsor. Check: RiversidePhysio.ca to see all their services and team members.

Inside the 2301 Tecumseh Road East location of Advanced Rehabilitation Centres (ARC), Registered Physiotherapist Brittney Youssef teaches a patient a resistance exercise to improve the strength of her triceps using simple Pilates stretch bands. Photo by Rod Denis.

Advanced Rehabilitation Centres (ARC)

With three locations in the area, Advanced Rehabilitation Centres (ARC) is ideally suited to meet the needs of clients facing potentially life-changing injuries from motor vehicle accidents, sports and workplace incidents.

“The first step when a client walks through our doors is to complete a full assessment and present them with a treatment plan, which they can take away to show to their family and family physician before they begin their treatment,” describes Dr. Greg Cooper, a Chiropractor and ARC’s Corporate Standards Officer.

Cooper says the clinic also introduced a performance management system for clients that includes a patient satisfaction scorecard, which they complete at the beginning, middle and end of their treatments.

“Since the system was implemented in 2019, client satisfaction has reached 95%, which we believe is fantastic and a

testament to our staff and the hard work put in by our clients,” Cooper reports.

ARC, which was launched in 2007, is the only Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF.org) accredited clinic in Windsor Essex for outpatient medical rehabilitation, for both children and adults.

CARF is the global gold standard for quality in rehabilitation and ARC has been accredited since 2019.

The three ARC clinics have 40 employees including Chief Executive Officer Ghassan Jafar, a former Pharmacist; Medical

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Director Dr. Greg Jasey; Registered Physiotherapist Chun Yeung, who is the clinic’s Director of Operations, along with nine RPTs and three Chiropractors.

“We are affiliated with Windsor Regional Hospital through the Ontario Workers Network and in addition to our high quality treatment programs, we offer multidisciplinary assessment services for injured workers,” explains Cooper. “These services include specialized assessments beginning with a triage program, which also includes back and neck, upper and lower extremity, hand therapy and

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COVID-19 long-haul assessments for workers who have contracted COVID-19 at work.”

Among ARC’s other services are occupational therapy, chiropractic services, massage therapy, ergonomic and disability management, sports therapy, shockwave therapy and custom orthotics.

The company also offers return to work programs, independent medical exams, risk and disability management and health and safety programs.

Another key component in helping clients achieve a positive outcome in their treatment, according to Cooper, is to set realistic goals.

“If a 65-year-old client comes to us with the goal of running a marathon, that might not always be realistic, but we can help them achieve something similar by managing those goals,” says Cooper.

“We are not always going to achieve a pain-free outcome, but we can help our clients achieve a high-quality of life with manageable goals.”

ARC locations in Windsor are 2425 Tecumseh Road East, Suite 202 and 2301 Tecumseh Road East, Suite 120, plus one in Tecumseh at 13278 Tecumseh Road East, Suite 200.

You can read their mission, information about different types of injuries and an extensive list of everything they offer on: AdvancedRehab.ca.

A Touch Of Care

Physiotherapists can help YOU get involved in your own recovery in treating an injury or disease.

If you are planning to use health insurance to cover the cost of physiotherapy, be sure to check with your insurance company’s website to ensure the cost is covered.

If you’re living with discomfort, perhaps as the result of an accident, a specific health condition, or neck, back or joint pain, don’t delay — contact a Registered Physiotherapist today!

Treatment can make a huge difference in living your life pain free!

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL WOMEN AT WORK

By Rebecca Wright

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Mena Biafora Vincelli Empowering Women & Men To Look And Feel Good

ocal stylist Mena Biafora Vincelli hopes her business can help clients discover more about who they are as an individual.

As Owner of Style Me Mena (Facebook.com/StyleMeMena), Biafora Vincelli provides personal styling for clients looking to discover their own unique flair.

“What you say, wear, and do should honour who you are and what you stand for,” believes Biafora Vincelli.

However, her business is more than just about the latest trends in the world of fashion. It’s an external reflection of a person’s internal processes.

“It’s a form of self-expression, it can speak to one’s inner child, and tells the story about who you are, where you have been and where you are going,” she explains. “The clothing we wear provides our subconscious with tools to help achieve our ambitions and add value to our confidence.”

From casual t-shirts and jeans to the over the top avant-garde designs, Biafora Vincelli says how one dresses symbolizes their unique individuality.

“My goal isn’t to sell a client new items, it’s to find the right item from any vendor that’s best for them, meets their budget and achieves the ideal look they’re going for,” she states.

Biafora Vincelli offers a variety of services, including in-store or online shopping sessions, in-home or virtual wardrobe consultations where she creates new looks with existing pieces and leaves the client with a wardrobe supplement list, developing company dress codes, styling for special events and photo shoots, styling on set with models and photographers, helping pack the perfect wardrobe for a getaway and more.

“I began Style Me Mena because I believe in celebrating your individuality and that there is no right or wrong way to be yourself,” asserts Biafora Vincelli, who started her business in August 2019.

However, even before this date, she can’t remember a time when she didn’t love fashion and styling. As a young girl she would push the style envelope, creating looks in her head and offering to help others with their outfits so they could feel their very best.

“So many friends, family members and even co-workers would ask me to shop with them, pick out their pieces, look through their wardrobe and even style them for events — always asking me, ‘Why aren’t you doing this as a business?’” she recounts. “I kept pondering and wondering if it would work, could I really do this?

And one day I told myself to be brave, to be vulnerable and just put it out there and see what happens.”

The feedback was incredible, so she began booking appointments, posting looks and style tips to inspire others and people began asking for gift cards for their loved ones, friends and children.

Joy, confidence, courage and the look on a client’s face — feeling like they can take on the world — is her inspiration.

She loves seeing her passion and creativity spark something inside someone else.

Biafora Vincelli thoroughly enjoys helping her clients achieve a style that is most flattering and teaching them how to build a comprehensive wardrobe, combining clothing to create a one-of-kind ensemble, while pushing to try new things.

“The end result leaves you feeling confident, uniquely

Mena Biafora Vincelli is shown inside one of the many stores she takes her clients, to help pick out pieces to design their individual looks. Photo courtesy of Style Me Mena.

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stylish and never second-guessing your outfit again,” she declares.

In running her business, Biafora Vincelli is not afraid to put herself out there, and she has cultivated a great support system.

“I take a step-by-step approach,” she adds. “It’s easy to become too eager when working to accomplish or complete a goal. I practise gratitude in everything I do as a reminder to be patient, and tackle a piece of the goal one day at a time.”

And for other female entrepreneurs, Biafora Vincelli offers some words of advice: “Whether you’re trying to find your voice, struggling from the do-it-all mindset, or looking for fellow women to bounce ideas off, I hope that you take a minute to step back and appreciate all that you’ve already accomplished. There are going to be hard days. There are going to be challenges, but you are full of grit, passion and perseverance. Embrace your fear . . . you can do this!”

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Hey Windsor, You Have A New Famous “Neigh”bour

By Joe McParland

U

ntil recently, I believed the most worldwide, recognizable country western celebrity to have lived in Windsor, Ontario has been Shania Twain.

Born August 28, 1965 at Windsor’s former Grace Hospital, Twain lived in Windsor for two years before her parents divorced and she and her mother moved to Timmins.

So, who do I believe now shares the podium with Twain as a worldwide, recognizable country & western celebrity to have lived in Windsor, Ontario? A few months old Red Roan stallion foal named Metallic Eyes, sired by Metallic Cat from Texas!

Metallic Cat is currently featured in the Paramount Network and Prime Video Yellowstone TV series starring Kevin Costner.

The famous 15 year old Quarter Horse stallion appears in season four, episode nine.

Metallic Eyes now lives on a farm with 11 horses, a donkey named Huck and a miniature horse named, Little Mini Man. It is found within Windsor city boundaries in the Malden Road and Spring Garden area. (I guess you can have horses within city boundaries — just no “clucking chickens” . . . LOL).

The farm and the animals are owned

by Cheryl A. Hodgkin, LL.B., who is in her 30th year of practicing Family and Matrimonial Law. A graduate of the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law, she has the distinction of being the first University of Windsor graduate to clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa for her articling year. In this prestigious assignment she supplied valuable aid to The Honourable John Sopinka.

During her legal career, Hodgkin has been a sessional instructor at her Alma Mater’s Faculty of Law, worked as a parttime Crown Attorney, was a Committee Member of the Legal Aid Area Committee for Essex County, and served as Treasurer and thereafter President of the Essex County Family Law Lawyers’ Association.

She is a highly sought-after family lawyer.

Her business, Cheryl A. Hodgkin Family Law Firm Professional Corporation, 518 Victoria Avenue in Windsor (HodgkinLaw.com) was recently voted the 2022 Top Choice Award for family law firm.

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Photographed at Mikayla Shepley's 1 OAK Equine Rehabilitation Farm, Windsor family lawyer, Cheryl A. Hodgkin is the proud owner of an American Quarter foal called Metallic Eyes (registered name, barn name Rolex). He is shown here with Lily his recipient mare (surrogate mom). The stud colt’s claim to fame is that he is the offspring of actor Kevin Costner’s horse, Metallic Cat, from the hit TV series Yellowstone. His biological mother is Lil Miss Rowdy, aka RowdiGirl, who is currently in competition. Photo by Rod Denis.

“When I work, I work really hard,” she states. “And when I play, I play really hard.”

This single parent of one is a cancer survivor and knows all too well about life’s unexpected challenges. Hodgkin attributes her relationship with her horses as a major reason for her defeating cancer.

“Horses are amazingly spiritual creatures” she believes. “They have this intuitive sense of knowing what’s happening with us and calmly reassure us that they will be there with us through it all, and all will be okay.”

And knowing this truth, Hodgkin has voluntarily visited some residents of The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. with her horses to offer them strength, solace, and comfort.

If being a lawyer is her vocation, her love affair with horses is her avocation.

It was while she was in her early teen years that she developed her equine passion. Her first horse, Gus, will always occupy a special spot in her heart — as first loves generally do.

She reflects: “I bought him with money earned from my paper route and from babysitting. I had to pay BIZ X M AG A Z I N E • M AY 2 0 2 2

The famous stallion Metallic Cat appears in Season four, episode nine of Yellowstone. Photo courtesy of Debbie Roberts of Spurs Equine Marketing & Promotions.

his board and clean the stalls too.”

For her 16th birthday she asked for and received a most untraditional “Sweet 16” present — a wheelbarrow!

Hodgkin is quick to point out that none of her teenage involvement with horses was handed to her.

She worked hard for it. She had to ride her bike to where her horse was stabled, which was from the Town of Riverside to Huron

Church Road — a two-hour round trip, at one point. A car and gas were out of the question.

The same applied to her post-secondary education costs, they were paid by her.

Hodgkin not only owns horses, but also rides them in various competitions.

For example, she won a world title in the Super Pro division at the Extreme Cowboy Racing Association, in November 2020.

Jeff Damphouse of Jeff Damphouse Stables is a multiple world champion, cross discipline English/Western horse trainer, based in the Oklahoma City area.

Here is his review of Hodgkin at the Extreme Cowboy Racing Association event: “Congrats to Cheryl Hodgkin and her special mare Lil Miss Rowdy, at the Extreme Cowboy Challenge at the Eastern Canadian Championship. I trained this mare for a couple of years and sold her to Cheryl, and she has been doing great with her ever since.

Perfect match. Great ride Cheryl!”

Afterwards, Hodgkin went about breeding Lil Miss Rowdy through surrogate mares, and the result? Three healthy foals.

So, how did Metallic Eyes come to be?

This Red Roan (colour) stud colt is a direct descendent of Metallic Cat seen on the Yellowstone series.

Metallic Cat is owned by Texan oil and gas billionaire, businessperson, horseman,

On the set of Yellowstone, pictured is a rear view of Metallic Cat prior to entering the arena shoot (with Debbie Roberts escorting).

Photo courtesy of Kelsey Pecsek Hruska, Editorial Director at Quarter Horse News.

and part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, Robert “Bobby” Patton of Rocking P Ranch in Texas.

Hodgkin proudly brags that Metallic Eyes “is very showy and athletic like his father already!”

Metallic Cat’s stud fee is $10,000.

According to the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s (NRCHA) sire earnings list, “Metallic Cat now sits at Number One. His offspring has cut, reined, and gone down the fence to the tune of more than $4,250,000.”

The American Museum & Natural History reports there are over 200 different horse breeds around the world today.

It supports a mega billion-dollar industry for all their myriad of activities and competitions.

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In writing this article, I thank Kelsey Pecsek Hruska, Editorial Director at Quarter Horse News (Texas) and Editor at NRHA Reiner (Oklahoma City) who supplied invaluable background and pictorial content.

I also thank Debbie Roberts, Owner of Spurs Equine Marketing & Promotions in Oregon for her assistance. She is the handler of Metallic Cat in the arena scene in Yellowstone (see accompanying photo).

And finally, I give a huge shout out to Windsor’s Cheryl Hodgkin for sharing her inspirational life story of a strong-willed survivor, fun-loving, professional woman who loves horses.

But most of all, I thank her for bringing Metallic Eyes to Windsor!

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Navigating Through 2022

By Steven Mayo

It’s been a long time since the stock markets have had to deal with rising interest rates and inflation.

Through 2022 we will see interest rates rise, and hopefully, today’s inflationary forces (inventory shortages, oil and commodity spikes, supply chain disruptions, tight labour markets etc.) will peak out. In reality, the more recent increases in the prices of oil and food have already dented economic growth and are already doing some of the work that higher interest rates would otherwise do.

Most Central Banks around the world are raising short-term rates to address this quick jump in inflation.

Over the next couple of months they will continue to telegraph their intentions to raise rates, but how many rate increases they do is yet to be determined. Let’s assume four or more increases resulting in

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an overnight short-term rate getting close to 2%, up from a low of a 1/4%.

This can be complicated, as the Central Banks want to be seen as credible inflation fighters, but will be watching to see if the inflationary forces of today start to cool off.

They are not trying to trigger a recession, but instead tap the economic brake.

The stock market is already factoring in, to some degree, a potential recession, which traditionally, if it occurs, is more of a buying signal.

Portfolio management requires more careful analysis.

Throughout March the markets endured a hit with the invasion of Ukraine. This has resulted in overall market values declining.

In fact the S&P 500 index is trading at a reasonable 16.8X earnings expectations, which is similar to 2019. Valuations are okay in most sectors, but not all.

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This new “Wall of Worry” could easily create opportunities in the more defensive sectors such as banking, transportation, health care, industrial and manufacturing sectors.

This is where my attention will be.

As always, patient investors will navigate through this and see what bargains come along.

The stock market can likely handle rising interest rates to around the 3% area.

Corporate balance sheets are in excellent shape, along with consumer demand being strong.

Do not be scared out of this market, be selective instead. I sense another buying opportunity coming.

Let’s end with a quote from Warren Buffett: “The stock market is a no-calledstrike game. You don’t have to swing at everything — you can wait for your pitch. The problem when you’re a money manager is that your fans keep yelling ‘swing you bum’.”

Steven Mayo is a Senior 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.

The Fiasco Of Medical Malpractice Compensation In Ontario Op-Ed By Steven Bezaire

I

f it’s true what they say, that due to its costliness, litigation is the “sport of kings”, then medical malpractice is the Olympics of litigation.

The increasing complexity and length of these trials, the pathetically few plaintiffs who receive any compensation relative to those who are deserving, and the massive expense borne by the taxpayers for this fiasco, virtually guarantee that, sooner or later, victims of medical misfortune will have to be compensated outside of our current civil justice system.

Consider that, every year, 185,000 patients in Canada suffer an “adverse event” during their hospital stay (defined as “an unintended injury or complication that results in disability at the time of discharge, death or prolonged hospital stay that is caused by health care management rather than by the patient’s underlying disease process”) — these events are associated with somewhere between 9,000 and 24,000 preventable deaths every year. And this number is artificially low because the study investigated only adverse events in hospital settings and did not include outpatient care, long-term homes, or private clinics.

Far more than half of the lawsuits for medical malpractice are withdrawn or dismissed outright; less than 10% of them go to trial (in 2015 it was less than 6%), and of those, the overwhelming number of verdicts favoured the defendant doctors (in the three-year period between 2018-2020 there were 150 civil medical malpractice trials in Ontario and doctors won 129 — 86% of those trials).

Expert estimates of the percentage of total patients injured by negligent medical treatment who receive any compensation at all in Canada is less than 10%, with one expert suggesting as low as 2%.

Lest you imagine that an increase in the number of such lawsuits in the recent past is to blame (after all the number of lawyers practicing in Canada has doubled in the last 20 years, from 66,250 in 2000 to just over 130,000 in 2020), the statistics actually demonstrate a 39% decrease in such lawsuits in the last 20 years, and, as a ratio of lawsuits to the number of insured

doctors, the decrease is closer to 63%.

One of the biggest reasons for the expense, difficulty, and unaffordability of the current system for plaintiffs — all of which are access to justice issues — is the legal position and mandate of the de-facto “insurer” of Canadian doctors, the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA).

This is a private organization, with 96% of doctors in Canada as clients, whose membership pays annual protection fees (similar in virtually every respect to insurance premiums) against lawsuits.

These fees cover both their expenses in defending claims and damage awards on their behalf if they lose.

The annual fees for doctors have exploded: in 2017 alone, every obstetrician in Ontario paid $99,072 in fees (yes, you read that correctly), assisting the CMPA in accumulating a reserve fund of over $3.5 billion.

The CMPA’s mandate is the protection of their physicians’ reputation, a point poignantly made by its founder, Dr. Robert Powell, who said in a speech to members in 1911: “We have struck terror into the evil minded who have sought to besmirch and even blackmail members of our noble profession.”

Accordingly, the CMPA does not settle files on an economic basis, like paying even a conservative fraction of damages that might equate to their realistic chances of losing at trial. It fights aggressively on every file, seemingly irrespective of merit.

It has the largest rolodex of medical professionals from which to source expert evidentiary opinions.

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If you have a comment on this column and want Steven to see it, visit the Biz Blog section on: BizXmagazine.com where you can have YOUR SAY on the topic too!

And, as they are not an insurance company and not governed as such, they are not required to disclose any financial information about the amount of money spent defending claims.

The CMPA’s philosophy and tactics are, arguably, not only not designed to improve efficiency or address the greater goals of distributive justice for victims of medical misfortune, but they are utterly indifferent to those objectives.

So what? Physicians can associate themselves as they please and do whatever they want with their money, right?

Would it surprise you to learn that the CMPA is publicly funded?

Its fees are reimbursed, in whole or in part, by provincial and territorial governments as part of a physician’s overall compensation package — Ontario’s rate of reimbursement was, in 2017, 84% of the fees charged to Ontario doctors.

The practical reality of this was beautifully summarized by the Toronto Star: “The CMPA boasts about being governed by an elected council of 30 practicing physicians representing 10 geographical areas across Canada. There’s not a single layperson or representative of the patient and family stakeholder constituency among them . . . What all this means in public policy terms is that the taxpayers not only pay for the cost of their hospital care, and then foot the bill for the added costs of care and lengthened hospital stay when errors occur (if the patient survives), but they pay still again to defend those who may have been responsible for the harm.”

How sustainable, do you think, is that system?

Steven Bezaire is a local lawyer, humourist, former infant, an accomplished napper, and loves all puppy dogs and babies in the world.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and may or may not represent the views or opinions of those associated with Biz X magazine.

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FUN & GAMES

T

Pinball Is Back, Baby

By Rob Whent

he old adage that everything old is new again couldn’t be truer when it comes to pinball.

After near extinction in late 1999, the industry has seen a resurgence over the past decade to new record levels of production.

Several companies are manufacturing new pinball machines, most in the U.S., including Stern Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball, and Spooky Pinball to name just a few.

And it’s not just new games that have the industry surging!

Older machines from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s are in hot demand and resale prices have increased five-fold in some cases!

A 1992 Addams Family pinball machine that sold for $2,500 back in the day, now fetches upwards of $12,000 in a robust sellers’ market.

The pandemic helped prices spike as people were locked down in their homes for two years, with many dusting off their old machines and playing a few games with family members.

The nostalgia of these old machines has baby boomers looking for games to put in

the man caves (or she-sheds) and Windsor is no exception.

Many Windsorites fondly remember pumping quarters into pinball machines at Fast Eddy’s on Riverside Drive, or in one of the many bars that featured them as a way to encourage patrons to play and quench their thirsts! The sounds, lights and excitement generated by a pinball machine, come flooding back to you when you play one today.

Pinball was in its heyday in the late ’80s and ’90s with manufacturers pumping out thousands of machines each year for a worldwide audience.

Chicago was the pinball hub of the world (and still is to many), but pinball faced stiff competition from newer arcade-style electronic games like Space Invaders and of course, Pac-Man. Unlike pinball, arcades had few moving parts and were much less likely to break, so orders for pinball machines started to fall as arcade operators opted for the ease of the digital games.

But, like all good things, arcades went into decline with the advent of home systems like Imoto Harney, Marketing Director for Marco Specialties Inc. (MarcoPinball.com), a leading pinball parts supplier in South Carolina, is pictured playing one of the hundreds of machines on free-play at the Texas Pinball Festival in March. Shows like this are popping up all over North America where you can play and purchase new and classic pinball machines and parts.

Photo courtesy of Marco Pinball.

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The author of this column, Rob Whent is a local technology entrepreneur and pinball expert. He is the Founder of the Windsor Essex Pinball Collectors Group on Facebook and can be reached by emailing: pinballrob60@gmail.com.

Atari, Xbox, PlayStation and a parade of other systems.

Old arcade machines were quickly outdated as the world moved away from TV picture tubes to a widescreen format, and pinball started to rebound.

Pinball is unlike anything else and is truly a game of skill that can be enjoyed with others.

New machines incorporate video, stereo sound, LED synchronized lighting, internet connectivity and more. Pinball competitions can be found around the globe and local pinball enthusiast groups are popping up all over Canada (including the Windsor Essex Pinball Collectors Group on Facebook).

This spring, Canada’s first Pinball Museum opens in Alfred, Ontario — half way between Ottawa and Montreal — where pinball has come roaring back.

Pinball machines that have been tucked away in basements or attics are now collector items and in high demand. The pinball resale market is hot with machines selling for as much as $15,000, depending on the game.

With the advent of YouTube, LEDs, parts’ resellers, and even 3D printers, pinball machines are being restored to better-thannew conditions — even ones from the ’80s!

Whether it’s an Austin Powers machine from over two decades ago, or a brand new game featuring Canadian rock band Rush, pinball is back, baby! It’s time to find a few quarters, plug your machine in and rediscover the magic of pinball!

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THE PARENTING BIZ

Achieving The Perfect Work-Life Balance . . .

A timely tribute to the relationships between parents and their children

By Jim Murphy In honour of Mother’s Day (May 8), the International Day of Families (May 15 every year, as established by the United Nations to shed light on issues faced by families throughout the world) and Father’s Day (June 19); in our May issue, we want to celebrate the relationship parents have with their children and introduce our readers to some local professionals who have experience in balancing work, taking care of a family and managing to have a personal life too.

Let’s get to know them now by reading each of their stories and see their tips for other parents on the challenges they are facing, and the amazing rewards that come with their busy lifestyle.

Chris Djelebian, Real Estate Broker

Chris Djelebian, Real Estate Broker at Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty, Brokerage (a member of the Verge Real Estate Team), has been juggling the demands of raising two kids with his job selling real estate, for five years.

“Having a career in real estate there are no set hours,” Djelebian indicates. “In this market I often work nights and weekends to accommodate my clients’ needs and schedules, so I have a habit of working quite a bit. One thing I try to ensure is that I am home for dinner with the family every night; the one non-negotiable is that I never miss my children’s activities or sporting events by scheduling work around these events.”

His 16 year old daughter Nyah Djelebian, is interested in travelling, the sciences and art, while his 11 year old son Colton Djelebian, enjoys programming, gaming, and sports such as hockey in the winter, lacrosse in the spring and soccer in the summer.

“With so many distractions nowadays and the ability to work virtually and via cell phones, it’s easy to get caught up with work and running a business outside of the office, while at home,” says Djelebian.

“As a parent I believe it’s important to be present, supportive and involved with your children. We often play board games, go for walks and we all talk about our day at the dinner table every night.”

However, Djelebian credits his success at work to the support he gets from his wife Christie Djelebian (a teacher with the Greater Essex County District School Board).

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Since our story is all about honouring working mothers and fathers, we need to mention the publishing family of Biz X magazine. Pictured during a birthday party for eight year old Dylan Jones in January 2020 from left are: Colin Jones, Kathy Jones, Jack Rosenberg, Deborah Jones, Della Jones-Goulet and Chad Goulet. As Publisher of Biz X Deborah wants to take this opportunity to thank her parents for everything they have done to make the magazine a success these past 24 years and for all the love and support they give us. As well, Deborah wishes to thank her sister for her dedication to the job, but also for bringing Dylan into this world and being a wonderful mother!

“On top of teaching JK/SK, Christie is an incredible mother and partner,” he expresses. “She is my biggest cheerleader and a phenomenal support person. The reason I can be so successful in my work is because she understands what it takes to work in real estate and encourages me to achieve my goals.”

In between work, school and extracurricular activities, the Djelebians also find time to travel.

“We love to travel as a family,” Djelebian comments. “Barring COVID restrictions we go on vacation every March Break, for a week during the summer and a ski trip over Christmas holidays. It’s a fantastic way to bond as a family without worrying about the everyday stresses that come up. Plus, it’s a great way to re-energize, connect and make memories.”

Djelebian sells both residential and commercial real estate, so if you’re looking for a new home or office, reach out to him via: ContactChris.ca.

Robbie Lynn Lemire, Print Shop Owner

Chris Djelebian, Real Estate Broker at Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty, Brokerage, along with his wife Christie, son Colton and daughter Nyah, enjoy a beautiful day in the sun at Golfview Drive Park in Amherstburg.

Photo courtesy of Max Marks.

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Robbie Lynn Lemire opened Border City Custom Prints in 2013 after the birth of the first of her three children.

“My business has changed over the years,” informs Lemire, Owner of Border City Custom Prints, which is run out of her home.

“I’ve finally found my niche over the last two years and I’m where I want to be with my business. Most of my customers are ones that have supported me from the beginning, and recently I’ve had good responses in orders and customers from activity on social media, especially Tik Tok.”

THE PARENTING BIZ

Robbie Lynn Lemire, Owner of Border City Custom Prints, is pictured here with her three children: Noah, Nevaeh (middle) and Maleah at Tremblay Beach and Conservation Area in Pointe-aux-Roches, ON. Photo courtesy of Ames Photography.

Border City Custom Prints specializes in custom clothing with fun designs, with some items taking hours to make. These include hand-bleached or tie-dyed items, with the design added afterwards.

Recently, they upgraded to a full colour printer, which will allow them to make more designs with a quicker turn around.

“My most popular products are ‘mama’ items (hats, jewellery, shirts),” Lemire reports. “I try to target everyone when I create, but of course anything can be done custom if you have a design in mind.”

And all her hard work has paid off!

In 2020 and 2021 Border City Custom Prints was the platinum winner in both the Printers and Gift Shops categories for CommunityVotes Windsor.

On top of growing her business, Lemire is a mom of three kids: Nevaeh (eight), Maleah (six) and Noah Beauparlant (three).

“Being an online business, my work is always on my phone, so a challenge I face trying to balance work and parental work, is learning to detach from work,” says Lemire, who is also engaged to be married.

“Another challenge is managing my time; a lot of my work is done at night as my kids are in bed, so having enough time to do that at night and still find time for myself and sleep can be tough.”

Lemire believes that in order to manage work and parenting, it’s important to set a time when you stop working. Plan what you need to do, so you make the time you work more productive.

She likes to mark ‘time off’ for herself to spend time with her family.

“My kids love to be outside,” Lemire comments. “So vacations with kids are often anything that can be done outdoors.

They love going camping, so we head to Algonquin Park during the summer. It’s a great way to get away from life, and with little to no data in the park, we come home feeling recharged; it’s very relaxing.”

Another piece of advice she offers is to never be afraid to ask for help. Between family and friends you have the support you need!

To shop online for some cool clothing items go to the website: BorderCityPrints.com.

Cindy Epp, Thrift Store Manager

Cindy Epp, General Manager of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Thrift on Mill and mother of four and step-mother to two, is no stranger to balancing family and work responsibilities.

Located at 58 Mill Street West in Leamington, MCC Thrift on Mill is a non-profit thrift shop with all proceeds supporting the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) projects in local and global relief, development, and peace projects, since 1982.

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“The Mennonite Church system has been providing support and aid in the Ukraine for more than 100 years, while the MCC has been part of this effort since its inception,” informs Epp. “We have upscaled our efforts in Ukraine to respond to the current crisis; as well, we are responding to displaced peoples in Ethiopia, Lebanon/Syria with material resources, peace keeping initiatives, food, water, medical aid and much more.”

MCC Thrift on Mill is a “high-end” feel thrift shop offering quality items at low prices. They sell clothing for men, women, children and infants; fashion accessories, housewares, home décor items, books, electronics/hardware and more!

“Our shop is a thrift shopping destination,” Epp states. “Our furniture department offers incredible newer pieces to mid-century modern and vintage items that are perfect for DIY.” While generating revenue for MCC is the mandate for the one part time and six full-time employees of the shop, they also provide a volunteer experience second to none.

“Our volunteer base is as multicultural as our wonderful town of Leamington,” she indicates. “Many of our seasoned volunteers have been with us for 20 or more years. Many of these volunteers want to repay MCC for the aid that was given to their families in Ukraine, Russia and Europe, when they were young.”

On top of these important responsibilities at work, Epp also has important personal responsibilities at home.

Brandon, her oldest is 25 years old and living in Kelowna, BC, where he is completing an Associate of Arts at Okanagan College and is a part of the Kelowna-Vancouver music scene.

Madelyn, 21 years old is in her last year at Brock University in St. Catharines.

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THE PARENTING BIZ Cindy Epp (second from right), General Manager of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Thrift on Mill, is shown with her family during a Christmas ski holiday at Blue Mountain in the shopping village.

(Fom left): Hayden, Madelyn and Brandon with Nick and Noah in front. (Missing from photo: Kendra).

Photo courtesy of Joel Epp.

Her two youngest are still at home: Nicholas, 11 and Noah, 10.

“Nicholas loves Roblox, gaming and playing with his Goberian dog named Kai,” says Epp. “Noah (who was born with Down syndrome) loves music and watching YouTube videos of superhero children or children practicing karate; he also loves doing his own karate moves with his family as his audience.”

“Noah is an incredible example of living in the moment,” she expresses. “He doesn’t look back to yesterday, nor does he fear the future.”

Epp also has two step-children. Hayden, 22, who attends the University of Guelph

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and Kendra, 19, who enjoys working and spending time with friends.

“The primary challenge I would say is trying to navigate life as a full-time working parent, since it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, tired and therefore feeling like you are somehow falling short both at home and at work,” she says. “However, I have found that if you accept ‘what is’ in your day-to-day reality, then life becomes a lot easier to manage. It is when you fight the fatigue, push forward and do not ask for help that you run into issues.”

Epp goes on to say that having a child born with Down syndrome requires her to pivot daily and always be

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prepared with lunches, clothing and so on.

“I am a very driven person who loves work immensely, therefore there are times when challenges arise,” she reveals. “I adore and enjoy my children and therefore I try to make sure they know they are loved and they are the most important thing in my life. However, the biggest challenge working parents face is finding ways to take care of yourself so that you can find that sweet spot of balance between your home and work life.”

For more information on the thrift shop see: MccThriftOntario.com/leamington.

Josie (Elysia) Murphy, Painting Contractor

Since 2016 Josie (Elysia) Murphy has been the Owner/Operator of Three Girls & A Paint Brush, a local painting company offering interior and exterior residential painting and staining.

“Our interior services include ceilings, walls, trim, furniture and cabinetry, while our exterior services include painting brick or siding for one storey homes and staining porches, decks and fences,” Murphy lists.

“We started out as only three girls who enjoyed painting together and have grown the business to add seven independent contractors of diverse backgrounds to our roster, who are called on to assist with larger projects.”

THE PARENTING BIZ

Josie (Elysia) Murphy, Owner of Three Girls & A Paint Brush, enjoys an early spring walk in Malden Park with her son Laif.

Photo by Jim Murphy.

she is working to ensure she is spending enough quality time with her family.

“One way I do that is by going on family vacations,” she explains. “It’s been a few years since we travelled, but our last family trip was to Cuba and prior to that we went to Grand Bend, Crystal Beach and Jamaica.”

If you’re looking for a fast and pain free paint job, visit: ThreeGirlsPaintBrush.ca and book a free quote!

Shelly Lucier, Social & Community Services Coordinator For The Public School Board But, that is not her only job! As of 2010, she has been the mother to an 11 year old boy named Laif Murphy (and she is also married to the writer of this article!).

“Laif is interested in gaming, reading, writing fiction books, building computers, plus playing basketball and badminton.” she says. “Due to the pandemic, Laif has had limited opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, though he has just resumed Taekwondo at Ethos Martial Arts in Tecumseh and will be returning to swimming and guitar lessons this summer.”

For Murphy the hardest part of being a working mom is knowing when to stop.

The best advice she has for people in this same position is to try to include their child in their business — if they can — because it’s a great way to teach them responsibility and a good work ethic.

“One thing I found that helps, is trying to bring my home life into my work life,” Murphy comments. “On occasion, I’ll bring my son to assist me with a quote so he can see how I earn money and what painting is all about. In the future, I hope to bring him along to jobs as a contractor so he can learn the trade and have a good-paying first job.”

As for maintaining family life, Murphy likes to set hard limits on the times that

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As the Social and Community Services Coordinator for the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) — Employment Assessment Centre (EAC) Language Assessment & Resource Centre (LARC), Lucier knows all about balancing work and family.

“The EAC offers employment services to job seekers and employers, such as one-on-one counselling and assessments, employment related workshops for interviewing, resume writing, job searching, training and skill development for individuals looking to enhance skills in their second careers,” says Lucier.

“Through the Canada-Ontario Job Grant, employers have an opportunity to

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THE PARENTING BIZ

Shelly Lucier is one proud momma! Her son, Daniel Hodare, earned the Windsor-Essex Sports Person of the Year (WESPY) award for gymnastics, in 2020.

provide enhanced training to current workforce or to train new hires. The Language Assessment & Resource Centre provides language assessments for newcomers to our community in Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent areas.”

Between her job and her two children — 25 year old Victoria Lucier and 21 year old Daniel Hodare — this single mother certainly has her hands full!

Victoria models and is an artist, working full-time and attending University parttime. Daniel is a third year Human Kinetics student at the University of Windsor, as well as a senior men’s national athlete in gymnastics.

“There do not seem to be enough hours in the day, which is why organization and time management is key,” Lucier states.

“I work long hours and have done so for more than 30 years; plus I manage 26 employees. Making time to be with your children shows them they are important and you believe in them. When they were younger I attended every event they went to, including horseback riding, bowling, dance, gymnastics, modelling and more!”

Lucier takes time to watch her son in gymnastic competitions and training and is the ‘mom photographer’ at every

one of her daughter’s modelling events.

“Your children need to know that they mean the world to you and you would go to the ends of the earth for them,” she advises.

“Some may say it is being a ‘helicopter’ parent, and while that may be true, my children will have a peace of mind knowing they can always count on their mom. Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself; children are resilient and understanding.

Teach them good manners and to respect themselves, laugh at things and make memories — they last a lifetime!”

For further details on where Lucier is employed, you can visit EAC or LARC at Suite 301, 633 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor; 215 Talbot Street East in Leamington; or 47 Pearl Street East in Kingsville or refer to: EmploymentAssessmentCentre.ca and: LARCWindsor.ca.

Angelina Ebegbuzie, Hair Salon Owner

From the time she was a little girl, Angelina Ebegbuzie, Owner of Entice Salon, wanted to be an entrepreneur.

“My father was, and still is, an entrepreneur,” mentions Ebegbuzie. “I used to be involved in the process from locating a space, buying materials for construction and just day to day operational activities. It inspired me.”

It will come as no surprise then that in 2011, Ebegbuzie opened her own business — Entice Salon — located at 311 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor.

They offer cuts, colours, perms, natural hair care services, braiding, dreading, weaving, crochet, hair treatments, wig installs and educational sessions.

“We specialize in all types of hair, specifically textured hair,” Ebegbuzie states.

“We pride ourselves on empowering our clients through hair education. This in turn creates self-acceptance and puts people onto a beautiful journey of self-love.”

Ebegbuzie brings more than 30 years of community involvement and 25 years of community activism experience

Shelly Lucier taught her children to chase their dreams and go with their gut and that's just what they did.

Victoria models and is an artist. Daniel is a University student and a senior men’s national athlete in gymnastics (he is photographed training at a local park during the pandemic) who has been competing since he was eight.

Photos courtesy of Shelly Lucier.

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THE PARENTING BIZ

to her role as the President and Co-founder of Black Women of Forward Action, a group dedicated to creating a safe space for black women.

“We aim to enrich and educate the community of Windsor and Essex County and be the positive force that is committed to unequivocal progress for women of colour, in every single aspect of civil life,” says Ebegbuzie. “I’m also a partner of the Beauty Is Me program — where hair

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she turned 16 she was ready to take on her own clientele. My oldest daughter Jasmine, Owner of Clark Designs set up the salon, designed the logo and works with me when I need extra hands during peak periods.”

For more information on Ebegbuzie’s business check: Instagram.com/EnticeSalon.

© Can Stock Photo/artsilense

Angelina Ebegbuzie, Owner of Entice Salon and proud member of Windsor’s black community, is a local entrepreneur juggling a business and raising six children. Photo courtesy of The Studio 21.

pride is promoted and positive messaging to young black children is paramount.”

During her career, she has managed to raise six children, ranging in age from 14 to 32: Oghene, Zikora, Jasmine, Vincent, Carlin and Darius, plus three grandchildren.

“My partner and I vacation often with the children and have been all over the world with them,” Ebegbuzie expresses. “I have a bucket list of finishing all seven continents before 50. I have done five and will be doing the sixth this year. I have visited about 40 countries, some of them multiple times.”

Ebegbuzie tells Biz X that it’s important not to beat yourself up when you’re away from your family a lot. She believes it’s important to make every moment count when you are busy. Most of all she thinks you should surround yourself with positive people, who don’t suck your energy, and make these people your support system.

“Involve your children in your business no matter how small a part they have,” Ebegbuzie also suggests. “My grandkids clean my shop, and I give them the title of Salon Manager; they love the sense of responsibility. My daughter Zikora works with me and has picked up many skills she can use later in life, even if it’s just a side hustle in university; she has been practicing on mannequins since the age of six and when

Putting The Pieces Of The Puzzle Together

While it can be stressful and hectic keeping up with work and family responsibilities, the mothers and fathers we have highlighted here are shining examples of how to successfully balance work obligations, family life and have a little fun too.

Now it’s up to you to get a better handle on all areas of your life and follow their advice.

Happy Mother’s Day, International Day of Families and Father’s Day, everyone!

Meet Kailey Jackson, Windsor’s Representative

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Competing For Ms. Canada World Universal 2022

By Julianna Bonnett

W

hen local Windsor resident Kailey Jackson learned about the Ms. Canada World Universal National Event happening this May, she knew it was something she wanted to do to show other local women that you should always be proud of who you are.

From May 11 to May 15, 2022, Jackson will be travelling to Ottawa, Ontario to compete amongst other titleholders who are representing their cities, culture, and heritage during pageant week held at the Westin Hotel.

“What interested me, in the Ms. Canada World Universal pageant, was their purpose through pageantry by celebrating all women over the age of 25 years old,” explains the 30 year old. “Their focus is on women’s accomplishments, leadership skills, communication skills, and pageant skills, through the language of love and support. This is something that I strive for in pageantry and overall as an individual — to celebrate and be proud of our unique personalities and accomplishments.”

After competing in her first pageant in 2015 as a part of her healing process, Jackson shares that she had no intentions of winning, but just wanted to grow as an individual.

“I did Miss Canada in Laval, Quebec, first in 2015, then that summer I did the local Miss LaSalle pageant,” she indicates.

“In 2016, I did Miss Canada again and Miss LaSalle, and won the title of Miss Congeniality. I competed in the Miss Galaxy Canada pageant in 2019, winning fourth runner up. Since 2019, I have competed in a few different online charity pageants due to COVID-19 and won the first Royal Crusader.”

Kailey Jackson has faced many different challenges throughout her life from mental health and illness, sexual abuse, chronic rare diseases and more. Through all of these difficult challenges, she has been able to keep the mindset of “I never lose, I either win or I learn.”

Photo courtesy of Sierra Berthiaume @ pirlphotography.

After experiencing what she defined as her rock bottom in 2016, Jackson took accountability for her errors and encouraged herself that it’s okay to make mistakes because, within our mistakes, we figure out how to become better individuals.

“I experienced the mental health system and received a mental illness diagnosis,” Jackson tells Biz X. “It took a lot of support, hard work, and willingness to educate and love myself to be able to move

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forward and focus back on, not only who I am, but what I can accomplish. Having a diagnosis of mental illness or anything else never defines who we are, but it can help us understand more about ourselves and what works best for us as an individual.”

She continues by stating: “I am a public speaker who is passionate about tough topics that educate and spread awareness proudly. Through pageantry, I can use my voice more often to listen, relate and bring everyone together in education and support. My long-term goals are to win the international title and bring that back to Canada and represent our country proudly.”

Jackson wants to represent the City of Windsor with strong leadership and communicate to others that being respectful, kind, and open-minded is the way of living.

“We need to hold ourselves accountable for our words and actions, be gentle with our minds and know that it’s okay to not be okay,” she expresses. “We all have a past, we all have opinions, values, beliefs and most importantly, we are all unique and worthy of love and respect.”

If Jackson is lucky enough to win Ms. Canada World Universal, she will receive a one week all expenses paid trip to Australia, in July 2022, to represent Canada at the World Universal Productions International pageant.

Good luck Kailey, no matter what the outcome, you’ll always be a winner in our books!

To stay up to date on her journey, go to: MsCanadaWorldUniversal.com (where you can also buy a vote for her until May 13, 2022).

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tech bytes

NFTs Explained . . .

The Inside Scoop On The Hottest Trend In Crypto

By Devan Mighton If you have been watching the news, keeping up on your social media, or chatting around the water cooler, you have no doubt heard at least a passing reference to NFTs. So, what is an NFT? The oft-heard acronym stands for NonFungible Token. Well, what the heck is that?

Let’s reverse engineer it.

A token — well, that should be simple enough — think of a bus token. It is a pass, a certificate, an agreement or contract of sorts that serves a purpose.

How about that big word — fungible? Well, that is an object with assigned value.

An NFT is non-fungible, which means there is no guaranteed assigned value.

In a non-virtual world, what would be a good analogy?

For example, a painting would qualify as a non-fungible asset. It has no guaranteed value and is controlled by market forces.

Next, imagine that owning a print of that painting could gain you an audience with its

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painter — now it has become a token as well. In a loose sense, that is what an NFT is in the virtual world.

The market assigns the value of the NFT — it’s pure supply and demand.

Rarity and uniqueness are highly sought after with different types of NFTs, often art, being sold for shocking sums of money.

However, there is a lot to know and consider if you choose the route of investing in NFTs. “As an investment, I think that I would consider them very risky,” opines Paul Blizzard of Bereskin & Parr LLP in Toronto. “It’s important that if you are going to be putting your money into buying one that you understand what the risks are.”

Blizzard continues by explaining: “The majority of the NFTs that are being bought and sold are on the Ethereum blockchain. The way that they are purchased is using something called a smart contract where, basically, you have an address for the contract, you send it money and it

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will mint or create you an NFT that you receive and can be bought and sold between people as well. A smart contract is not necessarily the same thing as a legal contract.”

Local entrepreneur Colin Hart, Project Manager of Thor Financial and founder of Hive Investments, believes there is too much focus on the art-side of the NFT world and that utilitybased NFTs are the future.

Hart is heavily involved in DeFi, short for Decentralized Finance, and has founded a selfregulatory agency, The Union of Transparency, within DeFi, in an effort to help end the “Wild West” perception that crypto has gained and prepare DeFi for the eventuality of government regulators coming into their realm.

He says that NFTs are not something someone can just jump into from the street and excel at.

“Unfortunately, everybody hears about a gold mine and everyone wants to rush to the gold mine,” explains Hart. “The NFTs that I am a part of are NFTs that have baked-in utilities.

I think that utility-driven NFTs are here to stay.

I think they are a tangible, valuable product that is added to the ecosystem.”

Tech Bytes is powered by WEtech Alliance (WEtechAlliance.com). The columnist for this edition Devan Mighton grew up in Grey County, but has called Windsor home for almost two decades. A dedicated father and sports coach, he has worked as a writer and sports photographer for over five years. He currently is a freelance writer for WEtech Alliance and other local publications.

© Can Stock Photo/Ganko

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Biz X magazine is now in its 25th year of publishing and since our success is due to the support of area businesses and organizations — and of course our readers, advertisers and suppliers — we want to celebrate with others also achieving this amazing milestone. This column features a local business, biz pro or organization, recognizing 25 years of operation in 2022. The April issue kicked off the festivities with The Bloomin’ Gardener and now the May installment features International Art Designs. The grand finale wraps up in the 25th annual November/December Biz X Awards edition.

International Art Designs . . .

The Right Frame Of Mind For 25 Years And Counting

By Dave Hall Ivana White, owner of International Art Designs in LaSalle, took a circuitous route to launching her own business, which has now been open for 25 years.

After graduating from the University of Windsor in 1990 with a degree in visual arts and communications studies, White was unable to find employment in her chosen field.

Instead, she left for Japan in 1994 where she spent two years teaching English before returning with enough money saved to start her own business.

“I decided to create my own destiny,” explains White. “I loved Japan, it was an amazing experience and I consider it my second home, but it was time to come home and start doing something else I loved.”

She officially opened International Art Designs in the Malden Square Plaza in February 1997 (in November 1996 she had a soft opening), before moving six years later to the current location at 5975 Malden Road in the Urban Selections Plaza.

The gallery features a large selection of contemporary interior décor and custom framing with a variety of unique products from Canada, Poland, Italy, Mexico and Japan.

It also offers unique pottery pieces, glassware, mirrors and giftware, as well as laser engraving services for plaques and awards.

“We’re a one-stop shop for people seeking something unique and contemporary,” says White. “What we have to offer you won’t find anywhere else.”

Before heading for Japan, White worked for Sue Lesa, owner of Lesa Gallery of Fine Arts in Tecumseh, for two years, and she credits Lesa with steering her in the right direction to become an entrepreneur.

“Sue offered me all kinds of advice and

Ivana White, Owner of International Art Designs and Nicole Elias, (right) Interior Design and Art Consultant are currently celebrating 25 years of contemporary art and home décor sales. Photo by Rod Denis.

she was instrumental in helping me get started,” adds White. “It was daunting at the beginning, but I went into this venture with the notion that failure wasn’t an option.”

With 25 years of business experience behind her, White is perfectly placed to offer advice to other young entrepreneurs seeking to find their way in a competitive marketplace.

“It starts with having a strong work ethic, because at the beginning you have to stay on top of everything yourself before you can start delegating,” she explains. “You have to be hands-on because the success or failure of the business is your responsibility.”

White, who has two employees, adds that new business owners shouldn’t expect to take money out of the business until it’s on a firm, financially sustainable footing.

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“When I opened, I made sure I had one year’s rent in the bank and I didn’t touch it,” she says. “You have to be very smart with the money to make sure you can survive if business slows down.”

White also recommends that new business owners seek mentorship advice from other entrepreneurs and that they establish a business plan.

“It’s also important that you don’t spend what you don’t have and be patient before committing to new expenditures,” she advises.

And, as with any business venture, customer service is critical because the success of any business is largely based on repeat customers.

As both an artist and entrepreneur, White believes it’s important to stay on top of art sector trends so that her contemporary framing options keep up with emerging trends. It was just one of the many reasons why her business earned the 2005 Biz X Award for Perfect Picture Framer.

Fabric, metal and glass framing options are offered for customers seeking something unique to add to the contemporary design of a room in their home.

“If customers are able to bring in a photo of their living spaces, we can superimpose potential artwork on those photos to help show how our artwork will look on their wall or in their living room,” explains White.

The company’s website found at: InternationalArtDesigns.com is updated every few weeks to reflect what’s available in her store because it changes on a regular basis.

“We’re always trying to stay fresh,” she adds.

With a wide selection of items suited for every budget, stop by her store and browse for yourself — soon!

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AWARDS SPOTLIGHT

TWEPI’s 7th Annual Best Of Windsor Essex Awards Photos courtesy of TWEPI, unless marked

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) recently announced the winners (a complete list can be seen in the chart on this page) of the 7th annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards as voted on: BestOfWindsorEssex.ca.

“For the past seven years we have celebrated the Best of Windsor Essex by listening to you — the voters, through this social media campaign,” states Gordon Orr, CEO of TWEPI. “We recognize that there have been a lot of setbacks these past two years, along this path to reopening, but there is much to celebrate and recognize in our tourism and hospitality industry. Better days for our tourism and hospitality industry are just around the corner and now is the time to start patronizing some of the best tourism businesses of Windsor Essex, thanks to this ‘must see list’.”

So what was the process used to determine the final winners?

In January, nominations were launched for the Best of Windsor Essex Awards. Following the nomination period, the top five finalists — those who received the most nominations in each category — were announced.

Voting then took place between February 14 and March 6, 2022, when the public could let TWEPI know their favourite places to go and things to do, in all 48 award categories.

The goal of the Best of Windsor Essex Awards is to help create an authentic list of where locals love to go that can be utilized by visitors as their inspiration for travel planning.

“The exciting part about the Best of Windsor Essex Awards is seeing the votes come in — and how close some of the winners are!” Orr indicates. “Often, just a handful of votes help us determine who the finalists are and who ultimately wins the category. And this year, a staggering 11,000 votes came in — that says something about how devoted locals are to their favourite spots!”

Winners were announced during a broadcast media event on Facebook and YouTube, on March 30. Each winner receives a commemorative plaque, a letter of congratulations, bragging rights, and inclusion in TWEPI’s 2022/2023 Official Visitor Guide, released in May. In addition, winners receive branding on BestOfWindsorEssex.ca. This specifically designed site features a mini-profile and photo of each winner.

Orr concludes by stating: “It was great to see the passion of business owners supporting the awards, and their customers and friends sharing the message and encouraging others to vote, showing how much support our businesses have from the residents from our generous community.”

We here at Biz X magazine wholeheartedly agree. Support local always!

Congratulations to all winners and nominees. Keep up the great work and get ready to welcome local residents and tourists back this summer!

Drink, Best Winery Experience: Pelee Island Winery. Photo courtesy of Ian Virtue Photography.

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Celebrating The Best Things To See & Do In Windsor Essex!

Food, Best Taco Joint: The Grand Cantina.

Shopping, Best Artisan or Maker: Michael Difazio Reclaim Artistry.

Stay, Best Bed & Breakfast: The Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast. Photo courtesy of the Town of Essex.

Outdoor Adventure, Best On The Water Activity: Urban Surf Co.

Photo Op, Best City Photo Op: Dieppe Gardens & Windsor Waterfront. Photo by Rod Denis.

Attractions & Events, Best Attraction Outdoor: Point Pelee National Park.

Arts & Entertainment, Best Museum or Heritage Space: Fort Malden National Historic Site.

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ask the experts

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

We Can All Breathe a Little Easier With The Mechanical Contractors Association Of Windsor On The Job

By Dave Halliday

I

think it would be fair to say that we all view common gathering areas a little differently than we did pre-pandemic.

We are more aware of those around us, the spaces we share, and the common air we breathe.

The ability to efficiently expel and replace air within commercial, institutionalized and work environments is certainly a requirement moving forward.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Windsor, with offices at 2880 Temple Drive in Windsor (see: MESHgroup.ca), are playing a major role in assisting local citizens deal with and prevent the spread of COVID-19, and other potentially airborne risks.

Recently, Biz X had the opportunity to discuss these issues with Dave Holek, President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Windsor (MCAW).

This local association has 17 members and five associate members and represents unionized mechanical contractor companies in Essex and Kent counties.

Holek is also President and General Manager of Lekter Industrial Services Inc. with 43 years of mechanical contracting experience to draw upon.

He maintains affiliations with the Mechanical Contractors Association of Ontario (MCAO.org), Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, Master Insulators’ Association of Ontario, Ontario Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Contractors Association, Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association Inc., ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and

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Dave Holek, President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Windsor is very proud of how their industry sprang into action when the demand for improved air quality in schools and medical buildings became an urgent need. Photo courtesy of Dave Holek.

Air-Conditioning Engineers) and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority.

What is the Mechanical Contractors Association of Ontario (MCAO)?

“MCAO is an employer organization working for the enhancement of unionized mechanical contractors in the Ontario construction industry,” replies Holek.

“The organization represents 14 zones, including Windsor. The association continues to represent the best interests and concerns of their membership through involvement in ongoing, established activities, as well as development of,

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and participation in, several existing new initiatives aimed at improving the industry and level of success in the future.”

We understand there has been an uptick in ventilation upgrades in many commercial and institutionalized buildings in our area. What is pushing this activity? “The uptick is largely due to government investments to improve indoor air quality in schools, hospitals, and other public buildings and with the growing understanding that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 indoors is reduced in well-ventilated spaces,” states Holek. “The pandemic has put health and safety top of mind for everyone, in a new way. As unionized mechanical contractors, our work contributes to the health and safety of our communities every day, from the food we eat to the water we drink and now — more than ever — the air we breathe inside our buildings.”

How have MCAW members been able to contribute to the health and safety of our communities during the recent pandemic? “For the unionized construction sector, communication and education about health and safety is second nature, it’s engrained in our culture,” he expresses. “That’s why I am so proud how our industry sprang into action when the demand for improved air quality in schools and medical buildings became an urgent need. Our member contractors and unionized tradespeople play instrumental roles in providing system upgrades to provide fresher, cleaner air in our buildings, especially during the recent pandemic.”

What type of work is being carried out on HVAC systems in the area to upgrade or improve their capabilities?

“The work requires installing supplementary equipment, including energy efficient heat pumps and energy recovery ventilators,” informs Holek. “This will add the capacity to heat and cool the additional outdoor air, as well as chilled water piping and expanded boiler systems. Upgrading all these complex mechanical systems takes teams of highly skilled certified steam fitters, plumbers, pipe fitters and pipe welders, along with many apprentices.”

It would appear that many of the upgrades are carried out with the intention of increasing fresh air volumes within systems. To what levels can this be increased? “Prior to the pandemic, air circulated by HVAC systems in institutional buildings, would pump in approximately 10% outdoor air,” Holek indicates. “Systems now are being upgraded to optimize air quality, increasing outdoor air to 20% or more, and in some cases up to 100%! The buildings with these upgrades allow for a safer and cleaner environment for the people who use them. Effective filtration reduces the amount of indoor air pollutants, helps to limit the buildup of indoor moisture, which can contribute to mould growth, creating an overall more comfortable indoor environment to work and live in.”

Do you anticipate the recent increase in activity in this sector will continue?

“In a city experiencing a major residential and infrastructure boom, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Windsor saw a 15% increase in member hours related to HVAC upgrades in schools, universities and medical offices, in 2021,” he notes.

“An additional 15% increase is forecasted for 2022. The increase in HVAC system upgrades is in addition to an influx of work across the entire ICI (Institutional, Commercial, Industrial) sector in Southwestern Ontario, ranging from food and beverage manufacturing plants, universities, hospitals, automotive and industrial facilities.”

It is reassuring knowing this aspect of public and personal safety is not only being acknowledged, but acted upon.

Watching as we all painstakingly clean and disinfect common objects and areas — plus, even our own hands — it only makes sense to ensure the air we are breathing isn’t undermining those other efforts.

Things will eventually return to normal, however, it is a good to think that the upgraded air handling systems these dedicated professionals are installing will have a lasting positive effect.

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Beginnings And Endings . . .

FROM THE BOOKSHELF Windsor Author Explores Family, Love

& Loss Through A Memoir In Poems

W

hen local author Christopher Lawrence Menard, an accomplished playwright and screenwriter, set out to write about fatherhood by focusing on his relationship with his own father, he had no idea that his story would include a son he did not yet know, the sad death of his own father, and that it would all take the form of a memoir told through poetry.

The book, at the end, beginnings, is told in five sections, as the author delves into the crest, crash and wake of life’s tsunamis.

Menard’s book — at the end, beginnings — is an honest, compelling, and vivid tribute to family and a universal reflection on love and loss.

While a triad of diseases — Parkinson’s, Dementia, COPD — wreaks havoc on his father’s mind and body, the author and his husband find their way with their young son.

Amidst tumultuous times, Menard reflects on the man who shaped him, the man he became, and the boy he is helping to guide.

“My dear friend and publisher, Marty Gervais, first encouraged me to write this story about four years ago,” he recounts.

“We’d just adopted a five year old boy.

My world was constantly changing. 2018 and 2019 raced by. When the pandemic hit, it felt like everything just . . . paused.

Including the writing.”

But, through these dark days, as his mother isolated at home with his father, Menard kept writing.

“It was the pandemic’s third wave,” he explains. ”We moved my father into long-term care. There were impossible conversations. There was palliative care.

Ultimately, we were hit by the tsunami that had been coming for us for quite some time.”

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Author Christopher Lawrence Menard.

Photos courtesy of the author.

The 70+ poems in the collection take the reader into the life of the poet’s father, Thomas Mearl Menard, his illness and death, and the author’s own journey to parenthood through adoption.

“Dementia and Alzheimer’s touch so many lives,” states the author. “Meanwhile, building a family, a tribe, however you build it, is at the core of everyone’s story.

In being naked and vulnerable with my poems, I hoped to give readers a safe place to explore love and loss, joy and grief.”

Early praise, from well-known names in the Windsor and Canadian publishing world, suggests Menard accomplished his goal.

According to John. B. Lee, Poet Laureate of Brantford: “This is a love story, and the love of life is life itself, and it’s there to be had in the living.”

Local Thimbles author Vanessa Shields adds: “Here is an inaugural collection of poetry that dares to reveal the light as fervently as it shrieks at the dark . . . a poignant disclosure that lifts the intimacy between writer and reader.” (Learn more about her on: VanessaShields.com) Published by Black Moss Press and through the U of W’s Editing & Publishing Practicum, the book is available for purchase on: BlackMossPress.com/product/ at-the-end-beginnings-a-memoir-in-poems Unfortunately, the author was unable to attend an April book launch after testing positive for COVID-19, but another celebration is set for May 11, 2022 at 7 p.m. at The KordaZone Theatre.

Menard will read from the collection, and of course the book will be sold on site.

Keep up to date with the author via: Facebook.com/attheendbeginnings; Twitter.com/attheendbegin and also at: Instagram.com/at_the_end_beginnings.

Welcoming British Guest Children To Windsor Homes

By Andrea Grimes

W

hen Hitler’s wrath blew across the Western Front, it unleashed the most horrific injustices that ripped the heart and soul right out of humanity.

A Windsor Daily Star article, published October 27, 1943, brought the war “over there” to Windsor.

Speaking at a Kiwanis Club luncheon held at the Prince Edward Hotel, Dieppe Veteran, Major Stanley C. Reade of the Essex Scottish Regiment, spoke of what he saw during the London Blitz: “A woman was brought out of a bombed air-raid shelter with both legs and one arm blown off. On the street, and without a doctor, she bore a child and she died five minutes later.”

Realizing that Hitler meant business, many parents were determined to get their children out of London.

Brothers and sisters, each with their name cards pinned to their coats, held each other’s hands, refusing to be parted.

Parents held back their tears as they watched their “wee ones” clutching their “kits” and boarding trains, on their way to Canada as British guest children.

As the war raged on, many Windsor families welcomed British guest children into their homes. An article — “First Group Coming Soon, No Cost To Public” — published in the Windsor Daily Star on July 3, 1940, announced “the arrival of the first of 127 British children” to our city.

In 1984, UNI-COM authored a study entitled “Windsor Children of the Blitzkrieg.” (refer to: UWindsor.ca/unicom) UNI-COM archives note that a committee

comprised of George Grant, Fred Mills, Roy Bondy, Dr. C. S Sandborn, L.W. Allison, Elton Plant, and Wallace R. Campbell was established to oversee the housing of guest children with Windsor host families.

“Our research confirms that a number of families throughout Windsor opened their hearts and homes to British guest children who otherwise may have continued to be in harm’s way as a result of the Blitzkrieg,” says William McRae UNI-COM’s Project Coordinator.

In 1941, Stan and Doris Coulthard and their four children welcomed Johnny and Roy Bates and their mother into their home.

“I would have been between six and eight years of age when we had war guests,” recalls Windsor resident Stan Coulthard.

“Our dad was the Chief District Warden.

During WWII the Warden Post was established to help or coordinate rescue or firefighting, in case of incidents. For the duration of the war, our house at 1224 Argyle Road was WARDEN POST 219, which displayed a yellow triangular sign with black letters.”

In 1943, the Bates family temporarily moved into Windsor’s first war-time house at 1476 Central Avenue. They stayed in Canada for a few years before returning to Manchester, England.

Back here in Windsor, many families took their war on the home front responsibilities seriously, becoming quite “creative” with limited resources at hand. Planting victory gardens helped to make ends meet

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Pictured from left are: Joan (holding her doll named Betty-Lou), Stan, Jacqui, Nina and their mother, Doris Coulthard holding the hand of their youngest British war guest, Johnny Bates on the porch of the war-time home, where the Bates stayed in 1943.

Photo courtesy of Stan Coulthard.

as food rationing made filling the larder a constant challenge.

“A number of my buddies and I took immense pride in showing our British guests how to scavenge through the neighbourhoods in search of scrap metal and newspapers,” says Coulthard. “We marched through the fields looking for milkweed to fill life-vests. We even had competitions between our classmates to see who could collect the biggest ball of foil.

We would pounce on discarded cigarette packages or gum wrappers to add to our softball size of foil, doing our bit for the war effort.”

Even now, many families throughout our neighbourhoods will recall how the war impacted their lives and how many gathered strength to persevere for another day!

In quoting St. Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

As a civilian Veterans Advocate, Andrea Grimes was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Governor General’s Medal, for her volunteer service to Veterans and a number of non-profit organizations supporting Windsor’s military families’ network.

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OF THE MONTH

KBC Tools & Machinery In Oldcastle Puts The Pedal To The Metal Since 1992

By Dave Hall

A

s KBC Tools & Machinery (KBC) celebrates 30 years of serving clients in the local manufacturing sector from its Oldcastle branch, the 57 year old company is also preparing to open its upgraded local showroom to customers across the region.

KBC — formerly known as Kabaco Tools — was established in metro Detroit in 1965 by Karel and Sheila Bass, expanded to Mississauga in 1989 and then supply facilities were launched in both Oldcastle, ON and Delta B.C. in 1992.

Working out of a 1,000 square foot rental space on Detroit’s Eight Mile Road, the company started out by selling surplus and English-made tools at a discount to the metalworking industry. It eventually grew out of several locations before settling down in Sterling Heights (where the head office is situated).

Expansion across the border and to Western Canada would soon follow.

“It made sense to us to open in the Windsor area because it allowed us to service our Canadian customers more efficiently,” explains company President Paula Bass who now runs the company along with her mother. “And the fact that customs and border agents, on both sides of the border, are familiar with tool and manufacturing operations helps facilitate the flow of goods in both directions.”

Bass, whose father passed away in 2020, says the new showroom is expected to be open by fall and will enable customers to see, feel and touch the tools and equipment they will be ordering, as opposed to purchasing items online.

The online site was launched in 2000, bringing in customers from as far away at Hawaii and the Northwest Territories.

“Online sales will still be available, but an expanded showroom will provide our customers with a more personal touch,” she adds.

Whether someone is looking for a special 0-1” micrometer, flat stock, decimal reamers, special thread taps, a milling machine, or anything a MRO company (that’s Manufacturing, Repair, and Operations) might need, KBC has it in stock or can be delivered the next day.

“We love the Windsor area for its rich history of metalworking and manufacturing and we believe it will be a major force in the continuation and future of this industry,”

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Now 30 years later KBC Tools & Machinery in Oldcastle has a full branch facility, soon to be upgraded with an expanded showroom. Photographed in the warehouse is the local team: (from left) Jacqui Rene, Dean Topolie, Ted Harris (branch manager), Aaron Boismier and Tanis Scott. Photo by Rod Denis.

says Bass. “With a talent pool of skilled and knowledgeable, machinists, tool and die makers, CNC operators, engineers and fabricators, it’s the perfect place for us to have a facility.”

Bass adds that the branch in Oldcastle supports the local manufacturing business in the Windsor area — many of whom have been KBC clients since the Detroit facility opened.

“Unlike some of our competitors who simply ship across the border to their clients, we have brick-and-mortar operations and people in place on both sides of the border,” Bass indicates.

Ted Harris, KBC’s branch manager in Oldcastle, says the company services clients in general metalworking shops, tool and die shops, automotive suppliers, mould shops, gauge and fixture companies and hobbyists.

“If there’s anything anyone needs in the way of tools related to the manufacturing sector, we probably have it,” states Harris who has been with KBC for about a year.

“Our showroom will be about twice the size it is now which will help generate more sales.”

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Harris adds: “We’re busy, but we could always be busier and I think we will be once Windsor’s economy stabilizes.”

KBC is a member of both the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association and the Canadian Machine Tool Distributors Association. The company is also certified

by Women Business Enterprises Canada Council and the Women’s Business Enterprises National Council (U.S.).

American companies are required by law to buy a percentage of products from diversified businesses and these certifications help achieve that requirement.

“It helps our clients with their diversity spending,” Bass notes. “We may be in an industry that is not traditionally populated by female businesses, but for us it’s more important to be good at what we do and to service our customers effectively, regardless of who owns the company.”

KBC has about 80 employees spread among its four divisions, including five in Oldcastle working from 5080 O’Neil Drive.

For more information on the company and to view over 100,000 items online visit their website: KbcTools.com.

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