SEPT OCT 2012 VOLUME 43 | No. 9 - 10 | BUSINESS BRIEFS GROWING ONTARIO
WINDSOR EXPRESS BASKETBALL WEARCI Award sponsor Marty Komsa, President, Windsor Family Credit Union and Believe Windsor-Essex Award Recipient Dr. Fouad Tayfour
WWW.WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
2013 BEA Call for Nominations
CONTENTS
7 WEARCI
WERCC | VOLUME 43 | No. 9 - 10 | SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER 2012
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GROWING ONTARIO’S EXPORTS
MEMBERS/FIRMS IN THE NEWS
NEW MEMBERS
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERS
IMMIGRANT INVESTORS
IN THE COMMUNITY
STAY CONNECTED
UPCOMING EVENTS
BEA 2013 NOMINATIONS
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 Holly Connelly, Assistant to the President Sherri Dulcamaro, Sales, Retention and Marketing Igor Siljanoski, Policy Manager Marianne Burke, Event Manager Crystal Van Aspert, Finance & Office Coordinator Lindsey Rivait, Communications Coordinator Kerri Day, Membership Service Coordinator Barbara Malmberg, Event Coordinator Nahidah Malik, Customer Service and Reception
mmarchand@windsorchamber.org hconnelly@windsorchamber.org sdulcamaro@windsorchamber.org isiljanoski@windsorchamber.org mburke@windsorchamber.org cvanaspert@windsorchamber.org lrivait@windsorchamber.org kday@windsorchamber.org bmalmberg@windsorchamber.org nmalik@windsorchamber.org
ADVERTISING SALES email: adsales@windsorchamber.org
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WELCOME
Letter from the President & CEO Greetings Chamber members, and welcome to another exciting month for the award-winning Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. We are getting set to reveal our new website, a technological step forward for us. Our new site, designed by local company Hook Creative, will include a members-only section, forums, Legislative Highlights from Ontario and Michigan (something no other Chamber in the country offers), and more interactivity. And, best of all, our new website puts the focus on you, our members, with a Member Spotlight feature and coming soon: a Member-to-Member discount program. Also, look for the launch of the Gold Circle membership program this fall! Gold Circle aims to bring business community leaders together in a more formal way and provide them with recognition on our website. Be sure to visit our site for further details. The Chamber is also working hard, advocating on behalf of the business community in the region. Most recently, the Chamber partnered with the New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc. and with community stakeholders in order to attract new immigrant investors and entrepreneurs to the area. We presented a proposal to the Department of Citizenship & Immigration to lead a pilot project, which would result in seeing more immigrant investors and entrepreneurs coming to the Windsor-Essex region, giving our local economy a much-needed boost. Come out to my speech at Caesars Windsor on September 19, where I’ll be discussing more about the Immigrant Investor issue. Even more excitement is in store with some great upcoming events, including After Business networking events on September 13 at Next Dimension (3020 Devon Dr., Windsor) and October 18 at Cooper’s Hawk Winery (1425 Iler Rd. RR #1, Harrow). We’re also pleased to present the Windsor-Essex Leaders in Innovation Technology & Tradeshow on October 30 at the Caboto Club (2175 Parent Ave.). Speakers for this event include Google, RIM, Microsoft, Cisco, and HP. Don’t miss our line-up of luncheons, including the Dwight Duncan Luncheon on September 21 and the Imperial Oil Luncheon on October 5, both at the Caboto Club.
MATT MARCHAND PRESIDENT
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce 2012-2013 Board of Directors Mr. Ed Miles Chair** Tax Partner Miles & Co. Chartered Accountants
Mr. Dean Clevett Director** Manager - Technical Engineering Services Canada BASF Canada
Ms. Jennifer Jones Past Chair** President Media Street Productions
Mr. Adam Davis Director President Next Dimensions Inc.
Dr. Bill Anderson Director Chair Transportation Policy Committee Professor, Political Science University of Windsor
Mr. David Diemer Director Chair, Environment & Energy Committee Environmental Engineer Dillon Consulting Ltd.
Mr. Marty Beneteau Director Publisher and Editor-in-Chief The Windsor Star
Mr. Mark Egbedeyi-Emmanuel Director District Manager Windsor/Chatham Union Gas Ltd, Windsor
Ms. Pamela Breault Director Chair Membership Services Committee Operations Manager Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex Ms. Carolyn Brown Chair-Elect** Vice President, Administration Detroit-Windsor Tunnel LLC
Dr. Janice Forsyth Director** President Foresight Management Consulting Mr. Jason Ilijanic Director Chair Finance & Taxation Committee Relationship Manager TD Commercial Banking Southwestern Ontario Region
Mr. Kevin Laforet Director President and CEO Caesars Windsor Mr. Jeffrey MacKinnon Director Partner McTague Law Firm LLP Mr. Gordon Moore Treasurer** President Moore Consulting Corp. Mr. David Musyj Director President and CEO Windsor Regional Hospital Ms. Ann-Marie Athavale Non-Voting Chair ATHENA Committee VP - Sales/Marketing Empire Communications Inc. Dr. Alfie Morgan Director Emeritus Professor Emeritus of Business Administration University of Windsor ** Denotes member of Executive Committee
It’s shaping up to be a fantastic fall season! We hope to see you at our events and interacting with our innovative new website soon!
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GROWING.INVESTOR
GROWING ONTARIO’S EXPORTS To help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expand their growth into foreign markets, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Government of Ontario, proudly offers the Export Market Access (EMA) program. In an increasingly competitive global economy, the EMA program (a component of the Global Growth Fund) helps companies diversify their customer base by sharing the risk associated with export ventures. The initiative began in 2008 and over 675 companies have received funding support. Companies completing their projects have generated a return of over 25 times the initial investment and report export sales in excess of $100 million – vastly exceeding the program’s initial expectations. The program has been well received by
the business community and its success can be attributed to a strong customer service philosophy, developing collaborative partnerships and providing timely decisions. By fostering a culture of innovation, taking advantage of global opportunities and investing in Ontario’s competitive advantages, the EMA program directly aligns with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s economic vision for the province, Emerging Stronger. The program encourages companies to grow their top line and create jobs by increasing the export sales of Ontario goods and services.
website now to find out how to apply to the Export Market Access program. Should you require more information about the program and lessons learned from this publicprivate service delivery program, contact Louie DiPalma, Director of SME Programs at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Ontario Chamber of Commerce online at www.occ.on.ca
The EMA program is an excellent example of a private-public partnership whereby the business community and the public sector have combined their strengths to meet SMEs’ export requirements. SMEs can visit the Export Market Access
IMMIGRANT INVESTORS “Through a solid partnership between the region’s business community, key organizations and the federal government, the Chamber is confident we can ensure their success here in Windsor-Essex,” said Matt Marchand, President and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. “These would be investments made in our region The Chamber President and CEO, Matt that would not have happened otherwise and Marchand; Gordon Moore, Chamber Treasurer; could be worth $200 million over a ten year and Reza Shahbazi, Executive Director of the period,” added Marchand. New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc. presented the proposal to the Parliamentary The Federal Government is holding roundtable Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, discussions in several communities, including Rick Dykstra M.P. in December 2011 as rep- one in Windsor on August 1, on the federal resentatives of the Windsor-Essex Global immigration program. Our WEGAIN committee Attraction of Investors Network (WEGAIN). has been invited to make a presentation specifically focused on the immigrant The proposal made by WEGAIN calls for a new investor program. concept allowing the business community to partner with the federal government to help “This is another opportunity for the smaller communities, such as Windsor-Essex, Windsor-Essex region to bring new investment attract new immigrant investors and and jobs to help build our local economy,” entrepreneurs. The proposal has already said Ron Gaudet, CEO Windsor-Essex garnered support among other community Economic Development Corporation. stakeholders, including the University of Windsor, the Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and the New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc. have partnered to present a proposal to the Department of Citizenship & Immigration to lead a pilot project to bring Immigrant Investors and Entrepreneurs to the Windsor-Essex region.
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Immigration trends for Windsor-Essex over the past 10 years were favourable, with about 25,000 newcomers immigrating to the Windsor-Essex region. If Windsor-Essex were getting its proportional share of individuals entering Canada under the Investor and Entrepreneur Immigration Program, about 35 such individuals would have settled in Windsor-Essex in 2011. Over the past decade, that would mean approximately 250 individuals and a minimum regional investment of over $200 million, which is a significant investment into our local business community.
NEWS.COMMUNITY
MEMBERS | FIRMS IN THE NEWS
Beach Grove Golf & Country Club is pleased to announce it will be investing more than $1.6 million in improvements to its Clubhouse, Waterfront and Golf Course. After celebrating the Club’s 90th Anniversary in 2011, this is exciting news for this Tecumseh landmark that demonstrates Beach Grove’s commitment to continuous facilities’ improvement for the benefit of current and future members for many years to come. For more information visit www.beachgrove.net
Voting has now begun in the 15th annual Biz X Magazine Awards! You can nominate your favourite businesses and people in Windsor-Essex now until September 19, 2012. Please make sure your nominee is over 19 and lives in Windsor-Essex. There are 25 categories ranging from outstanding new business to retail shops, Lebanese food, top restaurants, artist of the year and more. A complete list of all categories, official rules and more information can be found at www.bizxmagazine.com Winners will be announced in the Nov/Dec 2012 edition of Biz X Magazine and a gala to honour all winners takes place November 16 at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority partnered with the Windsor-Essex Parkway project team and Danshab Enterprises, a Walpole Island First Nation business specializing in ecological restoration, to assist in the recovery of a threatened Species at Risk and improve prairie habitat at two local Conservation Areas and one municipal park. The restoration activities included planting Dense Blazing Star which is a provincially and nationally threatened Tallgrass Prairie species characterized with spectacular long spikes of purple flowers. For more information, contact Danielle Breault Stuebing, Director of Communications and Education at (519) 776-5209 ext. 352 or dstuebing@erca.org.
Revs Rosebowl and Bowlero offer unique and exciting indoor venues for fundraisers, children’s birthdays, and corporate teambuilding! Let Revs Windsor provide your hardworking staff with a fun, well-earned evening away from the daily grind with number of fantastic food/bowling packages, like our very popular Kingpin Package. Your turn to play! For more information, contact Revs Bowlero at (519) 258-9321 or info@ bowlero.com or contact Revs Rose Bowl at (519) 969-9010 or info@rosebowlwindsor. com. Visit Revs Rosebowl and Bowlero online at www.revs.ca
A team of 45 United Communities CreditUnion employees and their families and friends rode 160 km from Grand Bend to London and back in Canada’s largest and most successful MS Bike Tour to date. As a result of months of fundraising, the credit union team donated over $20,000 and joined with over 1,884 riders in raising $1.237 million to help put an end to Multiple Sclerosis. This is the third year the team participated and has raised over $55,000 in total. In addition to the riders, 14 United Communities volunteers ran one of the stops along the route, and were named #1 Checkpoint for the weekend. For more information, contact Liz Arkinstall, Manager Community Relations, at (519) 776-2038 or visit www.myunited.ca
The Kent Regiment Chapter IODE members are pleased to announce the development of a new website entitled “Gathering Our Heroes” which will include the citizens of Kent County who served in World Wars I and II. A grant of $25,000 received from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program will enable the Chapter to complete this project. The website will be designed by A. Thiel Marketing and Graphic Design. Local historian Jerry Hind has completed additional research and continues to research the names and stories of our veterans from these conflicts. Mr. Hind will share his research on the website and act as the curator. The Chatham-Kent Museum will share the digital Books of Remembrance on the website. For additional information contact Sheila DeJaegher(519) 351-2741 or Norma West at (519) 352-6715 or kentregimentiode@yahoo.ca
IN THE COMMUNITY On September 29, 2012, the Essex Region Conservation Authority and Foundation are inviting all families, novice and advanced cyclists to come out for a fun day of cycling through Windsor/Essex on the Canada South Coast Bike Tour. All funds raised will be used to construct the Essex –Amherstburg Greenway Trail. For more information, www.erca.org and click on the September events calendar. Online registration can be accessed at www.onlineregistrations.ca/cscbiketour.
Flagship Solutions is holding their 31st Government Relations and Funding Seminar on Tuesday, October 23 at the Hilton Windsor (277 Riverside Dr. W.). The full day seminar will help increase chances of securing government funding for your organization, help you stay informed of government plans, go through regulations and legislation that may affect your organization, and conduct effective government relations campaigns. For more in formation visit www.flagshipsolutions.ca or contact Kristin Baldwin, Junior Partner (Communications), Flagship Solutions at (855) 839-5150 or kbaldwin@flagshipsolutions.ca
Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) is providing a valuable training session on “Diversity in the Workplace” on October 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Alzheimer’s Society (2135 Richmond). The workshop features speakers from the Hamford Group (Toronto) and Deloitte and Touche. The workshop fee is $20 per person, but space is limited, so register today! For more information, contact Paul Riley at (519) 256-6621 ext. 248 or paul@westofwindsor.com
Pediatric READ is hosting a festive cake auction and tea party on September 30, 2012 at the St. Clair Center for the Arts. The event features a formal afternoon tea and will highlight local baking talent with cakes themed after favourite children’s books. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for a child accompanied by an adult. All proceeds support Pediatric READ’s children’s literacy programs. For tickets call (519) 980-7929 or email info@PediatricREAD.com 5 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG
CHAMBER EVENTS
JUNE JOHNSON INSURANCE AFTER BUSINESS at On the Green
UPCOMING EVENTS
Johnson INSURANCE AFTER BUSINESS
HON. DWIGHT DUNCAN 2012 IMPERIAL OIL LUNCHEON LUNCHEON
THURSday, SEPTEMber 13, 2012
FRIday, SEPTEMber 21, 2012
FRIday, October 5, 2012
LOCATION
LOCATION
LOCATION
Caboto Club 2175 Parent Ave
Caboto Club 2175 Parent Ave.
TIME
TIME
TIME
TICKETS
TICKETS
TICKETS
NEXT DIMENSION INC 3020 Devon dr 5:-00 P.m. - 7:00 p.m. $10 Members, $20 General Admission
11:30 A.m. - 1:30 p.m. $35 Members, $45 General Admission
11:30 A.m. - 1:30 p.m. $35 Members, $40 General Admission FEATURING GUEST SPEAKER GEORGE BEZAIRE, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE PLANNING IMPERIAL OIL
Register for all events online at windsorchamber.org/events To see more photos, visit the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Windsor-Essex-Regional-Chamber-of-Commerce/125412597496221
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WEARCI
Windsor-Essex Active Retirement Community Initiative 77332.1 | Windsor Chamber of Commerce | no insertion date
Almost four years after they joined forces to boost the benefits of their region as an active retirement destination, the Windsor-Essex Active Retirement Initiative (WEARCI=WE-ARE-KEY), continues to attract new residents from across Canada at a steady pace. Despite recent national reports indicating lower home and condo prices, declining sales and threats of a housing correction, the country’s southernmost peninsula is bucking the trend. Windsor-Essex is enjoying gains in both resale properties and new construction as growing numbers of boomers discover the region’s appealing lifestyle and opportunities for newfound wealth. A recent survey completed in June by The Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board to update WEARCI’s progress, and conducted with 42 per cent of the area’s 840 REALTORS®, indicated 225 new residents age 50-plus have relocated to the Windsor-Essex region, investing $56 million in properties between October 2011 and June 2012. Combined with surveys conducted between July 2010 and October 2011, WEARCI’s latest survey results now bring the total to 885 new residents age 50-plus purchasing $228 million in real estate throughout the Windsor-Essex region since the marketing initiative launched in 2009.
CamE. mEt. ConquErEd.
WE KnoW a thing or tWo about grEat businEss EvEnts. Elevate your next event from obligation to anticipation at Caesars Windsor. With over 100,000 spectacular square feet of conference space, we offer you a level of flexibility that is unmatched by other venues. With our customized options and flawless execution, your event is sure to “wow” all the right people. When it’s time to mingle, a four-diamond resort with world-class amenities is just down the hall.
sEnd us your rFP today! Call 519-985-2855 Email sales@caesarswindsor.com Know Your Limit, Play Within It! 1-888-230-3505 Ontario Problem Gambling HelpLine. All ages welcome in our Augustus Tower and convention complex. Must be 19 years of age or older to enter the casino and all other outlets. Those who have been trespassed from Caesars Windsor and/or self-excluded from any OLG or Caesars property are not eligible to participate in a promotion and/or redeem offers. The Caesars brand and related trademarks are owned by Caesars License Company, LLC and its affiliated companies. Used with permission.
“We offer a unique location and lifestyle often misunderstood and overlooked, until now,” stated Krista Del Gatto, Executive Officer of the Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS® (WECAR), and volunteer President of the WEARCI organization. V3_77332.1_3.75x4_4c_Ad.indd “Our initiative is working and returning economic spin-offs to our communities. The region is growing in awareness as the preferred destination for active retirement living,” added Ms. Del Gatto.
WINDSOR EXPRESS BASKETBALL TEAM PRESS CONFERENCE 1
7/25/12 3:02 PM
Surveys show the nine communities that shape the 100 Mile Peninsula and Pelee Island region are attracting over 70 per cent of new residents from Ontario with 34 per cent from the Greater Toronto Area. Western provinces account for 20 per cent; Quebec and eastern provinces, 4 per cent; U.S. 2 per cent and International 3 per cent. Ms. Del Gatto says the 100 Mile Peninsula advantage is beginning to “register” especially among homeowners in high-priced markets who have the ability to cash out and relocate to similar or larger properties for 30 per cent - 60 per cent less, a move that could mean retirement five-ten years earlier. Matt Marchand, President and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, also a WEARCI founding partner, said the organization has created the RetireHere Show to provide families considering a lifestyle change as well as small business owners interested in servicing the age 50-plus consumer, a venue for an “up-close and personal” overview of the region and its rising popularity. The first RetireHere Show is scheduled for the Greater Toronto Area, September 28, 29 at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel. Details are available at www.RetireHere.ca
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NEW MEMBERS
MEET YOUR NEW MEMBERS JUNE - JULY 2012
Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards Estate Winery Wineries (Main) Tom O’Brien Principal 1425 Iler Road Harrow, ON N0R 1G0 Phone: (519) 738-4295 debbie@coopershawkvineyards.com www.coopershawkvineyards.com Crystalove Luxury Wedding Designs Events (Main) Marketa Bondy Owner 4080 North Service Road Unit 17 Windsor, ON N8W5X2 Phone: (519) 890-6222 marketa@crystalove.ca www.crystalove.ca Glen’s Moving Ltd. Moving & Storage (Main) Glen Cook President 4080 North Service Road Unit C23 Windsor, ON N8W 5X2 Phone: (519) 945-3622 Fax:(519) 945-3097 In Honour Of The Ones We Love Inc. Associations & Organizations (Main) Kathy Vincent Manager of Communications & Community Outreach 5035 Joy Road RR #3 Maidstone, ON N0R 1K0 Phone: (519) 966-2960 info@inhonour.ca www.inhonour.ca Infinite Image Solution Signs (Main), Engravers John Vizler President 2841 Walker Rd. Windsor, ON N8W 3R2 Phone: (519) 967-1707 Fax:(519) 967-1902 info@placeyourmark.com www.placeyourmark.com International Machine Service Inc. Machine Repair (Main) Christian Carvallo Owner/Service Technician 1017 Church Street Windsor, ON N9A 4V3 Phone: (519) 992-5538 info@internationalmachineservice.com www.internationalmachineservice.com
Karizma Jewellers - Retail (Main) Said Bazzi Owner 3100 Howard Ave Unit 17 Windsor, ON N8X 3Y8 Phone: (519) 972-7779 newyorksportswear@yahoo.com Quality Sales Agency Lighting (Main) Barry Martin Principal 3559 Innerkip Windsor, ON N8W 5V1 Phone: (519) 279-4899 Fax:(519) 742-5784 barry@qualitysalesagency.com www.qualitysalesagency.com Reach for the Skye Windsor Associations & Organizations (Main) Cheryl Whithead Director of Operations 1501 Howard Suite 103 Windsor, ON N8X 3T5 Phone: (519) 946-0263 Fax:(519) 946-0229 jcheryl@cogeco.net www.reachfortheskye.ca TGI Group Inc. Quality Consultants (Main) Paul Fontaine President & CEO 4510 Rhodes Drive Suite 945 Windsor, ON N8W 5K5 Phone: (519) 945-6233 Fax:(519) 945-5332 paul.fontaine@xen3.com www.xen3.com
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR MEMBERSHIP? WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CHAMBER’S AFFINITY PROGRAMS AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS? KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CHAMBER? CONTACT
SHERRI DULCAMARO
MANAGER OF SALES, MARKETING AND RETENTION
sdulcamaro@windsorchamber.org or 519.966.3696 Ext. 23
Please note, the members listed are only for the months indicated. For a full membership directory, please visit
www.windsorchamber.org
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CONNECTED
STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP JUNE - JULY 2012 RENEWING MEMBERS Abrik
The Home Depot Canada
AccountAbility
Howie & Partners LLP Chartered Accountants
Actuarial Solutions Inc.
Royal Marquis Retirement Residence The Rum Runners Tour
Viewpointe Estate Winery VIP Windsor Shuttle Services W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ltd.
Hulka Porter Immigration Law Firm
Santerra Stonecraft
Injection Technologies Inc
Savvy Boutique Inc.
Alpine Construction (Windsor) Inc.
Instorage Self Storage
Seguin Financial Group Ltd.
Armando’s
Johnson Inc. Insurance
Southwestern Sales Corp. Ltd.
WindsorEssex Community Foundation
Baymar Supply Ltd.
Kent Compressor Inc
Spee-dee Auto Wash
Windsor Public Library
Beach Grove Golf & Country Club
Landmark Engineers Inc
Spirou & Associates Public
Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club
Beckar Engineering Ltd.
Laser It Salon & Medical Spa
Relations and Philanthropy
Beneteau Home Inspection Services
Lighting Plus Wholesale
Stephen Richards
Liqui-Force Services
Storey Auctions
Lorne M Curtis
Suede Productions Inc.
The Bloomin’ Gardener
The Lung Association Windsor Office
Sure Seal Roofing & Siding
Canada Wide Packaging
Maid in Windsor
Chappus Farm
Martindale Window & Door Inc.
Circle 5 Tool & Mold Inc.
Mastro Kitchen Studio
The City Grill
Melco Community Housing Corporation
Advance Business Systems (Windsor) Inc.
Bertoni Chairs & Things Inc. Best Rate Auto Sales
Culmone Law Office Danbury Property Management (Windsor) Inc.
Meloche Windows Ltd. Mercury Products Co.
Dean Construction
Metro City Paving Ltd.
DMS Canada
Moore Consulting Corp.
DocuStop
MSJ Automotive Services Ltd.
Dr Doug Drkulec
Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County
Earl’s Auto Repairs The Empyrean Group Inc Erie Architectural Products Inc. Essex Region Conservation Authority Everest College Express Employment Professionals E-Z-Y Way Self Storage Ltd. Fallon Innovation Inc.
Walkerville Self Storage Wheeler’s Printing & Copying Ltd.
TD Canada Trust Tecumseh Travel The Travel Zone triOS College TRQSS, Inc. TST Expedited Services Underground Specialties Inc. United Communities Credit Union Limited
MyWClub Canada Inc. National Bank Financial New Millenium Tire NV Group Omega Tool Corp. Personnel By Elsie Peter Hrastovec Professional Corporation
FIS Flexible Industrial Solutions Inc
Prestressed Systems Inc. a Division of The Prestressed Group
Foot Care Institute
Quality Sales Agency
Galati Cheese Company Ltd
Ramstar
GENIVAR Inc.
Ready-Set-Go!
Ghanam Consulting Inc.
Rogers Communications
Giant Tiger
Roma Tile
Grand River Printing, Inc.
Rose City Ford Sales Limited
H D Palmer & Associates Ltd
Roseland Golf and Curling Club
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SPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERS NEW member Reach for the Skye
Reach for the Skye, located at 1501 Howard Ave., Suite 103, is a registered charitable organization that accommodates developmentally and physically challenged youth and adults, with a focus on hygiene, reading, and writing. They provide a Day Program from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays when needed. Reach for the Skye offers a large series of life skills programs and they also have a computer room. Reach for the Skye, which was incorporated in 2007 and opened in January 2008, strives to provide an accessible, dynamic, and supportive environment for social and learning experiences. The organization assists developmentally and physically challenged individuals in successfully developing their quality of life, improve their ability to acquire independence, and promote their social integration into the community. This year, the organization offered pictures with the Easter Bunny and a lollipop drive. “They were so successful that we are planning on doing it every year,” said Director of Operations, Cheryl Whitehead. Reach for the Skye has a few upcoming events, including their fifth anniversary Pasta Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, September 29 at the Windsor Sportsmen Club (2401 Dougall Ave.) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. They are also having a tag day at three LCBO stores on Saturday, October 20. As for the future of Reach for the Skye, Whitehead says they hope to move in 2013. Volunteers are always needed to assist with reading, printing, cooking, making crafts, and more. Visit Reach for the Skye online at www.reachfortheskye.ca
Renewing member The Bloomin’ Gardener
The Bloomin’ Gardener, located at 6673 8th Concession, Oldcastle, is a growing farming facility that offers plant arrangement, bedding pots, hanging baskets, potted flowers, and a large variety of gifts and accessories. A true family operation, The Bloomin’ Gardener has been run by founders Mike and Kelly Colasanti since 1997. This year, The Bloomin’ Gardener is celebrating their 15 year anniversary and is offering 15%-off containers for everyone as well as 15% - off all regular priced items for nurses. The Bloomin’ Gardener features state-of-the-art large greenhouses that are computerized, large and accessible sidewalks, and cement all the way through the paths. “Being an independent business, we keep trying to evolve and find new ways that’s going to keep us moving forward and keep our place unique,” said Mike Colasanti. As for what’s new for The Bloomin’ Gardener this year, Colasanti says they’re always evolving the greenhouse and offering new and different varieties of many plants and flowers. Lots of fundraising events are coming up for the business, including W.E. Care for Kids’ daisy sales for Mother’s Day as well as the Dragon Boats. They’re also looking forward to their fall fundraisers where The Bloomin’ Gardener assists groups in reaching their financial goals by selling mums. “As an independent, we support other independent groups—such as grocery stores and hardware stores. We hope that people will do same for us. We don’t cut corners. We make sure when you purchase a plant or container, it’s a quality item. We go after longevity of quality,” Colasanti added. Visit The Bloomin’ Gardener online at www.thebloomingardener.com
HUB International Limited is pleased to announce the outstanding fundraising accomplishments achieved in their recent 4th Annual HUB G.I.V.E.S. Day; a nation-wide fundraising event organized by HUB employees across Windsor, Essex County, and Leamington. In our mission to reach our goal, all offices teamed up for over five months to participate in fundraising events like “penny wars”, “Bingo” and BBQs to crush our goal and raise over $2,500 for the Ronald McDonald House, a charity that provides a home away from home for families of ill children staying at nearby hospitals. The HUB GIVES committee consists of HUB employees dedicated to creating awareness, and supporting and raising funds for local charities and organizations within our region. Special thanks to the “Personal Lines Initiative Team” who showed that HUB International Ltd Insurance Brokers care!
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23 NEW WEB.2013 BEA
Call for Nominations for the 23rd Annual Business Excellence Awards are now open! Since 1991, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce has recognized excellence in the business community with the Business Excellence Awards, now in their 23rd year. Nominations for the prestigious awards are open until Oct. 5, 2012.
This year we are welcoming back the International Business Award and the Innovation Award. Other categories include Small Company of the Year, Large Company of the Year, Professional of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Start Up of the Year, and Tourism & Hospitality Award (formerly Taste of Windsor Essex). Award winners will be announced on April 24, 2013 at the Business Excellence Awards. Also included in the awards ceremony are the recipients of the Believe Windsor Essex and ATHENA Awards. Additionally, the Business Excellence Awards Committee is currently looking for Judges to assist with this year’s event. Judges will be required to read and evaluate all submissions in the categories they
are judging. A review meeting with all judges is mandatory as well as three site inspections of nominees are required. Judging will take place between November and mid December. The Chamber is also accepting proposals for Show Producer, Technical Producer and Video producer.
The Chamber looks forward to seeing Windsor-Essex businesses grow even further for the 23rd Annual Business Excellence Awards this year. For more information, including how to nominate a business or individual, visit www.windsorchamber.org/events If you are interested in nominating or becoming involved in this process please contact Marianne Burke at (519) 966-3696 ext. 21 or by email mburke@windsorchamber.org for details.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
CON’T UPCOMING EVENTS
Johnson Insurance After Business Thursday, OCTOber 18, 2012 LOCATION
FROM PAGE 6
Windsor-Essex Leaders in Innovation Technology Forum and Tradeshow
Cooper’s Hawk Winery 1425 Iler Rd. RR #1, Harrow
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
TIME
5:00 P.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Caboto Club 2175 Parent Ave.
TICKETS
TICKETS
$10 Members $20 General Admission
LOCATION
HOLIDAY PARTY FRIday, DECEMBER 7, 2012 LOCATION
St. Clair Centre for the Arts 201 Riverside Dr. W Save the date for your corporate holiday party! We do all the work, you have all the fun!
$20 Members
TICKETS ON SALE SOON!!!!
Presented by
FIND OUT HOW TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD WITH TECHNOLOGY
Register for all events online at windsorchamber.org/events
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