Windsor-Essex Tech Show
Distinguished Speaker Luncheon with Gary McNamara
Windsor-Essex Tech Show
137th Annual General Meeting with Richard Peddie
October After Business
JAN FEB2014 Distinguished Speaker Luncheon with Premier Wynne
VOLUME 45 | No. 01 - 02 | BUSINESS BRIEFS Multiple Business Holiday Party New Health & Safety Awareness Training Tech Corner
CONTENTS
12
UPCOMING EVENTS
WERCC | VOLUME 45 | No. 01- 02 | JANUARY FEBRUARY 2014
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8-9
10
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IN OUR COMMUNITY
NEW MEMBERS
SPOTLIGHT
STAY CONNECTED
TECH CORNER
Let’s address the rumours CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE GROUP INSURANCE PLAN
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
Matt Marchand, President & CEO Holly Connelly, Assistant to the President Sherri Dulcamaro, Director of Sales and Marketing Igor Siljanoski, Policy Manager Marianne Burke, Director of Events Crystal Van Aspert, Finance & Office Coordinator Lindsey Rivait, Communications Coordinator Kerri Day, Membership Service Coordinator Barbara Malmberg, Event Coordinator
mmarchand@windsorchamber.org hconnelly@windsorchamber.org sdulcamaro@windsorchamber.org isiljanoski@windsorchamber.org mburke@windsorchamber.org cvanaspert@windsorchamber.org lrivait@windsorchamber.org kday@windsorchamber.org bmalmberg@windsorchamber.org
ADVERTISING SALES email: adsales@windsorchamber.org
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WELCOME
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO Happy New Year to our WindsorEssex Regional Chamber of Commerce members! The past few months have been busy for us. We’ve continued our advocacy on various issues including Single Sports Betting, local election strategies, and crossborder shopping. We celebrated our 137th Annual General Meeting in November with our special guest speaker Richard Peddie, former President & CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. We also packed the Caboto Club with a sold-out Distinguished Speaker Luncheon with the Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, who addressed Chamber members on her “Job One Ontario” plan. Premier Wynne outlined her plan to grow the economy and create jobs by investing in people, investing in infrastructure and supporting a dynamic business environment.
WINDSOR-ESSEX REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ms. Carolyn Brown Chair** Vice President, Administration Detroit-Windsor Tunnel LLC
Mr. Adam Davis Director President Next Dimensions Inc
Ms. Maureen Lucas Director President LucasWorks! (Windsor) Inc.
Dr. Janice Forsyth Chair-Elect** President Foresight Management Consulting
Mr. Steve Deneau Director Vice President Business Development Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU)
Mr. Jeffrey MacKinnon Treasurer** Partner McTague Law Firm LLP
Mr. Ed Miles Past Chair** Tax Partner Miles & Co. Chartered Accountants Mr. Marty Beneteau Director Editor-in-Chief The Windsor Star
Mr. David Diemer Director Chair: Environment & Energy Committee Associate Dillon Consulting Limited Mr. Carl Hooper, CPA, CA, CFE Director Partner Collins Barrow Windsor LLP
Mr John T. Clark Director Chair - Finance & Tax Committee Mr. Jason Ilijanic Director Partner Relationship Manager Clarks Barristers & Solicitors TD Commercial Banking Mr. David S. H. Cree Southwestern Ontario Region Director Mr. Scott Jenkins Chair - Transportation Director Committee Director of Advertising President & CEO Caesars Windsor Windsor Port Authority
Ms. Andrea Seguin Director District Manager Union Gas Limited Mr. William Sivell Director Chair: Membership Committee Owner/Broker of Record Liberty Business Brokers of Ontario Ms. Ann-Marie Athavale Director Non-Voting Chair: ATHENA Committee VP - Sales/Marketing Empire Communications Inc. Dr. Alfie Morgan Director Emeritus Non-voting Professor Emeritus of Business Administration University of Windsor ** Denotes member of Executive Committee
The Chamber hosted the Ward 7 Debates, moderated by CTV’s Christie Bezaire. The Debate saw 11 candidates discussing key issues for Chamber members, including taxes, jobs, economic development, skills, and overall lowering of business costs. We also co-hosted the New Horizons for Economic Growth in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Region event with the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. This well-attended international event was a big success for us and the Detroit Chamber, putting marine issues front and centre for the region. We celebrated the holidays at Caesars Windsor with our festive Multiple Business Holiday Party and our After Business in December, both were a great success. Many exciting events are on the horizon including our next After Business Networking Event on Thursday, February 6. We also have two major Chamber events coming up in the following months—the 24th Annual Business Excellence Awards take place Wednesday, April 23 and the 78th Annual Golf Tournament is Monday, June 9.
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MCO MCO
Partners
Chartered Accountants
Ed Miles CPA, CA Tax Partner Ian Murphy CPA, CA Tax Partner Mauro Carroccia CPA, CA Tax Partner Terry Loebach CPA, CA Senior Associate Paul Kriz CPA, CA CBV Robin Goudreau B.Comm, Senior Manager Gerry Osbourne CPA, CA, Senior Associate Marta Sebestyen CGA, Senior Associate Gaelen Fisher MBA, CMA, CGA Tax Associate
Miles & Co. is now MCO Partners Our Newest Tax Partner After more than 20 years in various senior accounting positions, we are pleased to announce that Mauro Carroccia has been appointed to tax partner at our South Windsor office.
Mauro Carroccia CPA, CA Tax Partner
Adding outstanding partners and staff is what allows us to deliver top-quality tax services to our growing number of clients.
Tax Objections and Appeals - US Tax - Tax Planning & Preparation - SR&ED & Other Tax Credits
Windsor - Walkerville:
1601 Wyandotte Street East Windsor, ON N8Y 1C8 Ph: 519-253-6077
Windsor - South:
3850 Dougall Avenue Windsor, ON N9G 1X2 Ph: 519-250-8680
www.serioustax.ca 4 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
IN OUR COMMUNITY
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southwestern Ontario was the latest recipient of financial donations from Advance Business Systems, local businesses and national companies on November 28, 2013 at the 22nd Annual Advance Business Systems American Thanksgiving Football Classic at Caesars Windsor. To date, this fun and exciting event has collected over $50,000 in charitable donations. Advance Business Systems actively participates in supporting various organizations within the community, bringing their charitable contributions beyond the $1,000,000 mark. For more information contact Jack Jorgensen at (519) 945-7900 ext. 202 or jack@advancebusiness.net
Thanks to Amica HELPING HANDS and the dedication of the residents and staff of every Amica Mature Lifestyles’ retirement residence, more than 1,500 seniors across Canada living on or below the poverty line received a gift basket filled with non-perishable foods, a gift certificate to spend at their local supermarket, a warm blanket and some personal items in December. For more information contact Lisa Rufo, Community Relations Manager at Amica at Windsor, at (519) 948-5500 or l.rufo@amica.ca
Congratulations to Biz X magazine’s 16th annual award recipients! Biz X Awards are presented to companies and individuals demonstrating hard work, dedication and talent. Since inception, Biz X has handed out more than 560 awards to area companies. The gala event was held at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts on November 15 followed by the “Biz MiXer”. The gala and mixer both supported Sparky’s Toy Drive with over $5,000 in toys and cash donations collected. For a full list of award recipients and a copy of the Nov/Dec 2013 magazine, visit www.bizxmagazine.com
Canadian Blood Services needs Windsor/Essex County residents to rally together. It takes up to 5 donors a week to help someone who is in cancer treatment. Can you spare an hour of your time to help save a life? Bring a friend and donate at: 3909 Grand Marais Rd. E. Contact Joan Hannah at (519) 251-4202 or email joan.hannah@blood.ca
Cheung’s Trading Company launched their new health initiative Food Ventures to help aspiring Foodpreneurs get their culinary dreams off the ground and turn Windsor-Essex into a hotspot for culinary tourism. Cheung’s will select up to 10 individuals to get things started by paying for their entire season’s vendor fee for the 2014 Downtown Farmers’ Market plus chip in with a wide range of additional resources and incentives to help with creative and nutritious food items to sell with the hope of eventually selling it at their store. To be considered, email a short bio (500 words or less) to steven@cheungstrading.com with the subject heading “Food Ventures 2014”. For more information visit www.cheungstrading.com
Double AA Roofing offers high quality metal roofing products, which has several great advantages over traditional asphalt shingles including a Lifetime Transferable Warranty, maintenance free, energy savings, highest wind resistance and many other benefits. A permanent metal roof from Double AA Roofing means you no longer have to worry about replacing your roof and it can increase your home’s value. Additionally, metal roofing panels are made from recycled materials and are compatible with roof top solar systems. For a free estimate call (519) 728-4545 and for more information, visit www.finalroof.com
Goodwill Industries – Essex Kent Lambton celebrated the grand opening of its biggest retail store ever on November 28, 2013. The 18,000-square-foot store at 1643 McDougall St. will create more than 35 jobs and sell gently used goods at affordable prices. “The revenue generated will help to fund local counselling, job preparation and training programs right here in Windsor,” said Kevin Smith, Chief Executive Officer. For more information, contact Patricia Sooley at (519) 332-0440 ext. 62 or psooley@goodwillekl.com
A team of 16 Rotarians and other volunteers will travel this March to Ghana, Africa, with more malaria prevention mosquito nets and other critical supplies. They will also help to renovate a dilapidated school, provide 700 students with
backpacks filled with school supplies, articles of clothing, toiletries and a toy. They will also conduct eye glass clinics, treat trachoma and provide glasses for those in need. The team hopes to raise enough funds for the drilling of a well to provide the community with access to a clean source of water. Those interested in donating to Africa Needs Nets or any of these projects may contact Kim Spirou at (519) 253-0111 or visit www.africaneedsnets.com
Security ONE is excited to announce the creation of a new Fire & Life Safety division. Security ONE now provides critical Fire Detection solutions for a wide range of customers including retailers, small and large commercial buildings, and industrial and low and high rise residential buildings among others. Security ONE utilizes the latest IP and GSM monitoring technology. For more information, contact Corey Robertson, Director of Marketing, Security ONE Alarms at (519) 326-2020 ext. 2310 or crobertson@securityonealarm.com
The Boards of Directors of Libro Financial Group and United Communities Credit Union are pleased to announce that member-owners have approved the amalgamation of the two credit unions. The new organization, Libro Credit Union, will begin operating with a combined management and staff on January 1, 2014. The new merged credit union will become the second largest credit union in Ontario and will operate 27 branches, employ 556 staff in 21 communities across southwestern Ontario, and serve more than 95,000 member-owners. For further information please contact Liz Arkinstall, Manager, Community Relations, United Communities Credit Union at (519) 776-2038 or liz.arkinstall@myunited.ca
The Windsor Express asked fans to do their part and help those in need in December by bringing with them any gently used products to help the Clothesline Drive, an initiative of the Canadian Diabetes Association. For more information call (519) 800-3665 or email sales@windsorexpress.ca
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PHOTOS
Windsor-Essex Tech Show & Thank You to Sponsors
October After Business at Essex Golf & Country Club
137th Annual General Meeting with Richard Peddie
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Photos
Distinguished Speaker Luncheon with the Premier of Ontario
Sponsored by:
Multiple Business Holiday Party
Sponsored by:
December After Business at Caesars Windsor
Save the date – Wednesday, April 23, 2014 24th Annual Business Excellence Awards presented by The Windsor Star. This year’s Business Excellence Awards theme is “An Elegant Soiree”. The event will be held at Caesars Windsor in the Augustus Ballroom. Join us as we celebrate with the finalists and present awards in each category.
Special Advertising Feature In partnership with The Windsor Star, celebrate excellence by supporting the finalists and award recipients in the official BEA Windsor Star publication. Visit the Chamber website for more information on the Business Excellence Awards. 7 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
NEW MEMBERS
MEET YOUR NEW MEMBERS OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2013
Bella Vita Hair Design & Day Spa Day Spa (Main), Beauty Salons Bob Chomycz 3335 Banwell Windsor, ON N8N 0B4 Phone: (519) 979-4444 info@bellavitaspa.ca www.bellavitaspa.ca Boblo Island Beach House Restaurants (Main) Sandra Couloufis General Manager 144 Boblo Island Blvd Amherstburg, ON N9O 3V4 Phone: (519) 992-5770 scouloufis@boblo.ca www.boblo.ca Boblo Island Developers Land Development - Industrial & Commercial (Main) Gena Boschin Sales & Marketing Director 340 Dalhousie Discovery Centre Amherstburg, ON N9V 1X3 Phone: (519) 736-1111 Fax:(519) 735-1111 bobloreception@boblo.ca www.boblo.ca Bruce Philp Florist Florists (Main), Gift Shops Alba Giglio Manager 2229 Wyandotte Street West Windsor, ON N9B 1K3 Phone: (519) 252-1424 Fax:(519) 254-3597 philpflowers@cogeco.net www.brucephilpflowers.com Canadian Clinic for Integrative Medicine Naturopathic Doctors (Main) Dr. Denis Marier Director 400 - 4570 Rhodes Drive Windsor, ON N8W 5C2 Phone: (519) 974-0395 info@ccimwindsor.ca www.ccimwindsor.ca The Canadian Payroll Association Payroll Services (Main) Angie Velarde Member Relations 250 Bloor Street East Suite 1600
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Toronto, ON M4W 1E6 Phone: (416) 487-3380 Fax:(416) 487-3384 infoline@payroll.ca www.payroll.ca CF Greenhouses Greenhouses (Main) Cole Cacciavillani Secretary/Treasurer 263 Talbot Street West Leamington, ON N8H 4H3 Phone: (519) 322-2311 sales@cfgroups.com www.cfgroups.com Cris Kambouris Manor Realty Real Estate Sales (Main) Cris Kambouris Sales Representative 3276 Walker Road Windsor, ON N8W 3R8 Phone: (519) 995-7600 info@criskambouris.com www.sellwindsor.com Game Change Coaching & Consulting Consultants (Main) Susanne Earle Organizational Development Specialist Phone: (519) 992-4707 info@gamechangecoaching.com www.gamechangecoaching.com Girard & Co Flowers & Gifts Florists (Main) Alba Giglio Manager 1371 Grand Marais West Windsor, ON N9E 1E2 Phone: (519) 966-3305 Fax:(519) 966-3307 girardflowers@hotmail.com www.girardflowers.com Learning Disabilities Association of Windsor-Essex County Non-Profit (Main) Danielle Gignac Resource Manager 647 Ouellette Ave Suite 101 Windsor, ON N9A 4J4 Phone: (519) 252-7889 Fax:(519) 252-4169 info@ldawe.ca www.ldawe.ca
M-Teams Professional Services, Consulting (Main) Bill MacArthur President Phone: (519) 419-0070 billmac@mteams.ca www.mteams.ca Safeguard Security Services (Main) Frank Fazio CEO/President 1520 Lesperance Road Tecumseh, ON N8N 1Y1 Phone: (519) 735-0202 Fax:(519) 735-0599 ffazio@safeguardyourself.ca www.safeguardyourself.ca Safety for Seniors Medical Safety Products (Main) Ken Brander Aging in Place Specialist Phone: (519) 915-2334 ken@safetyforseniors.ca www.safetyforseniors.ca The UPS Store - Downtown Detroit Distribution Mailers (Main) Devyani Bhatt Owner/Manager 535 Griswold St Suite 111 Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 963-7080 print5676@theupsstore.com www.theupsstorelocal.com/5676 The Town of LaSalle Government - Municipal (Main) Ken Antaya Mayor Temporary: 1555 Talbot Road Unit 401 Windsor Crossing Premium Outlet Lasalle, On N9H 2N2 5950 Malden Road LaSalle, ON N9H 1S4 Phone: (519) 969-7770 Fax:(519) 969-4469 www.town.lasalle.on.ca
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW WE ASSIST OUR MEMBERS IN ACHIEVING THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS THROUGH OUR MARKETING INITIATIVES? KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CHAMBER? CONTACT
SHERRI DULCAMARO DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
sdulcamaro@windsorchamber.org or 519.966.3696 Ext. 23
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CHAMBER’S AFFINITY PROGRAMS AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS? CONTACT
KERRI DAY MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
kday@windsorchamber.org or 519.966.3696 Ext. 30
PLEASE NOTE,THE MEMBERS LISTED ARE ONLY FOR THE MONTHS INDICATED. FOR A FULL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY, PLEASE VISIT WWW.WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG CONTACT KERRI DAY FOR AN ELECTRONIC VERSION OF OUR DIRECTORY EXCLUSIVELY FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS.
STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2013 RENEWING MEMBERS Absolute Tool Technologies Inc.
Collection Service of Windsor Ltd.
International Seating & Décor Ltd.
Security ONE Alarm Systems Ltd.
Accu-Staff Resource Systems
Colonial Tool Group Inc.
IGB Automotive Ltd.
Sentient Controls and Engineering Inc.
Advanced Basement Systems
Coral Medical Health Spa
JP Thomson Architects Ltd
Shibley Righton LLP
Advanced Commercial Dishmachine Service Inc.
Coxon’s Service Limited
Kinetic Konnection
Dr. Snjezana Ljeti Dental Office
CS Logistics
Kingsville Golf and Country Club Limited
Southern Mechanical Contractors Ltd.
Cygnus - Cellulite & Skin Rejuvenation
Lakeview Montessori School
Southland Insurance Brokers Inc
Clinic Inc.
Leadership Windsor/Essex
Spartan Sling Manufacturing, Inc.
D J Galvanizing
Liberty Business Brokers of Ontario
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Delta Media Inc.
Lindham Industries Limited
Comstar Mobility Inc.
Diligent Communications Inc
The Lung Association Windsor Office
Tessonics Inc.
DisherStoesz Solutions
M.T.E. Controls Corporation
The Sandbar Waterfront Grill
DNA Inc.
Main Flame Industrial Services
Torino’s Restaurant
Double AA Roofing Inc.
Mainstream Marketing
Town and Country Animal Clinic
Drive Logistics
Mayhew
Town of Tecumseh
Edward Jones Investments
MC Business Solutions - Windsor
Varco Industrial Sales Ltd.
Charles Sarkis on behalf of Edward
MMARCO International Services Inc.
Vets Cab
Jones Investments
Moe Mailloux Financial Services Inc.
Volpatti Construction Inc.
Fahrhall Mechanical Contractors Ltd.
Nedco, A Rexel Division
Walk In Law Firm
Floor Coverings International
Onfreight Logistics
Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of
Foresight Management Consulting
Onsort Material Management Inc.
Windsor Inc (WEST Inc)
Ground Effects Ltd.
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
H.I.A. Harmony In Action Windsor
Onyx Engineering Ltd.
Windsor Essex Brokerage for Personal Supports
Hi Neighbor Floor Covering Company Ltd.
Paroian Skipper Lawyers
Hinton the Mover / United Van Lines
R Lucente Engineering Inc
Horseshoe Battery & Electric Service Ltd.
Re/Max Capital Inc, Brokerage
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex
Re/Max Preferred Realty Ltd. Brokerage
County Inc.
RGR Pharma Ltd
Hummazing
Roman Tool & Fabricating Inc.
AIDS Committee of Windsor Alexa Translations AMEC Enviroment and Infastructure AON Risk Solutions Applied Computer Solutions Inc. Architecttura Inc. Architects At Ease Men’s Apparel ATM Instant Cash Auto Shop Avenue Pawn Brokers Ltd. Avenue Pawn Brokers Ltd. Better Business Bureau of Western Ontario Brentwood Recovery Home Canadian Joist and Deck Corp Canadian Resource Distribution - a division of White Hackle Enterprises Inc. Canadian Tire - David Morrison Enterprises Ltd. The Children’s House Montessori (Labelle Rd) Chorney Vision Centre Cleardeck Systems Ltd.
Windsor Homes Coalition Inc. Windsor Laser Eye Institute
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SPOTLIGHT TECH CORNER
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERS NEW MEMBER
reNEWing MEMBER
Canadian Clinic for Integrative Medicine
VOLLMER
The Canadian Clinic for Integrative Medicine (CCIM) is a center for naturopathic wellness and integrative cancer care founded by Dr. Denis Marier, ND, MA. Dr. Marier is a registered Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Clinical Director of CCIM with a practice focus in mind-body medicine, stress reduction, naturopathic oncology and naturopathic palliative care. He is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care at a holistic and ethical standard of excellence, by educating and empowering individuals on their wellness journey with the tools to reduce stress and enhance the body’s natural healing ability with integrative modalities. Dr. Marier has been a member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians for over four years. He also specializes in intravenous vitamin therapies. Naturopathic Medicine is the treatment and prevention of diseases by natural means. Naturopathic Doctors assess the whole person, taking into consideration physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Gentle, non-invasive techniques are generally used in order to stimulate the body’s inherent healing capacity towards optimal wellness. Individualized protocols are developed according to each individual’s unique health goals with a focus on root cause and integrated into current medical protocols. As a community partner, CCIM also offers a free income tax service by Akash Bhatia, the office manager, for eligible taxpayers including lowincome individuals and social assistance recipients, newcomers to Canada, seniors, and students. For more information, visit www.ccimwindsor.ca and www.facebook.com/ccimwindsor.
After almost 50 years, Vollmer continues to be the premier construction services provider for large-scale and complex projects in the WindsorEssex community. Their reputation for skilled trades excellence in mechanical, electrical, sheet metal, millwright/rigging, miscellaneous fabrications and data communications continues to grow. They understand the value of a dollar and make it their mission to complete projects in a timely and cost-effective fashion–always keeping safety and quality a top-priority. Gaining significant momentum is their Electrical / High Voltage Testing Group, offering solutions for Industrial, Institutional and Commercial applications. Their highly-skilled technicians work hard to increase the lifespan of your assets, optimize performance, prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, avert hazards and reduce operating costs. Did you know that Vollmer is also the leading supplier for large and small scale data communications throughout the region? The Data Communications division is now well-established, as the demand for high speed communications, networking and security applications continues to be a major necessity. Vollmer offers complete turn-key solutions for new installations and upgrades. This past year, Vollmer was once again awarded the prestigious R.H. (Hugh) Carroll safety award for the sixth time since 2005. Team Vollmer is dedicated to giving back to our local community and takes social responsibility to heart, lending a helping hand to organizations in need. Vollmer continues to work closely with the Windsor Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce to encourage growth within our business community and have received the Windsor Chamber Business of the Year Award in 2000 and 2009.
TECH CORNER: Bring Your Own Device BYOD or “Bring Your Own Device” refers to the trend where organizations allow their employees to use personal mobile devices at work and allow those devices to connect to corporate networks and resources.
have the ability to protect these devices when they are outside the corporate network from being compromised. These devices often still have access to sensitive corporate information or contain that same information.
There are advantages and disadvantages to it, and most organizations even without an official BYOD policy are already seeing both, even if they are not aware of it.
Every organization should have a corporate policy on BYOD, including an Acceptable Use Policy so that employees understand what they are allowed to do when connected to the corporate network. Every organization should also be looking at tools to assist the IT Department in managing these devices, giving them the ability to remotely lock these devices, remotely wipe these devices, or in some cases alert the organization when corporate information is sent outside of the corporate network.
The advantages of BYOD is that your user community gets to use the device they are most comfortable with, which generally means they are going to use the device more often which generally leads to more productive workers often doing more work after hours. It can also mean some cost savings for organizations who don’t have to purchase the devices any longer, but often these costs are outweighed by other costs. The disadvantages of BYOD is that organizations now have to manage these devices, and monitor what users have access to, and be able to eliminate that access should that device become lost or an employee leaves the organization. This is where most organizations struggle, they don’t have the monitoring tools in place to monitor how these devices are being used when they are on the corporate network, nor do they 10 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
It’s also something that younger employees are looking for when they are looking at new employers, it’s amazing how this has a pretty big impact on their decision, some people just can’t live without their Apple IOS device, or me personally by Blackberry. Next Dimension is a leading IT Services Company with offices in Windsor, London and Waterloo, Adam Davis who submitted this article is the President, and currently a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. www.ndinc.ca
Let’s address the rumours New health and safety awareness training effective July 1, 2014 The misinformation circulating about the ministry’s proposed awareness training has to do with compliance requirements and deadlines. Based on the Ministry of Labour’s announcement in midNovember 2013, here are five facts you can count on: 1. When it comes into effect: The regulation on mandatory awareness training for all Ontario workers and supervisors—the first of its kind in North America, and developed in consultation with employers—will come into effect on July 1, 2014. 2. The date you’re expected to be in compliance: By July 1, 2014, employers must ensure that all workers and supervisors have completed a basic occupational health and safety awareness training program that meets the requirements set out in the new regulation. For employers who already meet the minimum proposed regulatory requirements prior to the effective date, the mandatory awareness training will pose no additional burden. 3. What training has been approved: Employers can develop their own or use existing training, so long as it meets requirements outlined in the regulation, or they can use a suite of tools provided at no cost by the Ministry, available online in multiple formats and multiple languages. The awareness training will help employers meet existing obligations, not impose new ones.
4. What the training covers: The awareness training program addresses the most important recommendations made by the Expert Advisory Panel on occupational health and safety, and provides basic information to workers and supervisors, including: • Duties and rights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) • The roles of health and safety representatives and joint health and safety committees, under the OHSA • Common workplace hazards 5. Record-keeping: Under the regulation, you will be required to maintain records of workers and supervisors who have completed the training, and to verify that for new employees, training has occurred and meets requirements. What the Ministry’s suite of products looks like You’ll find the Ministry’s poster, worker and supervisor workbook, employer guide and e-Learning modules available for download at www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/prevention/awareness. The Ministry is also developing useful and practical tools to assist you with compliance; e.g. record-keeping tools, comparability checklists, and guides. For more information Search on “awareness training” at www.wsps.ca, and click on each tab for a full spectrum of support.
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE GROUP INSURANCE PLAN Exclusive Insurance Benefits for Chamber Members! Over 25,000 member firms across Canada participate in the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, the leading program of its kind. Only Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade members can participate. The reality is we can all use help with unexpected expenses like prescription drugs and medical supplies. Now help is here, with affordable group coverage designed for small to medium sized businesses. Why have over 25,000 business owners selected this plan? No business is too small • Comprehensive benefit packages are available to businesses from one person and up • Home based businesses qualify for coverage • Guaranteed coverage available to for-profit firms with 3+ people Guaranteed stability • The Group Plan has operated continuously for over 40 years • Pooled benefits stabilizes your firm’s rates at renewal time • Non-cancellable plan due to the claims experience of your firm Outstanding service • Your local marketing agency is available to address your needs Complete benefit selection: Extended Health Care • Paramedical services including massage therapy, chiropractor, physiotherapy, and many more • Prescription drugs • Ambulance coverage • Preferred vision/hearing services • Eye examinations
• •
Emergency travel health care “Pay Direct” drug card options
Group Term Life Insurance • Select either flat amounts or multiple of salary Critical Illness • A lump sum of $30,000 is paid in the event you are afflicted with a critical illness as defined in the policy Best Doctors • Unlimited access to Best Doctors services included in every group plan Dental Care • Cleanings twice per year • X-rays • Extractions • Major services • Orthodontics for firms with 10+ employees Disability Coverage • Coverage can begin from the first day of an accident/ hospitalization, or, eighth day of an illness • Income replacement benefits can continue until age 65 Business Assistance Services • Provides business owners access to accounting, legal and human resource experts If you are considering membership to participate in Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan contact: sdulcamaro@windsorchamber.org.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Distinguished Speaker Luncheon with The Hon. Teresa Piruzza, MPP (Windsor West) Friday, February 28, 2014
February After Business
LOCATION Caboto Club 2175 Parent Ave.
Thursday, February 6, 2014 LOCATION Location TBA TIME 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Annual Warden’s Luncheon featuring Tom Bain Friday, March 28, 2014 LOCATION Ciociaro Club 3745 N. Talbot Rd., Oldcastle TIME 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
SAVE THE DATES FOR THREE MAJOR CHAMBER EVENTS: 24th Annual Business Excellence Awards: Wednesday, April 23, 2014
78th Annual Golf Tournament: Monday, June 9, 2014 LOCATION Beach Grove Golf & Country Club 14134 Riverside Dr. E., Tecumseh
Regional After Business: LOCATION WFCU Centre 8787 McHugh St.
Etched Glass Vinyl | Wallpaper | Real Estate Signage | Worksite Signage | Transit Graphics Indoor & Outdoor Event Signs | Back Lit Signs | Wall Murals | Posters Custom Vinyl Banners | Point of Purchase Displays
create.it@lacasseprinting.com | 519.735.4121