VOLUME 48 I No. 3 - 4 I BUSINESS BRIEFS
2017 MARCH
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APRIL
27th Annual Business Excellence Awards Professional of the Year Award Finalists Goran Todorovic – Team Goran RE/MAX, Holly Ward – HWard Communications Inc., and Sean P. McCann – McCann International Consulting Enterprises. Photo courtesy Dax Melmer.
27th Annual Business Excellence Awards Finalists
OCC Economic Report
New Workplace Harassment Requirements 1 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
VOLUME 48 I No. 3 - 4 I BUSINESS BRIEFS VISIT THE CHAMBER ONLINE
Scan the QR barcode with your phone to visit the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber online. Or check us out directly at www.windsoressexchamber.org Share your thoughts, comment on others, pictures and links, get in on the discussion with other Windsor Essex Regional Chamber fans.
CONTENTS
5 6 11 12
Join the Official WERCC Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Windsor-Essex-RegionalChamber-of-Commerce/125412597496221
IN OUR COMMUNITY
EVENT PHOTOS
Follow the latest WERCC news & updates at twitter.com/WERCofC
OUR MISSION
SPOTLIGHT
"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@windsoressexchamber.org Website: www.windsoressexchamber.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
STAFF Matt Marchand, President & CEO
mmarchand@windsoressexchamber.org
ext. 222
Marianne Burke, Director of Events
mburke@windsoressexchamber.org
ext. 221
Concetta DiCesare-Cafueri, Finance & Office Administrator
cdicesarecafueri@windsoressexchamber.org ext. 227
Sherri Gowman, Director of Sales & Marketing
sgowman@windsoressexchamber.org
ext. 223
Caitlin Hildenbrand, Assistant to the Director of Sales & Marketing
childenbrand@windsoressexchamber.org
ext. 230
Barbara Malmberg, Event Coordinator
bmalmberg@windsoressexchamber.org
ext. 231
Lindsey Rivait, Communications Coordinator
lrivait@windsoressexchamber.org
ext. 228
Igor Siljanoski, Policy Manager
isiljanoski@windsoressexchamber.org
ext. 229
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ADVERTISING SALES email: adsales@windsoressexchamber.org The WERCC may choose to generate revenue from many discount programs and services being provided.
Letter from the President & Chair
MATT MARCHAND PRESIDENT & CEO
JEFFREY MACKINNON
We hope everyone is having a great year so far. Welcome to the March/April edition of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber’s Business Briefs! We have been working hard advocating for the Windsor-Essex business community. This included teaming up with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) to send a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing that a strong Canada-U.S. trade relationship is essential to our shared prosperity. Also in conjunction with the OCC, we released our fifth and final health report—Health Transformation: An Action Plan for Ontario, which outlines three immediate action steps to strengthen the public health care system. Ultimately, better management, not more funding, is what Ontario’s healthcare system needs. With our Ontario Chamber network partners, we released the Ontario Economic Report, detailing the state of the province using innovative research. The data included in the report demonstrates that there is a considerable confidence gap between our members’ organizational versus the provincial economic outlooks. For more information on this, please see page 4. We’re also continuing our work on getting the province to defer the provincial Cap & Trade program to prevent jobs and investments from leaving Ontario. On March 27, the WERCC will be participating in the Ontario Chamber Network’s second annual Advocacy Day at Queen's Park to engage key politicians, political staff, and senior government officials to address policy priorities for Ontario’s business community. On January 10, we announced the Finalists for the 27th Annual Business Excellence Awards (see more on page 7). In February, we held a sold-out Lunch & Learn on Communicating Effectively with the News Media. This sold-out event was our largest Lunch & Learn yet and attendees learned a lot of great information from our panellists Roseann Danese from Windsor Star, Veronique Mandal from MediaPlex at St. Clair College, and Manny Paiva from CTV. We had our first After Business networking event of the year at The City Grill, another sold out event, and our Distinguished Speaker Luncheon featuring Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara. It’s almost time for the 27th Annual Business Excellence Awards, presented by Windsor Star, so make sure you get your tickets! Taking place on April 19 at Caesars Windsor, Augustus Ballroom, the 27th Annual Business Excellence Awards is the premier business event of year, recognizing professional individuals and companies who have set standards and demonstrated achievements that have contributed to the prosperity and business development in Windsor and Essex County. Visit www.windsoressexchamber.org for all the up-to-date news and events.
CHAIR
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce 2016-2017 Board of Directors Mr. Jeffrey MacKinnon Chair** Partner McTague Law Firm LLP Ms. Beverly Becker Director Director, Local Marketing & Special Projects Windsor Star Ms. Marie Campagna Director Executive Vice President Operations / CFO Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Mr. John T. Clark Chair Elect** Partner Clarks LLP
Mr. Irfan S. Daya Director Chair - Finance & Taxation Committee Vice President, Commercial Financial Services & Agriculture Royal Bank of Canada Mr. Steve Deneau Director Vice President - Business Development WFCU Credit Union Dr. Janice Forsyth Past Chair** President Foresight Management Consulting
Mr. Romeo Girardi Director Executive Vice President Farrow
Mr. Scott Jenkins Director Director of Advertising Caesars Windsor
Mr. Carl Hooper, CPA, CA Director Assurance and Advisory Partner Collins Barrow Windsor LLP
Ms. Maureen Lucas Vice Chair** President Lucas Professional Search Group
Mr. Benjamin Iannetta Director, Emerging Leaders Representative Business & Technical Services ProSoft XP
Mr. Rocco Lucente P Eng Director Chair - Transportation Committee Owner R Lucente Engineering Inc
Mr. Jason Ilijanic Treasurer** Director, Commercial Services WFCU Credit Union
Dr. Francine Schlosser Director Professor, Odette School of Business Executive Director, EPICentre University of Windsor
Ms. Andrea Seguin Director Director Regulatory Projects & Lands Union Gas Limited Ms. Lee Anne Doyle Director Non-Voting 1999 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient Dr. Alfie Morgan Director Emeritus Non-Voting Professor Emeritus of Business Administration University of Windsor ** denotes member of executive committee
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Chamber News
Windsor-Essex Regional and Ontario Chambers Release Inaugural Economic Report to Shape Public Policy The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC) in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released the inaugural Ontario Economic Report (OER), a landmark agenda aimed at shaping and informing future public policy. The report also contains exclusive economic information pertaining to Windsor. As observed in previous research, there is a considerable confidence gap between members’ organizational and provincial economic outlooks. Only 24% of OCC members are confident in Ontario’s economic outlook. Despite a lack of provincial confidence, nearly two-thirds (62%) of members are confident about their own organization’s economic outlook. “Investment is being held back because of a high perception of risk. We need to ensure that our region and our province can grow and prosper,” said Matt Marchand, President & CEO, WERCC. The falling participation rate combined with a falling unemployment rate is another key finding. The proportion of the working age population that is not a part of the labour force now sits at 15-year high of 35%, despite the unemployment rate falling. The participation rate includes the long-term unemployed who may not be counted on unemployment surveys. The chronic downward trend of the participation rate suggests a structural problem in our local and provincial economy. “We are leaving labour income and wealth on the table,” said Marchand.
Join us for breakfast with Google
Learn how to heLp your business succeed in diGitaL marketinG. special guest speaker from Google tuesday, march 28th • 7:30-9:00am • augustus i, caesars windsor $15 Chamber Members • $20 Non-members • Breakfast Buffet included Seating is Limited. Register today at www.windsorchamber.org mburke@windsorchamber.org • (519) 966-3696 Ext. 221
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Economic outlook data reveals the unemployment rate in the Windsor census metropolitan area (CMA) is expected to rise to 6.5% (up from 6% in 2016) and the median residential price $187,000, reflecting a 3.9% increase over last year. Exports have been declining as a measure of our GDP since 2000. Ontario used to export about 50% of what we produce and now we export about 35%. A weak domestic market and poor export performance both contribute to an environment in which business derives less prosperity from business operations such as the production of goods and services. Skills shortages are also an issue with only 43% of OCC members operating at full capacity and 60% of members finding it difficult to find individuals with proper qualifications. “The size of the confidence gap, declining labour participation, declining exports, and skills shortages are evidence of the structural state of Ontario’s economy which signals that collectively we have much work to do,” added Marchand. “Our research shows that Ontario’s economic climate is posing challenges to the businesses we represent and Ontarians more broadly,” said Allan O’Dette, President and CEO of the OCC. For more information, and to read the report, visit www.windsoressexchamber.org.
In Our Community The John McGivney Children’s Centre will be the recipient of $12,500 in generous donations from Advance Business Systems, local businesses and national companies stemming from the 25th Annual Advance Business Systems American Thanksgiving Day Football Customer Appreciation event held at the Windsor Yacht Club. The donations raised are in support of the John McGivney Children’s Centre’s accessible playground and outdoor space. For more information visit www.advancebusiness.net.
Congratulations to The Bloomin’ Gardner on their 20th anniversary! Located at 6673 8th Concession in Oldcastle, The Bloomin’ Gardner specializes in plant arrangements, bedding pots, hanging baskets, and vegetables and herbs. For more information visit www.thebloomingardener. com.
Congratulations to Capital Assist (Valuation) Inc. on their grand opening! Capital Assist (Valuation) Inc. is located at 2558 Dougall Ave., Suite 100. For more information, visit www.capitalassist.ca.
To promote the cross-border Live, Play, Shop, & Eat lifestyle, The Detroit Windsor Tunnel is launching Tunnel Perks, a new mobile app that offers Tunnel customers discounts in participating stores and restaurants, on both sides of the border. Participating businesses provide the Tunnel with information on their business; their logo, address (or addresses), and the discount they are willing to give Tunnel customers. The ad will provide directions to the business from the Tunnel. There is no cost to participating vendors. The app is available in the iTunes and Google Play stores as a free download. Potential advertisers are encouraged to visit the app for examples of ads. For more information contact Cindy Hall at chall@dwtunnel.com.
Congratulations to EPICentre on their second anniversary! The Entrepreneurship Practice and Innovation Centre (EPICentre) at the University of Windsor is a campus-wide initiative created to encourage entrepreneurship on campus, and to support students and graduates interested in launching their own businesses. For more information visit www.epicentreuwindsor.ca.
Congratulations to FCA Canada on their Windsormade Chrysler Pacifica minivan being named Utility Vehicle of the Year at the North American International Auto Show. For more information visit www.fcacanada.ca.
Congratulations to Festival Tent & Party Rentals Inc. on their 30th anniversary! For more information, visit www.festivaltent.com.
Congratulations to Generator Design on their 20 year anniversary! Generator Design is a complete advertising and design agency specializing in print, web, multimedia, and social media solutions for businesses of all sizes. For more information visit www. generatordesign.com.
Congratulations to Jennifer Charron, Director of Recruitment Services for Lucas Professional Search Group. Charron was promoted to Director of Recruitment Services for the Lucas Group of Companies and will expand her role by taking on the leadership responsibilities for the temporary staffing division of LucasWorks. In addition to maintaining the success of the LucasWorks brand in Southwestern Ontario, in her new role, Charron will expand the Lucas Professional Search Group presence on a national scale. For more information visit www.lucasworks.ca or www. lucaspsg.ca.
Congratulations to The Suit Shop Co. Ltd. on the grand opening of their store at 593 Erie St.! The Suit Shop Co. provides the finest experience to their clients by offering the discerning gentleman top quality and custom tailored clothing. For more information visit www. thesuitshopco.com.
Congratulations to Union Gas Ltd. on their Volunteer Organization Award from the Essex Region Conservation Awards in recognition of more than two decades of staff volunteerism in supporting environmental initiatives in the Essex Region and beyond.
Congratulations to Zing! Healthy Foods™ on their Premier Award for Agri-Food! The Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence recognizes the innovative contributions of producers, processors, agrifood organizations, and rural communities in Ontario. Their innovations improve existing products, create new jobs, and grow Ontario's economy. For more information contact Jordan Kniaziew at (226) 280-1025 or jordan@orangelinefarms.com.
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EVENT PHOTOS February After Business @ The City Grill Presented by Johnson Insurance
Luncheon featuring Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara
Photos by Snapd Windsor
Photos by John Liviero
your business in focus
Only HR professionals with a CHRP, CHRL or CHRE designation have a deep understanding of how businesses work and are trained to be high-impact leaders.
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Let a Certified Human Resources Professional, Leader or Executive show you how their achievements set them apart.
P U T YOU R BU SI N ES S I N FOC US hrpa.ca/infocus
2017 Business Excellence Awards Finalists & Award Recipients
Photos by: Dax Melmer
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 27th ANNUAL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS FINALISTS
ATHENA Award
Believe Windsor Essex Award
Patti France, President, St. Clair College
Rosati Group
Professional of the Year Award Finalists
Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalists Gino Piccioni – Timberland Homes, Anne Waters – Anne’s on the Avenue, Michael Patella – Sweat Fitness & Performance
Small Company of the Year Award Finalists
Goran Todorovic – Team Goran RE/MAX, Holly Ward – HWard Communications Inc., Sean P. McCann – McCann International Consulting Enterprises
Young Professional of the Year Award Finalists
Mid-Size Company of the Year Finalists
Large Company of the Year Finalists
Andy Zebonny, Sylvia Zebonny, Nancy George, Fay Zebonny - Windsor Beauty Supply, Jeff Ives - Ives Insurance Brokers Limited, Brian Pearl - Next Dimension Inc.
Don Livermore & Jim Stanski - Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd., Carlos Visconti & Jim Di Menna - Red Sun Farms, Lynda Pizzolitto - Reliance Home Comfort
Tourism & Hospitality Award Finalists
New Business of the Year Award Finalists
Pillars of our Community Award Finalists
Benjamin LeBlanc-Beaudoin - The Iron Kettle Bed and Breakfast, Karen Smallwood - Canadian Club Brand Centre, Pina Ciotoli and Adriano Ciotoli – WindsorEats
Jimmy Ghelani & Usman Mughal - Witeck Solutions, Maxwell Abraham - Abraham Orthodontics, Smashed Apple Gourmet Catering (missing)
Lubna Barakat and Patricia Reid Crichton - Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, Amber Hunter Transition to Betterness, Carol Derbyshire - The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, Tania Sorge and Melissa Iarusso – Transition to Betterness
Tanya Antoniw, Jennifer Wells, Yvonne Pilon
Chris Oyler - Surveyors On Site, Marla Coffin - MARDA Management Inc., Manifesto Studios (missing)
Innovation Award Finalists Shawnna Predhomme - KeenTech NA Inc., Frank Abbruzzese - AlphaKOR Group Inc., Powerball Technologies Inc. (missing)
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MEET YOUR NEW FELLOW MEMBERS
DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017
CONNECTOR
M&M Food Market Food Products - Retail Dan Vukovich, VP of Development & Legal Council 2240 Argentia Rd. Unit 100 Mississauga, ON L5N 2K7 Phone: (905) 465-6325 Fax:(905) 281-4565 contact@mmfoodmarket.com http://www.mmfoodmarket.com
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
BUSINESS BUILDER
The Suit Shop Co. Ltd. Clothing & Accessories - Men's, Clothing - Custom Lazaros Dimitriou, Owner / Operator 593 Erie St. Windsor, ON N9A 3X8 Phone: (519) 903-1300 laz@theshuitshopco.com http://www.thesuitshopco.com
Radix Inc. Automation Systems & Equipment Shelley Fellows, Vice President, Operations 5140 8th Concession Rd. Maidstone, ON N0R 1K0 Phone: (519) 737-1012 Fax:(519) 737-1810 info@radixinc.ca http://www.radixinc.ca
Exodus Escape Rooms Windsor Attraction, Team Building Chris Costello, Owner 203-1501 Howard Avenue Windsor, ON N8S 3T5 Phone: (226) 393-1829 manager@exoduscanada.com http://www.exoduscanada.com Art Gallery of Windsor Art Gallery, Dealers, Consultants Catharine Mastin, Director 401 Riverside Drive West Windsor, ON N9A 7J1 Phone: (519) 977-0013 Fax:(519) 977-0776 tcockburn@agw.ca http://www.agw.ca Bloomtools Windsor Web Design, Internet Marketing Paul Ackermann 1204 Windermere Rd. Windsor, ON N8Y 3E8 Phone: (519) 792-9083 paul.ackermann@bloomtools.ca http://www.bloomtoolswindsor.ca Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network Insurance - Life & Financial Planning Cam Franzoi, Managing Director 2109 Ottawa Street, Unit 200 Windsor, ON N8Y 1R8 Phone: (519) 968-3599 Fax:(519) 968-3588 cam.franzoi@dfsin.ca http://www.dfsinelk.ca
UCB Radio Windsor Essex Radio Stations & Broadcasting Companies Matt Reaume, Area Manager 885 Northwood St. Windsor, ON N9E 1A2 Phone: (888) 351-1118 windsor@ucbcanada.com http://www.ucbcanada.com Windsor Chiropractic & Wellness Chiropractors Meagan Tsagaris, Chiropractor 7670 Tecumseh Rd. E., Unit 1 Windsor, ON N8T 1E9 Phone: (519) 974-6518 Fax:(519) 974-2773 mtsagaris@goodlifefitness.com http://www.windsorchirowellness.com
NAFTC Studios Entertainment Jim Shaban, President 20 North Rear Lakeshore, ON N0R 1K0 Phone: (519) 739-3912 jim_shaban@naftci.com http://www.naftcstudios.com/
Radix USA Inc. Automation Systems & Equipment Shelley Fellows, VP Operations 2836 West Jefferson Trenton, MI 48183 Phone: (519) 737-1012 info@radixusainc.com http://www.RadixUSAInc.com Roland's Neon Signs Signs Maurice Pomerleau, President 3240 Jefferson Blvd. Windsor, ON N8T 2W8 Phone: (519) 944-6446 Fax:(519) 944-2942 sales@rolandsigns.com http://www.rolandsigns.com/
Home Instead Senior Care Home Health Care Ryan Jershy, Franchise Owner 1033 Lesperance Road Tecumseh, ON N8N 1W9 Phone: (519) 739-1500 Fax:(519) 739-1505 ryan.jershy@homeinstead.com http://www.homeinstead.com/windsor-on
DO YOU HAVE OUR LOGO ON YOUR WEBSITE? Let our community know that you are a trusted resource.
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Returning Members December 2016 / January 2017
STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP AccountAbility Bookkeeping Accucomp Bookkeeping Services Active Body Physical Therapy Active Janitorial Air-Way Aviation Ltd. Allegra Marketing - Print - Mail Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County Andrew Tepperman Applied Computer Solutions Inc. Arrow Mailing Aurora Steam Baron Insignias Ltd. Brave Control Solutions Inc Canada Salvage Company (Windsor) Limited Canadian Blood Services Canadian Mental Health Association Canadian Resource Distribution - a division of White Hackle Enterprises Inc. Centerline (Windsor) Ltd. Cogeco Collins Barrow Windsor LLP Comfort Inn (Dougall Ave.) Comfort Suites Downtown Commissionaires
Community Living Windsor Corbett Productions - A Division of International Entertainment Network Inc. Core Team Staffing & Training Inc. Coulter's Furniture Dan Kane Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Ltd. Deloitte. Devine Personnel Devonshire Mall Limited Dillon Consulting Limited Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association Dr. Riaz Oozeer Dragun Corporation East Windsor Cogeneration Center Electromac Tool Empire Communications Inc. Export Development Canada Farrow FASTSIGNS of Windsor FCA Canada Inc. Festival Tent & Party Rentals Inc. Freeds of Windsor G. Caboto Club Gauthier Roofing and Siding Generator Design
Geo. T. White Co. Ltd. Glos Associates Inc. Grand & Toy Green Shield Canada Ground Effects Ltd. HCA Mindbox Marketing Communications Hiram Walker & Sons, Ltd. Honey-Bee Ham Co HSBC Bank Canada Hyatt Lassaline LLP Chartered Professional Accountants I.X.L. Cleaners (1969) Ltd. Impact Staffing Inc. International Seating & Décor Ltd. J K Management Group, Inc. J.L. Whiston Financial Services Limited JEV Marketing & Communications K+S Windsor Salt Ltd. Kamsel Leasing Inc. Kaspardlov & Associates KELCOM Ken Knapp Ford Sales & Leasing Kindigo Capital Ltd. King Materials Handling Ltd. Kingsville Golf and Country Club Limited
KPMG LLP K-Scrap Resources Ltd. LC Platinum Realty Inc. Brokerage Libro Credit Union Libro Credit Union - Amherstburg Libro Credit Union - Belle River Libro Credit Union - Essex Libro Credit Union - Harrow Libro Credit Union - Kingsville Libro Credit Union - Leamington Libro Credit Union - Woodslee Livingston International Inc. Manor Tool & Die Ltd. Marcel's Collision Inc. Mazaar Restaurant McTague Law Firm LLP Merwin & Associates Miller Canfield LLP Monarch Basics Mousseau DeLuca McPherson Prince LLP Next Dimension Inc. North 42 Degrees Estate Winery Ojibway Transportation Inc. Parker DKI Paroian Skipper Lawyers Parrline Electrical Wholesale
Prominent Plastics Products LTD. R Lucente Engineering Inc R. Bruck Easton - Belowus Easton Renaud Partners, LLP Riverview Steel Co. Ltd. Rocky Motors Inc. Rosati Group Roth Mosey & Partners LLP Royal Limousine of Windsor Scotiabank Scotiabank Self Employment Assistance Centre Serenity Lavender Farm Sigma Engineering (Windsor) Inc. Southwest Investigative Solutions St. Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology St. Clair Residence & Conference Centre Stratus Plastics International Inc. Target Building Materials Ltd. Tecumseh Cardiac Centre Tessonics Inc. The Healthy Image The Salvation Army The Source The Town of LaSalle
Unemployed Help Centre Union Gas Limited United Way/Centraide WindsorEssex County Verhaegen Stubberfield Hartley Brewer Bezaire Inc. Victoria Steel Corporation Water's Edge Event Centre WEtech Alliance WFS Ltd. Windsor Detroit Tunnel Duty Free Shop Inc. Windsor Grove Cemetary Windsor Memorial Gardens Windsor Port Authority Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation Windsor-Essex County Association of Realtors Wolverine Freight System Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc (WEST Inc) Your Quick Gateway (Windsor) Inc Zalev Brothers Co. Zehrs Food Plus (#0521) Zehrs Food Plus (#0573)
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW WE ASSIST OUR MEMBERS IN ACHIEVING THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS THROUGH MARKETING INITIATIVES? KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CHAMBER? Contact Sherri Gowman, Director of Sales & Marketing, to consider membership with us and to learn about potential savings in conjunction with our programs. sgowman@windsoressexchamber.org or (519) 966.3696 ext. 223. We are here to assist you with your membership! Contact Caitlin Hildenbrand, Assistant to the Director of Sales & Marketing, at childenbrand@windsoressexchamber.org or (519) 966.3696 ext. 230. Please note, the members listed are only for the months indicated. For a full Membership Directory please visit www.windsoressexchamber.org or for a personal copy contact Caitlin.
8 steps to help you implement new workplace harassment requirements Workplace harassment can have debilitating consequences for victims, their coworkers, and the business. That’s why the Ministry of Labour (MOL) has assigned employers new responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). These new responsibilities, an extension of existing requirements around workplace violence and harassment, ensure: •
workers have clear, confidential, and optional steps for reporting harassment
•
workers are able to report the harassment to someone who will address the complaint objectively
•
an investigation and appropriate action will take place based on the facts of the situation
To help workplaces understand the requirements, the MOL has published a code of practice, including a sample harassment policy and program. To help you implement a policy and program: 1. Review the new requirements and compare them to the violence and harassment policy and program that you should already have in place.
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2. Consult with your joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative. 3. Involve senior management. Get their buy-in on next steps and then invite them to employee training and awareness sessions. 4. Train supervisors. In their role as enforcers of workplace policies, this may be a new competency for some supervisors. 5. Train whomever may be conducting a harassment investigation on how to conduct it in an unbiased, impartial way. 6. Inform all employees about the policy and program. Invite questions and encourage discussion so that misunderstandings can be dispelled. 7. Set up a process to document investigations that ensures privacy for the complainant and the alleged harasser. 8. Schedule a program review at least annually, and certainly after an investigation has been completed, so that you can identify opportunities for continued improvement. For more information visit www.wsps.ca.
Spotlight On Our Members Pillar Member
Community Builder
Children's Aid Society
WiTeck Solutions
The Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society (WECAS) founded in 1899 is dedicated to the well-being and safety of every child by advocating for, and partnering with, our children, our families, and communities. With offices in Windsor and Leamington, WECAS provides some form of service to 1 in every 8 children in Windsor and Essex County. WECAS’ primary mandate is to uphold the protection of children while offering programs that nurture children, empower youth, and strengthen families.
Witeck Media Solutions a division of Wintellect Corporation is a next level marketing agency providing a turn-key solution for any size business. Founded in 2015, Witeck has worked with over 100 for-profit and nonprofit organizations locally and globally. Through structured analytics, their clients have seen a tremendous amount of achievement and growth. Their core mission is to help their clients increase success by telling the businesses story through branding, website design, social media, print, and promotional products.
The Society together with the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation invites individuals, organizations, and businesses to Write A Child’s Story. There are a number of ways to do this including joining the Society’s team of volunteers, consider becoming a Foster Parent, or pursuing Adoption opportunities. A network of staff looks forward to providing financial, informational, and emotional support. They are there to make each and every experience a success. Another way is to make a financial gift to the many programs that shape our “Success Stories” or to attend one of the Foundation’s signature events, The Enchanted Garden Gala, May 6, 2017 or The Cops Care for Kids Fashion Show & Silent Auction, November 2, 2017. For more details on how to give, visit wecaf.on.ca.
Witeck is growing rapidly, in the last few months they welcomed new teammates, expanded into a new office, collaborated with local charities, been featured in various local publications, and been nominated as a finalist for the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence “New Business of the Year” Award. Witeck Media Solutions believes that collaboration and partnership in this community is extremely important, especially when everyone has one common goal: success. For more information visit www.witecks.com.
The Society values its partnership with the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. Our work depends on the support of our community and business partners. All of us believe that every child, despite his or her current circumstances, should have an opportunity to aspire to their dreams. For more information, please call (519) 252-1171 or visit www.wecas.on.ca.
Members Only Savings Programs: As a member of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, you have access to numerous resources designed to advance the success of your business and provide you with exclusive benefits. For complete information visit us at www.windsoressexchamber.org/membership/membership-benefits/. Employee and business owner HEALTH CARE BENEFITS with our: CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE GROUP INSURANCE The Chamber offers access to Canada’s #1 group insurance plan – the Chambers Plan. The Plan operates as a non-profit and it is known for stable, pooled, competitive rates for firms from 1 to 100 employees. As well as health and dental coverage, you can customize your plan by selecting from a list of available benefits. Some of the Chambers Plan benefits, like Best Doctors and Business Assistance Services, are even included at no cost. HOME & AUTO INSURANCE With origins dating back to 1880, Johnson Inc. is one of the oldest and most respected providers of insurance and benefits in Canada. Today, the company is part of the global RSA group, with employees across the country dedicated to serving you better. Members who qualify for the PS Plan get
preferred rates, and access to a wide range of products and services. You receive personalized and convenient service. Highlights of the PS Plan include: 24-hour service, online access to your insurance coverage details, and interest-free monthly payments. You may also get extras on home and auto insurance. Contact www.johnson.ca/wercc or call toll free 1-800-5630677. Remember to identify yourself as a member of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce! OFFICE SUPPLY PROGRAM With our Office Max/Grand & Toy Office Supply Program, members save significantly on over 7,000 instock office supplies for next day delivery. Get the products you need, and the choices you want– for the best value. Your representative will review your preferred products to maximize your savings and develop an exclusive savings program based on your needs.
PAYMENT PROCESSING SAVINGS WITH FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES First Data, a leader in the electronic payment processing industry, brings you exclusive benefits to help grow your business. Together we are ready to help you with preferred pricing and products tailored to suit your needs. See the savings: Visa 1.49%, MasterCard 1.49% and Debit $0.05/Transaction (standard discount rates – additional processing fees may apply). UPS SERVICES! Chamber members, take advantage of the UPS Members Benefit Program and save on a variety of UPS services! You’ll receive 30% off small package shipments within Canada, to the U.S. and to worldwide destinations, 25% off imports into Canada, discounts starting at 75% off freight shipments, and more. To get started today, visit www.membersbenefitprogram.com/WindsorCC or call 1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377).
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UPCOMING EVENTS
No Job Is Too Big…Or Too Small See Allegra and Image360 for printing and graphics solutions of all kinds: • Marketing, print, design & mailing • Indoor/outdoor signage, banners & displays • Local, one-stop convenience • Responsive, friendly staff
Contact us today to get started!
www.image360windsor.com
UPCOMING EVENTS Ontario Economic Report Breakfast Wednesday, March 8, 2017 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Caboto Club (2175 Parent Ave.) Sponsored by WFCU Credit Union and Chartered Professional Accountants Ontario
Breakfast with Google
Tuesday, March 28, 2017 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Caesars Windsor (377 Riverside Dr. E.)
10th Annual Warden’s Luncheon Featuring Essex County Warden Tom Bain Friday, March 31, 2017 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Ciociaro Club (3745 N. Talbot Rd.) Sponsored by Libro Credit Union
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1800 Huron Church Rd. Windsor, Ontario N9C 2L5 Image360 Ph: 519.971.7446 Allegra Ph: 519.971.9952 Fx: 519.971.0363
www.allegrawindsoressex.com
April After Business presented by Johnson Insurance @ Devonshire Keg Thursday, April 6, 2017 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Devonshire Keg (490 Division Rd)
27th Annual Business Excellence Awards Presented by Windsor Star Wednesday, April 19, 2017 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Caesars Windsor, Augustus Ballrooms (377 Riverside Dr. E.)
Regional After Business Tradeshow presented by Johnson Insurance @ Canadian Historical Aircraft Association
Thursday, May 11, 2017 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Canadian Historical Aircraft Association Hanger (2600 Airport Rd.) Sponsored by Blackburn Radio, Johnson Insurance, CHAA
81st Annual Golf Tournament @ Pointe West Golf Club Monday, June 5, 2017 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Pointe West Golf Club (200 Golfwood Dr.)
June After Business presented by Johnson Insurance @ Wolfhead Distillery
Thursday, June 15, 2017 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wolfhead Distillery (7781 Howard, McGregor) Sponsored by Blackburn Radio, Johnson Insurance, Wolfhead Distillery
Chamber Gala with Lifetime Achievement Award
See WindsorEssexChamber.org for details.