NOV DEC2014 VOlUME 45 | No. 11 - 12 | bUSINESS brIEFS 2014 Windsor Mayoral debate featuring candidates drew dilkens, larry horwitz and John Millson
SUCCESS AT CANAdIAN ChAMbEr AGM 2014 MAyOrAl dEbATE hOlIdAy PArTy
CONTENTS
12
UPCOMING EVENTS
WErCC | VOlUME 45 | No. 11 - 12 | NOVEMbEr dECEMbEr 2014
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CHAMBER NEWS
IN OUR COMMUNITY
EVENTS
STAY CONNECTED
SPOTLIGHT
TECH CORNER ASK HR
NEW MEMBERS
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 lindsey rivait, Communications Coordinator marianne burke, director of events barbara malmberg, event Coordinator sherri dulcamaro, director of sales and marketing Caitlin hildenbrand, assistant to the director of sales & marketing igor siljanoski, policy manager Concetta diCesare-Cafueri, Finance & office administrator
AdVErTISING SAlES email: adsales@windsorchamber.org
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mmarchand@windsorchamber.org hconnelly@windsorchamber.org lrivait@windsorchamber.org mburke@windsorchamber.org bmalmberg@windsorchamber.org sdulcamaro@windsorchamber.org childenbrand@windsorchamber.org isiljanoski@windsorchamber.org cdicesarecafueri@windsorchamber.org
the WerCC may choose to generate revenue from many discount programs and services being provided.
ext. 22 ext. 29 ext. 25 ext. 21 ext. 31 ext. 23 ext. 30 ext. 28 ext. 27
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WELCOME
lETTEr FrOM ThE PrESIdENT & CEO Welcome to the winter edition of the Windsor-Essex regional Chamber of Commerce’s business briefs! We’re pleased to report that the Windsor-Essex regional and london Chambers of Commerce, along with 15 other Ontario Chambers, teamed up to draw attention to hyper aggressive incentives used by other jurisdictions. We’ve asked the federal government to review the impact, in terms of both GdP losses and job losses, that competitor jurisdictions’ business attraction efforts are having on Canada’s economy. This resolution was successfully passed at the Canadian Chamber Annual General Meeting, which took place September 27-29 in Charlottetown, PEI. This is a huge win for Windsor-Essex, Ontario and all of Canada. The issue of hyper aggressive incentives came up time and time again at our First-Ever Policy & Solutions Forum, with our partners Unifor and the University of Windsor, in May 2014. There was a general consensus among business, labour and academia that there is a need to respond to hyper aggressive incentives from other jurisdictions.
WINdSOr-ESSEx rEGIONAl ChAMbEr OF COMMErCE 2014-2015 bOArd OF dIrECTOrS Ms. Carolyn brown Chair** Vice President, Administration detroit-Windsor Tunnel llC dr. Janice Forsyth Chair-Elect** President Foresight Management Consulting Mr. Marty beneteau director Editor-in-Chief The Windsor Star Mr. John T. Clark director Chair - Finance & Tax Committee Partner Clarks barristers & Solicitors Mr. david S. h. Cree director Chair - Transportation Committee President & CEO Windsor Port Authority Mr. Adam davis director President Next dimensions Inc
Mr. Steve deneau director Vice President business development Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) Mr. david diemer director Chair: Environment & Energy Committee Associate dillon Consulting limited Mr. romeo Girardi director Executive Vice President russell A. Farrow limited Mr. Carl hooper, CPA, CA, CFE director Partner Collins barrow Windsor llP Mr. Jason Ilijanic director relationship Manager Td Commercial banking Southwestern Ontario region Mr. Scott Jenkins director director of Advertising Caesars Windsor
Ms. Maureen lucas director President lucasWorks! (Windsor) Inc. Mr. Jeffrey MacKinnon Treasurer** Partner McTague law Firm llP dr. Francine Schlosser director Professor, director, research and Interdisciplinary learning University of Windsor 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 dr. Alfie Morgan director Emeritus Non-voting Professor Emeritus of business Administration University of Windsor ** denotes member of Executive Committee
From here, we will work with our Chamber network, labour and academia to place this on the national policy agenda for the coming year. This is the first time this has ever been recognized by the national business community as a key issue. We also saw a spectacular After business Networking Event in September at rochester Golf Course & resort as well as a sold-out Mayoral debate with candidates drew dilkens, larry horwitz, and John Millson. The Windsor-Essex regional Chamber of Commerce also celebrated Small business Week in style with a Small business luncheon, sponsored by Scotiabank, on October 21 and a special Small business Week After business at The Other Place Catering on October 23. Many other great events are on the horizon, including the third annual Windsor-Essex Tech Show on Tuesday, November 4, 15th Annual Athena Scholarship luncheon on Friday, November 7, our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, November 19, december After business on Thursday, december 4, Multi-business holiday Party on Friday, december 12, and of course—the 25th Annual business Excellence Awards on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, which is sure to be an elegant event you won’t want to miss. We’re looking forward to advocating further for our members in the coming months and hope to see you at our outstanding events soon!
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CHAMBER NEWS
Windsor-Essex Chamber Takes National leadership role to Urge response to Aggressive Incentives Offered by Other Jurisdictions The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and the London Chamber of Commerce, along with 15 other Ontario Chambers, teamed up to draw attention and ask for an expedient review of the impact, in terms of both GDP losses and job losses, that competitor jurisdictions’ business attraction efforts are having on Canada’s economy. This resolution was successfully passed at the Canadian Chamber Annual General Meeting, which took place September 27-29 in Charlottetown, PEI. The resolution passed by the Chamber of Commerce states that: Canada’s international competitors are increasingly using hyperaggressive techniques to lure Canadian businesses, causing job losses here at home and weakening the Canadian economy. The resolution recommends that the Federal Governments take the following action: In coordination with businesses and chambers of commerce from across Canada, undertake an expedient review of the full impact – in terms of both GDP losses and job losses – that competitor jurisdictions’ business attraction efforts are having on Canada’s economy. The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber and the London Chamber raised the issue in a Chamber network call in June and the response from Ontario Chambers was strong and immediate. “This is a huge win for Windsor-Essex, Ontario and all of Canada. The issue of hyper aggressive incentives came up time and time again at our First-
Ever Policy & Solutions Forum, with our partners Unifor and the University of Windsor, in May 2014. There was a general consensus among business, labour and academia that there is a need to respond to hyper aggressive incentives from other jurisdictions,” said Matt Marchand, Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. “From here, we will work with our Chamber network, labour and academia to place this on the national policy agenda for the coming year. This is the first time this has ever been recognized by the national business community as a key issue.” The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce was also behind a second successful resolution on the Maritime Goods Movements Act. This resolution states that: The Maritime Goods Movements Act (MGMA) was proposed in the United States congress in 2013. The legislation would impose a fee on all cargo discharged at Mexican and Canadian ports and bound for the U.S. The fee was based on the value of the goods being shipped and would replace the current Harbour Maintenance Tax (HMT). Fortunately, the proposed tax was defeated in recent congressional negotiations, but is a clear indicator that there is some support for this type of tax potentially in the future. “The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber wants to be proactive on this important issue to enhance and protect Windsor’s status as a key trade gateway,” said Marchand.
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. Exclusive benefits and advantages provided to our members include: savings on professional business services, preferred rates on health and life insurance packages, discounts on home and auto insurance, plus special promotions and offers throughout the year.
To receive a free, no-obligation quote, or to find out more about Johnson Inc., please contact them directly at www.johnson.ca/wercc or call toll free 1-800-563-0677. Remember to identify yourself as a member of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce!
Employee and business owner HEALTH CARE BENEFITS with our:
Home and auto insurance available through Johnson Inc., a licensed intermediary. Policies are primarily underwritten by Unifund Assurance Company (Unifund). Johnson Inc. and Unifund share common ownership.
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE GROUP INSURANCE
OFFICE SUPPLY PROGRAM
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.
With our Office Max/Grand & Toy Office Supply Program, members save significantly on over 7,000 in-stock 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.
HOME & AUTO INSURANCE The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer our members access to the Preferred Service Home-Auto Plan (PS Plan) from Johnson Inc. 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.
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PAYMENT PROCESSING SAVINGS WITH FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and First Data, a leader in the electronic payment processing industry, have partnered to bring 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 1.55%, MasterCard 1.60% and Debit $0.05/ Transaction (standard discount rates - additional processing fees may apply). For more information, contact Sherri Dulcamaro, Director of Sales & Marketing, at sdulcamaro@windsorchamber.org
IN OUR COMMUNITY
IN OUr COMMUNITy
Congratulations to New Member Start-Ups: Bell & Brace, Devine Personnel, Liaison Synergy, and Oxford Learning Centre: LaSalle. Congratulations also to Corbett Productions: a Division of International Entertainment Network Inc., which is under new ownership.
Congratulations to bioPed on their 25th anniversary! bioPed is a lower limb clinic that specializes in custom foot orthotics, knee bracing, ankle bracing, compression or support hose and socks, toe separators, footwear both custom and off the shelf and modifications to footwear as needed. The staff consists of Canadian Certified Pedorthists. See The College of Pedorthics of Canada www.cpedcs.ca, The Pedorthic Association www.pedorthic.ca and www.bioped.com for more information.
This year The bloomin’ Gardener was able to reinvest further into their business and has made one of their biggest changes to date—they’ve erected a gorgeous, grand new entryway! And because The bloomin’ Gardener believes in “keeping it local”, they hired Chris blanchette from EuroSheds to construct the new building. EuroSheds is a locally owned company who manufactures rustic European style, solid wood garden sheds and custom outbuildings from raw lumber with local labour. The bloomin’ Gardener is located at 6673 8th Concession, Oldcastle, ON. For further information, please contact diana Poirier at (519) 737-6548.
The Ontario hockey league and Canadian Mental health Association (CMhA), Ontario announced their partnership in a program called Talk Today that will help combat mental health problems the across the league. The point of the program is to implement a plan on how to manage mental illness, including education and identifying mental health concerns. For more information, contact Joe Kim, director, Communications, Canadian Mental health Association, Ontario (416) 977-5580 ext. 4141 or jkim@ontario.cmha.ca
The Essex region Conservation Authority (ErCA) and Essex region Conservation Foundation (ErCF) teamed up to ensure all students in the region have the opportunity to connect with nature and experience curriculum-based outdoor education programs through the “Nature in Education” lottery, launched at begley Elementary School in October. The funds to support this lottery were raised by the Conservation Foundation. To sponsor a class, donors can select a level of support that fits their interest at www.ourgreenlegacy.org/educate. For more information contact danielle breault Stuebing, director of Community Outreach Services, ErCA at (519) 776-5209 ext.352 or dstuebing@erca.org
Congratulations to laurie Tannous, Vice-President, Government and Industry relations for Farrow, who accepted a nomination to be a National director for the Canadian Society of Customs brokers (CSCb). laurie will serve a two year term from 2014-2016. Tannous has been a practicing Canadian Trade and Immigration lawyer since 2004. Prior to becoming a lawyer, laurie worked for the Canada border Services Agency as a customs and immigration officer bringing an in-depth experience to her understanding of the supply chain and import process. For further information, please contact randy Motley, President, Farrow at (519) 252-4415 ext 512
Green Sun rising recently installed and commissioned a 60 kw solar PV project in the Northwest Territories. The solar mounting system was manufactured and supplied by Green Sun rising, made in Windsor, and the inverters used were made in Ontario. This is the largest solar PV system installation in NWT in 2014, as well as the largest roof-top solar PV system in NWT to date. The solar industry experience and capabilities generated in Ontario are now spreading across Canada. For more information, visit Green Sun rising online at www.greensunrising.com
Congratulations to O’Maggio’s Kildare house on their rocktoberFest 2014 event which took place Sunday October 26. Artists from the Cd City of roses III performed with the event culminating in a performance by huladog. City of roses III is an album of original music written and performed by various local musicians that was produced to inspire and promote music in the Windsor/Essex region, but to also to assist in raising funds for local charities. For more information, contact Peter South at (519) 915-6145 or psouth@vitospizzeria.net
The rotary Club of Windsor-St. Clair kicked off its annual TV Auction campaign, marking the 28th year that rotarians will partner with TVCogeco to raise funds to undertake important charity work in this community. If your business or organization would like to make a donation or participate in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact rotaryclubwindsorst.clair@gmail.com. All gifts and donors will be recognized on TVCogeco. Additionally, items valued in excess of $500 will receive special recognition. Mark your calendars so you won’t forget to enjoy the excitement of this year’s annual rotary Auction on TVCogeco, November 14 and 15, 2014.
The Windsor Occupational health and Safety Information Service (W.O.h.I.S.) entered the electronic era offering Government Publications, General Inquiries, referral Services and their Video library Services available online at www.wohis.org
The Art Gallery of Windsor (AGW) in collaboration with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) and Windsor Endowment for the Arts (WEA) proudly present Possible Futures: What is to be done? The 2014 Windsor-Essex Triennial of Contemporary Art Celebrating the distinct voices and compelling work by artists in southwest Ontario and southeast Michigan, taking place at the AGW and four offsite venues, until January 11, 2015. To learn more, please visit www.agw.ca
On October 1, 2013, Windsor regional hospital assumed responsibility for all acute care services in the area and hotel-dieu Grace healthcare assumed responsibility for all non-acute care services. The move allowed for better patient care and set the foundation for a new state-of-the-art acute care hospital for the region. The process of selecting a site for the new hospital is underway. This is a responsibility the Steering Committee overseeing planning for the new hospital takes seriously. Members designed a unique selection process that is fair, and will result in an easily accessible location that will benefit the community for generations to come. For more information, contact Allison Johnson, Manager, Communications, Windsor regional hospital at (519) 973-4411 ext. 37922.
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EVENTS
SEPTEMbEr AFTEr bUSINESS AT rOChESTEr PlACE GOlF COUrSE ANd rESOrT SPONSOrEd by:
Photos by SNAPd
2014 WINdSOr MAyOrAl dEbATES SPONSOrEd by:
Photos by Sooters Photography
SMAll bUSINESS WEEK lUNChEON SPONSOrEd by:
Photos by SNAPd
OCTObEr AFTEr bUSINESS AT ThE OThEr PlACE CATErING & rECEPTION CENTrE SPONSOrEd by:
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Photos by SNAPd
IT’S TIME TO GET
“TOURNAMENT READY”
AT POINTE WEST GOLF CLUB! Located just minutes south of Windsor are 18 magnificent holes waiting to test not only your ability as a shot maker, but also as a golf strategist. Come out and experience Pointe West’s lush bent grass fairways through rough areas thick with fescue, set in a rich medley of wooded and open links style holes, surrounding a Clubhouse offering the amenities expected from a prestigious private club.
TOURNAMENT INCENTIVES
MONDAY TOURNAMENT
$60
Per Player
•
•
SPECIAL GIFT PRIZE
A beautiful Caravelle watch by Bulova for use as an auction or raffle item. Choice of Men’s or Ladies style (Value $295)
THURSDAY TOURNAMENT
$70
FOURSOME GIVEAWAY
A foursome of golf and carts for use as an auction or raffle item (Value $400)
•
Per Player
FRIDAY TOURNAMENT
$80
NON-EQUITY MEMBERSHIP BONUS
Pointe West will provide a credit of $50 per player plus H.S.T., to be used towards a one year Non-Equity Membership at the Club. This incredible one of a kind incentive can be used by the tournament in any way they wish; either as a grand prize, auction or raffle item. As an example, 100 players generate a credit of $5,000 plus H.S.T., towards a Non-Equity Membership. A fantastic way to add extra dollars to your chosen charity! Incentives available to Tournaments hosting in excess of 100 tournament players.
Per Player
SATURDAY OR SUNDAY TOURNMENT
$90
Per Player
(Rates include 18 Holes of Golf, Cart, Golf Shop Services and Taxes.)
www.pointewestgolf.com Golf Shop: 519-736-8601 Administration: 519-736-8623
Contact Rick Schmidtgall Director of Golf rick@pointewestgolf.com
NEW MEMBERS
MEET yOUr NEW MEMbErS SEPTEMbEr 2014
The Auxilium Group data Management Thomas lynk 880 North Service rd. E. – Unit 101 Windsor, ON N8x 3G5 Phone: (519) 962-9934 tlynk@auxiliumgroup.ca bell & brace - brass and Woodwind repairs Musical Instrument repair Nicole bezaire 120 - 875 Foster Ave. Windsor, ON N8x 4W3 Phone: (226) 347-4364 bellandbrace@gmail.com devine Personnel Staffing & recruitment Kyle devine 720 Ouellette Ave. Windsor, ON N9A 1C2 Phone: (519) 997-2867 kyle@devinepersonnel.ca Great lakes Energy Energy - Solar Products John Millson 715 Sprucewood Windsor, ON N9C 0b3 Phone: (519) 977-9306 john@greatlakesenergy.ca harris Marketing Communications Inc. Marketing & Advertising Services Thomas harris 533 riverside drive East Windsor, ON N9A 2T1 Phone: (519) 564-7142 tharris@harrismc.com
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hWard Communications Inc. Public relations Consultants holly Ward 2090 Wyandotte St. E., Suite 201 Windsor, ON N8y 5b2 Phone: (519) 564-9476 holly@hwardcommunications.com Corbett Productions - A division of International Entertainment Network Inc. Audio Visual Equipment & Supplies Mike lesperance Phone: (519) 978-9852 mike@corbettproductions.ca liaison Synergy Intercultural Consulting & Training Sumiko Shima Phone: (519) 984-4028 liaison.synergy@gmail.com Elevation health - Nantais Chiropractic health & Wellness dr. brian Nantais 1614 lesperance Unit 3 Tecumseh, ON N8N 1y3 Phone: 519 979-2273 drbjn@windsor.igs.net Oxford learning Centre – lasalle Education – Special Purpose Michelle Pye 5844 Malden rd., Unit24A lasalle, ON N9h 1S4 Phone: (519)966-0682 lasalle@oxfordlearning.com Transform Shared Service Organizations Shared Service Organization derek robertson 770 richmond St., Unit d Chatham, ON N7M 5J5 Phone: (519)437-6213 derek.robertson@transformsso.ca
WANT TO lEArN MOrE AbOUT hOW WE ASSIST OUr MEMbErS IN AChIEVING ThEIr FINANCIAlGOAlS ThrOUGh OUr MArKETING INITIATIVES? KNOW SOMEONE INTErESTEd IN JOINING ThE ChAMbEr? Contact Sherri Dulcamaro, Director of Sales & Marketing to consider membership with us and to learn about potential savings in conjunction with our programs. sdulcamaro@windsorchamber.org or 519.966.3696 Ext. 23
WANT TO KNOW MOrE AbOUT ThE ChAMbEr’S AFFINITy PrOGrAMS ANd OThEr MEMbEr bENEFITS? Visit us at www.windsorchamber.org and click on Membership then benefits. We are here to assist you with your membership! Contact Catie hildenbrand, Assistant to the director of Sales & Marketing at childenbrand@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
STAY CONNECTED
STAy CONNECTEd WITh yOUr MEMbErShIP SEPTEMbEr 2014 rENEWING MEMbErS Al’s bin rentals ltd.
detroit Windsor Tunnel
Alexa Translations
devMark Consulting
Amica at Windsor
doan Mold Finishing Inc.
Armando’s – Walker rd.
douglas Marketing Group
Armando’s Trattoria
dr. disc records
AskGuy Event Graphics
Edcom Multimedia Products
beckar Engineering
Everest College
best rate Auto Sales
Famous Players SilverCity Windsor
big brothers big Sisters of Windsor Essex
Fibro laepple Technology ltd.
biz x Magazine
First Solar development (Canada) Inc.
brown & Associates Financial
Fuerland realty ltd.
Services
Galati Cheese Company ltd.
CAA Travel (South Central
Giant Tiger
Ontario) Inc.
Golder Associates ltd.
Canadian Auto Stores ltd.
Goodwill Industries Essex-Kentlambton
Canadian Club brand Centre Canadian diesel
h.T. reaume Construction ltd.
CapsCanada Corporation
hiatus house
Charles Sarkis on behalf of Edward Jones Investments
Ikon E.d.M. Services Inc. IndCom leasing Inc.
Chevalier Counseling &
Jemd Farms
Consulting
Jose’s bar and Grill – Windsor
Clarke Surveyors Inc.
Jose’s bar and Grill - leamington
CMA Ontario
l K distributing Inc.
david Moncur Engineering
lakeshore Fixture & Gauge
lazare’s Fine Coats & Jackets at Freeds
rose City Ford Sales limited
libro Credit Union
The rum runners Tour rWdI
lucasWorks! (Windsor) Inc. M & M design Group Inc. Manz Contracting Services Inc. Motions 1 by Windsor Theatrical Supplies Inc. Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County
royal lepage binder real Estate
Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism Sutherland Global Services ltd. Technophar Equipment & Service ltd. Toldo Corporation Services
Nova Tool & Mold Inc.
The Travel Zone
Oliver’s Spring Service ltd.
Trophy boys
Overseas Motors
Tyler hard Chrome Inc.
Paul davis Systems of Windsor
Victoria boutique
Paws for love Inc.
Walsh legacy law Firm
Penalty box Too Inc.
WAT Solutions
Personnel by Pro-Staff
Wayne White’s Fresh Meat and deli
Phoenix Jewellers Inc. Popp russo leno llP Chartered Professional Accountants Pupatello & Sons ltd. General Contractors Quality Suites reach for the Skye Windsor real Mortgage Associates riverside Elevators Inc.
WESCO distribution Canada lP West Windsor Power Windsor Cardiac Centre Windsor Crossing Windsor Essex County health Unit Windsor river Cruises WSP Canada Inc. yMCA
SPOTLIGHT CHAMBER MEMBER
SPOTlIGhT ON OUr MEMbErS NEW MEMbEr
rENEWING MEMbEr
snapd Windsor is a FREE monthly print publication specializing in a “non-political” friendly and entertaining photographic view of living in our community. They showcase the community for what it is, a great place to live and do business.
Clarke Surveyors Incorporated is a full service land survey company operating in Windsor and Southwestern Ontario. CSI provides boundary surveys, plans of survey for severances of land, mortgage reports on individual parcels, plans of new subdivisions and condominium developments. CSI also provides topographic surveys, volume survey reports for inventory purposes, and any other need of mapping the earth’s surface. CSI provides construction layout services for new construction.
SNAPd WINdSOr
With such a giving community, there is a lot to do and therefore lots for snapd to promote. snapd Windsor is the place to promote your business and services; let them brag about your business and what you do to give back to the community and you can promote your business! snapd covers everything including: home, business, birthday and surprise parties, sporting events, business openings, sales and events, festivals and concerts, people on the street, parades, carnivals, and general daily life. One of snapd’s more popular features is the events calendar, where it is FREE to post your events, which will then get published in the print publication, online and it will get pushed through Facebook and Twitter. The paper is printed monthly and distributed through “exit news racks” at all key retail stores and strategically by their current advertisers in the area. snapd also has a strong web presence (www.snapdwindsor. com) where people can view the calendar to see what is coming up and also to view and purchase pictures from previous events. snapd is also growing on Facebook and Twitter with thousands of followers that check out their pages daily. Contact snapd Windsor to find out how you can work together to further develop the positive nature of our community! Visit snapd Windsor online at www.snapdwindsor.com
ClArKE SUrVEyOrS INC.
Ross Clarke, president of CSI, started the company in 1970 and has continued in its operation. In 1976, Ross initiated the aerial survey company, Photomap Air Surveys, in Toronto, and prepared many of the Ontario Basic Maps for the Province. In 1990, Clarke purchased MacKay MacKay & Peters Ltd. in Hamilton and Burlington to provide full services to the GTHA (Greater Toronto Hamilton Area). The two companies are contractors to all levels of government and industry, and are fully safety certified with three compliance companies, besides WSIB. Clarke joined the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce in 1970 to serve the business and community area, going through the various committees and becoming Chair in 1981. Clarke has also been active with the Salvation Army, the hospitals, and many other organizations, all shown in his profile on LinkedIn. Clarke also led a group in a proposal to construct a new bridge crossing between Windsor and Detroit in the 90s, bringing attention to the importance of the international crossing between Canada and the U.S. here in Windsor/Detroit. This proposal was taken over by DRIC, the Detroit River International Crossing project. Visit CSI online at www.clarkesurveyors.com
ExClUSIVE ChAMbEr MEMbEr OFFErS! Combine Business with Networking & Entertainment with these exclusive Chamber Member offers: Windsor Club:
Windsor Express:
Exclusive Chamber member offer extended until the end of the year!
Unique Chamber Member offer! Support our Championship team. www.windsorexpress.ca
St. Clair College Centre for the Arts/Chrysler Theatre: Member ticket pricing available for feature shows!
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WFCU: Check out special member-only pricing on popular shows and events!
For more information, visit www.windsorchamber.org - Membership - Benefits: Your source for all of the latest, up-to-date Benefits of Membership with the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce.
TECH CORNER ASK HR
TECh COrNEr Top 5 Reasons to have a Social Media Presence Social Media is user-generated content on the internet. It is created with free or inexpensive technology, it is easy to update and can reach a niche audience or millions. Social Media can be mere words in a blog, it can be user-generated videos, photos, and audio. It can be interactive with unfiltered comments from visitors. And as user-generated content, it does away with controls associated with traditional media – and it does not require the need for big media. 1. Go where your customers are. There are over 1.2 billion people on Facebook alone, and millions of others on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram. Your customers are likely researching your business online and you need to be present to be seen or you will be overlooked. Business-to-business (B2B) buyers today are 70%-90% of the way through their buying journey before they reach out to a specific vendor. 2. Connect with your customers, and they will become brand advocates. Studies have shown that three-quarters of customers rely on social media to influence their purchasing decisions, with 8 in 10 also influenced by their friends’ posts on Facebook. 50% of consumers are more likely to click on a search result if your brand appears multiple times in the search page. 3. Be a part of the purchasing process. By the time a consumer has reached out to a company for a service or product, they have already made a purchasing decision. An increasing amount of consumers research online before they purchase a product. Social media is a huge part of this process. Without an active social media presence, you have lost the race before even knowing it began.
4. Be active, not just present. Customers often reach out to brands on social media for customer service issues, and they generally expect to have a response well within 24 hours (more likely within a few hours, if not immediately). Missing out on resolving a potential customer challenge can have a significant negative impact. In another light, resolving customer service topics publicly, on time and politely can have more of a positive impact on your brand than you can imagine. Your customer feels important, and others see the value you place on your customers and servicing them. Having a social media profile is simply not enough - you must be ‘present’ on social media. 5. What happens on the internet, goes beyond the internet. People who are active on social media are in fact usually quite social offline. Brand interactions online translate to offline chats. People who are active on social media and interact with their favourite brands are more likely to share their experience with others. General tips: Facebook is a must for every business. Twitter is for creating conversation and brand advocates. LinkedIn is for connecting with other businesses and professionals. Instagram is great for showing the human or fun side of a company - it’s also great for showcasing your products/ services in an different light. Pinterest is excellent for companies with physical products. People are 80% more likely to purchase something they have seen on Pinterest versus something they have seen on Twitter or Facebook. Aisling Douglas, Creative Media Specialist and Frank Abbruzzese, President, AlphaKOR Group.
hrPA: ASK hr We are a small organization without a Human Resources department. When is an organization required to have an Occupational Health and Safety policy and who is responsible? An Occupational Health and Safety Policy is required for every organization that regularly employs more than five employees. Organizations that regularly employ more than 20 employees are also required to have a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). What is involved in creating and implementing an Occupational Health and Safety policy? An Occupational Health and Safety policy highlights the organization’s commitment, support and attitude toward the health and safety program and the protection of workers. It should be signed by the organization’s most senior leader. In addition, organizations must have a supporting Occupational Health and Safety program that might include any or all of the following: • W orker training (e.g., Joint Health and Safety Committee members, new worker orientation, WHMIS, new job procedures etc.); • Workplace inspections and hazard analysis; • Analysis of the accidents and illnesses occurring at the workplace; • A health and safety budget; • A formal means of communication to promptly address the concerns of workers; • Maintenance and repairs; • Housekeeping; • Fire prevention, first aid and evacuation procedures; • Electrical safety. The policy must be reviewed annually and revised where necessary.
How do we set up a Health and Safety Program? 1. Identify the appropriate number of members to form the JHSC (preferably volunteers), post their names alongside a WSIB Health & Safety at Work poster, a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and a copy of your Health and Safety policy. 2. Register each of the members of the JHSC for certification training. 3. The JHSC members should meet monthly to inspect the office, review incident reports, discuss possible concerns, and if necessary recommend health and safety improvements. 4. All employees should receive a copy of the Health and Safety policy and acknowledge they have read and understand the policy. 5. Provide new employees with a copy of the policy along with a short overview and tour of the workplace to point out potential hazards, evacuation procedures and emergency contact information. 6. Once per year the JHSC should deliver a refresher of the organization’s Health and Safety policy to all staff, and could include presentation on workplace hazards and prevention as well as workplace violence. A 2009 amendment to the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace requires all organizations requiring an Occupational Health and Safety policy to also have a Workplace Violence policy and a Workplace Harassment policy. HR advice provided by Gerlinde Herrmann, owner of HR consultancy The Herrmann Group. www.herrmanngroup.com Do you have workplace questions? For only $149 per year, the Human Resources Professionals Association’s (HRPA) HR Information Service connects you with sample policies, document templates, and information, including HR Hotline—fast and knowledgeable over-thephone answers to all your workplace/employment-related questions. For more information, go to www.hrpa.ca/HRSubscriber.
11 | WINdSOrChAMbEr.OrG
UPCOMING EVENTS 15Th ANNUAl AThENA lUNChEON Friday, November 7, 2014 TIME 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
WINdSOr-ESSEx TECh ShOW
lOCATION Caboto Club 2175 pareNt ave.
TIME 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Featuring Sandra Pupatello
tuesday, November 4, 2014
lOCATION Caboto Club 2175 pareNt ave.
Featuring IT solutions. Topics include security, cloud, social media, disaster recovery, 3d printing and more.
dECEMbEr AFTEr bUSINESS thursday, deCember 4 TIME 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m
SAVE ThE dATE!
138Th AGM & lUNChEON
hOlIdAy PArTy
Friday, deCember 12, 2014 TIME 6:00 p.m. – midNight lOCATION Caesars WiNdsor, augustus ballroom i 377 riverside dr. e.
We do all the work, you have all the fun!
WedNesday, November 19, 2014 TIME 11:30 am - 1:30 pm lOCATION Caboto Club 2175 pareNt ave.
Featuring Guest Speaker Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association
SAVE ThE dATE! 25Th ANNUAl bUSINESS ExCEllENCE AWArdS WedNesday, april 22, 2015 lOCATION Caesars WiNdsor 377 riverside dr. e. Presented by The Windsor Star
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