CELEBRATING
135 YEARS
SPECIAL EDITION
JANUARY FEBRUARY 2012
VOLUME 44 | no.1 - 2 | BUSINESS BRIEFS
A PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS PROGRAM CANADA - U.S. SECURITY DEAL GRAND OPENING CS WIND WWW.WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
Dr. Alan Wildeman, President and Vice Chancellor University of Windsor and Jennifer Jones, Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board at the Chamber’s 135th Annual General Meeting.
CONTENTS
7
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
WERCC | VOLUME 44 | NO.1 - 2 | JANUARY.FEBRUARY 2012
4
6
8-9
10
11-12
A PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS PROGRAM
UPCOMING EVENTS
NEW MEMBERS
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERS
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
CS WIND GRAND OPENING
STAY CONNECTED
FAREWELL JOHN THRASHER IN THE COMMUNITY
OUR MISSION “Leading the business community for creating regional economic prosperity.” Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce 2575 Ouellette Place, Windsor, Ontario N8X 1L9 Tel: (519) 966-3696 Fax: (519) 966-0603 Email: info@windsorchamber.org Website: www.windsorchamber.org
STAFF
Don Marsh, Interim President Lois Booth, Assistant to the President Director of Sales Igor Siljanoski, Policy Manager Marianne Burke, Event Manager Crystal Van Aspert, Finance & Office Coordinator Lindsey Rivait, Communications Coordinator Kerri Day, Membership Service Coordinator Barbara Malmberg, Event Coordinator Nahidah Malik, Reception
dmarsh@windsorchamber.org lbooth@windsorchamber.org info@windsorchamber.org isiljanoski@windsorchamber.org mburke@windsorchamber.org cvanaspert@windsorchamber.org adsales@windsorchamber.org kday@windsorchamber.org bmalmberg@windsorchamber.org reception@windsorchamber.org
ADVERTISING SALES email: adsales@windsorchamber.org
2 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
ext. 22 ext. 29 ext. 28 ext. 21 ext. 27 ext. 25 ext. 30 ext. 31 ext. 0
The WERCC may choose to generate revenue from many discount programs and services being provided.
JOIN US ONLINE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, COMMENT ON OTHERS, PICTURES AND LINKS, GET IN ON THE DISCUSSION WITH OTHER WINDSOR-ESSEX REGIONAL CHAMBER FANS.
Join the official WERCC Facebook page at
Follow the latest WERCC news and updates at
facebook.com/pages/WindsorEssex-Regional-Chamber-ofCommerce/125412597496221
twitter.com/WERCofC
WELCOME
WELCOME LETTER FROM THE STAFF
JENNIFER JONES
DON MARSH
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
INTERIM PRESIDENT
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce 2011-2012 Board of Directors
Many exciting changes are happening here at the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce—refreshing changes for the staff and our members. We have a new design for our Business Briefs, now also available online, a fresh new advertising policy, and many new features putting members first that we will be rolling out over the year. In November, the Chamber celebrated 135 years of being the voice of business in Windsor-Essex at our Annual General Meeting, featuring Dr. Alan Wildeman, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Windsor, who made a major announcement about the University purchasing the Windsor Star building downtown. We are so pleased that Dr. Wildeman, who had the option of making the announcement on campus, instead saw the value in the Chamber, our audience, and in the 135 year proven track record. With revitalized networking events, sophisticated award ceremonies, and upcoming workshops for our members, this is an inspiring time to be a part of the WERCC. The staff here at the WERCC is dedicated to serving the business community in Windsor-Essex and look forward to what’s in store for 2012. We hope you’re excited for it, too.
Ms. Jennifer Jones Chair** President Media Street Productions
Mr. Adam Davis Director President Next Dimensions Inc.
Mr. Jim Drummond Past Chair** Senior Environmental Specialist Retired Golder Associates Ltd.
Mr. Mark Egbedeyi-Emmanuel Director Chair Environment & Energy Committee District Manager Windsor/Chatham Union Gas Ltd, Windsor
Dr. Bill Anderson Director Chair Transportation Policy Committee Professor, Political Science University of Windsor Mr. Marty Beneteau Director Publisher and Editor-in-Chief The Windsor Star
Dr. Janice Forsyth Director** President Foresight Management Consulting Mr. Jason Ilijanic Director Chair Finance & Taxation Committee Relationship Manager TD Commercial Banking Southwestern Ontario Region
Ms. Pamela Breault Director Chair Membership Services Committee Mr. Kevin Laforet Technical Marketing Manager Director MTE Controls/Con-Syst-Int Group President and CEO Caesars Windsor Ms. Carolyn Brown Director** Mr. Jeffrey MacKinnon Vice President, Administration Director Detroit-Windsor Tunnel LLC Partner McTague Law Firm LLP Mr. Dean Clevett Director** Mr. Matt Marchand Manager - Technical Engineering Director Services Canada Chair Government BASF Canada Relations Committee Director of Government Affairs Mr. Paolo Collavino Continental Rail Gateway Director President PCR Contractors
Mr. Stephen Mattis Director Vice President Commercial Banking RBC Business Banking Centre Mr. Ed Miles Chair-Elect** Tax Partner Miles & Co. Chartered Accountants Mr. Gordon Moore Treasurer** President Moore Consulting Corp. Mr. David Musyj Director President and CEO Windsor Regional Hospital Ms. Ann-Marie Athavale Non-Voting Chair ATHENA Committee VP - Sales/Marketing Empire Communications Inc. Dr. Alfie Morgan Director Emeritus Professor Emeritus of Business Administration University of Windsor ** Denotes member of Executive Committee
BEYOND THE BORDER DEAL WITH THE U.S.
BY JENNIFER JONES AND DON MARSH
The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan that was released on Dec. 7 by the Governments of Canada and the United States. This highly practical document sets out a series of steps that can be taken within the next few years using currently available technology and within the existing laws of both countries. While some might prefer to see a grander “border of the future” vision, we believe the practical approach of the Action Plan has a number of advantages. It calls for concrete milestones to be reached by specific deadlines – some of which are as early as 2012 and virtually all of which are no later than 2015. More importantly, because the steps do not require a new treaty or even much in the way of new legislation, the plan should not be held up by the current political gridlock in the U.S. Focusing
on the things that can be done soon is the best way to kick-start the process of border reform that has been stalled for too long. The committee of Canadian and U.S. officials that drew up the Action Plan has clearly been listening to the business community. A number of key impediments to doing business across the border are addressed. “Trusted trader” programs, by which firms that can demonstrate a high level of supply-chain security are rewarded with faster border clearance, will be expanded and harmonized across the two governments. For more information, and to read the full text from the Chamber’s op-ed piece, please visit www.windsorchamber.org
3 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
AWARD.GRAND OPENING
A Prestigious Awards Program GO FOR HEALTH WINDSOR-ESSEX Investing in the health of employees is a win-win situation. Having a workplace wellness program is beneficial for employees and employers. Employees benefit from improved overall health, decreased stress, and reduced illness. Employers benefit from increased productivity, improved morale and decreased absenteeism, prescription costs, and turnover rates. Also, workplace wellness programs improve corporate image as creating a healthy workplace can increase respect and admiration for your company both externally and internally. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and Go For Health Windsor-Essex are pleased to continue to offer the Working Toward Wellness (WTW) Healthy Workplace Awards Program. The purpose of this program is to recognize local workplaces that provide comprehensive workplace wellness programming to their employees and their families. These workplaces are leading the way in addressing wellness topics such as tobacco use, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, and more, through integrated programming and policy strategies.
Comprehensive workplace wellness programs involve four main strategies. Awareness building – Provide information about the benefits of making healthy choices. Educational skill building – Help individuals to acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to make healthy lifestyle choices. Environmental support – Create physical and social workplace environments that promote, support, strengthen, and enhance healthy behaviours. Policy support development – Have policies in place that help solidify the commitment to and sustainability of the organizations’ wellness program and its components.
All workplaces in Winsor-Essex County are eligible to apply for a prestigious WTW Healthy Workplace Award. There are a total of 11 award categories ranging from Bronze Level 1 to Diamond. These categories are designed to encourage new workplaces to create workplace wellness programs and policies while allowing well established workplaces to expand and maintain their current programs and policy initiatives. The application process is thorough, yet quite simple. Any workplace offering a workplace wellness program between August 1, 2011 and July 31, 2012 can apply for a 2012 Healthy Workplace Award. Obtain a copy of the 2012 WTW Healthy Workplace Award Kit at www. wechealthunit.org by clicking on the Workplace Award Kit button on the right hand side. The kit outlines the awards criteria and application process in detail. For more information on how to develop and implement a wellness program in your workplace or to find out more about the WTW Healthy Workplace Awards process, contact the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit at (519) 258-2146 ext. 3100. Together we can make our workplaces, families, and community healthier, happier, and more successful.
CS WIND GRAND OPENING were made to the now 360,000 square foot building, which were showcased in an amazing stop motion film presentation. Guest speakers were out in abundance and included Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty, MPP Windsor West Teresa Piruzza, and Mayor Eddie Francis.
On Dec. 6, 2011, Korean-owned wind tower manufacturer CS Wind officially announced the beginning of operations at CS Wind Canada in Windsor. The elegant grand opening took place at CS Wind Canada’s plant at 9355 Anchor Dr., the former location of the Valiant Corporation headquarters. Many alterations and expansions 4 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
This was McGuinty’s third visit to CS Wind and he’s elated that the company is investing in Ontario. “Seizing new opportunities is what our Clean Energy Plan, and what this company, is all about.” Mayor Eddie Francis also congratulated the company, grateful about their presence in Windsor and what it means to our local economy. He promised that “Our workforce will not let you down. Our people will not let you down.”
Currently, CS Wind Canada boasts 100 employees with plans to hire an additional 200. CS Wind President Sung Sup Kim said that CS Wind will continue to challenge itself, strive for the best, and provide value to all of its customers as they also aim to become an employer of choice in Windsor. CS Wind is a strong global corporation and expects to produce 300 wind towers annually in their Windsor plant. The crowd was also treated to a presentation of traditional and modernized Korean dance performances, demonstrating that CS Wind is just as thankful to be in Windsor as the city is to have them. For more information about CS Wind Canada visit www.cswindcorp.com
EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
WAKEUP WINDSOR ESSEX
JOHNSON INSURANCE AFTER BUSINESS
WARDEN’S LUNCHEON
TUESDAY, JAN 24, 2012
THURSDAY, FEB 2, 2012
THURSDAY, MAR 29, 2012
LOCATION Grill 55 1855 Huron Church Rd. TIME 7:30 AM
LOCATION THE CITY GRILL 375 OUELLETTE AVE. TIME 5:00PM - 7:00PM
LOCATION COLUMBUS CLUB OF BELLE RIVER 1303 COUNTY RD. 22 SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER WARDEN TOM BAIN TIME 11:30AM - 1:30PM
Wake up to a full breakfast-then an express network- PRICE ing event! 90 seconds to pitch your organization to GENERAL ADMISSION $20 MEMBERS $10 ($15 AT THE DOOR) a captive audience. Get noticed, get leads! For more information, visit www.windsorchamber.org or contact Kerri Day at (519) 966-3696 ext. 30.
COMPLIMENTARY APPETIZERS AND DOOR PRIZES
PRICE MEMBERS $35 GENERAL ADMISSION $45
ESSEX COUNTY’S ORIGINAL PREMIER NETWORKING EVENING.
PRICE MEMBERS $15 each NON-Members $20 each
9th ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY at ST. CLAIR CENTRE FOR THE ARTS
Sponsored by:
5 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
CHAMBER EVENTS
135th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING at CABOTO CLUB featuring guest speaker dr. alan wildeman, president and vice chancellor uWINDSOR
JINGLE BELL BASH AFTER BUSINESS AT THE RYEGATE
6 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2012 In December 2011 the Chamber interviewed leaders in key economic sectors that are likely to have significant impact on our region’s economy in 2012. The Chair of the Chamber’s Finance & Taxation Committee Jason Ilijanic, TD Commercial Banking Manager, stated his forecast, “Relative to the rebound in the economy over the past year, stable to modest growth is expected over the short term, essentially keeping in line with expected performance of the broader economy. Interest rates are expected to remain at current lows throughout 2012, which is positive for borrowers alike and unappealing for investors who are searching for higher yields. Improved conditions are expected in the latter part of 2012 into 2013. The Canadian financial/banking system is strong, capital is present and competition has regained its footing over the past year or so, which bodes well for consumers and businesses. Many of our traditional local sectors have regained their footing since 2009/10 therefore showing improvement in several of our local economic indicators such as employment and housing. Our industrial/manufacturing base has rebounded reasonably well since that time in line with GDP growth and recovering automotive sales. The pace of growth in this sector could see some softening as pent up demand dissipates. It is positive to see other sectors experiencing growth; some of these include agriculture and related businesses, construction, transportation, and services. The greatest challenge remains consumer and business confidence and general economic conditions such as employment and spending.” The forecast for labour force in the Windsor-Essex region is positive, said
BY IGOR SILJANOSKI
Donna Marentette, Executive Director, Workforce Windsor-Essex. Talking about the challenges, she stated that “we may experience labour shortages for certain skilled trades and the Tool Mold and Die Machining field. Another issue is the need to attract young people in apprenticeship. New jobs will come from the agribusiness and possibly the winery sector as growth in the sector continues”. The manufacturing sector is expected to do well in the light of a healthy 2011 for the Detroit-based automotive companies. Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada shared that optimism while speaking about the successes and the year ahead for his company. “The company has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, but commitment to delivering best-in-class products has never been stronger” according to Bigland. “Two-thousand-eleven has been a historic year for Chrysler Group LLC as we put our finances back in good order and regained our independence,” stated Bigland. “Chrysler Canada has played a big role in helping achieve this turnaround, manufacturing some of the company’s most significant products and achieving a solid growth of sales and market share.” Another bright spot for the region’s economy in 2012 is the construction sector where economic outlook remains very positive. The Windsor Essex Parkway project will take millions of labour hours to complete says Jim Lyons, Executive Director of the Windsor Construction Association. According to Lyons there is a significant investment made in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional sector. Many of the approximately $300 million in construction projects will start in 2012. The outlook for the recently opened CS Wind and the wind energy sector is also
positive. Patrick Persichilli, Director of CS Wind shared his optimism for the sector and is expecting moderate economic growth for all sectors in the region. CS Wind, a manufacturer of wind energy towers is looking at a very good year with increasing demand from customers. One of the export sectors experiencing significant expansion is the greenhouse industry. It plans on adding 300 acres of greenhouse space worth between $150$300 million, creating 300-400 jobs. Cole Cacciavillani, owner of the CF Group of Greenhouses sees the expansion in this sector as an opportunity for additional economic growth as there are significant multipliers associated with the greenhouse operations. In the higher education sector, the University of Windsor has joined St. Clair College in plans to transform downtown Windsor into a vibrant intellectual community with student campuses planned for multiple locations. University of Windsor President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Wildeman in a speech to the Chamber outlined a program that will see a continued transformation of the physical appearance of the University campus and its expansion downtown, including the completion of the Engineering building, investment in the Armories, and the purchase of the Windsor Star property. The optimism coming from these key economic sectors is shared by the wider business community. Dr. Gerry Kerr, Associate Professor (Strategy & Entrepreneurship) at the University of Windsor is leading a study measuring business confidence in the WindsorEssex region. His latest report stated that “tentative optimism expressed in the prior year continues to be prevalent, with expectations about the local economy remaining overwhelmingly buoyant”.
7 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
NEW MEMBERS
MEET YOUR NEW MEMBERS OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2011 Advanced Commercial Dishmachine Service Inc. Restaurant Equipment Repairs (Main) Marcel DiFranco President 201 Shepherd Street East Windsor, ON N8X 2K6 Phone: (519) 564-5535 Fax:(519) 258-3865 marcel@dishwasherservice.ca http://www.dishwasherservice.ca CS Logistics Logistics (Main), Transportation Services, Warehousing John Baker Logistics Partner 255 Ellis Street East Windsor, ON N8X 5E5 Phone: (519) 253-8664 Fax:(519) 253-7927 jbaker@cslogistics.net http://www.cslogistics.net Double AA Roofing Inc. Roofing Contractors (Main) Timothy Eansor President 2177 County Rd 42 Belle River, ON N0R 1A0 Phone: (519) 728-4545 Fax:(519) 728-9931 info@finalroof.com http://www.finalroof.com Essex Energy Corporation Energy - Renewable (Main) Alicia Sparkes Marketing Coordinator 2199 Blackacre Dr. Suite 2 Oldcastle, ON N0R 1L0 Phone: (519) 946-2000 Fax:1 (866) 291-5317 info@essexenergy.ca http://www.essexenergy.ca Grill 55 Restaurants (Main) Steve Meehan Food & Beverage Director 1855 Huron Church Windsor, ON N9C 2L6 Phone: (519) 967-9908 steven.meehan@sodexo.com http://www.grill55.ca L’atelier Du Chocolat Candy & Confectionery (Main) Dabora Charron Chocolatier 737 Ouellette Ave Suite 12 Windsor, ON N9A 6T2 Phone: (519) 551-7683 debora@lduchocolat.com http://www.lduchocolat.com
8 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
Les Maison Home Contractors Home Inspection Service (Main), Architectural Design Services Paul Peterson President 1399 Pascal Ave Belle River, ON N0R 1A0 Phone: (519) 727-3670 paul.peterson@cogeco.ca http://www.lesmaison.ca
Nneka’s Essentials International Marketing (Main) Maxine Ebegbuzie Business Owner 815 University West Suite 101 Windsor, ON N9A 5S1 Phone: (519) 562-7530 nnekasessentials@gmail.com http://www.nnekas.com
Liuna Local 625 Labour Union (Main) Robert Petroni Business Manager 2155 Fasan drive RR#1 Oldcastle, ON N0R 1L0 Phone: (519) 737-0373 Fax:(519) 737-0380 rpetroni@liunalocal625.org
One Group Marketing & Advertising Services (Main) Jeff Robillard President 1880 Assumption Street East Windsor, ON N8Y 1C4 Phone: (519) 915-7603 jeff@onegroup.ca http://www.onegroup.ca
Load Trail Trailer Sales and Service LTD Trailers - Sales & Service (Main) John Bartsch General Manager 1548 County Road 34 Ruthven, ON N0P 2G0 Phone: (519) 324-0953 Fax:(519) 324-0835 sales@loadtrail.ca http://www.loadtrail.com
Poly-Mor Canada Inc. Concrete Repairs & Restoration (Main) Bill Wiens Client Services 21419 Campbell Rd RR #1 Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0 Phone: (519) 325-1358 Fax:(519) 325-1359 billw@poly-mor.ca http://www.poly-mor.ca
Martin’s Coiffeur & Spa Beauty Salons (Main), Day Spa Martin Mustapha Owner & Operator 103 - 75 Riverside Drive East Windsor, ON N9A 7C4 Phone: (519) 973-5558 martinc@on.aibn.com http://www.martinscoiffeur.com
Romas Pizzeria & Lounge Restaurants (Main) Tyler Stevens Owner 221 Front Road LaSalle, ON N9J 1Z6 Phone: (519) 978-9800 tyler@cfoonthego.ca http://www.romaspizza.ca
Marz Media Audio / Video (Main) Adam Marz Owner Phone: (519) 564-1932 info@marzmedia.ca http://www.marzmedia.ca
Siefker Performance Machine Inc. Automotive (Main) Andy Siefker President 35 Victoria Avenue Essex, ON N8M 1M4 Phone: (519) 776-6761 Fax:(519) 776-4500 andy@siefker.com
Nancy Johns Gallery & Framing Art & Framing (Main) Nancy Johns 4755 Wyandotte Street East Windsor, ON N8Y 1H8 Phone: (519) 945-2222 Fax:(519) 945-2222 nancyjohnsgalleryframing@bellnet.com http://www.nancyjohns.com
Southwestern Manufacturing Inc. Machining & Fabricating (Main) Vince Schiller President 3710 Peter Street Windsor, ON N9C 1J9 Phone: (519) 985-6161 Fax:(519) 985-6744 char@southwesternmanufacturing.com http://www.southwesternmanufacturing. com
Tener Technologies, LLC Computer System Services (Main) Brian Tenerowicz President 701 Woodward Heights Suite. 124 Ferndale, MI 48220-1430 Phone: (248) 593-5540 http://www.tenertech.com Trike My Bike, Daymak Windsor Electric Motorcycles Windsor Motorcycles & Motor Scooters (Main) Lenn Curtis Director/Manager Phone: (519) 919-5535 trikemybike@gmail.com Trinity Consulting Group Inc Consultants (Main) Eileen Bene President 245 Jolly Avenue Windsor, ON N9J 3T1 Phone: (519) 734-8354 Fax:(519) 734-6341 eileenbene@hotmail.com
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR MEMBERSHIP? WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CHAMBER’S AFFINITY PROGRAMS AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS? KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CHAMBER? CONTACT
KERRI DAY
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR kday@windsorchamber.org or 519.966.3696 Ext. 30
CONNECTED
STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2011 422872 Ontario Inc Absolute Tool Technologies Inc. Accu-Staff Resource Systems Accurate Manufacturing (Windsor) Ltd. Advanced Basement Systems Advantage Engineering Aerotek AIDS Committee of Windsor AMEC Environment and Infrastructure Amherst Quarries (1969) Ltd. AON Reed Stenhouse Inc. Architecttura Inc. Architects Aren’t We Naughty Armando’s At Ease Men’s Apparel Aurora Steam Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Avenue East Bayshore Therapy & Rehab Windsor BDO Dunwoody LLP Chartered Accountants and Consultants Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor Essex Boodles of Baskets Brentwood Recovery Home Brown & Associates Financial Services Bruce Philp Florist CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Canadian Diesel Canadian Tire - David Morrison Enterprises Ltd. CapsCanada Corporation Carrier Truck Centers CEA Audio & Video Centennial Windows Cleardeck Systems Ltd Clinical Orthotic Consultants of Windsor Inc CMA Ontario Colio Estate Wines Inc. Colonial Tool Group Inc. Continental Rail Gateway Coral Medical Health Spa Coxon’s Service Limited Cramdon’s Tap & Eatery Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc Cygnus - Cellulite & Skin Rejuvenation Clinic Inc. D J Galvanizing Dainty Foods Dale Carnegie Training DevMark Consulting Inc.
Dr Anthony Lemmo - Chiropractor Dr Disc Records Dr. Snjezana Ljeti Dental Office Eastside Dental Office Edward Jones Investments Evola Builders Ezee Wheelz Factory Auto Sound Ltd Fallon Innovation Inc. Famous Players SilverCity Windsor First Solar Development (Canada) Inc Floor Coverings International Flow Furniture Boutique Fluid Basics Foresight Management Consulting G & K Services Canada Inc. G S Engineering Consultants Inc GENIVAR Inc Golder Associates Ltd. Grand River Printing, Inc. Graphix Plus Great Lakes Window and Doors Great Lakes Safety Products Inc. Great Lakes Technical Training Ground Effects Ltd. Guardian Alarm Company of Canada Limited H & R Block National Hamptons Stone & Flooring Company Inc H.I.A. Harmony In Action Windsor Windsor Essex County Health Unit Healthy Connections Hi Neighbor Floor Covering Company Limited Holiday Inn & Suites Ambassador Bridge Horseshoe Battery & Electric Service Ltd Hotham Building Materials Inc. IGB Automotive Ltd. Impact Staffing Inc. Innopure The Drinking Water Corporation Ion Cernat (Owner/Operator Trucking Iron Mountain Records and Information Management Joan Bachmeier Consultations JP Thomson Architects Ltd Kar Buffs Inc Kinetic Konnection Kingsville Golf and Country Club Limited L K Distributing Inc. La Guardia Restaurant
Landscape Effects Group Laumar Computers Inc. Leadership Windsor/Essex Lindham Industries Limited Lowes M.T.E. Controls Corporation Main Flame Industrial Services Mainstream Marketing MC Business Solutions - Windsor Merwin & Associates Miles & Co Chartered Accountants Minuteman Press Moe Mailloux Financial Services Inc. Morton Industrial Sales & Service Ltd. Motion Specialties Naples Pizza Limited Nedco, A Rexel Division New Millenium Tire Onfreight Logistics Onsort Material Management Inc. Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Ontario Spring & Alignment Overseas Motors Paroian Skipper Lawyers Paul Davis Systems of Windsor Paws for Love Inc PC Outfitters Penalty Box Too Inc. Popp Parete Russo LLP Chartered Accountants Preferred Restorations Windsor Ltd. Pupatello & Sons Ltd. General Contractors R Lucente Engineering Inc Re/Max Capital Inc, Brokerage Re/Max Preferred Realty Ltd. Brokerage Remo Valente Real Estate (1990) Limited RGR Pharma Ltd RioCan Management Inc Ro-Matt International Inc. Roma Tile Romar Stone Carving Inc Royal LePage Binder Real Estate RT Precision Measurement Safe Power Truck Services Sauve Automotive Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Selectcor Sentient Controls and Engineering Inc.
Shibley Righton LLP Spartan Sling Manufacturing, Inc. Stantec Consulting Ltd. Store-N-Save LP StreetSeen Media Strone Sutherland Global Services Ltd. Sylvan Learning Centre T & J Tire & Auto Centre Inc Tailored Foam Solutions Taubman Shopping Centers Comstar Mobility Inc. Tessonics Inc. Toldo Corporation Services Torino’s Restaurant Town and Country Animal Clinic The Trophy Boys United Communities Credit Union Limited Vans L.T.L. Courier Ltd. Varco Industrial Sales Ltd. Vets Cab Vito Masonry Ltd. Vollmer Inc Volpatti Construction Inc. VR Windsor Inc Walk In Law Firm Walmart – Tecumseh Road East Walmart – Dougall Avenue Wayne White’s Fresh Meat and Deli Western Equipment Limited Wholesale Service Windsor Asset Management GP Ltd. Windsor Body & Fender Ltd. Windsor CARSTAR Collision Windsor Crossing Windsor Essex Brokerage for Personal Supports Windsor Essex Community Health Centre Windsor Homes Coalition Inc. Windsor Laser Eye Institute Wired Solutions WPCI - Bell Mobility Wright Health Centre Windsor Essex County Family YMCA Zehrs Food Plus (#0573)
9 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
SPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERS NEW MEMBER | DOUBLE AA ROOFING INC. TIMOTHY J. EANSOR | PRESIDENT
Double AA Roofing provides custom metal roofing installations for residential and commercial use. The company’s trained technicians install the unique 4-way interlocking permanent slate or cedar shake metal shingles, whose clean contemporary look and coordinating colour add beauty and function to your home. New this year for Double AA Roofing is their location at 2177 County Rd. 42 in Belle River, giving the company more space and central access to their customers across Southwestern Ontario. The company is in the process of building a new showroom and visitor area, allowing customers to come in and see their products and facilities first hand. Customer service is number one for the staff at Double AA Roofing, who pride themselves on fostering positive client relationships and experiences. “We take people on personalised tours to show them roofs we’ve done. There’s no charge for that. It’s all about the customer experience,” explained Eansor.
Double AA Roofing is holding a No Tax event until March 31, 2012 on metal roofing, raising awareness that they are able to install roofing during the winter months. Year-round, Double AA Roofing offers free quotations, no obligation assessments and low pressure sales. Double AA Roofing will celebrate their Grand Opening this spring, featuring prizes, coupons, and more. The company will also be following up soon on their “Roof of a Lifetime Contest”, providing a roof to their nominated winner. For more details concerning this event, visit www.finalroof.com.
RENEWING MEMBER | GRAPHIX PLUS MARIO PARISI | PRESIDENT
Graphix Plus Screen Printing & Embroidery, located at 1501 Howard Ave., unit 104, provides not only screen printing and embroidery services, they also cover everything from sublimation printing and vinyl graphics to mugs, calendars, and more. Additionally, Graphix Plus also provides clients with a total Brand Identity Package including business cards, letterhead, envelopes, and presentation folders. Graphix Plus boasts over 700,000 promotional and apparel ideas for their clients to choose from, including T-Shirts, drinkware, hats, office supplies, bags, pens, and so much more. The screenprinting and embroidery company doesn’t stop there, either, providing web development services, web hosting, custom applications, and content management systems among other offerings.
10 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
Customer satisfaction is important to Graphix Plus, who offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and quickly address any and all customer concerns. Even after the job is completed and the product is delivered, Graphix Plus continues their commitment of superior service and satisfaction. For more information call (519) 254-1009 or visit them online at www.graphixplus.com.
MEMBERS NEWS
MEMBERS | FIRMS IN THE NEWS Biz X Publisher Deborah Jones presents the award for “Most Successful International Biz Pro” to Mario Collavino of the Collavino Group. Photo by Joe Lemire. Biz X has been honouring the leading businesses of Windsor and Essex County since 1998 with its traditional business awards. With votes from readers via the magazine’s website poll and a panel of judges determining the winners, the awards recognize the cream of the crop—businesses and individuals which are believed to be outstanding in their respective categories. Since inception, Biz X has handed out more than 525 awards to area companies. For more information, including a full list of winners, visit www.bizxmagazine.com.
The Winner of the 2011 Conservation Farm Award was announced at the Essex Soil & Crop Improvement Association (ESCIA) Annual Meeting on Dec. 1, 2011. The award is presented each year to the farming operation which best display conservation minded farming practices from those nominated. The farms are graded on tillage practices, crop rotation, chemical use and storage, knowledge of fertility programs, Best Management Practices and overall farm maintenance. The winner is determined by a committee of Directors from the ESCIA. This year the winner of the Conservation Farm Award is Karl Neudorf of Essex. The Essex Conservation Farm Award is sponsored annually by the Essex Soil and Crop Improvement Association, the Essex Conservation Club and the Essex Region Conservation Authority. Nominations for the 2012 Conservation Farm Award are being accepted from now until Sept. 8, 2012. For more information on how to nominate an individual contact Michael Dick at (519) 776-5209 ext. 369.
FAREWELL
FROM JOHN THRASHER By the time you receive this newsletter I will have been in my new position with PBL Insurance for just over a month. When you are part of an organization for over 20 years, there are an overwhelming number of goodbye and thank you notes you want to send out so I thought it would be easier if I can reach some of you this way.
This Chamber is positioned in the top five in the Province, offers more value for dollar than most business organizations in the country and is financially sound. If it offered an IPO, I would be the first to jump on board. The Staff at the Chamber are incredible. During the last decade, we have faced more struggle and economic challenges than almost any other community in the nation but we refused to make this our crutch. Instead we stepped up to the plate and hit many home runs. To all the members, you are the heart and soul of this organization. Without you, there is no purpose, there is no mission, there is no Chamber of Commerce. We have been punched and kicked as a community in so many ways but in some incredible way, we refuse to go down and this chamber plays such an important role in keeping that drive alive. In closing, the only thing I ask is that as a business community we continue to work toward unison. Entrepreneurial spirit tends to drive individualism and that is good to a point. On the other hand, if things are not working out and you have tried everything on your own, the greatest compliment you can pay to your fellow member, even if they are your competition, is a simple phone call asking “I was wondering if I could borrow some advice.” My career and life with the Chamber has taken me on a great journey, one that I will never forget, God Bless you all in the New Year!
The one stop Sunshine Property Shop is a new company owned and operated by Darrin Lewis and Kim Spirou. Purchasing property in the U.S. is very different from purchasing it here at home. The One Stop Sunshine Property Shop is a Canadian company that can help potential buyers navigate the challenges of making a foreign real estate purchase south of the border. With over 20 years of retail and wholesale experience in the U.S. and Canada with major institutions such as J.P. Morgan Chase and the Royal Bank of Canada, Lewis says The One Stop Sunshine Property Shop is your one stop shop to facilitate a comfortable and hassle-free experience. For further information contact Kim Spirou, Vice-President of Marketing at (519) 551-3747 or Darrin Lewis at (519) 562-5510. 11 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
MEMBERS | FIRMS IN THE NEWS continued
COMMUNITY
The recent W.E. Care for Kids wrap up event marked the end of the fundraising year for the Windsor Essex Care for Kids Foundation. At the annual luncheon, Board members of United Communities Credit Union proudly presented a cheque for $30,000 to the children’s health care cause. The W.E. Care for Kids Campaign began as a local fundraising initiative in support of the three local hospitals in Windsor and Essex County. Recently, the foundation has committed to raising $1 million to help rebuild the Family Learning
Place operated by Windsor Regional Children’s Centre, which offers an intensive treatment program for children with significant emotional and behavioural needs. Their mental health problems are at such a crisis state that it necessitates being temporarily removed from their community, school and/or their home. Visit www.wecareforkids.org or www.myunited.ca to learn more.
IN THE COMMUNITY The 7th Annual Military Studies Conference co-sponsored by the University of Windsor Humanities Research Group in partnership with the Wilfrid Laurier University Centre for Military, Strategic and Disarmament Studies, the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces in Windsor, takes place from Feb. 3-4, 2012 at the Maj. F.A. Tilston VC Armory, 4007 Sandwich St., Windsor. Intended for a general audience comprised of adults/young adults, this conference is a communitycentered educational initiative that will explore the military history of Canada and our area. Conference cost (which includes lunch) is $20 for adults and $10 for students (with proper I.D). To pre-register, call (519) 253-3000 ext. 3508. Registration at the door is also available. For additional updates, visit www.uwindsor.ca/hrg. The Canada Revenue Agency is holding a SR&ED information session in Windsor on Feb. 8 at the Windsor Tax Services Office (Main Floor Ontario Boardroom, 185 Ouellette Ave.) with a 9:30 a.m.
registration followed by the seminar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no charge to attend but registration is required. To register visit w w w. c r a - a rc . g c . c a / t x c rd t / s re d - r s d e / c n t c t s / t s h m - e n g . html?=eml20111118. The Government of Canada has developed the Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program (DTAPP) to help SMEs adopt digital technologies into their operations to improve productivity. The pilot consists of providing advisory services and financial assistance, deriving lessons learnt and best practices and raising awareness of the benefits and importance of adopting digital technologies. The pilot ends on March 31, 2014. The DTAPP team will work with your firm throughout the digital technology adoption process, providing direct advisory services, funding (up to $100,000), and linkages to other expertise with the aim of improving the success of adopting a digital technology and consequently increasing the productivity of your firm. For more information contact Vladimir Franjo, P.Eng., Industrial Technology Advisor, National Research Council Canada, Industrial Research Assistance Program at (519) 971-2015.
With their name in lights how could they not notice your message?
Personalized marketing delivers results.
P. 519.735.4121
|
F. 519.735.8417
|
T. 877.774.6848
www.lacasseprinting.com 12 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
|
E. support@lacasseprinting.com