Coverage On New Businesses In Renovated Buildings Continues With The Cherry Rock Lounge, Downtown Windsor; Chopstix Pan-Asian Eatery, Tecumseh And The Supply Depot Cash & Carry, Central Windsor
Nominations Set To Close For The 27th Annual Biz X Awards
Coverage On New Businesses In Renovated Buildings Continues With The Cherry Rock Lounge, Downtown Windsor; Chopstix Pan-Asian Eatery, Tecumseh And The Supply Depot Cash & Carry, Central Windsor Nominations Set To Close For The 27th Annual Biz X Awards
VOTING BEGINS SEPTEMBER 17
Celebrating Five Years Of Performance Fitness & Wellness Centre
Celebrating Five Years Of Performance Fitness & Wellness Centre
The 40 Year Anniversary Of A Special Program For Autism Services Inc.
PLUS Slik Finish Painting; Danielle Campo Consulting; Back To School Hot Topics & Leamington Chamber BEA Finalists
The 40 Year Anniversary Of A Special Program For Autism Services Inc. Slik Finish Painting; Danielle Campo Consulting; Back To School Hot Topics & Leamington Chamber BEA Finalists
If You Renovate It They Will Come
It’s a new look for a new beginning for the recently opened Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill in Kingsville, previous home of the Chuckwagon Family Restaurant. Peter Radu (left), Owner of Radu Construction completed the renovation work for Karthik Subramaniam, Owner of this location, plus four other Chuck’s franchises in the area with three more in the works. First impressions count when it comes to attracting customers to a business, so let’s hammer out the details on how to achieve perfection through professional renovations! PAGE 18
and teachers are navigating a rapidly changing educational landscape. From new technology, like cell phones disrupting learning, to bullying, religion and other important issues, this installment of our family section analyzes how the education system is handling these matters. Conseil Scolaire Catholique (Csc) Providence is one of our sources for the article and photographed above are grade one students at École élémentaire catholique Georges-P.-Vanier.
26 Ask The Experts: Turning Boring Houses Into Colourful Homes With Slik Finish Painting Of Kingsville
28 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: Five Fabulous Years Of Strength, Sweat (Equity), Success And An Outstanding Performance
Our Cup of Joe columnist Joe McParland highlights Performance Fitness & Wellness Centre (PFWC) on their first five years of business. Located in the heart of the city in Dorwin Plaza (1.2 km from E.C. Row Expressway), PFWC survived the COVID-19 pandemic and has established itself as a premiere, family owned and managed fitness and wellness centre. Read about some of the ‘elite athletes’ training there from around the world and get to know some of the individuals on their team.
(Top left photo by Tina Huynh)
30 XX Files: Consulting Business Owner, Gold-Medal Swimming Paralympian Danielle Campo
30 Motivational Quotes With Danny
32 The Parenting Biz: Education Matters Affecting Students And Teachers Today
School bells are ringing all over the region loud and clear. Summer vacation is over and kids are back in the classroom. Students, parents,
(Middle photo courtesy of Csc Providence)
38 Guest Column: Socialization Opportunities With EarlyON Child And Family Centres
39 Charity Profile: Autism Services Inc. Of Windsor & Essex County’s Bruce Awad Summer Program
During the summer a 40th anniversary event took place at the Ciociaro Club for the Autism Services Inc. of Windsor & Essex County’s Bruce Awad Summer Program. Part of the celebrations included a tasting feature with Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery passing out samples of their finest wines, as served by Sales Representative David McNair (pictured above). Who else attended from the local breweries and wineries? And just who are the people responsible for this running this amazing program that support autistic children and their families? Find out in our Charity Profile pages!
(Photo far right by Tina Huynh)
41 Let’s Talk About: Youth Involvement In Gang Activities And The Use Of Firearms
42 Biz Of The Month: The Recently Renovated And Rebranded Supply Depot Cash & Carry, Windsor
INDIVIDUALS PICTURED: Peter Radu (left), Owner of Radu Construction and Karthikeyan (Karthik) Subramaniam of Kings Business Group, the owner of five Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill franchises, currently operating in Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent, with three more set to open in the coming months.
LOCATION: The new Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill, 32 Main Street West in Kingsville, open since mid-July. Radu Construction completely gutted the main dining area and redid everything — the ceiling, bar, walls, floors, bathrooms and outside walls — to breathe new life into the former Chuckwagon Family Restaurant. The bike stand pictured was built by Nate Bevington of Nate’s Custom Carpentry.
FUNNY STUFF
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Singing The Praises Of Our Feathered & Furry Friends
Send your funny animal photo with your pet’s name to: deborah@bizxmagazine.com and it may be included here in an upcoming issue. Make sure it gives our readers a laugh!
Darwin is “Walking on Sunshine” (or maybe flying!).
“They say it’s your birthday . . . well it’s Edward’s sixth birthday too, yeah”!
Pyewacket has “got the mooooves like Jagger”.
In his favourite chair, all Max has to do is “drea-eaea-ea-eam, dream, dream, dream” (remember the Everly Brothers?).
“Striving to provide our readers with a quality magazine that contains accurate information about the businesses and people that shape our border cities; and that challenges us to appreciate, explore and contribute to our communities.”
PRESIDENT
Deborah Jones
VICE-PRESIDENT
Colin Jones
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION & SALES
Della Jones-Goulet, Assistant to the Publisher
Kathleen Jones, Office Administrator
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Jack Rosenberg
WRITERS / PHOTOJOURNALISTS
Michelle Allen
David Clark
Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh
Danny Gautama
Dave Halliday
Tracey Harding
Joe McParland
Jim Murphy
Rick Onslow
Victoria Rose
Rebecca Wright
Rose City Politics Panel
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rodney L. Denis Photography
Tina Huynh
Sanja Tabor
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Rae Marie
MAILING
IGet Into The Groove For The 27th Annual Biz X Awards
By Deborah Jones
hope you had a relaxing summer and are ready to get back to business in September.
At the magazine we are set to rock n’ roll for our busiest time of year. On top of the regular issues to produce and our website to update daily, we have lots of nominees to contact and a voting poll to assemble in preparation for the 27th annual Biz X Awards music themed edition.
So how does the awards’ process come to be?
Our 2024 award categories were officially released in the July/August issue and on our website and are repeated here in my September column to ensure everyone has time to participate.
This is the final call for nominations on: BizXmagazine.com closing on September 9, 2024 at 5 p.m. (on FB & IG share: BizXmagazine.ca).
Readers can nominate the businesses, organizations, people and events in Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island that they believe are the best in each category and deserve to be recognized.
Whenever possible, please include some supporting evidence, for your nominee, on our online form. If you choose the wrong category, we reserve the right to move it to the appropriate category so that your nomination counts.
Nominees are made public on the Biz X website when voting commences September 17 (noon) and continues through to September 24 (5 p.m.)
Keep in mind the nomination and voting process is not a popularity contest — it only takes ONE nomination to be included in the voting poll. It is always best though to get a few people to nominate you or your business/organization to ensure your nomination was received by us.
Once you complete a nomination form, you will see on your computer screen we received it and also a confirmation email will be sent to your email.
If you DO NOT receive this email (check your spam folder too) that means we did NOT receive your nomination.
Please check all sections were filled out, and you have answered the reCAPTCHA question, and resubmit the form.
If you, your business, organization or event is fortunate to be nominated, you will be contacted to supply further details to us, online, about your qualifications, history, and to confirm information supplied by the nominators.
Once the polls open in September, be sure to blow your own trumpet. Do whatever you can to get your customers to vote for you on the Biz X website — use your own website and social media pages to tell everyone you know that you are nominated! During the voting period you can go online to:
BizXmagazine.com and cast a vote for your choice to win the 2024 Biz X Award, in its respective category. You can also vote using your smart phone or tablet via our mobile friendly voting site.
Remember that vote tallies are only a part of the overall selection process. All nomination forms received, along with company background information supplied and voting poll results, are then reviewed by the Biz X panel of Judges after the polls close.
The next step involves the Judges meeting in the fall to determine the final winners.
The Judges will not know the actual winners’ names, as voting during this meeting is done by secret ballot. The final results are posted in the November/December edition of Biz X magazine, released mid-November.
In the past 27 years, Biz X has awarded over 825 recipients in all kinds of industries, so don’t be discouraged if a certain category is not listed as it may have been previously awarded. (Please check our website to see a list of past winners.)
As we are now in the third decade of our annual awards, certain categories from years back are re-used to allow for new businesses in those industries to have the opportunity to be included.
There are eight staple categories every year — Outstanding New Business, Distinguished Biz Champ Of The Year, Powerhouse Professional, Artist of the Year, Exceptional Social Enterprise, Best Little Retail Shop, Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot, and The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year.
Listed below are the four major sections containing the 24 various categories. While the majority of nominations and votes come from Essex County residents, U.S. citizens and those living outside Essex County can nominate or vote in any category, since they could be clients of the business/organization or supporters of the business professional.
Please follow the rules* below to ensure that your nomination counts . . .
1. Only nominate ONE company/person per award category. Businesses/organizations/people are only permitted to win one award each year.
MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES ARE NOT PERMITTED. We reserve the right to choose the best category for the company or individual when a nomination comes in. All nominees must be over 19 years of age.
2. Be certain that the company or individual you are nominating fits the category’s criteria.
3. The nominee must be located (or reside) in Windsor, Essex County or Pelee Island and NOT be part of a national franchise/chain or non-profit
VOTE NOW FOR YOUR FAVOURITE BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, AND PEOPLE SEPT. 17 (NOON) TO SEPT.24, 2024 (5 P.M.) ON: BIZXMAGAZINE.COM
NOMINATIONS END SEPT. 9, 2024 (5 P.M.)
organization (except for categories in the PEOPLE section and category #24). The PEOPLE section (#8 to #13) is judged on the individual and not the company itself and those working for national chains, franchises and non-profits are eligible to participate only in this section. An exception for category #24 is also allowed as many national organizations have local chapters hosting events.
4. Every business in Essex County and Pelee Island (with the exceptions above) has the opportunity to win a Biz X Award. However: NO MEDIA outlets or representatives can participate in any of the categories. You do not have to be an advertiser with the magazine to be nominated or to win. Judges are not told who is an advertiser (past or present) to ensure there are no biases or conflicts of interest. Be sure to check your email account daily in September to see if we have sent you an automated email about an awards nomination.
Visit: BizXmagazine.com and our Twitter and LinkedIn pages for the very latest information. Happy voting and good luck to all nominees! And now, once again, here are the . . . 2024 BIZ X AWARD CATEGORIES
*See rules in second column before nominating*
BUSINESS & SERVICE
(*No national chains/non-profits allowed) *Remember once a business is nominated in one category they cannot be nominated in any others.
1. Outstanding New Business Of 2024 (Businesses that opened from September 1, 2023 to September 1, 2024) *No restaurants/food trucks or bars can be included as they can participate in the Hospitality & Entertainment Categories.
2. Clean Sweep Janitorial
(Criteria for a commercial cleaning company may include: experience, billing process, if insured/bonded, services offered.)
3. The Accounting Wizards To Count On (An accounting or bookkeeping firm providing services such as: payroll processing, AR assistance, HST returns etc., or also year-end preparations and business consultation.)
4. Custom Cabinet Perfection (Home kitchens, bar areas, closets, entertainment centres etc. and commercial client work as well.)
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 as they have their own categories. Remember if a business is nominated here they cannot participate in any other category.
6. Fabulous Fences & Safer Spaces
(Companies to hire when needing a privacy fence or if a safe environment is required.)
7. Sweet Spa Escape
(The salon/clinic that does it all from massages, manicures and pedicures, to facials and perhaps laser treatments too.)
PEOPLE
*The business/organization the nominee owns or works for cannot be nominated elsewhere.
8. 2024 Powerhouse Professional
(A local business owner or top manager who has what it takes to keep the company/organization they own or work for profitable in today’s tough times.)
9. Artist Of The Year
(For example a singer, painter, musician, sculptor, band, or actor.) *No authors or photographers please.
10. Exceptional Social Enterprise
(A team of workers at a non-profit organization or registered charity making a big difference in our community.)
11. Larger Than Life Coach
(A biz pro who can motivate you to achieve your work and personal goals, overcome challenges and be the best you can be!)
12. Remarkable Real Estate Agent (Commercial or residential; think about experience, style, connections to the industry, past referrals, marketing techniques.)
13. Instructor Who Skates Circles
(Figure Eights) Around The Rest (A figure skating coach for children and/ or adults; consider: qualifications, cost, availability, teaching style.)
RETAIL
(*No national chains/non-profits allowed)
*Remember once a business is nominated in one category they cannot be nominated in any others.
14. The Best Little Retail Shop Of 2024
(Open to all retailers with good prices, fantastic customer service and selection.) *They must have a storefront, no online only businesses please.
15. Big Cheese Wheel On The Block (A cheesemonger offering different types of cheese for personal consumption and/or possible charcuterie boards for special occasions.)
16. Music Store For The Record Books (Where to purchase new and used albums and/or CDs and possibly musical memorabilia.)
17. Woodworking Wonders
(Handcrafted wooden gifts, furniture, desks and/or custom signs etc.) *No cabinet makers please as they can participate in category #4.
18. The Ultimate In Car Care
(Car detailing, rust proofing, window tinting, fabric protection and possibly car washes.)
19. Awesome Sauce
(From BBQ, garlic and Thai to vegan and more — which is the sauce boss of all manufacturers?)
HOSPITALITY & ENTERTAINMENT
(*No national chains/non-profits allowed; exception only for events #24)
*Remember once a business/organization is nominated in one category they cannot be nominated in any others.
20. Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot For 2024
(Can be a new or an existing restaurant or food truck that offers exceptional cuisine, fair prices and has a unique, trendy atmosphere — patio dining and/or take-out only is also acceptable.)
21. All You Can Eat Foodie Paradise
(An eatery — maybe Sushi, Chinese, Italian, Indian or any other — where you order items, via a tablet or server right to your table, or a self-serve buffet. Consider price, menu options, taste and customer service.)
22. Spook-tacular Halloween Fun
(In honour of October 31, for young and old, businesses operating haunted houses, barns, ghost tours, corn mazes, hallow-wine tastings or bar crawls etc.)
23. Raising The Bar One Cocktail At A Time (Where to unwind with an alcoholic beverage either after work, a meal or on a weekend.)
24. The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year (Annual runs, golf tournaments, motorcycle rides, charity fundraisers, festivals, trade shows etc.) *EXCEPTION: Non-profits and charities can participate.
Donations Needed For Annual Do Good Divas Handbag Heaven Fundraiser
The Do Good Divas — in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex — are thrilled to announce the return, in October 2024, of their signature event, A Girls Night Out in Handbag Heaven.
The annual event features a silent auction of extraordinary handbags, including designer, classic, vintage, and funky styles. Attendees can look forward to an exciting evening filled with live music (provided by The Power and the Glory), a lovely meal and the opportunity to bid on fabulous handbags.
Building on the success of last year’s Handbags for Housing event, proceeds directly benefit Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex, supporting their mission to build affordable housing for local families experiencing housing insecurity. The 2023 event raised an impressive $20,000, significantly aiding the construction of two homes in Windsor’s west side.
“The Divas are incredibly proud to have supported Habitat for Humanity WindsorEssex in building two homes and welcoming the families to their new homes on Family Day in February,” says Gale Simko-Hatfield, Founder/President of the Do Good Divas, a not-for-profit organization established in 2007.
“This year, we anticipate even greater success. The support to build two more homes in Sandwich Towne is crucial for the health and well-being of local families, when safe, affordable housing availability is at an alltime low.”
Simko-Hatfield adds: “This event is a fun and exciting way for the community to make permanent and important impacts — and get a fashionable handbag at the same time. We ask our local leaders and influencers to consider donating a handbag to help raise the much needed funds and ensure a knockout event.”
Donations of NEW handbags are now being accepted, during business hours, in Windsor at the Habitat ReStore, 51 Edinborough Street and also at Forest Glade Fireplaces, 11400 Tecumseh Road East.
A Girls Night Out in Handbag Heaven takes place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, starting at 5 p.m. inside the Giovanni Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Avenue in Windsor.
Are you ready to unleash your inner diva and help local housing one handbag at a time? Then purchase your $75 ticket (or $700 for a table of 10) in person at the Habitat ReStore or online at: DoGoodDivas.com!
Lindsay Lovecky (with shovel), joint spokesperson for the Do Good Divas and Habitat for Humanity WindsorEssex organizations, stands with Gale Simko-Hatfield, Do Good Divas Founder/President at the 2023 Sandwich Towne ground breaking on Baby Street in Windsor. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex.
THE PIZZA YOU PICK UP IS THE BETTER PIE!
We’re often asked why we don’t offer traditional delivery. The reason: QUALITY.
Traditional delivery often requires that drivers take multiple orders per run. To keep warm, pizzas are placed inside insulated delivery bags. Bags trap steam. Steam is the enemy of a crispy crust and can make pizzas soggy. That’s why we deliver party and catering orders the same way you pick up—no delivery bags allowed!
Another benefit of no delivery bags—we don’t have to worry about high moisture content pizza sauce contributing to the sogginess. We put more sauce on your pizza. More sauce equals more flavour. Who doesn’t want a more flavourful pizza pie!
I recommend, that even if you’re not an Antonino’s customer, the next time you order pizza from your favorite pizzeria, pick it up—it’ll be a better pie.
President Antonino’s Original Pizza Inc.
Bagless
(Subject
The Pynn family pickup at Antonino’s Original Pizza’s newest location in Riverside.
Presenting The 2024 Finalists For The 30th Leamington & District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
Every year, the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce, residents, employees, and business owners join together to honour and celebrate business excellence.
Their awards publicly recognize outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals who demonstrate excellence in business and a passion for the community.
Wendy Parsons, General Manager of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce, was thrilled this past summer to announce and congratulate all the finalists for their 2024 Business Excellence Awards.
“Your dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring and reflect the vibrant business community we are proud to support,” states Parsons. “Each of you has demonstrated remarkable achievements, and it is an honour to recognize your contributions. Congratulations and best of luck to all!”
Nominations were submitted online and a few judges from the Business Excellence Awards Committee, sponsors and chamber
executives from around Ontario, voted online to choose the finalists and the winners of each category.
The 2024 finalists chosen for the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce’s 30th Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by Libro Credit Union, are as follows . . .
Collaboration Is Key (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Leamington)
-Kingsville BIA
-Libro Credit Union
-Roma Club of Leamington
-The Bank Theatre
Customer First (sponsored by CIBC)
-876 Barber Shop
-Abraham Orthodontics
-Bradt’s Butcher Block
-Peanut Centre Nursery Inc.
Diversity/Equity/Inclusion (sponsored by Community Living Essex County)
-Caldwell Gas Station
-Discovery School Based Childcare Program of Kingsville Inc.
-Switzer-Carty Transportation
Environmental Sustainability (sponsored by Thomson Guardian Pharmacy)
-Envest Corp./Seacliff Energy
-Great Northern Hydroponics
Excellence in Food Services (sponsored by TD Canada Trust)
-Arby’s
-Cancunsito Mexican Cuisine
-Iron Kettle Commissary
-Leamington Portuguese Community Club
Grow South Essex (sponsored by BMO Bank of Montreal)
-Loop Fisheries Ltd.
-Pelee Island Winery
-T G & G Mastronardi
FRONTLINES
Hospitality & Tourism
(sponsored by Point Pelee National Park)
-Burgess Refreshments
-Erie Shores Golf & Country Club
-Leamington Portuguese Community Club
Industrial/Manufacturing Excellence
(sponsored by Invest Windsor Essex)
-UE Enclosures
-Uni-Fab
Innovate Her
(sponsored by Insight Advantage)
-Abby Jakob, EYES
-Alissa Enns, Belamund Café
-Kara Murray, Count Her In, and Murray’s Insurance
-Tori Barraco, Barraco Physiotherapy & Wellness
Innovation (sponsored by the Municipality of Leamington)
-Envest Corp./Seacliff Energy
-Melo LLP
-Roma Club of Leamington
-Uni-Fab
Positive Professionals
(sponsored by RBC Royal Bank)
-Jason Melo, Melo LLP
-Kara Murray, Murray Insurance
-Kyra Knapp, KLB Consulting
-Michelle Fortier, Michelle Fortier Publicity and Trespass Music
Small Business Excellence
1 to 9 employees (sponsored by WFCU)
-Abraham Orthodontics
-Community Muffler
-Elite Mediaworks
-Olive Branch on Main
Small Business Excellence 10 to 50 employees (sponsored by Scotiabank)
The Business Excellence Awards are set to take place on September 25, 2024 at the Roma Club of Leamington, 19 Seacliff Drive East.
During this evening the winners of the above awards are announced, plus two additional categories — Libro Director’s Choice (sponsored by Libro Credit Union) and the Alf Bennie Award (sponsored by Blackburn Radio)
The 2024 theme for this year’s awards ceremony for the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce, celebrates 30 Years of Prosperity, Partnership and Progress.
Doors open for networking at 5 p.m.; dinner is served at 6 p.m., followed by the award ceremony. Tickets are $100 each, plus HST.
Tickets are going fast so get yours directly online at: LeamingtonChamber.com.
NEWSFLASH
THE RUNDOWN
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc.’s 22nd annual Face to Face Campaign, officially began August 15 and runs until September 30, 2024. Each year, this campaign raises funds for the Fairley Family Transportation Program, which provides rides to medical appointments for Hospice patients and families in the community. The G.E.N.I.E. Program (Granting Exceptional N’ Impactful Experiences) is also supported through Face to Face, offering the opportunity for patients receiving Hospice care, whether in the Hospice Residences, or in their own home, to request special trips or outings. How can you help support these memorable moments and much-needed rides? (1) Collect pledges from friends and family as a Face to Face Canvasser. (2) Make a personal donation online, through the mail, or in support of a Face to Face Canvasser. (3) Spread the word about Face to Face! To collect pledges or donate online, refer to: CanadaHelps.org/en/charities/thehospice-of-windsor-and-essex-county-inc/ p2p/face-to-face2024.
The producer of The Rum Runners Tour, Encore Productions of Windsor, has been honoured for the second consecutive year with the prestigious Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award — Best of the Best, bringing their total to an impressive seven awards, determined by the glowing reviews from delighted patrons. So, what makes this fourhour bus tour of the Windsor, Walkerville, and Sandwich 1920s’ era so popular? Talented actors in period attire, visits to historic sites, and being entertained and dined in a re-created speakeasy (the RockStar Music Hall, 2418 Central Avenue in Windsor) are just some of the reasons. Ruth Mary Deraper is from the Chatham-Kent area. She turns 94 on September 9, signalling that her birth in
England took place during the Canadian American prohibition era. Deraper has attended the Rum Runners Tour seven times in the past 10 years. Unofficially baptized by the Fighting Parson (a character in the tour) as “Rum Runner Ruth,” she is a delight to have as a frequent fan. And this is a woman who doesn’t drink! Before leaving her homeland for Canada in 1957, she excelled in track and field, and has the trophies to prove it. In Canada, she spent years as a skilled printer and book binder, personally binding the Eaton’s’ catalogues displayed on the downtown Toronto store counters. When she turned 83, Deraper started acting with local theatre groups. She has been in nine plays in the Chatham area, some with her bestie, Michelle Mainwaring (1920s’ speakeasy owner Bertha Thomas in The Rum Runners Tour). Today, Deraper can be found entertaining seniors during the week in several long-term care residences singing Vera Lynn hits from the WWII years. To see why Rum Runner Ruth keeps coming back time after time, read more information about the tour at: EncoreProductionsWindsor.com. Perhaps you might even be with her for the eighth visit!
Launched in July 2024, discover art and amenities in the Motor Cities as MotorCityMurals.tours invites you to explore the neighbourhoods of Windsor and Detroit on your own time, at your own pace, all year round. The self-guided mural tours celebrate the people and spirit of our cities and the thrill of discovering places and spaces that you both know and don’t know. MotorCityMurals.tours builds upon past tours — McDougall Street Corridor Project and Queer Walk — created by Parallel 42 Systems. It launched in partnership with Hackforge, WindsorEats and the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County. The app is designed to support tourism in the region and encourage cross-border connections. “We built MotorCityMurals.tours to help folks explore street art in the region we love,” states Doug Sartori, President Parallel 42. “We hope people like using it as much as we enjoyed researching the murals and building the app.” With over 50 stops in Detroit and 100 stops in Windsor, each tour is packed with photos and information about the art, artist and surrounding area. Users can make a day of it and explore the whole tour at once, or return again and again — MotorCityMurals. tours keeps track of your journey for you — all with nothing to download and no accounts to create! The tour showcases the work of dozens of talented artists from Windsor such as: Athena (Briana Benore); DENIAL (Daniel Bombardier); Derkz (David Derkatz); Kristina Bradt and Jeff Denomme, as well as Detroit and places beyond. To capture the murals, Parallel 42 tapped local photographers Tricia Wanamaker and Lauren Hedges. There are no fees to use the app, no ads, and no data is collected besides the basic web logs.
Pictured at the RockStar Music Hall are besties Michelle Mainwaring (aka speakeasy owner Bertha Thomas) and Ruth Mary Deraper, on her seventh Rum Runners Tour on July 7, 2024. Photo courtesy of Encore Productions of Windsor.
NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH
On Saturday, July 6, 2024 a small, but mighty gathering of Western Ontario Institute of Technology (W.O.I.T.) alumni assembled (see accompanying photo) for a reunion at St. Clair College (StClairCollege.ca). The gathering was hosted at the College’s Eatery 101, an upscale casual restaurant providing a real world working experience for students. At the reunion 1960s’ grads came together from programs, including Business Accounting and Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Industrial Engineering Technologies. W.O.I.T. — which operated from campuses on Mercer and Erie Streets in Windsor from 1958 to 1967 — was the predecessor of St. Clair
College before the schools amalgamated in 1967. Sponsored by the St. Clair College Alumni Association, the gathering was an opportunity to honour some of the remaining alumni, who are now mostly retired, but still hold fond memories of their time at W.O.I.T.
“All these graduates ended up working in positions as administrators, vice-presidents and presidents for companies around the globe,” notes John Fairley, the Senior Vice President, Communications, Advancement and External Affairs, at St. Clair College.
“They really made a mark in their professions with their technical skills and know-how, but many moved on to leadership roles during their careers.” Further proof that behind every successful leader is a good education and that school spirit never gets old!
The City Market, 1030 Walker Road in Windsor, has earned the prestigious ALGO Accessibility Award by Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) for July 2024. This accolade celebrates the market’s unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members. With wide aisles, ramp entrances, and ample handicap parking, the market ensures easy access for everyone. These facilities reflect their ongoing commitment to universal accessibility. The ALGO (Assisted Living Goes Out) Award
is a monthly accolade recognizing local businesses demonstrating outstanding accessibility and inclusivity. Remember, only together can we build a more inclusive world! Find out further details on these awards and nominate a business on: ALSOgroup.org/algo.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO .
Congrats to Pita Mania, 1050 Lesperance Road in Tecumseh on celebrating 25 years in business! Founded by Peter Niforos in 1999 and kept in the family ever since, now his niece and her husband, Eva and Mladen Remetic are the proud owners of the restaurant. Home to the original Chicken Supreme, their small family establishment prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients, cut daily, paired with their special sauce that is sure to please your taste buds! With a diverse menu suitable for any member of the family, Pita Mania is a favourite spot for lunch and dinner offering items like gyros, salads, chicken fingers, Greek fries, homemade chicken lemon rice soup . . . and more. The couple wishes to thank all their customers for their continued support over the years and they look forward to serving you for many years to come. To see a menu for takeout/dine in options or to order online, go to: PitaMania.ca.
Western Ontario Institute of Technology (W.O.I.T.) alumni (Standing from left) are: Paul Allsop, Gary Dyrda, Bob Taylor, Moe Pougnet, Cal Haddad, Bill Stammler and Isaac Barski. (Seated from left): John Preney, Rowland Deschamps, Ray Parent, Harvey Ginter, Chuck Hickson and Lewis Kryk. Photo courtesy of Jason Kryk.
The Cherry On Top . . . Is A New Windsor Rock Lounge
Photos And Story By Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh And Tracey Harding
Downtown Windsor hit the jackpot with the addition of The Cherry Rock Lounge.
It’s a new venue for live performances, servers that love their jobs, and Fireball heaven.
When we first walked into The Cherry, located at 63 Pitt Street East, it brought us back to the great Rock and Roll bars of our youth.
From the black and red décor, drum light fixture over the pool table to the Stairway to Heaven art on the walls, the vibe is electric.
We were greeted by local icon, Greg Gynp, former radio host at 89X and The River and that’s when the fun began. He has a larger than life personality and immediately had us laughing and loving the place.
No stranger to the service industry as a previous owner of Terra Cotta Pizza and former bartender, Gynp impressed us with his mixology mastery. In fact, all the servers at The Cherry have a fantastic attitude and the joy is contagious.
Gynp took care of our drink line, which we dubbed three cherries for the win!
The
The Cherry — as defined by Cichonski — is a Rock Derivative Bar and is open every night from 2 p.m. until 2 a.m. with acoustic shows during the week, “Cherry-E-Oke” on Tuesdays and local bands performing on the weekends. There is an outdoor deck area, arcade games and the business attracts everyone from the college and university crowd to vintage rockers.
Cherry Lemonade is made with vodka, triple sec and lemonade. This drink is a new summer favourite. Sweet and sour, reminding us of our childhood and SweeTARTS Candy. This drink is finished with sour cherry candy and it just makes you smile.
The next drink in the line-up was Fireball Bourbon Old Fashioned, a wonderful combination. Very sophisticated and served on the rocks, it is a lovely sipping drink. This drink is topped with a dried cherry skewer that will give you goose bumps. The flavour is intense.
Cherry Whisky and Coke is Gynp’s suggestion to round out our cherry experience.
It’s a little reminiscent of cherry whisky and coke, but with a modern twist. This is not your parent’s cherry whisky; it is all grown up. The smoky sweet whisky makes you relax from the very first sip.
We thought that was it, but soon found a Fireball Ice Cream sitting in front of us. The cinnamon liqueur is exceptional with cream.
We can’t forget to mention that in The Cherry’s short time being open, their Fireball sales are through the roof.
The distributor noticed and now they are in the midst of planning a Fireball event.
The Owner of the lounge, Mark Cichonski, shared how this former real estate agent ended up moving from Calgary to Windsor. He said he travelled to Costa Rica and when he returned from the beautiful weather it was still snowing in Calgary, so he looked on a map for the most southern place in Canada and found Windsor.
Cichonski had spent several years working in hospitality and no matter how hard he tried to get out, it kept pulling him back in. He was involved in many conversations about the state of downtown and how someone needs to start investing in it. He decided to put “his money where his mouth is”!
His enthusiasm for this area is infectious and reminds us just how lucky we are to live here, the weather, the people, proximity to Detroit, our lakes and more.
Cichonski officially opened the 6,000 sq. foot bar here on July 13, 2024. The location previously was home to other bars, the latest being Insomnia and for quite some time before, Tequila Bob’s
It helps that there are great restaurants right below the lounge — La Guardia Italian Cuisine, Panache Ultra Lounge and Restaurant, and On A Roll Sushi & Sliders
We stopped in at On A Roll, a two time Biz X Award winner, to get our fix of their amazing sliders, Tempura Egg Rolls, Edamame and of course, Sushi. Just reading their music-themed menu with items like the Voodoo Child, Rocket Man, Free Bird, LA Woman and Magic Bus, will get you ready to rock The Cherry!
Find out who performs next at this rock lounge by visiting their social media page: Facebook.com/people/The-Cherry-RockLounge/61559035750279.
Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh (left) has travelled to over 50 countries exploring what the world has to offer in food, wine, music, art, and fashion. She is a community leader, journalist, business owner, music manager, former educator, Chief Communications Officer, and Athena Award recipient. Tracey Harding has deep roots in southwestern Ontario, but has wined, dined and lived in many countries. She has worked in fashion, real estate/décor, hospitality and food service/tour industries and is an award-winning amateur cook, plus a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Sommelier.
The cool vibe of the entrance to The Cherry Rock Lounge on top of three Pitt Street restaurants screams rock and roll. The building is filled with great eats, classic sounds and fabulous drinks.
Three cherries for the win!
custom cocktails our Belle Vivantes sampled were all made with cherries. From left are: a house speciality Cherry Lemonade; a Fireball Bourbon Old Fashioned with the most amazing dried cherries as a garnish, and a Cherry Whisky and Coke, a grown-up version of the classic 1980s’ drink garnished with sour cherry candy. Cheers!
Inside the bar you can see amazing artwork on the walls, such as this painting of the band Motley Crue. Windsor Artist Kathryn Torok completed all the artwork including the paintings, stencil work and decorations.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Chopstix Pan-Asian Eatery 152 Lesperance Road, Tecumseh, ON
By David Clark
Shifting the momentum to a new Tecumseh location, after many years of running another popular restaurant just outside Old Walkerville, this year, on March 27, 2024, a new concept came to life called Chopstix Pan-Asian Eatery that again involves the arena of Asian cuisine.
According to Owner/Operator Lam Harb: “We offer casual dining with classic service in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Our space accommodates 60 indoors and a bonus space is our covered patio, hosting 15 people.”
Also looking after the establishment is
Photos courtesy of Lam Harb
Lam’s husband Justin Harb, who runs the kitchen. Caring for the customers, the two are a well-oiled machine with standout customer service, getting authentic Asian cuisine out to those anxiously waiting customers who crave their full flavoured dishes.
Getting back to how it all began, for a little history Lam recounts: “We had House of Pad Thai for nine years and before that, we both worked in the industry since 2003. After college, Justin went on to become a Sous Chef at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts and Ambassador Golf Club,
while I opened my first restaurant at just 23 years of age. Together we have over 22 years in the industry in this vertical market, opening our third restaurant, now with Chopstix included.”
Beautifully designed and with a welcoming presence for you to dine in, expect some of the best exotic food when you visit this eatery — Asian cuisine — in particular, Southeast Asian food (mainly Thai, Lao, Vietnamese, and Chinese).
Concentrating on bringing authentic flavours that are not only fresh and flavourful, they have always focused on quality. Those who have travelled to parts of Southeast Asia will recognize the flavours from the varieties of spices and curries they use in dishes, such as the Khao Soi Noodle Soup (chicken stewed in a creamy mild spiced turmeric curry) and Laab Salad (a delicious meat salad made with loads of fresh herbs). It is a warm salad that is best with beef steak grilled to order, sliced thinly and tossed with fresh herbs. Typically served with sticky rice and side bone broth, the authenticity is often intimidating, but your taste buds will thank you later!
As for the Appetizers and Salad section on the menu, the go-to starter is the CFC Chicken (Chopstix Fried Chicken),
At Chopstix you can feel good about what you eat. Everything is healthy and light, like the rice paper wrapped Mango Rolls served with their famous creamy peanut and spicy palm lime sauce.
Welcome to Chopstix Pan-Asian Eatery where you can experience a classic, old school atmosphere with a warm vibe, friendly service and amazing authentic Asian cuisine.
one of their signature appetizers, along with their delicious hand-wrapped Chicken & Shrimp Dumplings, which come either pan seared or fried crispy. Many appetizers, like the General Tso’s Oyster Mushrooms, are so good, you won’t believe it’s vegan friendly!
Being that soup is such a large part of Asian food and broth is considered a natural cure, you need to check out their Beef Pho Soup offered in traditional all beef or vegan style broths, carefully crafted and simmered overnight for quality density.
With many extravagant dishes and large proportions, your two main salads include the well-known Spicy Papaya Salad and their newest popular addition, the Mint Chicken Salad, which has shredded chicken and veggies, including Korean cabbage, onions, peppers, mango, cucumber, sprouts and carrots tossed in a creamy mild-spiced tamarind vinaigrette. It is not only delicious, but has a distinct, super light and refreshing finish with loads of mint, cilantro, toasted cashew bits and a side lemon wedge.
When you’re talking rolls, the Mango Rolls are rice paper wrapped with mango, of course. Added, per request, are the shrimp and chicken.
A Main dish to look at is the Cantonese Beef Ho Fun, a marinated tender beef, stir-fried with thick-egged, rice pasta, red peppers, broccoli, and green onions in a savoury, peppery garlic and dark soya sauce to finish it off. This spectacular dish is made with aromatic beef tallow, a super healthy alternative to standard cooking oil.
Another popular Main meal (found at the former House of Pad Thai) is the Pad Thai dish, familiar to many who are really into true Asian cuisine.
A Thai favourite, it comes with carrots, sprouts and garlic chives stir-fried with egg noodles in a sweet & sour tamarind sauce and garnished with peanuts, side fresh sprouts
and lime wedge. You can choose your Pad Thai in either Chicken, Beef, Shrimp/ Calamari or Tofu/Veg.
What’s next for you to try? Their “forever fans” won’t be disappointed as their oneof-a-kind authentic Asian features, from the previous Thai business, will resurface at the new Tecumseh eatery in the coming months.
“What makes Chopstix unique and competitive is the quality and freshness of the products,” Lam expresses. “At the moment, the vision for the future is keeping consistency in our famous weekly features, something that made us stand out in the past. Another possibility is offering private cooking classes and a delivery service so diners can enjoy our special food delivered right to their doorstep.”
For more on their menu items, photos, and hours of operation, go to: Facebook.com/ChopstixPanAsian (and keep watching for a new website soon!)
The Tom Yum Goong Soup is mixed with five Tiger shrimps and a slew of hearty veggies. It’s topped up with exotic spices that are sure to warm you up instantly.
Available in vegan or traditionally made, the Spicy Papaya Salad gets your adrenaline going and your heart racing. Choose anywhere from 1 to 5 red chilies to cater to your spice level.
Likely the best known of all Asian eats — the Pad Thai Chicken dish — is familiar to diners who frequented the old House of Pad Thai. A staple meal, it will soon become one of your favourites at Chopstix as well.
COVER STORY By Rebecca Wright
Out With The Old And In With The New . . . Bringing Businesses To Life, One Renovation At A Time
Over the last year, there seems to be a growing local trend in the renovation world.
Business owners across the region seem to be opting to give their current location a fresh, new look and employing area professionals to help get the job done seamlessly. As well, new business owners are choosing to renovate the site of a previous company to house their new business and are hiring contractors to complete the work.
Renovations and remodelling can give your business a much needed face-lift — which in turn can boost your brand image, inspire your employees and hopefully attract new customers and increase sales.
As for evidence illustrating the power of renovating, check out a quick summary of some local businesses that now have an up-to-date appearance (or even a new location) . . .
Schinkels’ Meat Market, 24 Talbot Street South in Essex unveiled this summer a stunning new exterior storefront, signage and also increased a bit of square footage inside the store.
Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, located at 7258 County Road West in Amherstburg, spruced up their entire property
inside and out for a big reveal in April 2024.
Also in Amherstburg, Burger 67 relocated from Murray Street in July after renovating the old Lord Amherst Public House and Wine Lounge, 273 Dalhousie Street.
Toto Café, situated at 12211 Riverside Drive East in Tecumseh, opened in the spring after significant renovations were done to a previous bike shop location.
The owners of The Bourbon Tap & Grill opened a third location in March 2024 after transforming Mr. Biggs Sports Bar and Eatery at 405 Notre Dame Street.
LA Town Grill, located at 5975 Malden Road, Unit #5 in LaSalle, recently repainted, reupholstered the booths and purchased new chairs and table tops.
The dance club Disco Inferno, 600 Ouellette Avenue in downtown Windsor, came to life in summer 2023 after WKND’s Hospitality Group converted part of the space used by the Bull & Barrel Urban Saloon.
The Strathcona Building in Walkerville also underwent major renovations in 2023 by Rosati, to house The Grand Cantina at 1968 Wyandotte Street East and a new location for The Twisted Apron, also in Walkerville. In turn, another location of The G.O.A.T. Tap & Eatery was born at 1801 Wyandotte Street East, in the old Twisted Apron location, in April 2024, with another Kona Sushi restaurant moving in and with office space above for an investment firm.
In addition, throughout this edition you will learn of even more business renos, such as in the Belle Vivante column about The Cherry (Rock Lounge), 63 Pitt Street East, downtown Windsor, previously occupied by Insomnia and Tequila Bob’s. The stage was built out and wired for sound; as well a new seating section was built next to the windows.
Our Food For Thought article features Chopstix Pan-Asian Eatery, 152 Lesperance Road in Tecumseh, which was previously the Healthy Mama (a vegan, vegetarian and raw based catering and meal preparation company) and for many years, the old Knights of Columbus Hall. The owners of the 2,500 sq. foot Chopstix site refurbished the bar and undertook major kitchen renovations with the expansion of kitchen exhaust systems and the installation of a walk-in cooler providing ample storage for fresh products.
And we end the September edition with our Biz of the Month on the Supply Depot Cash & Carry, 2601 Wyandotte Street East, renovated and re-branded from the previous name, the Clean Depot. We could go on and on to prove the point that renovations do a business good, but we have to cut it off somewhere! But first, this next example is an in-depth look of multiple franchises owned by a Windsor businessman employing local individuals. He has invested in many properties in the area and with all the renovations currently underway, he is creating a buzz on the hospitality scene . . .
The new interior of Toto Café in Tecumseh after major renovations is pictured.The café is a popular place for a variety of espresso-based drinks, teas, wine/cocktails, sandwiches, soups and salads. Photo courtesy of Joe Proeski.
Before: The building at 12211 Riverside Drive East in Tecumseh previously housed a bike shop and liquidation outlet (next to Lakeside Meats which is still in operation).
Now: After extensive renovations, complete demolition down to the walls and rebuilding from scratch, including structural, HVAC and flooring upgrades, Toto Café opened in spring 2024. Photos courtesy of Joe Proeski.
Renos And New Locations For Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar And Grill
Karthikeyan Subramaniam of Kings Business Group in Windsor is the owner of five area Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill (ChucksRoadhouse.com) locations, with three more on the way.
His current Windsor restaurants are located at 5001 Legacy Park Drive and 6675 Tecumseh Road East. In Essex he owns a Chuck’s Roadhouse at 346 Talbot Street North and in Kingsville he owns one at 32 Main Street West, which just opened mid-July. He also owns another location at 395 Grand Avenue West in Chatham.
Two more locations that are currently in construction are: 13039 Tecumseh Road East in Tecumseh (the old Rustic Table Bar & Grill) and 2187 Huron Church Road in Windsor (a previous Applebee’s). These two locations are slated to open at the end of September, according to Subramaniam.
And next year, he’ll open another Chuck’s Roadhouse in Amherstburg — at an undisclosed location, as of this date.
Radu Construction is Subramaniam’s exclusive local contractor for renovating and converting old properties into new locations of Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill.
The construction company is currently working on the Chuck’s locations in Tecumseh and on Huron Church Road, after finishing the Kingsville location where they completely gutted the main dining area and rebuilt everything — the ceiling, bar, walls, floors, bathrooms and outside walls — of the former Chuckwagon Family Restaurant building.
Peter Radu and wife Janis are the owners of Radu Construction, located at 1044 County Road 20 West in Kingsville. They began the business in August 2015 and usually have around six regular employees, but sometimes more if required.
“I started in demolition with my father, and later on started doing construction and have been in it since around 1995,” describes Peter about how he started in the industry.
He mentions he had his Tarion License for building complete houses, but changed to mainly focusing on structural construction for footings, foundations and complete outer shells of buildings.
“I was the first to bring Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) for foundations and complete outer walls of a structure,” comments Peter, which he says in turn makes a more efficient structure.
According to Peter, the process for renovations varies because some places need more work than others to complete, but it usually takes about two months on average.
When it comes to deciding whether to renovate or build from scratch, Peter indicates it really depends on the stability of the building.
“Sometimes it’s better to start from scratch and other times the bones of the place are solid and sturdy and it can potentially be less expensive to renovate,” he explains, adding there are a lot of variables.
Aside from the renovations Radu Construction has done for several Chuck’s Roadhouse locations in the region, they also renovated Arner Stop (gas station and diner) in Kingsville some years ago.
He works with other professionals in the area when it comes to electrical, heating and plumbing, on the projects they complete.
Area businesses working with Radu Construction to complete the renovations for Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill in Kingsville, that will also be working on the new locations to come, include: M.B. Quality Construction LTD. (stucco specialist); Boilers Plumbing Plus LTD; Nate Bevington of Nate’s Custom Carpentry (bar and bike stand); Keyeux Electrix; Langemann HVAC and Golden Brush Painting
(Keep up to date on the progress of each new franchise locally by checking their social media page: Facebook.com/p/RaduConstruction-100063499423204)
According to Subramaniam, there are 70 Chuck’s Roadhouse locations across Ontario (note: there is a location in Leamington he does not own).
He’s pleased to have brought several franchises to the area and to have three more on the way.
When it comes to renovating current properties, instead of building brand new, in Subramaniam’s opinion, it all comes down to having a good location.
As for the advice Subramaniam has for other business owners who may also be considering big renovations, he comments: “Always be prepared to expect the most unexpected and be ready for changes.”
The Chuckwagon Family Restaurant in Kingsville on the corner of Main Street West and Chestnut was in this spot since 1987 and closed earlier this year when its owners retired. Karthikeyan Subramaniam (left), Owner of the Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill Kingsville franchise and Peter Radu, Owner of Radu Construction, proudly stand in front of the newly opened restaurant, transformed by Radu Construction. Photo by Tina Huynh.
Server Laurel Fawcett (left) and Front of House Day Manager Jessica Jolly are waiting to meet you at the new Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill in Kingsville.
Nate Bevington of Nate’s Custom Carpentry built the bar and bike stand (see front cover) at this location. His company will also complete the bar and bike stand work at the two locations currently being renovated in Tecumseh and on Huron Church Road in Windsor.
Photo by Tina Huynh.
IN THE WORKS
Now we introduce you to a few more “Fixer Uppers” in the Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent commercial renovation industry who can assist business owners with any remodelling needs.
Please note the following companies profiled next, may or may not have worked on the Chuck’s Roadhouse locations, but they have renovated plenty of other businesses in the area.
Read on to get their advice and learn a bit more about their most recent projects.
“There Are Things Known And Things Unknown And In Between Are The Doors (And Windows)”
New windows or doors can dramatically change the look of a storefront.
Scott Leistra and his wife Meagan Carson-Leistra are the Owners of Erie Glass, specializing in commercial glass and doors for both renovation work and new construction projects.
Erie Glass opened more than 40 years ago and the husband-and-wife team took over the business three years ago. “Although Scott started working there 21 years ago as a co-op student,” Meagan points out.
Located at 9481 Longwoods Road in Chatham, they have 15 employees. Typically for commercial jobs,
Before: The Rustic Table Bar & Grill in Tecumseh. Photo courtesy of Peter Radu. In the works: A new Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill is coming to the town of Tecumseh at 13039 Tecumseh Road East. As of late August 2024 the renovations were still in progress (see accompanying photo) by Radu Construction, but the restaurant should be open by the end of September. Keep a watch for when the sign goes up and the doors officially open! Photo by Biz X magazine staff.
they work through a general contractor.
“We have general labourers, as well as apprentice and journeymen Glazier and Metal Mechanics, who are certified as Glaziers,” Scott describes. “The skills required are attention to detail, use of power and hand tools, great customer service, being trained in aerial work platforms, custom work and problem solving.”
All renovations are different — as they range from just a single door replacement to an entire storefront replacement — but for commercial work, Scott says the time frame for most smaller projects is one to three months from the approval of a quote to completion, whereas large projects could take six months to a year.
The team doesn’t require much from business owners in terms of preparing for window and door renovations.
“A couple of feet on the inside of the window and outside is all we need,” Scott mentions. “Normally the owner will look after removal and re-installation of their window coverings and blinds. We look after the rest — removal, disposal, installation, insulation, caulking and exterior flashings if required.”
For business owners looking to keep the doors open while renovations take place, Scott indicates this is normally not an issue.
“We are able to re-route foot traffic through an alternate entrance or do half at a time, leaving one side operational,” he comments, adding that the worst case scenario would entail the business closing down for a day or two and then the next day they’d be up and running again.
Some recent Chatham renovation projects Erie Glass has completed include: a new entrance and windows for Centro Wood Fired Kitchen and Rubies Inc. (gift shop); a new front entrance at Willy’s Cannabis Supply Co. and new front windows at Jazzbah. Other good examples are all new entrances, new upper windows and lots of custom aluminum flashing work at Glasstown Brewing Co. in Wallaceburg and three new entrances and a large front window at Martindale Window & Door Windsor — a project that’s still ongoing.
At Erie Glass, they focus on commercial aluminum windows and doors, but they also sell and install a lot of hollow metal steel man doors.
“We sell to general contractors for larger construction jobs, but we also sell to, and install for, small businesses,” Scott notes. He says these are typically installed as the back doors of businesses. They are heavy duty steel doors with welded steel frames.
Two snapshots of commercial renovation projects in Chatham, completed by Erie Glass, include a new entrance and windows for both Rubies Inc. (gift shop), 661 Grand Avenue and Centro Wood Fired Kitchen, 71 St. Clair Street. Photos courtesy of Scott Leistra.
“We also do residential work such as custom all-glass showers, mirrors, railings, custom all-glass offices, custom mirror work, right down to fixing cracked house windows or replacing window screens,” he elaborates, adding they also have a locksmith for commercial and residential work.
While they do residential work, Scott expresses that they don’t get into replacing complete vinyl windows in homes.
“But if they were to crack or fog up, we can replace the glass in your existing frame,” he states. “This is a cheaper option and extends the life of the window.”
The team at Erie Glass also does work for two school boards — the Lambton Kent District School Board and St. Clair Catholic District School Board
To view a photo gallery of past projects and a list of all their services go to: ErieGlass.ca.
“Paint It Black,” Or White Or Any Colour You Desire . .
.
The power of a paint job can be immensely impactful, and Matt Kessler can definitely attest to this fact with his business, Kessler Painting Corp.
As CEO and owner, Kessler’s business is located at 2545 North Talbot Road #3 in Oldcastle and has been around since 2016.
They have five employees and a website at: KesslerPainting.ca.
“My staff and I are all Working at Heights trained and half of us also have our Elevated Work Platform training,” Kessler highlights. “We are trained in residential and commercial painting, both brush and roll, as well as spray. We also do both interior and exterior work.”
He and his team specialize in drywall repair and painting all year round. In the spring, summer and fall they specialize in exterior painting.
Interior projects can range from $2/square foot to $6.50/square foot, according to Kessler.
“A typical 1,500 square-foot renovation with eight-foot ceilings and standard trim would cost around $5,500 to paint,” he indicates. “That would include ceilings, walls, trim and doors and also includes materials.”
Depending on the size of the project, they are usually on site anywhere from one to 10 days.
“Simple office wall repaints can be done in just a couple of days usually, but adding in ceilings and doors can take the project into weeks of work, depending on the square footage of the project,” he mentions.
Two recent projects by Kessler Painting Corp. — The entire exterior of the building for Crown Lift Trucks, 2970 Walker Road in Windsor was painted with the bay doors and the railings. The whole interior of the new pro shop (one of the hallways is shown) was painted for Seven Lakes Championship Golf & Estates in LaSalle. Photos courtesy of Matt Kessler.
For local businesses preparing to have painting done, Kessler recommends taking items down off the walls, marking the areas that need repair work and then clearing as much room between furniture and the walls as possible.
“We also offer to do all of that as well, it’s just something we talk about while quoting,” he adds.
And if you are looking to continue business while painting, no problem! Kessler and his team can come in afterhours or on weekends if necessary.
Recently, the team at Kessler Painting Corp. participated in renovations at Pro Trades Mechanical Inc., as well as Unique Kitchen & Bath Specialists
They’ve also completed work for Seven Lakes Championship Golf & Estates in their new pro shop (see accompanying photo) as well as painting the exterior at Windsor Chapel, and the location for Crown Lift Trucks (see accompanying photo)
“We also frequently work for BELFOR Property Restoration as well as Paul Davis Windsor & Essex County for restoration jobs,” Kessler reports.
Their other services include residential painting and staining and they do the same drywall repair and paint for residential
homes as well. They also take on institutional and industrial work projects.
“While on site you will also find us doing any caulking necessary to make sure things are sealed up right,” Kessler notes. “We also happen to have a spray booth where we can spray doors, cabinets, trim and furniture, and that seems to be getting more popular.”
“ ’Cause The Power You’re Supplying, It’s Electrifying”
Electrical work can be a very complex component while renovating or remodelling, and a professional with specialized experience and skills is necessary.
Mike Dupuis, Owner of DS Electric Ltd., started his business in 2013. Located at 3525 Woodward Blvd. in Windsor, he has eight to 10 employees including master electricians, Enphase solar installation and repairs specialists, and 309A maintenance electrician certified workers.
The teams specialize in commercial, solar and industrial electrical installations, along with residential and institutional work.
Costs of electrical work during renovations can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, according to Dupuis.
He adds that they’re fairly quick with completions, with most projects finishing up within a week.
In addition to traditional electrical services, the team at DS Electric also offers a variety of low-voltage communications and site lighting to enhance any commercial office space or storefront.
“Some of the new LED 2-by-4 fixtures offer a 0 to 10 volt feature that would allow the customers to select their wattage and brightness of the fixture in the area,” Dupuis describes as this allows for additional cost savings and more of an elegant vibe.
If business owners want to remain open while electrical renovations take place, Dupuis says they should create temporary workspaces when needed, keep areas clean and clutter free, and if you have a large construction area, put up a map of which areas are being renovated and which ones are not.
Dupuis and his employees have been involved in many local projects in an electrical capacity, including: lighting at The Man’s Shop & Barbershop Bar; repairs and maintenance at Player’s Sports Club; assisting with the suppression system, exhaust fans and specialty mixers at Torus Doughnuts; helping replace all the interior and exterior lighting to new
more efficient LED fixtures at XPO (Freight and Logistics), Complete Chiropractic Centre and Aikido Canada; and creating structures for Velvet Edge Entertainment performers at Scarehouse Windsor
And Brookstone Windows & Doors is another one of their repeat customers, from new photocopy machines to large scale cutters specific to their needs.
He also points out that when Shadowbox Theatre moved from their old location to the Howard Avenue building where they currently operate, DS Electric assisted with new lighting suggestions that would allow them to have proper control of lighting during performances.
“Specifically track lighting locations and identifying shadow areas due to wattage selections for the overall ambience,” he further describes.
At envy+grace in Devonshire Mall, the team rewired and reused some of the lighting throughout their area, including 200 remote heads for their track lighting.
“To save costs and efficiency we used contactors to control different sections as needed with the use of minimum switches,” Dupuis explains, adding that they also installed new LED fixtures from the old incandescent ones, along with electronic installations for their cash
register and working with their cable and data specialists’ wire running and splicing needs.
Also at Devonshire Mall, the DS team handled a “delicate lighting repair” at MAC Cosmetics
This project was at their front window and entailed finding the right length lights and right voltage/wattage combo to work with their original ballast combinations to avoid digging up the ground or destroying the original display.
For a full list of services offered by this electrical company, visit their website: DSElectricWindsor.com.
“Up On The Roof Top”
Husband and wife team Ken and Sue Quinn, Owners of Quinn Roofing Solutions Inc., have been in the local renovation industry since they started the business in 2002.
Specializing in commercial and industrial roofing — specifically flat roofing — their company is located at 620 North Service Road in Windsor and employs 50 workers.
The costs of roofing renovations varies depending on the size of the building, as well as the severity of the problem, Sue notes, and adds that the time frame of each roofing project also fluctuates.
No roofing project is too big or too small for their company to handle.
The pair believes it’s important for local businesses to have a professional evaluation of the roof before starting renovations.
In most cases, normal work can continue while roofing repair or replacement work is being done by their company.
“Ensuring that you have a good roof in place is critical for: maintaining a watertight environment in your facility; the protection of building assets, stock and fixtures; providing a safe working environment for employees and visitors; and the protection of the building structure,” Sue outlines.
In her opinion: “A roof system should be periodically inspected for signs of wear and breakdown and a typical roof system should provide 25 plus years of useful service if properly maintained.”
Quinn Roofing Solutions has completed roof replacements and repairs all over southwestern Ontario.
Some of their completed Windsor projects, for example, can be viewed at: Electrozad; The Beer Store; MidSouth Land Developments; Cannon Automotive Solutions (see accompanying photos) and various Tim Hortons locations.
Your books in the cloud
Whether you’re a start-up, franchise or multi-location business, KPMG Finance Plus enables you to outsource bookkeeping, accounting and payroll functions to an experienced team—so you can focus on the growth of your business. Contact our local Windsor team at (519) 251-3500.
The company also does green roofs, industrial metal sliding and residential
roofing work. Find out more details about all the services they offer on their website: QuinnSolutions.ca.
It’s All About The Building
Business owners often face a tough decision when establishing or expanding their operations — whether they should: rebuild from the ground up, renovate their existing structure, or purchase a totally new location.
The decision depends on your budget and time frame, and the renovation process can range from applying new paint, installing new flooring, replacing outdated energy systems like heating and cooling units, a new roof, and more.
It also might entail reconfiguring spaces occupied by previous businesses, all the way to a total transformation.
We touched on a variety of renovation issues in this cover story with a select group of companies, and unquestionably, it is always best to contact a local professional to determine your exact needs, depending on what you need to do.
So now that we have you thinking about the benefits of renovating or remodelling your business, rest assured there are plenty of businesses in the area willing to help!
For Cannon Automotive Solutions (before and after photos shown), situated at 600 Sprucewood Avenue in LaSalle, Quinn Roofing Solutions Inc. replaced an existing built-up-roof system (tar and gravel) with a high performance TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) roof system. Photos courtesy of Dane Quinn.
For A Smooth Paint Project, Try A Slik Finish
By Dave Halliday Photos courtesy of Slik Finish Painting
Okay, so a few years back your optometrist said you were partially colour blind.
Later in this same week, you and your wife moved into a new place. You hadn’t mentioned the diagnosis to her because you had both been busy and besides, almost every time you got dressed to go somewhere with her she would look at you confused and say “Are you colour blind? Go change!”
A couple of days after the move — while she was working an afternoon shift — you wanted to surprise her by painting the bathroom. Off you went to the paint shop where with great confidence you chose the blue paint that you were certain she wanted. With a few new rollers and a six pack in hand you were ready for an evening of painting. So, what should you have done?
You should have reached out to a professional company such as Slik Finish Painting and had the job done right!
Slik Finish Painting is located at 251 Millbrook Court in Kingsville and has been serving local residents for the past two years (on social media see more details on: Facebook.com/slikfinishpainting).
The Owner of of Slik Finish, Christopher Slikboer,was more than happy to sit and share some of his 20 years of personal experience with the readers of Biz X about his residential work. (Note: commercial painting services are also available). What must be considered when you approach a project? “The most important things to consider when approaching projects are substrate preparations, environment, and day to day wear,” Slikboer answers. “All of these factors will influence the type of coating that should be used.” What are the benefits of hiring a
professional painting company to complete one’s project? “The benefits of hiring a professional to complete a project are; typically, the speed of completion, the degree of finish, and the attention to detail,” notes Slikboer. “The speed is helpful because painting is an intrusive process, it interferes with day to day life of a typical household or business. The degree of finish refers to differing techniques in order to enhance the look of a job in terms of finishing strokes, patterning, etc. And finally, the attention to detail, because the smallest things can affect a paint job’s final result, from slight clumping in the paint source to brush shedding, all things that professionals know how to look out for and avoid.”
Do climate, exposure, and humidity affect your choices when considering a paint project? “Yes, very much so, especially in exterior applications,” he replies. “Climate and humidity are incredibly important factors as they affect coating
susceptibility to binding, drying times, and curing processes, which all affect the longevity of the application. Exposure and humidity are interior factors that dictate paint types to the degree that specially made formulas exist to combat these issues.”
What advice or tips can you offer regarding after application care of painted surfaces? “Any paint has a dry and a cure time and typically paints ‘dry’ within an hour or so, but paint curing times vary from a matter of hours to days,” explains Slikboer. “As such, it’s important to discuss after care with your professional because some substrates can’t be cleaned or wiped for days after an application.”
When hiring a painter how can one determine if they are dealing with a professional rather than a fly by night operation? “The unfortunate truth about this industry is that any person can get the required tools and call themselves a professional painter,” he warns. “The only
A dark grey, self washing paint with light grey accents for soffits, eaves, windows, and doors, gives a modern day look to the formerly dated, cream coloured siding at this Kingsville home.
way to know for sure is to talk about the paints and materials being used with the painter and judge how knowledgeable they are. As with hiring any contractor, I always suggest doing a little bit of preliminary research to familiarize yourself with terminology, and perhaps even determine for yourself what kind of product you’d like to see used.” Is there any follow up care or reassurances regarding performance of the products and services you provide? “Yes, our services are followed up and if there is any issue related to work we’ve done, we will ultimately fix it,” answers Slikboer, who also emphasizes: “A company providing services is only as good as it’s most recent work, and as such, we hold to a higher standard of care
and are dedicated to making sure clients are completely satisfied.”
How does a fresh coat of paint change the feel and look of a living space or exterior of a structure? “Painting is arguably the easiest way to change the feel or look of any space, it’s a nearly instantaneous change and a clean appearance that amplifies any environment,” he states. “We also offer other space changing services, such as carpentry, flooring, wall coverings, baseboard and trim, doors, and even general maintenance.”
Getting back to the bathroom do-ityourself painting example, let’s set the scene again.
You cannot wait for your wife to get home! The painting went perfectly in your humble
opinion, despite a few minor mishaps and spills. As you patiently await her arrival you are brimming with enthusiasm when suddenly the door opens . . .
With just a regular “welcome home honey” greeting, you purposely say nothing about the surprise awaiting her.
As she makes her way down the hall towards your masterpiece, she shrieks: “What did you do? Are you colour blind?”
Unfortunately, you finally had to admit you were, and to this day she has never let you paint anything, anywhere since then.
She made it quite clear that hiring a professional painter is the ONLY way you are ever going to be allowed to be involved in the decorating of your home again!
Vibrant colours were applied to the interior of this Cottam home to accent the newly restored hardwood floors.
A fresh face on a multi-tier deck in Wheatley provides the perfect accent to the red/brown brick, surely making the neighbours green with envy!
CWhat A Performance! The First Five Years Of Performance Fitness & Wellness Centre
By Joe McParland
onventional wisdom dictates that key factors in successful businesses are location, timing and resilience.
Performance Fitness & Wellness Centre (PFWC), 2451 Dougall Avenue, Unit D in Windsor (see online: PerformanceFitnessWellnessCentre.com), embodies these factors.
Owner, CEO and Head Coach at PFWC, Frank Nacci — along with his wife, Louanne Nacci, Vice President and General Manager (and “gym mom” to the members) — located their facility in the heart of the city (1.2 km from E.C. Row Expressway) at Dorwin Plaza, offering plenty of free parking.
As for timing, the family owned and managed business opened seven months before the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020. Had they not opened on September 8, 2019 (see coverage on: InPlayMagazine.com/performance-wellnesscentre-grand-opening), it’s doubtful they would have opened during the COVID-19 years.
With respect to resilience, Frank has been a successfully self-employed businessperson since the age of 20, whose entrepreneurial skills helped guide him through the challenges of the pandemic. His pro-active approach — not reactive — allowed the fitness business to move forward during challenging times that saw area businesses shut down for varying periods of time.
According to Frank: “Instead of cutting costs, I reinvested in my business to adapt to the changes COVID-19 forced upon our society.”
On Sunday, September 8, 2024 PFWC celebrates its fifth anniversary. (Check: Facebook.com/performancewellnesscentre for details of special events and offers).
PFWC is an interdisciplinary facility in an expansive 16,000 square foot building. In addition to their certified trainers, there is an onsite Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Fitness Practitioner, along with a Chiropractor. PFWC recently welcomed to their team a Physiotherapist, Gurneet Kaur and a “consulting” Medical Doctor (Dr. Balal Hussain), whose offices are in the same plaza.
PFWC has top notch weight and strength equipment from Hammer Strength, plus a large variety of barbells, dumbbells, and benches. Cardio equipment includes stationary bikes (recumbent and upright), Stairmasters,
steppers, treadmills (including manual treads) and elliptical machines.
There is also high-end specialized equipment like Jacobs Ladder, reACT Functional Trainer and Keiser Infinity Series, along with Nordik Ice Bath cold therapy (fees per use apply) — all of which require staff assistance for members to use.
For boxing aficionados, on the second level is a large “boxing themed” room with stationary bikes, dumbbells, two speed bags, three kickboxing bags, and four heavy (punch) bags.
PFWC offers the Styku 3D Body Scanner, an innovative advancement in body measurement technology. It uses 3D scanning and infrared technology for a detailed view of an individual’s physical composition, capturing precise body measurements, and creating an accurate 3D model of the subject. Its noninvasive quick process provides invaluable
data for personal health management.
A tanning booth is also available to members.
The locker rooms are bright, clean, and spacious, with full and half lockers with builtin, programmable combination locks.
Each locker room has a dry sauna and individual shower stalls.
Regarding the chiropractic services, Dr. Richard Warden hails from Amherstburg.
After receiving a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Windsor, he graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from Logan Chiropractic College in St. Louis, Missouri.
Warden joined PFWC in March 2020 and explains how it is a great fit for his practice: “The multidisciplinary offerings let my patients reach their best benefits from multiple providers. There are opportunities to use top industry
Upon entering Performance Fitness & Wellness Centre (PFWC), a large mural located at the west end of the main fitness room will definitely catch your eye. Posing for the Biz X photographer in front of this inspiring mural from left are: Louanne Nacci (Vice President and General Manager); Dr. Balal Hussain MD (PFWC consulting doctor); Dr. Richard Warden, DC (Chiropractor); Kameron Bagherian (Elite Athlete Trainer); Austin Dennis (Registered Massage Therapist); Gurneet Kaur (Physiotherapist) and Frank Nacci (Owner, CEO and Head Coach). Photo by Tina Huynh.
standard fitness and rehabilitative equipment, which can help achieve positive results. It allows for a fitness and healthy lifestyle focused atmosphere that encourages patients to transition from injury through rehab and back into physical activity in a safe environment.”
In treating his patients Warden offers The Neubie device by NeuFit, which stands for Neuro-Bio-Electric Stimulator.
“It is a groundbreaking approach to rehabilitation and performance enhancement by using Direct Current (DC) to offer targeted stimulation,” says Warden. “The Neubie promotes faster healing, pain reduction, and strength improvements.”
Windsor native Austin Dennis is PFWC’s Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and Certified Exercise Practitioner.
He received his Fitness and Health Promotion Diploma and Exercise Practitioner Certification from St. Clair College. In 2017 he attended the Canadian College of Health Science & Technology where he achieved his RMT licensing.
Dennis has been with PFWC for two years. His expertise spans critical areas such as injury prevention, deep tissue massage, and athletic therapy, each designed to maximize recovery and promote lasting health.
Through injury prevention, Dennis focuses on identifying and mitigating risk factors to
safeguard clients against future issues. His deep tissue massage techniques target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to alleviate chronic pain, enhance flexibility, and improve muscle function.
His goal is “to ensure that each client benefits from a holistic, effective strategy that not only addresses immediate concerns, but also fosters long-term well-being.”
In spring 2024 a six foot three inch tall tastefully “inked” Kameron Bagherian, Owner/ Head Coach of CK Elite Performance (CKEP), became the newest team member of PFWC, kicking personal coaching up a few notches.
Known as Coach Kam — the coach to elite athletes — he is a graduate of the University of Windsor with a Bachelor degree in Human Kinetics and Honours KinesiologyMovement Science. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach he is currently working with 105 personal athletes and 10 local teams around the city.
These athletes range from multiple sports at all levels from local youth and high school, and university/college (U Sports, OCAA, NCAA D1-3, NJCAA, NAIA).
With a large social media following (@coachkam.ep), his roster extends to hundreds of athletes from around the world.
He coaches professional athletes from Canada, USA, Germany, Greece, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Serbia and Austria, plus Adult Performance Athletes and ex-athletes still wanting to “Look good, feel good and move/perform well!”
As Bagherian explains: “PFWC & CKEP is the perfect partnership, where I can make the final part of my vision for the city and my business a reality. My clientele needs a premiere facility that creates an elite atmosphere and culture like no other, supporting high performance athletes with all the equipment and tools necessary to perform at an elite level.”
Biz X magazine congratulates PFWC on their first five years in business, and wishes them continued success in the future.
Coach Kam (turquoise shirt) is shown in the middle of the Elite Athlete Training Area coaching one of his many clients. Photo by Joe McParland.
PROFILING LOCAL WOMEN AT WORK
By Rebecca Wright
Paralympian Danielle Campo . . .
Goes For The Gold To Inspire Others Through Consulting Services
ocal gold-medal Paralympian Danielle has made it her mission to help others find their own “gold medal moments” in life.
As an esteemed keynote speaker, trainer and coach, she is the owner of Danielle Campo Consulting (DanielleCampo.com). Her business began in 2018 and specializes in consulting for corporations, with a focus on workplace culture and engagement.
“My services are designed to help individuals and teams achieve their best results by fostering a culture of passion, resilience and achievement,” she describes. “I work with professionals and individuals who are eager to define and reach higher levels of success, using obstacles as motivation to propel them forward. By addressing both the organizational and personal aspects of success, I enable my clients to create environments where everyone can thrive.”
Campo is renowned for her expertise in leadership, resilience and fostering connections. A celebrated Paralympian and recipient of the Order of Ontario, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, she has over two decades of experience as a thought leader and resiliency expert.
Diagnosed initially with muscular dystrophy, and later correctly with spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance, Campo’s personal journey fuels her advocacy for disability rights
Motivational Quotes
Danny Gautama is an inspirational writer who writes for mental health organizations, hospitals, and is a blogger on BizXmagazine.com. He helps many on social media and is a two-time recipient of the LoveMakers Foundation Awards. Connect with him by emailing: dannygautamawellness@gmail.com.
and her mission to empower individuals to uncover their strengths and achieve personal success.
She has won multiple gold medals and set world records in swimming events at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.
Beyond her athletic success, Campo has significantly impacted her community as
the Director of Culture and Engagement at Muscular Dystrophy Canada, raising more than $5 million for neuromuscular diseases.
Her own life experiences, marked by overcoming numerous obstacles, has been a driving force in her consulting endeavours.
“And as a Social Worker, I’ve witnessed the incredible power of resilience and the positive impact that the right support can have on individuals and teams,” Campo adds. “These personal and professional experiences have fuelled my commitment to guiding others toward their highest potential, fostering environments where passion and achievement flourish.”
In her opinion, everyone and anyone who is ready to turn their obstacles into motivation and achieve their own gold medal moment should consider reaching out for consulting services.
“Whether you are a professional seeking to elevate your career, a team looking to enhance collaboration and performance, or a corporation aiming to improve workplace culture and engagement, my consulting services are designed to help you achieve your highest potential,” Campo states.
With her consulting business, she sets herself apart by combining her expertise in social work and business with her personal journey of overcoming significant obstacles.
Campo feels this unique blend allows her to offer a holistic approach that addresses
I don’t know you personally, however . . . I believe in you immensely.
It’s because you are gifted as a human. Your potential, strengths and capabilities are exceptional. That is who you are.
Always believe you can achieve ANYTHING you desire. You are better than you think.
You can lean on Danielle Campo and count on her to guide you to find your inner champion through her consulting services. Photo courtesy of Danielle Campo Consulting.
both the organizational and personal aspects of success.
“My consulting is deeply rooted in empathy and resilience, drawing from reallife experiences and professional training to inspire and motivate my clients,” she points out. “I focus on creating customized solutions that foster a culture of passion and achievement, ensuring that each client can turn their challenges into opportunities for growth and success.”
What Campo finds most fulfilling about this line of work is that it ignites her passion. To her, there is no greater thing than to watch someone achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
“Seeing individuals and teams transform their obstacles into opportunities and witnessing their growth and success brings me immense joy and satisfaction,” she reflects. “Being a part of their journey and helping them realize their dreams is incredibly rewarding.”
Campo indicates that clients have often shared with her that her ability to connect, inspire and stay real, is above anything they have ever experienced.
“They appreciate my genuine approach and how I bring a blend of empathy, motivation, and practical strategies to our
work together,” she notes. “This authentic connection has made a significant difference in helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.”
Along with her consulting business, Campo is the Mental Health Lead for the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board. Professionally, she says this position allows her to make a significant impact on student and staff well-being within the education system.
“Personally, it aligns with my commitment to promoting mental health and supporting the community,” she comments. “It’s a role that fulfills my passion for advocacy and mental health awareness.”
Campo is also the author of “Resurrections: My Will to Survive is Olympian,” a memoir detailing her journey of overcoming adversity and empowering others.
She also works with Muscular Dystrophy Canada to continue raising funds for neuromuscular disorders, an important cause that she’s deeply committed to supporting. Additionally, she is a founding member of Julien’s House and takes great pride in the impactful work they are doing in the community.
On July 16, 2024 at the iconic Lula Lounge in Toronto, Campo won first place at Speaker Slam, North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition. She captivated the audience with her moving speech on the theme of Perseverance.
With this first-place finish, she advances to the Grand Slam — The Inspirational Speaking Finals — set for November 9, 2024 at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio, also in Toronto. (See: SpeakerSlam.org/events)
As a devoted mother of five, Campo continually balances her professional world and astounding achievements with a busy family life at home.
“Balancing home life and work is challenging, but I prioritize by setting boundaries and ensuring I dedicate quality time to both,” Campo mentions. “I also practice self-care and mindfulness to stay grounded.”
For other female entrepreneurs who may just be starting out, she expresses how it’s important to stay true to your vision and to not be afraid to ask for help.
“Building a strong support network is crucial, and perseverance is key,” Campo adds. “Remember that your unique perspective as a woman is a strength in the business world.”
Feature Story By Jim Murphy
School’s Back In Session For Another Year. . .
What Are The Hot Button
Issues?
As thousands of kids in Windsor Essex head back to school in September, parents and educators continue to navigate a constantly changing pedagogical landscape.
Times certainly have changed over the past few decades and today’s children have to deal with so many different issues than their parents and grandparents did.
So, for this month’s edition of The Parenting Biz, we decided to take a look at a few of the top subjects that you may or may not have a strong opinion about, such as virtual learning, religion in the schools, sexed classes, the use of cell phones, bullying, the importance of being bilingual and more.
For part one of our investigative series, we interview two private schools and the French Catholic school board, to get their views on how they handle the matters in question.
UMEI Christian High School
Opened in 1945, UMEI Christian High School focuses on whole-person education through Christian education, leadership development, community building, and one-on-one support for students from grade nine to 12.
“Our small school size means that we get to know each student as a person and can guide them through exploring their strengths in the classroom, and also in sports, clubs, and through service in the community,” states Chani Wiens, Director of Enrollment and Community Engagement at UMEI Christian High School. “Our students graduate with a servant-leadership mindset, ready to be doers of the global community. Outstanding academics, through strong teacher support, our ‘Student Success’ period, and other initiatives, mean our graduates are very prepared for university or college.”
Located at 614 Mersea Road 6 in Leamington, UMEI is governed by a qualified, volunteer board of directors, voted on annually by their membership. They teach the Ontario Secondary School curriculum and are inspected by the Ministry of Education every other year.
“We offer the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and our graduates are highly regarded by universities and colleges,
and in the workplace,” Wiens explains. “We are also the only high school in southwestern Ontario to offer an enriched robotics program for grades nine to 12; the program allows students to earn credits toward graduation and compete in For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics competitions.”
On top of the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, students at UMEI are required to take one religious studies course each year, as well as grade 11 drama, where the entire class produces a play!
“In general, students are encouraged to take a variety of courses and explore all that high school has to offer,” Wiens indicates. “This includes UMEI’s action-oriented French learning program offered to grades nine to 12. We also offer extensive music and visual arts programs, as well as a strong focus on athletics.”
And the school is all about community!
UMEI intentionally builds relationships between students in all four grades through
their all-school retreat, monthly community parties (chaperoned by teachers), lunch games, sports’ teams, clubs and chapel.
“Our students are warm and welcoming, and we focus on cultivating a culture of belonging,” Wiens expresses. “For disciplinary issues, we use a restorative justice model focusing on rectifying harm done to others and building stronger communication between students.”
As high school-aged kids are inundated with messages and images of sexuality, UMEI tries to counterpoint this with healthy and age-appropriate messaging in school to help students navigate their adolescent years.
“UMEI is currently developing a Jesuscentred, sex-ed curriculum, together with a panel of experts, including doctors, pastors and educators,” Wiens tells Biz X. “The overall learning objective is that students would gain an appreciation and respect for the beauty of God’s design for their sexuality.”
At UMEI, the Christian faith is the foundation of the school environment,
UMEI Christian High School students graduate with a servant leadership mindset, ready to be doers of the Word (of God) in the community. Pictured from left are students: Justin Nefeld, Elyse Couto, Nathan Ribble, and Taler Wiens taking a walk on the campus. Photo courtesy of Anna Coppola.
which nurtures community, support, acceptance and belonging.
“This means that we look to the life of Jesus Christ for how to live our lives in service, and to his resurrection as our hope and promise of new life,” Wiens explains. “It means listening to the calling of the Holy Spirit together as we learn, serve and lead. Teenagers are growing, not just academically and physically, but also spiritually and emotionally as they prepare for adulthood.”
Another issue facing high school educators is the prevalence of cell phones and screens in schools.
“As of September 2024, we do not allow cell phones during class time,” says Wiens. “Each student will deposit their cell phone to a personal cubby each morning and retrieve their phone at the end of the day. This is in response to multiple research sources that show the absence of cell phones support the emotional health of teenagers, as well as their ability to focus and learn in class.”
As for their position on virtual learning, they feel virtual education can be beneficial for some students, but not for all.
They offer virtual education to on-campus students who are looking to take courses not offered at UMEI, and their teachers also provide virtual education to students who are outside Essex County.
“The number one thing that new parents report is that their child is happy to come to school,” Wiens remarks. “When students are happy to be at school, they are more engaged in their learning, more likely to take risks, more resilient when experiencing struggles, and more open to try new sports, clubs or music opportunities. The number one trait parents notice in their child is confidence. UMEI students are confident to explore their interests in a community that cares about them as a person, and where they truly belong being who
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they are, rather than striving to ‘fit in.’”
Open enrollment is offered, and students of any or no faith background, who wish to study in such an environment, are welcome to apply for admission.
If this school seems like an ideal choice for your child, contact Wiens by emailing: admissions@umei.ca to set up a personal tour or you can also book directly via their website: UMEI.ca.
If you wish, you can also attend open houses (all ages) on November 20, 2024 and February 19, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence
Founded in 1998, Conseil Scolaire Catholique (Csc) Providence covers the Ontario curriculum from JK to grade 12 (plus an adult learning program) in French for the communities of Windsor Essex, Chatham Kent, Lambton, London, Woodstock and Bruce Grey.
This Catholic school board includes 9,200 students in its 31 schools; 23 elementary schools, seven secondary schools and one adult continuing education, in these regions.
With the board offices at 7515 Forest Glade Drive in Windsor, Csc Providence is one of the best kept educational secrets of southwestern Ontario.
The outstanding academics, through strong teacher support, Student Success period and other initiatives, mean UMEI graduates are highly prepared for university or college. From left: Hannah Omstead,
“Many families are seeking out schools that will support the personal values that they are aiming to teach their children at home; however, they are not always aware that a ‘French as a first language’ education is a possibility for their children,” comments Nicole Larocque, Superintendent of Education responsible for student success (JK to grade six) for Csc Providence. “You never know the long-term impact that one decision about your child’s education can have on the course of his or her life. By offering your child a French language Catholic education, you may open doors years down the road that would not otherwise have been possible.”
Whether online or in real life, bullying continues to be a problem for many kids today. As with most schools in Ontario, Csc Providence has an anti-bullying plan that places an emphasis on prevention and education.
“We strive to create inclusive environments where differences are respected and diversity is celebrated,” notes Jean-Paul Gagnier, Superintendent of Education responsible for student success (grade seven to 12) for Csc Providence. “As a Catholic school board, values are an integral part of the educational environment we offer, and with justice being one of our core values, we follow
Meghan Recker, Liam Brown, Marcus Nefeld and Vivienne Fittler working on a group project at UMEI Christian High School. Photo courtesy of Mel & Jer Creative.
the example of Jesus by taking care of one another and acting with integrity. Throughout the school day, there are many opportunities to model and teach social skills and positive problem-solving strategies; we offer various programs and workshops to help students learn about and appreciate differences.”
Gagnier goes on to explain that their staff strives to create positive relations with students so they feel comfortable sharing any concerns they may have with an adult. This allows their staff to intervene promptly.
“When bullying does occur, it’s important to understand the root cause in order to plan effective interventions,” Gagnier explains. “These interventions can vary depending on the situation and the students’ needs. We deeply value our partnership with parents and caregivers in these situations as their collaboration helps us effectively support their child.”
As conflict is a natural part of life, Csc Providence tries to model positive behaviour and problem-solving strategies to help students work through challenging situations.
“There are also some students who struggle with mental health challenges; we work in partnership with families and other professionals as needed — such as social workers, child and youth workers, and other community agencies — in order to provide students with the support and the tools they need to learn non-violent ways of solving problems,” states Gagnier. “All schools in Ontario use progressive discipline, which includes a host of strategies to help students learn positive behaviours.”
Another issue facing students today is that of virtual learning, which was mandated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Post-pandemic, boards were mandated to continue to offer virtual education, if the numbers were justified,” Larocque says. “In our school board there is now very little interest in virtual education. While virtual learning definitely served its purpose during
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the pandemic, I think that we can all agree that nothing can replace the experience of in-person learning.”
Csc Providence also offers a variety of tailored life-skills courses according to the needs of the students. Their program is called Apprentissage à la Vie et Intégration Sociale (AVIS) and is offered in several of their schools from JK to grade 12.
“As early as JK, we offer a classroom environment that promotes creativity and innovation,” Larocque expresses. “This continues throughout elementary educations as the arts program includes visual arts, music, dramatic arts and dance. At the secondary level, students have many options to integrate art courses into their itinerary.”
She continues by stating: “Moreover, we offer authentic experiences for students to develop their passion and abilities in these areas at the elementary and secondary level, such as plays, concerts, improvisation, musicals, and other activities in the
community or at the provincial level. For example, our high school students participate in the Sears Festival for dramatic arts and other provincial arts-oriented competitions, primarily in French. We also offer a dance academy at one of our high schools.”
To find a French speaking school near you, go to: CscProvidence.ca or: MyFrenchSchool.ca.
Lakeview Montessori School
Located at 13797 Riverside Drive East in Tecumseh, the not-for-profit Lakeview Montessori School promotes a handson, child-directed approach to learning (as opposed to seat work) from infants up to grade eight.
Students interact with others of different ages in an environment where younger students can learn from the older children, and older children have an opportunity to lead.
“The Montessori experience begins with a deep respect for children as unique individuals, and an accredited internationally developed curriculum that includes five main pillars: practical life, sensorial, math, language, and cultural learning,” says Kristin Barone, Director of Community Development at Lakeview Montessori School. “We promote selfpaced, collaborative learning to ignite the passion and curiosity of our students. Our students, along with the inspiration of their guides (teachers), maximize their strengths and focus on developing their areas of growth through the Montessori materials.”
Opened in 1978, this holistic learning environment provides students with opportunities to tailor their own goals in order to find their own individual purpose in their tasks and individualized work plans.
“For more than 45 years, Lakeview Montessori School has built a tradition of serving children by implementing the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and pioneer in child development,” Barone explains.
Lauren Thibert, a Teacher with Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence, has a bit of Halloween fun with her first-grade students, during class. Photo courtesy of Nicole Larocque/Csc Providence.
“She observed that children have an innate aptitude and desire for acquiring knowledge about their world and Montessori’s approach of ‘following the child’ is at the root of our philosophy.”
According to Barone, a private education at Lakeview Montessori has several advantages, including smaller class sizes, specialized individual learning plans, parental involvement, extracurricular opportunities, value and character education, and networking opportunities.
“While these benefits can make private education appealing, it’s important to consider the specific needs of the student, which can be a significant factor for many families,” Barone adds. “Additionally, the quality of public education varies widely, and in some areas, public schools may offer comparable or even superior education depending on the local resources and community involvement.”
Lakeview Montessori’s approach to education focuses on hands-on, experiential learning rather than traditional teaching methods. While toys from home are discouraged, Montessori Materials (specially designed tools that help children learn concepts in an interactive way) are used so children can learn while having fun!
“The materials are meant to capture children’s interest and motivate them to explore, experiment, and discover new concepts on their own,” Barone says. “Overall, Lakeview’s approach is about creating a focused, stimulating environment where children can learn actively through purposeful play with educational tools.”
At Lakeview Montessori, students wear uniforms. According to Barone, this is to promote equality, enhance focus on education (rather than on fashion), encourage professionalism, build school identity and pride, and improve safety.
Like most schools, Lakeview Montessori School values in-person learning over virtual learning.
“Lakeview Montessori does not offer online learning for its students at this time,” Barone tells Biz X. “While online learning offers flexibility and access to a wide range of resources, it also poses challenges such as reduced social interaction and the potential for distraction. Young students may struggle with self-discipline and miss out on the benefits of face-to-face communication with teachers and peers, which are crucial for developing social skills and emotional intelligence.”
Lakeview Montessori School understands the importance of proper nutrition for learning.
“With an onsite chef preparing all meals, every snack and lunch is crafted using
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fresh ingredients to promote healthy growth and support the overall well-being of each student,” Barone explains. “By prioritizing high-quality, wholesome food, Lakeview fosters an environment that encourages students to develop healthy eating habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. In the elementary years, students learn about the importance of healthy food choices to promote healthier eating habits, as junk food is often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and empty calories, which can negatively impact their concentration, energy levels, and overall well-being.”
It is important to note that Lakeview Montessori School is the only Montessori school in Windsor and Essex County to be fully accredited by the Canadian Accreditation of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Canadian Council for Montessori Administration (CCMA).
Students can register in February for the following academic year. For more information refer to their website: LakeviewMontessori.ca.
The Great Debate Continues . . .
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Make sure you check out the October issue of The Parenting Biz, as the debate on these hot button issues continues when we talk to Académie Ste-Cécile International School, the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, and the Greater Essex County District School Board (until then you can check out their policies and regulations on: PublicBoard.ca/en/about-gecdsb/policiesand-regulations.aspx).
If you have an opinion on anything we have included in this story now, let us know by filling out a contact form on our website: BizXmagazine.com.
Your comment may be included in our next edition!
Lakeview Montessori School in Tecumseh focuses on hands-on, experiential learning rather than traditional teaching methods. As well, students wear uniforms (as seen in the inset photo of the Lakeview band performing at a school event). According to Kristin Barone, Director of Community Development of the school, when everyone wears the same outfit, there is less pressure to dress in expensive or trendy clothing, which can help minimize bullying and peer pressure related to appearance. Photos courtesy of HT Photography.
THE PARENTING BIZ Supporting Social Skill Development For Young Children
By Joel Schryer
Children First provides services for families with children up to six years of age, who are at risk for, or experiencing, behavioural, developmental, or mental health challenges.
This not-for-profit agency and registered charity, recognizes the importance of adults and caregivers in the early years. It supports and encourages families and their efforts to meet the needs of their children.
Consider this: “You will spend the majority of your life knowing your children as adults, but for a brief moment you will get the chance to know them as kids.” ~ Unknown.
Children grow and develop most rapidly in the first years of their life, more than in any other period. During these years, they are learning to trust their caregivers and to exert their influence in their world. These experiences begin to form the foundation for social and emotional development.
As children continue to grow, infants become toddlers who enter an expanding social world with other toddlers and soon after become preschoolers and then school age children.
Each of these developmental stages brings social and emotional experiences, which contribute to opportunities to build skills that can be useful as they continue to grow into adults.
Caregivers can provide models, opportunities, practice, and supportive feedback for how to interact and communicate with others.
Providing a model of social behaviour with young children begins with connecting directly with them, showing an interest in what they are doing and being consistent and predictable.
In today’s technological world, interacting directly means reducing your own screen time when with children, in order to model positive habits. Unplug and have fun!
At this age, offering opportunities for children to socialize with same-aged peers starts with the caregiver.
Having access to other children is the first step. Caregivers can arrange play dates with other children who they know.
Consider starting small with one playmate, where it is easier to manage and support. Most municipalities have websites outlining
available resources and activities, so seek out activities accessible in your community.
Taking your child to one of the local EarlyON Child and Family Centre locations is a sure way to provide opportunities for socialization. To find an EarlyON centre near you, please go online to: Ontario.ca/page/ find-earlyon-child-and-family-centre.
Assisting your child is important in adjusting, learning, and adapting to situations that may not be going as planned when building these skills.
Some of these situations may involve how sharing is hard, being hit or hitting another child, or hesitation interacting with groups of children for a new activity. Practice and support from safe and familiar caregivers allow children to take these risks and learn how to respond.
Adults who are close by and can model with calmness and compassion, set the child up to learn how to respond in this same way.
While this can be very difficult for parents, who may feel frustrated or feel like they are not having success with their children’s socialization skills, they should remember that in these times you only know your children for a brief period.
Keep in mind that you are helping them to learn those skills for when they become an adult, which is when they will really need them and for a much longer time!
Joel Schryer, MSW, RSW is the Senior Clinical Manager at Children First (Children-First.ca) in Essex County. He is passionate about the healthy development of children and strong families in our community.
The Bruce Awad Summer Program . . . A Shining Star For Autism Celebrates 40 Years
By Michelle Allen
On July 25, 2024 a milestone anniversary event took place at the Ciociaro Club for the Autism Services Inc. (ASI) of Windsor & Essex County (see accompanying photos). The Bruce Awad Summer Program celebrated 40 years of providing enrichment, learning, camaraderie and support to autistic children and their families.
This achievement serves as a testament to the importance of the specialized programs offered for the needs of these children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These programs are able to exist and be successful because of the commitment, dedication and passion of the staff, volunteers and supporters.
As the writer covering the event, I had the pleasure of meeting Bruce Awad, the creator of the summer program. My sister-inlaw, Kim Brown, who accompanied me that evening worked with the summer program during its early years, while attending the University of Windsor. She also enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with past acquaintances.
Awad — Past President of the ASI Board of Directors — addressed the audience and was emphatic that people understand: “The program is sometimes erroneously referred to as a ‘camp’. It is NOT a camp. It is a specialized summer program that helps the children improve communication skills, socialization skills and behaviours, among other things. Camps are more recreational in nature, where children have fun and do arts and crafts and play games. The bulk of our funding comes from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and they do NOT fund recreational camps.”
When the program originated in 1984, it was named the Summer Program of Children With Autism, under the auspices of the Ontario Society for Autistic Children (now known as Autism Ontario).
It was established with a small group of families who were seeking summer support for their autistic children.
The organization was renamed Autism Services Inc., in 1991 when it was incorporated.
It was founded to ensure the continuation of the summer program and expand services for autistic individuals and their families, with a focus to increase community awareness in Windsor and Essex County.
In 2010, the summer program’s name changed to the Bruce Awad Summer Program (BASP) to honour the individual who was instrumental in the program’s beginning.
Currently, the BASP for children and young adults aged six to 21, begins after school ends and provides a consistent one-on-one learning environment until school resumes
Photos By Tina Huynh
in the fall. Through a blend of educational activities, social interaction and recreational fun, this program empowers its participants; encouraging them to explore their potential and to celebrate their uniqueness.
When the program originated in 1984 in Windsor, it was held at two elementary schools with 11 students, one project manager, eight support staff and three supervisors.
The program was seven weeks long for the children, plus a week prior for staff training.
Today the program is six weeks long and held at two locations with the WindsorEssex Catholic District School Board — in Windsor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School and in Essex at Holy Name Catholic Elementary School
The expansion to Essex occurred in 2005 and continues to grow.
In 2022, a third class was added and in 2024 they recruited an Assistant Director.
The Windsor summer program has grown from 11 students to eight classrooms with 50 students and Essex now has three classrooms and 17 students. In total, staffing has increased to include a Summer Program Director, two Co-Directors, the Assistant Director in Essex, 11 Supervisors, 65 Support Staff and 11 focus on Youth Staff.
Over the years, Autism Services Inc. and the summer program, have implemented other programs and services.
Sadly, some are no longer offered due to various reasons, such as the Holiday Respite and Christmas Holiday Programs.
The first residence building is no longer in operation either and an Autism Resource Library has since closed.
However, there’s still lots of good news!
The Bruce Awad Summer Program Directors from left: Jeremy Orton (Assistant Program Director in Essex); Hailey Foster (Co-Director) and Sean Crawford (Co-Director).
Special thanks to (from left): Emily Awad, Bruce Awad (Creator of the summer program), Valerie Awad and Elena Bourque (former ASI employee) for attending and making this 40th anniversary special!
Music Therapy was introduced as a pilot project in 2006, added to the program in 2007 and in 2024 was reintroduced as part of the summer program. 2021 saw a 2:1 ratio classroom added to the Windsor program.
As well, on August 8, 2024, during the organization’s annual Open House, the program was the recipient of a $10,000 pledge from Caesars Windsor Cares. This money is to be used to support autistic adults attending the summer program.
As this program is dependent on funding and the MCCSS only provides funding to age 18, this donation will help the young adults aged 18 to 21 that are in the program.
They will be able to continue activities that will enrich their lives as autistic young adults during the Bruce Awad Summer Program.
“Through the generosity of the Caesars Windsor Cares donation, ASI can ensure these young adults are provided with individualized opportunities to enhance their skills and increase their sense of belonging in the community,” states Jillian Fenech, Executive Director of ASI. “Many autistic students remain in school until age 21, so ASI’s program is providing continuity across those summer months. Without consistent opportunities
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to practice their skills, some individuals might struggle to transition back to their routine in September. Attendance at ASI’s Bruce Awad Summer Program allows young adults to build life skills that will increase
independence and community involvement.”
To learn more about the BASP and future programs that will be offered through ASI or to donate to this worthwhile cause, visit: AutismServicesInc.com.
Adult beverages were on hand during the Tasting Feature of the ASI 40th anniversary event as served up by GL Heritage Brewing Company’s Co-Owner Greg Grondin (left) and from Viewpointe Estate Winery, Gary Gritke and Retail Manager Deanna Dehu. (See contents page for photo of David McNair of Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery in attendance.)
The anniversary celebration was made possible by the 40th Planning Committee (from left): Connor Henderson (Board Executive Secretary); Christine Loebach (Assistant to the Director & Summer Program Coordinator); Diane Scarrow (Past Summer Program Staff); Dorian Grey (Board of Directors); Rita Miceli (Past President of Autism Ontario, Parent Advocate, Author); Jillian Fenech (Executive Director), Gina Dickson (Board of Directors); Sheena Bechard (Fund Development Coordinator); Jodie Goulet (Board of Directors) and Bruce Awad (Founder).
LET’S TALK ABOUT Youth At Risk: New Initiative Aims At Prevention
By Rick Onslow
Wehave so many wonderful activities going on all around Windsor and the surrounding communities, and today’s youth are a big part of our present success.
There are endless possibilities for our young people to make a positive difference for themselves and their families. However, the reality is that there are nefarious elements looking to entice our youth along the path towards criminal behaviour.
This can lead to dangerous and even lifethreatening outcomes.
Sadly, within our neighbourhoods there are already influences being felt from gang activity.
These criminal enterprises prey not only on the community, but target our most vulnerable young people. This can escalate into forms of violence that can even include the unfortunate use of weapons.
Stepping to the forefront to help identify the root causes of youth involvement in gang activities and the use of firearms, is a newly established initiative in Windsor — the Guns N Gangs Prevention Project. This program began just a few months ago in May of 2024, funded by the federal government’s Building Safer Communities grant.
The initiative is one of several successful programs under the Sandwich Teen Action Group umbrella, fondly known as STAG to many young people and their families in our region (Refer online to: SandwichTeenActionGroup.org).
STAG offers several interactive programs to help provide positive opportunities for minority and at-risk youth to build their self-esteem. It also provides mentorship from community role models, including goal-minded career counselling services. So, it just makes sense that the Guns N Gangs Prevention Project has found a home within the community confines of STAG.
The project’s rationale is to address the important question: Why do our youths join gangs and carry weapons? The goal is to find answers through dedicated research and data collection.
Kevin Fawehinmi, the Community Safety Research Assistant and Marketing Lead for the project, talked with Biz X (a project sponsor) recently about the focus.
“Our research targets individuals up to 26 years of age in Windsor,” he explains. “We chose this demographic because it encompasses a critical period in the
development and socialization of young people, who are most vulnerable to the influences that can lead to gang involvement and gun violence. By focusing on this age range, we aim to understand the root causes and intervene early, helping to guide youth towards safer and more positive life choices.”
Along with Fawehinmi, the Guns N Gangs Prevention Project has a dedicated team of three other members. Christie Nelson is the Project Lead, along with Research Assistant, Chadene Griffiths and Project Supervisor, John Elliott, who is also the STAG Executive Director and a former City of Windsor Councillor.
“Guns are unfortunately all too commonplace in our city — they have become more and more prevalent on our streets and in our neighbourhoods,” Elliott mentions.
According to Elliott: “There is no question that there are gangs doing business here and seeking out our young people. Although there are no gangs known to have a home base in our city at this time, they are coming to Windsor from other areas in Ontario, usually the larger cities.”
An optimistic Elliott is hopeful that the Guns N Gangs Prevention Project will allow STAG and its community partners to find ways for prevention and lead to positive change in the community.
“The key is to tie both the education component and social programs together,” he outlines. “We need to make the youth aware of the dangers that may lie ahead of them and how we can help them make good choices.”
STAG is one good option as a positive alternative to the streets and has been a
hangout for youth since 1991, offering a safe place for children and teens in the area to develop relationships.
As the Guns N Gangs Prevention Project moves forward, they are hoping to get the public involved through short term goals, such as establishing initial community partnerships, conducting focus groups and surveys to gather community feedback, and then implement pilot programs in specific areas of need in our city.
Thinking about long term goals, the Guns N Gangs Prevention Project team hopes to eventually expand to other communities and build a sustainable support network for youth and their families.
“The ultimate mandate for success is to achieve measurable reductions in gun and gang violence through ongoing interventions,” states Fawehinmi.
The Guns N Gangs Prevention Project has been working hard to develop agreements with several community partners including Youth Diversions, Windsor and LaSalle Police Services, New Beginnings, and the Windsor Port Authority. Other community partners will include the local branch of the Naval Reserves and the MH100 Teen Bootcamp and Fitness program. Additionally, the Guns N Gangs Prevention Project is also reaching out to area school boards, the City of Windsor and local places of worship.
Fawehinmi rallies around the importance of starting to act now: “The involvement of the community is crucial in order to have a positive impact in the lives of our young people. We are hopeful that by spreading the word it will help raise awareness about the project.”
The project’s first official launch event is happening at STAG on September 20, 2024
This event, appropriately named On My Block, will offer youth and their families a chance to come out and engage with the staff. Future events are also in the works, including other outreach initiatives and a 3-on-3 basketball competition.
How can young people and their families get involved?
They are asked to contact the Guns N Gangs Prevention Project office inside STAG, by calling 519-255-9058 or dropping by the centre at 3735 King Street in Windsor.
You can also follow them on social media at: Instagram.com/gngpstag.
The Guns N Gangs Prevention Project is a part of the Sandwich Teen Action Group and spearheaded (from left) by: Kevin Fawehinmi, Christie Nelson, Chadene Griffiths and John Elliott. Photo by Tina Huynh.
Get The Supplies You Need, When You Need Them, At The New Supply Depot Cash & Carry
By Jim Murphy
Located at 2601 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor, Supply Depot Cash & Carry (formally Clean Depot) underwent a major renovation and rebrand between January and June 2024.
A grand opening for Supply Depot Cash & Carry was held on July 15, 2024 and included a store tour, raffles, ribbon cutting, food/refreshments and networking, vendor workshops, and remarks from City of Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie
“The new expansion to our store has increased our retail space by four times what we originally had, and allowed us to do a full cash and carry model where customers can come in and pick their own items and browse through our products to discover new items they might not have known we carried before,” says Ashok Sood, President and CEO of Champion Products Corp. and Supply Depot Cash & Carry, two companies under the Sood Family Management corporate umbrella. “Our previous model required customers to make their order at the desk or by phone where it would be picked up from our warehouse for them. The new layout allows customers to selfserve, speeding up the process of getting them what they need.”
Originally, Clean Depot was created for cleaning companies and other businesses in need of cleaning supplies. The product lines focused primarily on cleaning chemicals, cleaning tools, and equipment.
Now, Supply Depot Cash & Carry, is an evolution of their original business and the new name and branding encompasses all of their offerings. Its speciality is in foodservice packaging, janitorial chemicals and equipment, plus office supplies.
More than 2,000 unique items are currently stocked on their retail shelves, with more than 10,000 items available overall! They’ve also expanded the number of retail staff they have in order to accommodate more customers, and to provide assistance and recommendations.
“Over our 33 years in business for Clean Depot, we serviced more customers in the restaurant and hospitality industry, providing a growing number of foodservice packaging and other supplies, along with items for their backend offices, such as paper and cash register rolls,” Sood explains. “Our line of safety products has also grown to include coveralls, respirators, work gloves, and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).”
Founded in 1991, Champion Products Corp. started as a one-man operation and expanded into a multinational corporation with more than 300 employees.
They offer a diverse range of product categories, including custom branding and printing services for food packaging (including options for environmentally friendly take-out containers), paper bags, pizza boxes, cups, napkins, janitorial supplies such as towels, tissues, cleaning chemicals, janitorial equipment, waste management solutions, and industrial packaging solutions.
Safety supplies such as gloves, firstaid, protective disposable clothing, and fall protection, along with a variety of office supplies, like copy paper and register rolls, are also sold.
“When I started Champion Products, it was just me working out of the trunk of my car,” Sood tells Biz X. “Over the past three decades, I’ve grown this one-man operation into a multinational corporation. It’s been an incredible journey, full of challenges and lessons.”
Sood’s short term business goals include enhancing logistic capabilities, strengthening his workforce foundation and maintaining cost control.
In the long term he would like to expand market reach, invest in technology and sustainable practices, and build resilient partnerships.
As for his advice to other inspiring entrepreneurs in the region: “Adapt to changing market conditions, invest wisely in strategic partnerships and technology, and never lose sight of the importance of quality and community,” Sood suggests. “The road may be long and challenging, but with persistence and the right strategies, you can turn even the humblest beginnings into remarkable success.”
Learn more about items in their inventory available for purchase, at: ChampionProducts.com.
Formerly known as Clean Depot, the new Supply Depot is bigger and better, with an even wider range of products and services. The Supply Depot Cash & Carry outlet stocks over 2,500+ unique items on its retail shelves with a total item count over 10,000+ that can be provided through their supplier partners. Photos courtesy of James Gervais.
In mid-July a grand opening event for the newly renovated and rebranded cash and carry store, Supply Depot, took place that included a barbecue, mini golf and of course lots of shopping! This milestone event was attended by the owners (the Sood family), representatives from Champion Products (CP) and esteemed guests, as well as prominent members of the WindsorEssex Regional Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the Ford City BIA and Walkerville BIA. At the ribbon cutting, from left are: Ed Sleiman (City of Windsor Ward 5 Councillor); James Gervais (CP Marketing Manager); Anuj Sood; Drew Dilkens (City of Windsor Mayor); Andrew Dowie (Windsor-Tecumseh MPP); Jasroop Sood; Survaishi Sood; young Sood family members; Ashok Sood (CP President and CEO); Amit Sood (CP Director of Operations) and Chris Lanman (CP Director of Sales).
