Featured speaker at the 18th Annual ATHENA Scholarship Luncheon on November 3, 2017:
BETHANY TOLDO
2017 Canadian Chamber AGM
President, MAHLE Filter Systems North America, Inc., Vice President, MAHLE Filtration & Engine Peripherals North America.
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER VOLUME 49 No. 11 - 12 BUSINESS BRIEFS
Workplace Safety
Agri-Business Call for Action 1 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
VOLUME 49 I No. 9 - 10 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 & Executive Assistant lrivait@windsoressexchamber.org
2 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
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
Welcome to our Winter edition of the WERCC Business Briefs! In August, the WERCC, along with local MP Tracey Ramsey and agri-business, called on the government to restore Canada’s competitive advantage for agri-business under the U.S. Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act (PACA). We had a great turn-out from agri-business and media and hope to report more on this issue soon. For more information, please see page four. The WERCC also attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting in Fredericton, NB in September. We supported a resolution to Benefit All Canadians by Reforming Taxing Statutes through a Royal Commission. Additionally, the WERCC’s policy resolutions on Canada’s Trade Policy and Securing North American Steel Production were both successfully passed. For more on this, see page four. Later in September, the OCC and the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (CANCEA) released their final report on Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act. CANCEA’s analysis revealed that if Government were to do nothing other than implement the minimum wage increase over five years instead of in the next 15 months, jobs at risk would decrease by 74 per cent in the first two years. For the full report, visit www. windsoressexchamber.org. Our Gold Circle, Pillar, and Community Builder members enjoyed a Breakfast with the WERCC’s Board of Directors. It was a great opportunity for members to meet our Board and discuss local issues. We look forward to hosting this event again next year. Our After Business networking events are back and we had a great evening of networking at Zingara Fine Trattoria on September 20. Visit www.windsoressexchamber.org for more networking opportunities! Upcoming events include our Windsor Essex Tech Show featuring IBM, Amazon, and GM. This is your chance to interact with IBM’s Watson! Be sure to join us on November 14. We are back at Caesars Windsor for our 15th Annual Multiple Business Holiday Party. Celebrate the season with your colleagues and other small to medium size companies on Friday, December 1st in a premier location for a cost effective price. We’re also excited to celebrate business excellence in Windsor-Essex at the 28th Annual Business Excellence Awards, taking place April 18 at Caesars Windsor. This premier business event of year recognizes 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.
JOHN CLARK 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
3 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
Chamber News Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber and Chamber Partners Success at Canadian Chamber AGM The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC) and their colleagues voted to Benefit All Canadians by Reforming Taxing Statutes through a Royal Commission. This took place at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM, September 24-25, 2017.
3. Let the Provinces Decide on Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Economy: This policy resolution received a split decision from the Canadian Chamber network and was referred to the Board of Directors for further consultation.
In addition, the WERCC had multiple policy resolutions up for discussion at the AGM:
4. Protect Canadian Business by Keeping the De Minimis Threshold Low: This policy resolution received a split decision from the Canadian Chamber network. The Ontario Chamber caucus voted in favour of the status quo, the rest of the country did not concur.
1. Canada’s Trade Policy: The WERCC, Greater Kitchener Waterloo, London, Hamilton, Greater Kingston, and Thunder Bay Chambers of Commerce recommend that the federal government conduct an annual inventory of the most important foreign barriers affecting Canadian exports of goods and services. Such an inventory will improve awareness and transparency of these trade barriers and allow the business community to improve competitiveness. 2. Securing North American Steel Production: The WERCC, Sault Ste. Marie, and Hamilton Chambers of Commerce recommend that Canada be exempt from NAFTA section 232, which will help secure local jobs in Windsor-Essex.
In order for a resolution to pass, it requires support from two-thirds majority of Canadian Chambers across the country. “The WERCC is pleased to report that we received support for our resolutions on a national level at the Canadian Chamber Annual General meeting and look forward to pursuing solutions on these issues with our Chamber network colleagues,” said WERCC President & CEO Matt Marchand. “We’d also like to thank our resolution co-sponsoring Chambers for their on-going support.”
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber, Tracey Ramsey MP Essex and Agri-Business Call For Action on the Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act (PACA) On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC), Tracey Ramsey (MP Essex), Red Sun Farms, and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association hosted a news conference on the Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act (PACA), which took place at the WERCC, located at 2575 Ouellette Place. The WERCC’s resolution to restore a long-standing trading privilege in place for 75 years for fruit and vegetable growers under PACA was supported by the Canadian Chamber Network at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in 2015.
“Privileged access to the PACA trust provided Canadian produce exporters into the U.S. cost effective and competitive protection from risk of loss from bad deals. If Canada were able to institute a PACA-like trust for the U.S. importers as well as the domestic producers that sell in Canada, this would be a big step in protecting the produce industry from loss of revenue due to insolvency while also restoring Canadian preferential access to PACA. As we continue to realize tighter margins and rising costs, the exposure has never been higher and to have this payment protection would help a great deal in keeping our industry viable for the future,” said Jim DiMenna, CEO, Red Sun Farms.
In October 2014, the preferential access to the PACA dispute resolution mechanism for Canadians was removed by the U.S. government. Currently, Canadian companies have to pay twice the amount they are owed to get access to unpaid funds. As an example, if a local grower was owed $50,000 for tomatoes they would have to post a $100,000 bond in order to make a claim to get their unpaid money resulting from a slow-pay or no-pay situation. Many small businesses cannot afford to post that kind of money. Under preferential access to PACA, they would not have to pay the double bond. Previously, it was only $100 to start the process under PACA.
“The produce industry relies heavily on a fully integrated trading structure within North America. The loss of preferential access to PACA in the United States has caused undue hardship to Canadian farmers and exporters. The solution is simple: Canada must provide a reciprocal model which protects Canadian farmers and sellers in the event of a bankruptcy. This no-cost solution to the Canadian Government and taxpayers would not only secure essential protections domestically for our industry but will restore access to a vital trading tool in the United States,” said Ron Lemaire, President, Canadian Produce Marketing Association.
“Agri-food is the number one or number two industry in Essex County, depending on how you measure it, and we need to ensure that they have the right set of rules to compete,” said WERCC President & CEO Matt Marchand.
Also in attendance were County of Essex Warden Tom Bain and Town of Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara.
“Local produce growers have been asking both the former Conservative and the current Liberal governments for a payment protection program for too many years,” said Tracey Ramsey, MP for Essex. “Inaction on this file has negatively impacted our local industry in Essex and we need the government to fulfill its election promises.”
4 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
In Our Community Advance Business Systems continues its support of Southwestern Ontario charities with their 26th Annual American Thanksgiving Day Football Classic event, November 23, 2017 at the Windsor Yacht Club. The event brings in donations from Advance Business Systems, local businesses and national companies throughout the community in support of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). For more information contact Joe Faubert at (519) 945-7900 ext. 211 or jfaubert@advancebusiness.net. On September 8, Caesars Windsor held their ribbon cutting of the new Spago Trattoria restaurant as an exciting new amenity adjacent to Caesars Windsor’s Augustus hotel lobby. For more information visit www.caesarswindsor. com. Congratulations to Douglas Marketing Group (DMG) on their new awards! DMG received a gold Summit Creative Award in the Complete Branding category for the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) of Windsor-Essex County. DMG also worked with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Windsor-Essex to create the Sole Focus Project – Take a Stand for Mental Health, winning a bronze Summit Creative Award in the Integrated Campaign/Not for Profit category and a previously announced Platinum Hermes Creative Award and a Gold Aster award for “Total Advertising Campaign in Healthcare Education.” DMG’s proprietary marketing brand management software and visual roadmap, DMG Big Picture Landscape® and its companion software, ROIAlly®, the strategic marketing return on investment budget tracker, were used for the award-winning campaigns. For more information visit www. experiencedmg.com. A crew from Essex Powerlines left on September 13, 2017 to join in on the relief effort of the severe damage caused by Hurricane Irma in Florida. The Essex Powerlines crew joined other crews in an organized convoy of Southwestern Ontario utilities. Crews assisted Tampa Electric in their efforts to restore power to tens of thousands. There were 7 million homes and businesses without power across the state. For more information visit www.essexpowerlines.ca. Congratulations to Betty Spiliadis, Outside Sales Professional at FASTSIGNS® of Windsor, on the Bronze Sales Award at the 2017 FASTSIGNS Outside Sales Summit. The Bronze Sales Award recognizes Outside Sales Professionals who achieved sales between $300,000 and $499,999 from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. With more than 660 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS centres worldwide, 83 Outside Sales Professionals received this award. For more information visit www.fastsigns.com/658. The Holiday Inn Downtown Windsor changed to the SUNBRIDGE Hotel and Conference Centre, allowing the hotel to transition over the next year to a Four Points Hotel by Sheraton. For more information contact Luisa Moro, Director of Sales, at (519) 256-4656 ext. 5129 or luisa.moro@sunraygroup.ca. Windsor’s only locally owned and OSC regulated Exempt Market Dealer, Kindigo Capital, launched a new private equity trading platform for “physical” gold and silver bullion investors. The new platform will enable Canadian registered plan holders (RRSP, RRIF, TFSA, LIRA) to have physical gold and silver Maple Leaf bullion coins in their registered plan accounts. To learn more, visit www.kindigo.com.
Congratulations to WERCC Board Member Maureen Lucas and the team at LucasWorks! After 13 years of building their business, LucasWorks! has become one of Canada’s success stories. The Windsorbased firm will become a part of the dynamic leader in the industry, Design Group Staffing Inc. For more information visit www.lucasworks.ca. Congratulations to North 42° Estate Winery! Four of their 2016 wines received medals at InterVin International Wine Awards, five wines have received high ratings from New York wine critic John Gilman, and three wines received high ratings from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The awards and recognition come as North 42° Estate Winery moves into the final stages of an expansion into a new building and the addition of Bistro 42 and prepares to harvest for the 2017 vintage. Welcome to Rocco Rossi, the new President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, effective January 2, 2018. Bringing over 30 years of experience in business leadership, public policy and advocacy to the OCC, Rossi currently serves as the President and CEO at Prostate Cancer Canada and will continue in this role until December 31, 2017. For more information visit www.occ.ca. Congratulations to ShopEco on their 5th anniversary! Located at 1645 Wyandotte St. E. in Windsor, ShopEco is Windsor and Essex County’s leading source for eco-conscious beauty and gifts. For more information visit www.shopeco.ca. Congratulations to the Windsor Public Library on the grand opening of their W.F. Chisholm Branch, located at 1075 Ypres Ave. in Windsor! Congratulations to the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre on their Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award for its Small Business Website, a project in the category of General Purpose Website of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The honor was presented to Sabrina Demarco, Executive Director of the Small Business Centre at the IEDC Annual Conference in Toronto. For more information visit www. windsoressexsmallbusiness.com. Cogeco is pleased to announce the launch of the new season of local television on its community channel in Windsor and have also unveiled the new branding for the channel. The channels, which have been operating as CogecoTV will now be called YourTV. Manager of Programming and Community Relations, Robert Scussolin, described the season ahead: “We will continue our mandate to provide our viewers with truly local television. All your favourite shows will be back reflecting our vibrant community as well as a few new shows featuring local talent”. YourTV, exclusive to Cogeco subscribers, is available on channel 700. Congratulations to the founders of Orangeline Farms and Zing! Health Forward, the Kniaziew Family, who were bestowed with the 2017 BMO Ontario Farm Family Award! For more information, contact Jordan Kniaziew, VP, Sales and Marketing at Zing! Health Forward, at (226) 280-1025 or jordan@orangelinefarms.com.
5 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
Photos September After Business @ Zingara Fine Trattoria
Photos by Snapd Windsor
Sponsored by
Know Your Power - Helping Business Reduce Energy Costs
Photos by Lyndsay Meloche
Sponsored by
IT’S THE SEASON TO
Pizza Zi
mo
.
Holiday lunch reservations available for parties of 12 or more. Call for more information.
ng
est. 1994
ru stico .
COME TOGETHER
derno &
Welcome to Italian Style & Comfort Take a break from the everyday & enjoy the finer things in life. Our pizza starts with a homemade dough, no preservatives, and fresh local ingredients. It’s cooked to perfection in our wood burning oven until you hear that perfect, crispy, crust when it’s cut. It’s music to our ears. Not too thin and not too thick. Perfect for folding in your hand, or eating with a fork and knife. We don’t judge. It really doesn’t get better than this. Fall/Winter Feature
Riverside | 1 Riverside Drive West | 519.254.1646 Devonshire | 490 Division Road | 519.969.3146
6 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
Friday Pizza Special Eat In free gls. beer
Everyday Take Out 15% off
Chamber News Pro-Growth Policies, Such as Cutting Electricity Prices, Modernizing Apprenticeship System, Tackling Debt, Transparency and Lowering Cost of Doing Business Needed in 2018 Provincial Election The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC) in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has released Vote Prosperity, a platform and campaign outlining the Ontario business community’s priorities for the upcoming 2018 provincial election. “Ontario’s business community is prepared to be bold and with Vote Prosperity we are seeking to motivate our political leaders to follow,” said WERCC President & CEO Matt Marchand. Vote Prosperity is based on four pillars for Ontario and the platform provides 18 unique recommendations that will help bolster Ontario’s long-term economic future, while also addressing the pressing issues Ontario currently faces. Some of the 18 recommendations in Vote Prosperity include: •
Allow Ontario businesses to purchase surplus electricity at rates equal to or better than the exported price to other jurisdictions.
•
Modernize the apprenticeship system.
•
Work with industry and post-secondary institutions to ensure that program offerings remain responsive to the changing labour market.
•
Create a meaningful plan to tackle the debt and more towards balanced or surplus budgets.
Over the coming months, ahead of the 2018 election, the Ontario Chamber Network will be voicing the concerns and recommendations outlined in Vote Prosperity with political parties and local MPPs and candidates. During the election, local chambers will be hosting debates where Vote Prosperity will be the primary focus of discussion. Vote Prosperity outlines a number of current issues Ontario businesses face and includes original data from the OCC’s member network. To learn more about the platform visit www.occ.ca/voteprosperity2018.
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber and Canadian Chamber Welcome Revised Tax Reforms and Lower Small Business Tax Rate but Remain Concerned The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC) and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcome the government’s plans to revise its proposed tax reforms and to reduce the small business tax rate as a result of the comments and concerns expressed through the national #ProtectGrowth campaign and in consultations. As Canadians celebrate Small Business Week, Chamber representatives congratulate the thousands of businesspeople who joined the mobilization and made their voices heard on this important issue affecting Canadian workers and employers. “We thank our membership for their hard work and perseverance to get these changes,” said WERCC President & CEO Matt Marchand. The WERCC also noted the Minister’s call for further input from Canadian businesses, and intends to continue providing a voice to ensure the tax system is simpler and less of a burden on Canada’s competitiveness.
“It is always more productive when government and business work together. We can only hope the government will listen as we provide advice on those areas where more remains to be done, and that they will propose concrete data to back up their claims. The Canadian Chamber will be working with the Windsor-Essex Regional and other chambers across the country for suggestions on reforms that can improve the competitiveness of Canada’s tax system. Lowering the small business tax rate is one such measure, but there is still much room for improvement,” Canadian Chamber President & CEO the Hon. Perrin Beatty said. “We must ensure that Canada, and with it Windsor-Essex, remain attractive places to do business. Although there is a great deal of work to be done, today’s announcement is a positive first step, but we expect more and we will be vigilant on the next steps,” he concluded.
7 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
Tech Corner/Workplace Safety Tech Corner: Organizational Transformation By: Atif Malik, ITIL, Sr. Account Manager at AlphaKOR Group There comes a time for every organization when they must stop and reflect on where they are and where they want to be. This retrospection provides leaders with much insight into areas of a company that can be improved. This improvement can be with Technology, People, and Processes. However, it's not just up to the leaders of an organization to reflect on how to improve their current state. On the contrary, this improvement is most effective when it comes from the bottom up. Every member of an organization has the responsibility to improve themselves and the processes that apply to them. The leaders then ensure the right tools are in place for their people to succeed. If this is not the case with you then you are at the wrong organization.
made it a priority for people seeking healthcare to use Electronic Medical Records. CHEO made a consolidated push towards this new system but faced challenges of users adopting to the new software required to register EMRs. They addressed this and other challenges related to their transformation by the putting the following people and processes in place:
Here's the tricky part. This is not an easy process and it is never ending. Organizational Transformation is a practice that is based on a cycle of Continuous Improvement. Continuous Improvement is a best practice based on the philosophy that as the business landscape is always changing and shifting, the organizations within this landscape must adapt to market demands. Markets demand accuracy, efficiency, and cost effectiveness. Really great organizations meet these demands with the utmost grace and exceed all market expectations, all with a smile on their face:) They are in a state of perpetual evolution with the mindset that what we have today is not good enough - that there is no such thing as good enough.
Overall, initiatives like the one taken by CHEO had saved the Canadian Healthcare Industry $1.3 Billion over a 6 year period (2006-2012). Lesson: Digitization is key to remedying inefficiencies.
Take the case of BlackBerry, formerly known as RIM (Research in Motion). Confident that they possessed market superiority for smart phones, they were quick to dismiss the introduction of new touchscreen technology in their market arena by Apple. The Apple iPhone was an instant hit yet BlackBerry still ignored the threat as an irrelevant novelty product. Fast forward to the future: BlackBerry, once Canada's largest technology company, cut 40% of its workforce (4,500 jobs) in a desperate effort to bring costs in line with plummeting revenue. The lesson here is simple: Adapt or Die. The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) was facing a crisis regarding documentation and backlogs. To be able to improve patient care they decided to make a big push to go digital. By this time the Canadian government had
1. A dedicated team to show end users how to use EMRs 2. End users of the software could attend practice sessions on using EMRs 3. The dedicated team continued to provide training to end users after the software went live
I am thankful to have a rare opportunity to witness the challenges that organizations of varying sizes and from various sectors face in relation to Organizational Transformation on a daily basis. Largely, these transformations come from the need to have a competitive advantage in their respective marketplaces. I am also lucky to have a great team that delivers the tools these organizations require in order to adapt to growing demands by their customers and increased rivalry from their competitors. These tools help provide these organizations with a competitive advantage through reduced costs and increased efficiencies. However, the key pattern I see among successful organizations is that they are always in a state of transformation to stay ahead of the curve. Questions for you: 1. How does your organization deal with Transformation? 2. What are some of the challenges you face with Continuous Improvement initiatives? 3. Where does technology fit in with your Organizational Transformation efforts?
Mandatory Posting: A Commitment to Health and Safety for All to See While there has been a spirited discussion or two about certain government rules and regulations – with differing opinions coming in to play, it’s hard to dispute the value of mandatory posting.
The following are the current mandatory posting requirements in Ontario. They apply to workplaces with more than five employees unless ordered by an inspector:
It really is just one of those good ideas and for some very good reasons:
1. Employment Standards in Ontario Poster: This poster outlines employees’ rights and employers’ responsibilities in the workplace.
It keeps workplace health and safety in plain sight. Posting all mandatory components in a high traffic location acts as a constant reminder that it is crucial to work safely and that there are a full range of options should any issues arise. It also makes an important statement about an organization’s commitment to the well-being of its employees. It is an instant resource. While many of us take for granted our understanding of key rights and responsibilities of workplace parties, the three workers’ rights and other fundamental workplace legislation, there are many who are not up to speed. And given the number of seasonal and young workers in place across the agriculture sector, having this information visible and available can play an important role in ensuring they understand their responsibilities, as well as the responsibilities of those with whom they work. It is a definitive resource. The Act is the centerpiece of mandatory postings and is the final word on health and safety in Ontario. It contains all workplace legislation and gives every operation, large and small, definitive information on the roles and responsibilities of all workplace parties. It is the law. If there is any doubt as to how important mandatory postings are considered, operating a business while not being in compliance will result in a fine.
8 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
2. Health & Safety at Work – Prevention Starts Here Poster: Details the rights and responsibilities of workplace parties as well as providing a Ministry of Labour phone number to report critical injuries, fatalities, work refusals and to obtain information about workplace health and safety. 3. Occupational Health and Safety Act: Employers are required to post a copy of this resource featuring all workplace legislation in Ontario. 4. Health and Safety Policy: This document must be prepared and reviewed at least once a year and cover your organization’s health and safety policy and its implementation. 5. Workplace Violence and Harassment Policies: Employers must prepare policies and programs specific to workplace violence and harassment and review them at least once a year. Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) provides free access to these resources, and more. Visit www.wsps.ca.
MEET YOUR NEW FELLOW MEMBERS COMMUNITY BUILDER
Windsor Power & Light Electrical Contractors Daniel Speal, President Phone: (519) 796-9720 windsorpowerandlight@sympatico.ca http://www.windsorpowerandlight.com
CONNECTOR
Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurants Rejean Gascon, General Manager 3100 Howard Ave #D10 Windsor, ON N8X 3Y8 Phone: (519) 966-4646 440@buffalowildwings.com http://www.buffalowildwings.com Continental Currency Exchange Currency Exchange Tyko Davis, Branch Manager 3100 Howard Ave. Windsor, ON N8X 3Y8 Phone: (519) 250-1007 Fax:(519) 250-4584 tyko.davis@continentalcurrency.ca http://www.continentalcurrency.ca Detroit River Tunnel Partnership Tunnel - International Dianna Lau, Analyst Corporate Reporting Phone: (403) 319-7000 dianna_lau@cpr.ca Just Better Cars Automobile Dealers - Used, Financing Matt Beswick, Owner Operator 3407 Walker Rd. Windsor, ON N8W 3S2 Phone: (519) 800-7242 Fax:(226) 773-0179 matt@justbettercars.ca http://www.justbettercars.ca
SEPTEMBER 2017
BUSINESS BUILDER
D & S Automation Inc. Robotics & Automation Dan Older, President Phone: (226) 216-0146 info@dsautomationinc.com http://www.dsautomationinc.com Goodlife Fitness Fitness Centres & Health Clubs Lisa Gardner, Corporate Account Manager, Corporate & Business Development 710 Proudfoot Lane London, ON N6H 5G5 Phone: (519) 857-4230 lgardner@goodlifefitness.com http://www.goodlifefitness.com LCA Design Corporation Environmental Consultants & Services Katie Soulliere, LCA Consultant Phone: (519) 915-6308 k.soulliere@lcadesign.ca http://www.lcadesign.ca STEC Corp. Hardware - Wholesale & Mfrs. Yogen Noyadoo, Engineering Manager / Technologist 1436 St. Luke Rd. Windsor, ON N8Y 3N2 Phone: (519) 974-8144 yogen@steconline.com http://www.steconline.com Your Big Sign dba Livingston Gathering Advertising - Outdoor Alan Pittel, Owner Phone: (248) 881-9505 alan@yourbigsign.com http://www.yourbigsign.com
MEET OUR NEWEST UPGRADED MEMBERS PILLAR
Royal LePage Binder Real Estate Real Estate Agent/Brokers Michelle Lewis, Marketing 1350 Provincial Road Windsor, ON N8W 5W1 Phone: (519) 948-5300 Fax:(519) 948-1619 admin@royallepagebinder.com http://www.royallepagebinder.com
Royal LePage Binder Commercial Real Estate Real Estate – Commercial Michelle Lewis, Marketing 1350 Provincial Road Windsor, ON N8W 5W1 Phone: (519) 948-5300 Fax: (519) 948-1619 office@royallepagebinder.com http://www.royallepagebinder.com
COMMUNITY BUILDER
WindsorEssex Community Foundation Associations & Organizations Lisa Kolody, Executive Director 3200 Deziel Dr. Suite 511 Windsor, ON N8W 5K8 Phone: (519) 255-6572 Fax:(519) 255-6936 info@wecf.ca http://www.wecf.ca
CONNECTOR
Kindigo Capital Ltd. Capital Investments, Financing Bosko Kacarevic, President 2679 Howard Ave. Windsor, ON N8X 3X2 Phone: (519) 915-7477 bosko@kindigo.com http://www.kindigo.com
DO YOU HAVE OUR LOGO ON YOUR WEBSITE? Let our community know that you are a trusted resource.
9 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Returning Members AUGUST 2017 / SEPTEMBER 2017
Fibro Laepple Technology Ltd.
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc.
TD Canada Trust – 156 Ouellette Ave.
AIDS Committee of Windsor
Fogolar Furlan Windsor
Overseas Motors
TD Canada Trust – 7404 Tecumseh Rd. E.
Amec Foster Wheeler, Environment & Infrastructure
HBPO CANADA
Patty Co. Rentals
Tecumseh Cardiac Centre
Angileri Kitchen & Bath Centre
HWard Communications Inc.
Penalty Box Too Inc.
The Iraqi Canadian Group Organization
Applied Nano Surfaces
Ion Cernat (Owner/Operator) Trucking
Peter Anthony Design Ltd.
Toldo Corporation Services
AutoMAXX Pre-owned Car Centre
Kent Compressor Inc
Torino's Restaurant
Canadian Auto Stores Ltd.
Kindigo Capital Ltd.
Popp Russo Leno LLP Chartered Professional Accountants
Centoco Plastic Ltd.
LBM Consulting Ltd.
Dale Carnegie Training of Southwestern Ontario
LucasWorks
Devine Personnel
MEDA Engineering & Technical Services
DevMark Consulting Inc.
MEDA Professional & Technical Recruiting
Doan Mold Finishing Inc.
Meloche Windows Ltd.
Dr Disc Records
Mercury Products Co.
Edible Arrangements
Metro City Paving Ltd.
Essex County Hydraulics Inc.
Modern Staffing
Express Employment Professionals
Morton Industrial Sales & Service Ltd.
Active Business Services
Private Financial Group Pupatello & Sons Ltd. General Contractors Riverside Elevators Inc. Rogers Pool & Spa, Billiards & Darts Roma Tile Rose City Ford Sales Limited Royal LePage Binder Real Estate Seguin Financial Group Ltd. Silver Stitch Embroidery Simpson's Fence Ltd.
Tri-Way Manufacturing Technologies, Corp. Tyler Hard Chrome Inc. Viewpointe Estate Winery Walsh Legacy Law Firm WDBA Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority Windsor CARSTAR Collision Windsor Chapel Funeral Homes Limited Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society WindsorEssex Community Foundation YMCA of Windsor & Essex County
Thank you to all of our valued members for your continued partnership. 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.
10 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
Spotlight On Our Members Gold Circle
Pillar
Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario
Libro
Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) was founded in 1938. We serve adults with physical disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury and seniors. We provide personal care and assistance with tasks of daily living. We believe strongly that no one should have to call a hospital “home”.
Libro Credit Union is a financial institution focused on growing prosperity in Southwestern Ontario, with 31 branches in 25 communities across the region. Reflecting the diversity of each community it serves, Libro branches have locally elected Branch Councils that provide feedback on product and service offerings, represent the area’s interests at the Annual Meeting, and direct Libro’s community investments.
Since 2011, when the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) first invested in our Mobile Supports for Daily Living, we have transitioned over 500 people with high needs from hospitals or diverted them from Long Term Care. We employ over 350 people and serve more than 1,000 individuals per year. We joined the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce because we wanted to leverage the reputation, the networking, the advocacy, and the influence the Chamber has on the community as a whole. We have 500 people on our waiting list. We are Windsor’s largest charitable organization and need to spread awareness and gain support. Please look for our events planned for 2018 when we celebrate 80 years of service in Windsor-Essex! Chamber members are invited to connect with our Projects and Change Manger Laura Kay at laurakay@alsogroup.org to see how a partnership with our organization can benefit your business. We have lots of ways we can work with Chamber members with our catering services, boardroom facilities, major events, and network. There are plenty of opportunities for us to partner with other Chamber members. We are looking to partner with all types of businesses in Windsor and Essex County and we look forward to hearing from you.
With eight branches located throughout Essex-Kent, Libro is committed to providing outstanding financial services to individuals, farms and businesses; to supporting the local community; and to putting Libro Owners and their success first. The 2017 Libro Prosperity Fund saw $460,000 invested in initiatives focused on economic development, youth leadership and moneysmarts, with eight local projects totaling $169,000. Along with a robust Sponsorships and Donations program, Libro annually awards students 1725 with funds to facilitate post-secondary education (31 $2,000 awards in 2017). For Libro, collaboration is vital to success and prosperity. Through partnerships with organizations such as the University of Windsor’s EPICentre, Windsor Hackforge and WEtech Alliance, Libro is helping to build a strong foundation of entrepreneurs and social innovators in Essex-Kent. A proud long-term partner with the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, Libro supports the Business Excellence Awards and the Annual Warden’s Luncheon, bringing the leaders of our communities together to engage, collaborate and discuss the future of our great region. Visit www.libro.ca for details on Libro’s community investment programs, to find a financial Coach or to learn more about Libro Credit Union.
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 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).
11 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
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
18th Annual ATHENA Scholarship Luncheon Friday, November 3, 2017 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Caboto Club (2175 Parent Ave.)
UPCOMING EVENTS Holiday Party Friday, December 1, 2017 6:00 p.m. – Midnight Caesars Windsor (377 Riverside Dr. E.) Sponsored by Blackburn Radio & Johnson Insurance
Windsor-Essex Tech Show Tuesday, November 14, 2017 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. St. Clair College Centre for the Arts (201 Riverside Dr. W.)
November After Business @ The Keg Wednesday, November 15, 2017 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Riverside Keg (One Riverside Dr. W.) 12 I WINDSORESSEXCHAMBER.ORG
141st Annual General Meeting & Luncheon Featuring Patrick Brown, MPP Thursday, December 7, 2017 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Caboto Club (2175 Parent Ave)
28th Annual Business Excellence Awards Presented by Windsor Star
Wednesday, April 18, 2018 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Caesars Windsor (377 Riverside Dr. E.)
82nd Annual Golf Tournament @ Beach Grove Golf & Country Club Monday, June 4, 2018 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Beach Grove Golf & Country Club (14134 Riverside Dr. E.)