Goulet is IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified for water, fire and smoke restoration. His hands-on construction involvement is a tremendous asset in assessing residential emergency remediation. He has worked side by side with the community to help them deal with their losses during disasters and has outstanding customer service recognition. Judge Goulet received the 2019 Paul Davis “Rookie of the Year” Award for Rookie Restoration Estimators and Restoration Supervisors who produce the most sales in the calendar year. He believes that out of the past 23 years of celebrating the Biz X Awards locally, this year the awards are more significant. “With all the challenges 2020 has thrown at business owners, this is probably the most important time to recognize all the business owners that have suffered and soldiered on through the pandemic shutdowns,” he expresses. Justin Barker is the General Manager of the Comfort Inn South Windsor and is back for his 14th year as a Biz X Awards Judge. As the Manager of the two-time Gold Award Comfort Inn South Windsor, he is keenly aware of what it takes to succeed in today’s business climate. Barker is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Windsor/ Essex Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association. Barker mentions that any of the categories pertaining to the food industry or exceptional shopping experiences interest him the most. “Many guests who stay at the hotel are looking for unique locations for meals and shopping,” he states. “Biz X is the premiere magazine in Windsor Essex where you can gain valuable knowledge on local business and companies, each issue, but even more so in the annual Awards Tribute.” Judge Barker believes the Biz X Awards highlight the leading local companies, organizations and entrepreneurs, which creates awareness among the general public in the communities in which they operate. She’s back! After a three-year hiatus Sabrina DeMarco returns to the Judging team for a third year. As Executive Director for the Small Business Centre at the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, Judge DeMarco and her team work directly with new and existing small business owners and entrepreneurs to support the growth of this important economic driver in the Windsor Essex region. “I’m excited to once again be a part of this important issue, which not only celebrates the hard work and dedication put forth by the business community as a whole, but also recognizes and celebrates the important contribution that local and independently owned business operators make to our neighbourhoods and quality of life,” DeMarco states. She also
At the final “Tribal Council” the Judges (our “jury”) vote for who they think deserves to win, from left: Jason Kerluck, Justin Fox, Chad Goulet, Justin Barker, Sabrina DeMarco and Jeremy Renaud. After reviewing the nomination forms, information submitted online by nominees, plus conducting their own research, the Judges met at the isolated location (food, fire and shelter on hand, LOL!) known as Average Joes, 1286 Lauzon Road, Windsor (see: AverageJoesWindsor.com). This “Judgment Night” took place in October in a private room where discussions occurred on who should be the “Sole Survivor” in each category (“tribe”) and the secret voting ballots were collected. Individual Judge photos digitally merged to one group shot by Rod Denis.
believes the Biz X Awards are important because it brings the community together to celebrate the business leaders who make our region a unique place to live, work and play. Jeremy Renaud is a new Judge on the panel, but no stranger to the awards process having earned the 2018 “The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year” Biz X Award for “Windsor ComiCon”. He has an affinity for all categories as he enjoys seeing community professionals — and their businesses — succeed by going above and beyond in their professions to benefit others, while strengthening the community as a whole. Renaud is currently a professor in Sport and Recreation Management at St. Clair College, as well as the newly appointed eSports Coordinator for Lancer Gaming at The University of Windsor. He also works for Easter Seals Ontario (Windsor-Essex chapter) as the Regional Development Officer while volunteering in the community through The Miracle League of Riverside Baseball at Farrow Riverside Miracle Park and The Rotary Club of Windsor-St. Clair. He is also the GM of Canada’s “Sport Card & Memorabilia Expo.” He looks forward to celebrating the local business professionals who have worked so hard to get through this pandemic, via this year’s Biz X Awards.
Décor “Queen Of The Jungle”
Step aside, “Sheena” there’s a new queen in this jungle! One who definitely brings our theme to life for the Biz X Awards year after year.
Special thanks go out to Diane Spencler, Owner of Designs by Diane, who created our jungle background and supplied props for the photos on pages 18 and 20, and our front cover. The cover and kickoff photos were taken on location at her venue, 5885 Huron Church Line in LaSalle, as was the background for the Judges “Tribal Council” shot. The Judges were individually photographed and digitally manipulated together, in order to maintain social distancing regulations, by Biz X photographer Rod Denis. If you have an upcoming event, celebration, or need décor rental, you can contact Spencler via: DesignsByDiane.org or at: WindsorMicroWeddings.com.
“The Tribe Has Spoken”
Deborah Jones, Publisher of Biz X magazine and her entire “tribe” wish to thank the Judges, sponsors, suppliers, and most importantly, our valued advertisers and readers for their support during the production of this edition in these challenging times. Everyone at Biz X is equally as proud of the 206 nominees we “welcome to the jungle” and have listed in our 23rd annual Awards edition. They’re not only “surviving and thriving,” but deserve major credit as only the very best were nominated. As the words at the top of this section suggest, it’s now time to “reveal the votes.” So prepare to read the successful “survival stories” of the businesses/organizations and people in Windsor, Essex and Pelee Island who have been selected as the 24 winners to earn a Biz X Award for 2020 . . .
Award Category banners:© Can Stock Photo/Pazhyna Sponsor Graphics: © Can Stock Photo/lenm Photo frames:© Can Stock Photo/dinictis Past Winner Ad background page:© Can Stock Photo/putut
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