Biz X magazine Nov-Dec 2018

YOUR ONLY INTERNATIONAL BORDER CITY PUBLICATION

November/December 2018

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This Issue Guaranteed To Be A “Hit” As We Announce . . .

The 2018 Biz X Award Nominees & Winners!

(Our Winning Hand)

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“Blackjack 21 . . .

A Run Of Good Luck”

Annual Awards Tribute B IZ X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

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

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21st Annual Biz X Awards Edition © Can Stock Photo/yellomello

table of contents

November/December 2018 volume 21 • issue 10

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“A Run Of Good Luck”

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4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: “Place Your Bet” On Biz X! 6 Editorial Viewpoint: City Denies FOI Request On Aviation Jobs First the good news. Windsor International Airport’s aircraft repair business in good hands with new operator AAR Aircraft Services. Now the bad news. The City of Windsor and third party interests continue to suppress information on any jobs guarantee penalties racked up by former operator Premier Aviation, writes columnist Alan Halberstadt. (Top photo courtesy of AAR shows M2 mechanic Jason Zullo servicing a plane).

8 Front Lines 12 Guest Column: Family Business Succession Planning 13 Heard On The Street 14 Newsflash 16 Dates To Remember 53 Corporate Spotlight: Weddings With Ambassador Golf Club 54 Generation YKNOT: iDream Interactive Rolls The Dice 55 Biz X Was There 56 XX Files: Cierra Bray, CGal Media 57 Take The Lead: GM’s Jordana Strosberg 58 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: Straight Talk On New Windsor Podcast 59 Portfolio Corner 60 Hot Shots: The 5th Annual “Jeep Jam Poker Run” For this year’s event, 138 Jeeps paraded throughout Essex County roads on a poker run to raise funds for Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario. Kirsten and Nolan Curd (middle photo by Rod Denis) drove for the “team red” sponsor Velocity Injury Law firm. So what do red Jeeps — or other colours for that matter — have to do with this fundraiser? Learn the answer in our Hot Shots column.

61 Ask The Experts: Clean Up Nicely With Windsor Vacuum 62 THE PARENTING BIZ: “Dear Santa Claus” Now is the time when children all over the world are putting pen to paper to handwrite letters to Santa with his or her wish list. In our holiday edition we present a few gift ideas and suggest which local businesses to visit so you can help fill Santa’s sack with essential items (and toys of course!) for the kids and find something memorable for the entire family too. (Photo at left by Mike Arney/Unsplash) 70 Food For Thought: Karma Café & Wine Bar, Tecumseh, ON 71 Awards Spotlight: The “Evening of Excellence Gala” With ORMHA & The Culinary Federation Windsor Chapter At St. Clair College Centre For The Arts 72 Making A Sound Living: Brian Pastoria, Harmonie Park Studios, Detroit 74 Lifestyle Matters: MADD Canada’s “Project Red Ribbon” 75 From The Bookshelf: Gifts All Bookworms Will Enjoy 77 The Way It Was: The Simple Things Of Christmas Past 78 Biz Of The Month: Tango Creative Group, Windsor

ON THE COVER — “Blackjack 21: A Run Of Good Luck!” — 18

With 207 nominees, the 2018 Biz X Awards issue is your “best bet” to finding the #1 businesses, organizations and biz pros in Windsor Essex.

We honour the 21st anniversary of our annual awards program with a Blackjack (otherwise known as “21”) theme and good luck elements.

A “natural” Blackjack occurs in exactly two cards with an Ace and either a 10 or face card (King, Queen or Jack) in any suit and colour. So with a “favourable deck” in the cards our readers now have the advantage and can see who the 24 award winners are for 2018 in the cover story.

MODELS: Our royal couple is “King” Aaron Hrastovec and “Queen” Rachel Offer, from the University Players, a Biz X Award nominee for “Show Stopper Theatre Co.” Thank you as well to Kristen Siapas for her assistance in organizing the photo shoot. COSTUMES: This regal attire was supplied by Costume Designer Agatha Knelsen and the outfits have been used in several University Player productions over the years. BACKGROUND: © Can Stock Photo /Marisha5 PHOTOGRAPHER/ART WORK: Rod Denis/RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com.

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FUNNY STUFF! BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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Have a laugh or two with our funny pet pictures. Send your photos to deborah@bizxmagazine.com and it may be included here in an upcoming issue. Make sure it gives our readers a chuckle!

Max wishes our print and digital readers a pawsitively happy holiday!

SINCE 1998, Biz X IS DELIVERED FREE OF CHARGE TO EVERY REGISTERED BUSINESS IN WINDSOR & ESSEX COUNTY (10,000) AS DETERMINED BY CANADA POST. (NUMBER 03524213)

Who’s a good boy? Maizy is always on Santa’s nice list.

AS WELL, 3,000 COPIES ARE USED FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS, CLIENTS, NEWSSTANDS AND DISPLAY RACKS IN WINDSOR ESSEX, CHATHAM, TILBURY & SARNIA. ADDITIONAL COPIES (3,000) OF CERTAIN ISSUES ARE DISTRIBUTED AT NO CHARGE TO 450 LOCATIONS IN METRO DETROIT & REGION OR DISTRIBUTED AT WINDSOR ESSEX TRADE SHOWS/EVENTS (NUMBER MAY INCREASE AT TIMES). FOR A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION ON OUR CIRCULATION VISIT: WWW.BIZXMAGAZINE.COM.

PRESIDENT Deborah Jones VICE-PRESIDENT Colin Jones OFFICE ADMINISTRATION & SALES Della Jones-Goulet, Assistant to the Publisher Kathleen Jones, Office Administrator Shelley Oswald, Account Executive

Harley, Santa’s “little” helper.

All Mocha wants for Christmas is to curl up on old Saint Nick’s lap.

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jack Rosenberg WRITERS / PHOTOJOURNALISTS Lori Baldassi David Clark Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh Jacob Duhaime Chelsea Girard Andrea Grimes Alan Halberstadt Dave Hall Dave Halliday Marlene Markham-Gay Steven Mayo Joe McParland Andrea Pontini Amber Shearer Rebecca Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS Rodney L. Denis Photography Kim Jussila PRODUCTION DESIGN Rae Marie MAILING & DELIVERY ADDRESS FOR Biz X ONLY P.O. Box 27035, 7720 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario, N8T 3N5 e-mail: info@bizxmagazine.com

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from the publisher

21: The Age Of Responsibility

By Deborah Jones

With the publishing of this issue, we have completed our 21st year of publishing.

Turning 21 in life signifies a coming of age and more responsibility. The key to the future is there to grab as well!

Personally, this magazine is my “baby” so to speak — and along with my family and entire team — we have helped it grow through the years to become a trusted source of news and advertising.

Since we are a family operation and Biz X is a large part of our lives, each business “birthday” is cause for a celebration.

So, for 2018, as you will see in our awards tribute, we honour the number of years we have been operating by referencing the game of Blackjack (“21”). After all, owning a business is a huge risk, right?

Despite the fact that over our history the economy has experienced its ups and downs, we have had a continued spell of good fortune. Hence, the second part of the theme

for our 21st Biz X Annual Awards Edition is — “A Run Of Good Luck.”

Of course, luck is just part of running a business, as all entrepreneurs know. A quality product, support from suppliers, superior customer service, dedicated employees and a whole lot of work must all come together to create a winning formula for each business.

Our 207 nominees you will read about in this issue, all understand the importance of each factor listed here and have created their own recipes for success.

With that said, as usual I have to acknowledge a few key individuals who always go the extra mile for me, so here comes the name dropping.

First of all, I always have to give credit where it is due to my entire team especially my family — dad, Colin; mum, Kathy; sister, Della and partner, Jack Rosenberg. They were all busy working night and day to get this issue and our awards gala finalized. Why even

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my six year old nephew Dylan went out to hand deliver the award invites with his mum!

Our new Account Executive, Shelley Oswald gave 110% to look after all her clients. As well, Joe McParland was always there to represent me at events and Dave Hall pitched in to lend a helping hand to cover all kinds of editorial columns.

Designer Rae Marie did a fantastic job of making the pages of this edition look spectacular and also fitting in a 15,000 word award story! Writer Rebecca Wright compiled the awards write-ups, which were extremely detailed and a huge undertaking.

Of course, I can’t forget those involved with the magazine since day one: Alan Halberstadt, Steve Mayo and Rod Denis.

And when you look at the Masthead on Page 4, you will see the names of more individuals who played an important role in putting this edition together.

I am forever grateful to EACH of these freelancers for their dedication.

Most importantly, I have to thank our advertisers, suppliers and our readers. Our advertisers believe in our product and trust Biz X to get their businesses major X-posure!

Our suppliers are the best in the biz and our readers make it all worthwhile.

Here’s to year 22!

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editorial viewpoint

Did City Pardon Penalties On Premier Job Guarantees?

By Alan Halberstadt *If you have a comment on this topic, please post it under my column in the CITY section of BizXmagazine.com

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wo issues ago I explained my travails in attempting to shed light on the sketchy operations of the aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility that has occupied a $23 million, 144,000 square foot space on Windsor International Airport lands since it was constructed by the city and federal government, and opened in June of 2012.

Since the overriding rationale for spending gobs of taxpayer money was to create jobs in a new industry, it behooved me to unearth how many jobs have actually been created.

It turns out the city was hell bent on suppressing those numbers. Finally, through a ruling three years in the making, from the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection Act Privacy Commission, the city was ordered to reveal covenants in the operating contract with service provider Premier Aviation to hire 100 full-time employees within the first year, 175 employees by the end of the second year and 325 by the end of the seventh year.

Premier paid $1 a year in rent for the first three years of operations, also revealed through an FOI request. My second request illuminated the information that Premier would be on the hook for $5,000 times the difference between the number of employees targeted and the actual number.

As explained in my September column, I subsequently asked the city’s FOI Coordinator to provide the number of employees hired by the service provider in year one and two and the number currently employed as the seventh year approaches in mid-2019.

I was told that Your Quick Gateway (YQG) was now handling airport FOI matters and to ask my questions of that corporate entity. I complied, asking concurrently that if Premier didn’t meet its job requirements how much has been paid to the city in penalties.

Prior to the 30 day deadline for responding to those questions, I received a letter from YQG CEO Carolyn Brown, dated September 5, 2018, denying the information on the grounds that the responsive records reveal information

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that is commercial or financial in nature, that was supplied in confidence, and that the prospect of disclosure gives rise to a variety of corporate harms that override the public’s right to know.

I hastily filed an appeal of that decision to the Privacy Commission in Toronto, with no chance of potential politically damaging information surfacing before the municipal election on October 22, 2018.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens is Chair of the YQG board.

Then a bizarre thing happened on September 25, 2018. AAR Aircraft Services, the Illinois-based company that purchased the MRO business from Premier last fall, staged a one year birthday party for its employees inside the huge hangar.

The media was invited as well as Dilkens, but only a Biz X photographer showed up (see photo and story on page 10 of this issue). I later contacted Dianne Wright who issued the invitations as Manager of Human Resources for the company in Windsor. I found her to be a delightfully open person who spoke freely about the jobs situation.

She reported that there are roughly 70 employees on the day shift, and 30 on the afternoon shift ending at 11:45 p.m. She also had an explanation for snoops like me who drove around the parking lot this summer and counted less than 50 cars.

She explained that operations were halted for two months to accommodate training for skilled aviation mechanics as AAR sets up an in-house apprenticeship program. Over the summer, full time employees were sent to Trois-Rivières to work. AAR also purchased the Quebec sister company from Premier last year.

Other Windsor employees took vacations during the down time.

Finding properly trained mechanics for aircraft MRO is a major struggle in the industry, and it haunted Premier.

St. Clair College partnered with Premier to host a 44-week aviation familiarity course that ended last fall, but due to high drop-out rates, only 12 to 15 of 36 projected graduates have wound up working on apprenticeships for AAR. The St. Clair training was funded B IZ X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

by a $292,273 Canada-Ontario Job Grant.

Wright, a carryover from the old regime, can’t stress enough that Premier Aviation is “a different company” than AAR. “We are spending a lot of money on training and mentorship and recruiting co-op students right out of high school,” she says.

AAR has been on the Forbes “Best Employer List” for a mid-sized company.

Information attained at the birthday party indicated the company hopes to eventually grow its Windsor workforce to over 300 by the year 2020.

At this writing, Wright said that five customers with multiple planes are being serviced with more expected. The facility, humming with activity as all new software systems are being installed, can handle six aircraft at a time.

It seems clear that Premier didn’t live up to expectations in Windsor in any way, and I suspect that this is a primary reason for the denial of my FOI request.

Brown, in her correspondence, notes that “third party interests may be affected and are given the opportunity to make representations about the release of the records.”

My FOI appeal asks if there is a new agreement with AAR that changes the employment guarantees, and further has AAR agreed to pick up any outstanding default payments? Finally, will AAR be required to fulfil the requirement of 325 full-time jobs by the end of the seventh year?

Wright states no-one from head office has told her about any obligation to employ 325 by a certain date. AAR head office VicePresident of Strategic Communications Kathleen Cantillon did not respond to phone and email messages from me asking for jobs and contract information in the summer.

It’s my guess that Premier didn’t meet the job covenants and the city pardoned the penalties as a reward for selling off its assets to AAR and getting a hair shirt off its back.

Meanwhile, Wright says AAR will soon be organizing an open house. Now that he’s safely re-elected, I’m sure Dilkens will show up with bells on and cameras popping.

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FRONTLINES Game On! Windsor Entrepreneurs Launch Card Game Allowing Players To Save Or Destroy The Earth It’s a conflict as old as time itself and three local entrepreneurs are hoping that a new card game pitting good versus evil will help put Windsor on the gaming map.

Kristopher Marentette, Shaun Murphy and artist David Jacob Duke, (making up the company name, KriShaDa) launched their new card game “The Earth is Ours” in mid-September.

Using a deck of 216 cards, evenly split between good and evil, the game can be played with one to five players on each team.

“We have the Benevolites representing good and the Nefarians representing evil,” explains Murphy. “By playing the cards they are dealt and defending them against attack, teams try to create pieces of a machine that will either destroy the world or make it a better place.”

The partners also made creative use of alliteration on the game’s playing cards — Miles of Mangled Motorways, Gobs of Greasy Garbage, Flotillas of Filter

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Fabricators and Teams of Terrible Traders, for example.

Marentette, Murphy and Duke have been working on the game for more than a year after Marentette’s son suggested he invent a game with the end goal of destroying the world.

“We’re already playing it, I thought,” says Marentette smiling. “But, I spoke with Shaun at work the next day and within a few days we had an outline and started working at it in earnest.”

It’s a fully co-operative game with teammates working towards their end-game strategy while picking up points along the way. Point-total targets can be set by game players depending on how long they want each game to last. Typically, games last for 20 minutes to an hour.

The partners have already staged a number of test nights and the game received a full public viewing at “Windsor ComiCon” in late September.

Full production and distribution is

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Shaun Murphy, left, and Kristopher Marentette pose with playing cards, designed by fellow card-game creator, David Jacob Duke (not pictured), for the game, “The Earth is Ours.” Photo by Dave Hall.

expected to follow completion of a Kickstarter campaign, designed to raise $15,000 to cover ongoing expenses.

All the funds pledged are being held in escrow and will only be used if the goal is met, otherwise it will all be cancelled, Marentette indicates.

It’s expected the game will cost between $25 and $30 with the hope it can be sold in retail stores. It will also be available online at: Krishada.com and you can get updates on Facebook under “Krishada Games.”

The partners are also working on a series of five other games.

FRONTLINES

Let The Debate Begin!

More than 100 students put their critical thinking skills to the test November 30 at an annual high school debate tournament at the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business.

Students, on as many as 12 teams, will challenge for team and individual honours in the “Richard Peddie High School Debate Tournament,” judged by members of the university’s debate team.

Debates are held at the Odette School as well as at other locations across the university’s campus.

“It will give competing students a taste of life in a university setting,” says Tapas Modi, a freshman member of the university’s debate team.

Competitors are matched against each other in two-person teams and given debate topics immediately before each round of the competition begins, explains Sarah Carriere, Co-President of the debate team.

Topics can include current events, government policies, business, economics, and the environment.

“They will also be told at that time which side of the issue they are on and from then on, their critical thinking skills will take over,” adds Sophia Mannina, also a Co-President of the team.

Both the university’s debate team and the tournament are part of the Richard Peddie Leadership Initiative, which pays for the team’s trips to debates. This year’s schedule will see them compete in Boston, Chicago, California, Rhode Island and New York.

The trips are part of the American Parliamentary Debate Association schedule.

Mannina and Carriere, both third-year students, met while they

Odette School of Business debate team members Tapas Modi (left), Sophia Mannina, Sarah Carriere and Ben Stanley are part of the organizing committee for the annual “Richard Peddie High School Debate Tournament.” Photo by Dave Hall.

were members of their high school debate team at Tecumseh Vista Academy.

Modi and Ben Stanley, both freshmen, joined the team this year.

“The tournament is also used as a recruiting tool for future debate club members,” comments Stanley. “It will give them a look at their debating future if they decide to come to the University of Windsor.”

The tournament, chaired by Elijah Waithe, runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 30 and is followed by an awards ceremony.

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FRONTLINES

The Sky’s The Limit For AAR A year after taking over from Premier Aviation as operators of Windsor’s maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, AAR Aircraft Services (4000 County Road 42, Windsor; AARcorp.com) is poised for growth with new contracts expected to be signed early in 2019.

Dianne Wright, a Windsor-based spokesperson for AAR, informs Biz X 36 planes are scheduled to undergo repair and maintenance before the end of the year with more expected to follow.

“It’s a highly-detailed, highly-regulated sector and we’re always looking for qualified people to take these planes apart, perform maintenance tasks and put them back together,” says Wright.

Earlier this year, the 144,000 square foot facility was shut down while employees underwent more training and certification, while those already certified were transferred temporarily to AAR’s second MRO centre in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.

AAR purchased both MRO centres from Premier a year ago.

According to Wright, many of AAR’s 100 local employees are graduates of St. Clair College’s 44-week aircraft maintenance program and all require additional training and certification following graduation.

“You can’t touch a plane without this certification and training,” explains Wright.

“We invest a great deal in our employees including work on simulators before they actually start to work on planes.”

All the planes scheduled to be in Windsor before the end of the year are commercial passenger planes operated by a variety of

With 100 employees currently, (70 showing as midnight shift not present), AAR is hoping to expand its work force to over 300 by the year 2020. Photos by Rod Denis.

different airline companies.

“I’m not at liberty to disclose which ones they are for proprietary reasons but it’s a cross-section and we expected to add more in the next few months,” adds Wright.

All the planes which arrive in Windsor are accompanied by airline representatives who oversee all the work being done by AAR’s local mechanics and avionics specialists.

Planes are typically worked on by 50 to 75 people, depending on their size, and can remain in Windsor for as long as a month before the process is completed.

On September 25, 2018 AAR Aircraft Services Windsor facility (previously Premier Aviation) celebrated the one year anniversary of the facility acquisition by AAR Corporation with a pizza lunch and cake cutting.

Biz X magazine was invited to take the following photos shown on this page. Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) are three of the most important words in the world of aviation. From left: Jason Ivanitz, Director, Quality Assurance Aviation Services; Wally Pigeau, Director of Operations MRO Services and Dave Robertson, VP Operations MRO Services oversee the AAR Airframe Maintenance facility next to the Windsor Airport.

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Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR works with commercial aviation and government customers through two divisions — aviation services and expeditionary services.

The company’s aviation arm provides inventory management, parts supply and distribution, maintenance, repair and overhaul, engineering services and component repair.

Meanwhile, its expeditionary division includes airlift operations and mobility systems, as well as command and control centres in support of military and humanitarian missions.

Alex Fortney (back) and Matthew Sauerwein, both Certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Inspectors, are shown carrying out their periodic inspection of the wiring harness on this CFM International S6-5A jet engine.

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GUEST COLUMN

Business Succession Plan — How The Advantage May Be Given To The Child Keeping The Business

By Andrea Pontoni

I’m writing this article as, over my career as a Business Valuator and Professional Accountant, I have seen business succession plans where the intent of the plan was to be fair to all family members, however, the plan fell short of this objective.

A bit of background information on how a parent may transfer the business over to a child in a succession plan while trying to minimize the financial burden to that child.

The parent decides that at a point in time he or she would like to transfer control and growth of their business to their children. One of the critical pieces of information required to do this is a proper independent business valuation.

A typical strategy, in a business succession plan, is that the parent exchanges his/her voting shares in the business for non-voting, fixed value, special shares. The parent essentially takes back, through a different class of nonvoting shares, the value of the business at the point in time he or she wishes to transfer the business over to the children. The value taken back by the parent is paid to the parent by the business out of future business profits and forms part of the parent’s estate and typically assists in funding the parent’s retirement. The child taking over the business would then subscribe for voting/controlling shares of the business at a nominal amount, say $1, therefore not financially burdensome to the child.

The succession plan strategy is only fair to all family members, including children who do not participate in the business, if, and only if, a proper business valuation is completed. The reason being is that only a fair value taken back by the parent will make their estate whole.

Let us break down the strategy — say you have a family business, child 1 participates in the business and wants to take over the business when the parents are ready to retire.

Child 2 has no interest in the business as she/ he has his/her own career.

A typical initial step for the family, when contemplating a succession plan, would be to contact their Accountant.

The Accountant may recommend a strategy similar to the one discussed above where the parent takes back fixed value non-voting special shares equating to the value of the parent’s business at the point of transfer to child 1.

The question is who prepares the business valuation for the business transfer? This is a very important question because if the business

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is valued too low, then the value taken back by the parent is below fair market value.

What are the implications? Well the first is that Canada Revenue Agency may impose significant tax penalties on the transactions.

The second, which is most often overlooked, is that the parent’s estate is not made whole.

You might be saying, “Who cares” the benefit of the lower value for the business was given to child 1. What about child 2? Remember the parent’s objective was to be fair to all family members. Child 2 participates equally in the estate of the parents through their Will.

I have often seen that the Accountant recommends that his or her firm prepare the business valuation internally.

Let us look closer at this recommendation.

The parents have typically paid significant annual and recurring accounting, tax and consulting fees to the Accountant to take care of the business’ reporting requirements. When child 1 takes over the business, they have the option of keeping the parents’ Accountant as their advisor or transiting to a new advisor. The Accountant and the accounting firm certainly want to keep the business as it may form a significant component of the firm’s annual revenue. Child 1 would certainly benefit from a lower business valuation at the point of transfer from the parent. There would be less money having to be paid out of future profits by the business to the parent’s estate after child 1 takes over. The difference retained by child 1.

So I ask you — is the Accountant or the accounting firm the best advisor to provide a value of the business at the point of transfer from the parent to child 1? Is the Accountant or accounting firm independent enough, both in fact and appearance? I would argue not, if you truly want to be fair to all family members.

The problem that I have seen is that the Accountant recommends that their firm can prepare the business valuation internally; even though the accounting firm may not be independent in fact and appearance. The accounting firm is motivated to keep the annual and recurring accounting, tax and consulting revenue after child 1 takes over the business.

Further, the Accountant may not even possess the required credentials and experience to prepare the business valuation, such as a Chartered Business Valuator (“CBV”) designation through the Canadian B IZ X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

Institute of Chartered Business Valuators or the ASA designation through the American Society of Appraisers.

There are sufficient independent and qualified Business Valuators in the Canadian market place to ensure the objectives of a fair and independent business valuation for a succession plan.

Typically, the succession plan is completed in isolation of child 2. I would suggest that even though child 2 is not taking over the business, that he or she participates in the succession plan, as their interest lies in a fair allocation of business value to the parents’ estate.

All Stakeholders in the succession plan should ensure the Business Valuator is qualified, experienced, and independent in both fact and appearance.

You should understand and assess the Business Valuator’s past and future business and personal relationships with all Stakeholders.

I will end my column with a quote from Virginia Satir: “Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible — the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family.”

Andrea (Andre) Pontoni holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree, is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) with the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators, Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) in business valuations with the American Society of Appraisers and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) with CPA Canada and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Andrea has also completed the three part Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada’s in-depth tax specialty program. Andrea has over 28 years of experience, with 17 of those years at two national firms where he held senior positions including that of a partner. His practice includes providing Independent advice on business valuation, economic loss quantifications, financial investigations, accounting, personal and corporate taxation, financial forecasts, business planning and corporate finance matters to clients varying in size and industry. He can be reached at C: 519-890-6288 or Ph: 226-674-4901 or by email at: apontonicacbv@pontoni.hush.com or apontonicacbv@cogeco.ca. For more information on his background, visit his website at: www.PontoniFinancialSolutions.com.

HEARD ON THE STREET The Lakeshore MedArts Centre (LakeshoreMedArts.com) has only been open since mid-2016, but construction has already begun on a 10,000 square foot addition at the corner of Renaud Line and County Road 22 (1303 County Road 22, Lakeshore).

Developed by Dave Batten, Owner of Manz Contracting and Manz Décor — along with son-in-law Greg Tolmie, an Orthodontist, and Greg’s brother Andrew Tolmie, a Pharmacist — the addition is expected to be open by early 2019. “It should be ready for tenant leasehold improvements by late October and it will be substantially complete by mid-December,” says Batten.

It’s expected to be a mixed-use development with tenant interest coming from restaurants, hair and esthetics salons, music schools and radiologists, explains Batten. The addition can accommodate five or six tenants, but the open concept space can be divided up based on tenant requirements. Phase one of the centre included an Orthodontist, Physician’s offices, a Speech Therapist, Naturopath, Physiotherapist, Optometrist and a Chiropractor. Construction of phase two is being handled by Rosati Construction.

Eight months after opening Enhance Beauty, Owner Batoul Fawaz is moving to a new location at 1500 Parent Avenue in Windsor.

She had been located on Ottawa Street, but decided to move after being unable to solve a number of business issues. “I loved it on Ottawa Street, but I think this is a great location as well,” says Fawaz. “I’ve already had dozens of people stopping by and peeking in the windows, so I think the neighbourhood is excited to get a new business in the area.”

In the past, Fawaz worked at a couple of salons as well as making house calls and operating out of her home, but now she’s excited about

getting a fresh start. “I’m all over social media and have about 30,000 followers on Instagram so I’m very encouraged by what the future will bring,” she states. Enhance offers microblading, special effects makeup, face waxing and eyebrow treatments and Fawaz hopes to offer hairdressing and laser services in the future.

Paul and Glorianna Shearme have moved more than 4,500 kilometres from Yellowknife to Windsor to open their own PropertyGuys.com franchise (Windsor East) at the end of September. “We were definitely looking for a change,” says Paul. “When the opportunity to purchase a PropertyGuys.com franchise came about in a city that we consider home, we knew we were ready to make a positive difference.” The couple met in Windsor as

Glorianna and Paul Shearme enjoyed the buying and selling experience with PropertyGuys.com in Yellowknife so much that they recently moved back to Windsor to open their own franchise. Photo courtesy of PropertyGuys.com.

Glorianna was born and raised here with Paul residing in Windsor for seven years.

Paul adds that “it’s high time for Windsor residents to have access to a smarter way to sell their homes and we are just the people to do it.” PropertyGuys.com is Canada’s largest

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private sale, real estate network with more than 85,000 successful sales over the past 20 years. The company has 123 franchises across the country. For more information, visit: PropertyGuys.com.

Lily Savich spotted a void in the marketplace and has opened Charlie’s Bark Park, a specialty pet food store featuring all-natural and organic foods. “I believe there’s a need for this and that the market is large enough for my business to thrive,” comments Savich, who was born in Toronto, but brought up in Croatia before returning to Canada eight years ago. In that time, she’s earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in social work with plans to follow that with a Ph.D. in social work. “I’m busy all the time but as my dad always said a busy person is a happy person,” she adds. The Windsor store opened in early October and while “it’s not been crazy busy, there are people who have stopped in to see the store and check out the products,” Savich indicates. The store is located at 1569 Tecumseh Road East, near Lincoln Road and you can find further information on their services and products at: CharliesBarkPark.ca.

A telemedicine clinic designed to help people access medical cannabis by obtaining a legal prescription, opened for business in Windsor in mid-October. Cannabis Supply Co., which operates clinics across the province, is located at 3580 Tecumseh Road West, Unit 4. The store does not dispense cannabis on site, but plans to do so once that becomes legal in April 2019.

For the time being, medical cannabis can only be obtained by mail order. The store features a wide range of products including pipes, vapourizers, papers, grinders, cookbooks, cooking accessories, educational books, essential oils, candles and clothing. Jane Gerolimetto is the Manager of the Windsor location. She brings a wealth of experience to the company with 30 years of nursing experience and she has also worked two years for a Physician who prescribed cannabis.

Further information on this new clinic can be viewed at: CannabisSupplyCo.ca.

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NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN Quicken Loans, the largest home mortgage lender in the United States, and its family of affiliated companies, recently announced plans to open a new location in the historic Old Fish Market building, 156 Chatham Street West in downtown Windsor. The expansion into Canada allows Quicken Loans and its Family of Companies to recruit top talent from Windsor, Toronto, Waterloo and all of Ontario, to support the company’s growing need for additional technology talent. “We learned a lot more about Ontario’s deep technology talent pool over the past couple of years as we explored pitching the international border of Windsor/ Detroit to various companies,” says Jay Farner, CEO of Quicken Loans. “As Quicken Loans continues to grow and set the standard for innovation, we remain focused on recruiting additional technology talent to our ‘brainforce.’ With our headquarters located in downtown Detroit, we have a tremendous opportunity to tap into the rich technology pipeline both stateside and in Canada.” Quicken Loans and the Family of Companies, will lease more than 9,000 square feet of office space in the Windsor building. Renovation of the new location is expected to be completed in the first or second quarter of 2019. The company plans to grow the office to more than 100 tech workers. Detroit-based real estate firm Bedrock led the search for the new office location with the support of Mark Lalovich and Russel Lalovich of Windsor’s RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. Quicken Loans currently does not offer mortgages in the Canadian market, although it has publicly stated its interest in learning about the Canadian home mortgage market. This will be the second foray into Canada for the

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Detroit-based home lender. In 2016, Rocket Homes, a subsidiary of the same holding company as Quicken Loans (Rock Holdings Inc.), purchased Toronto-based OpenHouse Realty — a company specializing in the development of proprietary home and real estate agent search technology. Quicken Loans has also appeared in the top 30 of FORTUNE magazine’s list, for 15 consecutive years, of the “100 Best Companies” to work for and has been named the #1 place to work in technology for six consecutive years by Computerworld magazine.

More workplace award information can be found on the webpage: QuickenLoansCareers.com/about-us/ awards-kudos.

Nominations are now open for the 14th annual “Windsor Essex Sports Persons of the Year” (WESPY) Awards which features awards, in both female and male categories, for 13 different sports. As well, nine major awards are presented each year. Nominated athletes must be 15 years of age or older as of January 2018. To submit a nomination by the deadline of January 31, 2019, please email: info@thewespys.ca or basketball@thewespys.ca.

Kniaziew Optometry recently celebrated the Grand Opening of their new Essex location at 169 Talbot Street North, with a community event that featured free hot dogs and give-aways. “The event was a great success,” says Dr. Richard Kniaziew, Founder of Kniaziew Optometry. “The community of Essex has always shown strong support to our team and we wanted to give back with a community event. We would also like to welcome to Kniaziew Optometry, Dr. Eni Okaj. She will be joining an already strong team of Optometrists that include:

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Can you clearly see, from the left, Jordan Kniaziew, Colleen Goudreau, Jackie Pearson, Mariete Grilo, Flora Sabatina, Ines Resendes and Dr. Richard Kniaziew at the October grand opening event of the new Essex location of Kniaziew Optometry? Photo courtesy of Kniaziew Optometry.

Dr. Ronald Molzan, Dr. Keri Baker, Dr. Alicia Kominek, Dr. Lauren Renaud and Dr. Robert McCormick.” Kniaziew Optometry has been serving patients’ eye health care needs in southwestern Ontario for over 40 years with practices in Leamington, Essex, Tecumseh, and Chatham. The centre offer a wide range of optometric services and eye care products, including eyeglasses, specialty eyewear, frames, and contact lenses.

Find out the addresses of their other locations by logging on to: KniaziewOptometry.com.

NEW IN BIZ Kauth, a global leader in manufacturing from Germany, officially opened the doors of their North America headquarters in October at their facility located at 3485 Wheelton Drive in Windsor. Christian Kauth, CEO/ Owner, states, “Initially, this new location

will serve as Kauth North America’s distribution and warehousing centre with up to 25 employees, with plans to eventually evolve and expand to include a manufacturing facility that will employ up to 350 employees, over time. Kauth conducted an extensive search in a number of communities throughout North America and determined that Windsor provides the best business case and advantages to assist us to achieve our goals and growth in North America.” Kauth is a family owned business and was founded in 1928 by Paul Kauth in Denkingen, Germany. Kauth has six manufacturing facilities globally with over 900 employees and specializes in stamping and forming, developing and producing formed parts with integrated extruded holes, sub-assemblies and attachment systems. Their client base consists of BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, Audi, Chevrolet and Magna. For information on the company, its products, technologies and more, check out the website: Kauth.de/en.

Lowe’s Windsor East, 7350 Catherine Street (near Tecumseh Road East and Lauzon Parkway) also celebrated its grand opening in mid-October. This store represents a local investment in excess of $21.6 million and created 75 new permanent jobs with an additional 80 seasonal roles. It is the second Lowe’s store to open in the Windsor area

and the 68th Lowe’s store in Canada. During the opening events Lowe’s Canada donated $5,000 to the Street Help Homeless Centre of Windsor to support renovations and the food bank’s replenishment. The Lowe’s Windsor East store features retail space totalling more than 117,600 square feet, including 93,800 square feet of retail sales space and a 23,800 square foot adjacent garden centre. The new location offers customers approximately 40,000 products in stock, as well as thousands more to meet all their home improvement needs available through special order on the company website: Lowes.ca.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO. . .

Happy 20th anniversary to Mad Science of Windsor & Chatham-Kent, 122 Fox Street in Cottam! Mad Science of Windsor and Chatham-Kent is a franchised member of The Mad Science Group, the world’s leading educational enrichment provider for children of elementary school age. The company’s programs include entertaining science classes, child-friendly chess instruction, engineering programming, and creative arts classes. Original owner Michael D’Asti operated the local business until October 2017 and now Judy Dehu has

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taken over as President. Along with Assistant Manager Steven Spagnuolo, Dehu’s team mixes fun and education together and recently added a brand new After-School Program for the 2018/2019 school year — “NASA in the Class.” This program allows students to explore the wonders of space with six different topics to discover. A few of the unique, hands-on science topics include: taking a voyage through our solar system; investigating the sun and distant stars; uncovering the forces of flight; exploring the atmosphere, plus so much more! For further details on how you can “spark imaginative learning” and register for their programs visit: MadScienceOfWindsor.com.

ON THE MOVE After 18 years at 2679 Howard Avenue in Windsor, Diabetes Canada has now opened a new Donation Centre at 2405 Dougall Avenue, across from Dougall Square. Drop off your used clothing and small household items and help fund research, send a kid to camp and keep items out of landfill, just by driving to the back of the building by their drop box and ringing the bell for an attendant. For a list of items accepted and for free home pick up of your donations, visit: Declutter.diabetes.ca.

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Submit your listing on: BizXmagazine.com and InPlayMagazine.com

DATES TO REMEMBER LATE NOV. / DEC. 2018

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TO VIEW EVEN MORE EVENTS VISIT: BIZXMAGAZINE.COM AND INPLAYMAGAZINE.COM AND CLICK ON THE “EVENTS” TAB!

*UNLESS NOTED 519 IS THE AREA CODE TO USE

*Please be sure to confirm all events before attending.

Nov. 21: The fifth annual “ARTILICIOUS” takes place at Caesars Windsor, Augustus Ballroom, 377 Riverside Drive East starting at 5 until 8 p.m. to benefit The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Windsor & District Chapter. Sample unique and delicious food from participating local eateries and finish your meal with a little something sweet.

This is all included in the ticket price of just $30 at the door! The event also offers guests the opportunity to shop local artisan vendors showcasing their unique, quality, handmade works of art, just in time for the holiday season. Please note anyone under the age of 19 attending this event must enter the casino through the McDougall Street entrance. To learn more about “ARTILICIOUS” email: erika.muscat@kidney.ca; visit the website: Kidney.ca/WindsorEssex or call 977-9211.

Nov. 23 to Dec. 2: The University Players present “Journey’s End” takes place at the Essex Hall Theatre located at 401 Sunset Avenue in Windsor from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.

This is a historic drama to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. Admission is

$22 for a regular adult ticket with discounts for students and seniors. For more details email: kristen.siapas@uwindsor.ca; refer to: UniversityPlayers.com or call 965-6321.

The featured home of the 2018 “Holiday House Tours.” Photo courtesy of The Town of Amherstburg Department of Tourism and Culture.

Nov. 24 & 25: The Town of Amherstburg Department of Tourism and Culture presents the sixth annual “Holiday House Tours” from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on both days. Visit some of Amherstburg’s most beautiful, unique and historic properties made even more stunning by professional decorators for the holidays!

There are nine stops on this year’s tour, including one at Vivace Estate Winery where

you can enjoy the Christmas Tree Dress Exhibit and complimentary treats, tea and wine tasting. Tickets are $25 and available at the Gordon House, Sobeys Amherstburg, Country Bliss, Dusty Loft Antiques and Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets. Details at: Amherstburg.ca/riverlights; phone 730-1309 or email: svangrinsven@amherstburg.ca.

Nov. 24 to 26: CC’s Events presents its sixth annual “Handmade Christmas Extravaganza” at the WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh Avenue in Windsor. Come out to this great three day event to support 100 local artists and crafters! Find many unique gift items such as: home decor, bath/ body, jewellery, paintings, wood crafters, children’s items, gourmet food, Christmas décor, stocking stuffers, and more. Hours are: Friday 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission by donation to aid local secondary school breakfast programs. For more information email: ccs.craftevents@gmail.com; phone 945-1001 or visit: Facebook.com/CCsEvents.

Nov. 30: Fantastic Fathers presents their

DONATION CENTRES 1643 McDougall Avenue, Windsor 11145 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor 298 Lauzon Road, Windsor 3799 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor 216 Talbot Street South, Essex 2170 Front Road, LaSalle 43 Main Street West, Kingsville

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B IZ X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

first ever holiday event for children, “A Night With Santa” at Just Your Average Joe’s Banquet Hall, 1286 Lauzon Road in Windsor from 5 to 8 p.m. Check out everything that is planned and included on this special night — make a souvenir Christmas decoration; decorate a cookie to enjoy; make a wish list to read to Santa; take a picture with Santa himself by a professional photographer; face painting; costume character meet and greet and pin the nose on Rudolph game. There is also a light food menu included! Winter coat donations are being accepted for Coats For Kids on this night as well. Admission is $10 per child ($30 maximum per family) at the door. To learn more about this special evening log on to: FantasticFathers.ca; email: fantasticfathers2016@gmail.com; or call 564-1880.

Dec. 2: The third annual “Jingle Bell Rock n’ Bowl” is a staff charity bowling challenge presented by the Fantastic Fathers community group at Super Bowl Lanes, 10000 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $250 (for five players with $50 minimum entry fee for each). Partial event proceeds to be donated to Adopt-A-Vet for their veteran holiday season program. Questions? Email: fantasticfathers2016@gmail.com; go online to: FantasticFathers.ca or dial 564-1880.

Dec. 14: The Ciociaro Club, in Oldcastle at 3745 North Talbot Road, presents a corporate and community Christmas party with dancing, a three course menu, and dessert for all! Tickets $45 pp. Doors open 6 p.m. View the full menu online at: CiociaroClub.com. To reserve your spot for your company call 737-6153.

Dec. 21: Lavender Promotions and ProjectBE present “A Very Queenie Christmas” featuring Pandora Boxx and Darienne Lake at Rock Star Music Hall, 2418 Central Ave in Windsor from 7 until 11:30 p.m. Pandora and Darienne both are drag performers who have been on RuPaul’s Drag Race. VIP tickets include a meet and greet session immediately following the show. Admission is $30. For more details email: info.projectbe@gmail.com; check out: ProjectBE.net or phone 226-268-2755.

Dec.25 to Jan.1: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers, advertisers, suppliers, family and friends!

Enjoy the holidays and stay safe.

Dec.31: The Ciociaro Club, 3745 North Talbot Road in Oldcastle hosts a New Year’s Eve Gala — “The Feast Of The Year” — starting at 6 p.m. with a champagne reception/antipasto bar followed by dinner, entertainment by Fantasia and a midnight buffet with champagne toast. More details at: CiociaroClub.com. Tickets are $115 pp — just call 737-6153 to get yours today!

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COVER STORY

Business is a lot like a game of Blackjack (also called “21”). We all must play the hand we are dealt. Which of the 207 nominees for our 21st annual awards issue has the cards stacked in their favour to earn a coveted Biz X Award? Main photo credit: © Can Stock Photo/18percentgrey. Blackjack chips: © Can Stock Photo/NiroDesign.

Insertion of Biz X Award by Rod Denis.

“Blackjack 21: A Run Of Good Luck!”

The 21st Annual Biz X Awards Tribute Award Write-ups By Rebecca Wright

S

uccessful entrepreneurs are risk takers who create their own “luck” and know how to manage it. And if they “play their cards right” — good fortune — perhaps even a “jackpot” comes their way.

In business negotiations, it’s important that you don’t reveal your cards at the beginning or you might risk losing out on the best deal possible. You also have to know when to “double down,” be “a high roller” or “surrender” if needed. At times it is “all or nothing” or your fate could just boil down to the “luck of the draw.”

Considering all the catch phrases associated with card games and how they relate to owning a business — added to the fact that Biz X magazine is celebrating 21 years of publishing and Blackjack is also known as “21” — the theme for our 2018 awards issue and gala became quite obvious.

“Blackjack 21: A Run Of Good Luck” is an appropriate fit for the magazine as we enter the “age of responsibility” and our third decade of award winners.

Throughout the Biz X Awards edition you will see elements of this Blackjack 21/luck theme (graphics, references to music/movies and shiny red and black colouring like playing cards) on the story pages here and for those attending our gala, the décor of the room.

The mission of our annual awards edition is to honour the best in the biz that Windsor Essex has to offer and that starts with the business

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owners and people who constantly “let it ride” to overcome the odds (severe weather, high gas/energy, minimum wage increases etc.) to ensure their businesses survive for many years.

The loyal readers of Biz X magazine believe our nominees are the leaders in the local business community for exceptional customer service, selection, pricing and dedication to their companies/organizations.

The Awards recognize and honour the business men and women in the region who are constantly working hard to be #1 in their industries. Which businesses and people will receive the golden Biz X Award — the “pillars of success” — this year?

In 2018, our 21st annual awards story, 207 nominees competed in 24 categories. And this year the online voting poll conducted from September 13 until September 27 (see bullet #2 for further information) saw a record number of votes!

According to Jack Eisenberg, Database Analyst for Biz X magazine, “For the past two years, the Biz X Awards polling has been completely automated. As a testament to the growing influence of Biz X magazine in the local community, we received nearly 40,000 votes for this year’s awards, almost double the number from last year.”

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Our award history goes back to 1998, and to date, over 680 Biz X Awards have been handed out. Like every year before, the new batch of nominees are simply the best our region has to offer and we congratulate every company, organization and individual listed throughout this entire cover story.

In our view, all are exceptional business owners or top managers, but there can be only one winner of each category in the end.

These lucky recipients attend an exclusive awards gala on November 16, 2018 at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts in an elegant setting with décor by Designs by Diane and an Awards Ceremony featuring expert technical services and lighting by Bigtime Presentations and entertainment with Pat & Nino. For this formal event, our Biz X men, Judges and celebrity presenters are outfitted by Collins Clothiers.

Winners also receive a plaque from The Trophy Boys, to display in their place of business (see accompanying graphic on this page). As well, their acceptance speeches are shown on YourTV (Channel HD 700) in January 2019 on the “Plugged In” show. Video footage, along with live social media updates, is also recorded by Film Camp for Kids & Youth in partnership with MANAN Media.

Award sponsors include: Motor City Community Credit Union; The WindsorEssex Economic Development Small Business Centre; St. Clair College Alumni Association; Tecumseh Mall, and the Community Gaming & Entertainment Group. For a complete list of our gala suppliers and sponsors, please visit: BizXmagazine.com.

So “what’s the deal” on how a business or individual became a nominee or an overall winner of their category? To start, let’s recap the rules for the Biz X Awards.

Each year a list of award categories are published in the summer and September editions of Biz X magazine and online at: BizXmagazine.com. Businesses and people can be nominated by customers, suppliers, and Biz X readers, from mid-July until early September, using an online form with a section for supporting evidence included. Only a single nomination is required to be in the voting poll, so everyone has a fair chance, especially if a small company.

After the nomination period ended, nominees were made public on the Biz X website, when a voting poll in each category commenced for a two week period from mid-September until the end of the month.

People could vote once per category per IP address only (reinforcing the fact this is not a popularity contest). Individuals could vote in all categories, if they wanted — or just one!

Everything was totally confidential and no one could see who voted for who or how many votes a particular nominee had. The number of

© Can Stock Photo/asamask92

votes did not constitute an automatic win, and the voting results may or may not have had an impact on the judging process. Vote tallies are only a part of the overall selection process.

The qualifications for nominees are simple.

Businesses must be located in Windsor Essex, which includes the City of Windsor, LaSalle, Lakeshore, Tecumseh, Amherstburg and all of Essex County. For categories in the PEOPLE section, nominees must be 19 years of age or over and reside in Windsor Essex.

Companies can be nominated for more than one category; however, businesses/people are only allowed to win one award per year.

National chains, franchises and non-profits are not eligible in most categories. Our mission is to reward start-up businesses in our region and not national companies. However, exceptions are made in the PEOPLE category as we do believe those individuals (working for national chains or working for a charity/non-profit) living in our area deserve to be recognized. Since this entire category (#8 to #13) is being judged on the individual and not the company itself, they are allowed to participate.*An exception for 2018 has also been made for non-profit organizations/ charities in categories #22 and #23.

No media outlets can participate in any of the categories.

Nominees are given an opportunity to submit information on themselves and/or their company to Biz X magazine upon notification that they were nominated. The information from the nomination forms, a summary of the voting poll results and the company supplied information is then submitted to our panel of Judges for review and discussion. It is very important for all nominees to return this information as it is a way to check the information a nominator has submitted on the website form. The information provided is also used to compile the write-up on the company or person in the annual awards edition.

Judges also research each nominee at their own discretion and visit as many nominees as possible. The Judges meet after the online voting poll closes and review the results and the backup information and select the final winners during “Judgment Night” in October.

To avoid any conflict of interest, Biz X full time staff members are not permitted to participate in the judging process. This is to ensure impartiality to all advertisers, suppliers, and friends. As well, Judges cannot participate on “Judgment Night” conversations or final voting in any categories that friends, relatives, or their own business are being considered for.

They also are not permitted to be involved in any part of the Judging process if their own business or workplace is a supplier to a nominee or pays a nominated company for any services they or their business may need. Any biases declared by Judges are mentioned at the end of the write-up.

While the Biz X Award Judges (identified below) may “hold all the cards” to determine the 24 winners, they definitely had a tough time decidingm due to so many deserving nominees. And even though one Judge holds a Joker card (not used in “Blackjack” of course) in our photo, the Judges had the very serious task of investigating the nominees listed in the voting poll, over a few weeks. Their time was spent reviewing the background information sent in by nominees and meeting fellow judges to discuss each nominee in every category, before finally “playing their cards close to their chest” to cast their votes by secret ballot. The hard decisions were made during “Judgment Night” at Eastwood’s Grill & Lounge (EastwoodsGrillLounge.com), 63 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, in October. Since our Judges worked up an appetite during this whole process, Eastwood’s prepared a feast of delicious items such as: El Diablo Calamari; Creamy Garlic Primavera; Dorito pizza; Crispy Sweet Thai Chicken Tacos and BBQ Texas Beef Ribs. The meal ended with fried tortilla cheesecake and golden fried donuts, which put a smile on the face of each Judge who knew they not only had a great meal, but they had also “dealt a winning hand” to certain nominees. Photo by Rebecca Wright.

Businesses do not have to be an advertiser with the magazine to win. Every company, whether a Biz X advertiser or not, has an equal chance of winning. Once all nominations are in and the voting poll is closed (the end of September), companies may be contacted to purchase ads by Biz X Sales Associates to thank those who nominated/voted for them in the November/December awards issue.

The Judges are unaware which companies advertise (or do not) when they make their final decisions and only see the completed awards issue at the same time the readers do.

This ensures there are NO biases or conflicts of interest. Judges do not know who the final winners are on “Judgment Night” as they voted by secret ballot and are not told the results. All those nominees who chose to advertise in the November/December issue had nominee badges in their ads and, just before the magazine went to print, for those who won, the nominee badge was switched to a winner badge (without the knowledge of the advertiser). The entire process is kept top secret with only a select few knowing the final outcome ahead of time and no one seeing the winner badge in their ad until the magazine is released to the public.

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Our “Trump Card” The Biz X Award Judges As shown in the photo above, our Judging team from left is as follows, starting with the back row . . .

Justin Barker is the General Manager of the Comfort Inn South Windsor and returns for his 12th year as a Biz X Award Judge. He is the Secretary of the Board for the Ontario Regional Marketing Committee for Choice Hotels Canada. Barker is also actively involved in scouting, as a leader with the 89th Windsor Scout Troop Venturer Company.

As a Manager in the service industry, he is keenly aware of what it takes to succeed in today’s business climate. “Biz X magazine is the leader in Windsor Essex in promoting business excellence and sharing in the achievements of local businesses,” Barker believes. “Success is not a straight path, there are sharp turns and setbacks all the time. Success is attainable through a dedication of what you truly believe in; a goal line just beyond your reach, so you are always striving for more.”

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As shown in the photo on the previous page, our Judging team continues from the left as follows . . .

Fourth-time Judge Steve Meehan is the Executive Chef at Beach Grove Golf and Country Club. Prior to this, he held several other top positions in the kitchen, including Executive Chef and General Manager at Bistro 42, a division of North 42 Degrees Estate Winery; Executive Chef at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts; helped to open Grill 55 restaurant, and before that he was a Corporate Chef with RATIONAL Canada Inc. When the Hilton Windsor won a Biz X Award in 2004 for “A Buffet Like No Other,” Meehan was a part of the winning team as a Sous Chef. It makes sense that his favourite categories when judging are those related to food! “I look forward to participating in the judging of the Biz X Awards,” states Meehan. He adds that the Biz X Awards allow for the recognition of businesses that help to contribute to our community. “The awards process helps to bring our community together and offer thanks for their efforts,” says Meehan. “All too often, those who put forth the extra effort go unnoticed. The Biz X Awards help to thank these amazing people and businesses.”

Justin Fox, a second-timer as a member of the Judging team, once again was the voice of the young business population. “As a long time YQG resident, it is always nice to see new and exciting things happening and being developed in the Windsor area,” says Fox, Donor Relations Officer at St. Clair College.

Coming back as a Judge for the second year was very exciting and a great process to once again be a part of, he believes. “Not only do we get to learn about new businesses and events that have chosen Windsor as their home over the last year, we get to see and talk about the success of some of our past award winners and how far they have come over the years,” states Fox. “When everyone supports one another, the outcome is a community that flourishes and has thriving businesses.” He comments, “It’s great to see so many young people being nominated as business leaders in their industries throughout the various award categories. I feel that being a young gun on the committee helps promote the millennials and the work they have done to help make YQG a great place to live, work and play,” he says. “And it proves that they are making a difference in our community.” He adds that the Biz X Awards are very important because they help give new and old businesses a platform to share their products, stories and successes with the YQG community.

Now for the front row from left . . .

First-time Judge Chad Goulet is a Project Manager at Paul Davis

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A Blackjack “natural!” Model: Conor Murphy/ University Players. Photo by Rod Denis.

and has 10 years of experience working in the cleaning and restoration industry.

His favourite category was “Outstanding New Business Of 2018.” He says he’s a big supporter of shopping local and is very aware of the many businesses in our area. He was proud to be a part of the judging team to help determine the Biz X Award winners.

“Having been self-employed for a number of years, I thought that I was able to add good value and a non-biased opinion when it came to a number of categories,” he asserts. “The Biz X Awards are important to give recognition to the businesses and individuals who have worked so hard to succeed,” he adds. “These awards help the community recognize what it takes to be a small business in this day and age. Businesses strive every day to provide the best possible service or product in order to maintain and keep a great reputation.”

For the second year in a row, LouAnne Hunt is a Biz X Award Judge. She’s an Independent Agent for Seacret Direct, and in 2015 she was on the other side of things when Judges deemed her a winner for the “Favourite Independent Sales Rep” Award. “I remember the honour of being nominated and of course winning this great award,” Hunt fondly recalls. The honour sparked her to seek out ways to help out with the annual business awards event, which led her to becoming a Judge last year, and again in 2018. She says she truly enjoys working with her fellow Judges, as well as learning so much about all the nominees.

“It’s very difficult to vote for just one business in each category,” asserts Hunt. “After hearing the business backgrounds and the owners’ stories, it makes it difficult to focus on just one. Every one of them is a winner in my eyes.”

Fourth-time Judge Jason Kerluck is the General Manager at Springz Trampoline and Amusement Park. He was a Judge for the Biz X Awards in 2014, 2015 and 2017.

“I love Windsor and its truly unique business community,” says Kerluck. “Having travelled all over Ontario for business reasons, I can honestly say there isn’t another community like Windsor. That is what drew me back to the area. Business professionals across the region work hard to create something that not only fulfills a dream, but also provides a living for them and their family,” describes Kerluck.

“To put that all on the line in the pursuit of that dream, takes courage and a belief in one’s self that we honour with these awards.”

This year — and as it has always been — the “Powerhouse Professional” category is his favourite. “These folks take their dream and turn it into one that others can share in,” he explains. “They touch lives, and lift others up along with themselves. It’s inspiring, and every nominee raises the bar for all of us.”

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Master Of Ceremonies For The “Biz X Awards Gala,” Nov. 16, 2018 At St. Clair College Centre For The Arts

Once again we are thrilled to have our very own blogging “Cup of Joe” as the Emcee for our gala. One thing is for sure, Joe McParland is a real “natural” (a player’s first two cards are an ace and a card with the value of 10, giving a count of 21)!

He’s called Windsor and Essex County home for his entire life (well at least until now) and he isn’t planning on “throwing in his hand” anytime soon.

After he retired from a 26 year career with Canada Border Services Agency, McParland has more than “doubled down” in his retirement by writing for Biz X for the past three years; reporting on-camera for YourTV; performing in the famous “Rum Runners Tour” and officiating 100-plus weddings a year.

He is also involved in many sectors of the community, from emceeing parades and other events, to moderating political debates. His distinctive, booming voice is a trademark of his many pursuits. McParland volunteers his time with a number of charitable and not-forprofit organizations and has served on various boards throughout the region.

Armed with an endless supply of puns and a good sense of humour, our “Cup of Joe” MC wraps up with: “I am delighted to be part of the Biz X family. For those of you who haven’t met me, I’ve inherited my dad’s sense of humour — a real ‘chip off the old block’. I’m not the type of guy to ‘stand and do nothing’ — nor ‘split whenever times get tough’; I’m a real ‘shoe’ in to become your next friend!”

What’s “In The Cards” Next?

Deborah Jones, Publisher of Biz X magazine and her entire team wish to thank all the Judges for making those tough decisions, as well as thanking our MC, celebrity presenters, sponsors, suppliers, and most importantly, our valued advertisers and readers for their support.

The entire team at Biz X is equally as proud of the 207 nominees listed in our 21st annual November/December edition that each deserve major credit as only the best were nominated!

So, what is the answer to the question here in this subhead? Well we now “lay all our cards on the table” and reveal the secret you have been patiently waiting to learn — which businesses/organizations and people in Windsor Essex have been selected as our 24 winners to earn a Biz X Award . . .

Award category banners: © Can Stock Photo/stockninja

Bullets: © Can Stock Photo/Creator76

1. “Outstanding New Business Of 2018” (businesses that opened from September 1, 2017 to September 1, 2018) *No restaurants/ food trucks or bars can be included as they can participate in the Hospitality & Entertainment Categories.

The nominees are . . .

Ani & Fabi (Baking Kits), (home based in Windsor), AniAndFabi.com, opened September 2017 Athleisure Apparel, 5841 Malden Rd., Unit #130, LaSalle, opened November 2017 Beatnik Art Supplies Inc., 224 Erie St. West, Windsor, opened April 2018 DeMarco’s Fine Foods, 1349 Grand Marais Rd. West, Unit 108, Windsor, opened April 2018 FL3X Fitness, 10700 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor, opened October 2017 GIOGRAFIK, 1958 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, opened March 2018 Hakced VR, 1435 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor, opened June 2018 Imagine That! Gift & Sculpture, 13072 Talbot Rd., Maidstone, opened November 2017 Little Sheep Yarn Boutique, 1505 Ottawa St., Windsor, opened August 2018 Sissy & Roché Fine Arts, 9-313 Main St. East, Kingsville, opened October 2017 The Art Lab Windsor, 1958 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, opened July 2018 Windsor Digital Marketing, (home based in Windsor), WindsorDigitalMarketing.com, opened June 2018

Sponsor graphics: © Can Stock Photo/grkistock

Photo frames: © Can Stock Photo/jirkaejc

BUSINESS AND SERVICE

(*no national chains/non-profits allowed)

brought to you by

WindsorEssexSmallBusiness.com

Past winner ad page background: © Can Stock Photo/kharlamova

recipe card that is described as foolproof and a guide to producing delicious results that are “Instagram-able.” Every box is personalized with a note to the bakers and special gifts and surprises are included at certain times of the year, as well as when birthdays are specified. Judge Meehan comments that all too often these days, the things that were important in the past, such as home cooking and participating in activities as a family, are forgotten. “I feel this can help to bring the important family activities back, without excessive effort, while at the same time offering fresh and tasty items for families to enjoy,” believes

Windsor Manufacturing Solutions, 2710 Meighen Rd., Windsor, opened January 2017 Windsor Massage & Steam Sauna, 1260 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor, opened December 2017 And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Ani & Fabi Owners Hanlu Li and Dominik Skrzypek created their business to make baking more accessible for all ages. Ani & Fabi (AniAndFabi.com) is Canada’s first subscription-based baking kit company, Li claims. “The company’s product is the baking kit, which is the modern experience of baking at home with family and friends, all conveniently packaged and prepared to be simple, fun and delicious,” he describes.

“We develop, design, produce and deliver the entire baking experience right to the customer’s door, currently, anywhere in Ontario and soon-to-be all across Canada.” The couple says packages are primarily offered through a subscription, where subscribers receive two new baking kits each month, as well as through an online store where customers can buy baking kits individually. The baking kits consist of high-quality pre-measured ingredients, along with an easy-to-follow

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Call it “Beginner’s luck” but sweet fortune has smiled on the owners of Ani & Fabi to earn our first award for this year. The business is a meal kit service for desserts, such as “Easy as Galette Apple Pie” (pictured) and promotes the activity of family and friends bonding over baking together. Photo courtesy of Ani & Fabi.

Judge Meehan. With subscription-based businesses growing in popularity in recent years, and a hole in the market being filled by Ani & Fabi, Li stresses that their business has staying power and is on a sustainable path to bake up a storm well into the future. “The tired, busy and stressed young parent needs a way to regain personal time and spend it with their children,” states Li. “Our solution of baking as a family is one which has been proven to be beneficial for children and for the family dynamic.”

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2. “Dance Studio That’s One Step Ahead” (a dance studio with experienced instructors offering a variety of classes from hip hop to ballet for children and possibly adult lessons too) The nominees are . . .

Cassiah’s Dance Company, 27 Erie St. North, Leamington Cathy’s Dance Studio Inc., 2220 B Foster Ave., Windsor 5994 Malden Rd., LaSalle Dance Barre, 4530 Rhodes Drive, Windsor Edmunds Towers School of Dance, 2555 Jefferson Blvd., Windsor Rivertown Dance Academy (formerly Catz Meow), 258 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg The Dance Academy, 13480 Sylvestre Drive, Tecumseh And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Dance Barre

Lindsay and Blake Angier, Owners and Artistic Directors of the Dance Barre, are our “lucky star”(s) having performed on stage with celebrity megastars such as Beyonce, Rhianna and Miley Cyrus. Here the couple poses with a few of the dancers from their new Applause Ballet Company. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Fabischek.

Owners and Artistic Directors Blake and Lindsay Angier fulfilled their dreams of being professional dancers in Los Angeles, then came to Windsor to further

their vision by opening Dance Barre, which has grown to include six stateof-the-art studios and countless classes for any and every style of dance, since

Congratulations to all Biz X Award Recipients and Nominees!

At Libro, the growth and prosperity of your business is also our business.

Libro's Windsor-Essex Commerical team has over 70 years of experience building relationships and supporting local businesses. With the help of a Libro Coach you and your business will prosper.

Tim Seech

Tim.Seech@libro.ca 519-733-6521

Audrey Pillon

Audrey.Pillon@libro.ca 519-738-2263

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John Dufour

John.Dufour@libro.ca 519-776-5231

Khalil Metlo

Khalil.Metlo@libro.ca 519-672-0130

B IZ X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

Lindsay Lovecky

Lindsay.Lovecky@libro.ca 519-736-5409

libro.ca

opening in 2007. Lindsay, originally from Belle River, met Blake (from Iowa) while in LA. and after they were married it was a “natural” fit for her to return home with her husband to help build the next generation of dancers in Windsor Essex. Classes offered at Dance Barre (DanceBarre.ca) are for those aged two to adult and include: ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical and turns. They currently have 17 faculty members on their team. “We have always believed that dance lessons are life lessons,” they express. “Our faculty is not only professionally trained experts in their fields, but also caring individuals who go above and beyond to ensure each child feels like Dance Barre is a home away from home.” Blake and Lindsay, along with their faculty, boast many professional training credentials, such as with the American Ballet Theatre Teacher Training, National Ballet School of Canada Professional Program and several more. Their performing credits list is also extensive and includes work with celebrity megastars Beyonce, Rhianna, Miley Cyrus and more. Their faculty also has many guest teaching and adjudicating credits under their belt worldwide, and they’ve won countless high scoring solo and group awards — most recently

winning overall highest scoring group of the entire DanceMakers competition.

“What they offer in Windsor is second to none — a top-of-the-line faculty of dance professionals who are continuously training to be on top of the latest dance trends,” nominator Miranda notes.

Nominator Sawyer C. adds, “Dance Barre offers some of the most unique summer camps and classes in the area, including a ‘Moana Magic’ camp where dancers three to six actually had a meet & greet with Moana (Disney movie character) this past summer!” In September 2018, Dance Barre launched a new program called Applause Ballet Company. Dancers ranging in age from nine to 17 years auditioned to be a part of this program, which focuses on developing strong ballet technique through additional classes and performances. After years in L.A. as professional dancers, choosing to open Dance Barre in YQG truly shows that our region is the place to be, comments Judge Fox. “Having Dance Barre here in Windsor gives the students a chance to get a taste of what it would be like as a dancer in L.A.,” continues Judge Fox. “With amazing talented teachers and a packed student roster, Dance Barre is one of the best studios to be a part of.”

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3. “Dependable Day Care” (day care facilities that excel in childcare taking into account: cost, qualifications, safe environment, bonuses such as meals, number of staff) The nominees are . . .

Alexander’s Day Care Centre, 3990 Wildwood Drive, Windsor 197 Auburn Ave., Belle River Little Stars Child Care Inc., 3139 Dougall Ave., Windsor The School House Academy Daycare Services, 3450 Ypres Ave., Windsor The Toy Box Early Childhood Education Centre Inc., 2550 McDougall St., Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

The Toy Box Early Childhood Education Centre Inc. Finding exceptional and dependable daycare is a prime concern for parents, and something The Toy Box staff takes seriously. That’s

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why Owner Anna Raymond and her team strive to offer nothing less than the best care to each and every family that walks through their doors. “From the caregivers to the administrators, everyone involved in our daycare’s operation helps shape a child’s experience,” states Raymond. The company has been open in the community for 16 years and provides high quality childcare for babies and children ages three months to 12 years of age. They have three full-day programs and four before and afterschool programs. “The Toy Box offers an environment for early learning with lots of smiles, where they create the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders,” comments Judge Barker. Raymond describes her business as a safe and affordable option for kids to have fun and grow in a stateof-the-art facility. “It’s about allowing children to socialize and learn in a loving environment structured around their needs,” Raymond indicates. Their clean and secure environment includes indoor and outdoor play structures, a movie room, a library, a home-like environment, meals and secure entrance/exits. Fees range from $36 to $45 per day depending on the age of the child. Raymond points out that there are many reasons why The Toy Box is top notch, including the fact all staff is fully trained in First Aid and CPR; there is an

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Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in every class; the cook is trained in safe handling; their janitorial team keeps the centres sanitary, daily; the staff provides ongoing communication with parents regarding the daily activities of their children, and their ECEs design, implement and monitor educational curriculum. There are almost 70 staff members who are Early Childhood Educators or equivalent, working at The Toy Box at three for-profit locations: McDougall (winning location); 2665 Howard Avenue Unit 3 and the new 3966 Walker Road building, recently opened in mid-October 2018. With their existing sites at capacity, it was apparent a significant capital investment in a new location was necessary. The Walker Road location was selected for its proximity to areas designated for residential growth and close to the new mega-hospital site. Find out more about their daycare facilities at: TheToyBoxECE.com.

4. “Tried & Tested Expert Emissions Facility” (a reliable auto shop for an emissions test)

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The nominees are . . .

Auto Tech Inc., 1211 Erie St. East, Windsor Cowell Auto Repair, 2918 Walker Rd., Windsor Doctor J Auto Clinic Inc., 857 Howard Ave., Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Doctor J Auto Clinic Inc. Doctor J Auto Clinic Inc. is a full automotive repair facility described as a “one-stop shop,” providing auto repair and customization, exhaust work, wheel alignments, electrical diagnostics, brakes, a drive clean inspection station and much more. E-tests are offered for free, and although effective April 1, 2019, drivers will no longer need a Drive Clean emissions test for their passenger vehicles — which developed during this year’s Biz X Awards voting process — owners will still be required to make sure their vehicle emissions systems are operating properly. “Emissions control is still vital for sustaining a quality environment as well as maintaining engine performance,” comments Jose Cornejo, Doctor J Auto Clinic Inc. Customer Service Director since the shop opened in 2010. “A faulty emissions system can severely impact our environment by emitting high amounts of

When it comes to transportation you need to “let it ride” with Jose Cornejo, Customer Service Director of Doctor J Auto Clinic, our “king” of the road one-stop shop for everything automotive. His clinic is housed in a 9,000 sq. ft. building with 3,500 sq. ft. for auto repair, 4,000 sq. ft. for body and paint repair and a 1,500 sq. ft. detail bay for complete wash and wax. Cornejo is shown standing beside their state-of-the-art Snap-on tools advanced diagnostic centre. Photo courtesy of Steve Scherle.

hydrocarbons (unburnt fuel) into the air causing smog, which can lead to illness,

cancer, and in worst cases, death. Regular scheduled maintenance not only helps the environment, but also keeps your vehicle running better and longer, improving gas mileage, overall performance and occupant safety.” Judge Hunt expresses that “Even with everything changing with the Ministry, Doctor J continues to add value to the automotive industry with a regular maintenance package to keep vehicles running as efficiently as possible. Offering their services to, not only personal vehicle owners, they also offer the trucking companies that same great service, like the emissions testing.”

The facility offers walk-in tests, but also appointments can be made. The entire Doctor J team aims to “get on a personal level” with clients to make them feel like family, according to Administrator Steve Scherle. And their website: DrJAutoClinic.com, outlines a “quality promise” they aim to stick to with each and every customer: “We’re committed to providing a stress-free experience to both new and returning customers. Our shop only uses parts from reputable brands to ensure that your vehicle is always ready to drive.”

Judges Meehan and Goulet both abstained from voting in this category due to a bias.

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5. “Super Roofer” (a roofing company that completes the job in a timely manner, affordable, good quality products and warranties) The nominees are . . .

All*Star Roofing, (home based in Windsor), Windsor-Roofing.ca Bertozzi Roofing, (home based in Windsor) Classic Roofing & Windows Inc., (home based in Windsor), ClassicRoofingWindows.com Cleroux & Sons Roofing, 8320 Highway 3, Essex Diamond Home Improvement Co., 360 Eugenie St. East, Unit 202, Windsor DS60 Roofing and Siding, 13325 Sylvestre Drive, Windsor Gauthier Roofing and Siding, 266 County Rd. 42, Windsor Horizon Roofing, 3735 County Rd. 42, Windsor Peters’ Roofing & Siding, (home based in Leamington) PetersRoofingAndSiding.ca

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Rhythm Roofing, (home based in Windsor), Facebook.com/RhythmRoofing Ridgeline Roofers, 5411 Empress St., 105 B, Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Diamond Home Improvement Co. Open since 1983, Diamond Home Improvement (DiamondHome.ca) is a renovation company that specializes in roofing, sunrooms, windows, siding and more. Owners Rod Gillen and his mother Janice Gillen, are proud to have been in the industry as a family operated business for 35 years. “We pride ourselves in our commitment to treating our customers with respect and completing every renovation to the highest standard,” states Marketing and Office Administrator Tera Gillen-Petrozzi, Rod’s sister and Janice’s daughter. They hire only the most skilled installers and work with the most reputable suppliers in the area, notes Gillen-Petrozzi.

“We have an excellent team that not only ensures your job is completed at the highest standard, but that you are always informed during the entire process,” she adds. Diamond Home Improvement offers competitive pricing and financing options with no interest and no payments for six months. And customers are offered three different options when it comes to the job they’re getting done, so they can make the best choice to match their finances.

Gillen-Petrozzi points out their average customers’ rating is 9.9 out of 10 in overall customer satisfaction. She emphasizes that their materials come from only the most respected suppliers in the industry and they are backed with warranty packages ranging from 25 years to 40 years to lifetime. Nominators Serge F. and Donna M. write, “The owner himself even came to our home and was very professional in all aspects. He educated us on all the options available, he had samples and even gave us addresses for further information. He was extremely knowledgeable and helped us to

make our decisions.” In closing, GillenPetrozzi mentions that “Over the years we have provided thousands of renovations to happy customers” giving more evidence to support why they are the “Super Roofer.”

Ironically, even their company name is a card suit fitting the Biz X “Blackjack 21: A Run Of Good Luck” theme!

Due to a conflict, Judge Goulet did not vote in this category.

6. “Recording Studio That Sounds Like A Winner” (where to go to record your first single as a musician or if you want to create a special gift for your loved one; factors considered include: qualifications, equipment, price per finished song, turnaround time, past clients) The nominees are . . .

Riggi Media International, (home based in Tecumseh), RiggiMediaInternational.com SLR Studios, (home based in Windsor), SLR-Studios.com Spectre Media Group, (home based in Tecumseh), SpectreMedia.ca And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

SLR Studios Owner/Producer Martin Bak describes his business, SLR Studios (Sound, Labs, Recording), as a state-of-the-art recording studio that provides the highest standards in music production. He claims his facility is equipped with some of the most sought after and vintage gear in the world, and services include music recording, editing, mixing and mastering. “SLR has multiple recording facilities and provides services for superior song productions across a multitude of

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musical genres,” states Bak. His staff has more than 35 years of combined experience and a large list of artists and record labels they have collaborated with. “With this amount of experience, we’re able to work with many different genres of music such as rock, country, blues, hip-hop, R&B and more,” comments Bak. Prices range from $40 to $70 an hour depending on which Producer and Engineers you choose to work with. Bak notes that his business has experienced an annual exponential client growth since opening in 2004. “We always try to go the extra mile for our clients to ensure that they have the best possible production we can create,” he expresses.

“This approach is basically how our business has managed to thrive over the years.” Bak points out that they are a fullservice recording studio equipped with not only studio gear, but an entire backline of high-end instruments. “This means that any band could walk into our studio without any instruments and still leave the studio with a fully polished professional music production,” states Bak. Clients of theirs who are well-known locally include: The Tea Party, Ashes of Soma, Autumn Kings and more. Bak mentions many past clients have provided positive testimonials, including this one from Tea Party drummer Jeff Burrows: “I’ve been fortunate enough to record in some of the best studios in the world. SLR ranks right up there when it comes to atmosphere and results. Working with Marty is a world-class experience as an Engineer and Producer. The only difference is you don’t pay big city prices. If you want amazing results, go to SLR, but book well in advance — they’re that good!” Judge Hunt says she loves the fact their state-ofthe-art studio helps make their clients feel motivated to create their personal sound.

“So many of our local talents have trusted their work to SLR Studios and I think that’s great they didn’t have to travel to the big music cities to realize their dreams,” states Judge Hunt.

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7. “Money Masters” (a financial planning firm who looks after you now and well into the future) *No banks or credit unions could participate.

The nominees are . . .

Arquette Insurance & Wealth Management, 3041 Dougall Ave., Suite 115, Windsor Breadth Consulting Inc., 2055 Sandwich West Parkway, Unit 300, LaSalle Godfroy Financial Group, 1304 Lauzon Rd., Unit B, Windsor Soulliere Financial, 11505 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Arquette Insurance & Wealth Management Arquette Insurance & Wealth Management works together with the most elite insurance and investment companies in Canada to ensure that your individualized needs, goals and budgets are appropriately met, according to CEO Adam Arquette. “The products we offer strengthen an individual

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“All the things I could do, If I had a little money” sings ABBA in “Money, Money, Money.” Yet all they had to do is meet Adam Arquette, CEO/Portfolio Specialist of Arquette Insurance & Wealth Management!

Photo courtesy of Sooter’s Photography.

or business portfolio to guarantee financial security,” explains Arquette. “We are able to find the lowest premiums on the market and offer a complete range of plans that are best suited for you.” Arquette Insurance & Wealth Management (ArquetteWealth.ca) started in 2012 and boasts more than 3,000 clients Canada-wide. Arquette provides

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clients with a variety of products and services through his company, including: life insurance (permanent, whole, universal and 50+), term insurance, estate settlement assistance, long-term care assistance, disability insurance, healthcare insurance, critical illness insurance, financial planning, mortgages, estate planning, RRSP and TFSA. Many have provided testimonials for Arquette’s exceptional work, including school teacher Marianne B. who remarks, “Adam was insightful, honest and reassuring.” Professional singer Traci K. notes, “He has the passion, drive and knowledge to make sure that his clients are 110% happy with their product.” And nominator Vesna B. adds, “Adam is a true professional. He takes the time to explain and suggest investments, insurance etc.

He is very easy to talk to and always responds to inquiries quickly and gives his honest input. Adam treats all his clients like family.” Arquette says he’s always available and provides 24/7 customer service. He adds that he’s been ranked as a “Top 30 Agent” through the Managing General Agency (MGA) across Canada, for the last five years in a row. “Nothing gives us greater satisfaction than protecting our clients against the unexpected and helping them preserve and improve their quality of life,” Arquette states.

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8. “2018 Powerhouse Professional”

PEOPLE

brought to you by

(a local business owner or top manager who has what it takes to keep the company/ organization they own or work for profitable in today’s tough times) The nominees are . . .

Andrew J. Smith, Deerbrook Andrew J. Smith Real Estate Inc., 12137 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh Carlos Puckerin, FL3X Fitness, 10700 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor Dana Colenutt, Division Road Preschool, 1723 Division St. North, Kingsville Danielle Carriere, ONESource Moving Solutions For Seniors, Professionals And Families, (home based in Windsor), ONESourceForSeniors.ca Danielle Gadoury, D&D Professional Services, 2510 Ouellette, Suite L06, Windsor Deana Campanaro, Couture Salon & Spa, 13831 Riverside Drive East, Tecumseh Denise Garvin, Loyal Companions Dog Grooming, 2501 Tecumseh Rd. West, Windsor Donna Hedrick, Story Book Early Learning Centre, 492 County Rd. 8, Maidstone Ave. West 72 Brien Ave. East, Essex Donna Pocock, IG Wealth Management, 1 Riverside Drive West, Suite 102, Windsor Dr. David Chorney, Chorney Vision Centre, 1695 University Ave. West, Windsor Dr. Krishna Khatri, LaSalle Vision, 5935 Malden Rd., Unit #1, LaSalle Dr. Maxwell Abraham, Abraham Orthodontics, 185 Erie St. South, Unit 1, Leamington

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StClairAlumni.com Dr. Nadia Al-Aasm, Cabana Dental, 300 Cabana Rd. East, Suite 3, Windsor Emilee Fernandes, Jem Aesthetics Academy, 9 King St. East, Harrow Frank Abbruzzese, Alphakor Group, 7800 Twin Oaks Drive, Windsor Giovanna Russo-Romao, Sylvan Learning Centre, 3194 Dougall Ave., Unit 2, Windsor 1614 Lesperance Rd. Unit 4, Tecumseh Glenn Temple, Little Glenn’s Moving & Private Storage, 1100 Crawford Ave., Windsor Hussein Khalil, Hussein Khalil — Desjardins Insurance, 1291 Wyandotte St. East, Unit 3, Windsor Jeanine Jodoin, Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique, 13444 Tecumseh Rd. East, St. Clair Beach Plaza, Tecumseh Karen Kamen, Oxford Learning, 5844 Malden Rd., Unit 24A (Town Centre Plaza), LaSalle and in Tecumseh at: 13300 Tecumseh Rd. East, Suite 290 Kathy Possamai, Parkway Massage Therapy, 2825 Lauzon Parkway, #207, Windsor Kyle Fowler, Fowler Plumbing, 12133 Riverside Drive East, Tecumseh Laura Seguin, Inspire Rejuvenation Centre, 5841 Malden Rd., #114, LaSalle Lauren Edwards, Pet Valu, 8420 Wyandotte St. East,

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5090 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor and 13596 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh; Hoof Apparel, HoofApparel.ca; Moggy’s Mission, 13161 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh and Charlotte’s Freedom Farm, CharlottesFarm.ca Luci Cutrone, Franco-Sol Garderie, 11886 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh Marc Abraham, TD Wealth Private Investment, 156 Ouellette Ave., Suite 300, Windsor Marla Coffin, Marda Management, 1000 University Ave. West, Windsor Melissa McCormick, QD Publications Ltd., (home based in Windsor), Queens-Daughter.com Paul Dinunzio, Vaporama E-Cigarettes, 243 Simcoe St., Amherstburg Rocco Tullio, Rock Developments, 19 Amy Croft Drive, Unit 201, Tecumseh Saskia Scott, Sweet Revenge Bake Shop, 5410 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Shan Hasan, Royal Lepage Binder Real Estate/The Hasan Group, 13158 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh Tom Scully and John Alvarez, F&B Walkerville, 2090 Wyandotte St. East, Unit B and The Grand Cantina, 1000 Drouillard Rd., Windsor Wayne Wood, Sky Mobile Corporation, 232 Drouillard Rd., Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Lauren Edwards, Pet Valu/Moggy’s Mission/ Hoof Apparel/Charlotte’s Freedom Farm When it comes to caring for animals and their well-being, pet powerhouse Lauren Edwards does it all. In 2011, Edwards purchased two franchises of Pet Valu (8420 Wyandotte St. East and 13596 Tecumseh Rd. East) and a third in 2016 (5090 Tecumseh Rd. East; PetValu.com). She founded Moggy’s Mission in 2013, which is a notfor-profit cat, dog and small animal rescue organization with a Board of Directors (MoggyRescue.org). Then in 2018, Edwards co-founded Hoof Apparel with Amanda

An elephant, pig, rabbit’s foot, ladybug and horseshoe are generally seen as “good luck” symbols. Yet for Lauren Edwards “all the luck” she requires comes from all four-legged animals and the #8 (Chinese) — coincidentally the number for the “Powerhouse Professional” category! She is pictured here with Toast, one of her rescued goats living at her micro-sanctuary, Charlotte’s Freedom Farm. Photo courtesy of Jessica Tullio Photography.

Scully, a vegan clothing line that donates a percentage of sales back to local animal rescue organizations. Also in 2018, she started Charlotte’s Freedom Farm, a notfor-profit micro-sanctuary for dogs, cats and farm animals that she runs on her property in Comber. Edwards came to Windsor Essex in 2011 from Toronto and says she loves the area. “I purchased my first two stores when I was 25 and I have worked hard to build my stores to a point where I employ 20 amazing employees,” describes Edwards.

“With the stores’ support and the support I receive from my customers, Moggy’s Mission has been able to save hundreds of cats and now we are helping dogs, birds and small animals as well.” And through her businesses, she has found ways to engage the community in new and unique ways. She has hosted numerous exciting ways to raise

funds for animal rescue initiatives, such as cat/goat yoga, paddle boarding with dogs and Windsor’s first cat café. “We also host events and photo days in the stores with other local rescues to help support the city and provide fun ways for people to get out with their pets,” she adds. Edwards goes above and beyond with all of her businesses/ organizations and is always looking to help her customers and clients in the best possible way, such as delivering products to clients who are unable to get to the store to pick it up. Another instance of going the extra mile is when people come in to the stores worried about cats they are feeding outside or that were born in their backyard. “I have gone to their houses to trap or pick up cats and kittens many times, and found them homes through Moggy’s Mission,” she mentions.

All too often, animals are forgotten and left abandoned, as Judge Meehan points out. “Lauren’s commitment to ensuring that our community animals are cared for is exemplary,” he believes. “She goes out of her way to ensure that each pet her team encounters has the best opportunity for care and adoption. When looking for people to adopt the animals in her care, Lauren and her team will actually make home visits to ensure that the adoptive people and house are adequate to care for the animals. We need more people and companies in our community like Lauren.”

9. “Artist Of The Year” (singer, painter, musician, sculptor, band, or actor only) *No authors, photographers, or owners of corporate entertainment businesses or theatre companies included.

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The nominees are…

Allesandro Rotondi, Musician, Facebook.com/AllesandroMusic Debbie Kay, Artist, Facebook.com/DebbieKayArt Joline Gadal, Jo’s Arty Party Mobile Art Studio, Artist, JosArtyParty.com Liz Semperger, Essex Stained Glass, Stained Glass Artist, EssexStainedGlass.com Mark Williams, Sculptor, Studio-27.ca/Galleries Rebecca S. Mickle, Singer/Actress, RebeccaSMickle.weebly.com The Mixx, Band, See “THE MIXX” public group on Facebook.com And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Debbie Kay Debbie Kay says she has a “fighting spirit” and passion to help others through her art, and it’s partly due to a brain injury she sustained in August 2012. “During my recovery, one of my doctors suggested that I try a painting class as a means of therapy,” Kay explains.

“This led to a new-found passion for art.”

Since then, she has been trying to assist others with her newly realized talent. She has done many notable and meaningful pieces, such as a painting of The Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie, which was donated to the Caldwell First Nation in his memory. “Most recently I used my talent to transform a room at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital that will be used by many nonprofit organizations that make up the Beyond Disability Rehabilitation Network in Windsor,” Kay adds. “The 10 large canvases I created for them tell a story about transformation and moving forward, despite having a disability.

I live this story every day.” Her business operates as Debbie Kay ART (Facebook.com/ DebbieKayArt) and she describes herself as a mixed media artist, “with a fondness for acrylic paint.” Her range of work encompasses everything from painting pet portraits to celebrities. “I mostly work with acrylic paint on canvas, wood, paper and even furniture,”

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10. “The Chiropractor Who Has Your Back” The “luck of the draw” is bright and bold paint brushstrokes for Mixed Media Artist Debbie Kay, who poses in front of her 3’ x 4’, acrylic-on-canvas piece.

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Lefebvre.

describes Kay. “I can be commissioned to paint almost anything in my own colourful eclectic style.” Judge Hunt comments that she really likes Kay’s art pieces and the impact they’re having in the community. “I was so impressed with everything about Debbie and her mission to help the community by sharing her talents to help those with brain injuries,” states Judge Hunt. As a member of the Arts Council of Windsor & Region, Kay participates in area art classes and festivals. Her work has been displayed at Nancy Johns Gallery, the Artspeak Gallery, the “Artilicious” event for the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Windsor & District Chapter and more. As for the future her goal is to open an art therapy gallery in Windsor.

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(an experienced back cracker who is a good communicator, puts their patients at ease and offers additional treatments) The nominees are…

Dr. Darren Wahby, DMC Chiropractic, 3335 Dougall Ave., Windsor Dr. David Piche, Walk-In Chiropractic Windsor Clinics, 6720 Hawthorne Drive and 1608 Tecumseh Rd. West, Windsor Dr. Dianne Miskus, Miskus Chiropractic, 1765 Sprucewood Ave., Unit 2, LaSalle Dr. Evie Papadimitriou, St. Clair Chiropractic, 25 Amy Croft Drive, Unit #11B, Lakeshore Dr. Gracinda Ramos, Absolute Chiropractic Wellness Centre, 3774 Walker Rd., Windsor Dr. Joe Mondoux, DJC Integrative Therapy, 12133 Tecumseh Rd. East, Unit 3, Tecumseh

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Dr. Jonathan Bekic, Lifetime Wellness Center, 3090 Dougall Ave., #401, Windsor Dr. Matt Butler, Tecumseh Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, 500 Manning Rd., Unit #6, Tecumseh Dr. Michael Janisse, Harrow Chiropractic Clinic, 28 King St. West, Harrow Dr. Paul Bondy, Great Lakes Chiropractic, 1303 County Rd. 22, Unit #300, Belle River Dr. Peter A Buzek, Buzek Chiropractic Centre, 41 Princess St., Leamington Dr. Richard Smolen, Wyandotte Chiropractic Centre, 4758 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Dr. Ronald Jones, Dr. Ronald W. Jones Chiropractic Centres, 2825 Lauzon Parkway, #214, Windsor Dr. Son Nguyen, Nyguyen Chiropractic & Rehabiliation Centre, 1918 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Dr. Stephanie Medoro, Dr. Marisa Serra and Dr. Michael Merner, Complete Chiropractic Centre, 4100 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor Dr. Steve Radovich and Dr. Paula Radovich, Radovich Chiropractic Performance & Wellness, 3798 Howard Ave., Windsor

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And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Dr. Jonathan Bekic Lifetime Wellness Center In 2014, Dr. Jonathan Bekic graduated from Life University (Georgia) and began working at the Lifetime Wellness Center in 2015, when he took over from Dr. Michelle Prince. “We offer chiropractic care, naturopathic care, massage therapy, reiki, reflexology, laser, vibration, detox, shockwave, orthotics, compression stockings, supplements and nutritional advice,” lists Dr. Bekic. But, when patients first come in contact with him, he emphasizes that he doesn’t ever do adjustments immediately — instead taking the time to properly and thoroughly understand the patient’s needs first. “I am very big on doing a comprehensive exam and history and almost always send people for X-rays so we know exactly what is going on in their spine,” Dr. Bekic explains.

After this, patients are brought back into the office for a two-part doctor’s report, which entails explaining the necessary chiropractic care that may be needed in greater detail. “I find this to be the most important part of care because the more the patient knows and understands about their body the better results they will get and will have a healthier, happier life moving

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According to singer Rod Stewart, “Some guys have all the luck” but, girls will too with Dr. Jonathan Bekic as their Chiropractor! Everyone stands to benefit as Dr. Bekic is dedicated to serving and educating people about chiropractic care and living a lifestyle of wellness.

Photo courtesy of Chalet Studio Photography.

forward.” Dr. Bekic mentions his approach at work is light and happy to make his patients comfortable. “I love to joke with my patients and make them laugh when the occasion calls for it, but at the same time I am very empathic,” he describes. “I am very emotional and I get very affected by

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what goes on in my patients’ lives. They always mention how I take the time to listen and really care.” Customer service is always top of mind for Dr. Bekic and his team, and he says they remind patients of their appointments not only through phone calls, but text messages as well. And when it’s a patient’s birthday, they are offered free treatments! Dr. Bekic really believes in patient education and he likes to take the time to explain how they are treating the patient and the importance of it all. “I do a lot of workshops in the office on different health topics and very often provide a lot of tips on social media for patients,” Dr. Bekic notes. He also creates videos and blogs on his website (ChiropractorWindsor.com) and many social media posts to suggest to people valuable tips to relieve pain and have a better quality of life. Judge Fox remarks, “Dr. Bekic offers a variety of services to his clients and always goes out of his way to help make a difference in their lives. Taking over an already successful business is not always easy, but he took this opportunity and made the best out of it, and is now part of a very successful business right here in the Windsor community.”

Judge Goulet had a bias in this category and did not participate in any conversation about it or vote on it.

11. “All-Star Coach” (a sports coach who motivates the young to give it their all whether it be skating, swimming, playing hockey and more) *No personal fitness coaches could participate.

The nominees are…

Andrew Morneau, Riverside Royals Bantam Minor Triple A Baseball Team, RiversideBaseball.com Bill Jones, Windsor Express Head Coach and Vice President of Basketball Operations, WindsorExpress.ca Chantal Vallee, University of Windsor Lancers Women’s Basketball, GoLancers.ca Derek Deacon, Essex Minor Hockey and Canadian Tire First Shift in Essex, EssexHockey.ca Jeff Miller, South County Volleyball Club, Facebook.com/BanditsVBC Kevin Corriveau, St. Clair College Saints Golf, SaintsAthletics.ca

Lisa English, Little Kickers WindsorEssex County (Soccer), LittleKickers.ca Shelley Knapp, Skate Amherstburg, SkateAmherstburg.ca And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Lisa English Little Kickers Windsor-Essex County Since 2017, Lisa English has been the Head Coach of Little Kickers (LittleKickers.ca) running the franchise in this area, which offers year-round pre-school soccer classes for children aged 18 months to seven years, in four different age groups. “Our motto is ‘Play Not Push,’ which means encouraging an environment that is fun and pressure-free for kids,” explains English.

“By providing children with this type of positive introduction to sports, they are more likely to stay healthy and active throughout their lives.” English studied Physical Education and Health at the University of Toronto for five years, where she was the Captain of the Varsity Blues Women’s Soccer Team. “Soccer can be educational, and when coached the right way, it can stimulate imagination and aid in early development skills, such as sharing, learning colours and numbers and following instructions,” describes English. “Children will also be able to build confidence and

Lisa English runs Little Kickers Windsor-Essex County and has a passion for creating positive physical and social early learning experiences so your child will not be “lost in the shuffle” when she is the soccer coach.

Photo courtesy of Lisa English.

understand the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship.” Her goal is to help children fall in love with sports at a young age and become dedicated to being active for life. She adds that she is extremely passionate about creating positive physical and social learning experiences for children.

“Healthy development at a young age is so important as it encourages a lifelong love for sport and physical activity,” asserts English. “Little Kickers gives children this wonderful opportunity.” She likes to get creative with her coaching style to

to

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connect with kids in different ways, and her lesson plans involve lots of imagination and kid-friendly themes. “Sometimes, I have to turn into a silly monkey or pirate,” comments English. “I love making the kids laugh and smile — most importantly while they are learning without even realizing it!”

If the children are having fun doing sports and activities now, then they will likely stay active throughout their lives, she adds. And she says at Little Kickers, they focus on more than just soccer. “The children learn about life skills, such as teamwork, sharing, good sportsmanship, colour recognition and more,” she elaborates. “It’s important that we teach children good habits at a young age and ensure they never give up!”

Nominator Kursten writes, “She always has a smile on her face. She is truly amazing with the children.” Judge Meehan echoes this sentiment, and adds that it is great how English takes the time to teach kids the fundamentals that will benefit them later in life. “All too often these lessons for young children are overlooked or completely forgotten,” says Judge Meehan.

“Coach Lisa takes pride in making sure the children she coaches are exposed to these important lessons.”

12. “The Clothing Designer Who Always Makes A Fashion Statement” (he/she has their own label, trendy designs and sells clothing through a website, storefront or both) The nominees are…

Alysse Lister, Bad Babes Co., (home based in Windsor), Etsy.com/ca/shop/badbabesco Charlene Buffitt, CharElle Designs, 580 Erie St. East, Windsor Natalie Hartleib, Royal And Rose Boutique, 6525 Wyandotte St. East (inside Salon Cure), Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Charlene Buffitt, CharElle Designs In March 2013, Designer Charlene Buffitt opened CharElle Designs, specializing in customized women’s clothing. The business began online at: CharElle-Designs.com, but quickly grew to a storefront in July of 2017 on Tecumseh Road East, then inside Salon Cure, and recently moved in November 2018 to its current location. “We feature limited edition women’s collections, meaning we typically make only one or

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You “bet” your boots (and dresses!) that Charlene Buffitt (middle with models) of CharElle Designs is going to sew up the fashion scene for weddings with her new bridesmaid collection released in November.

Point Pelee shot courtesy of Blush Photography.

two pieces per size and colour of any given style,” Buffitt indicates. She continues by stating she’s proud that all of her pieces are handmade in Canada, in-studio, where patterns are produced and fabric is handcut and sewn by Buffitt herself. Along with everything being designed and produced on the premises, she also offers alterations services and a design-for-hire service, where a client can hire CharElle Designs to produce and design an outfit. “My boutique offers versatility with design, sizing and fabric choices,” Buffitt mentions. She also offers custom sizing and plus sizes. Her goal is for women to feel comfortable in not only their own skin, but in what they wear every day. “I don’t design for the runway, I design for the everyday woman, whether she is a stay-at-home mother or a businesswoman,” stresses Buffitt. And, since she makes all her own patterns, she has the ability to customize clothing for any body type. “I also have an inhouse studio with industrial equipment, so everything is accessible to myself and my clientele for personalized fittings and design options for them,” Buffitt explains.

Her designs (also sold online) include: casual/evening dresses, bridal attire, skirts, pants and basics like leggings, trousers and tops. Nominator Jenn S. comments, “Her clothes are stunning,” and Nominator Celesta G. showers praise on Buffitt’s fashion sense by writing: “Her clothes are beautiful and her flexibility to create new designs is awesome — what a local gem!” According to the only female Judge on the Biz X Awards panel, LouAnne Hunt believes Buffitt seams (pun intended) to find the perfect fit every time. “She is friendly and outgoing and never makes her client feel uncomfortable about her selfimage when discussing that perfect outfit,” remarks Judge Hunt. “I like her creativity in her designs and no matter what your size or body type, she always finds the perfect fabric and fit to make her client feel fabulous.”

Judges Goulet and Meehan abstained from voting in this category due to conflicts.

13. “Dog Trainer Who’s Here To Stay. Stay.” (obedience training for your pet; factors considered include: experience, affordable pricing, if he/she operates out of a facility etc.)

The nominees are…

Jamie Kerester, Paws On The Ranch, 1833 Rd. 3 West, Kingsville and Paws For Love Inc., 333 Holden Ave., Windsor Kelly French-Mitrevski, Animal Antics Behaviour Centre, 2465 McDougall Ave., Windsor Sylvia Koczerzuk, Walkabout Canine Consulting, (mobile training services out of Kingsville), WalkaboutCanineConsulting.org

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Jamie Kerester Paws On The Ranch/ Paws For Love Inc. With a background as a Registered Nurse at Windsor Regional Hospital for 20 years, Jamie Kerester opened Paws For Love Inc. in 2005. In April 2018, she resigned from her RN job to focus more on her dog training career, and also in 2018, she opened a second location in Kingsville focusing on the training aspect and named it Paws on the Ranch. Through both businesses, she offers the complete package for pet owners and their “lucky dog” from doggie daycare and boarding to grooming and training.

Kerester has completed certificate courses in Animal Sciences, Professional Pet Care, Dog Training, Canine Behaviour and Veterinary Assistant. She is also a member of the Association of Animal Behaviour Professionals (AABP) and received an Equine Science Diploma through the University of Guelph. Kerester is currently working towards her Masters Level Canine Behaviour Diploma, with completion set for later this year. “My passion is dog behaviour and helping owners find solutions to any problem behaviours their dog may be exhibiting,” states Kerester. She teaches many different classes, from puppy socialization/manners and basic obedience all the way up to advanced obedience and reactive dog classes. There is even a class for insecure, shy or fearful dogs! Paws on the Ranch classes are taught outdoors in their three-acre park, with one-on-one behaviour consults in clients’ homes also available.

“I describe my training as balanced, but focused on positive, reward-based training,” explains Kerester. Group hikes (a fun alternative to a class setting where dogs can explore 25 acres of trails surrounding the property) start at $25 and training rates start at $100. For a full listing of training rates, check out: PawsForLove.ca/dogtraining.

Judge Goulet comments about Kerester, “She is patient, stern and quite frankly, animals just lick her to death!”

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14. “The Best Little Retail Shop Of 2018”

RETAIL

(*no national chains/non-profits allowed)

brought to you by

(open to all retailers with good prices, fantastic customer service and selection). *No on-line only businesses could participate.

The nominees are . . .

Audrey’s Closet & Company, 1585 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Blimeys British Store & Gift Shop, 25 King St. West, Harrow Caribbean Tanning Salon, 13039 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh Cedar Valley Selections, 25 Amy Croft Drive, Unit 30B, Lakeshore Classic Impressions, 13300 Tecumseh Rd. East, Green Valley Plaza, Tecumseh Ernie’s TV, 29 Main St. East, Kingsville G&G Jewellery and Coins, 28 University Ave. East, Windsor Little Sheep Yarn Boutique, 1505 Ottawa St., Windsor My Cousin’s Closet, 24 Main St. East, Kingsville Quilting Confections, 3393 County Rd. 42, Windsor Rhyan’s Mess, 5420 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Smudge Metaphysical Boutique, 1506 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Storytellers Book Store, 1473 Ottawa St., Windsor Sunsations Tanning & Resort Wear, 46 Talbot St. North, Essex Tantalize Tanning Lounge, 2635 Howard Ave., Windsor 5844 Malden Rd., LaSalle The Little House Of Cupcakes And More, 108 Talbot St. North, Essex Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique, 13444 Tecumseh Rd. East, St. Clair Beach Plaza, Tecumseh

TecumsehMall.com Urban Art Market, 548 Chilver Rd., Windsor Wear N Care, 227-A Erie St. East, Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Blimeys British Store & Gift Shop For those who are interested in purchasing items from the United Kingdom, we “bet” you’ll be saying “blimey” out loud to show your excitement when you see the large assortment of British foods and gifts at this Essex County shop! Imported from all over the UK, there are biscuits, sweets, jams, fine teas, crisps, Cadbury’s chocolates, frozen pies and even hard to find items like black puddings, potato scones and haggis. Then for merchandise, you’ll find unique products and fashions you’d normally have to cross the pond to purchase. “We go overseas a couple of times a year to do our buying and we’re always looking for exclusive products that nobody else has,” explain Owners Carl and Rita Hulme. Their latest additions are a line of clothing from Peregrine UK featuring men’s and women’s waxed jackets and coats. Blimeys also carries designer, handwoven Welsh coats and woven blankets that complement their Irish and English wool sweaters, scarves and lambs’ wool capes.

They also have extensive glassware and jewellery lines and recently expanded their

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“With a little luck” (sang Paul McCartney with his band, Wings) and a short drive to Blimeys in Harrow, you’ll find your favourite tea (pictured below) along with a wide variety of British foods imported from the United Kingdom. Plus, you can get your Beatles fix here too!

The shop carries plenty of Beatles collectibles like mugs, clocks and artwork, as shown above. Photos courtesy of Blimeys.

imported leather goods selection. “We are a one-of-a-kind shop and we truly believe we will have what you’re looking for with over 20,000 items currently in stock,” the owners assert. “And if it’s not here, we’ll try and import it for you.” Carl says he and his wife spend a lot of time selecting the correct merchandise to invest in and

display within the store, so they hold regular product knowledge sessions with the staff to make sure they fully understand the goods and products. And they always go beyond the norm to help provide the best customer service, such as picking out merchandise and having it delivered for some of their regular senior customers. The business (Blimeys.ca) opened in the community in 2014 and a year later won the Biz X Award for 2015 “County Biz Worth The Drive.”

Judge Hunt loves to travel and the first thing she enjoys while away is visiting local gift shops, hunting for that special souvenir as a memory of her trip. “Going to Blimeys is like taking a ‘staycation,’ she expresses.

“When you walk in the door, you get lost in their surroundings and feel like you have traveled for hours (without the hassles and airfare costs) to the United Kingdom.”

15.“Finest Flower Shop To Pick” (the florist to call to order flowers for a special employee, family member, friend or even an entire wedding and reception).

The nominees are . . .

Amherstburg Flowers & Gifts, 103 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg Bruce Philp Florist, 2229 Wyandotte St. West, Windsor Fiesta Flowers and Gifts, 884 Erie St. East, Windsor Oak Farms Flower Outlet Inc., 96 Oak St. West, Leamington Rainbow Flowers & Gifts, 9520 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor The Flower Shop at Thiessen’s, 400 Talbot Rd. East, Leamington And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Oak Farms Flower Outlet Inc. Owner Gerry Hansen describes his business as a full service f lower shop that has devoted many years to providing exceptional and incomparable f lower products with an emphasis on quality and customer service. Known for their walk-in cooler, at Oak Farms Flower Outlet Inc., customers are welcome to browse through the premade bouquets and arrangements or pick the individual f lowers they like for their staff to help make the perfect bouquet or arrangement. Founded in 1962, Oak Farms has been owned and operated by the Hansen family for more than 50 years. Hansen says he

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In a deck of cards, the Queen of Hearts daintily holds a flower in her hands. We’re pretty sure it’s a “safe bet” to say it was hand-picked for her by the staff of Oak Farms Flower Outlet! This full service flower shop provides the best fresh cut floral arrangements and bouquets, as the photo here illustrates. Also pictured below is a popular item at the shop, just in time for the holidays, their infamous Grinch trees. Photos courtesy of Oak Farms Flower Outlet.

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diligently sources directly from the finest Ontario and global growers to ensure clients receive only the most exclusive and extraordinary products available in the marketplace. “All our f lower arrangements are artistically arranged with care and then handdelivered to the recipient,” describes Hansen. “Our creative and imaginative staff will be happy to help fulfill any specific request.” Judge Barker remarks that when you’re looking for a beautiful arrangement at a place that not only does the standard arrangements, but will custom design something outside the box, Oak Farms is the place to go.

“You can just walk into their cooler and pick out that perfect arrangement for your loved one,” states Judge Barker.

“The staff is amazing and prices are even better than grocery stores.”

Oak Farms accepts orders in person, over the phone, by email/text and via their easy order form on their website: OakFarms.ca. “Whatever is most convenient for the customer,” states Hansen, adding their online presence has really f lourished. “Our goal is to make every person feel special and every special moment feel unforgettable.”

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16. “Landscape Supply Outlet Which Leaves No Stone Unturned” (who to visit for landscape supplies like stone, mulch, topsoil, grass seed, sand, compost etc. either for pick up or delivery).

The nominees are . . .

Frank Dupuis Landscaping & Trucking, 8421 County Rd. 42, Tecumseh Melvin Orr Trucking Ltd., 1894 Manning Rd., Tecumseh Patrick Daniher Topsoil Ltd., 5355 Manning Rd., Maidstone The Bloomin’ Gardener, 6673 8th Concession, Oldcastle And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Patrick Daniher Topsoil Ltd. A landscape supply company that strives to provide top quality products and customer service, Patrick Daniher Topsoil Ltd. offers a range of landscaping products, from topsoil, mulch, decorative stone and aggregates. They also supply grass seed, landscape fabric, landscape edging, peat

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moss, potting soil, cement statuary and straw. And they supply items to not only homeowners, but to large contractors as well, showing they have everything possible that residential and commercial landscaping customers will ever need— leaving no stone unturned (which may uncover a “lucky” four leaf clover too)! They bag almost all of their products on site. “This has allowed us to remain competitive — pricewise — with the larger chains,” Owners Randy and Marie Ruggaber point out. The company opened in 1974 and also offers services such as heavy equipment operations, aggregate handling and more. However, their soil is one of their most popular products, and it is enriched with compost to present an optimal growing environment for trees, flowers and shrubs.

“It is important to us that our customers are well informed and educated about the products they are purchasing,” notes Marie.

“Landscaping can be an overwhelming chore, especially if you are not sure what you need or how much you need.” Patrick Daniher Topsoil offers delivery six days a week for all bulk items — such as topsoil and mulches — and aims for same-day delivery whenever possible. Judge Meehan comments, “A wealth of knowledge and experience sets Daniher apart from their competitors. Offering a cubic yard calculator on their website:

DaniherTopsoil.com, to determine your product volume requirements; personal friendly service and great products, you cannot go wrong when working with Daniher.” Judge Fox echoes Judge Meehan’s remarks by stating, “With 44 years in the business, Daniher Topsoil proves they know the soil game! At Daniher they specialize in providing quality garden soil because they know a beautiful healthy garden starts with strong roots. Customers will have peace of mind knowing they will always receive the best product and even better customer service, when dealing with Daniher Topsoil.”

17. “Steady Streaming Service” (where to purchase an android TV box or antennae. factors include: excellent customer support, pricing, selection).

The nominees are . . .

Disc ’n Dat, 1740 Manning Rd., Tecumseh Same Day TV Repair Services, 3841 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor

SkyVu Solutions, 11865 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh Tech Division, (home based in Windsor), TechDivision.tv And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

SkyVu Solutions With digital streaming on the rise, SkyVu Solutions offers a range of products for home and office, specializing in TV and LCD bracket mounts, CCTV security cameras and DVRs, over-the-air digital TV antennas and converters, free-toair receivers and satellite dishes, media streaming TV boxes, cell phones and accessories, home theatre accessories and HDMI cables, power line networking devices and cables, refurbished PCs and more. As a retailer and wholesaler of quality electronics for professionals and DIYers, SkyVu Solutions (SkyVuSolutions.com) has been serving local customers since 2004.

Shawn Jaffri, Owner/Operator of SkyVu Solutions, informs us that online streaming has revolutionized home entertainment because now that you can be connected to the Internet, you can take part in online gaming and stream all kinds of television shows and movies. You can also access big sporting events, like fights and games — all possible with the technology and devices

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they sell to hook you up! Nominator Hazim J. comments that SkyVu has a “great selection of smart TV boxes and streaming choices along with excellent customer service.”

Judge Barker adds they’re “a great place with knowledgeable staff who can assist in finding everything you need from rabbit ears, cable, satellite and android boxes and they inform you on how to use them properly.”

Judges Goulet and Kerluck abstained from voting in this category due to conflicts.

18. “Home Healthcare Showroom That Sets The Wheels In Motion” (from wheelchairs and walkers to bath safety or compression stockings, where to buy mobility and/or medical products).

The nominees are . . .

Comfort Mobility Inc. Home Health Care, 2707 Temple Drive, Windsor Maxim Medical Supplies, 250 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor 13039 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh

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Xperience Home Health Care, 55 Edinborough St., Unit 130, Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Maxim Medical Supplies Both a retailer of home healthcare and mobility products, and a distributor of physician and dental supplies, Maxim Medical Supplies (MaximMedical.ca) began in 2004. “Simply put, our mission is working together toward improving the health and wellness of individuals in our community,” say Owners Samer Hamoda and Tarek Kaskas. Products range from aids to daily living, bathroom safety, bracings and supports, compression stockings, diagnostic and respiratory equipment, incontinence products, ostomy supplies, wound care and patient room equipment. They also have mobility devices such as walking aids, manual and power wheelchairs and electric scooters. With their three divisions (home healthcare, mobility and physician supplies) they have a combined area of 20,000 square feet, which accommodates showrooms, service and logistics and warehousing of more than 6,000 stocked products. The Owners state that with access to more than 25,000 items, their product line is as diverse

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In Blackjack you may “stand” and take no more cards hoping to beat the dealer’s hand, but in real life, standing and mobility is obviously more important than a card game. Among the over 25,000 items Maxim Medical Supplies sells, their product line includes; walking aids, manual/power wheelchairs and electric scooters. Pictured is Maxim employee, Jocelyn Monteleone showing client Steve Spencler a “Pedicure Spa Foot Bath with Heat Bubble Therapy” to assist him with numbness in his feet so he can stand and walk comfortably. Photo courtesy of Tarek Kaskas.

as the market demands, focusing on quality selection at competitive pricing

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by keeping high customer expectations in mind. “We are proud of the fact that

we are the only local company in the tri-county area with a Health Canada Medical Device Establishment Licence that distributes physician equipment and dental supplies,” note the owners. Maxim Medical Supplies is very involved in the community, and serves as a primary vendor to Erie-St. Clair Local Health Integration Network for providing Windsor Essex residents with medical equipment and equipment related supplies assisting with their recovery at home. They also have an exclusive sales agreement with the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre to provide grab bars for qualified seniors in the community, as well as a service agreement with HôtelDieu Grace Healthcare to maintain their in-house mobility devices and equipment for patient rehab and usage. “Since our inception, we have contributed to the community at large and various nonprofit organizations, and international causes in excess of $100,000,” claim the owners. “Furthermore, we have received several community awards, such as the ‘Patron Award’ from Community Living; Certificate of Appreciation from the University of Windsor second annual ‘Biennial Nursing Conference’; ‘Recognition Award’ from the Multiple

Sclerosis Society of Canada and numerous thank you letters from worthy causes for our generous donations.”

They go the extra mile for their clients, and even have a multi-lingual team that specializes in assisting newcomers and refugees with their required medical equipment and supplies needs. A glowing review was given from Nominator Alfie M., writing how Maxim Medical Supplies is “obsessed” with exceptional customer service, “from a very warm welcome to outstanding product knowledge that addresses the customer’s need in a very sophisticated manner.” Alfie adds that they have an “unequivocal devotion to customers,” as well as “a very focused product line that provides unique products from very reputable suppliers.”

Judge Hunt indicates, “Anything medical can be found at Maxim, from personal supplies to the more sophisticated mobile and living aids. Second to none is their customer service. Maxim Medical insists that their employees have a customer service oriented mind-set, and a high level of dedication to the company and it shows. The staff at all of their locations are very knowledgeable about the latest technology and are also very helpful as soon as you walk in.”

Judge Barker abstained from voting in the home healthcare category.

19.“Already Ready Meals Fit For A King” (the place to go for prepared meals requiring little cooking time which are prepackaged for pick-up or even pre-ordered online with delivery) *Restaurants, fast food and take out locations could not participate as they have their own section.

The nominees are . . .

Just Jeff’s Gourmet Express Inc., 9-3395 Howard Ave. 4315 Seminole St., Windsor Macro Foods Inc., 1389 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor The Meal Prep Company, 3850 Dougall Ave., Unit 110, Windsor The Pasta House, 465 Erie St. East, Windsor Thyme To-Go, 640 Chilver Rd. #103, Windsor

“Already Ready Meals Fit for a King”

Turning busy bodies into better bodies.

Fresh healthy meals to go.

Take the prep out of your meal prep. Lots of Gluten free, Dairy free, Vegetarian, and Vegan options. In store pick up and delivery available.

226-221-9797

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3850 Dougall Ave. Windsor, ON

thempco.ca

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And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Macro Foods Inc. For delicious and nutritious ready-made meals for those watching their diet, but don’t want to necessarily sacrifice flavour and selection, the fresh menu at Macro Foods Inc. (MacroFoods.ca) is guaranteed to keep your taste buds happy.

Owners Chris James, Dan Lomedico and Sara Ducharme opened this unique business in 2015. “We take pride in the fact that we have helped many people begin and continue their weight-loss journey, leading them to healthier and happier lives,” states Ducharme.

The very name of the business shows their commitment to healthy living as “macros” are short for macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats that provide us with the necessary energy to function and grow. Macro Foods aims to make it as easy as possible to help customers with their fitness goals so they can consistently “hit” their macros by listing on the front of each meal package the breakdown of carbs, fats, protein and calories.

They offer a few breakfast items, as well as lunch, dinner, wraps, smoothies and salads, in their store. They offer pick-up (either preordered or “grab and go” as needed) as well as delivery. Dinners typically consist of a protein (either chicken, steak, salmon, shrimp, turkey or pork); a carb (rice pasta, quinoa or potato), and a veggie, but can be customized to meet

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a client’s needs. Meals range in price from $6.99 to $12.99. Ducharme says they try to use local products whenever possible and are constantly changing their menus. “We can do catering, as well, in terms of platter style or deliver the individual ready-made meals hot,” Ducharme adds. Judge Meehan knows business people often don’t have time to get home and prepare healthy and flavourful meals for their families. “Macro Foods is helping to bring this back to families with the premeasured food packages they offer,” he believes. “Offering a wide range of meals that will accommodate anyone with dietary restrictions, muscle gain, fat burner meals and student packages, and allowing their customers the opportunity to customize their meal packages will absolutely satisfy even the most finicky of eaters. Macro Foods is offering the opportunity to eat healthily without the effort of preparing it yourself.” In fact, their customers are so passionate about how great the food is and the reasonable pricing that Macro Foods received the most nominations of any of the 207 Biz X Award 2018 nominees — even though just one nomination was required! Judge Barker comments that Macro Foods is not your everyday frozen food company. “They can create flavourful meals to suit any diet in multiple ways,” states Judge Barker. “The meals are always fresh and exciting.”

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A card count of “21” is needed in Blackjack to win, but is it the right number when it comes to eating?

How can you “hit” your macros? To help plan your meals or diet, Macro Foods Inc. lists the breakdown of carbs, fats, protein and calories, right on the package.

The 483.1 calorie Sweet-ish Meatballs option (above) includes hand-rolled, freshly made turkey meatballs, topped with their house-made sauce and served with white rice and broccoli. Another tasty meal is the 321.4 calorie Black Tiger Shrimp (below), tossed in a Cajun blend and served with brown rice, plus a carrot/ pepper/onion. Photos from MacroFoods.ca.

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20.“Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot For 2018”

HOSPITALITY & ENTERTAINMENT

(*no chains/non-profits allowed; exception #22 and #23)

brought to you by

(can be a new or an existing restaurant/food truck that offers exceptional cuisine, fair prices and has a unique, trendy atmosphere) The nominees are . . .

Brenko’s House Of Pizza, 19 Laird Ave. North, Essex Calabria Coastal Bistro, 123 County Rd. 34, Cottam Devolli’s, 5275 Walker Rd., Oldcastle Drifters Inn, 114 King St. West, Harrow Factory House, 5240 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor License To Sear (food truck), 341 Main St. East, Kingsville Nola’s — A Taste Of New Orleans, 1526 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Olde School Deli & Cafe, 186 Talbot St. South, Essex On A Roll Sushi & Sliders, 63 Pitt St. East, Windsor Oven 360, 1349 Grand Marais Rd. West, Unit 107, Windsor Riccardo’s Italian Restaurant, 238 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg Riviera Pizza & Spaghetti House, 5760 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Spago Trattoria E Pizzeria, 3850 Dougall Ave., Windsor Tecumseh Submarine & Shish-Kebab, 11977 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh The Grand Cantina, 1000 Drouillard Rd., Windsor Thyme Kitchen, 100 Ouellette Ave., Windsor TOAST Restaurant, 653 Erie St. East, Windsor Vittorio’s Slice of Italy, 3115 Forest Glade Drive, Windsor

WE-bingo.com Walkerville Eatery, 911 Walker Rd., Windsor Wineology Bar & Restaurant, 1646 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor 13300 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Factory House Owners Bill Kobrosli and Mona Elkadri say their restaurant mainly features American fusion cuisine. “You will find your favourite burgers (such as the Smoked Provolone Mushroom or Buffalo Chicken burgers) and pastas, but also dishes like Asian stir-fry, Indian butter chicken, tandoori flat bread, and more,” Elkadri says. “We also have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options — besides a salad!” As well, they offer many tasty appetizers, such as homemade cheddar and potato perogies, and a number of delicious wraps and sandwiches, like their Classic Beef Dip or Reuben. Factory House (FactoryHouse.ca) was opened by this father and daughter team in September 2017 and has quickly become a local favourite. What sets them apart, Elkadri notes, is the fact that all their food is prepared completely inhouse. “From salad dressings and sauces to breading our own chicken strips and making our own burger patties,” proudly states Elkadri. “We know exactly what is going into our food. It truly is homemade.” Menu

Congrats!

21st Annual Biz X Award Winners & Nominees

FROM YOUR PARTNERS IN TOURISM

VISITWINDSORESSEX.COM

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prices range from $5.95 to $29.95. Elkadri points out they completely renovated both the inside and outside of the building that used to be The Leaf Neighbourhood Grill.

“Everything, from floor to ceiling, including a brand-new patio with hanging string lights and custom murals on almost every wall,” she mentions, adding live music is featured on Friday nights. Judge Kerluck comments, “What I love about Factory House is that they’ve taken a lot of time and effort to create a brand that feels like a major chain.

Now, that wouldn’t be worth much if the food didn’t also hold to that standard, and the good news is that the food is just as tasty as the atmosphere is nice to take in.” Drive past the restaurant most nights and you will see a parking lot packed full of cars with hungry patrons inside. Elkadri says their customers are their family. “Our goal is to make their experience with us the best,” she expresses.

“Press your luck” with this hand pressed Lamb Burger minced with red pepper, fresh mint and feta cheese, finely diced red onions and served with seasoned fries or your choice of soup or house salad. Photo courtesy of Mona Elkadri.

“We even carry an EpiPen for both children and adults in case of emergency.” Nominator Rachel W., writes that Factory House is an “incredible, fun and well-thought-out place to dine. You can really tell how much care went into not only creating the menu, but the atmosphere as well.” Elkadri admits it hasn’t always been easy running the business — especially since her father was diagnosed

Joe Schmoe’s Eats N Drinks, 5881 Malden Rd., LaSalle Loose Goose Restopub & Lounge, 126 Ouellette Ave., Windsor Sandbar Waterfront Grill, 930 Old Tecumseh Rd., Belle River Wolfhead Craft Distillery, 7781 Howard Ave., Amherstburg

In a casino “the house” may have the edge in Blackjack. But, for the Biz X Awards, the Factory House has the advantage in the Windsor dining scene with its delicious American fusion cuisine, friendly staff, recently renovated location and stylish patio overlooking Tecumseh Road East. Photo courtesy of Mona Elkadri.

with cancer in March. “Unfortunately, he hasn’t been well enough to come in to work as much as he had previously, but we have been fortunate enough to have so much support from friends, family and our current staff,” she remarks. “It truly is a team effort and we couldn’t feel more blessed to have a team like the one we have now.” While she always worked at the restaurant looking after the marketing and advertising, with her father being sick now, she’s definitely had to kick it up a notch to learn more of the behind the scene jobs. “Even though we have all learned so much, we feel like it’s just 10% of what my dad has done,” says Elkadri. “My dad does a lot here and we still don’t know how he does it all!” She adds that currently she, her aunt and General Manager are all just helping each other out to make sure the service, quality and experience they envisioned with her father for the restaurant, remains the same as the day they opened.

21. “Best Seats For Outdoor Eats” (when dining outdoors, a bar/restaurant with great food; an intimate patio or large seating capacity in a good location with a view of the water or busy street etc.) *Note: Restaurants could only participate in either category #20 or #21 (not both).

The nominees are . . .

Billy’s Taphouse, 305 Talbot St. North, Essex Brews & Cues, 5663 Ojibway Parkway, Windsor Fox Glen Golf Club, 7525 Howard Ave., McGregor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Sandbar Waterfront Grill With a patio right on the water, views of boats and reflections of blue skies and sunshine, Sandbar Waterfront Grill is second to none.

Owners (and brothers) Robert Troup and Ken Troup opened the local waterfront establishment in 1992. “We are the largest patio on Lake St. Clair and offer a covered and uncovered section,” declare the owners, which means patrons can still enjoy the patio, even in the rain. “We are also attached to the Puce River Harbour Marina, so our guests have the wonderful opportunity to have a delicious meal while sitting back and watching the boats go by.” In the summer, live entertainment is offered on the patio on Sunday Funday. “Music, food, water, sunshine — how could you go wrong!” exclaim the owners. What distinguishes the Sandbar Waterfront Grill (SandbarPuce.com) from competitors is their location and longevity of their business, believe the owners. “We are a full-service restaurant that can be accessed by land or water,” they note. “Where else in town can you hop off your boat and have lunch or dinner?” And their patio is extensive, with space to seat up to 96 guests, which includes the covered and open sections. Sandbar has won several Biz X Awards, including, in 2002 and 2006, for food categories, and in 2011 for “The Best Marina To Float Your Boat.” Their menu offers a variety of goodies to enjoy, while taking in the view, including wood -fired pizzas, burgers, steak, wraps, frog wings, and a tasty seafood section of the menu featuring “award-winning perch,” beer battered halibut, seafood jambalaya

Proud to be nominated for

“MOST WONDERFUL EVENT OF THE YEAR” Thank you Windsor-Essex!

We’ be celeating our 44 year in 2019! 

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22. “The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year” (annual runs, golf tournaments, motorcycle rides etc.) *Non-profits, charities/national franchises with local events can participate as a special exception and, as of 2018, festivals and trade shows are now also allowed.

The “ace” for the Sandbar Waterfront Grill is their patio — the biggest on Lake St. Clair — with an option of covered and uncovered seating. Throw in mouthwatering food selections and hand-crafted cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere overlooking a beautiful view and we “hit the jackpot”! Photo courtesy of the Sandbar.

and more. “While many places offer a nice patio to take in the warm weather, not every patio has a amazing view,” comments Judge Kerluck. “The Sandbar is a winning combination with great food, great prices, and a great view!” But don’t forget to visit

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the Sandbar often even though the seasons have changed and eating outdoors is no longer an option. They are open all year round for dining and their cozy atmosphere by the fireplace inside is equally as inviting as the patio outside.

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The nominees are . . .

“Artilicious” for The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Kidney.ca/WindsorEssex “Carrousel of the Nations,” Multicultural Council of Windsor & Essex County, CarrouselOfNations.com “Etsy Made in Canada” hosted by Rose City Etsy Team, Facebook.com/RoseCityEtsyTeam “Family Fun Day” hosted by the St. Clair College Alumni Association, StClairAlumni.com “Jeep Jam Poker Run,” The Windsor Jeep Club for Assisted Living of Southwestern Ontario, Facebook.com/WindsorJeepClub “River Lights Winter Festival,”

Town of Amherstburg, RiverLights.ca “Shar’s Ride for MS,” Ride-For-MS.ca “The Princess Ball” in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada WindsorEssex Chapter, Facebook.com/ ThePrincessBallEssexKentChapter “Windsor ComiCon,” WindsorComiCon.com And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

“Windsor ComiCon” This fun-filled family-friendly event is a good time for all ages and features popular genres such as comic, sci-fi, horror, gaming and anime/Cosplay. “Windsor ComiCon” showcases a variety of guest celebrities

from all over the world, many who have appeared in movies, TV shows, sports and animation. Colin Douglas is the Owner of this Pop Culture event, with Jeremy Renaud as the General Manager. “We also offer fan experiences and costume Cosplay competitions from novice to advanced levels of play,” explains Renaud.

On average, there are about 10 celebrities who make a special appearance at the event each year. The event takes place one weekend annually and in 2018 celebrated its fourth year on September 29 and 30 at Caesars Windsor. Prices to attend are reasonable for all you receive with tickets; $25 on the Saturday; $20 on the Sunday

or $40 for a weekend pass. Kids under 10 are free with one paid adult. “Windsor ComiCon” proudly supports the Sunshine Point Camp belonging to the Kiwanis Club of Windsor. Other local charities such as Fantastic Fathers and the Fight Like Mason Foundation are also present with their own booths. The event continues to grow and this year there were 5,011 paid attendees, which is around a 13% increase over the first year the event was held. Of the 94 vendors featured at this year’s show, 25 were local, including a few like Cartoon Kingdom, Rogues Gallery Comics, Paper Heroes, The Game MD, The CG Realm and Imagine Cinemas, and the annual show is built on a strong group of volunteers and staff — 75 in total, according to Renaud.

For 2018, over 402 participated in the costume contests, which shows the super power of this event. “ComiCon brings out the superhero in people of all ages and supports local businesses,” Judge Goulet indicates. “You even get to meet some famous people who started it all. Since young and old can dress up how they like and walk around the event, it’s the next best event to Halloween.” Keep up to date with the 2019 event, at: WindsorComiCon.com.

Judge Fox did not vote or take part in any discussion in this category due to a bias.

23. “Show Stopper Theatre Co.”

A “face card” worth 10 points in Blackjack is a Jack, Queen or King. But, who are the faces of “Windsor ComiCon?” Pop Culture events like this give people the ability to express themselves by wearing outfits of their favourite characters.

Local “Cosplayers” in attendance at the September 2018 “Windsor ComiCon” include: Batman (that’s the name he gave us!); Stephanie Deneweth as Poison Ivy; Stacey Canfield as Wonder Woman; Bryce Culver as Nightwing and (kneeling) Steven Oltean as Robin and Quinn Allison as Harley Quinn. Photo by Rod Denis.

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(theatre production companies with shows in their own location for large audiences or a tour performing in different locations) *Non-profit organizations can participate.

The nominees are . . .

Cardinal Music Productions, 2569 B Jefferson Blvd., Windsor

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Encore Productions, (home based in Windsor), RumRunnersTour.com Post Productions, 103-B, 1501 Howard Ave., Windsor (The Shadow Box Theatre) Riverfront Theatre Company, (home based in Windsor) RiverfrontTheatreCompany.wordpress.com University Players, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor Windsor Dance eXperience, 866 Walker Rd., Windsor Windsor Light Music Theatre, 2491 Jos. St. Louis Ave., Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Windsor Light Music Theatre While all nominees in this category put on a good show, Windsor Light Music Theatre is leading the charge, asserts Judge Kerluck. “Windsor Light is a major player in the theatre industry in Windsor,” he believes. According to Box Office Manager Jolie Inthavong, Windsor Light Music Theatre (WindsorLight.com) produces two full-scale Broadway musicals every year — in the spring and in the fall. Notable past productions include “Miss Saigon,” “The King and I,” “Beauty and the Beast”and “Mamma Mia.” Their current production of “ELF, the Musical” runs November 2018 with

“Matilda” coming November 2019. The calibre of their productions is what sets them apart, notes Inthavong. “The quality of the performances, the look and feel of the sets, costume and the lighting, are unmatched in this city,” states Inthavong. “What we don’t make we rent and what we don’t rent we make with our bare hands!” And the productions are always accompanied by an orchestra of professional musicians, which really adds to the feel of the production, she points out. Tickets range in price from $19 to $36.

Windsor Light rents the Chrysler Theatre at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts for their larger productions, while smaller shows and dinner theatre performances are hosted at their Rehearsal Hall on Jos St. Louis Avenue. The theatre company also offers a youth program that culminates in a mid-scale junior Broadway production, and they offer summer camps for kids and teens in the off-season. The membership-based, non-profit organization with charitable status opened in the community in 1948.

In 2018, Windsor Light Music Theatre is celebrating its 70th anniversary, which is a true testament to the dedication and hard work put forth by this completely volunteer-run, amateur theatre company.

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24. “Burgers To Flip Over” (where’s the beef is the question, although vegetarian choices can be considered, but there must be a good selection of tasty burgers at this restaurant or bar with ingredients you just would not make at home, on the menu!)

The nominees are . . .

Bubi’s Awesome Eats, 620 University Ave. West, Windsor Fox Glen Golf Club, 7525 Howard Ave., McGregor Jack’s Gastro Pub, 31 Division St. South, Kingsville Joe Schmoe’s Eats N Drinks, 5881 Malden Rd., LaSalle Mamo Burger Bar, 1515 Ottawa St., Windsor The Barracks Restaurant & Pizzeria/The Fort Fun Centre, 689 Texas Rd., Amherstburg The Grove Brew House, 12 Main St. East, Kingsville

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And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Mamo Burger Bar Owners Ryan and Tina Odette describe their business as a family-oriented, full service, gourmet burger restaurant that features unique toppings and creations.

The Ottawa Street location opened in 2013 with Tecumseh following in 2014. “We are extremely proud of the quality of the product that we serve and attentive service we offer,” state the couple. “The majority of our products are made in-house, especially

Get ready to “double down” when you chow down on a burger from Mamo Burger Bar! The Sweet Heat Burger is two 4 oz beef patties with hot pepper Colby cheese, bacon, pineapple, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickled jalapenos, atmosphere triple-play explosion-garlic mayo, and brown sugar BBQ sauce. Photo courtesy of Adriano Ciotoli of Windsor Eats.

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our beef, which is ground daily.” Their unique combinations are part of what sets them apart from other restaurants, such as the Daddy Mac Burger (served with house made mac & cheese on it); the Peanut Butter Jelly Time Burger, (which has house-made sriracha jelly and creamy peanut butter and bacon) and the Pierogi Burger (topped with Little Foot Foods classic cheddar pierogis). Their top three bestselling burgers are: the BYOB (Build Your Own Burger); Old School, which has a classic feel topped with American cheese, pickles, shredded lettuce and Mamo sauce, and the Big Popper, which packs heat with its pickled jalapenos, hot pepper Colby, bacon, chipotle mayo and fried goat cheese. “Our burgers stand out from the competition because we get our beef from a single farm that is fully traceable,” comment the owners. The Owners add that they use a griddle to cook their patties, which keeps them juicy, and they only season with kosher salt so as not to mask the flavour of the beef. Mamo Burger Bar (MamoBurgerBar.com) also offers turkey and veggie patties and guests can choose a Naked Burger Salad Bowl on a bed of lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes if they’re looking for low carb or Keto diet options. Judge Meehan believes if you want a great burger, no need to look any

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The Veg-Mex Burger is an in-house made black bean patty, topped with arugula, pico de gallo, feta cheese, smashed avocado and house- made ranch dressing.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Odette.

further — Mamo Burger is the place to go!

“They never disappoint their customers,” expresses Judge Meehan. “Using local ingredients, naturally raised beef, never frozen, without the use of fillers such as bread crumbs, you cannot beat the flavour and taste of a Mamo Burger.” Nominator Steph A. shares this same view as she and her family have been visiting Mamo Burger twice a month for many years.

“Great food, even better service and we just love how it feels like an episode of ‘Cheers’ when we arrive,” she writes.

“They know us so well, we don’t even need menus at this point. Just thinking about it makes me want to go now! Best burgers in the city hands down!”

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

Getting Married? Let The Team From Ambassador Plan The Perfect Wedding!

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elcome to Ambassador Golf Club, Windsor and Essex County’s premiere banquet facility.

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Ambassador Golf Club’s tagline is “One Bride, One Room” meaning the club will only book one wedding per day, so the entire focus is on you!

It all starts when you walk in and are greeted

by Client Service Manager Diane Farquhar; she ensures your every question is answered, promptly and accurately, without exception.

Farquhar is there the entire day of your wedding to make sure all the details that have been discussed are followed through. She is essentially your personal wedding planner for every aspect of the wedding planning process, at no additional cost.

If food is important to you and your family, meet the person that takes it to the next level; Executive Chef Daniele Palanca.

The Chef and his talented crew use only the freshest ingredients. For example, they bake bread daily, butcher whole chickens, make all their dressings and sauces from scratch, and are multi-talented and well versed in all international cuisines. It’s a guarantee that your guests won’t stop talking about the incredible meal they had on your wedding day.

Chef Daniele Palanca and Diane Farquhar have over 50 years experience combined and have completed thousands of weddings without a hitch!

Their track record and customer feedback is incredible. Sitting in Farquhar’s office you will notice the hundreds of thank you cards on the walls, and when you log in online to check out their reviews on “Facebook” under “Ambassador Golf Club Weddings” and on their website (AmbassadorGolfClub.com), you will be overwhelmed with the amount of positive reviews.

Food photos courtesy of Kevin Kavanaugh.

The Ambassador ballroom can accommodate up to 280 patrons for any event‎. Photo courtesy of Ambassador Golf Club.

Local rack of lamb, oven roasted with sea salt & fresh herbs.

Ambassador Golf is a great venue for your wedding photos! Photo courtesy of Steve Pomerleau.

With all this great feedback it’s easy to see why the club was named “Best Wedding Venue” in Ontario by Wedding Industry Experts (2012, 2013), and also “Best Bang For The Buck” by Golf Digest magazine.

But, that’s not all! Ambassador Golf Club is a multiple Biz X magazine award winner and has earned the following awards over the years: “A Reception Made in Heaven” 2013; “Hole in-One Golf Course” 2015; “Outstanding New Business of the Year” 2005 and Chef Daniele Palanca was chosen in 2009 as “Essex County’s Top Chef.”

If you’re looking for an intimate setting where food and customer service come first, then look no further than Ambassador Golf Club!

The Caprese Salad with only local ingredients dressed in a first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil.

A crowd favourite — hand butchered stuffed chicken supreme.

1025 Sprucewood Avenue, Windsor.

For further information visit: AmbassadorGolfClub.com or call (519) 999-1410 or email: dfarquhar@cocogroup.com to book an appointment with Diane.

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GENERATION YKNOT

Betting On Talent

By Jacob Duhaime

I’ve heard it said that hiring is a roll of the dice.

Twelve years ago I started my tech company iDream Interactive and hired my first employee, Anthony (last names withheld). We worked from my kitchen table. The boardroom was my living room.

Neither of us had a great view that the world outside was brimming with opportunity.

Next came Dave, Chris, and Syd — before you knew it we had 12 employees, many from St. Clair College and the University of Windsor, with a love of business, coding, and design.

My team’s passion, talent, and teamwork in those early days were like getting dealt a pocket pair of aces at the poker table.

It’s fantastic to think we’ve grown this made-in-Windsor tech company into one of Canada’s largest online game

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developers with over five million users and international clients like PokerStars.

Together we developed over 2,000 educational games for the Ministry of Education and published nine social and mobile games, including Slot Universe, which was drawing 120,000 users per day at its peak.

Online gaming is a tricky business as the games tend to have a short shelf-life.

The content must stay fresh and the tech is always changing. You spend a great deal of time figuring out ways to attract new users and to keep them playing for as long as possible.

The same can be said of your talent — how do you attract and retain top tech talent?

What often attracts talent to iDream is the simple cool factor of gaming — and the creativity involved. It also helps that locally

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we are the only pure gaming company in town.

But, keeping talent with you, invested and motivated, day after day, is the hard part. If I could boil it down to one thing, it means providing your team with the freedom and support to do their thing.

I am proud of what we built together. I am proud that iDream provided our team with the opportunity to develop their skills to a point where a company like PokerStars came calling. And I am proud that our relationship has not only continued — but it is a source of collaboration and business for iDream Interactive.

There is some truth to hiring being a roll of the dice.

With a little bit of luck, and if you play your cards right, everyone at your table wins.

Jacob Duhaime is an alumnus of St. Clair College and the University of Windsor. He is passionate about game development, tech, and entrepreneurship. He is the Founder/CEO of iDream Interactive, a game development company. Learn more at: idreaminteractive.com/idreamsite.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Bringing you all the action in the region since 1998.

To view more events visit: BizXmagazine.com

was there!

Libro Credit Union sponsored the 24th annual “Leamington District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards” (BEA) held on October 10, 2018 at the Leamington Portuguese Community Club, 217 Talbot Street West. The Biz X photography team was on site to capture photos of some of the winners. Let’s start with the following award recipients and their representatives from the left: Customer First” — Capogna Flowers: Bernadette Sleiman and Anthony Puzzuoli; “Excellence in Food Services” — Bradt’s Butcher Block: Scott and Lisa Bradt and the “Warm Welcome” Award — The Iron Kettle Bed & Breakfast: Owners Ben LeBlanc-Beaudoin and Ginette Tremblay.

Continuing with shots of Leamington Chamber BEA winners we have from left: the “Innovation” Award recipient — Lee & Maria’s: Jennifer Perciballi, Kathy Mastronardi-Black and Mike Mastronardi; “Youth Excellence” — Kiara Clement and “Young Entrepreneur” — Dr. Maxwell Abraham of Abraham Orthodontics, pictured with his wife Christen.

More Leamington Chamber award recipients, from left: the Award for “Industrial/Manufacturing Excellence” — South Essex Fabrication: Peter Quiring; “Grow South Essex” — Erie James Produce: Nancy Santos and “Invest in a World Class Workforce” — Collins Barrow Leamington LLP: Jason Melo.

And we conclude with the following Leamington Chamber winners, from left: “Welcoming Accessibility Award” — Access County Community Support Services, represented

by Brittany Clarkson, Dan Kapsalis, Charlene Howle, Rachel Wheeler and Tammy Park; “Positive Professionals” — Joe Oswald and “Small Business Excellence” — Security ONE Alarm Systems with their team out in full force: Chris Newman, Corey Robertson, Dave Moavro, Patty Otton and Dustin Vermast. Congrats to all the winners!

Leamington Chamber BEA photos by Rod Denis.

On October 5, 2018, Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing Ltd. opened up its doors at 450 Wheelton Drive in Windsor, to invite over 300 high school students, educators, guidance counselors and parents, within the community, to tour their facility and celebrate modern manufacturing. “Manufacturing Day” (MFG) is a North American wide initiative aimed at sharing technology and career opportunities in modern manufacturing with high school and elementary students. Surrounded by students from St. Anne’s Catholic High School is Cavalier Tool Owner Brian Bendig (wearing lanyard) along with the school’s Civics and Careers teacher, Steve Byrne (far right). Bendig’s company was one of 15 local manufacturers participating.

Refer to: MFGday.com to learn more on this event held annually on the first Friday in October.

Photo by Della Jones-Goulet.

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL BUSINESS WOMEN

By Dave Hall

CIERRA BRAY

A Bundle Of Entrepreneurial Energy Cierra Bray is a young woman on the move with a passion for business and entrepreneurship, which is already reaping dividends.

Bray, 24, recently returned from Buenos Aires, Argentina where she was one of 28 young Canadians representing this country at the “G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (YEA) Summit” (G20yea.com) The summit brought together young entrepreneurs from across the world to share their passion and push governments across the globe into providing more funding and mentorship programs to encourage young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

“But, even if many of the young people getting this kind of education don’t go into business for themselves, they will still learn skills they can use throughout their lives,” says Bray. “We also need to make these programs available to everyone so that those children whose parents can’t afford to enroll them or can’t get them there because of transportation issues, still have access to the training and education.”

Bray points out that learning, succeeding, failing

Cierra Bray represented Canada and the Windsor Essex region at the September “G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (YEA) Summit” in Argentina. Her goal is to see more entrepreneurial opportunities at the high school level and for schools to teach youth that running your own business is a potential and viable career path.

Photo courtesy of Frank Collins.

and trying new approaches are all part of being an entrepreneur and they are also all part of growing as an individual.

The summit in Argentina consisted of speakers, workshops and writing a communiqué, which included recommendations for government leaders,

all designed to encourage them to introduce more entrepreneurship programs in high schools.

Bray says programs run by the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Centre and Enactus, an organization at the University of Windsor, which encourages entrepreneurship, are examples of the kinds of programs that are desperately needed.

“They are great programs, but there are still gaps, which I think need to be filled by municipalities, upper levels of government and school boards,” she believes.

Bray, an award recipient of the 2017 “Lieutenant Governor’s Visionaries Prize” (Inclusive Prosperity) for pitching entrepreneurship in high schools, operates CGal Media, a social media marketing, event planning and promotional company. She also founded and created the community event, “YQG Talks” which encourages young entrepreneurs to talk about why they started their own businesses. It also supports the amazing people in the city who make a difference.

For more information about Bray and the services offered by her company, visit: CGalMedia.com.

XX FILES

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TAKE THE LEAD

Leading Through Public Relations

By Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh

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first met Jordana Strosberg when she won the Leadership Windsor Essex “Alumni Award of Distinction” and I was immediately impressed with her energy, drive and accomplishments. This past summer she was named one of the 2018 honourees for PRWeek’s “Top 40 Under 40” (Events.PRweek.com) in the U.S. public relations and communications industry.

We met up when she was the featured Guest Speaker at an “International Day of the Girl” (October 11) breakfast event sponsored

by Build A Dream and followed by a flag raising ceremony at City Hall.

I was interested in hearing more about Strosberg’s journey to success since I first met her. As any dedicated mother would, she began talking about her eight year old son Max first and how she balances being a mom with her challenging career demands.

Her path after her MBA started at General Motors Transmission and then the General Motors headquarters in Detroit where she was on the Cadillac team launching the Escalade.

Then she moved to the Executive Communications position supporting Mary Barra, GM’s first female CEO. Strosberg is responsible for helping us identify with Barra’s brand and what she and GM stand for and helping relay this through social media and appearances.

Next Strosberg moved to the cutting edge as GM’s Global Advanced Technology Communications Manager, working with fuel cells and electric and autonomous vehicles. It was this team who nominated her for the PRWeek Award.

I asked her what the highlight of winning the “40 under 40” Award was and she said it was when her son “read the article about me in his grade three class and thought I was famous.” She is quick to give credit to the whole GM Team who helped her win

this award and feels that she was just the face of the team.

I also wanted to know her advice for young leaders. She replies, “you must have ambitious goals and take uncomfortable opportunities and sometimes you just have to ride the wave.”

Following her own advice she decided to take the GM Plant Communications Manager position instead of one with a Public Relations agency in downtown Toronto.

“At the time it didn’t seem like the right fit and was not the cooler job but it provided me with a great foundation and business opportunity,” she recalls.

When I asked why it was important to give back she believes it has been even more crucial now that she has a son and wants to be a role model for him.

“It’s important to move Windsor Essex forward,” she asserts. “We have such great minds and great people here and it’s a great place to live and so important to pay it forward.”

Strosberg has been blessed to have supportive mentors such as Cheri Alexander, Executive Director of Corporate Learning at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business Executive Education (former President of GM Learning).

“She always taught me the importance of speaking up and speaking the truth,” Strosberg points out.

Another mentor, Terry Rhadigan, Executive Director of Communications Operations and Corporate Giving, General Motors helped support her personally when she was facing a challenging assignment.

As well, Randy Arickx, retired Vice President Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, General Motors, met with her monthly for seven years and provided

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Biz X Columnist Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh (left) is pictured with Jordana Strosberg, Global Advanced Technology Communications Manager for General Motors who was the Guest Speaker for a special breakfast celebrating the “International Day of the Girl” at The City Grill Event Centre. Taking place on October 11, the event was a way to recognize the contributions of community members who empower young girls and women.

trustworthy, forthright and honest feedback.

Strosberg is an avid reader and her favourite book is “The First 90 Days” by Michael Watkins, which was given to her by Alexander. Her favourite quote comes from Barack Obama: “One voice can change a room.”

I also posed an interesting question to Strosberg: “If you could invite people to a dinner party whom would you choose?”

She quickly responded that it would be “the women who have inspired me the most: Sandra Nepon (my mom); late grandma Madeline Banks; late bubby Florence Nepon and the late May Parcher (my babysitter growing up).”

I am positive they would all celebrate her incredible accomplishments and be proud of her as a mother, professional and in her new role in technological innovation.

Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh is the Director of Leadership Windsor/Essex at United Way. She is a former Principal, Chief Communications Officer and business owner with over 30 years of experience in education, administration, mentoring, consulting and community leadership. If you know a leader in the community to profile here please email: Sherrilynn@BizXmagazine.com.

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HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE

Straight Outta Windsor . . .

Proof Positive Of The Good In The Region Story And Photo By Joe McParland

L

isted on en.wikipedia.org, podcasting (previously known as audio blogging) has roots dating back to the 1980s. With the advent of broadband Internet and portable digital audio playback devices, such as the iPod, podcasting began to catch hold in late 2004.

Today, there are more than 115,000 English language podcasts available on the Internet, and dozens of websites available for distribution at little or no cost to the producer or listener. And, according to one survey in 2017, 42 million Americans above the age of 12 listen to podcasts at least on a weekly basis.

One of Windsor’s newest podcasts, Straight Outta Windsor is the work of Andy Sullivan.

Sullivan’s day job is the Regional Manager of Operations for the YMCA, Western Ontario Region (YMCAwo.ca). He joined their team three years ago when the “Y” was still downtown. He helped oversee its move to 3402 Grand Marais East, inside Central Park Athletics, as it expanded its membership from 400 to over 3,000.

Windsor born, Sullivan was raised by a single mother who instilled in him the spirit of volunteerism at an early age. Like many young people, while growing up, he had a negative view of Windsor and what the city could offer him. Yet, through his mother’s intervention in involving him in Big Brothers, Boy Scouts, church groups, Little League baseball, etc., Sullivan was presented with many positive experiences and influences.

He attended St. Clair College for business, but at the age of 22 landed the position of managing one of Windsor’s GoodLife Fitness gyms — with no human kinetics background. He would go on to manage four different locations during his 10 years with them, before moving on to the YMCA. Part of his responsibilities brings Sullivan into area high schools as a special guest speaker on behalf of the YMCA. It was at one such speaking engagement that the genesis of his podcast was sparked.

He asked the students how many were prepared to stay in Windsor after graduation.

He was dismayed to find out only about 25% wanted to stay.

As Sullivan relates, “one student explained that Windsor had nothing to offer and that

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For both his podcast work and YMCA job, Andy Sullivan literally picked up the ball (and mic) and ran with it!

no one ever made it big from here.”

He responded to the student by telling him that we have Stanley Cup and Super Bowl winners, Major League baseball players, professional golfers, actors in television and movies, artists and billionaires — all from Windsor who made it big.

On his drive back to the office, his response to that student kept replaying in his head.

With each replay Sullivan grew in excitement and came up with having a podcast that would extol the many virtues of Windsor and the success stories of its residents. This was his “aha moment” and Straight Outta Windsor was born.

That night, he was all fired up and compiled a list of people from Windsor who have gone on to great achievements and was blown away by the number he gathered. He sent away 10 emails to 10 of these people, introducing himself, his vision for the podcast and inviting them to participate.

The following day he received a telephone call from the Office of the Right Honourable Paul Martin, Canada’s 21st Prime Minister.

They had received the email and presented it to Mr. Martin who liked the idea and had his staff schedule an 11 a.m. telephone interview with Sullivan for the next day. Thus, Martin became the very first guest on the podcast in February 2018.

As Sullivan recalls, “I was in a panic.

I had no idea how to do a podcast and had to B IZ X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

research it. I had to research Mr. Martin in order to carry on an intelligent conversation with him.”

He pretty well stayed up all night setting up his podcast – which he describes as “radio on demand or Netflix for radio” — as well as researching Martin’s background.

At the time of this writing (mid-October) he is in week #36 of podcast shows and has over 200 names of people and organizations put together for future shows.

So far, besides Martin, here are a few of the names he has profiled: —former Major League Baseball player, Joe Siddall, who is co-hosting “Blue Jays Central”; Dave Hunter, from “Dave & Chuck The Freak” from 101 WRIF; Randa Markos of UFC fame; Jeff Burrows of The Tea Party; David Sobolov, voice actor and the voice of “Rob Cop” and the voice of “Blitzwing” in the upcoming Transformer’s “Bumblebee”; Windsor’s Poet Laureate, Marty Gervais; AM800’s Mike Kakuk; Transition to Betterness; Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens; as well as our own Publisher of Biz X magazine, Deborah Jones.

Curious to meet the Straight Outta Windsor podcast production team? Here it is: Andy Sullivan.

Yep, that’s his entire team responsible for arranging interview times and locations, researching the topics, producing and conducting the interview, editing and uploading the finished product for the 3,000 to 5,000 plus listeners.

His uplifting, positive podcasts have peaked with as many as 20,000 hits for The Tea Party episode, and the Fight Like Mason Foundation episode coming in at around 30,000 hits so far.

Speaking about both what he does at the Y and in his podcasts, Sullivan beams, “I love what I do.”

This is more than evident in the infectious enthusiasm he demonstrates. This untrained for broadcasting, “gym rat” and business major, is as polished an interviewer as I have heard, both in his content and delivery.

Tune into Straight Outta Windsor from any of the many available platforms, or from the podcast’s website: StraightOuttaWindsor.podbean.com.

You will definitely come away with a much better understanding and appreciation for this great community of Windsor and Essex County and what it has to offer.

portfolio corner

In My Back Pocket

By Steven Mayo

When it comes to stock buy-backs, I think of this constant reduction of shares as a process that is “in my back pocket” when making investment recommendations for North American stocks. The reduction of shares eventually benefits a company’s share price by boosting its earnings per share, which plays out over time.

A healthy company has choices to make when it comes to their extra cash — raise the dividend, acquire another company, build infrastructure/buy machinery, invest in research, or buy back shares from the stock market.

When a company chooses to buy back its own shares it’s a reflection of management’s confidence in the business, knowing its underlying value versus what the share price on the stock market is reflecting.

Both dividends and buy-backs are adopted by a company’s management to return capital to shareholders. The healthier the company, the larger the return of capital.

These same companies will also spend considerable money on research, and other capital expenditures to remain competitive.

With the assistance of RBC Capital Markets research, here is a sense of how much buy-back activity is occurring in the 11 S&P 500 sectors.

The sectors that have the best revenue growth tend to have the most significant buy-backs. The Information Technology and Healthcare sectors lead the way, followed by Financials and Consumer Staples. The remaining sectors are: Consumer Discretionary, Energy, Materials, Industrials, Utilities, Communication Services, and Real Estate.

In addition to increasing revenues, the Info Tech and Healthcare sectors tend to have large overseas cash holdings that fund this activity.

Buy-backs are also reflective of a strong U.S. economy and future cash flow generation. RBC Capital Markets believes

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that buy-back announcements are likely to surpass $800 billion for this year.

It is important to note that if a company announces a buy-back, it can do some, none, or all during the period. It is only when reading quarterly earnings reports that you see the actual amount of shares reduced.

Buy-backs also help investors cut through the noise. In good times and bad, this activity is constantly occurring and provides an added level of clarity to an investment thesis.

In general, large cap U.S. companies that choose to return capital to shareholders deliver above average returns for investors versus their peers with low to no buy-backs.

From a portfolio management perspective, it’s these strong companies that I want in my clients’ portfolios . . . and we do this!

We will end our last issue of 2018 with the following quote: “A simple fact that is hard to learn is that the time to save money is when you have some.”~ Joe Moore Steven Mayo is a Vice President, Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. (Member — Canadian Investor Protection Fund). This article is not intended as, nor does it constitute, investment advice. Readers should consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on information in this article.

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The 5th Annual “Jeep Jam Poker Run”

HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT Hosted By The Windsor Jeep Club September 30, 2018

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

To see even more event photos from this event, visit: BizXmagazine.com under “Biz X was there”!

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1. While the “Jeep Jam Poker Run” celebrated five fantastic years in 2018, a new twist was introduced — “Team Jeep” which pitted Jeeps in yellow, red, green and blue against each other, in competition to win a points challenge. Over 138 Jeeps took part with participants gathering at Malden Park before setting off on a scenic ride throughout Essex County. Waiting to greet drivers upon their return to the park for a BBQ, were organizers and volunteers: Cindy Causton, Laurie Walesiak, Darin Reybroek, sisters Laura and Debbie Kay, Gord Causton and James Knapp, along with (front row): Greg Masse, Shirley and Sarah Jinkerson.

2. Xcentrick Auto Sports sponsored Team Blue and their location, 5550 Oldcastle Road in Oldcastle, was the first stop of the poker run.

Along with a fun obstacle course, drivers were introduced to Canada’s classic and custom car experts, Xcentrik Owner Jessie Darmon; Bill Darmon, Sales; and Chris Darmon, Designer.

3. Friends and family are part of the Jeep culture, whether or not it’s socializing or having a business venture like Off-Road Rehab (Team

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Green sponsor, winner of the challenge) at 3491 Sandwich Street in Windsor. The off-road parts and supply store was represented by: Zach Abbink, Nolan Knapp, Andrew Bastable, Owner James Knapp and Sarah Jinkerson.

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4. Long time sponsors Provincial Chrysler, 1001 Provincial Road in Windsor, sponsored Team Yellow and were represented by employees Nolan Curd and Mike Burrell, shown with their friend Kyle Laliberte.

5. Funds raised stay locally in our community and are directed to Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (A.L.S.O.) Acquired Brain Injury programs and services (see: ALSOgroup.org).

So the amazing amount raised —$18,582.85 to be exact — certainly pleased Lynn Calder, ALSO Executive Director.

6. Action Signs & Designs, Inc., 4561 Concession 4 South in Amherstburg, also sponsored the fundraiser. Jeepers Mary and Chuck Jee are pictured representing Owner Kim Dudzic, who was unable to attend.

BBIZIZ XX MA MAGGAAZZININEE •• NNOOVVEEMRBBEERR//DDEECCEEMMBBEERR 22001188

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Ugh — This Vacuum Sucks!

T SHOTS Time For A Replacement ask the experts

Or Repair By Dave Halliday

S

o you’ve recently had new flooring installed throughout your home and you love the diversity of it all. You have everything from imported tile to carpeting, giving each room an individual feel.

Unfortunately, the multiple floor coverings have presented just as diverse an issue when it comes to keeping everything clean.

You’ve been doing your best to keep up, but some of the equipment you’ve been working with is a bit outdated. One of the areas in which you are most lacking, is a decent vacuum system. You thought you had gone cutting-edge when you picked up a vacuum robot, but it just isn’t cutting it. It seems to get hung up under furniture a lot.

Once again you are searching for the robot vacuum and you check under the bed. It’s dark, but you make out the shape of small balls of white fur.

For a moment you think that the cat may have had a litter, but quickly recall it’s a male. The hair and dirt build up is beyond your current capabilities.

You need help!

We at Biz X found the opportunity to sit and discuss some of the options with Jon Zakoor, Owner/Operator of Windsor Vacuum (WindsorVac.com) located at 3041 Dougall Avenue.

Windsor Vacuum will be celebrating an amazing 90 years in business in 2019!

What does Windsor Vacuum provide? “We provide sales and service of vacuum cleaner products for both commercial and residential applications,” indicates Zakoor. “This includes central vacuum systems and parts, bags, belts, filters for most makes and models.”

How can you assist the consumer in choosing the best vacuum for their needs? He advises, “In order to assist consumers with the purchase of a new vacuum, it’s critical to know what type of cleaning is required. It should be determined if the home has a bare surface, carpet, stairs, if there are allergy sufferers, and is above floor

The latest technology available to keep a clean and tidy home is available at Windsor Vacuum. Electrolux photo courtesy of Windsor Vacuum.

cleaning required for furniture, fixtures, ceiling, etc.”

How can one equip for primarily a carpeted house? “Homes with more carpet often require a full complement of tools, inclusive of an electric powerhead, to deep clean carpet,” notes Zakoor. “Uprights and canisters fit this category for consumer choices.”

Now what about a home with less carpeting and more exposed flooring? “Homes with considerably more bare surfaces, such as hardwood and tile, benefit from a canister vacuum and its versatility, making it a much more superior and satisfying purchase,” he informs us adding, “The majority of homes today fit this category of less carpet and more bare floor.”

Beyond appearance, are there secondary benefits to maintaining clean flooring? “Naturally a clean home environment is aesthetically pleasing,” states Zakoor. “More importantly, maintaining clean floors is beneficial to those who suffer from indoor allergens. Pet dander, embedded dirt, and dust-mites all play a negative role when it comes to our health and well-being.”

What are the warning signs that your vacuum may be malfunctioning? He points out that “Typical warning signs of a vacuum needing service include under performance in that it is not achieving the standard of cleanliness you are used to.” Zakoor

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continues with more suggestions on what to watch for: “Be aware of burning odours while using a vacuum. Often the odour of a stretched rubber belt is very distinct and easily repairable.”

Are there preventative measures the typical home owners can employ to maintain their vacuum? “With the average home being vacuumed twice a week, it is important to maintain the unit with routine bag changes, washing of filter every three months, and changing of belt annually or semi annually, dependant on make and model,” replies Zakoor. He concludes, “Full service, including assessment, cleaning, and lubricating should be carried out every couple of years to protect and prolong your investment.”

What would you say is the best new technology? “In shopping for a vacuum today, the consumer wants lightweight portability and a quick clean,” he expresses. “Consumers are willing to pay for these conveniences, so, as a result, Central Vacuum Systems with retractable hoses are all the rage. Central Vac Hide-a-Hose systems are the industry standard. Their simplicity, convenience and power are second to none.”

Well things have certainly fallen in order around the house now. You have a new vacuum system that keeps everything clean and tidy. You can literally feel the difference in the house now and you’re seeing less air-born dust as well.

You even solved the mystery of the robot vacuum and the cat! Despite your new vacuum you still set up and run the robot while you’re at work. Turns out the cat spends his day hunting the robot, which usually ends in an epic battle beneath one of your pieces of furniture.

He drags it under there and the fur flies in the struggle that ensues. Now that you discovered this, you decide to tie a cat toy to the robot and stuff it with cat-nip for extra effect. At least it will keep him busy while you’re away!

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THE PARENTING BIZ

He’s “Making A List And Checkin’ It Twice”. . .

Photo courtesy of Blur Bokeh/Pixabay.

Christmas Gift Ideas To Put Under The Tree

By Dave Hall and Amber Shearer

W

ith the holidays just around the corner and shopping already in full swing, it’s time for Biz X magazine to help parents hunting for the perfect present by pointing them in the right direction towards local stores offering a variety of gift ideas.

Most are locally owned and operated by parents, just like their customers. And these days it’s more important than ever to support local businesses.

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Yet, even jolly Old Saint Nick may be stuck on what gifts to pack in his sack for all those good little boys and girls . . . so we’ve compiled a list of a few area businesses selling clothing, toys, games and services catering to children and families.

So sit back, grab a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa and your favourite cookie, and read up on gift ideas for the little ones and a few even mom and dad will enjoy too!

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Gift Idea: A Picture Perfect Present Photography sessions for newborns, infants, children and families have become so popular that Manifesto Photography Owners, Joshua and Arica Klassen, hired Kristle Snively to work almost exclusively on that part of their growing business.

Manifesto was established in 2007 and offers wedding and engagement photography, commercial photo shoots, personal branding, framing, and marketing

THE PARENTING BIZ campaigns as well as family sessions.

“Our family sessions have been increasing and we needed someone to take care of that side of the business,” Joshua informs us.

Snively, who was running her own business at the time, came on board 18 months ago.

“We offer everything from baby showers through to maternity shots, birth photos, six months and then one year-old shoots,” says Snively. “It’s a lot of fun for the family because we play a lot of games to keep the children engaged and active during the sessions.”

So what makes a photo shoot an ideal present for you to purchase for a family member? Snively points out that “It seems families want to record their child’s life through photos more than they ever have in the past.”

Manifesto offers gift certificates, which can be applied towards any of the company’s photographic, marketing and branding services.

“Our family photo sessions are probably the fastest-growing part of our business because people are more and more interested in recording different stages of their child’s life, from the baby shower

“It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” and the Bering family (Kat and James with their son Hudson) get in the holiday spirit with a special photo shoot at Warkentin Christmas Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of Kristle Snively/ Manifesto Photography.

through to their early years as a child,” explains Joshua. “Family portraits are a great gift as well.”

Manifesto is located at 2187 Huron Church Road, Unit 220 in Windsor.

Online you can learn more about them at

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either website: ManifestoPhotography.com or ManifestoStudios.com.

Gift Idea: The Bare Necessities . . .

Clothing, Toys & Books When Jessica Ryan became a sole

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THE PARENTING BIZ Happy Holidays From All of Us At Wee Watch!

Individuality.

That’s What Sets Us Apart.

Play. Discover. Social Interaction. Growth.

Flexible worry-free arrangements that fit your daily work schedule. Age appropriate play-based learning programs designed to stimulate curiosity and build confidence.

Discover Wee Watch for your child - A home away from home Call us, let’s talk: 519-776-9797 or visit: weewatch.com

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Quality Licensed Home Child Care

THE PARENTING BIZ bread-winner with four children, after her husband’s traffic accident left him unable to work, she decided she had to control her own destiny.

On your holiday shopping travels, stop by to meet Jessica Ryan of Siblings Children’s Consignment Shop and check out the gently-used clothing, books and toys on site. Photo by Dave Hall.

She was essentially a “den mother” at a trucking company, as well as a mother to four children at home, all under the age of 12.

“My husband and I had never worked a full year at the same time, between my maternity leaves and his accident, so I became a coupon queen to pinch every dollar I could,” explains Ryan. “From there, it was shopping at consignment shops until I realized I could do that too.”

Last December, she opened Siblings Children’s Consignment Shop at 818 Ottawa Street in Windsor, and despite shedding a few tears at times, she’s happy she took the plunge as a small business owner.

“I had a great September and I thought ‘I’ve got this’!” says Ryan who has three siblings and between them they have 13 children. Obviously there was no shortage of items to sell when the store opened!

Now, it’s packed with gently-used clothing, books and toys (making it easy to find something for the kiddies on your holiday shopping list) from customers across the city who bring their items in for consignment and then collect 40 percent of the sale price after the item is sold.

Anything that doesn’t sell is donated to Cuddles for Kids, a free children’s clothing drop-off centre on the city’s west side. Ryan also works with the Windsor Youth Centre on fundraisers.

“I tell my own kids if they want a toy, then they have to give a toy,” she adds. “I’m trying to teach them there’s money in hidden places and they just have to look for it.”

Ryan says she’s had a great deal of support from other consignment shop owners who have sent customers her way, as well as items to sell.

For further information on this new shop on Ottawa Street visit: Facebook.com/siblingsconsignment.

Gift Idea: Spring For Trampoline Tickets If you’re looking for something to help your children burn off some energy over the holidays, Springz Trampoline and Amusement Park might be just the place.

In addition to jumping pits, trampolines and a dodgeball area, Springz also features an indoor golf course, an indoor go-kart track, an indoor arcade and a Ninja Forest.

“We’re getting more popular all the time because parents are looking for ways to keep their children active, instead of being on the computer all day,” says General Manager Jason Kerluck. “Fall and winter are our busiest times, particularly with birthday and holiday parties, which give children and their parents a taste of what we have to offer.”

Springz Trampoline and Amusement Park, General Manager, Jason Kerluck and Operations Manager Meaghan Saunders, are pictured in the amusement area at the facility. As you can see by their steam punk and “Doctor Who” costumes, there is always plenty of fun and games at Springz. Photo by Dave Hall.

Operations Manager Meaghan Saunders says that Springz also offers a 30 day pass that allows access for 30 consecutive days, which is far less expensive than paying the daily rate for 30 days.

To help keep your child active and their friends as well, you can pre-buy tickets for the trampolines and other attractions online at: Springz.ca. Of course, gift certificates are also sold. A fun afternoon out is a great gift for any child or family!

Rest assured, while the kids are jumping, running and having a ball, safety always comes first.

“We take safety very seriously and sometimes, kids are upset with some of B IZ X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

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THE PARENTING BIZ the rules, but I’d rather them be upset than hurt,” says Kerluck.

Kerluck reveals there is another Springz planned for the city’s east side, as well as another one in London. However, no opening dates have been announced.

Springz also offers special programming on school PA days, as well as dodgeball leagues for children of all ages.

With food and drink also available, there are plans to update the menu with more grilled items to supplement the fried foods and pop, for a healthier experience.

Springz, which is locally-owned, is situated at 2411 Dougall Avenue in downtown Windsor.

Gift Idea: Retro Games To New Consoles & Everything In Between How do you shop for the video game lover on your list that already has everything?

You take them to The Game MD. “We offer a wish list for Christmas,” says Owner Roy McLean. “We ask parents, grandparents and whoever, to bring the kids in and we give them a list and they get to go around the store and write down the top five things they would really like. Then they can come in and just point and say ‘I want this.’”

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The McLean clan were out in full force at The Game MD booth during September’s “Windsor ComiCon” with Gavin, Roy, Dawn, and Hanna taking care of the swarms of game loving geeks! Photo by Rod Denis.

One thing that makes The Game MD one of Windsor’s top gaming stores this holiday season is their unique selection of niche products, (generally only found online) which are stocked in their store.

“There’s a difference between ordering it online and seeing it for real,” describes

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McLean. “A lot of these older games and stuff, you might order it online and it’s in pristine condition, but when it shows up it’s all ratty and you are disappointed.

But, seeing it in its actual condition when you are purchasing it, you see what you are getting.”

THE PARENTING BIZ The Game MD (TheGameMD.com) sells pre-owned games and new releases, new and retro consoles, figurines, board games, pop culture collectibles, and more.

As well, they provide a game console repair service for many makes and models.

The Game MD is conveniently located at 5452 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor.

They also offer shipping for all of their products across the globe.

Gift Idea: Strollers, Dressers, Linens, Cribs, Video Monitors & More Everyone knows the struggle of finding the perfect gift for Christmas. Everyone also knows the struggle of shopping from a registry. This holiday season Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique’s registry system makes holiday shopping easy and enjoyable.

Jeanine Jodoin, Owner of Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique poses inside her shop in Tecumseh, which specializes in nursery furniture and baby shower registries. Photo courtesy of Jeanine Jodoin.

“Typically, shopping from a registry can be daunting,” says Owner Jeanine Jodoin. “Here the focus is on the people, who register, having a great experience and we also want the experience to be fantastic for their friends and family.”

At Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique (ThreeLambs.ca) parents and parents-to-be can turn their registry into a Christmas wish list of everything they need and friends and family can easily shop from it to purchase a wonderful gift.

No wish list to shop from? No problem.

The boutique is the ultimate shopping destination with everything from high chairs and boosters, to rockers and cribs, to toys, keepsakes and books, skincare and everything in between.

“There’s nowhere else in town to shop around lots of different brands,” adds Jodoin. “We try to bring in everyone’s favourite brands under one roof.”

According to Jodoin, Three Lambs B IZ X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

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THE PARENTING BIZ Registry & Baby Boutique is Southwestern Ontario’s largest independent baby store and the area’s only nursery furniture showroom. It is located at 13444 Tecumseh Road East, in the St. Clair Beach Plaza, in Tecumseh.

Three Lambs has been operating since 2015 (from a different location), and Jodoin and her team are definitely keeping their customers happy with fantastic service and product selection, as both she and the boutique are 2018 Biz X Award nominees.

high-end,” claims deWaal. “So those are the items our consignors are bringing to us. We have now not only generalized items, but also those high-end items they are looking for. Rather it’s all the clothing brands you can find in a mall or the brands at Toys ‘R’ Us.” According to deWaal, Gumballs & Overalls (GumballsAndOveralls.ca) is the Amherstburg’s premier consignment shop since 2004. Check it out for yourself this holiday season!

Gift Idea: Cool Things To Wear, Toys, Furniture & Gear Christmas shopping can be expensive and finding the ideal gift for the children on your list can be just as stressful. Children’s consignment boutique Gumballs & Overalls, 221 Sandwich Street South in Amherstburg, makes buying the best children’s gifts both easy and affordable.

“We offer everyone in the surrounding area a great place to come in and purchase quality items at great prices,” says Owner Tracy deWaal. “We make sure everything’s perfect before we put it out on the floor, so anyone looking to buy items can rest assured that it is in perfect condition.”

Gumballs & Overalls carries dozens of top

“City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks” We hope this installment of “The Parenting Biz” has given you a few new stores to visit when you are out shopping for your treasures this holiday season.

Keep in mind there are hundreds of area businesses stocking all kinds of products and this feature story is just a small sample of what Windsor Essex has to offer. And if you are still wondering what to purchase for those children who seem to have just about everything, gift certificates are an ideal choice too.

Now get out there, shop your heart out, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, and attend plenty of holiday events with the family. After all “It’s Christmas Time In The City!”

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Gumballs & Overalls Owner Tracy deWaal displays two popular Christmas gifts this holiday season, the Robeez baby shoes and the Baby Boo Bamboo All-Natural Skincare product. Photo courtesy of Rhonda Carey.

children’s brands, all in one place, including baby furniture, toys, books, and top clothing brands for babies, kids and tweens.

“What we have found is that children’s products have become more and more

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THIS ISSUE FEATURES . . .

FOR THOUGHT A

place that was meant to happen — a cozy café just a stone’s throw away from the Ganatchio Trail — is now open, serving fine wines, accompanied by the best coffee and food, on “The Drive” in Tecumseh.

Michelle Smith Tremblay, Owner/Operator of Karma Café and Wine Bar opened the doors on September 29, 2018 after a full transformation of the location. Tremblay cherishes operating in a small location as she believes it adds to the appeal of the restaurant.

The plans were to finalize the place with rustic charm, including the barn wood and plaques with memorable sayings on them. A focal point of the place, of course, is the hand-built bar that is located with a perfect view of the door so Tremblay can keep watch for her clients entering the old fashioned wooden screen door in the front.

According to Tremblay, “I’ve had to teach people to slam the door — that was in my vision from day one. The sound it makes when people enter tells me friends have arrived! It makes me smile every time it slams! It’s like stepping into my home, providing that same feeling of comfort and warmth.”

Your winning combination starts with a Columbia Crest Merlot and cheeses like triple cream brie and extra old cheddar with prosciutto, smoked summer sausage, and some tasty dips and crackers on the side.

To best describe the name Karma, you could say “you get what you give.”

“I feel that this has served me well in life and in my career and that Karma is a wonderful representation of that!” says Tremblay.

Having been dreaming of this business for quite some time, Tremblay snapped up the location for Karma that she had been eyeing for years.

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Karma Café & Wine Bar, 12205 Riverside Drive, Tecumseh, ON

By David Clark “I feel like it was meant to be,” she adds.

Being educated in the world of wine at George Brown College and the many family gatherings Tremblay was a part of throughout the years, has prepared her for handling similar endeavours.

Her father, having passed away many years ago, frequently participated in her visits to Erie Street and other local wine purveyors in the area. When it comes to food and wine today, Tremblay still looks at her customers as family.

“Whoever you’re with, wine takes you on an adventure every time you hear the pop of the cork!”

Tremblay believes.

Karma menus are posted weekly on Facebook, every Tuesday, with updated and current pricing.

The wine is not listed as they sometimes change it on a daily basis.

Regarding foods to accompany your wine, you can choose to have a board with a variety of meats, cheeses, spreads, dips, jams, crackers, nuts, fruit and charcuterie.

The early favourites out of the gate are the cheese and charcuterie boards and the butternut squash curry soup with more popular selections yet to come.

Like the yummy meals she made with her nana, Tremblay learned the family secrets and now puts her own twist on the soups, chili and stews as well.

With many wine choices to look into, right now Karma is on a Washington State kick where the wine to beat is the Columbia Crest Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon fans are getting into this one really fast.

Other wines served at Karma include selections from California, Italy, France, Washington, South Africa and Niagara.

“If the mood strikes me, you may also see imports from Australia, Portugal and Spain,” exclaims Tremblay. “I always tell people I’ve never met a wine I don’t like! The beauty is in the variety.”

All the great coffee choices you see at other cafes are here in a big way too; such as espresso, latte, cappuccino, macchiato and Americano.

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For Michelle Smith Tremblay, Owner/Operator of Karma, this has been a 15 year dream come true, having pictured herself behind the bar welcoming new friends who come through the door. “It feels like everyone that comes in here ends up talking to each other and meeting new friends in the process, which I absolutely love.” Photos courtesy of Karma.

“Roasted and delivered to me within two days and I grind it all at the time I make it,” says Tremblay. “It won’t stay on my shelf for longer than 30 days, so you know you have an amazing fresh cup every time.”

When it comes to summing up her business in a few words, Tremblay states: “It’s been a bit difficult to describe my business — I’m different than most restaurants in the area. We focus on good quality coffee, but the selection is limited. We have a wine bar with lots to choose from and our food is really there to accent the drinks, rather than the other way around. Our soups and cheese boards really attract the people.”

To see what’s new at Karma and get the latest tidbits regarding the menu, hours and other information, look on: Facebook.com/KarmaTecumseh.

AWARDS SPOTLIGHT

“Best Of The Year” Culinary Awards . . .

The Cream Of The Crop Photos By Kim Jussila

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The Windsor Region of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA.com) and the Culinary Federation Windsor Chapter presented their second annual “Evening of Excellence Gala” on October 15, 2018 at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts.

Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres prepared by local chefs and an amazing five course dinner by St. Clair’s Executive Chef Carmine Incitti.

Another big highlight of the night included the presentations for their “Best of the Year” Awards. Area businesses and organizations in the hospitality and culinary industry were nominated prior to the gala and online voting to determine the winners took place in September 2018.

The final recipients were made public at the gala and now Biz X readers can also see who won in each category by checking out the photos on this page!

1. From the left: “New Restaurant of the Year 2018” —The Grove Brew House, Kingsville

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represented by Chef Shane Harrison and Ty Getty; “Supplier of the Year 2018” — Prime Lighting Design, Windsor represented by Mike Verzosa; “Essex/Kent Accommodation Facility of the Year 2018” — Quality Inn, Leamington accepted by Dharmesh Patel; “Restaurant of the Year 2018” — Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Ruthven was accepted by Joe Colasanti and “Windsor Accommodation Facility of the Year 2018” — Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel, Windsor represented

by Moe Razak.

2. Christina DiRocco (left) ORHMA Member Care and Communications Manager from Toronto presented the “Best Bar None Ontario” (Best Members’ Club category) accredited venue certificate to Essex Golf and Country Club represented by Executive Chef John Kukucka, John Romiens, Alex Migneault, Linda Nelson, Debbie Shearer and Ken Knowler. “Best Bar None” is an industry-led international accreditation and awards program for liquor licensees. To be accredited, businesses must maintain the

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highest standards for their customers and staff, manage the sale and service of alcohol responsibly, and have good relationships with the community and hospitality industry partners.

3. The Culinary Federation Windsor Chapter also presented two awards: the “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Gerry DeLuca of Torino Pizza in Tecumseh and “Chef of the Year 2018” to Adelina Sisti-DeBlasis of Windsor.

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MAKING A SOUND LIVING

The Beat Goes On With Detroit’s Brian Pastoria

By Lori Baldassi

A

drummer’s job is to be the engine of the band. Not only does he (or she) control where the music goes, more often than not, band members look to the drummer for that musical leadership.

For Brian Pastoria, former drummer for the band Adrenalin, the steady beat of his faith kept him going long past the music.

If ever there was a local band in the Detroit area destined for the big time, it was Adrenalin. Their journey had taken them in many directions, from presenting sold out shows with thunderous standing ovations, to unforeseen circumstances like the tragic suicide of their lead singer, involvement with drugs by other members of the band, and numerous false starts.

One thing was for certain though — the band’s personal likability.

They had audiences ranging from all spectrums of life, whether that was high profile radio personalities like Arthur Penhallow, Doug Podell and Steve Kostan from rock station WRIF Detroit, or Jonathan Cain from Journey, who caught a set before he played at Joe Louis Arena.

Filmmakers and the wealthy movers and shakers, from New York and in the Metro Detroit area, all came to see them perform.

They had it all — musicianship, insider industry connections, and radio success (when radio drove the hits). Unfortunately, it seemed no matter how close they got — and they were close — they were derailed again and again.

Opening for Aerosmith, Bob Seger, Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad) and other name acts, touring on the strength of their own music, and even scoring a hit (“Road of the Gypsy”) with a major motion picture (“Iron Eagle”), didn’t propel them to a solid place on a touring schedule or the charts.

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Taken at Harmonie Park Studios in Detroit during the “Super Bowl” in 2006 (back row from left) were: Drummer Steve Jordan, Brian Pastoria and Aaron Neville (The Neville Brothers). Front row: Brian’s sons Anton and Dante Pastoria with Aretha Franklin and Mark Pastoria. Photo courtesy of Andrea Pastoria.

Thorough the years they had acquired many musical and influential friends in the industry. When personnel changes began to happen within the band again, Brian and his brother Mark Pastoria, had a realization.

They decided that if their time playing in the music industry was over, then recording behind the soundboard was where they could make a living and still have their hand in creating music.

Out of this decision, Harmonie Park Studios (See: Facebook.com/ harmonieparkstudios) was born in the heart of downtown Detroit, with the Pastoria brothers manning the controls. Through their studio came a steady stream of famous artists including Aretha Franklin. In fact, Mark won a Grammy Award for his work on the Bryan Adams song “Never Gonna Break My Faith” for the movie “Bobby.”

I caught up with Brian, who, for the first time in many years, is sitting behind a drum kit at his local church. We talked about working with the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin.

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Biz X: With all the false starts over and over, how did you keep your momentum going?

Brian Pastoria (BP): Faith. Growing up, all of us went to Catholic school. It was always a big part of everything we did. We were always doing charity shows and helping people. There was always a bigger purpose of what we did. With all we went through with the drug situation with band members, we had to resort to bringing the faith and bringing the prayer to get us through. Had we not had that faith, who knows? We might have ended up with the drugs ourselves. We believed in the higher power and it helped with all the negative things going on.

Biz X: Let’s talk about Harmonie Park and the call from Aretha Franklin.

BP: We were blessed to be around so many great industry people: Vini Poncia (Ringo Starr and KISS) was huge, [and] Maurice King (Motown) was a big influence.

Michael Powel, who worked with (R&B vocalist) Anita Baker and did her first record that exploded, became a good friend.

Michael said, “I got a call from Aretha, and she wants to do some recording,” and asked my brother Mark if he was interested in doing it. Mark was like, “are you kidding me?” When I heard that too I thought, “Oh my god, working with Aretha Franklin!”

Biz X: How do you prepare to work with such a legend?

BP: The recordings were in the middle of the winter. Aretha said, “I don’t know if I want to come down to the studio to record. Can you guys bring the equipment to my house?”

We brought Pro Tools and microphones and everything to her house to record, and she loved it. She made us some food and we had a great time. She told us about signing her

record deal with Jerry Wexler (Atlantic Records executive). It was a great chemistry.

It all came together really well.

Biz X: What did you talk about with Aretha?

BP: We just started talking about people we knew in the industry. [Also] hearing the stories of her and her father and growing up in Detroit. She talked about Sam Cooke, who is my favourite singer of all time. You know you hear about these stories, but when you hear it right from Aretha, it’s just really different.

Biz X: When you worked with Aretha, did you know you were going to work on the Bryan Adams song, “Never Gonna Break My Faith?”

BP: It was one of the first things we did.

That was the song for the movie “Bobby.”

We heard the song [and] we loved it right away. Mary J. Blige sang on it and my brother Mark was great at getting all the vocals right and mixing it together.

Biz X: Did you have a good working relationship with Aretha?

BP: Yes. Aretha was tough on people she worked with. That’s because she knew what she was doing. People perceived her as tough, but if a man had said what she said, people would say “oh wow, he’s

freedom there. She would take it to another level. Jerry Wexler, her producer, just let her fly. He let her talent shine and got her involved with the musicians — everything.

She always inspires her group to take it to another level.

From left: Mark Pastoria, Burt Bacharach (Academy Award winning composer) arrive at Franklin’s home to record one of Bacharach’s tracks on the “So Damn Happy” album back in 2003. Photo courtesy of Earline Franklin (Aretha’s sister-in-law).

good.” Aretha said it and it was, “oh wow, she’s a bitch!” I would tell the musicians, “the reason she’s getting down on you is you’re not giving her what she wants, and she knows what she wants!” She’s a great musician [and] she’s a great singer. I think she saw we were music guys, not just producers or engineers.

Biz X: What did you learn from Aretha?

BP: She had the right people around that matched her character. I could see why she wasn’t part of Motown. At Motown, everything was very controlled — songs, recordings, and artists. It was great for the people they had there, but when you listen to Aretha’s music there was a lot more

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Biz X: What else did you work on with Aretha?

BP: We did the “So Damn Happy” album and then the Luther Vandross tribute album with Aretha singing “A House Is Not a Home.” We did that with Burt Bacharach (a famed Academy Award winning composer). That was just incredible.

From working backstage production to the radio airwaves Lori Baldassi has involved in the music industry on a number of professional levels for many years. Having spoken in front of the CRTC, Baldassi holds a certificate in Adjudication from York University Toronto and is a graduate of St. Clair College’s Media Convergence program. If you have any questions for her, please send an email to: editorial@bizxmagazine.com.

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LIFESTYLE MATTERS

Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season — Please Drive Sober

Every holiday season, far too many Canadians look around their holiday dinner table and there is an empty seat. A loved one is missing because impaired driving took them away.

While great strides have been made over the years to reduce impaired driving, it continues to be a deadly problem on Canada’s roads. Every year, hundreds of people are killed and tens of thousands are injured in crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs. These tragedies are entirely 100% preventable.

One of the ways MADD Windsor & Essex County is striving to prevent impaired driving is through its “Project Red Ribbon” holiday awareness campaign.

Every year, from November to January, MADD Canada Chapters and community leaders are out in force, handing out red ribbons and car decals, encouraging Canadians to plan ahead for a sober ride home.

Make safe and sober driving a priority this holiday season. If you are going to be drinking or consuming drugs, please plan ahead.

There are plenty of options available.

Driving impaired is never ever worth the risk.

The following tips for party-goers and party hosts can help prevent impaired driving this holiday season.

For Party-goers Whether you are going to an event or club, or just attending quiet celebrations with family and friends, always have a plan in place if you are going to be drinking . . . f Call a cab, use Uber or public transit. f Arrange for a designated driver. f Plan to spend the night.

For Party Hosts As party hosts, there are some simple precautions to ensure guests get home safely. f-Have lots of food and non-alcohol/low alcohol beverages available. f Serve drinks yourself so you can monitor how much your guests are drinking. f Don’t serve alcohol to anyone who is intoxicated. f Know how your guests are getting home and who is driving.

Graphic courtesy of MADD Canada.

By MADD Windsor & Essex County

fH a ve access to alternate t ranspor tation for your guests (get the Uber app, have numbers available for taxi companies.) f Be prepared to have intoxicated guests spend the night. f Stop serving alcohol long before you expect the party to break up. f Keep track of your own alcohol consumption. The more you drink, the more difficult it will be for you to supervise the event and intervene to avoid potential problems.

Show your support for safe and sober driving this holiday season.

Get your red ribbon today through your local chapter, MADD Windsor & Essex County (MADDchapters.ca/Windsor) or Community Leader, or through the MADD Canada website: MADD.ca.

This article is brought to you by the following community minded businesses and organizations who want everyone in Windsor Essex to have a safe and happy holiday season!

519-971-7595

www.welcomecentreshelter.com

WWW.BIZXMAGAZINE.COM 519-977-2199

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519-977-9407 ready-set-go.ca

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519-551-5228

from the bookshelf

Gifts For Book Lovers

By Marlene Markham-Gay

D

o you have a reader on your Christmas shopping list who loves local history?

“Dying For A Drink: How A Prohibition Preacher Got Away With Murder” by Patrick Brode is a great present to give to those who like to curl up with a book on those cold winter nights.

Brode was born in Windsor and called to the Ontario Bar in 1977 and has practiced law ever since. He has written four works on the history of law in Canada. The content of his latest book is about the death of Babe Trumble, a wellknown story about a murder that happened in Windsor during the prohibition era.

Trumble was a saloon keeper who was killed by a Methodist clergyman. This alone is shocking, but the way the media covered it, especially in Toronto, tells us what a mark it made on history.

Brode’s book describes the story of how the preacher got away with murder and is based on facts and not the many legends that the Prohibition Era is famous for.

Known as “The Fighting Parson,” Reverend J.O.L. Spracklin broke into a popular Windsor road house one cold November night in 1920. He shot and killed Beverly “Babe” Trumble, the barkeep. He never served time and was acquitted at his trial for employing self-defence.

Spracklin was a provincial liquor inspector known for his brash tactics. The media, especially in Toronto, portrayed Windsor-Detroit as being equal to the wild west, where preachers carried guns to keep the peace.

This novel asks: Why did Babe Trumble die? What led a hot-headed preacher to kill a man and get away with it?

Brode does not disappoint his readers when it comes to rum runners, fire and brimstone preachers, grandstanding lawyers and crooked politicians.

You can purchase this book in Windsor at the Biblioasis Book Store, 1520 Wyandotte Street East. As well, you can attend, on December 6, 2018, a book signing and reading by Brode by the Essex County Historical Society

at The Olde Towne Bake Shoppe, 3118 Sandwich Street. (Get the latest updates at: EssexCountyHistoricalSociety.com.)

Next up, on your gift list be sure to include a fun spiritual book written by local author JoAnne Callaway and illustrated by Debra Cloud. Their book, “Dogs Really Do Go To Heaven: A ‘Tail’ To Lift Your Heart” is an ideal present for everyone who has lost a beloved canine companion and is experiencing the grief that comes during this heart-breaking time.

In Calloway’s book, Pal the dog passes away and experiences heaven in all its wonders. Pal’s experiences are taken from the true encounters Kat Kerr shares in her book “Revealing Heaven.”

(RevealingHeaven.com) Calloway has been an avid animal lover and advocate for most of her life and is dedicated to sharing and promoting the message of hope of the truth of God’s love.

She wants everyone to know that because God loves us he brings our pets to heaven to be reunited with us and live forever in that glorious place.

This book is filled with inspiration and love as Pal reunites with her canine siblings and old friends.

Calloway has written a beautiful poem called “My Precious Dog,” which appears at the beginning of the book and will bring comfort and hope to many grieving pet owners that someday they will look into those soft shining eyes once again.

“Dogs Really Do Go To Heaven” is available online at: JoAnneCallaway.com.

In Windsor you can pick it up at the following bookstores: Storytellers, 1473 Ottawa Street; From the Heart, 1356 Ottawa Street; Biblioasis, 1520 Wyandotte Street East; and the Walkerville Artists’ Co-op, 1974 Wyandotte Street East.

Marlene Markham-Gay is the former host of CFTV’s “Storyteller.” She promotes local authors through the book corner at the Essex Railway Station, inviting them to display and sell books. Marlene is an avid reader and encourages her eight grandchildren to read.

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THE WAY IT WAS

Giving One Kind Of Gift, The Warmth Of Tradition

By Andrea Grimes

C

hristmas traditions during World War II took on special meaning as many families throughout Windsor and Essex County had a “loved one” serving overseas.

Without a doubt, many families dealt with painful separations as sons and daughters, husbands, brothers and fathers would not be home for Christmas . . . again that year!

With the onset of WWII, war production went into high gear with more goodpaying jobs and additional discretionary income. Unfortunately, there was little to buy as a result of rationing and commodity restrictions.

The bitter realities of war were numerous and understandably unmanageable.

Sacrifice resulted from wartime shortages and changes took place as time and distance separated families.

Nevertheless, the Christmas season gave hope that maybe next year the war would be over.

Families waiting at home wanted to make Christmas a festive celebration, especially for their children, however; wartime priorities greatly restricted the presents that children hoped to find under the tree.

Christmas luxuries were especially hard to come by and families were forced to find substitutes for key festive ingredients for their Christmas dinner.

In more ways than one, rationing made many Christmas dinners a triumph of ingenuity, perseverance and resourcefulness.

During the war years “Peace on

Earth” was not just a nice phrase found on Christmas cards, but more so the one wish that families shared on the home front.

Many of those Christmas traditions that we follow today, were established during World War II. Christmas decorations were fashioned from holly or evergreen branches tied with pieces of lace, salvaged from a hand-medown dress.

Pine cone wreaths glistened like diamonds when generously dusted with Epsom salts, and paper snowflakes were proudly displayed in windows of many homes throughout the neighbourhoods near and far!

Although those red felt stockings may have held a nickel, a tangerine, ribbon candy and walnuts (thereby continuing the tradition handed down from one generation to another), it wouldn’t be hard to imagine that there were youngsters who actually left a note for Santa asking for one simple gift, something they would treasure for years to come!

In realizing that life at home was very

different because of the war, did some youngsters consider twice before asking what they wanted for Christmas and just where to find it as they made their way downtown with their mums on a Saturday morning?

As usual, mums had their routes all planned out before they left the house.

After disembarking the S.W. & A. cross-town bus at the corner of Wyandotte and Ouellette Avenue, mums quite possibly headed first to Pond’s Drug Store.

Next stop was Lyttles Bakery and then over to Copeland’s Book Store, followed by lunch at the Geranium Tea Room.

Next, it was a stroll through the Metropolitan Department Store.

Without fail, mums made their way over to the Nut House for those coloured popcorn balls and then crossed Ouellette Avenue to Laura Secord for a bag of ribbon candy.

No trip downtown would ever be complete without mums stopping in at Smith’s Department Store “for just five minutes.”

Most of all, arriving at the final destination, S.S. Kresge, was a triumph! While walking up and down the aisles, how many youngsters strategically manoeuvred their mums to stop at just the right counter?

Christmastime heralds a celebration of reunions, both real and imagined; cherished memories of greater camaraderie, a sense of belonging, of shared universal feelings of community and fellowship, of renewal, forgiveness and hope.

Our nostalgia for those Christmases has shaped our own reflections of family traditions celebrated through the years!

When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things in life give off the greatest glow of happiness.

As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is.

Photo credit: Annie Spratt/Unsplash

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OF THE MONTH

By Dave Hall

T

wo years after a pair of Windsor advertising agencies merged their talents into Tango Creative Group, the agency has won nine awards in a design competition evaluated by Agency Spotter.

Business partners Jeff Robillard and Marcello Fontana were searching for ways to expand the reach and exposure of their agency when they came across Agency Spotter, which focuses on agency search, selection and agency management.

“We don’t really focus on awards,” says Robillard. “For us, if a client’s happy then we’re happy. If they come back to us, that’s the reward.”

He continues by emphasizing, “It’s the relationship that counts in our business, but recognition such as this is gratifying and we like the feeling of winning an award and being recognized for our ability to do great work.”

Agency Spotter evaluates more than 3,000 international design agencies by looking at data based on credentials, targets, expertise in design, client feedback and project work.

Agencies considered include those specializing in branding, communication design, innovation, industrial design, design strategy, motion video and packaging design.

Robillard previously worked for BBDO Canada, but when the company closed its Windsor office in 2010, he launched his own agency.

“After a few years, I was looking for some additional creative talent and started up a relationship with Spotvin Marketing,” says Robillard. “We eventually merged and became Tango.”

Fontana had been a partner in Spotvin since 2012 when it joined up with Robillard’s agency in 2016.

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It Takes An Award Winning Agency To Tango “Our involvement with Agency Spotter has raised our profile and shone a spotlight, not just on our agency, but on the region as a whole,” comments Fontana. “Windsor is not generally recognized for being a major player in advertising and marketing, but there are some great people doing great work down here and these awards help everyone.”

Fontana adds, “We’re always looking to hire locally and there are great programs at St. Clair College. Being an artist, I was looking to define my career outside the technical trades and I was able to do so, which is very rewarding.”

Fontana points out that Tango has been able to reach beyond regional boundaries and attract national and international clients in a very short period of time.

“Our brand is based on creativity,” Robillard explains.

“We try to establish a creative element in every campaign we launch with our clients or partners, as we like to call them.”

Robillard mentions that they see their relationship with their partners as a collaboration based on trust.

“We may not always be on the same page, initially, because it’s a very complicated dance, but by the end we are all dancing with the same rhythm,” he states.

And this approach has paid off for Tango, which has developed relationships with a diverse group of companies including: Frank Brewing Co., Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Volkswagen of America, Historica Canada, Royal Canadian Legion, Transportation Canada, Windsor Spitfires, Movati Athletic and Highline Mushrooms.

For more information on this agency, visit: WeAreTango.ca.

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Owners Marcello Fontana (left) and Jeff Robillard of Tango Creative Group may have landed the #1 spot with Agency Spotter, but the “big win” for them happens when their clients reach their marketing goals, inevitably growing their market and ultimately, their success. Photo courtesy of Tango.

The following are the awards won recently

by Tango Creative Group . . .

Hermes Creative Awards 2018 s Gold — Volkswagen of Canada: Paradise Found, Print Media/Advertising s Gold — Transportation Canada/City of Windsor: Cris Cross, Public Relations/ Communications s Platinum — Historic Canada: Halifax Explosion, Print Media/Design s Platinum — Legion Magazine: Blood in the Mud, Electronic Media/Social Media/ Interactive Media/Website Overall/99.

Informational Summit Awards — “International Advertising Creative Award” 2018 s Best in Show — Volkswagen of America: Paradise Found, Print Advertising B2B Campaign s Silver — FRANK Brewing Company: Packaging, Package Design “CREATIVITY International Awards s Silver — Legion Magazine: Blood in the Mud, Website DOTCOMM Awards s Gold — Tourism Windsor Essex: Where Can We Take You? Website — non-profit s Platinum — Legion Magazine: Blood in the Mud, Website — Informational

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Head table and chair supplied by “Modish Lounge Rentals”

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