MAY - JUNE
VOLUME 50 | No. 5 - 6 | BUSINESS BRIEFS
2018
Sponsor Jimmy Wong (BMO) and Large Company of the Year Award Recipient Vic Neufeld (Aphria) at the 28th Annual Business Excellence Awards Photo by John Liviero, Sooters Photography.
28th Annual Business Excellence Awards Recipients
Emerging Leaders
Tech Corner 1 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
VOLUME 50 I No. 5 - 6 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
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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
28th ANNUAL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS OUR MISSION "Leading the business community for creating regional economic prosperity."
SPOTLIGHT
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
Marina Poljak, Assistant to the Director of Sales & Marketing
mpoljak@windsoressexchamber.org
ext. 230
Barbara Malmberg, Event Coordinator
bmalmberg@windsoressexchamber.org
ext. 231
Lindsey Rivait, Communications Coordinator & Executive Assistant lrivait@windsoressexchamber.org
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ext. 228
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
JOHN CLARK
The WERCC is continuing its strong community leadership role on many advocacy fronts important to the Windsor-Essex region including Pharmacare, steel industry, and cross-border traffic At the beginning of March, the WERCC teamed up with the Ontario Chamber Network to release a policy report, Principles for an Effective Pharmacare Program, providing guidelines for the federal and Ontario governments to follow when considering reforms to pharmaceutical coverage, which has implications for both governments. The report highlights five principles against which new pharmacare proposals can be tested to ensure an effective and sustainable program. More information on this is available at www.windsoressexchamber.org. On March 13, the WERCC teamed up with the Sault Ste. Marie and Hamilton Chambers of Commerce to write a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, offering eight recommendations to help the steel industry keep high-paying manufacturing jobs. While the three Chambers are strongly encouraged by the government’s strong response to the threatened tariffs, the immediate concern is the prospect of increased steel exports from foreign producers, especially non-market economies like China, being re-routed to Canada instead. Without adequate resource allocations to the CBSA, there could be a glut in the domestic market and Canadian supply chains becoming a conduit for dumping. Later on in March, the WERCC sent a letter to the Hon. Ralph Goodale, MP, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, urging the government to respond to the long traffic backups from Canada across the Ambassador Bridge, all the way to U.S. freeways. While the Ambassador Bridge is the economic lifeline between Canada and the U.S., there continues to be ongoing, lengthy and costly backups emanating from the Canadian side of the border at the Ambassador Bridge. In addition to the increased accident risk this is causing along I-75 in Detroit and our responsibility as good neighbours not to do that, the cost of all of this delay and uncertainty to our business community is huge. This was followed up later that day with a letter of support from three local MPs: Brian Masse, Cheryl Hardcastle, and Tracey Ramsey, demonstrating the WERCC’s impact on big issues. We attended the OCC AGM at the end of April, advocating on key local and provincial issues, such as asking the province to reinvest in our communities with a plan similar to the Michigan Community Fund and to improve workforce competitiveness. On the events front, we would like to congratulate the award recipients and finalists of the 28th Annual Business Excellence Awards, which took place April 11 at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts. For a full list of recipients, please see page 8. Upcoming events include our 82nd Annual Golf Tournament at Beach Grove Golf & Country Club on June 4 and our Chamber Gala – A Celebration at Augustus 27 featuring Lifetime Achievement Award on June 22. We are honoured to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Alan Wildeman for his business and community contribution to Windsor-Essex. Be sure to visit www.windsoressexchamber.org for all the up-to-date news and events.
CHAIR
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018 Board of Directors Mr. John Clark Chair** Partner Clarks LLP
Mr. Jeffrey MacKinnon Past Chair** Partner McTague Law Firm LLP
Ms. Shelley Fellows Director Vice President, Operations Radix Inc.
Mr. Jason Ilijanic Chair-Elect** Director, Commercial Services WFCU Credit Union
Ms. Beverly Becker Director Director, Local Marketing & Special Projects Windsor Star
Mr. Romeo Girardi Director Executive Vice President Farrow
Ms. Maureen Lucas Treasurer** President Lucas Professional Search Group Mr. Scott Jenkins Vice Chair** Director of Advertising Caesars Windsor
Ms. Marie Campagna Director Executive Vice President Operations / CFO Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Mr. Sean Collier District Manager, Windsor/Essex Chatham/Kent Union Gas
Mr. Carl Hooper, CPA, CA Director Assurance and Advisory Partner Collins Barrow Windsor LLP Mr. Benjamin Iannetta Director, Emerging Leaders Representative Business & Technical Services ProSoft XP
Mr. Paul LeFave Director Chair – Transportation Committee Business Development Cornerstone Courier Ms. Mila Lucio Director Chief Human Resources Officer Green Shield Canada Ms. Shannon Rickwood Chair – Membership Services Committee Financial Advisor Rickwood Financial Group/ Manulife Securities Inc.
Dr. Francine Schlosser Director Professor, Odette School of Business Executive Director, EPICentre University of Windsor Ms. Ann-Marie Belanger 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
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Chamber News Windsor-Essex Regional, Sault Ste. Marie and Hamilton Chambers of Commerce Offer 8 Recommendations to Prime Minister Trudeau to Help Steel Industry to Keep High-Paying Manufacturing Jobs The Windsor-Essex Regional, Sault Ste. Marie, and Hamilton Chambers of Commerce wrote a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, offering eight recommendations to help the steel industry keep high-paying manufacturing jobs. While the three Chambers are strongly encouraged by the government’s strong response to the threatened tariffs, the immediate concern is the prospect of increased steel exports from foreign producers, especially non-market economies like China, being re-routed to Canada instead. Without adequate resource allocations to the CBSA, there could be a glut in the domestic market and Canadian supply chains becoming a conduit for dumping.
NAFTA negotiations might serve as an opportunity to co-create a joint strategy to address the global oversupply of steel and aluminum and to create regulatory harmonization with the United States, especially in the reactive application of trade remedies and the implementation of proactive protection measures against steel dumping. For more information, and to read the letter, please visit www. windsoressexchamber.org.
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Asks Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to Provide Immediate Relief on Long Truck Traffic Backups from Canada Across the Ambassador Bridge The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC) sent a letter to the Hon. Ralph Goodale, MP, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, urging the government to respond to the long traffic backups from Canada across the Ambassador bridge, all the way to U.S. freeways.
“In addition, some of our members are reporting substantial logistical problems as these lengthy border delays are impacting truckers’ e-logs, impairing their ability to deliver and ship product,” said WERCC President & CEO Matt Marchand.
While the Ambassador Bridge is the economic lifeline between Canada and the U.S., there continues to be ongoing, lengthy and costly backups emanating from the Canadian side of the border at the Ambassador Bridge. In addition to the increased accident risk this is causing along I-75 in Detroit and our responsibility as good neighbours not to do that, the cost of all of this delay and uncertainty to our business community is huge.
The WERCC is requesting a meeting in Ottawa with the Minister as well as a request to provide relief from the serious truck traffic backup problems by opening up the additional six lanes that were constructed by the Ambassador Bridge Company in 2007.
The two countries have heavily interconnected supply chains including auto and steel that require predictable and timely crossings of goods to keep the economy functioning and performing.
For more information, and to read the letter, please visit www. windsoressexchamber.org.
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Successful at Ontario Chamber AGM: Reinvesting in Our Communities, Border Staffing, and Improving Workforce Competitiveness At the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) Annual General Meeting (AGM), in Hamilton, ON from April 26-28, Chambers across Ontario successfully passed three resolutions key to the Windsor-Essex region: Reinvest in our Communities and Neighbourhoods, Adequate Border Staffing, and to Improve Workforce Competitiveness by Adopting Select for Success as a Vital Support Service for Small Business owners in Rural Communities and Small Urban Centres. 1. The WERCC along with the Sarnia Lambton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Kingston Chambers of Commerce co-sponsored the resolution to Reinvest in our Communities (an Ontario version of the Michigan Community Revitalization [MCR] Program). Through the resolution, the Chambers urge the Ontario Government to authorize the appropriate Ontario government officials to meet with Michigan officials to provide the needed background and process for setting up such a fund for Ontario and to create a community strategic fund similar to that of the MCR Program to address properties deemed as blighted, functionally obsolete or historic resource sites. The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) supports a combination of loans and grants up to $10 million, not to exceed 25 per cent of the total investment of a single project. The maximum grant is up to $1.5 million.
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2. The London, Windsor-Essex Regional, Sarnia, Peterborough, Kingston and Sault Ste. Marie Chambers of Commerce sponsored an OCC “Signature” Resolution on the issue of Adequate Customs Staffing on border crossings to be presented at the upcoming Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in September. 3. Additionally, through the Improve Workforce Competitiveness by Adopting Select for Success as a Vital Support Service for Small Business owners in Rural Communities and Small Urban Centres, the WERCC requests the OCC to urge the government of Ontario to increase awareness, promote, and scale up Select for Success and enhance coordination and communication between the OCC members and Select for Success partner agencies. Special thanks to the New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc. for their partnership. “Eighty per cent of our members report trouble finding qualified staff. This is another mechanism to solve that,” explained WERCC President & CEO Matt Marchand. “This is a big win for the community. We’re very happy with the results,” said Marchand. “The WERCC thanks our co-sponsoring Chambers for coming together on some of the top issues facing our communities across Ontario,” Marchand continued.
In Our Community Congratulations to CareerStreams Resources Inc. on their recent expansion ribbon cutting and open house! Located at 3200 Deziel Dr., Suite 418, CareerStreams is committed to providing a prompt and professional service with individualized reports tailored to meet your needs, and the needs of the clients you serve. For more information, visit www.careerstreams.com.
For the fifth consecutive year, Essex Power Corporation made a $40,000 donation through its Youth in Community Fund. This year’s contribution will be evenly distributed amongst its shareholders; the Municipality of Leamington, the Town of Amherstburg, the Town of LaSalle and the Town of Tecumseh, and will be used to advance local, youth related investment. To date, Essex Power has funded a total of $200,000 youth driven initiatives in the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.essexpowerlines.ca.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority confirmed its priority projects and programs to create a healthier and more sustainable environment for 2018 as it unanimously passed its annual budget on February 15. Initiating a regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, improving floodline mapping in response to a changing climate, creating over 100 acres of new habitat including an innovative wetland project and continuing to tackle phosphorus loadings in Lake Erie are just a few of the projects it has planned for the coming year. For more information, contact Danielle Breault Stuebing, Director, Communications & Outreach Services, at (519) 776-5209 ext. 352.
Congratulations to WERCC Gold Circle member Farrow on receiving Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum designation. This marks the third time Farrow has been awarded the Platinum Club designation and is the ninth year Farrow has won the Best Managed award. Congratulations also to WERCC Pillar Member Red Sun Farms, and members CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. and Electrozad Supply Company Limited who were also named Canada’s best managed companies.
FASTSIGNS® of Windsor, owned by Jackie Raymond and Donna Bilodeau, received the “Show Us How You Care” Award for the second year in a row at the 2018 FASTSIGNS Annual Convention. This award is a part of the FASTSIGNS Cares philanthropic initiative and recognizes FASTSIGNS franchisees who demonstrate significant charitable giving efforts in their communities throughout the year. In conjunction with the award, a donation of $1,000 was made on behalf of FASTSIGNS of Windsor to a local charity of their choice: The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. For more information, contact Bilodeau and Raymond at (519) 948-8181.
Congratulations to the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (MCC) on their Carrousel of Nations being recognized as one of Ontario’s 100 Best Festivals at the Festivals & Events Ontario Conference. The MCC’s Carrousel of Nations was also awarded with the Best Promotional Campaign ($100,001-$500,000). For more information, visit www.themcc.com.
Active Industrial Solutions and Radix Inc. are proud to welcome Doug LoFranco as President & Chief Executive Officer. LoFranco will lead the AIS Technologies Group, which comprises Radix Inc. and the Active Industrial Solutions companies: Automation, Gauge & Fixture, and Specialty Machining divisions. For more information, contact LoFranco at (416) 420-5352.
Congratulations to The Suit Shop Co. Ltd. on their first anniversary! The Suit Shop celebrated on February 10 with an anniversary sale. For more information, visit www.thesuitshopco. com.
Congratulations to Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) on their Technology And New Media Promotional Award for the Plenty of Reasons to Visit Video Project from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO). Videos can be viewed at www.youtube. com/visitwindsoressex.
Congratulations to the United Way WindsorEssex County’s 40 Leaders Under 40 Award recipients! For more information, and a full list of recipients, visit www.weareunited.com.
The Windsor Port Authority Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven C. Salmons as the incoming President and CEO of the Port effective May 1, 2018. Salmons will assume responsibilities following the retirement of David Cree, CEO of the Port for the past 33 years. For further information, contact David Cree, President & CEO, at (519) 258-5741 or wpa@portwindsor.com.
Congratulations to Wolfhead Distillery on winning eight awards at the American Distilling Institute’s annual judging of craft spirits. Wolfhead’s vodka won gold and a best of category prize, their banana-caramel and grapefruit vodkas won bronze in the international flavoured vodka category, their whisky was named best of category for international whisky, and their coffee whisky liqueur won bronze and a best of category prize for international coffee liqueurs. For more information, visit www. drinkwolfhead.com.
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Photos February After Business Presented by Devine Personnel at the Windsor Express
Sponsored by
Photos by Snapd Windsor
Wake Up Windsor Essex
Sponsored by
April After Business at The Windsor Club presented by The DRIVE
11th Annual Warden's Luncheon Featuring Essex County Warden Tom Bain
Sponsored by
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Photos by Snapd Windsor
Photos by Snapd Windsor
Sponsored by
Photos by Snapd Windsor
Workplace Safety/Smart Electricity
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28th Annual Business Excellence Awards
Congratulations to the 28th Annual Business Excellence Awards Recipients!
Sponsor Irfan Daya (RBC Royal Bank), Mid-Size Company of the Year Award Recipient Drina Baron Zinyk and Peter Kanis (Baron Championship Rings).
Small Company of the Year Recipient Dr. Ken MacKenzie, Dr. Shanna Perry and Dr. Theresa DeGelder (Forest Glade Tecumseh Veterinary Professional Corporation) and Sponsor Brian Parent (Families First).
Gordon Orr (Tourism Windsor Essex County Pelee Island on behalf of Sponsor Caesars Windsor and OLG) and Tourism & Hospitality Award Recipients Ginette and Benjamin Leblanc-Beaudoin (Iron Kettle Bed and Breakfast).
Sponsor Wen Teoh (EPICentre, University of Windsor), New Business of the Year Award Recipient Larry Girard and Sue Manherz (Wolfhead Distillery).
Sponsor Charles Janisse (Motor City Community Credit Union) and Pillars of Our Community Award Recipient Linda Santos, Amber Hunter and Fo Abiad (Transition to Betterness).
Sponsor Robert Rumfeldt (TD Bank Group) and Professional of the Year Award Recipient Dan Gemus (Dan Gemus Real Estate Team).
Sponsor David Woodfull (WFCU Credit Union) and Believe Windsor Essex Award Recipient Michael Schlater (Domino’s Pizza of Canada).
Sponsor Lori Atkinson (Libro Credit Union) and Young Professional of the Year Award Recipient Dr. Abby Jakob (EYES Optometry).
Sponsor Patti France (St. Clair College) and Entrepreneur of the Year Award Recipient Vince Schiller (Southwestern Manufacturing).
Sponsor Sean Collier (Union Gas) and Innovation Award Recipient Karolyn Hart (InspireHUB Technologies).
ATHENA Award Recipient Pat Soulliere (Soulliere Financial) and Sponsor Lena Demarco (Bell).
Sponsor Jimmy Wong (BMO) and Large Company of the Year Award Recipient Vic Neufeld (Aphria).
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28th Annual Business Excellence Awards PRESENTING SPONSOR
RECEPTION SPONSOR
EXCLUSIVE BROADCAST SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSOR
AWARD SPONSORS
THEATRE SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSOR
AFTER GLOW SPONSORS
WINE SPONSOR
The 28th Annual Business Excellence Awards, our largest event of the year, took place on April 11, 2018 and saw the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts transformed into a magical venue. The night brought together business, government and industry leaders to celebrate business excellence in our region, drawing in over 800 Chamber members and guests for a sold-out evening of excellence. The Business Excellence Awards allows the entire community to celebrate the achievements of our distinguished lineup of Windsor-Essex businesses, professionals and entrepreneurs. Since 1991, the Business Excellence Awards has recognized the achievements and contributions of business leaders in Windsor and Essex County. This evening brings together Windsor and area business leaders and media for a celebration of excellence in business.
EVENT SUPPORTER
Twelve awards were presented at the 28th Annual Business Excellence Awards. Award Categories include: Small Company of the Year, Mid-Size Company of the Year, Large Company of the Year, Innovation Award, New Business of the Year, Pillars of Our Community, Professional of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, and Tourism & Hospitality Award. Also included in the awards ceremony are the recipients of the Believe Windsor Essex and ATHENA Awards. To view more event photos and to watch videos from the 28th Annual Business Excellence Awards, visit www.windsoressexchamber.org.
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28th Annual Business Excellence Awards
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Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Emerging Leaders The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber’s Emerging Leaders brings together the next generation of leaders where they can learn together and develop long-term professional relationships. This networking group has grown to nearly 200 members and offers the opportunity to meet other young professionals at After Business networking events and Lunch and Learn sessions on various topics of interest discussed by seasoned professionals in our local community. Emerging Leaders is happy to expand their core team with three new members to its Board of Directors. Left to right: Paul Schlosser, Danielle Gifford, Adam Castle, Josh Cheifetz, Karl Lonsbery (speaker at February Event), and Benjamin Iannetta.
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders Announces Three New Board Members By: Danielle Gifford
Joining the Board of Directors are Danielle Gifford, Josh Cheifetz, and Adam Castle. “All three of our newest Board members embody the spirit of community and bring talent, expertise, and energy to the table. We are very fortunate to have them on our team as we continue to strengthen community in the Windsor-Essex Region,” said Jennifer Charron, Board Member. Danielle Gifford graduated with a dual degree in Honours Psychology and Business Administration from the University of Windsor. Prior to her career at the University of Windsor, Gifford worked as the Director of Sales and Marketing for a startup company in Windsor. In the community Gifford is an active volunteer, holding positions on the Board of Directors for other nonprofits including Big Brothers Big Sisters Windsor-Essex and the Young Professionals Network of Ontario. Currently, Gifford oversees the activities, programs and events for EPICentre. Josh Cheifetz is a Corporate Lawyer at Corrent & Macri LLP. Prior to Joining Corrent & Macri LLP, Cheifetz worked for an Intellectual Property Law Firm in Troy, Michigan. He holds an HBA (Business Administration) and BESC (Integrated Engineering) from the University of Western
Networking 101: My Short Career in Meeting People By: Paul Schlosser
Sit back and name your most important contacts in business or your social life. Now think back to that first moment you met each of them and shared your name: did you ever think they would play such an important role in your life or career? Like most, I started to network while still in school in the hopes I could eventually convince someone to hire me - I was meeting people for “today”. Once I landed my first job and was no longer a desperate graduate, I continued to network but switched the conversation from “are you hiring?” to “what do you sell and what do you buy?” This was a transactional approach to networking and was neither sustainable nor very enjoyable. It was not until a few years into my career that I started going to events with the goal of listening, rather than seeking. I stopped meeting people for “today” and started meeting people for the future. When you meet a person again for the second time (and hopefully remember their name), you can start to build a relationship and maybe
Ontario, as well as a LLB from the University of Windsor and a JD from the University of Detroit Mercy. Actively involved in the community, Cheifetz is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, State Bar of Michigan, Eastern District of Michigan, District of Columbia, Essex Law Association, and American Bar Association. Adam Castle is the Director of Venture Services at WEtech Alliance. Castle has spent the last six years working in Economic Development in Windsor-Essex, specializing in business development and growth across multiple sectors and working with companies of all sizes. In his role as Economic Development Coordinator with the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, Castle helped facilitate the creation of over 400 jobs, nearly $6 million in public and private investment, and worked with close to 200 clients. Actively volunteering in the community, Castle holds positions on the board for Windsor Music Archive, Red Shoe Society Windsor Essex, Vigor Awards, and Hackforge. For more information about Emerging Leaders, reach out to elwindsoressex@gmail.com or via LinkedIn. The slate of board members for 2018 Paul Schlosser Benjamin Iannetta Jen Charron Vanessa Burns Josh Cheifetz Danielle Gifford Adam Castle
even some inside jokes. Keep that relationship in your back pocket and try to connect outside of formal networking events. Once you meet for coffee or a cold beer, the contact is no longer just “that person you say hi to at networking events”. As I continue to grow into different careers and industries, certain contacts play different roles. However, one thing I have learned is that it never hurts to meet one extra person for tomorrow. Join the WERCC at our upcoming After Business Networking events: •
May 10: May After Business @ St. Clair College Centre for the Arts (Mini Tradeshow)
•
June 12: June After Business @ North 42 Degrees Estate Winery sponsored by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (Mini Tradeshow)
•
September 20: September After Business @ MRA mobile experiential (Networking Only)
•
October 25: October After Business @ U of W Centre for Executive & Professional Education (Mini Tradeshow)
NETWORKING:
to interact with others to exchange information to develop contacts, to enhance one’s career. 11 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
MEET YOUR NEW FELLOW MEMBERS
FEBRUARY 2018 / MARCH 2018
GOLD CIRCLE
BUSINESS BUILDER
Domino’s Pizza Food & Beverage Michael Schlater 3200 Deziel Drive, Suite 209 Windsor, ON N8W 5K8 Tel: (866) 903-1151 http://www.dominos.ca
Bodystream Medical Marijuana Services Health & Wellness Debbie Renaud 486 Advance Blvd. Unit 120 Tecumseh, ON N8N 5G8 Tel: (226) 216-0636 Email: bodystreamwindsor@gmail.com https://bodystreammedical.ca/
Aphria Biotech & Pharma Vic Neufeld 245 Talbot St. West Leamington, ON N8H 1N8 Tel: (844) 427-4742 Email: info@aphria.com http://www.aphria.com
COMMUNITY BUILDER Families First Funeral Home & Tribute Centre Funeral Homes Brian Parent 3260 Dougall Ave. Windsor, ON N9E 1S6 Tel: (519) 969-5841 Email: funeraldirector@familiesfirst.ca http://www.familiesfirst.ca Ridge National Inc. Construction Services, Infrastructure, Project Management Nicholas Woodfield 6260 Westar Drive LaSalle, ON N9J 3W3 Tel: (519) 915-9000 Email: n.woodfield@ridgenational.com http://www.ridgenational.com
Personal Service Coffee Windsor Coffee, Coffee Break Service & Supplies Mauro Carlini 3873 Walker Rd. Unit 103 & 104 Windsor, ON N8W 3T1 Tel: (519) 915-5538 Email: mauro@personalservicecoffee.ca http://www.personalservicecoffee.ca
Windsor Pride Community Education and Resource Centre Association & Organizations Bob Williams 1106 Ouellette Ave Windsor, ON N9A 4K1 Tel: (519) 973-4656 Email: bwilliams@windsorpride.com http://www.windsorpride.com
NEW COMMUNITY BUILDER Plasman Group Tool Makers / Automotive Plastics Shauna Hatch 5245 Burke Street Windsor, ON N9A 6J3 Tel: (519) 737-6984 Email: shauna.hatch@theplasmangroup. com http://www.theplasmangroup.com
Universum Translations & Consulting Translation & Consulting Lilia Williams Tel: (519) 551-6140 Email: info@universumtranslation.com http://universumtranslation.com
OTHER MEMBERS Refresh Day Spa Salon & Spa Kari May Olajos 2407 Dougal Ave. Windsor, ON N8X 1T3 Tel: (519) 972-7329 Email: info@refreshdayspa.ca http://www.refreshdayspa.ca
DO YOU HAVE OUR LOGO ON YOUR WEBSITE? Let our community know that you are a trusted resource.
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 Marina Poljak, Assistant to the Director of Sales & Marketing, at mpoljak@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 Marina.
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STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP AccountAbility Bookkeeping
Coulter's Furniture
Hawkins & Co. Accounting
Advanced Home Services Inc.
Dakkota Integrated Systems LLC
Herby Curby Ltd
Air-Way Aviation Ltd.
Deloitte.
Hogarth Hermiston Severs LLP
Al's Bin Rentals Ltd.
Desjardins Business
Honey-Bee Ham Co
All-Risks Insurance Brokers
Devonshire Mall
Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County
Dickinson Wright LLP
Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare PILLAR
Amica at Windsor Bank of Montreal Bell Canada Bell - Ferrari Plaza BestCheck Inspection Services
Jerzy S. Dmowski Douglas Marketing Group Ducharme Weber LLP Eclipse Cosmetic & Laser Centre Electromac Tool
Biz X Magazine
Electrozad Supply Company Limited
Blackburn Radio
Employment Assessment Centre
Bloomtools Windsor
Essex Energy Corporation
Bonduelle - Tecumseh
Essex Golf & Country Club
Canterbury College
Exodus Escape Rooms Windsor CONNECTOR
Cannon Automotive Solutions Capital Assist (Valuation) Inc. CareerStreams Resources CF Industrial - CONNECTOR CKUE-FM, CHYR & CJWF Cheung's Trading Co, Ltd. Ciociaro Club & Multiplex
Forest Glade Fire Places Freed Orman Banquet & Conference Centre G S Engineering Consultants Green Sun Rising Habitat For Humanity WindsorEssex Inc.
Motor City Community Credit Union Ltd. North 42 Degrees Estate Winery Inc. North American Centre of Advanced Health Care Inc.
Howard Avenue Walk-In Clinic
Occupational Health Clinics For Ontario Workers
HSBC Bank Canada
On Site Services
Hub International Ontario Limited
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
Human Kinetics Publishers Impact Staffing Inc. Intense Media J.L. Whiston Financial Services Jamieson Laboratories Inc. – COMMUNITY BUILDER JEV Marketing & Communications Ken Knapp Ford Sales & Leasing Kipping Tire & Automotive (Ouellette) Kipping Tire & Automotive (Tecumseh) Media Street Productions Inc. – GOLD CIRCLE Miller Canfield LLP Morrell Controls Canada
Returning Members FEBRUARY 2018 / MARCH 2018 Smith Physiotherapy Clinic
Uber
Southland Insurance Brokers
UCB Radio Windsor Essex
St. Clair Insurance Brokers Inc. – CONNECTOR
University of Windsor – GOLD CIRCLE
St. Clair Residence & Conference Centre
Vollmer Inc.
Sterling Motor Technology Inc. Summit Flooring & Window Fashions
Walkerville Brewery WFS Ltd. WFT Investments Ltd.
Sun Life Financial (Deziel Drive)
Windsor Cardiac Centre
The Lumberjack Restaurant
Windsor Memorial Gardens Windsor Grove Cemetary
Radix Inc.
The New Canadians' Centre for Excellence Inc. – COMMUNITY BUILDER
Radix USA Inc.
The Salvation Army
Red Sun Farms - PILLAR
The Source
Mr. Dick Rivard
Topline Financial Advisors
Southwest Investigative Solutions
U-HAUL Moving and Storage
Patio Palace Personnel By Pro-Staff Pinchin - CONNECTOR Plasman Group – NEW COMMUNITY BUILDER
Scotia McLeod Inc. Investment Dealers Sherdil Precision Inc. Serenity Lavender Farm Smartex Products (Canada) Ltd.
Technophar Equipment and Service Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets (2007) Ltd. Windsor International Film Festival Thai Palace Restaurant Windsor Investigation Services
Windsor Star, A division of Postmedia Network Inc. – GOLD CIRCLE WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation – GOLD CIRCLE
Wolfhead Distillery – U-HAUL Moving and Storage South COMMUNITY BUILDER Walkerville World Water Operator Training U-HAUL Moving and Storage Company Inc. Dougall Avenue Zehrs Food Plus (Manning) U-HAUL Moving and Storage at Zing! Healthy Foods - CONNECTOR Walker Road.
Thank you to all of our valued members for your continued partnership.
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Spotlight On Our Members
Community Builder The Hungry Pooch
The Hungry Pooch is Windsor-Essex’s dedicated health food store for pets. The first of its kind in our region, The Hungry Pooch employs certified pet nutritionists to help customers navigate a balanced and tailored diet for their pet. They specialize in raw pet food and carry a wide variety of the best raw pet foods for dogs and cats. In addition, they believe in holistic and natural pet care. They offer a wide range of holistic and homeopathic supplements, healthy treats, and bones and even a snack bar for pets. Check out their South Windsor or Tecumseh locations, open 7 days a week for healthy food choices for your furry family members. They also offer raw information classes and host a variety of events all year round. South Windsor Location: 1243 Grand Marais Rd. W. Tecumseh Location: 110-486 Advance Blvd. (Lakeshore Oasis Plaza) - off EC Row and Patillo. For more information, visit www.thehungrypooch.com.
Community Builder
Windsor Essex Community Foundation
The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) has grown substantially in the last 35 years and is privileged to have been able to grant over $6 million to date. In 2016 alone, the Foundation granted more than half a million dollars to support local projects and charitable programs, making a significant contribution to the lives of many in our community where funding is needed most. The WECF hosts a variety of different programs, each of which offer unique ways to support the Windsor-Essex community: Young Philanthropists, Inspiration 100, our annual grant programs, Random Act of Kindness Day, the Vital Signs program, and the Vitality Legacy program. We focus on donors as community builders by matching their interests and strengths with community needs to provide innovative solutions. We take the broadest view of what community is, allowing us to grant across the broad spectrum of organizations in Windsor and Essex County. We always look to the future to help build a resilient, sustainable society. We are a great place to leave a legacy! If you would like to make an investment in your community that will last forever, please visit www.wecf.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-savings/. 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
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access to your insurance coverage details, and interest-free monthly payments. You may also get extras on home and auto insurance.
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).
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!
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).
OFFICE SUPPLY PROGRAM With our 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
NEW: THE WINDSOR CLUB MEMBERS ONLY SAVINGS Exclusive new benefit to WERCC Members: Join The Windsor Club in 2018 and receive a $600 food voucher! The Windsor Club inspires social and business connections via their flexible meeting spaces, Member-only events, pointed service, fine dining and spectacular river view. For more information, contact Aaron Grass at gm@windsorclub.com or (519) 258-1465.
Tech Corner – Think BIG
By: Atif Malik, ITIL, Director – Client Services, AlphaKOR It’s time to Think BIG. Get used to creating big ideas and aggressively executing on them, even if you're not fully ready. At, what is perceived as, the height of success, the worst thing an organization can do is to sit still. Think of what it will take to reach the next summit and how to reach it in a way that is smarter, not harder. By smarter I mean by automating the tasks that take your eye away from the path, seeking knowledge from those who have successfully overcome the same challenges, and getting buy-in from your team so you don’t have to go on this journey alone. Strive for what is typically seen by you or by others as impossible. Think about what it would take to accomplish this and break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Get away from spending your time trying to solve insignificant problems. Stop procrastinating and start taking action right away. “Either I will find a way, or I will make one.” - Dashrath Manjhi Dashrath Manjhi’s tale is one of tragedy, perseverance, and ambition. This man’s journey is the embodiment of Thinking BIG, and yet it has nothing to do with commerce, profit, or professional achievement. Manjhi did not have an education, land, or a career. He was a poor coal miner in India who did not have much in terms of material wealth. However, none of that mattered to him as he had his family and a beloved wife. One day, his wife was trekking around a dangerous mountain path in order to bring water to him. Traversing the treacherous area was no easy task and she became another victim of this path. Manjhi’s wife slipped and fell over the side of this path and was left with serious injuries. With the nearest hospital being 75 KM away, there was no way that Manjhi could get her to the hospital in time and, although he attempted, it was too late and his wife was gone.
Manjhi pled with the local government to build a path through a mountain, which would shorten the journey of his fellow villagers to the nearest hospital from 75 KM to 1 KM. His constant requests were denied. Rather than feel helpless or give up he decided to do the impossible. “When I started hammering the hill, people called me a lunatic but that steeled my resolve.” - Dashrath Manjhi The death of his wife affected Manjhi so much that literally took matters in his own hands. Armed with only a hammer, a chisel, and a bucket to move earth, Manjhi began a single handed mission to carve a path through the hill that was blocking his village from access to medical care. Twenty-two years later, he succeeded his mission and a 110 m long, 7.7 m deep, and 9.1 m wide path was paved, which helped improve the quality of life for residents of his and surrounding villages. Determination, commitment, ambition, and intelligence are just some of the factors that lead people to achieve great feats. Resolve in these areas are proven to lead us to great success, whether it be personal, professional, or other. With these traits we can build roadways, houses, and even cities. However, when we Think BIG we can build empires, resolve conflicts, and improve humanity as a whole.
Fostering a Safe Workplace Last fall, film producer Harvey Weinstein became a prime example of what workplace sexual harassment could look like, after a New York Times exposé alleged that for more than 30 years he had propositioned and bullied countless victims. The exposé fuelled many more revelations of sexual harassment reaching far beyond the entertainment industry, confirming suspicions that the behaviour is more widespread than many thought. “It’s a wake-up call for organizations,” said Andrew Harkness, WSPS’ Strategy Advisor, Organizational Health Initiatives. “This is a critical opportunity for workplaces to take a stand and work to prevent inappropriate and harmful behaviours from taking root.” This is mandatory for all workplaces under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Here are some tips to help your organization work to prevent this type of workplace harassment. 1. Assume that harassment may exist in your workplace. “I often hear people say violence and harassment isn’t a problem in their workplace,” said Harkness. But how do you know if you haven’t looked into it? “Keep an open mind and understand that some employees may be fearful of coming forward for various reasons, one may be workplace culture.”
3. Communicate policies, programs, roles and responsibilities to all employees so they know that preventing violence and harassment is a company principle and understand what’s expected of them. 4. Create a code of behaviour that promotes civility and respect. “If you know how you expect people to behave toward each other, you can coach this behaviour and prevent bullying or harassment from happening,” said Harkness. 5. Assess what’s going on in your organization. Involve multiple players in a conversation: Human Resources, Health and Safety, Security, etc. They may be aware of, but not sharing incidents of harassment, bullying or discrimination. 6. Conduct an employee survey. Consider using WSPS’ employee violence risk assessment questionnaire as a model. 7. Implement training programs for all employees based on a needs assessment. Start with people in leadership and supervision roles. For more information, visit www.wsps.ca.
2. Ensure you’re compliant with legal requirements. Ontario’s OHSA sets out roles and responsibilities with respect to workplace violence and harassment, including sexual harassment. Among employers’ responsibilities: developing and implementing policies and programs, and reporting, investigating and resolving incidents.
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MEMBERSHIP / UPCOMING EVENTS
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Tiered Membership Program
LEAD PROMOTE CONNECT Tiered Membership Packages Include: Increased logo exposure & market visibility Strategic Marketing & Customized Advertising Packages Plus More To learn more about becoming an industry leader, contact: Sherri Gowman, Director of Sales & Marketing sgowman@windsoressexchamber.org (519) 966-3696 ext. 223
UPCOMING EVENTS Distinguished Speaker Luncheon featuring Gary McNamara, Mayor, Town of Tecumseh Tuesday, May 1, 2018 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Ciociaro Club (3745 N. Talbot Rd.) TMT Predictions 2018 Breakfast Thursday, May 10, 2018 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Fogolar Furlan (1800 N. Service Rd.) Sponsored by Deloitte and WEtech Alliance May After Business @ St. Clair College Centre for the Arts Thursday, May 10, 2018 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. St. Clair College Centre for the Arts (201 Riverside Dr. W.) Networking & Mini Tradeshow
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Provincial Election Debate 2018 Thursday, May 17, 2018 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Ciociaro Club (3745 N. Talbot Rd.) 82nd Annual Golf Tournament presented by WFCU Credit Union @ Beach Grove Golf & Country Club Monday June 4, 2018 Sponsored by WFCU Credit Union, Cintas, AM800, Cogeco, Johnson Insurance, Jose’s Bar & Grill, Devine Personnel, Freeds, Windsor Chapel June After Business @ North 42 Degrees Estate Winery sponsored by TWEPI Tuesday, June 12, 2018 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Networking & Mini Tradeshow
Chamber Gala featuring Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Dr. Alan Wildeman Friday, June 22, 2018 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. September After Business Thursday, September 20, 2018 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. MRA mobile experiential (2296 Richmond St.) Networking Only! October After Business Thursday, October 25, 2018 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. U of W Centre for Executive & Professional Education (167 Ferry St.) Networking & Mini Tradeshow