Biz X magazine Nov/Dec 2022

Out of 244 amazing nominees, 24 winners are floating on a cloud after learning they are a 2022 Biz X Award recipient! Whereas all area businesses, organizations and working professionals have discovered over the past few years that every cloud has a silver lining, our award nominees always look on the bright side of life. We are now officially ready to reveal the overall winners, on a silver platter of course. Just open this issue to easily read the final results! PAGE 18

SILVER JUBILEE AWARDS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

Volume 25 • Issue 10

16 Food For Thought: South Windsor’s Penalty Box Restaurant

The first anniversary of a business is a big deal, perhaps even “delight-full ” you might say in this case! South Windsor’s Penalty Box, 525 Cabana Road East (designed-built by the Rosati Group) has been serving up the company’s famous Chicken Delight and plenty more yummy take-out choices, from its 2,600 square foot eatery for the past year . . . and their customers are loving every bite! (Photo courtesy of the Rosati Group). 52 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: Ciociaro Club Reaches Mega Milestone 54 Ask The Experts: Cleaning Up The Town With Mister Maid 55 XX Files: Ashley Weeres, Operations Manager For The Windsor Essex (W.E.) Care For Kids Foundation 56 Feature Story: The Road Ahead In Mobility 60 The Parenting Biz: Light Up Your Life

The holidays are best spent with the family, decorating the house, having friends and relatives over, shopping for the perfect gift and of course,

getting out to the festivities in the region. Across Windsor Essex it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with all the twinkling lights, parades, concerts, meet and greets with Santa, and more you can attend. One shining example is Winter Fest when downtown Windsor streets light up each night (2021 photo courtesy of Jason Toner/ Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island). So load up the family sleigh and jingle all the way to every event you can!

66 From The Bookshelf: The Second Book In The Popular Children’s Series, EDventures – Socks Means Walks

67 Health Matters: Is It The Flu Or COVID-19?

68 Portfolio Corner: Time Tested Investment Themes

Columnist Steve Mayo has written his column on stocks/bonds and investment advice for Biz X magazine since the very first issue premiered in February 1998 in volume 1. Now, many years later, he recounts his key investment themes and leaves you with a few of his favourite quotes in his final column. In the accompanying photo, Steve is shown with Biz X Publisher Deborah Jones at the 2019 Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce BEA Awards. (Photo by Rod Denis).

69 The Way It Was: Easter Seals Ontario Honours Centennial Anniversary In Its Birthplace, Windsor

70 Biz Of The Month: Happy 25th To Nana’s Bakery

ON THE COVER — On Cloud Nine— 18

A whole quarter of a century has gone by and the Biz X Awards are still going strong! For 2022 the theme: Always Look For The Silver Lining in Every Cloud represents the traditional 25th anniversary gift of silver and a catch phrase relating to the winners, nominees and the magazine itself, seeing the positive in every situation and doing whatever it takes to remain profitable. In fact, this whole edition is filled with success stories from award winners in the cover story to other articles profiling companies/organizations recognizing special anniversaries. It’s given us all a reason to celebrate and float on cloud nine!

PHOTO CREDITS MODEL: Katarina J., is an alumna of Biz X magazine’s cover photos. Instead of planting a flag on the moon as she did for the 2012 cover (left ; stars and space theme) she has traded in her astronaut suit for this glamorous sequin designed, silver dress that glimmers when she walks!

DRESS/TIARA SUPPLIER: This A-line gown (with a short liner that gives the bottom of the skirt a see-through effect allowing the fabric to have different dimensions) is from a private label that is exclusive to His & Hers Bridal, 828 Ottawa Street, Windsor (HisAndHersBridal.com). Tiara made by Bridal Classics. A special shout out goes to Nelly Semaan, Owner of His & Hers Bridal for her assistance. Congratulations, as well, on celebrating over 50 years in business!

MAKEUP: Angelica Belano, Owner of AMVB Makeup Artistry (Instagram.com/amvbmakeup_).

HAIR: Linda Arghash, Hair Stylist with 2 Percent Hair Studio, 7654 Tecumseh Road East, H8, (inside Tecumseh Mall), Windsor. (Instagram.com/2percenthairstudioinc)

PHOTOGRAPHER/ARTWORK: Rod Denis (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com)

Happy holidays from Benni and friends.

“Yahoo! It’s A Celebration!”

By Deborah Jones

With the publishing of this November/ December edition, we honour 25 years of Biz X Awards — and we want to celebrate with all of you!

We could not have reached this milestone without major support from our suppliers, advertisers, freelance contractors, friends and, of course, our loyal readers.

In addition, I personally want to thank my father Colin, my mother Kathy, my sister Della and my partner Jack Rosenberg who are our greatest assets. Without them, none of this would be possible.

As well, freelance writers Joe McParland, Andrea Grimes, David Clark, Rebecca Wright, Dave Halliday and Jim Murphy have been dedicated members of Team Biz X for many years. New writer Victoria Rose and photographer Sanja Tabor have also already proven to be amazing additions to our editorial department.

Designer Rae Marie celebrates 10 years with us in 2022 and always makes the pages of every edition look amazing.

Of course, I can’t forget our main photographer, since day one, Rod Denis I have to give him major credit for bringing my crazy photo ideas to life and this issue proves that once again!

I also want to acknowledge the staff at Annex Business Media, our printer, who make sure all the pages look great, and, the mail carriers of Canada Post who ensure each copy reaches its final destination in mailboxes of area businesses and organizations.

As well, Jack Eisenberg of Safe & Secure Computing keeps our computers, email and website running smoothly throughout the year. To say that he is an extremely important member of our team is an understatement!

However, this Silver Jubilee celebration is not just about us.

We stay true to our mandate to promote businesses and organizations in the region.

For most of 2022, in our Milestones column, we shared the spotlight with others operating for 25 years — Bloomin’ Gardener, International Art Designs, Daniel Hofgartner of Buckingham Realty, Sound Foundry Studio, Transition to Betterness (T2B) and Antoyan Jewellers. Now when you turn the page you will read a bit more about Biz X in the grand finale.

In fact, this entire issue celebrates other area businesses and organizations with big anniversaries, ranging from one to 50 years. Be sure to check out stories on: South Windsor’s Penalty Box Restaurant, the Ciociaro Club, Mister Maid, W.E. Care for Kids, and

Nana’s Bakery

As the lyrics in the song Celebration, by Kool & The Gang say: “There’s a party goin’ on right here, a celebration to last throughout the years!” And the party doesn’t stop!

Even the theme of our 25th annual awards cover story: Always Look For The Silver Lining In Every Cloud, recognizes 244 nominees who are hard working business owners, executive directors at non-profit organizations and professionals who overcome all obstacles in their path and come out on top. The future certainly looks bright for all of us!

Biz X Celebrates Big Anniversary As Area’s Only International Border City Publication

By Victoria Rose

In early 1998, Biz X magazine set out to provide accurate information about the businesses and people that shape the border cities.

Despite the Magazine Publisher (MagazinePublisher.com) statistic that 90% of new magazine ventures fail, in 2022, Biz X celebrates 25 years serving the region with its annual awards program in the November/December edition and will publish its 250th issue in January 2023.

According to Publisher Deborah Jones, fresh ideas and a passion for supporting small business are the biggest factors to their longevity.

“Doing things differently, caring about the companies and people who advertise with us, and our emphasis on local editorial content are our keys to success,” believes Jones.

After earning an Honours degree in Communication Studies from the University of Windsor, Jones was hired by a local business magazine as a freelance writer and was quickly promoted to Assistant Editor.

She moved on from that position to help launch a new business magazine called The Business Exchange (TBE).

After five years, the opportunity to start her own publication became an option and she purchased some of the fixed assets of TBE — and Biz X magazine was born!

Launching a magazine is just the first step. Staying in business is where the hard work comes in. Issues like the terrorist attacks of 9-11, border closures, the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in social media outlets/news websites, high gas prices, and recessions have affected the magazine’s ad revenues over the years.

“Every day something unexpected happens, but we press on,” comments Jones. “Since we are in the advertising industry, when the economy turns sour, business professionals tend to slash their ad budgets. We have survived this by profiling

businesses/organizations who then share our magazine online, which gets us more exposure, sponsoring events, and focusing on increasing the value our clients receive when they do buy ad space in the print issue.”

Though the magazine is owned by Jones she runs the business with major assistance from her parents Colin and Kathy Jones, sister Della and Deborah’s partner Jack Rosenberg (Please refer to Deborah’s column on page 5 of this issue for a list of all Biz X team members).

The magazine balances business news, lifestyle matters, parenting tips, entertainment, and more, to target business owners, their employees and those working for non-profit organizations. It is delivered 10 times a year to all businesses/organizations registered with Canada Post in Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island and can be found in display racks across Ontario.

Since 2006, certain issues are also distributed in metro Detroit tourist attractions, airports, train stations and hotels.

In addition, there is a digital edition on their website (and an elaborate Back Issues section) which is complemented by daily news stories, event photos, things to do and blogs.

As well, there’s also a sister online magazine run by Rosenberg — InPlayMagazine.com — Metro Detroit’s and Windsor’s only sports and leisure magazine.

But that’s not all!

Part of their commitment to help local businesses grow comes in the form of the popular Biz X Awards, an annual celebration to honour businesses, organizations, and events. Since inception, more than 775 awards have been given out to highlight the hard work, dedication, and talent found locally.

Biz X is also a strong community supporter, sponsoring many worthy causes in the area, including the Windsor Classic Chorale, 100 Women Who Care Windsor-Essex, and the Woofa~Roo Pet Festival

With 30 years of experience in the publishing industry and through her commitment to the success of others, Jones has received a lengthy list of awards, including the 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Windsor & District Regional Chamber of Commerce

“I am very proud of this, not only for myself, my family and for our freelance team, but also for all female entrepreneurs, because I am the first and only woman, locally, to receive this honour, to date,” Jones expresses.

What’s next?

Jones and her team are focused on growing advertising revenues back to pre-pandemic levels in order to produce more pages per issue and therefore highlight even more businesses and organizations.

“I want everyone to know about all the great things we have in this region — the magazine helps me do that and it also attracts new tourists to our area, which means more people visiting and spending their dollars at local businesses,” states Jones.

You can check out the latest issue and find out about advertising opportunities on: BizXMagazine.com.

Since April 2022 this column has featured area companies and organizations recognizing 25 years of operation in 2022 including The Bloomin’ Gardener, International Art Designs, Daniel Hofgartner of Buckingham Realty, Sound Foundry Studio, Transition to Betterness (T2B) and Antoyan Jewellers. Now we celebrate Biz X magazine in this Silver Jubilee edition.

© Can Stock Photo/Ganko

The publishing family of Biz X: Colin, Deborah, Della and Kathy Jones are pictured at the 2003 Biz X Awards Ceremony at The Capitol Theatre.

Ta-da! Windsor’s New City Council Has Been Decided

Smell these roses . . . 23 years of status quo (until the 2026 election) and “holding the line”!

Eddie Francis was first elected Mayor in 2003 with 53.45% voter turnout, and was re-elected in 2006 (with 77.56% of the vote) and 2010 (56.17% of the vote).

Drew Dilkens won mayoralty in 2014 (55.36% of the vote), and again in 2018 (59.40% of the vote), before securing his 2022 bid (52.51% of the vote).

Chris Holt took 38.70% of the vote for his first run against an opponent seeking a second mayoral re-election in a city that almost never turfs out incumbents. He performed commendably, saying upon defeat he doesn’t regret any of his campaign and nor should he; his run changed the election’s tone, forcing necessary progressive debates.

“I have never been more optimistic,” stated Dilkens during his victory speech, but that same optimism wasn’t felt by Windsor’s voters.

This election saw Windsor’s second lowest historical turnout (31.57%), just higher than 1997 (30.96%) — but with no serious mayoral opposition — and lower than 2018 (35%) and 2014 (37%).

Across Ontario, Windsor’s low voter turnout was only eclipsed in Hamilton (35.4%) and Ottawa (44%), and even

worse, only 36% of eligible voters cast ballots, compared to 2018 (38%) according to the Association of Municipalities (Elections2022.amo.on.ca).

The 2022 Ontario election also set a record low (43.53%), breaking 2011’s turnout (48.2%). That’s bleak.

Things look worse through a lens of diversity.

With only one woman elected, much is left to be desired, especially considering that on council, there’s now a two-toone ratio of men to women with the same surname (incumbent Kieran McKenzie and newcomer Mark McKenzie)!

After almost three years of COVID and three elections since its emergence, we’re all exhausted, but while we get the governments we elect, what does it say when barely a third vote?

On TVO Today’s website: TVO.org, regarding why some people don’t vote, Seher Shafiq, Active Citizenship Manager of North York Community House said there’s a “Strong correlation between people’s basic needs being met and their capacity and willingness to engage in civic and political things.”

Locally, according to the latest federal census data, more than one in five children and youth in Windsor (20%) are being raised

in low-income households, and when faced with such situations, it’s not hard to imagine priorities and apathy taking hold of parents.

Our low voter turnout is a democratic deficit that cannot stand, but the question is — just how long will it take for a meaningful fix? “We can’t wait!” The status quo isn’t sustainable, and this is critical

Jon Liedtke is a fill-in on-air host for AM800 CKLW, Co-host and Producer of Rose City Politics, a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists and SAG-AFTRA, and plays trumpet in Windsor’s The Nefidovs.

As of November 15, 2022, Windsorites have a new city council for a four year term. So what does this all mean for residents? For this edition, two panelists at Rose City Politics give their take on the final results of the 2022 municipal election.

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

Jon Liedtke

On Election Night (October 24, 2022), record-low voter turnout and widespread apathy enabled the remnants of a tired political movement to limp over the finish line to victory.

Mayor Dilkens — and many incumbents who most closely align with him — saw a decline in their share of the vote.

Ed Sleiman slipped below 50% of the vote. Incumbent Councillor Jeween Gill was shown the door by the electors of Ward 7. Jim Morrison managed to grow his share of the vote slightly, but a returning incumbent securing less than a third of the vote in his ward is a limited mandate indeed.

I expect the Mayor and Council will govern the city as though they’ve received a resounding mandate, but the election results can be better explained by inertia and a disengaged electorate.

The question that Mayor Dilkens and his allies on Council should consider — going into what seems likely to be the final term for many of them — is whether the policy and communication choices that contributed to this result are healthy for our community.

In the run-up to this election the expectation

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among many was that Mayor Dilkens would ride a wave of good economic news to a thumping victory. The reality is that his vote share significantly declined in the face of an energetic challenge from former City Councillor Chris Holt.

Certainly, declining turnout in municipal elections is a trend across the province, and in my view it is primarily driven by a precipitous decline in the size of newsrooms, leading to less in-depth coverage of candidates.

This may be true, but it does not mean that the municipality doesn’t have tools it can use to change the direction of this trend. Historically, low voter turnout seriously threatens the legitimacy of city government and should not be ignored.

In the wake of these results, Council should evaluate the ways the City of Windsor communicates with residents and consider what steps can be taken to reconnect residents with municipal government. In recent years, efforts at consultation have been half-hearted and driven by political considerations.

When you show people repeatedly that you don’t care to hear what they have to say, you shouldn’t be surprised if they disengage.

Doug Sartori

There is a moral imperative for democratically elected officials to secure a mandate from voters, and the new Council should take it seriously.

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

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

If

topic, please post it under the Rose City Politics column in the CITY section of BizXmagazine.com.

YNCU Celebrates New Windsor Branch Grand Opening

Pictured at the neighbourhood party in late September to mark the occasion of the new YNCU location opening on Division Road, from left are: Maureen Wall, Assistant Manager, Estates Administration; Charline Katabazi, Senior Member Service Representative; Jennifer Kern, Director, Sales & Coaching; Colton Boros, Manager, Member Services; Joe Matos, Financial Relationship Manager, Credential Asset Management Inc.; Gord Harrison, Chief Executive Officer; Jack Bartlett, Assistant Manager, Member Services; Mike Turner, Board of Directors; Brady White, Assistant Manager, Member Services; Shannon Blythe, Member Service Representative; and Olivia Wilson, Assistant Manager. Photo courtesy of YNCU.

YNCU (Your Neighbourhood Credit Union) recently celebrated moving into a new branch in Windsor — along with marking its 75th anniversary — with community members joining in the celebrations with a family-friendly neighbourhood party.

Moving to the new Windsor branch, located at 650 Division Road, Unit 403, means YNCU can better serve its members.

Location upgrades include cash and teller services, which weren’t available at the previous branch.

“We’re so excited for Windsor to experience this new branch,” states Archie Bonifacio, Chief Member Experience Officer at YNCU. “We put a lot of thought and care into the design, and we know our members will enjoy an enhanced experience when they walk through our doors.”

Although they have moved into a new location, YNCU continues to honour its long history within the local community with a feature photo collage at the new branch.

“We’ve been here for 75 years and we know we’ll be here long into the future,” Bonifacio expresses.

As part of YNCU’s commitment to giving back to their community, the credit union partnered with Windsor Lifeline Outreach (WLO) to open the new branch.

YNCU matched all non-perishable food and clothing donations leading up to the grand opening event and presented a $1,000 cheque to WLO.

“Support from a community-minded organization like YNCU simply helps us put food and clothing into the hands of Windsor residents who are going through a challenging

season of life,” says Jeremiah Bettany, WLO Executive Director. “Relationships are what make a community strong. We can make Windsor an even better place to live and grow if we all work together.” (More info on: WLO-online.com)

With 17 YNCU branches and a network of surcharge-free ATMs, Ontarians can access financial services close to home, across southwestern and northern Ontario.

At $2 billion+ in assets under administration and 53,000 members strong (and growing!), YNCU is one of the largest credit unions in Ontario.

Together with its members, employees and community partners, YNCU is helping to make life better in the places Ontarians live, work, learn and play!

Learn more on: YNCU.com.

tech

Cloud Computing: Do I Lose My Data If It Rains?

By Hassan Farhat

Cloud computing is the practice of providing cloud services on demand as IT resources and infrastructure.

It has grown over the past 15 or so years to account for more than 35% of annual computer services spending, worldwide.

Cloud computing systems — whether hosted on a private cloud, public cloud or hybrid cloud — have changed the way we think about our IT resource infrastructures.

Here’s a definition: “Cloud computing is the practice of delivering IT services remotely, hosting them in one or more external data centres, rather than through on-premises dedicated servers.”

One of the main advantages of cloud computing is flexibility.

Rather than purchasing and deploying the hardware resources required inhouse, these resources can be accessed

remotely via a cloud provider, on a pay-asyou-go basis.

Employees can work from anywhere, and all they need is an Internet connection and the proper access authorization to access the files and data that are stored, shared and organized on a cloud-based network.

Cloud services are usually on a pay-asyou- go basis, and they can be adapted to suit your business needs.

Organizations can drop or add resources such as processing power, memory and cloud storage, as needed.

Cloud computing is also scalable and deploying new resources can be done very quickly with just a few clicks.

This scalability enables businesses and organizations to expand their IT infrastructure and resources to align IT with their business goals.

Cost control must be considered as well when planning for the proper cloud that will power your IT infrastructure. You only pay for what you use, when you need it.

Data location is an important factor to consider as there are a few compliance issues to consider.

Different industries have different requirements in terms of where the data should be stored and how it should be accessed (refer to Canada Cloud Act) for your industry.

Moving to the cloud entails a few different approaches.

There are a few different types of cloud computing — Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

Security and data backup must be included in the migration to the cloud plan because it is the data owner’s responsibility to provide the proper protection and backup solution, to protect their data.

Tech Bytes is powered by WEtech Alliance (WEtech-Alliance.com). The columnist for this edition, Hassan Farhat, is an I.T. Business Analyst at AlphaKOR Group, an instructor at St. Clair College in the Mobile App Development program, and has over 25 years of experience in I.T. Learn more at: AlphaKOR.com.

THE RUNDOWN

The Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market has extended its season until December 10, 2022 in an effort to accommodate the average 2,500 visitors attending week after week. The market is open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday. Get the scoop on market vendors and where to park, at: DWFM.ca.

In October Bob Pedler Real Estate Inc. welcomed with “open arms” Arms Bumanlag, REALTOR to its brokerage. He has partnered up with multimillion dollar producer and 38 year industry veteran Ron Deneau in the Amherstburg location, servicing all of Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent. Bumanlag has been working as marketing lead and an executive assistant for Deneau since May of 2022. “I have devoted most of my life to service through compassion and authenticity in my profession and in my community, as an broadcaster and community advocate, and to affiliate with the Bob Pedler Real Estate brand and partnering with Ron Deneau, who is known for excellence in the industry, aligns perfectly with my personal and professional goals — staying connected to the YQG area and providing relatable, personable and amazing

service,” says Bumanlag. Deneau adds: “Arms is a welcome addition to my business and I can’t wait to see where this goes as I continue to work with him and grow.” To learn more about the brokerage go to: PedlerRealEstate.ca.

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and the BBB Serving Western Ontario have announced a new partnership with a unified goal of creating a stronger, cohesive, and ethical business community. The two unique, yet complementary, organizations are now offering substantial cost savings to their potential and current members. The partnership allows for BBB Accredited businesses in the Windsor Essex area,, who are not currently members of the chamber, to join the CONNECTOR Tier with a 50% discount, and conversely, allow for all chamber members to apply for BBB Accreditation and, once approved, receive a 50% discount applied to their scaled dues. The offer is also available to existing members of either group, and applied to new applications.

Osmosis Glow, a custom neon sign business, founded and operated by Chayron

Rennie, began back in March 2021. “I noticed that within Windsor, there seemed to be a lack of custom neon signage and so I undertook the task to bring this service to the region,” indicates Rennie. “My mission is to be a part of every significant life occurrence, directly or indirectly, through the process of osmosis.” Signs were originally created out of Rennie’s bedroom (after all a pandemic was going on!) until September 2021when a move into a shop at 315 Pelissier Street, above the Capitol Theatre in Windsor was made. “Since soft launching I have created 200+ signs, at an affordable price, working with customers of all walks of life and signs for many different occasions (weddings, baby showers, gifts) including well known local businesses and organizations (DWBIA, The Bull & Barrel, Wild Child, Mister Style, WIFF and more),” Rennie states. And, as of September 2022, there’s more good news with the addition of a new website — OsmosisGlow.com — where neon sign lovers can create their own signs online and pick up directly at the shop three weeks after ordering. Congrats Chayron!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THIS ISSUE FEATURES…

South Windsor’s Penalty Box Restaurant

525 Cabana Road East, Windsor

By David Clark Photos courtesy of Jesse Peyton

Withproof of concept secured from Windsor’s Penalty Box Restaurant (2151 Walker Road), a newly minted satellite operation — the South Windsor’s Penalty Box Restaurant — recently celebrated its one year anniversary (September 21, 2021) with many more accolades to follow.

Although the South Windsor location is a stand-alone operation, it has a licensing agreement with Van Niforos of the Walker Road site who is working hand-in-hand with South Windsor’s Penalty Box operation, the first franchise.

Being instrumental in bringing the South

Windsor Restaurant to fruition, Van and Nick Niforos (Owners, Walker Road), Rose Sablone (Kitchen Manager, Walker Road), Lisa Prier (Front of House Manager at South Windsor and a Server at Walker Road) are some of the key members who have contributed to the success of the new eatery over the last year.

Having known each other for six years, the two sole owners of South Windsor’s location are Travis Bondy and partner, Marco Magliaro. The two entrepreneurs trained at the Walker Road restaurant for seven months prior to opening their own location.

It was there the partners learned all front and back of house positions and trained most of their staff so they could hit the ground running on day one.

According to Bondy: “The only unique difference between our location and Walker Road is that South Windsor is more geared towards take-out. Whereas we allow tables for dine-in, there is no waitress service as on Walker Road. That is where any differences end. We pride ourselves on the consistency of the food between both locations.”

The new Cabana Road location was built by the Rosati Group to the partner’s specifications. For the kitchen and interior work, Williams Food Equipment helped every step of the way.

So let’s now check out their menu!

For starters you have the tasty and filling Greek Poutine that includes delicious fries topped with feta cheese and homemade house dressing.

The Chicken Caesar Salad is a healthy choice with the chicken strips covering a bed of veggies and dressing. Pitas are also included.

Travis Bondy (left) and Marco Magliaro are the proud owners of South Windsor’s Penalty Box Restaurant that recently celebrated one year in business. It’s all due to the support they have received from their staff, customers and suppliers.

© Can Stock

Photo/Kurhan

For a healthy kick, the Greek and Caesar salads are the top choices. Also look into the heavier portion of the Caesar, especially the Chicken Caesar, if you crave more.

A popular burger down at the South Windsor location, with a patriotic touch, is the Canadian Burger stacked with peameal bacon, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato and of course, the homemade burger sauce.

A favourite pita is the Delight-full Souvlaki, topped with tender marinated extra lean pork with all the veggies and the house Tzatziki sauce, and wrapped in a grilled pita.

“The standout leader of the pack that keeps them coming through the door is the tasty Chicken Delight,” Bondy points out. “It is a tender, marinated chicken breast cut into strips, topped with lettuce, onion, tomato and a special secret Delight sauce, wrapped in a grilled pita. For those who have tried the Delight, it has become a local staple for those who seek satisfying and filling meals.”

The hands down winning meal at South Windsor’s Penalty Box is the Chicken Delight, topped with a special secret sauce, wrapped in a grilled pita and accompanied by crispy fries.

For the kids, eight years of age and under, you have the Chicken Fingers and Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Both are served with fries.

The majority of the food products, particularly the produce, are sourced locally.

The South Windsor location has many catering options too. Interested parties can give them a call and they always do their best to accommodate the customer’s requests on outbound service. Although there are only 29 seats at the restaurant, they are prepared and able to cater for up to 200 with customizable menus available for each onsite special event.

“We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality,” says Bondy. “We are dedicated and are happy to create quality food to serve the community and our families. This is our top priority. Our customers appreciate our work as we maintain the highest of standards and product consistency on what we serve.”

To view the hours of operation and the menu, refer to their website page: PenaltyBoxWindsor.com/cabana-menu-new or: Facebook.com/PenaltyBoxCabana.

Always Look For The Silver Lining In Every Cloud

WilliamWordsworth’s poem, Daffodils, written in 1804, has the first line, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”. Joni Mitchell’s classic song, Both Sides Now, has the words: “So many things I would have done, but clouds got in the way.” The computer animated comedy film is titled, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Those puffy white cotton balls in the sky have found their way into poems, songs, movies and more, throughout the ages.

Clouds are not just a term in meteorology. Think of cloud computing (data storage), a Cloudbook (laptop) and the dream of becoming an entrepreneur as symbolized by a cloud’s dream like qualities.

Clouds vary in size, shape and colour, as do those running local businesses and organizations who are made up of different ages, genders and backgrounds, selling a variety of goods or services.

Yet in business, just like life, there are always clouds on the horizon.

For all these reasons noted above, the theme: Always Look For The Silver Lining In Every Cloud, was chosen for the 25th Biz X Awards Edition. We all must see the positive in every situation no matter what!

As for silver in the theme, according to the Collins dictionary, Silver Jubilee is the 25th anniversary of an important event, such as a person becoming king or queen, or an organization being started . . . and Biz X is proudly celebrating this important milestone of its awards program.

Silver symbolizes brilliance, radiance and a long lasting relationship. These sparkling qualities also describe the Biz X Award nominees who deserve the royal treatment!

Though our theme changes each year,

our mission always remains the same . . . to honour the outstanding entrepreneurs and leaders in Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island. In the opinion of the loyal readers of Biz X, these exceptional nominees for 2022 leave their competitors behind in a cloud of dust!

Which local businesses, organizations, events and professionals will be chosen to receive the “pillars of success” — Biz X Award — this year?

In our 25th annual Awards Tribute, 244 nominees competed in 24 categories. This year, the online voting poll ran from September 19 until September 26 with over 30,000 votes coming in.

Our award history goes back to 1998, and with the publishing of this issue, over 775 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, event and individual listed throughout this entire cover story.

However, like all award programs, there can be only one winner of each category in the end.

All of these lucky recipients attend an exclusive Awards Gala on November 19, 2022 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, entertainment with Joshua & Kristina and a photo booth sponsored by KindRides.ca

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 (see accompanying graphic), to display in their workplace, plus promotion in the November/December print and digital editions of Biz X

As well, their acceptance speeches are shown on YourTV (Channel HD 700) in January 2023 on the Plugged In show. Video footage, along with live social media updates, is also recorded by the Windsor Centre for Film, Digital Media & the Creative Arts in partnership with MANAN Media

Five main Award sponsors include: Motor City Community Credit Union; Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre; St. Clair College Alumni Association; iNeedWebDesign.ca and Williams Food Equipment

Let’s now fill you in on how a business, organization, individual or event became a nominee or the overall winner of their category, by recapping the official rules for the Biz X Awards.

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

After the nomination period ended,

For the 2022 Biz X Award nominees and winners, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the level of success they can achieve. As well for the magazine itself, there’s nothing but blue skies ahead as we continue to support local and celebrate 25 years recognizing the best local businesses, organizations, events and professionals.

Flying plane photo: © Can Stock Photo/Violin with graphic work by Rod Denis.

Rebecca Wright & Jim Murphy

nominees were made public on the Biz X website, when a voting poll in each category commenced in mid-September for one week. People could only vote once per category, per IP address, (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, with no one knowing who voted for who or how many votes a particular nominee had. Getting the highest number of 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/organizations must be located in Windsor, Essex County or Pelee Island, which includes LaSalle, Lakeshore, Tecumseh, Amherstburg, Kingsville, Leamington, and Essex Centre. For categories in the PEOPLE section, nominees must be 19 years of age or over and reside in Windsor, Essex County or Pelee Island.

Only one nomination per business or organization or individual is permitted. There are no multiple nominations in different categories permitted. We reserve the right to choose the best category for each nominee when a nomination comes in.

National chains/franchises and non-profit organizations are not eligible in most categories. Our mandate is to reward startup businesses in our region and not national companies. However, exceptions are made in the PEOPLE categories 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 section (categories #8 to #13) is being judged on the individual and not the company itself, they can be included. An exception for category #24 in the HOSPITALITY & ENTERTAINMENT categories is also allowed, as many national organizations have local chapters hosting events.

No media outlets can participate in any of the categories.

Nominees are given an opportunity to submit information online, answering specific questions set out by Biz X magazine, upon notification that they were nominated. Information from the nomination forms and online submissions, along with the voting poll results, is then reviewed by each Judge on his/her own time. All nominees are required to submit information online 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 should they be determined as the winner.

Judges also research each nominee at their own discretion. The Judges meet after the online voting poll closes and all nominee information is received, they discuss their findings with each other 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 the 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. There is an exception to this rule if a Judge has hired or worked with many nominees in the category. In this case, we consider him/her an expert in this industry with valuable input to offer and they are permitted to vote. As well, in large categories, such as #8 Powerhouse Professional — where certain Judges know multiple nominees and all Judges would have had to declare a bias as each knows at least one nominee — they are allowed to participate or there would be no voting Judges! Please note that any biases declared by Judges, are mentioned at the end of the award write-up, if necessary.

Businesses do not have to be an advertiser with the magazine to be nominated or 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, nominees may be contacted to purchase ads by Biz X Sales Associates to thank those who nominated and voted for them in the November/December Awards Issue. The Judges are unaware which companies advertise in this edition (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 during the printing process of the magazine and no-one seeing the winner badge in their ad until the annual Biz X Awards Edition is released to the public in mid-November.

ABOVE THE CLOUDS . . . THE BIZ X AWARD JUDGES

BROUGHT TO YOU BY MCCCU.com

YEAR 25: ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING IN EVERY CLOUD

As shown in the photo on the next page, the Biz X Award Judges, from left are . . .

Justin Barker is back for his 16th year as a Biz X Award Judge. As the Manager of the Comfort Inn South Windsor, he is keenly aware of what it takes to succeed in today’s business climate as his hotel has been presented Gold Awards for Guest Satisfaction by Choice Hotels Canada four consecutive times. Barker is a member of the Board of Directors for the Windsor/Essex Ontario Restaurant Hotel Motel Association and the newly formed Tourism Advisory Committee with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. He is also a part-time instructor at St. Clair College within the hospitality program. Barker believes that as an ambassador to guests arriving from out of town, it is important for him to be aware of the small businesses that make our communities special. To experience new restaurants, shops, and services or to be able to talk about an exceptional business to family and friends without hesitance is extremely important, he adds. “This year, not only did we look at excellence in business, but how businesses and organizations have not only survived the last two years, but how they have evolved and enhanced their business to show resilience and future growth potential,” states Barker.

Jeremy Renaud is a third-time Judge on the panel and is very familiar with the awards process, having worked for Windsor ComiCon, which earned The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year Biz X Award in 2018. He is currently a corporate relationship manager for United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, a professor in Sport and Recreation Management at St. Clair College, as well as the eSports Coordinator for Lancer Gaming at the University of Windsor. More recently, he led Team Canada to the World Dodgeball Federation Championships as Dodgeball Canada’s General Manager/National Team Manager where six squads raked in two gold and one bronze, plus a trio of 4th, 6th, and 7th place finishes. Renaud was also a Ward 6 candidate in the 2022 City of Windsor municipal election. “I’m thrilled to be part of the panel that reviews a brilliant core of nominees and

local businesses and organizations,” he expresses. “It’s truly a wonderful process and though I don’t have one category I prefer over the other, I feel the Biz X Awards provide a competitive platform that challenges all businesses to excel in customer satisfaction!”

Eight-time Judge Jason Kerluck is the Area Manager/Leadership Coach for Soul Foods Group in Windsor Essex and manages the nine KFC and Taco Bell locations owned by them. He also writes extensively about business and leadership in his spare time. “Being a Biz X Award Judge again this year gives me a chance to recognize those who have taken their dream and made it not just real, but something that provides themselves and their team a living,” says Kerluck. “When I visit these businesses later on and see their awards proudly displayed, I know we have helped acknowledge that courage in some small way.” Year after year, the Powerhouse Professional remains his favourite category. “Anyone can own a business, but few make that business a part of the community,” he describes. Kerluck feels the Biz X Awards are special because they honour small businesses and they provide an opportunity for the community to recognize each other for doing something special. “It’s not about who’s biggest, or the most popular,” he believes. “These

awards are honest and free of bias, and even the newest upstart has a real chance to win!”

Mark Lefebvre is a five-time Biz X Award Judge and happy to rejoin the panel. Lefebvre is performing artist who has been professionally entertaining for more than 30 years as an actor, singer, dancer, therapeutic clown doctor, mall Santa and champion of local arts and culture. As co-founder of Stilt Guys, which is the 2012 Biz X Award recipient for There’s No Business Like This Show Business, he continues to delight crowds at festivals and events. “Our region is blessed with a rich assortment of artists and this year’s nominees for the Biz X Award for Artist of the Year cover a wide range of disciplines and styles,” he indicates, adding the judges had their work cut out for them in selecting only one winner from so many deserving creators and performers. “As an industry, culture was the first to shut down during COVID-19 and the last to get back up and running, so all of our local artists deserve much needed support in the future.”

Fifth-time Judge Chad Goulet is a Project Manager at Paul Davis. For over a decade he owned his own cleaning and restoration business and decided it was time to share his knowledge and experience on a bigger scale a few years ago. 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 mitigation and he has a vast knowledge of performing various type of structural repairs. He has worked side-by-side with the community to help them deal with their losses during disasters and 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. For him it is hard to “have just one favourite award category,” but those on the top of his list include the Powerhouse Professional, Outstanding New Business and any categories related to the home and construction industry. “The Biz X Awards are important because they recognize the hard work and dedication of our local businesses, the owners and their staff,” Goulet comments.

Miranda Underwood is joining the Biz X Judging panel for her first year as an eager rookie representing young professionals. Underwood works in St. Clair College’s Advancement Office supporting everything from the Foundation’s scholarship program to the Alumni Association’s growing network. Her experience with our YQG community extends beyond the college campuses; she is on the board of directors for Windsor’s

Adventure is in the air for the Biz X Award Judges — from left: Justin Barker (consulting past Judge Sabrina DeMarco on the phone), Jeremy Renaud, Jason Kerluck (hanging on for dear life!), Mark Lefebvre, Chad Goulet and Miranda Underwood. After reviewing the nomination forms, information submitted online by nominees and voting poll results, along with conducting their own research, our experienced Judges gathered together to discuss the nominees and for an extravagant dinner at the Harbour House Waterfront Eatery, 9550 Riverside Drive East in Windsor. The feast consisted of an appetizer plate with arancini balls, tuna satay, mini beef sliders, vegetarian spring rolls and beef satay followed by seafood boards to share, with perch, coconut shrimp, scallops and halibut bites. Next came a harvest salad and a bowl of lobster bisque. Each Judge then had their choice of blackened salmon, ahi tuna or chicken scallopini. A salted caramel chocolate tart or slice of New York style cheesecake was the perfect ending to an incredible meal. Lively debates and conversations took place about which nominees would come off with flying colours and be the final winner in each category before each Judge voted for his/her choice by secret ballot. And as the results will prove, nothing clouds their judgment!

PHOTO CREDITS: Individual Judge photos digitally merged into the background shot by Rod Denis. Plane shot: © Can Stock Photo/leolintang

Young Professionals, lends her help annually to Ontario’s largest Polar Plunge and has been the face behind the social media at community events including Build A Dream, FIRST Robotics and more. Underwood’s work with the college’s alumni network has given her a glimpse of the remarkable talent within our community, from recent graduates to industry titans. She says Windsor Essex has consistently produced talented entrepreneurs who have attained international reach while planting their roots locally. “I think the number of nominations in every category speaks volumes about our community,” Underwood states. “It shows how quick we are to celebrate one another’s successes and demonstrates the many talented businesses, organizations and individuals living in Windsor Essex and Pelee Island.” As a Judge, Underwood particularly enjoyed learning more about the nominees for The Best Little Retail Shop, and Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot. “Whereas the past few years have affected every industry, these businesses required another level of resilience to survive and come out stronger,” she notes. “I am deeply impressed by their innovation and response to customers’ needs and desires in a post-pandemic era.”

It’s A Tie What Happens?

Since there were so many worthy nominees in all 24 categories, in two instances a tie occurred. Of course, the Judges were unaware of this situation during the meeting. At a later date we contacted past Biz X Award Judge — Sabrina DeMarco,

Executive Director of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre — for her expert opinion.

Operating as a division of Invest WindsorEssex , DeMarco and her team champion the small business sector and deliver services and programs to help support emerging entrepreneurs and existing small business owners in Windsor Essex to help them achieve success.

With DeMarco as the official tie breaker, the winners were decided!

Master Of Ceremonies For The Biz X Awards Gala, November 19, 2022

At St. Clair College Centre For The Arts

Returning for his fifth year as the Emcee of our gala is the silver-tongued Joe McParland, our own Biz X magazine Cup of Joe columnist.

McParland is a lifelong Windsorite who retired in 2015 from a 26 year career with Canada Border Services Agency. For the past seven years he has been a mainstay in the Rum Runners Tour, playing the role of the Fighting Parson.

As a licenced Ontario marriage officiant, McParland has married 1,500 plus couples and celebrated numerous silver and golden anniversaries throughout Windsor Essex and beyond.

In 2016 he also retired from 15 years volunteering with YourTV (Cogeco) as the host of Council Warm Up and Council Wrap for both Windsor and Essex County Council meetings.

Nowadays, his neighbours can hear him singing, By the Light of the Silvery Moon, each night in his home.

Always a positive force in the community, McParland is a glass half full type of guy, unless it’s his favourite Bacardi Silver Rum, in which case the glass is definitely half empty!

A Break In The Clouds

Deborah Jones, Publisher of Biz X magazine and her entire team wish to thank the Judges, our Emcee, celebrity presenters, sponsors, suppliers, and most importantly, our valued advertisers and readers for their support the past 25 years.

The entire team at Biz X is very proud of our amazing 244 nominees listed throughout our 25th annual Awards edition. Every one of them is a winner in our eyes!

To see the impressive list of nominees and learn the final outcome, just turn the page as we shine the spotlight on the 24 local winners who now earn their place in the sun as 2022 Biz X Award recipients.

Award Category Banners: © Can Stock Photo/alexwhite; Sponsor Graphics: © Can Stock Photo/johannesk; Past Winner Ad Background/Photo; Frames: © Can Stock Photo/surachetkhamsuk

1. Outstanding New Business Of 2022

(Businesses that opened from September 1, 2021 to September 1, 2022.) *No restaurants, food trucks or bars could be included as they can participate in the Hospitality & Entertainment Categories.

The nominees are . . .

Beacon Physiotherapy (May 2022), 1614 Lesperance Rd., Unit D3, Tecumseh

Burning Giraffe Tattoos And Piercings (December 2021), 224 Talbot St. West, Leamington

Crushing Limits Education Company (April 2022), CrushingLimits.ca, Amherstburg

Louis’ Slab Sauce (May 2022), Facebook.com/louis.slabsauce, Windsor

Lymphology Skincare (October 2021), LymphologySkincare.com, Amherstburg

Melo LLP (September 2021), 225 Erie St. South, Unit 2, Leamington

Persephone’s Picks (September 2021), 5345 Outer Drive, Unit 1, Windsor

Revive Beauty Dental & Medical Spa (November 2021), 1685 Windsor Ave., Windsor Spectre Financial (March 2022), 3290 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 103, Windsor

That Cheese Place (April 2022), 580A Middle Side Rd., Suite 2, Amherstburg

The Little White Church (April 2022), 7860 County Rd. 20 East, Amherstburg

The Wedding Belles (January 2022), Facebook.com/profile.php? id=100077848983337, Tecumseh

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Lymphology Skincare

After losing two brothers and living with a heart condition herself, Maddalena (Maddie) Simone felt she needed to focus on helping others dealing with lymphatic issues. She then began researching this topic extensively and became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. “That was 10 years ago and now my focus in my career is to help and treat those with lymphatic issues,” she explains. Simone decided to start a business called Lymphology Skincare in the fall of 2021 and claims it is the first of its kind in Canada. She offers an all-natural skincare line that focuses on lymphatic care (go to: LymphologySkincare.com). The demand for the products has been incredible to date and she has received requests from Qatar, Malta, the UK, U.S., Italy, Chile, Japan and all throughout Canada. “I do this all in honour of my brothers,” states Simone. “After seeing the pain that my older brother

BUSINESS & SERVICE BROUGHT TO YOU BY

2. Travel Agency That’s Definitely Going Places

(Who to contact for a trip around the world, a vacation to a tropical destination and more.)

The nominees are . . .

Elite Travel Windsor, EliteTravelWindsor.ca, Windsor LaSalle Travel Services Inc., 5841 Malden Rd., Suite 118, LaSalle

PowerBest Travel, 1206 Ouellette Ave., Windsor

YEAR 25: ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING IN EVERY CLOUD

had in the last few months of his life, I knew I had to develop easy and accessible care for those with lymphatic issues.” With her business, she promises to provide the best care to her customers: “I ensure to answer all questions promptly so that customers know what to do or if our product is suitable for them.” She adds that “Being an online company makes it imperative that we respond quickly and accurately. And for my retailers, I ensure to ship within 24 hours of payment and pack my products beautifully with supporting pamphlets for their customers.” Nominators mention Simone is extremely caring, dedicated and her clients feel like they have their life back after she helped them with skincare issues such as blisters. Right now, it’s just herself and a marketing specialist on the staff, but her plans to grow include the addition of a logistics and sales team. Although it is an online business, there are 15 retailers to date that sell the line in their clinics, pharmacies and stores. “My plan for the future is to expand into multiple stores, clinics and pharmacies in Windsor and Essex County, as well as throughout each province in Canada and state in the U.S.,” says Simone. Every year, Simone runs a fundraiser for the Lymphedema Association of Ontario’s Compassion Fund, which gives scholarships for lymphedema treatment for those who otherwise could not afford it. She also started the Lymphedema Awareness Network LaSalle, Windsor, Essex County six years ago, and offers a monthly support group for those with lymphedema and all other lymphatic disorders (Refer to: Facebook. com/lasallelymphedemawalk). Lymphology Skincare is a member of the Lymphedema Association of Ontario and endorsed by the Canadian Lymphedema Framework

Tecumseh Travel, 25 Amy Croft Drive, Unit 3A, Tecumseh Travel Pros, 99 Talbot St. East, Unit 2, Leamington

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Tecumseh Travel

Tecumseh Travel is a full-service travel agency that has been around since the late 1980s, and under the current Owners, Micheal Horvath and Luc Leblanc, since 2012 (Facebook.com/ TecumsehTravel). From booking airline tickets, cruises, packages, hotel stays and car rentals, they work hard to make your vacation planning experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. Tecumseh Travel (TICO #50020396) has a staff of three agents who all try to remain well versed in many diverse destinations. “We all try to travel to different locations and get as much experience in the destination or resort or cruise as possible,” the owners state, adding they’ve also helped many clients get married aboard cruise ships. “And getting feedback from our clients has always been very helpful with future clients.” Since the COVID-19 virus hit, Horvath and Leblanc say they’ve had more clients seeking their travel services who want to be more secure about their travel plans and have help in preparing for unforeseen circumstances. “At the onset of the pandemic shutdowns, we worked many hours trying to bring stranded clients back home safely,

Have you ever watched a plane fly across a blue sky and saw a white streak left behind? It’s actually an artificial cloud (contrails). But, if you want to be on a plane instead, jet setting off to a fabulous destination, then contact the team at Tecumseh Travel — Owners Luc Leblanc (left) and Micheal Horvath and Travel Agent Angie Conlin. The trio is pictured before going to a Windsor Spitfires game to honour the Humboldt Broncos. Photo courtesy of Tecumseh Travel.

and during the pandemic we worked diligently for our clients to get refunds,” they describe. When assisting clients in planning a trip, the team always ensures they have all their required documents and they go over everything they may need. “If a situation arises while at a destination, we make sure they know who the tour company they are travelling with is and for them to contact the rep on the property first,” the owners explain. “If the situation cannot be dealt with, we tell all our clients to email us or call us at the agency at any time. We are always monitoring our phones and we will try to rectify the situation.” Judge Renaud comments: “Tecumseh Travel has a growing following on social media, which is personable and unique. Here I could see comments from many people who utilized their services who were extremely happy.” Tecumseh Travel received the Apple Vacations award from 2014 to 2018, the Delta Vacations award in 2017, and the Royal Caribbean award in 2016. The business belongs to the Travel Leaders Network and they support several local charities and initiatives, including Windsor Pride and Miss Universe Canada-Windsor

(Commercial painting contractors and/or house painters who are the best of the brushes and buckets!)

The nominees are . . .

Cutting Edge Paintco Ltd., CuttingEdgePaintco.com, Windsor

Eveque Painting, 2679 Howard Ave., Bldg. B, Windsor

Norm Ackland Jr Cabinet Refinishing & Painting, NormAcklandJrPainting.com, LaSalle Painting By Darryl, Belle River DcBulcke.wixsite.com/paintingbydarryl S.R.C. Painting, SRCpainting.com, Windsor

The Wall Docs, WallDocs.ca, Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . Norm Ackland Jr

Cabinet Refinishing & Painting

Our winner (NormAcklandJrPainting.com) offers interior/exterior residential painting services, along with cabinet refinishing, epoxy floor coatings and spray painting for commercial, institutional and industrial clients alike. The business opened in May 1992 and has employed as many as 30 people at certain times, according to Owner Norm Ackland Jr (perhaps you know him as the singing painter from his Elvis tribute act?). “I have ebbed and flowed over 30 years depending on the market at any specific time,” he indicates. Quality

work completed by Ackland’s company can be seen across the region. “I have painted everything from schools — like E. J. Lajeunesse, L’Essor and St. Clair College — to several locations of Tepperman’s, including painting all the lettering on the exterior of the main Windsor office three times over a 20-year window,” he describes. He also ran a national painting program with Home Depot; he’s painted factories, including several projects for Highbury Canco in Leamington; and he’s painted many businesses including The Bull & Barrel, Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, and multiple locations in the area for The Beer Store and Jiffy Lube. “My single biggest project was painting the entire Macdonald Hall residence (now called Residence West) at the University of Windsor — 10 floors, 24 rooms each floor, hallways and common areas within a five-week deadline using 24 painters — back in 1998,” Ackland describes. On the residential side, he has always taken pride in not only creating great transformations for people in their homes, but caring enough to get projects completed in a timely manner, with the least amount of inconvenience to his clients in their homes. “I am thankful to receive high praise and many referrals, especially these days, for my kitchen cabinet refinishing side of the business,” he states, adding that he is fully insured. Over the years, he has donated time to paint for The Downtown Mission of Windsor, churches

and for people who couldn’t afford to pay. “And I was happy to do so,” he declares. He has also supported many charities, has been a member of the Shriners and a Freemason, has worked with the Rotary Club of Windsor - Roseland, CNIB, Canadian Kidney Foundation, helped Sparky’s Toy Drive and more. Ackland received a Paul Harris Fellow award from Rotary in acknowledgment of his community service and has recently received a gold designation for the CommunityVotes Windsor 2022 awards. “I am in the process of moving my home-based business into a commercial shop to continue to grow my cabinet refinishing and epoxy floor coatings side of my business with another company,” he points out. “I have had continued growth and high demand for my services in these areas in recent years. I hope to be able to offer more opportunities to both summer students and fulltime employment seekers in 2023 and beyond.” Judges Kerluck and Renaud both abstained from voting in this category due to a bias.

4. Favourite Pump You Up Fitness Club

(The focus is on available services such as saunas, juice bar, massage therapy, hours etc.)

The nominees are . . .

Boozy Barbell, 1320 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor

Fast Fitness Inc, 3040 Jefferson Ave., Unit 5, Windsor

Movati Athletic, 650 Division Rd., Windsor; 400 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg; 313 Main St. East, Kingsville Square, Kingsville

Onyx Fitness Solutions, 35 Victoria Ave., Unit 3, Essex

Riverside Family Fitness, 6700 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor

True Fitness Windsor, 443 Ouellette Ave., and 4879 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . True Fitness Windsor

When Owners Luis and Jessica Mendez (husband and wife) started True Fitness Windsor (TrueFitnessWindsor.com) in 2014, their goal was to create something different from the big corporate gym world that they had only ever known. “We wanted something smaller, that was intimate, personal and really connected with its membership base on all levels of health and wellness,” they describe. “We wanted to create an environment that felt inclusive, where members felt a ‘second home’ vibe.” Almost nine years later, the concept has not changed and has now grown into their culture.

“We’ve since grown to two 8,000-square-foot locations and close to 1,500 members between both facilities,” they proudly declare. The downtown location was opened in 2017. With a membership, you have access to both locations and both facilities are equipped with cardio zones, functional spaces, and strength training areas “so you can accomplish any fitness goal.” True Fitness Windsor has 20 staff members — 12 who are front desk workers and eight who are personal trainers. Regular memberships, on a one year commitment, are $34.99 per month and $29.99 per month for students and seniors. Membership includes 24/7 secure access and they are open 365 days a year. You also get a complimentary health assessment

Jessica Mendez, Co-Owner of True Fitness is shown with a client. Along with her husband Luis and dedicated team, their club has been helping to build better bodies since 2014. Photo courtesy of True Fitness Windsor.

and complimentary workout programs, for all fitness levels, as a member. The clubs feature a great variety of equipment (dumbbells up to 120 lbs, KBs, Pin Loaded and Plate Loaded Machines, tons of functional equipment and more)! Onsite services also available include: personal training, small group training classes, massage therapy with a Registered Massage Therapist, Fascial Stretch Therapy, muscle activation therapy, and access to their TrueFit Pro Shop & Smoothie Bar, which offers high quality protein, supplements, fun apparel and a variety of smoothie options. Remote coaching services are also offered and the clubs are a Top Choice winner in both 2018 and 2022. “If you are looking for a gym where you feel welcome, is clean, is open 24 hours, isn’t a zoo full of people yelling and throwing weights around, and you want your membership fees to support local and not a big corporation, then this is the gym for you!” expresses Judge Barker.

5. Distinguished Biz Champ Of The Year

(A company in operation for over one year that has done something exceptional to take care of business.) *No restaurants/bars or retail shops could be included as they have their own categories.

The nominees are . . . 519culture, 519culture.ca, Essex Abraham Orthodontics, 185 Erie St. South, Unit 1, Leamington Aburg MT, AburgMT.com, Amherstburg Cabana Dental, 300 Cabana Rd. East, Suite 3, Windsor Cedar Valley, 2025 Fasan Drive, Oldcastle Eagle Truck Driving School, 11697 County Rd. 42, Unit 2, Tecumseh EAParties, m.facebook.com/eaparties, Essex Evermore Princess Parties, Facebook.com/evermoreparties, Windsor Fast Lane Auto Repair, 61 Main St. West, Kingsville Gruppo Nutrition, 1540 McDougall St., Unit 11, Windsor Lavender Promotions, LavenderPromotions.com, Windsor

O’Kane Financial Group, 3215 Jefferson Blvd., Unit 303, Windsor Old School Auctions, 2177 County Rd. 42, Belle River Sonata Piano Studio, 13311 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh Sunsetters Tanning Leamington, 249 Erie St. South, Leamington

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Cedar Valley

Cedar Valley began as a high school project with a mission to share their family’s recipes, inspired by their heritage in Lebanon. This food manufacturing company produces a line of salad dressings and a line of pita chips for sale in retail grocery stores across Canada, such as Sobeys, Longo’s, Farm Boy, Whole Foods, and more. “As a mom-and-son founded company, our family values are instilled in every aspect of Cedar Valley,” say Owners Ameen and Surria Fadel. The business began in July 2017, currently employs 12, and has a website at: CedarValleySelections.ca. “Our target market is the health conscious consumer looking for clean products made with 100 percent all natural, nutrient dense ingredients, all while tasting delicious and homemade,” they describe. Since opening, their revenues have continued to double each year of business and are expected to continue to double over the next four years. “We have had a ton of success in Canada with many of the top retailers in the country and expect to make our U.S. entry in the next one to two years,” they explain. And the pandemic didn’t slow this business down either — but rather, quite the opposite. “We started with 30 retailers in 2020 and have expanded to 900 from coast to coast, as of 2022,” they proudly state adding they have done their best to grow strategically and stay controlled to ensure they can be in a strong cash flow state and reach profitability. “We have the top partners in the industry for distribution and sales brokerage to help us excel in the retail landscape,” they indicate. “We have also made some very strategic partnerships with our suppliers to ensure long-term viability and top-notch quality.” On October 14, 2022

Cedar Valley was awarded the Best Ontario Local Supply Partner for 2021 by Sobeys out of more than 450 local Ontario companies and more than 1,400 local products from the region. And these family business owners believe in giving back whenever they can. They have donated to local Windsor food banks over the past five years and continue to donate, when possible, to The Downtown Mission of Windsor, Street Help and more. “We also ensure no food is sent to waste at our facility,” say Ameen and Surria. “Any waste and scraps are donated to local chicken farmers for animal feed, which the chickens love!” Future plans include growing their retail presence in Canada by partnering with more retail chains across the country, launching new flavours of their product lines, growing their e-commerce business, entering the food service industry with new product sizes, and exporting to the U.S. market.

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

6. Architectural Dream Team By Design

The nominees are . . .

Architecttura Inc., 180 Eugenie St. West, Windsor

Architectural Design Associates Inc., (ADA), 1670 Mercer St., Windsor

Baird AE Windsor, 1350 Provincial Rd., Unit 700, Windsor

Dory Azar Architect Inc., 1126 Lesperance Rd., Tecumseh

Glos Arch + Eng., 325 Devonshire Rd., Unit 410, Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

woot! Photo courtesy of Cedar Valley.

Architectural Design Associates Inc. (ADA) Architectural Design Associates Inc. is a onestop-shop in the architectural process, offering many services from site planning and approval to interior floor finishes, according to Owner and Senior Directing Partner Jerry Kavanaugh and Principal Architect and Managing Partner Steve Berrill. Their scope of design includes, but is not limited to, residential of any kind — such as new builds, additions, etc. — condominiums, commercial retail, and commercial offices and warehouses. “In addition to meeting our varied clients’ programmatic needs, we believe architecture should charm and inspire communities to consider the possibilities for positive development in our cities,” Kavanaugh and Berrill state. “As architects, this is a responsibility we regard with the utmost importance.” Kavanaugh founded ADA in 1991 alongside Chief Architect Emmanuel Vichos

(Commercial, institutional or residential architect firm.)

Cedar Valley Founder and President Ameen Fadel and his mom (Co-Owner) Surria were beaming with pride as they posed for this October 2021 photo in front of the Tecumseh Sobeys store. That’s when their line of pita chips was launched nationally in over 375 Sobeys locations across Canada. Woot,

ADA is a one-stop-shop in the architectural process, offering many services from site planning and approval to interior floor finishes. In their 30 year existence they have completed thousands of projects, with one of the more recent projects being the Harbour Club Condominiums in Tecumseh/Lakeshore, constructed by Petretta Construction. Photo courtesy of ADA.

Kavanaugh has participated in every aspect of work conducted by ADA since the firm’s inception and remains the driving force behind the team’s collaborative efforts. Berrill became a Managing Partner in 2006 and is an integral player in the majority of the firm’s work. His expertise ranges from schematic design to construction and building code application. He also has extensive experience in the design and construction of multiresidential projects. Aside from Kavanaugh and Berrill, their team is comprised of 12 professionals who each bring their own unique expertise and specialties. In the 30 years that

ADA has been in business, they’ve completed thousands of projects. They specialize in multistorey condominiums, having close relationships with notable developers and contractors such as Valente, Richard Peddie, Fortis, Petretta, Lester Group and more. Such examples of their work in the community include North 42 Winery, White Woods Home and Evelyn’s Candy Store (retail shops) and the Harbour Club condominiums, which is soon to be completed. They are also designing The Grove Motel in Colchester, set to open spring 2023. One thing that sets them apart is that they provide 3D modelling and renderings like no other firm, allowing their clients to see their visions fully come to life, according to Kavanaugh and Berrill. “With the software we use and the expertise of our designers, the renderings come out looking as real as it gets,” they comment. “We also have two interior designers on our staff, which allows us to be with our clients for the entire building and designing process.” A recent satisfied client gave this thorough description in his nomination: “ADA consistently produces some of the most eye-catching and unique architectural designs in the city in the commercial, residential and multi-residential space. The owners have unparalleled vision and creativity and the ability to turn any architectural dream into a reality.” Charities ADA donates to include: Transition to Betterness: Ride to Survive, Wheels of Hope,

Hospital Activity Book, Timberland Homes

Children’s Charity Classic, and they also sponsor Windsor AAA Hockey. ADA was a recipient of the Windsor Essex Rotaract’s 2020 Canstruction event, winning Best Design. “Our plans for the future are to continue building our relationships with our clients and acquiring and completing big-name projects,” the owners say. “We currently have a few in the works and when completed, we believe it will put ADA on the map and take us to the moon!” To see a project catalogue check: ADA-Architect.ca. Judge Underwood had a bias in this category and did not vote or participate in any conversation regarding this category.

7. Meticulous & Marvellous Home Inspection Co.

(Factors considered included: training, experience, professional affiliations, use of technology like thermal imaging, reputation etc.)

The nominees are . . .

Binder Home Inspections, BinderHomeInspections.com, Windsor Home Inspection Consultants, HomeInspect.ca, Amherstburg

Northern Inspections, NorthernInspections.ca, Tecumseh Redmond Home Inspections, RedmondHomeInspections.com, Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . Northern Inspections

Northern Inspections offers residential, commercial, industrial and infrared imaging inspections. Owner Stephan Tremblay started his business in 2010 and is a Registered Home Inspector with the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI); a Certified Home Inspector with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI); a Certified Commercial Property Inspector with the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA); a Registered Environmental Site Assessor (Phase 1/2) with the Associated Environmental Site Assessors of Canada (AESAC) and is designated as a Certified Master Inspector. Tremblay also has an extensive background in renovations and new home construction (get full details on: NorthernInspections.ca). All inspections are fully insured, guaranteed and follow strict standards. Every home inspection includes everything within the fence, he notes, including lot grading, roof, attic, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, window/doors, decks/patios, foundation and structure, exterior and interiors, and more.

“We are the only company to provide complete pool/spa inspections at the home inspection and never charge extra for it,” Tremblay notes. Some of the technology he uses include; thermal imaging, 4K drones for inspecting tricky roofs, moisture meters, CO detectors, gas meters and electrical testing devices “Each inspection also includes a moisture and mould assessment and a comprehensive digital report delivered to your email the day of your inspection,” he indicates.

Tremblay has more than 12 years of experience in residential inspections, 10 years of experience in commercial inspections, has received a lot of in-class training, annual continuous education and upgrading and nine years of experience in construction and new home building. “After years of working in the construction field I always

felt that I would fit as an inspector,” comments Tremblay. “I was always interested in learning and educating, constantly bothering every trade worker to teach me what they were doing, and why they were doing it. I’ve always had an eye for detail and thoroughly enjoy meeting new people, so inspections really felt like the obvious next step in my life.” Biz X Award Judge Goulet believes Tremblay’s credentials speak for themselves, as does Northern Inspection’s up-to-date technology and exceptional reports outlining all structural and maintenance issues. “When COVID-19 hit and the housing market exploded, he shifted his business plan to pre-home inspections,” Judge Goulet points out. “Even though most offers were without conditions, a pre-inspection provided all parties involved with information about potential and current issues prior to offer submission.”

The business donates and sponsors several charities and events, including the Canadian Mental Health Association, Keys of Hope Foundation, golf tournaments, fundraising galas and more. Northern Inspections has won several awards, including gold for CommunityVotes Windsor 2022 and platinum in 2021. The company is highly rated on: TrustedPros.ca, a website helping Canadian homeowners find tried and trusted contractors in the area, earning Best of 2021 recognition with 5 star ratings and 330 reviews to prove he does a “meticulous and marvellous” job each and every time!

Northern Inspections Owner Stephan Tremblay takes a selfie shot for his Facebook page that is filled with all kinds of recent pre-inspections getting ready for market. Photo courtesy of Northern Inspections.

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

The nominees are . . .

Alan Wu and Jieyu Chen, Ajisen Ramen, 3196 Dougall Ave., Windsor

Brandon Podhy, Kerb Krew, KerbKrew.com, Windsor

Christian Janisse, SimplyClose, 61 Richmond St., Amherstburg

Corey Robertson, Community Volunteer, Security One Alarm Systems, 200 Sherk St., Leamington

Dan Gemus, Dan Gemus Real Estate Team Ltd. Brokerage, 61 Richmond St., Amherstburg

Deana Shaooni, Suite 550 Hair Studio, Instagram.com/deana_shaooni_hair, LaSalle

Jennessa Couture, Bounce Hair Boutique, 1645 Wyandotte St. East, Suite 200, Windsor

Kirk Fram, Fountain Tire, 2700 Central Ave., Windsor

Lexy Delicata, Glam By Lexx Hair Extensions, GlamByLexx.com, Windsor

Marcela Aroca, Legal Focus LLP, 1357 Ottawa St., Windsor

Marla Coffin, Marda Management, 1000 University Ave. West, Windsor

Matt and Justin Hardy, Canadian Epoxy, CanadianEpoxy.com, LaSalle

Matthew Gagne, North Ridge Forestry, NorthRidgeForestry.com, Essex

Michael Laforest, Load Pro Services, LoadPro.ca, Windsor

Michael Piccioni, CanAm Currency Exchange, 3234 Dougall Ave., Windsor Paul Germanese, AW4U The Real Estate Group, 8031 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor

CLOUD

Peter Leardi, 67 Richmond, 1614 Lesperance Rd., Unit 6A, Tecumseh, and 178 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg Sawyer Telegdy, Shred Shop Wellness Complex, 815 Erie St. East, Unit 1, Windsor Shamus McCabe, Four Leaf Renovations, FourLeafRenovations.com, Windsor Tanya Markowski, Tantalize Tanning Lounge, 1950 Lauzon Rd., Unit 50 and 2635 Howard Ave., Windsor; 5844 Malden Rd., Unit 125, LaSalle Taylor Meyers, All On Board Charcuterie, 7845 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor Terry Jones, Jones Group Inc, 7809 Howard Ave., Amherstburg Victoria Rubio, VR Success Services Career & Business Advancement, 3690 Walker Rd., Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . Shamus McCabe, Four Leaf Renovations Fresh out of college Shamus McCabe worked for a contractor who taught him a lot about how to run a business. “From there I started working for a larger scale company, and met

my now best friend and right hand man, Andrew Persaud,” McCabe recounts. “After some time with that company, we found ourselves unemployed and trying to figure out where to go from there. That’s when it dawned on me — we were young, talented and driven enough to start something up on our own.” And so McCabe began Four Leaf Renovations (FourLeafRenovations.com) in April 2018. “We quickly grew our names simply from the word of mouth that customers were happy to pass along to their friends, families and neighbours,” he states. The business currently has 10 full-time and a few part-time employees who go above and beyond during every step of the renovation process. From the start, they document items that need to be changed/updated and brought to the owners’ attention. “From there we give them a budget, with room for changes,

In

is a symbol of how lucky (a four leaf clover reference) he is to have a dedicated team working alongside him. Photo courtesy of Four Leaf Renovations.

to either give them a more luxurious space, or something that is more budget friendly,” he describes. Then, their interior design consultants shop with or for the customers. In McCabe’s opinion, being a “one-stop shop” and having a clean job site are what sets them apart from any competitors.

YEAR 25: ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING IN EVERY

his first branding photo, Shamus McCabe, Owner of Four Leaf Renovations, is pictured in a full kitchen renovation he just completed. Since he is of Irish descent, the business name honours his family’s roots and also

“At the end of every day we always make sure the house is put back the same way and clean, so it feels as little like a construction zone as possible,” he asserts. After having battled substance abuse in the past and taking it upon himself to go to rehab, for McCabe, this experience was — and still is — a huge reason why he is successful today. “Every year I write out personal and company goals for myself so that I know each day I have purpose and responsibility, to not only myself, but the team that I have built over the years,” he comments. One nominator in particular effectively sums up why McCabe is a Powerhouse Professional: “Shamus has a very inspiring story overcoming addiction and living a sober life and starting his company. He has defeated the odds in every aspect and his four leaf clover is what he attests his luck to, but really it is his ability to see things from a different perspective, put himself in strong positions to grow as a leader, an individual and as a company, and especially because every project he touches, he treats like it is his own home. From the day he decided to become sober, to the day he started his business, to the tough times through the pandemic, Shamus knows how and when to get the job done right.” During the multiple lockdowns, McCabe was fortunate to have great relationships with workers in the field and suppliers who were able to continue to provide the materials needed. He’s also been fortunate enough to connect with Windsor born and founder of MDMotivator, Zach Dereniowski, a social media star focused on mental health initiatives and giving back. “He gave me opportunities to connect with people that I never thought were possible, and the capabilities to bless people that truly needed it,” states McCabe. While Four Leaf Renovations currently focuses on in-home renovations, he is excited to expand into additions next year and hopefully take on new builds in the future.

9. Artist Of The Year

(A singer, painter, musician, sculptor, band, actor.) *No authors or photographers could participate.

The nominees are . . .

Daniel Bombardier (DENIAL), Subversive Pop Artist, EnjoyDenial.com

Daniel St. Amour aka Saint Amour, Musician, Singer and Music Producer, Linktr.ee/saintamour

DERKZ, Muralist/Multidisciplinary Painter, Facebook.com/derkzart

Doug Vance, Painter, FrikinZeroArt.com

Koko Starr, Drag Queen, Facebook.com/kokostarrqueenpprofile

Kristina Bradt, Multidisciplinary Artist, Artcite Inc., KristinaBradt.ca

Lindsay Janisse, Multidisciplinary Artist, House Of Floravana, Instagram.com/house.of.floravana

Lisette & Tyler Sasso, Acoustic Duo, LisetteAndTyler.com

Maryam Safarzadeh, Painter and Iranian Poet, Facebook.com/maryam.safarzadeh.79

Nicole Jobin, Fibre Artist, The Fitting Room Bridal Alterations & More, Facebook.com/thefittingroomwindsor Rocketship 7, Band, Facebook.com/rocketship7band

Saints Down, Band, SaintsDown.weebly.com

Sarah M Robbins, Muralist, Sarah M Robbins Murals And Designs, SarahMRobbins.ca

The S’Aints, Band, St. Clair College, Facebook.com/people/the-saints/ 100063570791457

Viviana Velazquez, Painter, Etsy.com/ca/shop/velazquezvisuals

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Daniel Bombardier (DENIAL)

As a visual artist specializing in large scale public murals, Daniel Bombardier opened his business in 1999 under his pseudonym and alter ego DENIAL. “I have often been described as a subversive pop artist,” he comments. “I find the absurdity in media, society and life in general, and I often use humour and visual familiarity to convey my ideas to the public audience through my art works — large or small.” Bombardier started painting graffiti around the age of 18 in 1995. “I began my

full-time art career in 1999 and around that time is when I quit my last ‘real’ job,” he indicates. As a very proud Windsorite, Bombardier’s intention is to use public art to benefit the community to its maximum potential. “Simply put, I love and believe in my city and I put my money where my mouth is,” he declares. “I invest in the Windsor community in the best way I know how, which is public art and the direct impact it can hold.” Bombardier also owns a studio called NONE of YOUR Business — located at 510 Pelissier Street, where his artwork can be viewed — as well as in several alleys downtown, on his website: EnjoyDenial.com (where you can purchase his artwork) and on social media. “I have raised money and funded our Free For All Walls Mural Project solely from events at this studio,” Bombardier notes. More than $150,000 from 30+ events held in his studio has been raised to fund many murals and public art projects in the downtown core. “Elaborate murals began popping up in downtown alleys and along Maiden Lane thanks to DENIAL and the support of fellow muralists,” expresses Judge Lefevbre. “He is world renowned, currently painting massive works in St. Thomas on old train trestles and his studio also produces many vibrant designs for avid collectors.” Bombardier has participated in several community events, such as Art in the Park and the Walkerville Night Market.

You’ll be walking on a cloud upon discovering the many murals painted by street artist Daniel Bombardier (aka DENIAL, shown in the accompanying photo). This 2019 mural — Strange Detour — can be found in the parking lot at Ouellette Avenue and Wyandotte Street. Photos courtesy of Denial.

As for the future, he says he would love to elevate his mural project into a much larger scale, week-long event, including music, community and murals. “I would love to be able to have this event on the riverfront event space with the Detroit skyline as the beautiful backdrop,” he states. “We will see!”

Due to a conflict, Judges Underwood and Renaud abstained from voting in this category.

10. Exceptional Social Enterprise

(A team of workers at a non-profit organization or registered charity, making a big difference in our community.)

The nominees are . . .

100 Women Who Care Windsor-Essex, 100WomenWindsor.com

Amherstburg Community Services, Amherstburg-cs.com

Chari-tees By The Downtown Mission Of Windsor, DowntownMission.com

Family Respite Services, FamilyRespite.org, Windsor

Habitat For Humanity Windsor-Essex, HabitatWindsor.org

Daniel Bombardier (DENIAL)

Kingsville Military Museum (Kingsville Historical Park Inc.), KingsvilleMilitaryMuseum.ca

Lola’s Roundtable Developmental Services & Programs, LolasRoundtable.com, Essex New Beginnings, NewBeginningsWindsor.com

Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation, NoahsHouse.ca, Windsor ProsperUs, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, WeUnlockPotential.com

The May Court Club Of Windsor, WindsorMaycourt.com

Thrift On Mill, MccThriftOntario.com/leamington Women’s Enterprise Skills Training Of Windsor Inc., WestOfWindsor.com

YMCA Windsor, Newcomer Settlement Department, Facebook.com/newcomerwindsorymca

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation Inc. Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation Inc. was established in 2018, after Noah Butcher-Hagell lost his battle with mental illness. “Noah’s House is working to fill the gap in mental health support by empowering and inspiring individuals to break the chains

of mental illness in both a non-clinical and clinical setting,” explains President and CEO Laura Starling. “In addition, Noah’s House is decreasing the barriers to mental health support by ensuring all their services are free.” Noah’s House began in May 2018, and the drop-in youth centre (opened in 2020), at 2343 Pillette Road, has helped provide positive mental support to more than 300 youth. Starling adds: “Noah’s House provides free mental health services and free one-on-one counselling, provided by Registered Social Workers, to youth ages 11 to 25 in Windsor and Essex County.” The non-profit charitable organization is currently run by 23 volunteers. “The only funding we receive is through the Canada Summer Jobs wage subsidies, which helps us hire students for the summer,” notes Starling. “The rest of the year, we operate with volunteers.” After Noah died, Starling quit her career as an ultrasound technologist and started working on what would become Noah’s House. As a family, they knew something needed to be done to help the local youth. “We came up with the idea of a youth centre — somewhere kids could go to feel safe and welcome, and a place where they felt understood and not judged,” she states. “We often wonder if Noah had a place like this, would he still be here?” Among the

variety of programs, Noah’s House provides ‘Bro Code’ for males, ‘Self-Love Club’ for females and an LGBTQIA+ pride program offering mental health wellness skills based on peer interactions. Activities such as arts and crafts, yoga and book clubs also assist in achieving this goal. Noah’s House also continues to reach out into the

Eighteen year old Noah Butcher-Hagell with his dog A.J. Photo courtesy of Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation Inc.

community, seeking to establish footholds in the Indigenous and Black communities with culturally sensitive mental health programming. “I never imagined I would be working in mental health, but Noah had other plans for my life,” Starling expresses. “So an exceptional task we have done is to turn a tragedy into a positive for the community.” View their services and upcoming events on: NoahsHouse.ca.

Judges Barker and Renaud did not vote or take part in any discussion in this category due to a bias.

11. All-Star #1 Kiddie Coach

(A sports coach motivating the young to give it their all, whether it be skating, swimming, hockey, soccer or more.)

The nominees are . . .

Kendall Westlake, Little Kickers Windsor-Essex County, LittleKickers.ca

Michael Hugall, Walker Homesites Athletic Club, WalkerHomesitesBaseball.com

Mikaela Vigneux, Winstars Gymnastics Training Centre, WinstarsGym.com

Roberto Mazza, Little Kickers Windsor-Essex County, LittleKickers.ca

Sean Labute, Hybrid Training Academy, HtaWindsor.com

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . Kendall Westlake Little Kickers Windsor-Essex County

Young children don’t want to just play soccer — they want to have fun, according to Kendall Westlake. “I’m not afraid to roll around in the grass, pretend to tell secrets, or laugh with the kids,” says Westlake of her coaching methods. “Many coaches take their coaching way too seriously when working with such a young age.” Westlake, a fourth-year Human Kinetics student at the University of Windsor, began her career with Little Kickers Windsor-Essex County (a local franchise owned by Roberto Mazza; LittleKickers.ca) in 2017, as an Assistant Coach. “I have since worked my way up to be the Head Coach and Manager for Little Kickers,” she comments. Westlake leads group classes every week for children between the ages of 18 months to seven years old. “These classes don’t just focus on soccer skills, but teaching kids life-long skills they can use in real life,” she notes. “For example, actively listening, being able to engage with other children, learning colours and direction and more.” Westlake says Little Kickers is

unique because of their philosophy — ‘Play not Push’. “Every child should be able to come to class and enjoy a pressure-free environment where they can just be a kid,” she explains. Classes cost $70 per month, plus a first-time registration fee of $35. Their Little Kicks class, for kids aged 1.5 to 2.5 years old, is run like a parent-tot class where the parents are required to play and participate with their child. Westlake says she’s constantly motivating kids by telling them positive words — like “good job”— and by doing things such as giving high fives. She is certified through the National Coaching Certification Program and has done a variety of diversity, bias, and mental health training relating to sport. “I also have experience working with kids with physical disabilities from volunteering at the John McGivney Children’s Centre,” she adds,

12. The Therapist Who Listens Really

(Mental health is important at all stages of life. For those needing professional help, which counsellor is most effective?)

The nominees are . . .

Erika Pozzuoli, Pure Mentality, 871 Ottawa St., Unit 100, Windsor

Jessica Swabey, Swabey Family Counselling, 1765 Sprucewood Ave., Unit 400, LaSalle

Shaun Ouellette, Sage Therapeutic Consulting, 5454 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor

Tara Carman-French, Artemis Assessment & Treatment Centre, 552 Pitt St. West, Suite 107, Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Shaun Ouellette Sage Therapeutic Consulting

Westlake.

also mentioning she is certified in CPR and First Aid. Westlake has won several awards, including the Lieutenant Governor Award in 2019 in high school for volunteering and the Circle of Excellence Award in 2021 by the Delta Zeta Sorority She recently volunteered and worked with John McGivney Children’s Centre in their physiotherapy department and with their kids’ camp and often volunteers for organizations that support youth, such as Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation Inc. and Maryvale. “Kendall is always super fun and silly with the kids she coaches, while teaching, not just beginner soccer skills, but early life skills as well,” writes a nominator. “She is able to really connect with the children she works with by remembering all their names, wishing them happy birthday, chatting with them personally before and during her classes and more.”

Judges Kerluck and Renaud both abstained from voting in this category due to a bias.

Shaun Ouellette is a self-employed Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Psychotherapist who runs his own small business, Sage Therapeutic Consulting (SageTherapy.ca), which began in 2018. While he works as a sole proprietor, he recently moved to a bigger office space, hired a social media manager and plans to take on two or three associates. With 21 years of experience in the field, he has worked at several places locally, including the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society, Drouillard Place, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s Crisis Response Team, Windsor Regional Hospital’s Children Team and more. He’s also worked outside Windsor Essex as a substance abuse counsellor in Detroit and in a government position in the Northwest Territories as Manager of the Department of Health and Social Services for eight remote communities. Ouellette has an Honours Degree in Psychology and Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor “I have also partnered with the University of Windsor, University of Manitoba, University of Regina and University of Waterloo to take on social work BSW and MSW students and have had 15 students complete their degree practicum hours with me as their clinical supervisor,” comments Ouellette. At Sage Therapeutic Consulting, he offers individual and couples therapy to clients eight years of age and above. Having witnessed countless clients “get better” and reach their goals has been very rewarding and validating over the years, he says. “If I didn’t have the opportunity to see people improve, to see them have ‘ahha’ moments and to make real and significant changes in their lives, I just wouldn’t be able to

Who needs a silver medal when you can have a Certificate of Excellence! After an awards ceremony, Kendall Westlake of Little Kickers Windsor-Essex County, congratulates a young Mighty Kicker she coached. Photo courtesy of Kendall

sustain doing this,” he adds. He feels this field requires a great deal of mental and emotional energy, and so he practices what he preaches and tries to make self-care a priority in order to be present and prepared for all his clients. “As a therapist your job is technically two key things — One, give clients a safe space to feel that they can open up and say anything that is on their mind, and two, have them leave with a little bit of hope that things can change and get better,” he describes. “Sometimes it

takes time to get there, but therapy is always an active process. My job is to be as open as possible about this, communicate clearly and provide as much information as I can and to try to instill a sense of hope that it can happen.”

Over the past five years Ouellette has worked with between 350 to 450 clients and currently has an active caseload of 70 clients. He devotes a lot of his time to continuing his education in studying the brain, neuroplasticity and ways that he can use modern science combined with psychological theories. Ouellette is the current President of the Ontario Association of Social Workers for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent and is actively involved in a local sub-group called Social Workers in Private Practice. He is also a CANFIT PRO Certified Personal Training Specialist. “One of the other things that really helped me in my practice was finding out that I qualified for and now have Metis Status with the Painted Feather Woodland Metis and this has connected me to my aboriginal, first nations and Inuit clients even more,” he points out. Judge Underwood was impressed by this work with Indigenous individuals. Nominators agreed too, as multiple nominations described how “amazing, caring and compassionate he is as a therapist who not only listens, but gives his clients the tools to deal with the world outside the therapeutic walls.”

13. Podcaster Taking It To The Next Level

(Factors included: content, regular schedule, knowledge and is a passionate story teller.)

The nominees are . . .

Arms Bumanlag, The Arms Bumanlag Project, YouTube.com/c/armsbumanlag1

Candyce Mollard, Hello, Hello World, Linktr.ee/Hellocandyce

Kim Conklin, Sarah Jarvis and Irene Moore Davis, All Write In Sin City, Open.spotify.com/show/ 2wushr1zUux5dXbDBnv2Fn

Linden Crain, Coffee With Crainer, CoffeeWithCrainer.com

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Arms Bumanlag

Arms Bumanlag asserts that no one is locally invested in finding stories and reaching the community like he is. This was the driving force behind starting The Arms Bumanlag Project podcast in May 2021. “Based on my decades of experience in local media, this show aims to fill a gap in the negative news and conversation cycle,” he believes.

If only Bradley Cooper’s character in the 2012 movie, Silver Linings Playbook, was able to talk about his issues to Shaun Ouellette, Owner of Sage Therapeutic Consulting! Ouellette recently moved to his own office space and now can run group counselling, yoga classes and meditation classes. Photo courtesy of Clarissa Marie Photography.

In Arms Bumanlag’s podcast, The Arms Bumanlag Project you always get local content, local coverage, local topics and local people.

Each week, Bumanlag goes live from the littleheart social (which he runs with his wife, Kerri) studios in Amherstburg, to dig deep into the topics, people and stories of YQG through a positive, collaborative lens of honesty, and warmth. “I took what I used to do on traditional media and made a longer form of conversation accessible through podcast and live video to speak with the community and get interactive, as I am the only live podcast on a weekly basis,” he describes. His goal is to bring back the good will, warmth and unique storytelling with people here in our community. His podcast is available on YouTube and anywhere podcasts can be downloaded, along with it being live streamed every Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn (check: ArmsBumanlag.com for more details). He is also a REALTOR with Bob Pedler Real Estate Inc., partnering with Ron Deneau in the Amherstburg location. However, you’ll probably remember him best from his various radio, and TV jobs over the last 20 years. He states: “From radio, television and now online with social media — I always highlighted the stories of real people living and working in Windsor Essex. It’s real. It’s personable. It’s relatable.” His podcast is structured into 30 or 60-minute episodes with live comments on the topics being presented. There are over 85 episodes and he hasn’t missed a single week since day one. “I reach over 5,000 Windsorites every episode with a yearly reach of 170,000,” he adds. “This show will continue for a long time as I love doing it and the response is clearly there!” One glowing nominator, a VIP in the news world expresses: “Arms has always highlighted real stories, real people and real connections. I love how he chats with a different guest each week and goes behind the scenes and dives deep into topics and sheds light on the unique stories of our community.”

Another expert in the entertainment business writes: “Arms has been a huge positive civic booster of all things artistic, sports, business, charity, and people of inspiration and interest in Windsor Essex.” Bumanlag supports dozens of charities, including Ronald McDonald House, Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, Harmony In Action and more. “For the future, I plan to be back on TV streaming the show on YourTV weekly,” he states.

Photo courtesy of Arms Bumanlag.

Judge Renaud had a bias in this category.

(Open to all retailers with a storefront, good prices, superior customer service and selection.) *No online only retailers were allowed.

The nominees are . . .

Bunch, 1050 Drouillard Rd., Windsor DeMarco’s Fine Foods, 1349 Grand Marais Rd. West, Unit 108, Windsor

Digital Oasis, 5400 Tecumseh Rd. East, Unit 9, Windsor

Emerson Supply Co, 419 Pelissier St., Windsor George & Alice’s Place Inc. Antiques & Collectables, 1477 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Jones & Company, 1755 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor La Stella Supermarket, 948 Erie St. East, Windsor

Little Foot Foods, 2010 Fasan Drive, Oldcastle Local Eats, 3750 Walker Rd., Unit 2B, Windsor

My Cousin’s Closet, 24 Main St. East, Kingsville Pelee Island Coneheads, 1043 Shore Rd. West, Pelee Island

Perla’s Fashions, 13300 Tecumseh Rd., Unit 130, Tecumseh

Pinstripes Ladies Fashions, 45 Main St. East, Kingsville Pitt West, 570 Pitt St. West, Windsor

The CG Realm, 1214 Ottawa St., Windsor

The Parlour Ice Cream Co., 5881 Malden Rd., LaSalle

Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique, 13444 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh

YEAR 25: ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING IN EVERY CLOUD

Towne Emporium, 8 Main St. West, Kingsville Towne Shoppe, 56 Richmond St., Amherstburg Walkerville Mercantile, 1719 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Wellness Market, 1614 Lesperance Rd., Unit E3, Tecumseh Whiskeyjack Boutique, 68 University Ave. West, Windsor Zareh’s Jewellery, 2814 Howard Ave., Unit 3, Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . Wellness Market

Opened in March 2018 with the goal of helping women feel empowered about their health, Wellness Market offers the largest variety of professional wellness products in Canada, including top quality supplements, herbs, protein powders, superfoods, teas, and speciality food items. “My goal was to clear up the confusion on supplements and to give my customers honest and trustworthy advice,” says Kaila Seguin, Owner of the Wellness Market and a

Certified Nutritionist and Herbalist. “We are committed to offering safe, effective and trusted products for women in an honest, supportive environment. Our trained staff can be relied upon to recommend the best products for your particular situation.” The staff of four consists of a nutritionist, health coach, dietitian, and naturopath. Wellness Market caters to women 35 to 55 years old living in Windsor, LaSalle, Tecumseh and Belle River. They offer free mini-consults that customers can book online at: WellnessMarket.ca. This helps reserve a time to receive one-onone attention, which provides a more personal approach to retail since there is no “one size fits all” approach to health and supplementation. “The reason our customers shop with us instead of buying their products online or from other health food stores is because of the curated product selection and the oneon-one attention our staff provides,” Seguin mentions. “We also place a strong emphasis on education by utilizing our Instagram page to educate on products and health ailments.” Their prices range from $4 to $100 depending on the product. For example, Smart Sweets are $4.40 per bag while certain medicated oils are around $100. Products come in a variety of sizes, and they carry more than 2,000 different stock keeping units. “This adorable shop located in the plaza off Lesperance Road at E.C. Row is an oasis for all things health and wellness,” Biz X Award Judge Underwood comments. “Kaila and her staff are so well educated, and she is always receptive to bringing in new products based on her customers’ needs. The shop runs monthly promotions and always texts when there is a sale, or a popular product is back in stock.” In the future, Wellness Market plans to expand into neighbouring towns, but is not open to franchise opportunities.

15. Top Bakery On The Rise

(Baked goods such as: bread, cakes, muffins and pies to cookies, doughnuts, scones and more)

The nominees are . . .

Auntie Aldoo’s Kitchen, 123 County Rd. 34, Cottam

Bad Witch Bakery, 900 Erie St. East, Windsor

Caffeine & Co., 238 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg

Christine’s Bake Shop, 53 Talbot St. East, Leamington

Lakeside Bakery, Deli, Café, 286 Erie St. South, Leamington

Laura’s Bakery & Deli, 2055 Sandwich West Parkway, Unit 1400, LaSalle

Nana’s Bakery, 2936 Dominion Blvd., Windsor Plant Joy, 5622 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor

Riverside Pie Cafe, 5560 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Staci Bakes, 4915 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor

The Little House Of Cupcakes & More, 108 Talbot St. North, Essex

The Panetteria, 248 Ramsay St., Amherstburg

The Sugared Spatula, 6146 Malden Rd., LaSalle

TLC Bakery, Facebook.com/TLCBakery20, Windsor

Tony Blaks Union Bakery, 4081 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor

Torus Doughnuts, 3090 Dougall Ave., Unit 405, Windsor

Totally Baked, TotallyBakedGoods.ca, Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . Totally Baked

Get out your silver spoon and dive into cake heaven with creations from Totally Baked! (Left) Two layers of half chocolate, half vanilla cake wrapped in a red fondant then finished with Spiderman eyes, webs, buildings, number five and a large Spiderman figurine. (Middle) A customized anniversary gift box with an arrangement of desserts: chocolate chip cookies; sugar cookies with edible happy anniversary and I love you messages; mini chocolate and vanilla cupcakes; butter tarts; chocolate covered strawberries and bananas. (Right) Two tiers of classic vanilla cake topped with an ombré of purple, blue, pink and yellow buttercream then finished with a vanilla ganache drip, fondant clouds, stars and a rainbow. Photos courtesy of Totally Baked.

Since 2017, Totally Baked has offered a variety of desserts including custom cakes, chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes, cake pops, brownie pops, cheesecakes, pies, macarons, chocolate dipped pretzels and cookies. Totally Baked allows its customers to bring their ideas to life by offering them the option to fully customize an order based on design and budget. “Within the last couple of years, I started the trend of infusing desserts with liquors, as well as being able to incorporate my customers’ favourite wines or liquors into their desserts making it a fun experience of a drink and dessert,” indicates Rakiesha Jones, Owner of Totally Baked. “I also do dessert gift boxes, which allow customers to have a variety of items in one box.” On top of that she offers sweet treats for events like baby showers, weddings, and bridal showers. Prices start as low as $20 and go up from there depending on customizations (go to: TotallyBakedGoods.ca for sample pricing). Many nominations came in for Jones all expressing how creative she is, how she keeps up with current trends and always ensures her clients are satisfied. “After finding my passion for baking in

2017, I quickly grew Totally Baked into a full-time business that now specializes in custom-themed cakes and desserts,” says Jones who works from her home, but bakes in a commercial kitchen. “I believe that being a local female and Black-owned bakery business sets me apart from many other bakery businesses within the city, as there aren’t many of us.” Jones is very grateful to her customers who gave her the opportunity to place third in The Greatest Baker Competition in 2021. She was also a top pick in the CommunityVotes Windsor 2022 in the Cakes category. “One of my goals for the future is to have a cake dispenser machine in a local mall,” she states. “It is my hope that I can eventually move my business to a storefront and inspire young women who look like me to push for whatever they set their minds to.” Biz X Award Judge Kerluck sums up the reason why Totally Baked is the icing on the cake: “Their baked goods are visually stunning and could easily compete with those seen on the big baking shows on TV. Their flexibility and ability to create special order items are second to none. Simply put, their cakes are amazing!”

16. Spectacular Specs Store

(Whether you need eyeglasses to see up close or far away; contact lenses or some cool shades, this vision centre is the clear choice.)

The nominees are . . .

Chorney Vision Centre, 1695 University Ave. West, Windsor Kniaziew Optometry, multiple locations in Windsor, Tecumseh, Essex

LaSalle Vision, 5935 Malden Rd., Unit 1, LaSalle MB Optometry, 1350 Provincial Rd., Unit 900, Windsor Rana Eye Care, 1303 County Rd. 22, Unit 170, Belle River SBLV eye care, 14306 Tecumseh Rd., Tecumseh Soulliere Optical, 3055 Dougall Ave., Windsor Union Vision Center, 595 Tecumseh Rd. East, Unit 2, Windsor Visions of Canada, 1521 Riverside Drive West, Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Soulliere Optical Soulliere Optical is a second generation, family operated business that has served the Windsor Essex community for over 45 years. Founded by Mike Soulliere in 1977 (operating as M.L. Soulliere Opticians), the business continues the tradition of offering personalized service to their customers, along with the best selection in eyewear, still to this day. It was originally located on Ouellette Avenue, but moved in 2020 to its current location in south Windsor and underwent a name change to Soulliere Optical. They offer prescription eyeglasses/sunglasses from brands including RayBan, Kate Spade, Nike, MOSCOT, Ahlem, Garrett Leight, Cutler and Gross, Lowercasenyc, RES/REI and Emmanuelle Khahn. They recently began carrying eyeglass/sunglass chains by Coco Bonito, an Amsterdam based fashion label and soon will carry Anne & Valentin, a big brand that is extremely popular. Whereas some of the newer independent lines can be pricey, due to the highest manufacturing standard and quality that goes into each frame, the highest price point would be around $700 for quality eyewear that will stand the test of time. Their services also include fitting, adjustments at no charge, personal service, processing of insurance coverage, children’s

To look for the silver lining, you not only need to see clearly, but also look fabulous with fashionable eyewear! The Owners of Soulliere Optical enjoy helping customers find the perfect pair of specs to reflect his or her individuality, personality and style. Photo courtesy of Soulliere Optical.

eyewear and contact lenses. “Our customers trust our service, expertise and quality, so we strive to only offer what we 100% back and would recommend without a doubt,” says Jeff Soulliere, Owner of Soulliere Optical and Mike’s son. “We have begun offering more independent eyewear lines to stay current with eyewear trends and to attract an entirely new demographic who may not know us from our past location. We work directly with the brands that we carry and we have a personal connection with the people behind each independent eyewear brand.” Soulliere Optical knows the history, manufacturing process and

technical details that have gone into each frame and they enjoy sharing this with their customers who come back time after time. “As Licensed Opticians, we do not currently have an Optometrist on site, but we do refer customers/patients to several that we work closely with and have very good relationships with,” Jeff points out. “Independent opticians are becoming more and more rare, but we have found a way to succeed in this industry amidst many changes.” Soulliere Optical is a true family run business and customers know they will see Mike or Jeff once they walk through the doors. In addition Jeff’s wife, Caron Soulliere, is behind the scenes managing the social media accounts and their website: SoulliereOptical.ca, which includes online orders. Soulliere Optical recently earned platinum status in CommunityVotes Windsor in the Optician category for 2022. They belong to the Ontario Opticians Association and the Optical Association of Canada “We donate to the Windsor Lions Club each year,” Jeff states. “We also collect used eyeglasses donated by our customers to charity several times a year. Hiatus House is also a local charity that we believe in and have made donations to this past year, along with participation in the Movember campaign for men’s health.” In the future, Soulliere Optical is looking at several opportunities to

collaborate with other small businesses in the area, including two clothing stores.

17. A+ Butcher Who “MEATS” Your Expectations

(The Butcher’s Shop or market making the cut with a large selection of fresh meat and/ or deli products and friendly counter service.)

The nominees are . . .

Lakeside Meats, 12213 Riverside Drive East, Tecumseh Medel Brothers Quality Meats, 2940 Dominion Blvd., Windsor Rare Butcher Shop, 35 Amy Croft Drive, Unit 4, Lakeshore Schinkels’ Meat Market, 24 Talbot St. North, Essex Schwab’s & Primo’s, 1587 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor

The Butcher Of Kingsville, 13 Main St. West, Kingsville Trimble Farms Cattle Company Inc., 383 County Rd. 27 East, South Woodslee Uptown Meats & Deli, 175 King St. West, Harrow

Wayne Whites Fresh Meats & Deli, 1697 County Rd. 22, Belle River

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Trimble Farms Cattle Company Inc. Opened in May 2021, Trimble Farms Cattle Company is the only on-farm store to sell their own premium quality beef in this area. “We are the only shop in Essex County able to trace our meat back to where and how it was raised,” explain Adam and Sydney Trimble, Owners and Operators of Trimble Farms Cattle Company. “We provide our customers with a completely different environment than any other meat shop. As ours is on a farm, customers are able to speak directly to the farmer, which is unheard of in this industry.” They sell all their cuts of beef and pork in store and offer all parts, nose-totail, including offal cuts. This includes beef steaks, beef roasts, pork chops, pork ribs, sausages, specialty cuts and more! All beef is raised on their own cattle farm, which is the largest in Essex County and all pork is raised locally in Leamington. The cut and wrap are outsourced to Gord’s Abattoir Inc. in Leamington. Adam is a fourth generation farmer and also currently works with his dad, Dave, raising high end beef and growing premium crops. “What sets us apart from any other meat shop is our quality,” state

the newly married couple. “Since we raise our animals ourselves, we know exactly what it takes to bring our quality to the next level. You can’t find a better steak than that of Trimble Farms!” Their staff consists of Adam, Sydney and one other employee. All three can answer any question about cuts of meat, as well as how the animals were raised. “Every single day we have customers that ask for advice on which steaks or roasts to buy and we go above and beyond to help,” Adam and Sydney tell Biz X. “Who knows beef and pork better than the farmers themselves?” Trimble Farms Cattle Company offers other in-store items, including a large variety of local and Ontario made sauces and spices. During the summer, they have fresh produce grown locally in Leamington. Plus, they offer premade meals such as lasagna, brisket, mac & cheese, soups and an assortment of grilling accessories. “Trimble Farms offers a true field-to-fork experience, as the animals that grazed the field yesterday are on your fork today,” notes Judge Barker. Trimble Farms belongs to the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association, is part of the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Program and at least once a month they donate more than 50 pounds of frozen meat to local foodbanks. “We plan to expand the size of the shop in the future,” say Adam and Sydney. “We are also currently in the planning stages of raising our own chickens for sale in our shop. We hope to one day be able to open our own farm restaurant or food truck, using our own meats.” Learn about why their beef is so special, bulk buying and their subscription boxes delivered right to your door, and more on: TrimbleFarmsCattleCompany.ca.

18. Happiness Brews With This Coffee Roaster

(Where to purchase ground coffee or whole beans to make the perfect cup of java at your workplace or home.)

The nominees are . . .

13 Grand Coffee, 1349 Grand Marais Rd. West, Unit 108, Windsor Acorn and Oak Coffee Company, 31 Arthur Ave., Essex Chance Coffee, 1012 Drouillard Rd., Windsor Colonial Coffee Co. Ltd., 3110 Marentette Ave., Windsor Montaneros Coffee Corp, MontanerosCoffee.com, Windsor Red Lantern Coffee Co., 4 Main St. West, Kingsville

Congratulations on 25 years and to all the Biz X Award recipients and nominees!

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And the Biz X Award goes to . . . Colonial Coffee Co. Ltd.

Located in the central business district of Windsor, Colonial Coffee Co. is a family owned and operated coffee roasting facility. Founded in 1976 by Jack Ohler (and continuously owned and operated by the Ohler family ever since), they have served restaurants, food service facilities and vending industries with freshly roasted arabica whole bean or ground coffees, for five decades! “Our product is blended and packaged to the demanding specifications of our discerning customers and can be brewed using any coffee brewing system available,” say the Owners (Leah Ohler, Jack’s wife and their daughters, Laurie, Connie, Lisa and Amy Ohler). “We are proud of our reputation for fine quality and outstanding customer service.”

Products include roasted coffee (from light roast to espresso roast), green coffee for home roasters, Torani and Monin syrups, Bigelow teas, David Rio chai and many other foodservice items. The company is Fair Trade certified and sells Fair Trade Organic coffees. “We have well over 30 different coffees from all over the world and all can be roasted and ground specifically for your brewing method,” the family adds. “We can handle any size order,

but would caution on ordering too much coffee at any one time as it only stays its freshest for around two weeks.” Colonial Coffee Co. has been the recipient of many awards from local culinary associations over the years and has donated to Transition to Betterness and The Heart and Stroke Foundation. In Biz X Award Judge Kerluck’s opinion: “Their selection is incredible. You can get anything here from extremely raw, green and unground beans to roasted beans, fair trade/organics, espresso roasts, decaf, plus you can buy equipment from them too!” Their staff of 18 is obsessed with fresh coffee and it’s important to them that customers understand the proper methods for brewing it too. “We are capable of doing small batch roasting, which allows our private label customers to order as needed and not have to warehouse large amounts,” the owners point out. “Our warehouse of coffee for food service is never older than two weeks, as we pride ourselves on freshness.” While much of their business is delivery based, they do have a retail shop open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can learn about their office coffee plans on: ColonialCoffee.ca and customers can also order from: BuyCoffeeCanada.com.

19. Cannabis Dispensary Held In High Esteem

(Factors considered included the knowledge level of staff, variety of products, price, location, hours, and store ambience.)

The nominees are . . .

Cloud 29, 300 Cabana Rd. East, Suite 2, Windsor

Gingers Cannabis, 5580 Walker Rd. Unit 2, Oldcastle

Higher Limits, 400 Sandwich St. South, Unit 1300, Amherstburg

On The Cannabis Side, 13300 Tecumseh Rd. East, Unit 155, Tecumseh and 4756 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor

RC Bud Shop, 6 King St. East, Harrow and 8061 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor

The Cannabis Retail Store, 288 Erie St. South, Unit 4, Leamington

The LaSalle Cannabis Co., 791 Front Rd., Unit 2B, LaSalle

URBNBUD, 7405 Tecumseh Rd. East, Suite 200, Windsor and 1614 Lesperance Rd., Tecumseh

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

On The Cannabis Side

Opened in December 2021, On The Cannabis Side in Tecumseh is a local, independent full-service lifestyle and wellness dispensary designed to provide an elevated shopping experience for all their customers’ needs, experiences and budgets. “On the Cannabis Side was designed and built to put the customer first,” stress Wendy Kelley and Gerard Bernauer, Owners of On the Cannabis Side. “We display our products to make product selection easy. All key details are neatly labelled and categorized according the ‘feeling’ they are known to imbue and then colour coded accordingly.” (Visit: OnTheCannabisSide.ca to see products associated with feeling happy, creative, relaxed/sleepy, and calm/relief). Their business is fully Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario approved and they only carry products tested and approved by the government. The store has a soft white vibe with a bit of neon splashed in for fun and features a large display island in the centre, designed to mimic a kitchen island where customers can mingle and talk. “The thinking was to make the products easy to understand in a clean, welcoming, friendly environment with educational elements that include a library,” Bernauer indicates. “With that in mind, we sought out design consultants

and built a team of cannabis consultants that we believe are the best at what they do and can provide superior customer service.” Their staff of eight is knowledgeable and passionate enthusiasts of the plant, who are constantly learning and genuinely want to find you a product that fits your needs. Bernauer was introduced to the cannabis industry after being in an ATV accident when on a county road. “I was hit by a vehicle that was travelling at excessive speeds and sustained a head injury,” Bernauer explains. “It was serious and I was left for dead.” Over months and years, he suffered significantly and was prescribed multiple prescription drugs for pain

and his head injury. Eventually he wanted an alternative therapy to assist him in his recovery and received a medical licence for cannabis, as it was illegal at the time. He found access to and education about what he needed unnecessarily complicated, so he worked diligently to develop a store centred on the customer that puts knowledge first; as well, the menu is carefully curated with input from their clientele. “We ensure we have new and exciting products for everyone,” state Bernauer and Kelley. “We have options for everyone from the cannabis connoisseur to the canna-curious along with an extensive wellness section.” Products include those prescribed by doctors along with CBD, CBG, CBN — which have many benefits and are non-psychoactive (they won’t get you high). “We are happy to take the time to ensure you have what you need and know how to use it,” says Kelley. “Whether it is CBN capsules to help you sleep, CBD to help with inflammation, a perfect pre-roll, a relaxing beverage, or just making sure you feel comfortable when you walk through the door, we are here to help!” After opening their first location in Tecumseh, the pair decided it was time to expand and a second location soon followed at 4756 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor. Open since May, it operates out of a shared space with On The Dark Side Tanning Salon, also owned by Bernauer.

The owners of On The Cannabis Side, Gerard Bernauer and his partner, Wendy Kelley, are pictured inside their Tecumseh business, situated in the Green Valley Plaza. The store has a soft white vibe and a little neon for fun. All products are on display and categorized according to the feeling they imbue. Photo courtesy of On The Cannabis Side.

(A new or existing restaurant or food truck that offers amazing cuisine, fair prices and a unique, trendy atmosphere — take-out and delivery only is also acceptable.)

The nominees are . . .

A Dog’s Breakfast, 504 Pelissier St., Windsor

Antonino’s Original Pizza, 4350 Howard Ave., Windsor Bacchus Ristorante, 614 Erie St. East, Windsor

Funky Chow Kitchen, 2090 Wyandotte St. East, Lower, Windsor Gladstone Commons, 792 Gladstone Ave., Windsor

Mezzo Ristorante & Lounge, 804 Erie St. East, Windsor

Michigan Diner Essex, 27 Victoria Ave.

More Taters Please, 4110 Walker Rd., and 4320 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor

Nooch: A Vegan Eatery, 888 Erie St. East, Windsor Oishii Sushi, 7485 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor

CLOUD

Rico Taco Windsor, 400 Erie St. East, @ Windsor Eats, Windsor Saltimbocca Ristorante, 119 Lesperance East, Unit 119B, Tecumseh

Sub King Plus, 3041 Dougall Ave., Unit 4, Windsor

The Bourbon Tap & Grill Tecumseh, 12049 Tecumseh Rd. East, Unit 2, Tecumseh

The Grand Cantina, 1000 Drouillard Rd., Windsor

The Harvest Table, 2109 Ottawa St. East, Windsor

The Hub by Samantha Buhler, 215 Chatham St. East, Windsor

Twisted Smoke, 1457 Drouillard Rd., Windsor

Walkerville Eatery, 911 Walker Rd., Windsor

WinCity Hakka, 992 University Ave. West, Windsor Zuleeats, 2760 Howard Ave., Unit 7, Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . Funky Chow Kitchen

Started in the middle of the pandemic in April 2021, Funky Chow Kitchen serves Asian fusion cuisine with some dishes prepared in the traditional manner and others using more modern techniques. “Our menu is a reflection of our love for the Asian culture, and we are inspired by flavours and ingredients from all across the region,” describe Rosemary Woods and John Alvarez of F&B Hospitality Group, Owners of Funky Chow Kitchen. “We designed the space and the menu to be fun, engaging and unexpected.” Menu items include edamame, lumpia (Filipino egg roll), tempura shrimp, bao steamed buns, octopus, bone marrow, a sushi bar, maki and more! “As well, we have our features (called wildcard

options) which is our chef’s way to be creative and try out new things,” states Woods. “Also, it’s important for us to feature a beer on tap from a local brewery, which we change up every month.” If you don’t fancy beer, try one of their signature cocktails. The vibe of the restaurant is hip and fun. The atmosphere and menu are perfectly in sync as they strive to make things sharp, memorable, and suitable for Instagram photos. The restaurant has an indoor seating capacity of 70 with an additional 16 seats on the patio. Their staff of 16 (54 total in F&B Hospitality Group, which includes The Grand Cantina and Taloola Café) provides exceptional customer service by ensuring their team is familiar with their entire menu. “We encourage our staff to try each dish and inform them of the origins of the dish and how it’s prepared so they can share

that knowledge with our guests,” the business partners point out. “Indirectly, we’re training our servers to be excited about the food so they can provide people with an enjoyable, interactive dining experience.” The secret to their success is they love what they do. “We are fortunate enough to have found a very passionate group who truly enjoy being with one another,” they comment. “In addition, we strive to always look for the positive in any situation. It is typically easy to find something negative, but to learn to look beyond that and find a way to make it something positive — that is success.” And that’s a perfect silver lining connection to the 2022 Biz X Award theme too! For more information and online ordering see: FunkyChowKitchen.com. Judge Kerluck had a bias in this category and did not participate in the voting process.

21. Authentic Indian Food Shangri-La

(Dine-in or take-out area establishments specializing in tasty Indian dishes.)

The nominees are . . .

Eastern Flavours, 4072 Walker Rd., Unit 5, Windsor India Paradise, 1459 Ottawa St., Windsor India47 Restaurant + Bar, 1640 Lesperance Rd., Tecumseh Indian Swaad, 1204 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor Lemon Grill, 3140 Dougall Ave., Windsor Roti Bowl And Soul, 359 Ouellette Ave., Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . India47 Restaurant + Bar

Since April 2020 (yes the start of the pandemic), India47 Restaurant + Bar has provided the region with delectable dishes such as: tandoori chicken, tandoori rack of lamb, samosa, naan, Delhi butter chicken, butter chicken poutine, masala wings, tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, goat curry,

Get ready to get funky! Be sure to save your silver dollars for a meal at Funky Chow Kitchen to enjoy tasty choices like wagyu tartare (furikake, cured egg yolk, gochujang aioli and chicharrones) and sticky beef rib (koji rib, char siu and slaw). Photos courtesy of Funky Chow Kitchen.

chicken curry, Goan fish curry, chicken lababdar, gulab jamun, masala chai cheesecake, and more. “We at India47 are extremely proud to provide Windsor and Essex County with authentic flavours from India and have selected the best dishes from North Indian Awadhi Cuisine to serve to our guests,” mentions Rupinder Paul Sidhu, Owner. “All our base sauces and food is prepared from scratch, and we do not serve anything frozen. Our unique business model comprises traditional royal services from India, combined with North American culture, which has made us very popular in the community.” The bar accommodates roughly 40 guests along with 80 in the restaurant and 30 on the patio. Their staff of 30 are known to be familiar with

the vast majority of their guests. “Ninety percent of our clients are return guests who are addressed by their names whenever they walk in,” says Sidhu. “As a matter of fact, our guests know all the names of our servers and supervisors and are looking for them each time they come in. We look after each customer with a personal touch.” India47 Restaurant + Bar was able to adapt to constantly changing operating restrictions due to the pandemic by extending their patio, which allowed them to stay in business. “India47 has amazing food, great ambiance and exceptional service,” according to Biz X Award Judge Kerluck. “I admit I was not a huge fan of Indian cuisine, but they totally made me a fan! They are definitely worth checking out!” Area diners agree and the owner is working on an expansion plan and hopes to launch new sites in the near future. Visit: India47.ca for hours of operation to dine in but note, delivery is available via Skip

The Dishes and Uber Eats

22. Greatest Of The Great Outdoors Adventures

(Fishing charters, paddle boarding, bike rentals, boat cruises, winery tours . . . activities for outside only. All ages.)

The nominees are . . .

GrapeVineTours, GrapeVineTours.ca, Kingsville

Lungovita Beach Retreat, 225 County Rd. 50 East, Harrow

Pelee Island Winery, 455 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville

South Shore Smallmouth Charters, SouthShoreCharters.ca, Belle River Sup N Sun, 193 West River Rd., Belle River

Urban Surf Co, 55 East Pike Rd., Tecumseh Windsor Premier Cruises, 78 Riverside Drive West, Windsor

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Lungovita Beach Retreat

Our winner not only lets you enjoy the great outdoors on their 16 acre property on the coast of Lake Erie, but also provides easy access to other businesses in the area with outdoor things to do as well! Lungovita Beach Retreat aims to give their guests the most relaxing “glamping” (glamorous camping) experience possible. As of May 2021, the staff of Lungovita (which means “long life”) have been providing unique accommodations and affordable pricing for their guests, while giving them access to the following amenities: yearround hot tub and saunas, outdoor swimming pool, free bike rentals, free kayak rentals, upper

There are a wide range of tent accommodations at the Lungovita Beach Retreat, including the geodesic domes that sleep four with two queen beds, electricity and heat. These domes can be rented all year long and you can also relax in the sauna and hot tubs on site. Photo courtesy of Lungovita Beach Retreat.

beach lounge, tree shaded hammocks, volleyball courts, central park games area, bonfire pits, fire grills, meditation park benches, three local wineries within a five minute walk, outdoor kitchen BBQ, lakefront picnic tables, 600 feet of private lake access and luxury bathrooms and showers.“We sincerely believe we are an extremely unique business as we are the first in this entirely new industry in Essex County,” comments David Haas, Owner of Lungovita Beach Retreat. “We are not a campground, hotel, amusement park nor a wellness centre; we have combined characteristics of all these industries in order to branch out and offer something this area has never seen before.” Lungovita works with the surrounding wineries and restaurants to help drum up business for these local mom and pop shops. “Specifically, we recommend local businesses and offer discounts to guests staying on site,” Haas adds. “This is a great way for us to partner with local businesses and help drive traffic to them.” These include Viewpointe Winery, Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW), Colchester Bar & Grill, Garfield’s and North 42 Degrees Estate Winery & Bistro 42. With a summer of extremely positive feedback, they are eager to continue to grow their business and make improvements around the property in order to offer new and unique amenities over the next five years. According to Haas: “We exhibit superior customer service. We do this through our amazing and well-versed staff of 10, affordable prices and unique stays and experiences.” In the future they hope to provide new and improved accommodations for the guests to enjoy, an indoor café and bistro, hooking up electricity to all accommodations, yoga classes, self-care and wellness classes and retreats, and a new infinity pool. For more information visit: Lungovita.com.

23. Fantastic Family Fun & Games

The nominees are . . .

Big Time Entertainment, 2411 Dougall Ave., Windsor

Clip N’ Climb, 3400 Grand Marais Rd. East, Windsor Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, 1550 Rd. 3 East, Kingsville Golf Indigo, GolfIndigo.com, Windsor

On The Water Miniature Golf, 354 Croft Drive, RR#1, Tecumseh Ure’s Country Kitchen & Mini Golf, 6000 County Rd. 20 West, Harrow

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . Ure’s Country Kitchen & Mini Golf Ure’s Country Kitchen & Mini Golf is a truly unique family destination! The 18 hole mini-golf course (designed and built by Harris Miniature Golf) is situated in a world class park setting and is designed for all ages. It offers a challenge to serious putters and newcomers alike with breaking greens, plus fairways with a waterfall, fountains and ponds. The outside 10 holes

are wheelchair and stroller accessible. They also have a restaurant to enjoy breakfast or lunch before or after a round has been played. The patio is set up for families to enjoy a game of checkers and grab an ice cream cone — with their favourite flavour out of 32 to choose from! “While the business was started in 1988, the mini golf course is a new addition to the site,” says Randy and Laurie Ure, Owners of Ure’s Country Kitchen and Mini Golf. “We finished building it in the summer of 2020 and spent the last two summers introducing this fabulous course to people near and far! Now we are becoming a destination for families of all types and sizes to come enjoy outdoor physical activity and create cherished summer memories.” Since the upgrade, their staff has expanded from four to 14 during the mini golf season. “We feel that the addition of the mini-golf will help our business attract customers for many more years to come,” state the couple. “There has been an established business on this spot for more than a century and by building this course we feel like we have added to the

(Mini golf, climbing and trampoline facilities, laser tag, bowling, horseback riding, go karts, bubble soccer, arcade/simulation games etc.)

Serna, Mario, Skyy and Christina Balteiro (listed from left), of Kingsville, always have a good time at Ure’s Mini Golf and your family will too! Photo by Rod Denis.

legacy of it.” Mini-golf is $9.99 for one round of 18 holes and $4.99 for a second round that same day. It’s open weather permitting, as long as there is no rain nor snow (check their social media page and website: UresKitchen.ca before heading out). “They have a great mini-golf course, food and ice cream too,” comments Biz X Award Judge Barker. “It’s the whole package for when you and the kids need a fun day out!” Ure’s Country Kitchen & Mini Golf was selected to receive a 2022 Trillium Award from the Amherstburg Fort Malden Horticultural Society for the Town of Amherstburg. They belong to the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce, Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Convenience Stores Association. “In the future we are exploring adding Level 2 EV chargers to charge cars on site,” Laurie and Randy mention. “We have people spend several hours here at a time so it may help tourists decide to come here if we can provide a charging station.”

24. The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year

(Annual runs, golf tourneys, motorcycle rides, fundraisers, festivals, fairs, trade shows etc.)

The nominees are . . .

Amherstburg Open Air Weekends, Town Of Amherstburg, VisitAmherstburg. ca/events/amherstburg-open-air-weekends

ESHF Signature Gala, Erie Shores Health Foundation, Leamington, ESHF.ca

Go Green Golf Tournament, Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County, CMHA.ca

Harrow Fair, HarrowFair.com

Hogs For Hospice, Leamington, HogsForHospice.com

Kingsville Highland Games, Town Of Kingsville, Kingsville.ca/highlandgames

Mill St. Market, Leamington Arts Centre, LeamingtonArtsCentre.com

Moon In June, The Running Factory, Windsor Raceroster.com/events/2022/54129/moonin-june-2022- windsor-on Ouellette Car Cruise, Downtown Windsor BIA, CruisinOuellette.ca

Sun Parlour Rodeo, Kingsville, SunParlourRodeo.ca

Taste Of Tecumseh, Optimist Club Of St. Clair Beach, TasteOfTecumseh.ca

The Mama & Family Expo, Windsor, TheMamaExpo.ca

Windsor-Essex Pride Fest, WEpridefest.com

Woofa~Roo Pet Fest, Amherstburg, Woofaroo.com

And the Biz X Award goes to . . . Kingsville Highland Games After a hiatus of over 30 years — the Kingsville Highland Games, a unique Scottish music, and dance festival — returned to the local event line-up in 2019. After being sidelined by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 the games were able to be held again on June 25, 2022. “We have 15 members on the Kingsville Committee of Council and our goal is to welcome everyone in Windsor Essex and beyond to join us,” says Doug Plumb, Chairperson of the Kingsville Highland Games. “The games offer a relaxing day for attendees, as we share Scottish heritage, celebrated in beautiful Lakeside Park in Kingsville.” This exceptional family-friendly event, hosted by The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville, is made possible due to 200 plus volunteers, 25 sponsorships from local businesses/organizations, and emcees such as Jim Crichton, Former Senior Anchor at CTV Windsor (Jim’s wife Patricia Reid Crichton is heavily involved with the planning of the games). Throughout the day there are plenty of activities for all the lads and lasses to see or participate in, such as: a pipe

Is your head in the clouds as you daydream about all the fantastic events in Windsor Essex? Well, it’s total reality on how much fun you can have at the Kingsville Highland Games in June! You’ll see lots of pipers piping, hammer throwing, sheep herding and plenty of kilts. Photo courtesy of The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville.

Happy Golden Jubilee To The Ciociaro Club

By Joe McParland

During married life, many couples will reach milestones like silver and golden anniversaries.

These signify the love, commitment, effort and sacrifices the couples have made in their lives together. The same can be said of some institutions, small businesses, and not-forprofit organizations when they too reach the 25 and 50 year mark of their existence.

By now, if you have read this month’s magazine to this point, you are aware that Biz X magazine is celebrating its silver anniversary of publishing in Windsor Essex (and beyond). And we have shared the spotlight throughout 2022 with other local businesses and organizations achieving 25 year anniversaries in the Milestones column.

The grand finale is in the edition you are reading right now, which highlights area businesses and non-profits, ranging from one year old to 50.

For the purpose of my column here, I am writing about one great institution in particular — the Ciociaro Club (CiociaroClub.com) — and its golden anniversary.

In 1972, a handful of individuals whose roots were from lower Lazio, Italy — and more precisely from “La Ciociaria” — embarked on a wonderful endeavour with the founding of the Ciociaro Club.

According to current club President Anna Vozza: “Their purpose was to gather in friendship, foster social solidarity, and preserve the cultural identity of their homeland for future generations.”

One year later, members decided to buy land on North Talbot Road and by 1975 plans were made for the construction of the first phase of the Club.

The success of the Ciociaro Club has not come about casually. In fact, it is the result of the hard work and determination of a people whose history is counted in millennia.

Today, the Club boasts a membership of nearly 1,800 people who feel great pride and satisfaction for having realized such a remarkable achievement.

The Ciociaro Club has become one of Southwestern Ontario’s premiere banquet and event facilities. Featuring some of the finest food around, it supplies multiple rooms for events both large and small.

For example, the In Honour of the Ones We Love (InHonour.ca) Gala — also coincidentally celebrating a 25th anniversary — has become an annual event at the club along with many weddings, corporate functions and trade shows.

For the sports minded, the Ciociaro Club’s spacious grounds include soccer pitches, softball diamonds, tennis courts, cycling paths, and inside bocce courts.

On September 16, 2022 the club hosted over 1,250 guests for their 50th Anniversary Celebration. It was the largest banquet in the history of the club. Dignitaries from Canada and Italy, local politicians, members and special invited guests were in attendance.

“As the first female President of the Ciociaro Club, I was truly honoured to be able to celebrate this momentous occasion and milestone of 50 years,” Vozza expresses. “We gathered to celebrate the culmination of a journey of passion, vision, and pride.”

As the Ciociaro enters its next 50 years, it is mindful of changes needed to be made. Its age demographic has changed among the membership, and it has opened its doors to the wider community for event participation.

They are also looking for more childfriendly activities to keep them engaged for the future of the club.

Judging by the success of its first 50 years, we know the next 50 years are going to be amazing as well! Bravo!

Dignitaries from Canada and Italy, local politicians, club members and special invited guests were in attendance at the anniversary celebration including The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety of Canada and his wife Diana Iannetta. Photo by Rod Denis.

This was the largest banquet in the club’s 50 year history so it was fitting the first female President of the club, Anna Vozza (left), was on hand to welcome and introduce VIP guests such as the Mayor of Vicalvi, Italy, Mario Ferrera and his wife Maria. Photo courtesy of Dwayne St. John Photography.

In

the Ciociaro Club, 3745 North Talbot Road, hosted over 1,250 guests for its 50th Anniversary Celebration. Photographed at the gala is an original member of the Ciociaro Club, Onorio Rocca with his wife Maria and their children, Elena and Johnny. Photo by Rod Denis.

Mister Maid Can Place You On The Path To A Clean Start

By Dave Halliday

Have you ever heard someone describe the condition of their house as “lived in”, and what does that even mean?

Is it a way of providing oneself a pass from having a thoroughly cleaned home? Does it help alleviate the multiple levels of guilt that you experience while tossing your dirty shirt in the general direction of the dusty elliptical machine that you have not used in the past two years?

Okay, we at Biz X get it. We are all busy, but what if there was a way that you could have a clean living space and full access to your workout equipment despite your hectic lifestyle?

It turns out that with Mister Maid on your side you can do just that!

Operating from 1055 Ottawa Street in Windsor, Mister Maid has served the needs of local residents for the past 25 years. David Burman, President of the Mister HQ Group (which also includes Mister Style and Mister Care, an assisted living homecare service since 2018) was kind enough to share his 10 years of personal experience with us. (Note: check the following websites for more information: MisterMaid.ca; MisterStyle.ca; and MisterHQgroup.ca)

What is Mister Maid? “Mister Maid is a residential and commercial cleaning company offering its services across Windsor Essex and Detroit,” Burman replies. “The company was founded in 1997, but re-launched under my ownership in 2012.”

What are the benefits to employing a professional cleaning service for one’s home or business? “There are numerous benefits to hiring a professional cleaning service like Mister Maid,” he indicates. “Our team of professionals leave no stone unturned when cleaning for our clients. The primary benefit is

that you leave behind the loss of time that comes with personally cleaning your home or office.”

When you say “no stone unturned” what do you mean? “Our team of professionals provide a deeper and more dependable cleaning than the average person, due to their expertise and understanding of the craft,” states Burman. “We supply our staff with all the right tools in order to get the job done right, so there is no need to worry about having a properly stocked cleaning closet. Lastly, you are left with the peace of mind that your home or office is a healthy environment to live in or work in, especially in the health conscious world we live in today.”

What can you tell us about Mister Style that began in 2016? “Mister Maid is in the unique position of being the ‘brother’ company to the home staging and interior design company, Mister Style,” he explains. “This allows our clients looking to sell their homes to receive two of our premier services, both a deep clean for their listing and luxury furnishing that showcase the possibilities of their home. We are the only business in Windsor

that acts as a one-stop-shop for those looking to take their listing to the next level.”

What potential pit falls are there to hiring a cleaning person who is not professionally affiliated? “While it may seem easier and cheaper to hire a person to clean who is not affiliated with a professional service, we at Mister Maid do not recommend it,” comments Burman. He points out: “Mister Maid is an insured cleaning service and each and every member of our team has received background checks and police clearances in order to give peace of mind to our clients.”

Post renovation and build can leave quite a mess for a property owner. How can you assist in this scenario? “Post-renovation and construction deep cleaning can be a huge hassle for home and business owners alike,” he states.

“Rather than taking it upon yourself to clean what can be a mess of a lifetime, our team of professionals will take the worry off your hands by leaving your new and improved space spotless.”

What would you say is your focus as it relates to your clients and your business? “Our ultimate goal is to exceed client expectations in our services,” expresses Burman concluding: “Our customers’ satisfaction is always our top priority while maintaining a clean and healthy home or workspace for them to live.”

Well, there you have it! The elliptical, treadmill, exercise bike, and weight bench are clean and no longer a make-shift hamper. There is nothing standing in your way of achieving a fitter you.

Although with the room cleared out there is now space for a properly stocked mini-fridge and television in there as well . . . clean living at its best!

Since it is very important to pay attention to all the details in home staging, David Burman, President of Mister HQ Group makes a quick adjustment to the positioning of a pillow on the couch inside a newly cleaned Russell Woods property that also showcases his interior design work. Photo courtesy of Sean Davidson/Davidson Photography.

By Victoria Rose

Ashley Weeres

“Takin’ Care Of Business (Fundraising) & Working Overtime”

inding a work-life balance can be difficult for executives.

You simply can’t do it all. For Ashley , this realization came while trying to balance everything in her busy life as a wife, mother and Operations Manager at the Windsor Essex Care for Kids Foundation (W.E. Care for Kids).

Each day, she works directly with her Board of Directors, donors, and volunteers to help support funding for the paediatric programs in Windsor and Essex County.

“I oversee all aspects of the charity and its day-to-day functions,” explains Weeres. “I work closely with our board and implement the direction in which they would like to see the charity move. I also have the wonderful opportunity to work closely with our amazing donor and volunteer base, as well as oversee all committees and fundraising events.”

She points out that being in a position like hers means meetings and events may run beyond a typical work day and into evenings and weekends.

“Finding a healthy work/life balance can be tricky in a position like mine,” comments Weeres. “I really try to make a conscious decision to make plans with family, friends, and self-care.”

That self-care comes in the form of activities like shopping, reading, and spending time enjoying a glass of wine with friends. She also loves DIY projects and recently did a makeover on a playhouse and play kitchen for her daughter.

“Her little kitchen is nicer than mine now!” she jokes.

Since its humble beginnings in 1997, W.E. Care for Kids is now recognized as a leader in paediatric fundraising in Windsor/Essex County and has raised $6.5 million in support of local paediatric health care programs. As its Operations Manager, Ashley Weeres is proud of the difference the organization has made, and continues to make, in the community. Photo courtesy of Ashley Weeres.

Weeres admits she doesn’t have it all figured out, but gives credit to her amazing support system for being able to find some balance.

“It can be really challenging as a mother to not feel guilty when you leave your child to go to work,” she states. “It’s something that I struggle with quite often, but having the support of my husband (Steven Wilder), is so valuable to me. Knowing that I have a

supportive partner who is willing and able to fill in the gaps is a huge relief for me — I couldn’t do it without him!”

Her advice for others focusing on their careers is to persevere and not to feel bad about prioritizing work if it is something that you love.

“Finding a balance between your work obligations and personal time can be challenging when you are building a career you are passionate about, but it’s important to set aside a little time to make sure you are checking in on your friends and family . . . and taking care of yourself!” says Weeres.

After earning a BA in Political Science from the University of Windsor and finishing a post-graduate certificate in Fundraising Management at Ryerson University, she joined W.E. Care for Kids in 2012, after working at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation in Toronto.

Among the many fundraising events coming up, Weeres is excited about the $25 for 25 years campaign celebrating the organization’s 25th anniversary with a goal of raising $25,000.

The funds will help local families in need by allowing them to access the support, services, and medical equipment necessary to get their lives back on track.

Already in 2022, W.E. Care for Kids has been able to help many local causes, including Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) and Connections Hearing

To learn more about WE Care for Kids or to donate, visit their website: WECareForKids.org.

FEATURE STORY By Jason Kerluck Photos By Rod Denis

The Times They Are A-Changin’ And The Auto Show Changes Too

The last few years have been some of the most unprecedented in modern memory.

The pandemic, and the resulting effect on our lives, has changed many things forever. We work from home more now and “You’re on mute” is a phrase we are all too familiar with. And with gas prices so high, many are choosing to drive less.

It really is a different world. With so many seminal events paused during that time, a lot has changed in the last three years and much of that has gone unnoticed, due to a lack of awareness.

This is especially true with the return of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

It was way back in 2019 that we were last able to see the future of the automobile in person. In 2020 the show was scheduled to take place in the summer for the first time and you all know what happened that year!

Fast forward to September 2022 and the Auto Show is back, only this time as an autumn affair. But, like so much else, the NAIAS has also changed drastically.

Gone are the multilevel displays and fancy lighting showing off the vehicles in dramatic fashion. This year’s show was a MUCH more toned-down event.

Restricted to one floor with open and mostly simple single level displays, the whole show had more of a showroom feel and felt less of an experience than it did in the past. The big LED wall screens were still there, only less elaborate and at ground level.

However, one big name in attendance during press days was U.S. President Joe Biden, who showed up the same day Biz X was there to welcome the event back to Detroit.

Also of note was who wasn’t there. As usual this year’s show was dominated by GM, Ford and Stellantis

The other large displays were limited to Toyota/Lexus and Subaru

All other brands like Asia’s Honda/Acura, Mazda, Nissan/Infiniti and Hyundai/ Kia, and Europe’s Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar/Land Rover and Volvo, were limited to very small booths along the back of the show.

Interestingly, some of the larger displays were from a few of the OEM manufacturers who make all those components for the big automakers, but most would not be familiar to the average person. There were also some aircraft manufacturers on site with their small aircraft.

Regardless, it was still a fascinating peek at what’s to come, and oh boy is there a LOT to come!

It has been written before that the last truly great change in the automotive industry was the 1980s. While many of the cars from that era were regarded as unremarkable little econoboxes, the changes this decade brought ended the days of the backyard mechanic and introduced technologies like fuel injection, ABS, air bags, and other electronics that a wrench just couldn’t fix.

Since then our cars have become more and more like rolling computers, with GPS, Satellite Radio, Radar Cruise, Blind Spot Monitoring, and a dozen more technologies that in the ‘80s would have seemed better suited for a fighter jet!

So, when we point out that the cars on display now will look as outdated in a few years as the cars from the ‘70s did in the ‘80s — that’s really saying something!

Buckle up as we take a look at our next big leap into a future that finally resembles The Jetsons. (Ironically, George Jetson was born July 31, 2022. Coincidence? We think not!)

The takeaways driving the show this year had two prominent themes.

The electrification of the industry was the biggest one by far. Autonomy was also a common feature, with a number of concepts really focusing on making the automobile more focused on passenger comfort and many having controls that can stow away when in full self-driving mode. Let’s take a look at a few of these concepts and new models.

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning: Ford had the All-Electric F-150 Lightning on display and available to ride in on a very cool indoor obstacle course. What was VERY clear from this course was the incredible power that these Electric Vehicles (EVs) have. The driver spared no volts stepping on the “gas” and pushing riders deep into their seats. It was uncanny to see something this big go this fast. The next-gen Mustang also was unveiled that evening, just outside the event. Unfortunately, we weren’t on hand for the “stampede” of Mustangs that accompanied the new Mustang, but it was quite the collection of classic ponies! More evolutionary than revolutionary, the 2024 Mustang is still an air breathing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) sports coupe in

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is already on the road, and has been embarrassing some sports car drivers at stop lights. Featuring a “Frunk” that is now commonplace in EVs, the Lightning ups the practicality of the full-size pickup like never before!

© Can Stock

Photo/redgreystock

the classic sense that sticks to a tried-and-true recipe. However, it’s a recipe that others are moving away from. (More on this later.)

sports car owners keep their head down when a Tesla Plaid pulls up alongside. They know they don’t stand a chance. Knowing this, Dodge is trying to bridge that gap by keeping the sound with the fury.

cars. The performance these vehicles have is truly game changing. For example, Hummer has the WTF (Watts To Freedom) mode that really gets the nearly 10,000 lb SUV moving. Range remains an issue, however, for the larger of these vehicles, especially when it comes to towing. But, a case can be made for a working truck that never stays too far from home. The savings in gas alone would make it VERY appealing to contractors and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

What’s clear from all this is that Ford, GM and Stellantis are all charged up about fullsize electric trucks and SUVs! However, an auto show wouldn’t be worth attending if there weren’t mind bending concepts to drool over. Few make it to production as they are shown, but they often predict what’s coming down the road.

2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe: Stellantis wasn’t going to be outshone on the floor by Ford. They had DUAL indoor obstacle courses for both their RAM trucks and their Jeep lineup. Jeep used theirs to show off a range of 4xe models. We rode the course in a 4xe Hybrid Wrangler, and were blown away by how powerful and QUIET these were while climbing very steep inclines. While many love the ripping roar of a powerful engine — a silent and strong electric drivetrain with GOBS of torque makes sense when trying to become one with nature. RAM had a similar course to test their trucks in, but one that wasn’t as aggressive. They have an EV coming in about a year.

2023 Dodge Hornet GT GLH: Another blast from the past is the resurrection of the Hornet name with the 2023 Dodge Hornet. A compact crossover with very sporting pretensions, it fills a badly needed space in the Dodge lineup. This goes even further with another hark back eschewing cars and focusing exclusively on trucks, SUVs and crossovers, the compact market will be seeing more and more of these mini-SUVs in future. Subaru had a number of small crossovers on hand, and Toyota unveiled the Crown to the North American market. It’s a midsize hybrid with an upscale interior and sporty looks.

The Lincoln L-100 Concept & 2025 Buick Wildcat EV Concept: As far as concepts, the largest takeaway was the autonomy that was mentioned earlier. And with that, the Lincoln Star Concept was on display. It has so many nooks and crannies that opened up, you’d swear it was a Transformer. The stunning and swoopy Cadillac Celestiq was also on display to show the future of the Cadillac brand.

2024

Dodge Charger Daytona

SRT Banshee: Sticking with Stellantis, one of the biggest moves they are making is the upcoming 2024 Charger EV (the Charger name suddenly seems even MORE appropriate!). Mean looking with some incredible styling details that hark back to the past, while being very forward thinking. And that sound . . . that sound. Yes, it’s fake, but it makes a statement! The move to full electric muscle cars will be a controversial one for many. But, the truth is that many

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV: Over at the General, their most anticipated vehicle was the Electric Silverado. This totally Electric Full Sizer will do battle with the F-150 Lightning. Yet, GM didn’t stop there and pulled the wraps off several pure EV models bearing names that are familiar to many. The Equinox EV, the Blazer EV, and of course the Hummer EV (which is an absolute mountain of a vehicle, in person), are all electrified. This truly shows we have gone past the tipping point given that the electrification of large trucks was only a twinkle in the public’s eye until Tesla showed the industry that EVs aren’t just small weird-looking, city

ASX: Taking Mobility To New Heights

As previously discussed, all these technologies are coming together to take us to the future, and the one display that

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee was STUNNING with incredible lines and details and call backs to a very long and distinguished heritage.

The blue tow of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe hooks gives away that these Jeeps are not your old school Willys from WWII. Seamlessly blending EV torque with the range of a gas motor, these jeeps are going to revolutionize the off-road market.

Buick showed off the 2025 Wildcat EV Concept that was a bit more traditional, but still focused heavily on autonomy and electrification. It’s also nice to see Buick return to a car-based platform, given that they carry no cars currently in their lineup.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT GLH fills a gap in the Dodge brand lineup that used to be filled by the Caliber and Neon.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV has people buzzing about the future of pure electric full-size pickups, as GM joins the EV fray.

The Lincoln L-100 Concept opens up like a flower and is meant to be mostly driven autonomously, but can be driven old school.

brought that all together was that of Airspace Experience Technologies (ASX; website: Iflyasx.com).

Autonomy, GPS, Drone Technology, and EVs combine into one travel solution.

According to John Rimanelli, CEO and Founder of ASX, you can hail a pod that would autonomously arrive at your home and pick you up.

You would then ride worry free (and emission free) to your destination not having to worry about navigating traffic . . . or even touching the controls.

Have a long way to go? No problem!

The pod will go to an airport where it will mate with what looks like a super-sized drone. This drone is not unlike those you can buy for a few hundred dollars . . . only scaled up massively.

While remaining in your pod, the drone can use the battery in the pod to fly you anywhere within its range, autonomously.

Once at your destination, a battery can be swapped out if it’s low, and you can proceed to your destination having never left that pod.

Rimanelli suggests these pods can be manufactured by current automakers with their unique brand identities, while being compatible with the ASX platform.

He also ensures us that until autonomous operation has been perfected, these pods will

have an operator that can take over in the event of an issue.

However, ultimately, the ASX CEO and Founder comments: “Flying is hard, and an autonomous vehicle would be far safer as it doesn’t get tired or distracted.”

Rimanelli also sees this platform being used for cargo, defence, and even fighting forest fires, where they can pick up pods loaded with fire retardant over and over, without ever getting tired.

This is, of course, all in a prototype stage, but the technology that makes it possible is already here.

Regardless, this is a very likely glimpse of what future transportations will look like.

A Sign Of Things To Come

All in all, it was not the show we knew. A lot has changed and it’s unclear if those glory days of the NAIAS will ever return.

What is clear though is that the last few years have been about nothing, if not change.

We will look back at 2022 and reminisce about the days when we drove cars ourselves, and they were filled with liquid that exploded — a similar sentiment expressed in the movie I, Robot.

This movie, in particular, came to mind often, during the show and with Tesla’s unveiling of its robot Optimus — the future isn’t quite so far away!

John Rimanelli, the CEO and Founder of ASX was on hand with a display that ties the entirety of what the Biz X team saw, together into one symbiotic future of travel at the NAIAS.

FEATURE

STORY By Victoria Rose

Get Out & About This Winter And Enjoy The Festivities . . . You Might Even Start Some New Family Traditions

Windsor Essex loves to celebrate, so it is no surprise that there are many great things happening during the 2022 festive season.

Get ready to explore the region, experience top-notch entertainment, try delicious food, pick out unique gifts, and make new memories this winter!

While Biz X strives to ensure the following information is accurate, we suggest you follow up with the venue or organizer for any updates or changes in the events profiled in this feature.

Here’s a quick list of family-friendly activities you can enjoy from mid-November 2022 to January 2023. . . yes, sadly when the holidays are over and kids are back to school again!

*To view even more events be sure to check: BizXmagazine.com throughout November and December.

Amherstburg

November 19 To January 8

River Lights Winter Festival

Amherstburg’s waterfront parks and town storefronts are merry and bright for the holiday.

Take a walk through the colourful displays that light up each night until January 8.

“Our outdoor events are a great way to spend quality time outside in the fresh air with family and friends,” says Anne Ussoletti

Rota, Manager, Tourism and Culture, Town of Amherstburg. “Viewing our thousands of beautiful displays in two of our premier parks while strolling the downtown streets are a must-do in the Windsor Essex region. Bundle up, stroll the parks, bring your family and friends, stop for treats or shop our local boutique shops, there is something for everyone this winter!”

More at: VisitAmherstburg.ca/events.

November 26

Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade

The Town of Amherstburg is pleased to present the 15th annual Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade, organized by the Windsor Parade Corporation. The parade starts at 6 p.m. sharp on Sandwich Street South, but

(Left) The town of Amherstburg is the perfect family destination with lots of twinkling lights, outdoor events, shops, restaurants, beautiful parks and a whole lot of charm. So bundle up this winter for some quality family time at the River Lights Winter Festival! Photo courtesy of the Town of Amherstburg. (Right) The biggest cheers from the crowd at the Windsor Parade Corporation’s Santa Claus parades (Amherstburg, Essex and Windsor) always come when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in their sleigh. Photo by Sanja Tabor.

THE PARENTING BIZ

the fan zone is open from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

There will be holiday music, bright floats and entertainment for the young and the young at heart! (See the parade website: WindsorParade.org/amherstburgparade)

December 7: Christmas At The Museum

Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with a concert featuring musical performances from the Jim Walls Trio and a dessert buffet, inside the Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum (277 King Street) on December 7, at 7 p.m.

There are also silent auction prizes, refreshments and access to visit the museum.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at: CAM2022.givesmart.com.

Until December 15: Digital Scavenger Hunt

Join the scavenger hunt in Amherstburg (also in Windsor and Essex) and use your digital passport to track your progress as you find special businesses that hold the key to a special contest. (Visit: WindsorParade.org)

December 16: Santa Shout Out

It’s an interactive meet and greet with Santa! Find Kris Kringle in his snow globe at the foot of Murray and Dalhousie Streets on

Saturday, December 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. where he will call up the kids and talk about their Christmas wishes. (Amherstburg.ca/events)

Kingsville

November 19 To January 4

Fantasy of Lights

Kingsville’s Fantasy of Lights celebrations include a 12 Days of Christmas virtual scavenger hunt, train rides (weekends November 25 to December 18 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) to tour the light displays and drink hot chocolate, and specialty events held at the

Bright displays, fireworks and fun activities are all part of what you and your children can enjoy, hand in hand, at Kingsville’s Fantasy of Lights. Photo courtesy of The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville.

Lakeside Park Pavilion (315 Queen Street) each weekend leading up to Christmas.

A Christmas Artisan Market takes place on December 3 from 2 to 8 p.m. and December 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And on December 6 at Paws and Claus from 6 to 8 p.m., you can bring your pet to get a great howliday photo with Santa!

“Come to celebrate the holiday season, to make memories together, to enjoy the outdoors, and to experience Kingsville!” says Karen Loney, Manager of Recreation Programs and Special Events, for The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville

Find the latest information on their website: Kingsville.ca.

November 25 To January 8

Holiday Lights, Heritage Nights

An outdoor light display transforms the LaSalle Civic Centre (5950 Malden Road) into a brilliant walking holiday experience, complete with numerous ornamental/holiday lights and a 40-foot tall walk-through Christmas tree. Lights turn on daily at 6 p.m.

For the activity schedule refer to: LaSalle.ca/holidaylights.

Leamington

November 26: Candyland — Leamington Christmas Parade

The town’s annual Christmas parade starts at 6 p.m. at the corner of Georgia and Erie Street, continues north through town, and ends at the fairgrounds.

When Santa reaches the judging stage across from town hall, he will then wave his wand to turn on the town’s lights and kick off a short fireworks display.

“It really is a beautiful parade,” says Wendy Parsons, General Manager, Leamington District Chamber of Commerce. “Come see the many participants who put so much effort into their entries and all the smiling faces as we welcome the Christmas season!”

Learn more by going to the website: LeamingtonChamber.com/event-calendar.

Essex

The annual parade presented by the Essex BIA kicks off at 6:30 p.m. from Fairview Avenue and follows Talbot Street to Maidstone Avenue. You can also tune in to YourTV Windsor-Leamington for the live broadcast.

BIZ

Come early between 3 to 5:30 p.m. and enjoy family-friendly activities at the new fan zone located next to Blimeys British Store & Gift Shop, 71 Talbot Street North.

The Essex parade is also organized by the Windsor Parade Corporation. (WindsorParade.org/essexbia)

Winter Fest (Downtown

Windsor)

November 21 To January 15

“Winter Fest is designed to be a jubilant, animated and welcoming holiday-centric event for people of all ages, providing visitors with a wide variety of exciting experiences that will encourage them to rediscover the magic of downtown Windsor,” says Debi Croucher, Executive Director of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA).

She adds: “The DWBIA’s Winter Fest invites excitement for the holidays, and brings positivity, community, collaboration and fun, even with virtual programming.”

November 26, December 3, December 10 Holiday Village/Santa On The Lane

Maiden Lane is transformed into a pseudo-North Pole where residents and visitors can enjoy carollers, make frozen bubbles and taffy pops, check out the pop-up shops, and enjoy Santa on the Lane, a socially-distanced photo opportunity with Santa inside a snow globe. (DowntownWindsor.ca/winterfest)

December 1 To January 15

Light Up The Night

Everyone is welcome to join in a full season of events and activities to celebrate the holidays. Check out the illuminated light displays on main and secondary streets creating magical experiences that encourage residents and visitors to rediscover downtown’s many treasures. (DowntownWindsor.ca/winterfest)

December 1 To 25: Virtual Concert Series

Held in partnership with the University of Windsor, the concert series features 12 local singer-songwriters and musicians presenting their own works and/or renditions of holiday favourites. (DowntownWindsor.ca/winterfest)

December 1 To 18 : House To House

Combat — Battle Of The Gingerbreads

This is a wildly popular online competition, presented in partnership with St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, searching for people with the best decorating ability.

Santa on the Lane is a socially distanced photo opportunity on certain days during downtown Windsor’s Winter Fest. Santa sits on a throne inside a snow globe from where he visits with children and families to hear what gifts are at the top of their wish list. Photo courtesy of the DWBIA.

Participants submit their gingerbread house photos to the Windsor Star for a chance to be declared the Best Gingerbread House in Windsor Essex! Entries are evaluated on criteria like appearance, originality, and difficulty. Who will you bet all your dough on? LOL! (DowntownWindsor.ca/winterfest)

December 10: Essex BIA Santa Claus Parade

December 2 To January 8

Bright Lights Windsor

Over 100,000 people enjoyed the dazzling displays, top-notch local vendors and vibrant holiday entertainment at Bright Lights in 2021 and this year promises to be the best yet!

The event runs every night from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Jackson Park (125 Tecumseh Road East). Any questions? Find the answers on: BrightLightsWindsor.ca.

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December 3: Windsor Santa Claus Parade

Another hallmark event for the Windsor Parade Corporation is the annual Windsor Santa Claus Parade, which returns for its 54th year in 2022. Presented by the Wyandotte Town Centre BIA, the parade starts at 6 p.m. from Devonshire Road in Walkerville and follows Wyandotte Street to Glengarry.

Family-friendly activities take place from 3 to 5:30 p.m. in the fan zone and you can pick up a free passport to fill out at participating merchants. Just go to: WindsorParade.org for a street map and more.

According to Maggie Durocher of the Windsor Parade Corporation their “annual parades are part of the holiday fabric of each community that we have the privilege of working in. The parades are very special to us and continue to remind us of the joy of the season, however more importantly, are the smiling faces of the children who line the routes waiting to see Santa.”

December 4, 11, & 18

Breakfast With Santa, Willistead Manor

The second annual Breakfast With Santa experience offers guests a delicious holiday breakfast buffet prepared by Chef Julie Myers and her talented team at Thyme To-Go

Included in the experience is a self-guided mini tour of Willistead Manor (1899 Niagara Street, Windsor) all decked out in its holiday finest, and the opportunity to have family pictures taken with Santa in the Great Hall at the mansion.

Bright Lights Windsor offers a spectacular backdrop of thousands of lights and stunning displays including the giant illuminated tree in the Queen Elizabeth II Sunken Gardens. Photo by Sanja Tabor.

THE PARENTING BIZ

The event is offered on Sundays, December 4, 11 and 18, 2022 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $40 for general admission, and $20 for children 12-years-old and under. Photos are $20 extra (cash only) and will be available onsite.

This event will sell out so be sure to get your tickets soon! Learn more at: ThymeToGo.ca.

“When designing these events, we thought about the ‘At Home’ parties that Edward and Mary Walker once hosted in their grand mansion, and looked to recreate a bit of that magic,” says Christopher Lawrence Menard, Cultural Development and Willistead Manor Coordinator, the City of Windsor

As well, Willistead Manor is open for holiday tours in December on Sundays (1 to 4 p.m.) and Wednesdays (6 to 8 p.m.).

Tour reservations are not required and full details are on their website: Willistead.ca.

December 17 & 18

WSO:

A “Grinchy” Holiday Pops

Baritone Reginald Smith, Jr. joins the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) and the WSO Chorus at the Capitol Theatre (121 University Avenue West) to celebrate the music of the Grinch and other holiday favourites.

Tickets start at $17 and are available on the web page: WindsorSymphony.com/event.

December 28

Kwanzaa Celebration

Family Fuse hosts Kwanzaa celebrations online on December 28 at 5:30 p.m.

Based on African harvest festival traditions, Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture held December 26 to January 1

The Family Fuse celebration is open to everyone and guests can register to receive the meeting link.

“Considering Windsor is a border city, with many who have relatives who are American or they share that status, Family Fuse has decided to host a Kwanzaa event for a second year,” says Christie Nelson, Program Manager, Family Fuse.

Bright Lights Windsor is set to return to Jackson Park from December 2 to January 8 this holiday season with thousands of lights and stunning displays. And as this family discovered last year, there might just be a few surprise visitors stopping by as well!

Photo courtesy of Jason Toner from Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.

See more details in the events section on: FamilyFuse.ca.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Windsor Essex offers so many opportunities to start the festive season with a bang and take your celebrations well into the New Year.

We hope this list — ranging from parades and meet & greets with Santa Claus, to light shows and all kinds of holiday activities — provides you with some inspiration and a starting point to get out and carry on family traditions or make new memories.

Happy Holidays!

Socks Means Walks: A Story Of Loyalty, Friendship And Love

The second book in the popular children’s series, EDventures, is ready to get your child walking on sunshine!

In the new Socks Means Walks, local authors John Schlarbaum and Lori Huver give their rescued dog another opportunity to talk about the one incredible day he awoke to find his fur mom gone! It’s a mystery children will love to solve along with Eddie.

“The title refers to Eddie’s reaction when we put on our socks prior to taking him for a walk,” Huver states. “We don’t even have to ask ‘Do you want to go for a walk?’

or open the closet to get his leash anymore. Hence, ‘socks means walks’ became a phrase synonymous with going for a tour.”

Known for his mystery novels, Schlarbaum decided a little mystery would make for a good storyline.

He comments: “There are times Lori’s away and Eddie plants himself in the front window or at the back door in anticipation of her return. The book idea was I’d take him for a walk to visit his real life dog and human friends in the neighbourhood asking for their help.”

The first book in the series, A Tail of Love & Rescue, told Eddie’s story of being rescued in Texas and being driven to Windsor by the local Second Chance Animal Rescue organization.

It was both an entertaining and educational read that young children could understand, as well as being Amherstburg’s River Bookshop’s #1 Kids Book of 2020.

Similarly, “Socks Means Walks has a

gentle storyline about how, when you need help, your friends and family will be there for you,” Huver adds.

Once again, told using actual pictures of Eddie and his friends that are “cartoonized” for a fun and colourful read, children of all ages will be able to relate to Eddie’s unwavering love for his parents and those who unselfishly help him along the way.

To purchase a copy, you can go online to: JohnSchlarbaum.com.

It is also available in Windsor at Juniper Books, Biblioasis and Storyteller Bookstore

In Amherstburg the book can be purchased at the River Bookshop, Gibson Gallery, Pet Valu and Gumballs & Overalls.

Co-authors John Schlarbaum and Lori Huver have recently released the second book in EDventures, a popular children’s series featuring their rescued dog, Eddie. Photo courtesy of the authors.

HEALTH MATTERS Flu And COVID-19 . . .

What’s The Difference?

Supplied By The WECHU

The influenza (flu) and COVID-19 infections share some common symptoms, which makes it difficult to tell them apart.

Specifically, the following symptoms are common to both the flu and COVID-19 — fever, chills; chest discomfort, cough; feeling tired; body aches/pains and headache.

Children And Flu

Children with the flu may have similar symptoms to adults, but there can be differences . . .

Newborns and babies may have an unexplained high fever and no other signs of illness.

Young children usually have temperatures over 39.5°C and may have convulsions.

Upset stomach and pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are common in younger children.

Earaches and red eyes are also common.

Children And COVID-19

Some children who have COVID-19 do not have any symptoms, while others may experience mild to moderate symptoms

such as a low-grade fever, fatigue, and cough.

Although rare, a small number of children have developed a severe and dangerous complication of COVID-19 called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C).

Public Health Measures To Reduce The Spread Of Flu And COVID-19

Stay home and do not go to work or school if you are sick.

Stay up-to-date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Wear a well-fitted medical or non-medical mask in public settings.

Maintain a two metre distance from others in public settings.

Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

Maintain good ventilation in indoor spaces.

Vaccination: The Best Way To Protect Yourself And Others

Staying up-to-date on COVID-19 and seasonal flu immunizations is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and the community.

People eligible to get vaccinated are encouraged to do so in order to protect those around them.

Keep in mind, children aged five and under are not able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to call their health care provider or visit a participating pharmacy to book a COVID-19 and/or flu shot for your family.

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit building, which can be booked via the website: WEVAX.ca or by calling 519-258-2146 ext. 4500

For more information on the influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines, visit the website: WECHU.org

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), in partnership with other agencies and health care providers, seeks to enable all Windsor and Essex County residents to be as healthy as possible. The Health Unit is located at 1005 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor.

Reflecting Back, It’s Been A Pleasure Writing For You

By Steven Mayo

For the 25 years I have been writing for Biz X magazine I have tried to educate, and guide investors through their investment thinking.

It’s been my pleasure to write these articles, however this is my last column.

I wish to thank Deborah Jones, my publisher, who provided me this platform to express my opinions on the twists and turns of stock markets and world news.

Also, thanks to the readers who from time to time have provided me with positive feedback; sometimes just liking the finishing quote.

I’d like this article to remind investors of the key investment themes I have focused on through the years, and some great quotes.

Since no one knows tomorrow’s news, investing requires discipline. However, from my experience, it’s quite often human behaviour that is the #1 barrier to successful investing.

I’ve seen so many new fads come and go and it’s these episodes of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) that usually end up a problem for a portfolio and give investors the impression the “markets” are a casino.

It’s easy to buy a fad, and even harder to sell!

So, please avoid the “shiny and new” and stick to the “tried and true”. This is where markets, over time, reward investors.

The majority of successful investors stick with dividend growing stocks, as many of these companies are dominant in their industry, grow their business, and often buy back shares.

Of course, with world events, quality names can drop, but this is also where you are best to add funds.

Patience is also required to be a successful investor.

There are many times I “hold on to cash” waiting for opportunities. At times, my clients wonder if I’m being too boring!

Until something happens!

It may be the hardest thing to teach new investors since everyone is inundated with 24 hours of info.

Cash is an asset class, and at times it doesn’t get enough respect. I’ve had many situations in my 38 year career (no retirement plans yet), when “Cash Was King,” and the opportunities came along when least expected.

It has also been important to understand greed versus fear.

In the investment world if you have a 30%+ return, you should consider some selling, and if there is a similar correction of a sector or stock, it’s time to consider buying.

Remember to remain humble. Overconfidence in one’s portfolio successes is in itself, an early warning sign.

Finally, I still believe it’s best to invest in North American markets. In general, it reduces risk.

Let me finish with some of my favourite quotes over the years . . .

• “Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing.” ~ Warren Buffet

• “I’ve never met a rich pessimist.”

~ Ned Goodman

• “Be greedy when others are fearful.” ~ Warren Buffett

• “Great investing requires a lot of delayed gratification.” ~ Charlie Munger

• “We have three baskets for investing: Yes, no, and too tough to understand.” ~ Charlie Munger

• “Integrity outlives good looks and money.” ~ Tom . . . an old friend of mine.

I wish you good health and successful investing!

Steven Mayo is a Senior Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. (Member — Canadian Investor Protection Fund). This article is not intended as nor does it constitute investment advice. Readers should consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on information in this article.

Steve, for all your hard work these past 25 years! You never missed a deadline and your articles were very informative and always filled with great investment advice. We appreciate your support!

~ Deborah and all at Biz X

100-Year Old Investment Imparts A Windsor Tradition

By Andrea Grimes

There’s something to be said about the value, strength and foundation of family traditions and sharing those timeless memories through each generation.

Were you at the Prince Edward Hotel for Ernest Rennie and his orchestra’s fundraising performances, to support our military in WWII, and did you go dancing at Coral Gables Ballroom because all the lads looked so “dish-y” in their uniforms?

Were you at the train station waving good bye to the Essex Scottish as our lads headed “over there” and how many times did you stand at the Cenotaph on November 11 to remember all who “did their bit for crown and country’ and never made it back home?

Remember when the Volcano Restaurant introduced Windsor’s first pizza and the annual January “Plum Sale” at Birks Jewellers?

Did you catch your first glimpse of Hollywood glam at the Elmwood Casino or perhaps you celebrated your 21st birthday at the Top Hat Supper Club with Mike Drakich in his plaid dinner jacket?

How many times did you and your buddies frequent the Hi Ho on Sandwich Street for Aimee Fortin’s Grumpy Burger?

Do you recall the “One Cent Sale” (buy one get another for a penny) at Rexall Drug Store and did you plan weeks in advance to “be there” for the opening of Devonshire Mall?

Some of those chapters of Windsor’s history were traditions that shaped our lives.

One of Windsor’s most benchmarked commitments was launched on

November 28, 1922 when 10 representatives from seven Rotary Clubs gathered to address the needs of children and young adults afflicted with physical disabilities.

That summit resulted in the establishment of the Ontario Society for Crippled Children renamed in 1981 to the Easter Seals Society, Ontario (visit the website: EasterSeals.org).

“To meet the primary objectives of Easter Seals, colourful direct mail charity labels were introduced in Ontario in 1947,” says Robyn Visheau, Easter Seals Ontario Senior Manager, Communications. “The campaign proved to be a resounding success, resulting in $138,396 raised. Later that year, March was dubbed as Easter Seals Month and included the annual presentation of the official ‘seals’ to the Prime Minister.”

According to an article published in The Windsor Star March 25, 1983: “The first Windsor Easter Seals Ontario telethon took place Sunday, March 27, 1983 and was broadcast from CBET’s studios. The telethon raised $77,400 from the Windsor community.”

“Windsor is the founding home of Easter Seals — not only in Ontario, but in all of Canada — and we are immensely grateful for the support we have received from this community throughout the years,” says Kevin Collins, Easter Seals Ontario President and CEO. “Everything we have accomplished has been the result of the remarkable dedication, committed service, and extraordinary generosity of Rotary

and other service clubs, individual donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff. Together we have built a legacy of changing the world for children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities, and I am truly looking forward to toasting our shared successes here in Windsor with everyone at our 100th anniversary celebration on November 28.”

Easter Seals survived WWII, the Polio epidemic, the Depression, the 99-day Ford strike and the recession; 9-11 and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.

As such, Easter Seals has made (and continues to make) a dynamic impact by “changing up” how disabilities are defined through the advancement of education, medical research, vocational rehabilitation and advocacy.

Our community’s 100-year old investment in Easter Seals Ontario by generations of diverse families is a Windsor tradition. In quoting Canadian physician Dr. William Osler: “We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life.”

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

Photo depicts the Easter Seals Ontario Camp Merrywood, built in 1948 as a summer camp for kids afflicted with polio. Photo courtesy of Easter Seals Ontario.

OF THE MONTH

Nana’s Bakery: A 25 Year Community Fixture Could Be Your New Venture

By Victoria Rose

Ofall the hats that Nana’s Bakery owner Doug Romanek wears — both literally and figuratively — most people will recognize the jovial baker for his white hat.

It’s been a wardrobe staple for 25 years, but Romanek recently announced it might be time to hang up his hat.

“I’ve watched the sun come up, I want to watch it go down now,” says Romanek, reflecting on a long history of 3 a.m. starts that began in 1997.

While working as a restaurant consultant he stopped in to visit a customer who owned two bakeries.

His plan was to open a fish and chip shop around the corner, but when he mentioned his idea, the owner offered to sell one of the bakeries.

Romanek called his wife and said: “Barb, we bought a bakery.”

The problem? Romanek did not know how to bake . . . or how to run a business!

He knew how to make coffee and sandwiches and thought it was a good place to start.

The family did renovations and Romanek used some of his mother’s recipe books to get started.

Since his mother had recently passed, he thought Nana — a British term for grandmother — would be a great name for the bakery, as well as provide a way for his children to connect with her memory.

That thoughtfulness and heart has gone into every aspect of the business and for those with specific dietary needs, that attention to detail is vital.

Nana’s niche service started when a customer came in to find a milk-free cake. Romanek agreed to do it before he even had a recipe.

This turned into a habit of saying yes first and figuring it out later . . . talking to a nutritionist or doing lots of research into what dietary needs each customer had.

“I’m the baker you go to when no one else can help you,” he comments.

Now Nana’s Bakery is known for those specialty desserts, with vegan, gluten-free, and diabetic options part of the regular menu, as well as almost anything available by special order.

Some customers come in for bread and baked goods, others stop in for breakfast or just to have a coffee and a chat.

There are customers who visit a few times a year (from Leamington, Chatham, and London) and those who are there on a weekly (or even daily) basis.

The strong client base comes from the sense of community Romanek and his family have created. When you walk through the door, you are greeted warmly and customer service is the top priority.

“People feel comfortable as we treat people well and with kindness,” says Romanek. “They aren’t customers, they become part of the Nana’s family.”

The couples’ hearts are in the community too, donating regularly to an endless list of causes. This includes collecting donations for homeless initiatives, helping launch the Diabetes Wellness Centre, donating food to different events, and delivering baked goods and specialty meals weekly to the Windsor Youth Centre

“I like giving back — it makes you feel good and community is what keeps us going,” Romanek adds.

During the pandemic, Nana’s Bakery had the option to take a hiatus, but the doors stayed open.

In October, Doug and Barb Romanek welcomed 200 guests at their open house to reflect on the bakery’s history and of course, enjoy a piece of anniversary cake. Their favourite memories are too many to count, but include many long-standing friendships and watching customers bring in their children who were once childhood customers themselves. Photo by Rod Denis.

After all the support Romanek has received over the years, he felt it was important to do so, though it was not easy with the increases in utility costs and food prices that he had to absorb.

As with everything else, he takes it all in stride with a positive attitude.

His advice to other entrepreneurs — be prepared to do the hard work. Romanek feels that it is tougher now to attract customers in this industry since a lot of people started to bake/cook at home and enjoy staying in.

“You have to be creative and step your game up and if you buy a business that is successful already you can take advantage of that captured clientele,” states Romanek with a chuckle noting their bakery is officially up for sale.

Everything is still going strong so exactly when they can retire is unknown. However, if the right offer comes in, they will enjoy some well-earned rest (and staying up past 9 p.m.).

You can find Nana’s Bakery at 2936 Dominion Boulevard at Grand Marais in Windsor. To inquire about the sale of the business visit: BradBondy.com.