NOV/DEC 2018 | VOLUME 51 | No.11-12
WINDSOR-ESSEX REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - The Leading Voice of Business in Windsor-Essex
November / December 2018 Volume 51 STAFF Janice Forsyth, PhD Acting President & CEO jforsyth@windsoressexchamber.org X222
CONTENTS Greeting from the President / CEO and Chair
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Sarah Dobbin, New Emerging Leader
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Chamber News
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Legislative Watch
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In Our Community
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Shelley Fellows, Athena Award Speaker
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Wendy Bretz Communications Coordinator & Executive Assistant wbretz@windsoressexchamber.org X228
Sherri Gowman Director of Sales & Marketing sgowman@windsoressexchamber.org X223
Vanesa Ilieski Assistant to the Director of Sales & Marketing vilieski@windsoressexchamber.org X230
Barbara Malmberg
Fall Chamber Events
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Benefits of Sponsorship
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Membership
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Director of Events bmalmberg@windsoressexchamber.org X231
Marina Poljak Event Coordinator mpoljak@windsoressexchamber.org X221
WINDSOR-ESSEX REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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2575 Ouellette Place Windsor, ON N8X 1L9
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Tel: 519-966-3696 Fax: 519-966-0603 info@windsoressexchamber.org www.windsoressexchamber.org
Advertising Sales - adsales@windsoressexchamber.org The WERCC may choose to generate revenue from many discount programs and services being provided.
Greeting from the Acting President/CEO and the Chair Dear Chamber Members, As the voice of the Windsor-Essex business community, we take seriously the issues impacting our members. We attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM and Convention in September where over 320 chamber of commerce executives and community business leaders came together to discuss the economic and political issues that affect the prosperity of Canadian business. We were actively engaged with reviewing and supporting resolutions that will shape national public policy objectives for the upcoming year. Janice Forsyth, PhD. Acting President and CEO
At the municipal level, the Chamber hosted a Mayoral Debate featuring candidates requested by our membership. The debate focused on issues important to WERCC members and the business community. These last few months have been a time of discussion, planning, and transition here at the Chamber. In October we were able to hear first-hand from our members through focus group meetings that addressed the Chamber's role in the community and strategies for the future. We greatly appreciate everyone who took the time to come and provide honest, constructive feedback. As we move forward, our leadership will be discussing how the Chamber can continue to provide its members with the support they need to build successful businesses in Windsor-Essex.
Jason Ilijanic
Be sure to visit www.windsoressexchamber.org for all the up-to-date news and events.
Chair
2018-2019 Ms. Beverly Becker Director
Mr. Sean Collier Director
Mr. Romeo Girardi Director
Director, Local Marketing & Special Projects Windsor Star
District Manager Windsor/Essex – Chatham/Kent Union Gas
Mr. Scott Jenkins Vice Chair**
Executive Vice President Farrow
Director of Advertising Caesars Windsor
Ms. Ann-Marie Belanger Director / Non-Voting
Ms. Sarah Dobbin Director
Chair – ATHENA Committee VP – Sales/Marketing Empire Communications Inc.
Ms. Marie Campagna Director** Executive Vice President Operations / CFO Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare
Emerging Leaders Representative Director of Medical Division Aphria
Ms. Shelley Fellows Director Vice President, Operations Radix Inc.
Mr. Carl Hooper, CPA, CA Director
Ms. Maureen Lucas Treasurer**
Assurance and Advisory Partner Collins Barrow Windsor LLP
Entrepreneur in Residence EpiCentre, University of Windsor
Mr. Jason Ilijanic Chair**
Ms. Mila Lucio Director**
Director, Commercial Services WFCU Credit Union
Chief Human Resources Officer Green Shield Canada
Mr. Jeffrey MacKinnon Past Chair** Partner McTague Law Firm LLP
Dr. Alfie Morgan Director Emeritus / Non-Voting Professor Emeritus of Business Administration University of Windsor
Dr. Francine Schlosser Director Professor Odette School of Business Executive Director, EPI Centre University of Windsor
**denotes member of Executive Committee
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Gold Circle
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Chamber NEWS Sarah Dobbin – New Emerging Leader Sarah Dobbin studied Marketing and Psychology at the University of Guelph. After graduating in 2014, she moved to the Windsor area to work for Aphria, one of Canada's largest Licensed Producers of cannabis. Sarah's roles at Aphria have included Patient Care Manager and Medical Outreach Manager. Currently, she is the Medical Division Director. Sarah enjoys having a dynamic role at Aphria that enables her to positively impact the patient experience on multiple levels. She is grateful she joined Aphria early in her career and shortly after the company's inception. This experience afforded her the opportunity to learn first-hand from experienced leaders and ignited her passion for nurturing young leaders. Outside the office, Sarah enjoys hikes and boating with her fiancé and their dog. She also loves to travel and some of her favourite destinations include Columbia, Dubai, and Greece. When asked about her new role she said, “I am thrilled to be representing Windsor's Emerging Leaders group on the WERCC Board. I look forward to bringing fresh, valuable insights and gleaning wisdom from the Board that will support the growth of Windsor's next generation of leaders”. Sarah Dobbin Director of Medical Division, Aphria
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber and Ontario Chamber Partners Secure Support at Canadian Chamber AGM The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC) and its colleagues secured national support to ensure that the transition to a Low Carbon Economy reflects the diverse economies and environmental resources of the Provinces.This policy resolution received support from the Canadian Chamber network. WERCC and partners, Greater Kitchener-Waterloo, London, and Greater Kingston, recommended the following: 1. Ensure that the federal government is more responsive and inclusive of the different approaches taken by provinces to transition to a low carbon economy. 2. Require revenue neutrality in the collection and distribution of carbon taxes. 3. Provide clarity around the processes of offsetting the cost of pollution in an effort to encourage a competitive business environment and strong economy.
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The WERCC also supported London and other partners Sarnia-Lambton, Sault Ste. Marie, Greater Niagara, and Peterborough, to encourage the Federal and Provincial/Territorial Governments to unstick our international border crossings. The approved recommendations included studies to determine peak flows of commercial and vehicular traffic with the goal of matching customs and immigration personnel to meet that demand. Finally, a resolution to Prevent Disputed HST Collection Efforts was submitted by Ajax-Pickering and co-sponsored by Markham, Mississauga, Whitby and WERCC. The resolution recommends the amendment of the Excise Tax to preclude collection efforts during the dispute process. Under the Income Tax Act, the CRA cannot proceed with collection efforts during a dispute of an assessment. The same provisions should apply under the Excise Tax Act. This resolution has been referred to the CCC Board for further study. “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 Acting President & CEO Janice Forsyth. In order for a resolution to pass, it requires support from two-thirds majority of Canadian Chambers across the country.
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Chamber NEWS Meet Our New Events Team! Barbara Malmberg Director of Events
Barb has been at the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2011 as the Event Coordinator. Her experience in planning events, developing marketing and community relations strategies will assist in her new role as Director of Events. She looks forward to leading the events team in creating events that benefit our members, sponsors and guests.
Marina Poljak Event Coordinator
Marina received her Bachelors of Sociology from the University of Windsor in 2008 and went on to hold roles in both Administration and Marketing. Marina joined the Chamber in December 2017 as Assistant to the Director of Sales and Marketing. This past October she accepted the position of Event Coordinator with the Chamber and is looking forward to building her career and continuing her work with the team to whom she has grown so close. In her spare time she enjoys reading, hosting friends and family, and exploring her community with her husband and two small children.
Members Only $avings Programs
As a member of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, you have access to numerous resources designed to advance the success of your business and provide you with exclusive benefits. For complete information, visit us at www.windsoressexchamber.org/membership-savings/.
HEALTH CARE BENEFITS: 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 1-800-563-0677. Remember to identify yourself as a member of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce! With our 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.
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 40% off small package shipments within Canada, to the U.S. and to worldwide destinations, 25% off imports into Canada, discounts starting at 75% off freight shipments, and more. To get started today, visit www.membersbenefitprogram.com/WindsorCC or call 1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377).
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OFFICE SUPPLY PROGRAM
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LEGISLATIVE WATCH:
As of October 17, 2018 Bill C-45 has legalized the recreational use of marijuana. This could have a dramatic impact on health and safety in your workplace.
Bill C-45 Cannabis laws, federal and provincial: Passed on October 17, 2018 An amendment to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (Bill 174,) prohibits the smoking and ingestion of cannabis in workplaces. This amendment aligns the province with the federal legislation.
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Bill 174 requires employers to post signs and notify employees of the Act. It also amends the Ontario Highway Traffic Act to prohibit the smoking of cannabis in company vehicles (inside and outside the workplace). This prohibition applies to everyone including employees who have been prescribed medical marijuana.
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If you haven't already done so, review both the federal and provincial legislation, update your hazard assessments to include the potential for impairment, and create new policies and programs around substance abuse in the workplace. Schedule 5 of Bill 18 Proclaimed on April 6, 2018 this bill attributes temporary workers' injury and accident costs which are currently paid by temporary help agencies - to employers. This could lead to higher or lower WSIB premiums for employers. The bill is not yet in force.
3 Bills That May Affect You
“We're also keeping an eye on Bill C-65, the federal Harassment and Violence Act, a ground breaking bill that will have implications for federal workplaces," says Jaskaren Randhawa, WSPS' Research Program Coordinator, "as well as Schedule 5 of Ontario Bill 18, which switches responsibility for the costs of injuries to temp workers to the employer."
Bill C-65: Now in consultation after passing third reading Before the Federal Government enacts this bill on workplace harassment and violence, it is consulting Canadians on the proposed framework. The bill aims to strengthen the law by proposing, among other things, that workplace programs and policies include measures to prevent sexual harassment and violence, and recognize the impact of psychological injuries and illness arising from violence and harassment.
How WSPS can help: Stay on top of health and safety legislation with our easy to use Legislation Tracker http://www.wsps.ca/Information-Resources/ Legislation/Home or subscribe to receive regular updates on regulatory or consultation changes by email.
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The consultation ended October 5, and the bill is expected to become law in fall 2019.
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IN OUR COMMUNITY WE CARE Customers Are Really Everything. ISO 9001: 2015 registered and ISO 17025: 2005 accredited instrumentation service & calibration company serving South-western Ontario for over 2 decades. Manufacturing, designing & supplying customised thermocouples and RTD temperature sensors, heaters and temperature controllers for Molding industries as well as pharmaceutical, power generation, Canning etc. for over a decade. For more information visit http://www.isolab.org Congratulations to Workforce Windsor Essex on their 10th Anniversary! As a workforce and community development board, our mandate is to plan, facilitate and advocate for regional workforce development, defined as the development, retention, and recruitment of a wide range of skilled workers to meet the current and future economic and social development needs of Windsor-Essex.
The WindsorEssex Community Foundation is pleased to announce the release of the 2018 Vital SignsÂŽ report which was distributed across Windsor-Essex th County on October 6 , reaching over 50,000 households.The sixth report to be published by the Foundation, Vital SignsÂŽ is a community check-up that identifies significant trends in a range of areas critical to the quality of life in Windsor-Essex. It is intended as a starting point for conversations and to inform the community on our priorities in order to better direct our region's resources and planning.
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For your copy or to book a presentation call the Windsor Essex Community Foundation today at 519-255-6572. www.wecf.ca
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The east side of Windsor has had a lot of developments lately. Tecumseh Mall is looking forward to welcoming four new major anchor stores. Giant Tiger, Pet Smart, Home Sense and Marshalls will join the shopping centre's retail mix. Giant Tiger and Pet Smart are scheduled to officially have their grand openings October 13th, while Home Sense and Marshalls have plans to open sometime early next year. All big wins and positive additions to the area. The surrounding communities have a lot to look forward to and get excited about!
Athena Scholarship Luncheon
Keynote Speaker of the th
19 Annual Athena Scholarship Luncheon Shelley Fellows, B.Sc. (hons), MBA Vice-President, Operations, Radix Inc. Radix was founded in 1994, with headquarters in Windsor, Ontario and offices in Montreal, Quebec, Mississauga, Ontario and Trenton, Michigan. The company designs and delivers smart factory solutions based on advanced technologies like vision systems, industrial controls, robotics and simulation to world class manufacturers in North America. When asked how she felt about being chosen as this year's speaker Shelley responded, “I'm delighted to be able to be a part of the Athena Scholarship luncheon and thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the scholarship award selection process. The Athena Scholarship program provides such important financial and emotional support to our emerging leaders every year, complementing the basic values of the Athena program. I'll be discussing 'Fierce Leadership' and the impact the Athena Leadership Model has had on my life. I've been asked if I'll bring a toolbox along – you can be sure I'll bring some tools of my trade to the luncheon!”
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One of the founders of Radix and a graduate of the University of Windsor, Shelley has responsibility for planning and strategy execution in the areas of marketing, finance, human resources and business operations. A strong and entrepreneurial leader, Shelley is part of the management team which led Radix to be recognized for many industry awards including: Profit's Fastest Growing Companies in Canada in 2006 and 2016, the Innovation Business Excellence Award from the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2007 and 2015, as well as to acquisition by mold-making leaders, Active Industrial Solutions, in 2016. Shelley was a 2016 recipient of the Athena award for her work supporting women in science, technology, engineering and math careers. Shelley held positions on many boards and committees, including WETech Alliance, Workforce Windsor Essex and the Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation. She is currently a Director with the Windsor Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and is on the steering committee for ProsperUS, a regional cradle to career initiative.
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Summer/Fall
Chamber Events
Roundtable with MP Dean Allison
Roundtable with MP Bill Morneau
Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM
2018 Mayoral Debate Coin Toss
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Discover Ability Breakfast
Andy Warhol Exhibit
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September After Business
Summer/Fall
Chamber Events
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142 Annual General Meeting & Luncheon Wednesday, November 21, 2018 The Hellenic Cultural Centre Details online – www.windsoressexchamber.org Featuring Keynote Speaker Zahid Salman, President & CEO, Green Shield Canada
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2018 Windsor Mayoral Debate and Roundtables
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Benefits of Sponsorship
Thank You to our Summer/Fall Sponsors!
10 SMART REASONS YOUR BUSINESS SHOULD SPONSOR AN EVENT Creating an image of success and authority for your business is a smart way to win more customers. People are comfortable doing business with companies they trust to meet their expectations. If your business looks profitable, customers believe you can deliver what they need. Now, imagine how your reputation soars when you work alongside other successful brands. Through event sponsorship, you can leverage this power of collective credibility. Sponsorship is increasingly popular among businesses that want to grow fast and reach quality audiences. In fact, brand strategy firm ESP Properties expects 2018 sponsorship spending to reach $24.2 billion in North America and $65.8 billion globally. What does it mean to sponsor an event? Sponsors offer funding or products and services to support events, trade shows, teams, nonprofits, or organizations. In exchange, you get business exposure and a chance to connect with new customers. If you're looking to make the most of your marketing budget, here are 10 reasons to sponsor an event.
1. Brand Visibility
6. Community Goodwill
2. Targeted Marketing
7. Content Strategy
3. Consumer Perception
8. Audience Insights
4. Efficient Lead Generation
9. Business Relationships
5. Sales Goals
10. Return on Investment
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See the full article at https://www.freelogoservices.com/blog/2018/02/12/9-reasonsyour-business-should-sponsor-an-event/
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Member Renewals
August/September
“Thank you! We value your partnership as we work together for the success of our Windsor-Essex region.” MEDA Engineering & Technical Services CONNECTOR MEDA Professional & Technical Recruiting Modern Staffing Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County Patty Co. Rentals Penalty Box Too Inc. Private Financial Group Remo Valente Real Estate (1990) Limited Riverside Elevators Inc. RWDI Sentient Controls and Engineering Inc. TL Quality Mold & Die WDBA Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority CONNECTOR WESCO Distribution Windsor CARSTAR Collision Windsor River Cruises Windsor Utilities Commission Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society COMMUNITY BUILDER Windsor Essex Community Foundation COMMUNITY BUILDER YMCA of Windsor & Essex County
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AIDS Committee of Windsor American Express Global Corporate Payments Applied Nano Surfaces Biocella Canadian Auto Stores Ltd. Canadian Diesel Champion Products Corp. CONNECTOR Dale Carnegie Training of Southwestern Ontario DevMark Consulting Inc. Dr Disc Records Dr. Marco Carroccia ENWIN Utilities Ltd. PILLAR Fibro Laepple Technology Ltd. HBPO CANADA Hiatus House HRPA of Toronto Ikon E.D.M. Services Inc. Ion Cernat (Owner/Operator) Trucking LBM Consulting Ltd. LucasWorks
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SPOTLIGHT On Our Members Pillar
Painting and Practicing a VISION OF SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY BASF Canada has been operating in Windsor for 33 years, with over 180 employees working at the site to serve customers in automotive manufacturing and collision repair centres across North America. Our Windsor facility, also known as the Windsor Paint Plant, manufactures mostly water-borne based automotive paints and coatings, including brands like Glasurit®, R-M®, and CatoGuard®. BASF is proud to be a member of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, which works to contribute to prosperity and business development in Windsor and Essex County. At BASF, we are committed to fostering a great place to work, strengthening the communities where we operate and collaborating with our customers to deliver on our company's purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our team of 115,000 employees around the world work to provide chemistry-based solutions for virtually every industry including agriculture, construction, automotive, and energy & resources. BASF has been recognized as one of Canada's top 10 Best Workplaces™ in Manufacturing by Great Place to Work®, as well as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers - a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees. BASF supports the local community through monetary donations, employee volunteer efforts and science education programs like Kids' Lab, a series of chemistry workshops delivered to students between the ages of 6 to 12.
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Windsor Paint Plant Vision We put the safety of our colleagues, customers, families and community first. We provide high quality, cost-effective coatings products and services to our customers through safe, sustainable practices. We will share best practices, openly identify and communicate risks while working together to reduce exposures with a foundation of trust, ownership and knowledge through a culture of respect, teamwork and pride.
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KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CHAMBER? To consider membership with us and to learn about potential savings in conjunction with our programs, contact Sherri Gowman, Director of Sales & Marketing at: sgowman@windsoressexchamber.org or call (519) 966-3696 ext. 223. We are here to assist you with your membership! Contact Vanesa Ilieski, Assistant to the Director of Sales & Marketing at vilieski@windsoressexchamber.org or call (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 Vanesa.
SPOTLIGHT On Our Members Pillar
Happy 55th Anniversary!
BDC celebrated their 55th anniversary October 4th at the Windsor Club with special guest Michael Denham, President & CEO. The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) supports small & medium-sized businesses in all industries with a combination of financing and advisory services to guide your business to the next stage of development. As the only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs, BDC offers financing solutions with higher lending ratios and greater repayment flexibility, allowing entrepreneurs to take the next step in their business. Financing real-estate, equipment or working capital provides entrepreneurs the peace of mind and extra cash to expand their business by investing in technology and growing to the next level.
Whether you are an early-stage company looking to transform ideas into successful businesses or an established company looking for tailored solutions and flexible terms, BDC offers a full suite of financing and advisory services to do so. Consulting solutions include; Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, Financial Management, Strategic Planning, Technology, International Expansion and Operational Efficiency. For more information on events or services offered, please contact us at 519-257-6807, or email: Celso.Oliveira@bdc.ca, or visit bdc.ca.
Wake Up Windsor Essex is back! Wednesday November 14 2018 - 7:30-9:30am Save the date!
Get noticed, get leads! Enjoy a full breakfast followed by 90 seconds to pitch your organization to a captive audience!
Look for registration and event details on our website: www.windsoressexchamber.org
519-988-0159 www.myprintsupplier.com
For All Your Print & Imaging Needs 1490 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor
BANNERS | SIGNS | BOOKLETS | BROCHURES | BUSINESS CARDS | FLYERS | POSTCARDS | & MUCH MORE!
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Need more exposure? Bring your pamphlets, brochures and collateral to share.
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Details online: www.windsoressexchamber.org
TIERED MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM CONNECT
PROMOTE
LEAD
Tiered Membership Packages Include: Increased logo exposure and market visibility. Strategic Marketing and 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