Biz X magazine Nov / Dec 2021

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YOUR ONLY INTERNATIONAL BORDER CITY PUBLICATION

THE GOLD EDITION

ANNUAL AWARDS TRIBUTE “YEAR 24K: Setting The Gold Standard” November/December2021

$3.50

Plus all our regular features — The Parenting Biz, Rose City Politics, Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe, Food For Thought, Tech Bytes and more!

“We’ve Struck Gold”!

A mining claim was staked in the region a few months ago and prospecting immediately began for the best local businesses, organizations, professionals and events. “There’s gold in them thar hills,” we declare after digging into the impressive list of nominees. Which 24 winners will receive the treasured “golden” Biz X Award in 2021? Find out, as over 200 nominees “go for the gold”! — PAGE 18 B I Z X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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FOR BUSINESSES & PEOPLE IN WINDSOR, ESSEX COUNTY & METRO DETROIT SINCE 1998

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table of contents

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 volume 24 • issue 10

4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Of Commerce Launches "Support Local" Program

can enjoy elevated pub fare and Asian fusion dishes with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, 50 plus craft beers, cider, wines and inspired cocktails.

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6 Rose City Politics: The Canopy Over The Riverfront Festival Plaza

Debate about the Riverfront Festival Plaza redevelopment is getting louder, with political ideologies clashing and an expected boom sounding soon. What is the Rose City Politics panel take on all of this? Find out here!

8 Front Lines 10 New In Biz: The Essex Lakehouse Opens For Business 13 Heard On The Street 14 Newsflash 16 Food For Thought: A New Erie Street Neighbourhood Pub

There is always a good reason to try the chicken wings (pictured courtesy of Clear Rock Studios) at a new spot! Fried with homemade sauce, yummy and sticky as they come, in either Honey Ginger BBQ or Hot BBQ, these are an extremely popular choice at the new Erie St GastroPub in Windsor.

Located in the heart of Little Italy at 839 Erie Street East, diners

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54 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: The 2021 “Ms. Galaxy Canada” Queen 55 Tech Bytes: Words Of Wisdom From Libro “ScaleUP Accelerator” Participants 56 Portfolio Corner: With “Noise” Comes Opportunity 57 XX Files: Misty Adams, The Gifting Tree, Downtown Windsor 58 Ask The Experts: Make Your Event Memorable With Designs By Diane 59 Lifestyle Issues: Outdoor Entertaining Tips 60 The Way It Was: Shortbread Cookies, Paper Snowflakes & Life Savers 62 The Parenting Biz: “Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town” WOW! Even Santa Claus can’t believe all the great events going on in the region. He has to get here fast! It’s time for all of us to start enjoying the sights and sounds of the festive season again now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased across Windsor and Essex County.

Spectacular light displays, entertainment and, of course, Santa Claus parades are a perfect opportunity to take in some familyfriendly activities designed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. As well, you can take a step back in time to the 1850s with a visit to the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area in Essex. Teach your children about pioneer life and the importance of preserving our heritage and take a tour of the house and farm of John and Amelia Park, which is decorated for the Christmas period. In the accompanying photo, volunteer Lisa Bauer prepares festive foods on the homestead’s 1842 hearth for the site’s holiday events. (ERCA file image)

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69 Health Matters: How To Stay Safe & Healthy Over The Holidays 70 Biz Of The Month: Essential Autism Educational Services Inc.

ON THE COVER —“We’ve Struck Gold!”— PAGE 18

Our two prospectors strike it rich by finding a valuable, shiny gold Biz X Award in the mine among all the gold nuggets!

More importantly though, the residents of Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island are the real winners since they can utilize the services of the 214 outstanding businesses, organizations, professionals and events who are nominated in our 24th annual awards tribute. Appropriately called the “Gold Edition,” we celebrate these "golden" nominees and reveal the 24 winners with the theme: “Year 24K: Setting The Gold Standard”.

PHOTO CREDITS MODELS: Bernie Martin (left) is a retired skilled tradesman from the auto sector. He is also an actor and author of several fiction stories. Look for his thriller novel “Road Hazards” coming soon! His fellow prospector, Pat Meloche is a family man and a motorcycle mechanic at Windsor Chopper. As well he is a founding member of the Guardians of the Children International-Leamington Chapter. (Learn more on: Facebook.com/guardiansofthechildrenleamington). SPECIAL THANKS TO: Art direction and Adobe Photoshop guidance from Frank D’Angelo, Jank Words and Pictures (Jank.ca). Props used were supplied by Designs by Diane (DesignsByDiane.org). BACKGROUND: Gold mine: © Can Stock Photo/tomas1111; Nuggets in cart: © Can Stock Photo/artjazz MODEL PHOTO AND ARTWORK: Rod Denis (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com).

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© Can Stock Photo/webking

In mid-October, the chamber launched their “Support Local” campaign to encourage area residents to #ShopYQG and #DineYQG, and also introduced #ShipYQG. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, local businesses have struggled to stay open. With the help of community partners, this program hopes to inspire Windsor and Essex County residents to get out and support our local business owners and see all that YQG has to offer. The program also promotes various community campaigns through 19 area BIAs and Shopping Districts, which often hold seasonal and localized “Shop Local” campaigns . . . just in time for holiday shopping and dining!

FUNNY STUFF! BROUGHT TO YOU BY

“Who Needs To Be Good For Santa When You're This Adorable?”

Send your funny animal photo with your pet’s name to: deborah@bizxmagazine.com and it may be included here in an upcoming issue. Make sure it gives our readers a laugh!

Ho, ho, ho it’s Santa Coco!

“It’s the little Saint Nick” . . . Ozzie! (a fan of The Beach Boys)

Benni wishes everyone a Meowy Cat-mas.

“Striving to provide our readers with a quality magazine that contains accurate information about the businesses and people that shape our border cities; and that challenges us to appreciate, explore and contribute to our communities.”

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Being Santa Paws is hard work!

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WRITERS / PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Steven Bezaire Julianna Bonnett David Clark Andrea Grimes Dave Hall Dave Halliday Zander Kelly Steven Mayo Joe McParland Jim Murphy Yvonne Pilon Rose City Politics Panelists Matthew St. Amand Rebecca Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS

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from the publisher

We Support Each Other When “W.E. Support Local”

By Deborah Jones Last issue in honour of “Small Business Week” in October, I wrote about the importance of shopping local every day of the year. Pandemic or no pandemic, when you spend money at a business in Essex County you are helping to stimulate the economy. Supporting local companies helps the owners pay their employees, the bills and put food on the table for their families.

Shortly after our October edition was published, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WECC) launched the biggest “Support Local” campaign in its 145 year history. So, of course I must fill you in on the details here now!

The “Support Local” campaign runs until the end of January 2022. It is designed to give a boost to local businesses, retailers, restaurants and services as they continue to emerge from the economic impact of the global pandemic.

Campaign marketing and branding includes the Chamber’s existing #ShopYQG and #DineYQG programs, and also introduces #ShipYQG, encouraging people to purchase a gift from a local business to be sent to a colleague, friend or family member anywhere around the world.

It’s a great idea as trips to visit relatives out of town or in-person gatherings may be limited over the holidays, due to ongoing COVID concerns.

WECC President/CEO Rakesh Naidu comments: “‘Support Local’ is about putting our community first. It makes economic, environmental and social sense to patronize the businesses in our region who have a vested interest in Windsor Essex. Our community’s future prosperity depends on how we support our businesses today.”

Windsor Essex retailers, restaurants and service providers can promote the campaign in their store, office or restaurant using the Chamber’s “Support Local” marketing toolkit, found at: WEsupportlocal.info.

Local businesses are also encouraged to share their upcoming promotions, good news stories or announcements so the Chamber can amplify their message through social media. As well, Chamber members can take advantage of discounted shipping rates through the UPS Member Benefits program.

Local retailers can submit their information to the free Shopping Guide at: ShopYQG.com.

Similarly, restaurants can provide details of their

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operation to the free guide on: DineYQG.ca.

(Note: if your business previously submitted information, it can be updated on either website).

Residents are encouraged to rally behind our local retailers, restaurants and service providers. They can share their experiences and support online using #ShopYQG, #DineYQG, and #ShipYQG. The “Holiday Gift Guide,” produced by Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island, also features “Support Local” initiatives at: YQGHolidays.ca. Other program partners to date include: the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce, Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce, City of Windsor, St. Clair College, Better Business Bureau and Rafih Auto Group. (Be sure to watch for the Windsor-built “Support Local” Dodge Grand Caravan at community events).

Thanks to funding provided by FedDev Ontario, local BIAs and Shopping Districts can apply for money to enhance their programming throughout the holidays and into the new year.

The whole campaign is good timing as the border has since re-opened and many will flock to Michigan malls and stores to purchase goods for themselves and those on their holiday gift list.

But, remember buying products or services you need from businesses in your hometown could mean you keep a local company in business for many years to come.

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Rose City Politics

In this space the Rose City Politics panel will analyze, breakdown, and critique a local political issue that affects each and every Windsor resident.

Riverfront Festival Plaza Redevelopment And Completion

For the November/December 2021 edition, the Rose City Politics panel opines on the proposed redevelopment and completion of the Riverfront Festival Plaza.

Doug Sartori City of Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens’ advocacy for the $32.5 million canopy at Festival Plaza rests on the argument that Windsor should “dream big” and build an “iconic” feature on our waterfront.

This argument raises important questions.

What tangible benefits can the community expect as a result of this investment, and what opportunities for investment are we forgoing by prioritizing this one?

Municipal budgets are not infinite. The conceptual drawings of the canopy are impressive and it certainly would be an

Jon Liedtke Finish the damn plaza.

For those who know me, it shouldn’t come

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attractive amenity if built, but I can’t help feeling that we’ve seen this movie before.

When the Aquatic Centre opened in 2014, then-Councillor Dilkens argued that it raises the profile of the city and “helps in the job of economic development.”

Seven years later, the Aquatic Centre has cost the city millions in operating losses on top of its $77 million price tag. It’s hard to see how this facility has supported economic development in Windsor.

The “Windsor Works” report on economic diversification released last spring cautioned against this type of investment, arguing that building amenities to attract tourists and residents often results in expensive white elephants that don’t do the job — “build it, and often they do not come.”

We should finish Festival Plaza, but the investment should be justified in terms of the tangible benefits it will bring to the community. A better riverfront venue will benefit Windsor, but I don’t see the evidence to support over-investment here.

Surely there are higher priorities for the City than another dubious bet on tourism.

Doug Sartori is a political observer and organizer. When he’s not recording podcasts or getting people out to vote, he runs Parallel 42 Systems, a technology consultancy in downtown Windsor.

The proposal to cover the Festival Plaza is a much needed project.

Honestly, the fact that it was built on a swath of blacktop without any protection from the sun was a failure on the original development.

That said, it should be included in a bigger picture plan for all the proposed development on the books in the downtown core.

The Beacon projects, the Central Library (that just got $25,000,000 more expensive), the City Hall gateway project, and the list goes on. Having a broad strategy that could

as a surprise I support finishing Festival Plaza as presented, complete with translucent canopy and all.

My parents Sheryl Davies and John Liedtke were half of the original promoters of Bluesfest International and I grew up watching the festival and Windsor’s festival season grow from street festivals to the old casino oniondome stage in a parking lot, to the current unfinished cement slab we have today.

The plaza is a heat sink, which makes it virtually impossible to use when the sun is directly overhead, and it’ll only get worse if summers continue getting hotter. Adding shade via a canopy, greenery, seating and perhaps a concession will provide year round access to what will arguably become one of the crown jewels of Windsor’s arts and culture offerings.

While the price is high, the unfinished site needs to be completed.

It’s not a comparable expense to the Aquatic Centre as it’s not predicated on a dream to lure tourists via sports tourism — Windsor’s festival season already draws tourists and event promoters and attendees deserve a completed site.

It’s unfortunate that politics delayed the projected start date, and my hope is that initial work can begin to ensure inevitable completion.

Allowing for the Festival Plaza to remain a heat sink parking lot with a cement stage is half-assed and Windsorites deserve better.

And for those who point to the Jackson Park Band Shell as a more deserving project requiring investment, my response: why not both?

Jon Liedtke is a Co-host and Producer of Rose City Politics, a business consultant focusing on cannabis and marketing, an occasional reporter and writer, and a band member of Windsor’s The Nefidovs.

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Don Merrifield Jr.

encompass the various plans would be better than one-off planning for each project.

In my opinion, if you are going to do a canopy over Festival Plaza it would make sense to fully enclose the plaza so it could be used year round and possibly add market-type retail stalls to have another destination option.

I know Windsor is anti private development and business development to keep our waterfront “green”, but let’s not kid ourselves, we have developed the waterfront. We have just focused on parking lots, entertainment plazas, and the worst waterfront restaurant design I have ever seen.

Instead of developing it haphazardly, how about we do something that makes sense and get the best use and return on our $100,000,000 plus tax dollars for all the projects proposed?

Or we can just fix mistakes again down the line.

Don Merrifield Jr. is a REALTOR serving Windsor Essex County for over 21 years, a Co-Host on Rose City Politics for over 10 years, a father and grandfather, a former professional musician, and a former Ward 3 City Council candidate.

Festival Plaza is part of the priceless ribbon of parkland along our riverfront that extends from the Ambassador Bridge to Walkerville. I don’t think there is anyone, with even slight familiarity with the plaza that could seriously argue that it isn’t in need of attention and improvement.

Any plan for the plaza, however, must meet the needs of the organizations and community members who use the space, both now and in the future, and must be considered through the lenses of integration and complementarity.

How the space can be used, by whom, and for what, are critical questions that must be asked and answered before considering the worthiness of any design plans for this public space.

The redesign work for Festival Plaza began in 2013 and much has changed since then. Little stakeholder consultation has taken place since 2015.

There are questions about linkages with other initiatives underway, including the Civic Esplanade project and the changes being considered for Riverside Drive. Moreover, the design proposal that was brought forward was not consistent with the City’s own bylaw and would necessitate a change in a hard-fought by-law regarding the riverfront.

Add a price tag of $35 million and it is not hard to see how this is not something that should be added to a Council agenda and then rushed to a vote.

Pat Papadeas I was pleased to see Council defer this matter, but I had expected there would be language around stakeholder consultation in the interim. I am hopeful that this will nonetheless be undertaken, lest I have to copy/paste this again here in the future.

Pat Papadeas is a legal studies professor at St. Clair College and co-author of the textbook “Canadian Business Law” (Emond Publishing).

She is active in organizations that directly or indirectly support a bold and vibrant downtown.

The Rose City Politics panel includes Doug Sartori, Pat Papadeas, Don Merrifield Jr., and Jonathon Liedtke and broadcasts Wednesday nights at: RoseCityPolitics.ca. It is available on all your favourite podcasting and social media apps and appears in print monthly in Biz X magazine.

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FRONTLINES New Tool Shares Family Stories To Multiple Generations In October, a Windsor business man introduced the world to his new cloud-based digital time capsule, called Share Life Plus.

It is private, secure, and designed to enable family leaders to easily collect and share their: family history, life stories, life lessons, core values; treasured family memories, and knowledge/insight gained over a lifetime.

Share Life helps families create a new tradition of documenting and sharing forward family stories and knowledge over multiple generations. To date, there is nothing quite like it on the Internet!

“Each of us has unique life stories and every family has a unique history that our children and grandchildren will one day want to connect with,” says Bernie Mantay, who created Share Life when he realized there was no solution on the market where he could easily share memories with his daughters.

He continues by explaining: “I wanted to document the story of our family, to pass on knowledge and to share insight gained over the years — and I wanted it to be readily accessible

Share Life Plus is a family, building software in the cloud. This screenshot shows the Entries List that displays entries and the status of each entry, whether created by a user or received from other users.

when it became relevant in their lives. A Word document wasn’t going to cut it. Adding the ability to share forward allows for a multigenerational conversation like never before.”

The last couple of years have seen huge growth in companies who enable people to learn more about who they are, and where they come from.

Given the events over just the last 20 years, it’s clear each generation lives through major historical moments. There’s great value in each of us recording and sharing our own accounts of the history we’ve lived, because each experience is unique and worth preserving.

In a time where information has become infinitely more searchable and not always reliable, our life experiences may be one of the richest sources of information we can give to our children and grandchildren.

The Share Life approach takes the “hunt” out of genealogy and instead gives members the opportunity to provide authentic content for the benefit of future generations.

You have a story worth telling, and with Share Life Plus, you are empowered to tell it on your terms!

For more information on annual membership fees, visit: ShareLife.Plus or: Facebook.com/ShareLifePlatform.

Windsor Ready-Mix Sets In Cement New Ownership And Management With COVID-19 restrictions continuing to take a bite out of the restaurant sector, Giuliano Raimondo decided to make some changes.

“I was in the restaurant business for years and I didn’t think it was going to rebound to pre-pandemic levels so I felt it was time to do something different,” he says.

So Raimondo bought Windsor Ready-Mix, a supplier of batched concrete for the residential and commercial construction industry across Essex County.

“I believe the construction industry will continue to grow and that there’s now a pent-up demand in the residential and construction sector,” explains Raimondo.

He took over the business in March 2021 when the company was averaging $100,000 in annual sales. By mid-October, sales had reached $1.5 million for this year and were still growing.

The construction sector appears to be on the rebound and the value of residential building permits issued by the City of Windsor, hit almost $47 million in September, compared to just $18.5 million in September 2020.

“I thought it was a great opportunity and decided to try and take advantage of it,” says Raimondo. “We haven’t made many changes in our business model. Concrete is what we do and we do it very well.”

The company works with a few major contractors across the region supplying concrete for the numerous driveways and sidewalks that accompany every residential and commercial construction project.

Windsor Ready-Mix specializes in engineered multi-class premium cement with an added focus on air-entrained cement, which contains

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Working out of the 3914 North Service Road East location, (left) Nick Dimitriou, Manager and Giuliano Raimondo, Owner of Windsor Ready-Mix, Inc., are always ready to supply engineered multi-class premium cement to their residential and commercial customers. Photo by Rod Denis.

billions of tiny air cells per cubic foot, which relieves internal pressure on the concrete particularly during freeze-thaw cycles.

“It’s going very well so far and I expect it will continue,” adds Raimondo. “We’re fortunate in Windsor in that we have a long construction season because of the mild weather.”

The business, which has been in operation since 1995, also supplies colour service and fibre-mesh infusion products. It relies mostly on word-of-mouth and its long-time reputation in the local construction industry to attract new customers.

There are currently five employees working from their office situated at 3914 North Service Road East in Windsor.

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NEW IN BIZ

Essex Lakehouse: Luxury On The Waterfront Story And Photos By Dave Hall

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former bed-and-breakfast on the shores of Lake Erie in Harrow has been transformed into an upscale, expansive event centre for weddings, corporate retreats, birthday celebrations, galas and fundraising events.

Now operating as the Essex Lakehouse, it features eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a large main-floor great room and a fullyequipped kitchen and dining area capable of seating 24 guests.

It’s the brainchild of a six-member family from Mississauga and Caledon – Jerry and Harinder Sahota, their daughters Khushboo and Jinnie Sahota, along with Harinder’s sister Mandy Sekhon and her husband Gagan Sekhon.

“We’re a very close-knit family and we were originally looking to buy a place where we could visit as a family, have some fun and unwind,” explains Khushboo. “But, when we stumbled upon this gem in October of last year (2020), we loved it so much that we decided to share it with the community.”

She adds: “As soon as we saw it, my mom said ‘you girls are going to get married here’ and from that our idea just grew and grew.”

The property also features a large lawn, which sweeps down to the lake, and a spectacular view along the shoreline.

All of the bedrooms, with the exception of one in the basement, have balconies or walkout patios with views of either the lake or the front of the property, which is nestled in a quiet location at 309 Martin Lane.

Seven of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms other than one which shares a bathroom with an adjacent bedroom.

And in recognition of the centre’s location, all of the bedrooms are

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Essex Lakehouse owners from left: Khushboo, Jinnie, Jerry and Harinder Sahota, along with Harinder’s sister Mandy Sekhon and her husband Gagan Sekhon, took possession of the 7,000 sq. foot waterfront property in December 2020 and have turned it into an upscale, expansive event centre, just metres from the calm shores of Lake Erie.

named for local Essex County communities.

The 7,200 square foot centre has already hosted a few small weddings in an intimate, safe environment. There are plans to make the centre available to larger groups now that COVID-19 restrictions are being eased.

“We stayed here as a family for almost six months while working remotely so we could get everything ready for our first guests,” explains Jinnie. “We had to renovate and upgrade certain areas of the property as well as doing some painting and installing new carpeting.”

The owners used local contractors for all of the work and plan to do so in the future as well.

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The family believes there’s unlimited potential in Essex County, especially in communities adjacent to the region’s awardwinning wineries, top-class restaurants and golf courses.

“We believe it’s comparable to Niagaraon-the-Lake and that it’s the ‘next thing’ for visitors seeking a unique location for different kinds of events,” adds Jinnie.

In their opinion, smaller, more intimate weddings will be the wave of the future and their property is ideally suited for such events.

“We think COVID will be a permanent disruptor and determine the future style and size of corporate gatherings, wedding and parties,” Jinnie comments.

The owners held an open house, staged

by Nancy Campana of Nouveau Event Planning (and organizer of Wedding Shows Windsor), in early October and invited different vendors from the across the county, which gave them an opportunity to meet one-on-one with potential renters.

An interior balcony on the second floor overlooks the building’s first-floor great room, which opens out onto the lawn leading to the shores of Lake Erie. There are eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms with sleeping quarters for as many as 24 guests.

“This is brand-new to all of us, and Nancy has been a huge help in putting us together with potential vendors and suppliers, since we decided what we were going to do with this spectacular property,” mentions Jinnie.

Among the vendors were: Photomatic, R Vintage Furniture Rentals, Little Bird Event Co., Dynamic Sound, Mule Cart Bar Co., Artisan Photography, Swanky Affair Wedding and Event Design, Blumz Floral Boutique, Jacob Medler Photography, Pelee Island Winery, Starlight Aerial Productions, A La Carte Gelato & Desserts, Festival Ice Sculptures, Pretty Pink Kitchen, Allure Events, Tablesettings & More Rentals, Festival Tent & Event Rentals, Kings Bakeshop, North 42 Degrees Estate Winery, and Spry Photography.

Rentals are for the property alone. Clients are then expected to hire their own caterers, and vendors for their special event.

For more information online go to the website: EssexLakehouse.ca.

All of the bedrooms are named for Essex County communities to help give the centre a welcoming local vibe. This room, with a sitting area overlooking the lawn and Lake Erie, is the “LaSalle Suite”.

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HEARD ON THE STREET A little over three years ago, cannabis was legalized in Canada and licenced stores selling its by-products started sprouting up across the country, operated by those lucky enough to win a licence through a government-regulated lottery system. In April 2020, Ontario’s government put an end to the cap on licences in the province and eliminated the lottery allowing free enterprise to operate in the marketplace.

As a sign of how far cannabis acceptance has come, it went from being illegal in September 2018 to being deemed an essential service during the first round of COVID-19 restrictions in March 2020. By the middle of October 2021, there were as many as 60 cannabis stores operating or preparing to open across Essex County, according to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which regulates cannabis store operations across the province. Windsor, not surprisingly, leads the way with 41.

There are four open or preparing to open in Lakeshore, three in each of Tecumseh and Leamington, two in Essex, Amherstburg and Kingsville, and one in each of Harrow and Lakeshore (Belle River). So far, only Pelee Island has no cannabis shops operating within its boundaries. For more information and a list of cannabis stores across Ontario, visit: AGCO.ca.

Not only did we just write in our summer issue about Access Storage acquiring Guardian Storage’s two locations, giving them a total of 10 locations in the area, now there are even more changes in the selfstorage business taking place. Operating since 1988, J’s Loc-It, 1847 Manning Road in Tecumseh, was sold in early November

to Access Storage as well. And Make Space has purchased a 650-unit self-storage location at 694 Cameron Avenue from Price Self Storage, which has retained ownership of two locations in London. Make Space Facility Manager Samantha Imbert says that once onsite changes have been completed, the company will introduce portable storage units. These are designed to be delivered to a client’s property and filled with the client’s belongings while a home is being renovated.

Once renovations are complete and the unit is empty again, it will be taken back to the Make Space property. Rental fees would be determined by how long the client uses the storage unit. Imbert adds that the Cameron location has only a handful of units available for rental. Sizes range from five feet by five feet all the way up to 10 feet by 30 feet. More details can be found on: MakeSpaceStorage.ca/self-storage/windsor.

After five years operating in the heart of Ottawa Street, the Windsor Tea Emporium is on the move to 3244 Walker Road inside the Windsor Cake Emporium location, its sister company. Owner Mary Christine Smith acknowledges she “truly loves Ottawa Street and the feeling of community it has to offer,” but COVID-19 protocols have forced many businesses to re-strategize in order to remain profitable. “We are transitioning to a new trend of catering and takeout with no inside dining,” says Smith.

“Our dining room on Ottawa Street wasn’t being utilized and it was wasted space that we were paying for.” The menu remains the same as before and free delivery on orders over $25 is now available. The re-opening was set for mid-November with details

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posted on: WindsorTeaEmporium.com and their social media pages. In mid-October, the tea company’s previous space, 1295 Ottawa Street, was listed for lease by Chris Djelebian, a member of The Verge Team at Keller Williams Lifestyles Windsor (VergeRealEstateTeam.com). And it didn’t take long for a new tenant to be found!

“I was very pleased with the amount of activity and interest in the rental location,” says Djelebian. “I’m not at liberty to say who the new tenant is at this point (early November), however, I can say they will be a great addition to the community.”

A proposed sale of The Dugout Sports Lounge, at 300 Ouellette Avenue, has been put on hold, amid the current environment in the hospitality industry. The prospective buyer, who chooses to remain anonymous, says “it’s really difficult to say what will happen at this point, but for now, it’s a no go.” Originally, as published in this column in the October edition, Dugout owner Nick Puim was anticipating moving to Antigua and opening a bar, but that has been placed on hold as well. The Dugout, which opened in May 2010, has been a fixture of the downtown hospitality industry for a number of years. Puim was unavailable for comment before press time, but you can read more about his bar at: TheDugoutWindsor.ca.

A building at 1969 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor, which housed the Walker D. Kelly Life Celebration Centre, has been sold to an unnamed buyer after less than three months on the market. It opened in 1958 when Walter Douglas Kelly bought the property, and when he died in 1962, his wife Miriam took over along with Jack Garswood. It passed into daughter Barbara Ann’s hands in 1978 before being sold to Dignity Memorial in 1997. Dignity closed the centre in August 2021 after deciding to consolidate operations at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Centre, which it also owns, at 895 Ouellette Avenue.

Representatives of Anderson/Dignity couldn’t be reached by press time.

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN The Windsor Classic Chorale (WCC), Windsor’s premier chamber choir, has become a core component of the local arts community, dedicated to achieving artistic excellence by maintaining a high level of musicianship with a rich palette of ambitious choral works. While they are still unable to perform in person, the WCC is very excited to celebrate the holidays in new and exciting ways with a holiday concert in December hosted on their website. Celebrate the season in song with the Windsor Classic Chorale. Timeless carols, solemn readings, and a surprise visit from jolly old Saint Nick himself, are only the beginning of what’s in store for the viewers! To make a donation to this event, please refer to: CanadaHelps.org/ en/dn/15705 and select “Holiday Concert 2021” as the fund. Although they are not able to have audiences hear them in person, this transition to a virtual format is providing the WCC with the opportunity to extend its performances to audiences

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beyond Windsor and Essex County. Let’s all show the WCC how much we support what they do by tuning in! Learn more on: WindsorClassicChorale.org and keep up to date with the latest concert details on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Thirsty Butler (1585 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor), owned by Dan Gobbo and Jeff Bourque, officially rebranded to Walkerville’s newest and only sports lounge in late September 2021. The two owners have worked in the hospitality industry for many years. Gobbo since 1981, when he opened up Peachy’s in downtown Windsor, then shortly after, Bentley’s Roadhouse and finally, the Electric Fish.

Bourque was a wine/cooler representative back then and the two eventually met and became friends. Years later they opened The Butler in June 2018. The original concept was a jazz lounge with cocktails and charcuterie boards, but it did not take long until they realized the area needed a sports bar instead! Fast forward to 2021

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Pictured are the owners of Walkerville’s newest sports lounge, Thirsty Butler, Dan Gobbo (left) and Jeff Bourque.

Photo courtesy of Emily Borland/Walkerville BIA.

and the rebrand becomes reality with an entirely new renovated hot kitchen (June), accompanied by a delicious new menu and plenty of big screen TVs. Not only can you enjoy a drink and watch the big game at the same time, but now you can order tasty game-day foods too. Choices include their Peachy’s wings, nacho platters, Cajun beef tips, potato jackets and of course, the fan favourite — Smash Burgers! Learn more about the new menu at: ThirstyButler.ca.

HALL OF FAME The River Bookshop, 67 Richmond Street in Amherstburg, is this year’s recipient of the “Peter Stokes Restoration Award: Small-Scale/Individual/ Small Business” by the Architectural Conservancy Ontario (ACO) in Toronto.

Congratulations to Richard and Colleen Peddie, manager Lori Wightman, their staff and all the local contractors, led by the Fortis Group, who brought the bookstore to life in August 2020! The business is housed in a newly renovated 1885 Victorian building and the exterior also features a mural by Harrow artist David Creed.

Biz X magazine is very proud of the River Bookshop, who also earned a Biz X Award for the “Outstanding New Business Of 2020”.

Read about the shop’s latest ACO win on: AcoHeritageAwards.ca/river-bookshop and more about their inventory of books and curbside pickup offered on the website: RiverBookshop.com.

Windsor author and businesswoman Jackie Apostol-Pizzuti has received a gold medal award from the Jenkins Group in Traverse City, Michigan for her book, “Healing Pretty”. The “Living Well Book Awards” are awarded annually to recognize outstanding books that celebrate innovation and creativity of newly published books that enhance the quality of life. “Healing Pretty” is a guidebook for women with cancer that helps women prepare for and get through cancer treatment. “I’m really quite honoured that my book has received this award,” comments Apostol-Pizzuti. “I’m honoured to help women with cancer. I knew I wanted to do this after helping my sister go through cancer, and the many women I see in my boutique (Wigs to Wellness and The Mastectomy Boutique, 4454 Howard Avenue, Windsor). They are overwhelmed with anxiety and information. It was my intention to bring everything together in one place in an easy-to-understand way, and it brings me much comfort knowing that so many women locally and around

the world have benefited from it.” The book tells women what to expect every step of the way from diagnosis to treatment and s u r v i vo r s h i p , with 12 chapters covering hair loss, post-surgical healing bras, fertility preservation, the best radiation burn creams, facial care and make-up tips, scar treatments, surgery reconstruction options, comfort and fashion accessories, and more. It also features tips and stories from cancer survivors. “I am so thrilled that Healing Pretty has received this type of recognition,” says Jill Laframboise, local breast cancer survivor. “After 10 years I’m now in remission, but when I was diagnosed at 23, I wish I had this book. It would have saved me so much time and anxiety to help me prepare for and get through my treatment.”

For further details please view the following websites: LivingNowAwards.com/156/2021winners; HealingPrettyBook.com and WigsToWellness.com.

It’s more than your livelihood, it’s your life.

You deserve an advisor who understands your agriculture business — and the personal stake you have in its success. MNP is here to help you make the right decisions for your business, your life, and your future.

Alex Wiens, CPA, CA | Walter Benzinger, CPA, CA, CFP Suite 200 – 2565 Ouellette Ave., Windsor, ON | 519.967.0388 MNP.ca

B I Z X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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© Can Stock Photo/Kurhan

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Vietnamese Salad with your choice of chicken breast, shrimp or Japanese tofu.

Another winner on a health kick is the Garden Burger and the best of the bun is the Beef Brisket with fries.

THIS ISSUE FEATURES…

Erie St GastroPub 839 Erie Street East, Windsor

By David Clark

Photos courtesy of Clear Rock Studios

A

true superstar has graced Windsor’s “Little Italy” in a very unique way, offering elevated pub fare, Asian Fusion dishes and vegan and vegetarian options as well.

Having opened in August of 2021, the Erie St GastroPub offers a casual environment with superior service at very reasonable prices. The GastroPub has non-Italian options, but is still a part of the trendy vibe of the Erie Street dining and entertainment scene.

“We have had 12 years of successful ownership in opening six different locations under three different brands/concepts, in the Toronto and Ottawa areas,” according to Graham Marko, Operations Manager.

“We have now consolidated into a fulltime dedicated unique concept and it’s only available in Windsor.”

Owner/Operator Chef Le Le features plenty of delicious choices on the menu that aim to please all diners. Local foodies and customers enjoy the many exotic items she creates, including the Chicken Wings, Pad Thai and burgers.

Starting with the appetizers, the chef gets your mouth watering with generous helpings of the Crispy Rolls with homemade

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While the homemade Beef Burger is a fantastic pub fare choice, for those wanting to eat healthier, the Garden Burger is the way to go. The homemade veggie patty features a choice of cheese or avocado on it.

deep-fried rice paper wraps, sweet/sour chili sauce, and a choice of pork or veggie.

The word is out on the Surf and Turf appetizer. You have the Tempura Shrimp on it and pork belly with dipping sauce and Mango Salad. Pay attention to this one, it has had several favourable responses, right out of the gate.

The chef-inspired soup changes daily and is prepared everyday too.

The Udon Noodle Soup with chicken and shrimp in a spicy coconut milk broth is another popular choice.

For a healthy option, look at the

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Pad Thai, one of the most popular entrées, originated from overseas and is now a Canadian fusion meal at the Erie St GastroPub. This is a noodle dish with a choice of Japanese tofu, chicken or shrimp mixed in.

And you can enjoy the side salad too.

If you’re tired of fast food burgers via the drive-thru, make a pit stop at the GastroPub for high quality homemade burgers.

“Always a classic and touted as the best, the Beef Burger pairs well with the Poutine, which was raved about in our Ottawa location as the best,” says Marko.

The Asian version of Ox Tail has its place in the spotlight too, marinated in white wine, turmeric and galangal, an Asian root with a coconut cream base, served with carrots and coconut sticky rice. It’s definitely very flavourful!

But that’s not all! The restaurant has lots of entrées worth serious consideration, including a fan favourite, Pad Thai.

“It’s a well known Asian staple dish that has been a huge success at the Erie St GastroPub and our previous Ontario locations,” Marko points out. “It comes with veggies and a side salad with Japanese tofu, chicken or shrimp.”

A new addition to their menu options and a huge hit for vegetarians, vegans and meat lovers, is the Mi Quang Noodle, with rice stick noodles, lots of veggies and up to two choices from tofu, chicken, beef or shrimp.

Guarding “Little Italy” over Elsmere Avenue and Erie Street East, the Erie St GastroPub is a sight to see at night with its beautiful lighting and trendy upscale design.

The perfect ending to a great meal is with a sweet dessert; choose from the homemade soft, light and fluffy Japanese Cheesecake or the Che Chuoi, a homemade tapioca and coconut cream pudding with caramelized banana. Yum! As you have read, the GastroPub prides itself on offering a large variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free selections, as well as lactose sensitivities.

“Our ingredients are fresh and locally sourced and we try to accommodate all your dietary needs,” says Marko.

Moving to the beverage department, whether it’s happy hour or a drink with dinner, it’s always time for pub favourites on tap, in a bottle or filling your glass. How about one of the 50 plus craft beers — mainly from Ontario, but also from across Canada and around the globe — to complement the authentic pub Chicken Wings?

With the feel of a real pub, but so much more, you will also find many choices of Ontario wines, ciders and exciting cocktails.

Wine is served in six and nine ounce glasses and is also available by the bottle.

The Marynissen Estates Pinot Grigio and Vieni Estates Red Trillium Ripasso are among the top selections.

With 24 beer taps and 40 to 50 beers in cans/bottles, the #1 selling breweries at the pub are Blood Brothers and Bellwoods from Toronto, and Fairweather of Hamilton. The top styles are lagers and sours.

Or you can have them create a special cocktail for you, such as a Blueberry Lavender Mojito or Smokey Pineapple Margarita! The entertaining Bar Manager Trevor Labonte recently released their fall cocktail list, and you know it is going to be fun to watch him make your drinks!

And for special events? With 140 seats on the patio and 128 seats in the dining area, there will be no problem fitting in all your guests during any season.

Since their summer opening, several changes have been made regarding takeout

and delivery options. The Erie St GastroPub now offers takeout and has set up an online integrated takeout to make ordering easier and visual.

“Delivery systems are already implemented with Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes, DoorDash and the socially conscious Jubzi,” says Marko. “These platforms will be integrated into our POS systems to avoid mistakes.”

The Beef Brisket is just like mum used to make on Sundays, but put it on a bun and make it gluten-free and tangy with a side of sweet potato fries and tasty Vietnamese Slaw to top it off.

An intelligent way to get the food to you is the QR code-based menu viewing system, where the GastroPub allows the customers to see the food and pay for the bill online using their phone, integrated with Google or Apple pay. This tech tool is right around the corner. For details, feel free to contact the staff to learn how it works.

Always looking for new and innovative ways to operate and keep the customers happy and engaged, the pub has a dedicated staff that is very appreciative of their customers. The proof is found in the reviews, claiming this is their new “go to” spot for food, drinks and beer.

“We are very happy we chose Windsor as our new home and appreciate the warm welcome we have received,” explains Marko.

Most of what you need to know, like the hours of operation, food and drink menus, can be viewed on the restaurant’s website at: ErieStGastroPub.com or on their social media page on: Facebook.com/ErieStGastroPub. B I Z X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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Cover Story Award Write-ups By Rebecca Wright & Jim Murphy

L

et’s step back in time to the gold rushes in North Carolina 1799, Georgia 1829 and California 1848 to 1855.

The Gold Rush in 1849 stimulated worldwide interest in prospecting for gold, and led to new rushes in Australia, South Africa, Wales, and Scotland. Successive gold rushes occurred in British Columbia and in many states in the U.S., including Alaska.

One of the last “great gold rushes” was the Klondike Gold Rush in Canada’s Yukon Territory (1896 to 99), which became famous in the novels of Jack London, and Charlie Chaplin’s film, “The Gold Rush”.

As you are aware, this precious metal has played a huge role throughout history. From gold bars hoarded by ancient empires, to the Renaissance gold coins, to the gold rushes and gold bullion jewellery, gold is a part of life. And obviously a big part of business — mining, jewellery, coins, art and more.

The “gold standard” is a paradigm of excellence by which similar items are judged or measured. It’s a level that all aspire to achieve and the perfect way to describe the Biz X Award nominees.

In addition, since gold stands for prosperity, strength, success and a winner mentality, it became quite obvious that in honour of our 24th year, 24 Karat gold was a great fit.

Thus the theme “Year 24K: Setting The Gold Standard” was born.

Throughout the Biz X Awards edition, you will see elements of the 24 Karat gold theme. Editorial photos and captions feature gold mines, prospectors, gold nuggets and gold bars with references to TV shows/music/catch phrases whenever possible.

Though our theme changes each year, our mission always remains the same . . . to honour the outstanding entrepreneurs and leaders in Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island.

And, according to the loyal readers of Biz X magazine, we are “sitting on a gold mine” of exceptional nominees!

Just as in Discovery’s “Gold Rush” TV show that follows the lives of miners who risk it all to pull gold out of the ground for a big pay out, our award nominees battle the odds each and every day . . . hoping for their own “pot of gold.”

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We are now entering “the “golden age”. The Biz X Awards are celebrating 24 years of excellence in 2021 with their own gold ingots! All joking aside, for 24 of the 214 nominees, their “gold medal” is a “golden” Biz X Award plaque.

Rectangular gold bar photo courtesy of Pexels website and Photoshop work (Biz X Award stamped on the bars) by Rod Denis.

Which local businesses, organizations, events and professionals will be chosen to receive the “golden” Biz X Award — the “pillars of success” — this year?

In 2021, our 24th annual awards tribute, 214 nominees competed in 24 categories. This year, the online voting poll ran from September 16 until September 24 with over 25,000 votes coming in.

Our award history goes back to 1998, and to date, over 750 Biz X Awards have been handed out. Like every year before, the new batch of nominees are simply the best our region has to offer and we congratulate every company, organization, event and individual listed throughout this entire cover story.

However, like all award programs, there can be only one winner of each category in the end.

These lucky recipients receive a plaque from The Trophy Boys (see above graphic), B I Z X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

to display in their workplace, and promotion in the Biz X Awards tribute (the print and digital copies plus BizXmagazine.com); local news outlets and social media. They are also given a “golden opportunity” to record an award acceptance speech, airing on YourTV (Channel HD 700) in January 2021.

Our main award sponsors for each section include: Motor City Community Credit Union, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, St. Clair College Alumni Association, Century 21 Showtime Realty (“Team Monty”) and Jem Software.

Let’s now fill you in on how a business or individual became an award nominee or the overall winner of their category, by recapping “THE GOLDEN RULE(s)” . . .

Each year a list of award categories is published in the summer and September editions of Biz X magazine and online at our website: BizXmagazine.com. Businesses, organizations, events and people can be nominated by customers, suppliers, and Biz X readers, from late July until early September, using an online form with a section for

supporting evidence included. Only a single nomination is required to qualify for the voting poll, so everyone has a fair chance, especially if it’s a small company or organization.

After the nomination period ended, nominees were made public on the Biz X website, when a voting poll in each category commenced from mid-September until the end of the month. People could only vote once per category, per IP address, (reinforcing the fact this is not a popularity contest). Individuals could vote in all categories if they wanted — or just one! Everything was totally confidential, with no one knowing who voted for who or how many votes a particular nominee had.

The number of votes did not constitute an automatic win, and the voting results may or may not have had an impact on the judging process. Vote tallies are only a part of the overall selection process.

The qualifications for nominees are simple. Businesses and organizations must be located in Windsor, Essex County or Pelee Island, which includes LaSalle, Lakeshore, Tecumseh, Amherstburg, Kingsville, Leamington, and Essex Centre. For categories in the PEOPLE section, nominees must be 19 years of age and reside in Windsor, Essex County or Pelee Island.

Only one nomination per business/ organization or individual is permitted. There are no multiple nominations in different categories allowed. We reserve the right to choose the best category for each nominee when a nomination came in.

National chains/franchises and nonprofits are not eligible in most categories.

Our mandate is to reward start-up businesses in our region and not national companies.

However, exceptions are made in the PEOPLE categories as we do believe those individuals (working for national chains or working for a charity/non-profit) living in our area deserve to be recognized. Since this entire section (categories #8 to #13) is being judged on the individual and not the company itself, they can be included (Note: for 2021, category #10 was strictly for non-profit organizations). An exception for category #22 is also allowed as many national organizations have local chapters hosting events.

No media outlets can participate.

Nominees are given an opportunity to submit information online, answering specific questions set out by Biz X magazine, upon notification that they were nominated.

Information from the nomination forms and online submissions, along with the voting poll results, is then reviewed by each Judge on his/her own time. All nominees are required to submit information online as it is a way to check the information a nominator has submitted on the website form. The information provided is also used to compile the

write-up on the company or person in the annual awards edition should they be determined as the winner. Judges also research each nominee at their own discretion. The Judges meet after the online voting poll closes and all nominee information is received, discuss their findings with each other and select the final winners during “Judgment Night” in October.

To avoid any conflict of interest, Biz X full time staff members are not permitted to participate in the judging process. This is to ensure impartiality to all advertisers, suppliers, and friends. As well, Judges cannot participate on “Judgment Night” conversations or the final voting in any categories that friends, relatives, or their own business are being considered for.

They also are not permitted to be involved in any part of the judging process if their own business or workplace is a supplier to a nominee or pays a nominated company for any services they or their business may need. There is an exception to this rule if a Judge has hired or worked with many nominees in the category.

We consider him/her an expert in this industry with valuable input to offer and they are permitted to vote. As well, in large categories, such as #8 “Powerhouse Professional” — where certain Judges know multiple nominees and all Judges would have had to declare a bias as each knows at least one nominee — they are allowed to participate or there would be no voting Judges! Please note that any biases declared by Judges, are mentioned at the end of the award write-up, if necessary.

Businesses do not have to be an advertiser with the magazine to be nominated or to win.

Every company, whether a Biz X advertiser or not, has an equal chance of winning. Once all nominations are in and the voting poll is closed (the end of September), nominees may be contacted to purchase ads by Biz X Sales Associates to thank those who nominated and voted for them in the November/December awards issue. The Judges are unaware which companies advertise in this edition (or do not) when they make their final decisions and only see the completed awards issue at the same time the readers do. This ensures there are no biases or conflicts of interest. Judges do not know who the final winners are on “Judgment Night” as they voted by secret ballot and are not told the results. All those nominees who chose to advertise in the November/December issue had nominee badges in their ads and, just before the magazine went to print, for those who won, the nominee badge was switched to a winner badge (without the knowledge of the advertiser). The entire process is kept top secret with only a select few knowing the final outcome during the printing process of the magazine and no-one seeing the winner badge in their ad until the annual Biz X Awards Tribute is released to the public in mid-November.

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As shown in the photo on the next page, the Biz X Award Judges (“The Golden Girls” and “Golden Boys”) in the bank vault from left are . . .

Kim Willis is new to the panel as a first-time Judge and is very excited to be involved in the entire process. She is the Director of Communications and Mental Health Promotion for the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County and has more than 20 years of fundraising and communications experience, primarily in the education and healthcare sectors. Working with her team, she helped launch the “Sole Focus Project” campaign in 2017 to be proactive in making Windsor Essex a mentally healthier community.

She has her Masters of Arts in Journalism from Western University and also has her Certified Fund Raising Executive designation. In addition, she is a freelance writer and has recently started a podcast called “KC Keeping It Real.” As an avid fan of all things Windsor Essex, Willis loves to learn about the wonderful events happening in the region. “The Biz X Awards are a wonderful way to recognize some of the outstanding people and places that make our community special,” she states, adding she particularly loved learning about the creative and entrepreneurial nominees for the “Outstanding New Business Of 2021” category.

Seven-time Judge Jason Kerluck is the Area Manager/Leadership Coach for Soul Foods Group in Windsor Essex and also writes extensively about business and leadership in his spare time. “Being a Biz X Award Judge gives me a chance to recognize those who have the courage to make their dream a reality,” comments Kerluck.

“And when I visit these businesses afterwards and see their awards proudly displayed, I know we have helped acknowledge that courage in some small way.” Throughout his years as a Judge, the “Powerhouse Professional” category is his favourite each time. “These people are the few that pave their own paths,” he describes. “They have built a successful business, while doing some

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good for the community around them. During these trying times, that has become harder to do — making them just that much more of a ‘Powerhouse Professional’!” He feels the Biz X Awards are special because they honour small businesses and it’s the community recognizing each other for doing something special. “It’s not about who’s biggest, or the most popular,” he reports. “These awards are honest and free of bias, with even the newest upstart having a real chance to win!”

Jeremy Renaud is a second-time Judge on the panel and is very familiar with the awards process, having earned the 2018 “The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year” Biz X award for “Windsor ComiCon.” He is currently a professor in Sport and Recreation Management at St. Clair College, as well as the newly appointed eSports Coordinator for Lancer Gaming at The University of Windsor.

For most of 2021 he worked for Easter Seals Ontario (Windsor-Essex) as a Development Officer. He also volunteers in the community through The Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the panel that reviews a brilliant core of nominees and local businesses,” expresses Renaud. “It’s truly a wonderful process and though I don’t have one category I prefer over the other, I feel the Biz X Awards provide a competitive platform that challenges all businesses to excel in customer satisfaction!”

Fourth-time Judge Chad Goulet is a Project Manager at Paul Davis. For over a decade he owned his own cleaning and restoration business and decided it was time to share his knowledge and experience on a bigger scale a few years ago. Goulet is IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified for water, fire and smoke restoration. His hands-on construction involvement is a tremendous asset in assessing residential emergency remediation. He has worked side-by-side with the community to help them deal with their losses during disasters and received the 2019 Paul Davis “Rookie of the Year” award for Rookie Restoration Estimators and Restoration Supervisors who produce the most sales in the calendar year. For him it is hard to “have just one favourite award category,” but some on the top of his list include the “Powerhouse Professional” and those related to the home and construction sectors.

Goulet feels: “The Biz X Awards are important because it shows how important and vital all businesses are to the local economy.”

First-time judge Veronica Mancini is a selfprofessed renaissance woman! She is the Manager of the Chrysler Theatre at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts. Her career started in television media as a Reporter for WDIV and TV COGECO, then as a Producer/Writer/Editor for Great Lakes Television. She is also a certified chef and managed her family’s former restaurant, O’ Sole Mio Ristorante. She also loves to perform on stage with various local theatre companies. Mancini’s multitasking personality is a perfect match as a Biz X Award Judge and she is thrilled to be behind

Just like gold is a precious metal and at times locked away under high security, the Biz X Award Judges — from left: Kim Willis, Jason Kerluck, Jeremy Renaud, Chad Goulet, Veronica Mancini, Joe Ciaravino and Justin Barker — are equally as precious and also “worth their weight in gold”! After reviewing the nomination forms, information submitted online by nominees, plus conducting their own research, our experienced Judges met in the land of “golden” brown French fries, wings and burgers, known as Average Joe’s, 1286 Lauzon Road, Windsor. This “Judgment Night” took place in October in a secured, private room where “silence was not golden”! Lively debates and conversations took place on who should be determined the final winner in each category (as there were many worthy nominees) and each Judge voted by secret ballot. PHOTO CREDITS: Individual Judge photos digitally merged to one group shot: Rod Denis (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com). Background bank vault and gold bars: © Can Stock Photo/peshkov

the scenes this year. Her favourite categories are with anything involving food — a definite passion of hers. In Mancini’s opinion: “The Biz X Awards are an important showcase for local businesses and professionals, and an excellent opportunity for promotion in the Windsor Essex community.”

First-time judge Joe Ciaravino is the owner of Antonino’s Original Pizza. His successful company is a multi-award winner with accolades such as: “Best Pizza” from Community Votes 2020/2021; Best of #YQG “Best Pizza Restaurant” 2019/2020; the 2012 Biz X Award winner for “Perfect Pick-up Palace For Foodies” and the 2011 “Small Company of the Year” by the WindsorEssex Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Ciaravino enjoyed the fun of engaging in interesting conversations and constructive debates with the other Biz X Award Judges. “Discussing various industries, businesses, and professions was a learning experience,” he remarks. His favourite category was “Exceptional Social Enterprise” and adds that it was an eye-opening experience to research various charitable organizations and their efficiency in handling administrative and overhead costs. “The Biz X Awards have provided an opportunity for a unique array of businesses, organizations, and individuals/professionals to stand out as the best of the best in our community,” he states. “Recognition of excellence is always warranted, especially in categories where recognition is not commonly given.”

Justin Barker is back for his 15th year as a Biz X Award Judge. As the Manager of the Comfort Inn South Windsor, he is keenly aware of what it takes to succeed in today’s business climate as his hotel has been presented “Gold Awards” for Guest Satisfaction by Choice Hotels Canada — three consecutive times. Barker is also a member of the Board of Directors for the

Windsor/Essex Ontario Restaurant Hotel Motel Association and the newly formed Tourism Advisory Committee with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. Barker believes that as a resident, it is important to be aware of the small businesses that make our communities special.

To experience new restaurants, shops, and services or to be able to talk about an exceptional business to family and friends without hesitance is extremely important, he adds. “This year, not only did we look at excellence in business, but how businesses pivoted during these trying times — who was able to offer a product or service that made us slow down and embrace the overall experience as exceptional,” he notes. Judge Barker feels the “Artist of the Year” category highlighted the cream of the crop. “To visualize the art, to listen to music, songs and podcasts with richness and depth — the consistency, quality and character of each presentation allowed for excellence to shine through,” he describes.

“A Gold Mine Of Information” Deborah Jones, Publisher of Biz X magazine and her entire team wish to thank the Judges, sponsors, suppliers, and most importantly, our valued advertisers and readers for their support during the production of this edition, once again during an ongoing pandemic presenting unique challenges.

As the words at the top of this section suggest, get ready now to read a lot of valuable and useful information about the successful local businesses/organizations, events and people in Windsor, Essex and Pelee Island who are our 214 “solid gold” nominees.

Congratulations to all nominees (remember only the best get nominated!) and of course, the 24 winners who have been chosen to receive a “golden” Biz X Award for 2021.

Award Category banners: © Can Stock Photo/bashta • Sponsor Graphics: © Can Stock Photo/Dream79 • Photo frames/Past Winner Ad background page: © Can Stock Photo/pasiphae

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1. “Outstanding New Business Of 2021” (Businesses that opened from September 1, 2020 to September 1, 2021.) *No restaurants/food trucks or bars could be included as they can participate in the Hospitality & Entertainment Categories.

The nominees are . . .

Drinksout (January 2021), 2995 Deziel Drive, Windsor Ettractive (March 2021), 2240 Olympia Drive, Oldcastle Felix Culpa Architecture (October 2020), 2142 Moy Ave., Windsor Gridiron Boys (March 2021), GridIronBoys.com, Windsor Halo Heats (July 2021), 1082 Janette Ave., Windsor Logic Executive Search & Workplace Solutions Inc. (September 2020), LogicExecutiveSearch.com, Belle River Lungovita Beach Retreat (May 2021), 225 East County Rd. 50, Harrow MB Optometry/Sports Vision Windsor (April 2021), 1350 Provincial Rd., Windsor MESSS Makers Inc. (May 2021), 804 Lesperance Rd., Tecumseh Miller’s Bakery (May 2021), 21 Chestnut St., Kingsville Notable Pest Control, Windsor (September 2020), NotablePestControl.com Old Town Pharmacy (December 2020), 80 Richmond St., Unit 10, Amherstburg Ortaliza Urban Farms (March 2021), 25 Main St. West, Unit 1, Kingsville Pro Fit Pools Inc. (April 2021), Facebook.com/pro.fitpoolsinc, Windsor Proper Picnics (March 2021), 2489 Seminole St., Windsor Sunday Home Living (June 2021), 1285 Ottawa St., Windsor

Tammy’s Barker Shoppe Dog Grooming (October 2020), 12361 Lachance Ct., Tecumseh The LaSalle Cannabis Co. (August 2021), 791 Front Rd., Unit B2, LaSalle The Little Cider Company (June 2021), 957 Ridge Rd., Harrow Walkerville Mercantile Ltd. (August 2021), 1719 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Windsor Cake Emporium (June 2021), 3244 Walker Rd., Unit 4, Windsor

overall design — style with substance.” The owners describe their pieces as classic and iconic with quality materials used so the clothing lasts for many years and only looks better as it ages. “I believe at Walkerville Mercantile, you’re getting quality, longterm staples,” comments Judge Barker. The Daults assert their styles don’t go out of fashion in a year or two, and boast a “slow fashion, as opposed to the toxic fast fashion the industry is currently inundated with.”

Walkerville Mercantile opened its doors in August 2021 and the owners describe their target market as men between the ages of 20 to 65. They are committed to the craftsmanship used to manufacture the clothing they sell, which they say means the use of skilled workers who are trained in their craft, are paid a living wage and have their human rights respected. “It is easy to sell cheap clothing that looks good for a short period of time, but the true cost of that is heavy and often hidden from sight,” comment the owners. “The old axioms of ‘you get what you pay for’ and ‘quality

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Walkerville Mercantile Ltd.

In the heart one of Windsor’s most trendy and historic districts, Walkerville Mercantile Ltd. fits right in, adding to the area’s charm.

The shop is full of distinct men’s fashion items — clothing and accessories with character. “What makes us unique within our industry and the advantages it entails, can be summed up in the two cornerstones of the clothing we carry — style and quality,” explain Owners Thomas and Jennifer Dault. “The high grade of materials and craftsmanship bear equal weight to the

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Back in the “Gold Rush” days of the 1850s, one of the biggest mercantile success stories was that of Levi Strauss who sold sturdy work pants to the miners. How fitting it is then that our first Biz X Award of 2021 — the Walkerville Mercantile Ltd. — also sells men’s clothing from brands that have been around for over a hundred years (and some not quite that old!). Photo courtesy of the Walkerville Mercantile Ltd.

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A look inside the historic Walkerville Mercantile Ltd., purveyor of fine men’s garments and accessories.

Photo courtesy of the Walkerville Mercantile Ltd.

over quantity’ ring true to us and are indeed behind the very ethos of our shop.” The owners say they postponed their official opening until they were cleared to do so due to pandemic restrictions, and continue to operate within the parameters set out by the local health unit and provincial government.

Shoppers can also purchase products from the comfort of their homes through their website: WalkervilleMercantile.com. “We believe in going that extra mile for our customers, whether it be by placing special orders, staying open later to accommodate customers, or simply just recognizing our customers as people and taking the time to talk with them,” state the owners, who are currently the only employees. As for the future, they plan to expand into the women’s segment of clothing accessories, as well as home décor.

2. “The High Note Music Studio” (The focus is on the experience of the teacher (s), qualifications, teaching philosophy, school/studio location, cost per lesson, if virtual learning is offered.)

The nominees are . . .

Elite Piano Studios, 3315 Banwell Rd., Windsor Featherstone Music & Performing Arts Company, 628 Monmouth Rd., Units 8 & 9, Windsor Half Step Away, HalfStepAway.com, Tecumseh Marie-Rose Music Studio, 1700 Sprucewood Ave., LaSalle Renée’s Music Studio And Store, 421 Puce Rd., Belle River Sonata Piano Studio, 13311 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh South Windsor School of Music, 2965 Dominion Blvd., Windsor

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Tecumseh Music Centre, 13126 Tecumseh Rd. East, Unit 2, Tecumseh And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Renée’s Music Studio And Store

Offering lessons for any age from infants to seniors, Renée’s Music Studio is like one big “music family,” describes Owner Renée Rutledge. “I have always felt and treated our students like family,” she indicates. “I tell my teachers all the time that teaching music is as much about cultivating a relationship with our students, as it is teaching them the skills to become successful musicians.”

Their slogan is “Begin early, love it daily, enjoy it for life!” Besides offering private lessons for piano, vocal, violin, guitar, ukulele, and drums, Renée’s offers the Music Pups group class for infants and toddlers and Music for Young Children for beginners aged three to six years (find more details on: ReneesMusicStudio.ca). Rutledge has more than 20 years of teaching experience and has received her ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She opened her business in September 2000 and she believes she has a unique teacher training program. “If I see potential for a student to be a great teacher one day, I will encourage them and instruct them as part of their training as a musician,” explains Rutledge. “I have already had several former students teach at our studio in the past before moving on with their schooling and careers and have four students currently teaching for me.” Recently, she has turned her focus to building the store and instrument service side of her studio, where people are able to purchase or rent equipment and have stringed instruments serviced (ReneesMusicStore.ca).

“And just for fun I have been offering décor and other music-oriented gift items at the studio,” she adds. Nominator Teanna L. writes: “Renée is passionate about her school and just built a beautiful facility. During the pandemic, they have not stopped providing music classes to children and now have a store to help other small businesses within her school. She’s fantastic!” Judges were also B I Z X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

impressed with the entire facility and the amazing atmosphere. Judge Kerluck states, “It actually kind of takes the whole teaching element and rolls in an experience — inside a barn! I like the fact that it’s not just simply, ‘I’m going to teach your kid piano,’ it’s more interesting. And they also do repairs, it’s very well rounded.” Judge Barker agrees and believes “Renée’s Music Studio has a warm and welcoming environment that’s great for learning.” Rutledge believes it is important to collaborate and support other local small businesses and has alliances with La Belle Fromage, and Wine Works, in Belle River.

“I have also been heading up the pre-concert activities for the Windsor Symphony Kids’ Concerts for over seven years now,” she states. Currently, she leads a team of eight instructors, and their training ranges from private lessons to music degrees, as well as high school music programs. “I am committed to seeing our teachers hone and expand their skills through regular teacher meetings, lesson observations, and professional development seminars,” she asserts. “Besides qualifications and experience, I look to hire teachers that are passionate and have a desire to share their love of music,” she adds. Rutledge says, thankfully, during the COVID-19 pandemic, technology allowed them to move lessons online for virtual learning.

“Music is definitely therapeutic, and we hope it was a blessing to our students that we were able to provide some consistency and music therapy during the pandemic,”

Renée’s Music Studio contains seven teaching rooms (each with an upright acoustic piano), and a grand piano is also available to help students who are preparing for exams/competitions. Owner Renée Rutledge (shown with her daughter Ellie) operates her business like one big “music family” and enjoys inspiring her students to “shine like gold” to achieve their music goals.

Photo courtesy of Karly Butterwick.

she says. Rutledge is the Music Director at the New Life Pentecostal Assembly in Belle River. She has also played the flute with the Jubilance Orchestra and Choir, and performed throughout Ontario, as well as overseas. For a period of time she says she also enjoyed playing locally with The Silver Ambassadors. Her business supports several charitable organizations, including the Lakeshore Fire Department, and New Life Assembly. “My dream is to open a second location, a main street location in the town of Belle River that is not only a music studio and store, but also has a coffee shop with live music,” Rutledge describes. “I also dream of creating an outdoor musical playground, on our property behind the studio.”

Due to a conflict, Judge Goulet did not vote in this category.

3. “The Supreme Space To Store Your Stuff”

The Storage Box can hold just about anything, even multiple “pots of gold”! Their delivery trucks move the boxes on and off the truck gently and without tilting. This keeps your valuables safe, level and your driveway free from damage during the unloading and loading process.

Photo courtesy of The Storage Box.

The nominees are . . .

AAA Stock ’N Lock Self Storage, 1920 Halford Drive, Windsor J’s Loc-It (closed as of November 2021 and operating under a new owner), 1847 Manning Rd., Tecumseh Price Self Storage (operating now under a new name), 694 Cameron Ave., Windsor The Storage Box, 4205 County Rd. 42, Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

(Storage unit facilities preferred for long term, but those renting storage bins to only keep items temporarily is permitted.)

The Storage Box

At The Storage Box, Owners Mark Bertoia, Al Bertoia, Domenic Bertoia and Louis Bertoia Jr. lead a team that is committed to

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making scenarios that are typically stressful for customers, more simple and stress-free.

“We handle people’s possessions, whether during a renovation, or moving from home-to-home, and anything in between,” they describe. “It requires an extremely organized operation and superior service, all day, every day.” Since March 2015, The Storage Box rents portable containers for moving and storage and the owners claim they are the only local provider of indoor, climate-controlled storage for portable containers. They offer daily rates, from $5 to $9, with no minimum rental period. “Our unique tilt-free trucks are proprietary and only available with The Storage Box,”

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the owners assert. They add that The Storage Box is the only company to offer shipping containers, container offices and premium insulated storage boxes, all under one roof, in sizes ranging from 8 foot long to 40 foot long (refer to: TheStorageBox.com). “We offer rentals of premium, insulated Storage Boxes and shipping boxes for residential, commercial and industrial moving and storage,” they point out. “We also offer office containers and other specialty-sized boxes.”

They have a climate-controlled warehouse that customers can utilize to have their box stored inside. They also carry a full line of storage, packing and moving supplies. “Our strict seven-step container cleaning and quality control process is above and beyond the norm in the industry and our process has been in place since the start,” the owners note. Judge Goulet feels, “The Storage Box offers the perfect option for people needing to store their items at their own home or business. They can lift and keep your items level for transportation. Their boxes are also good for areas that do not have a lot of room.” The Storage Box operates Monday to Saturday, but customers can access their stored container outside business hours, with 24 hours notice. The facility has electronic access control and video surveillance of the yard and storage facility. Boxes are kept inaccessible while being stored, for heightened security. With their headquarters being located down the street from Windsor Airport, the owners say they have excellent visibility and the site is easily accessible for customers across Windsor and Essex County. Locally, they employ 13 people and they are looking to add containers to grow their Windsor location. “We have opened other locations in southwestern Ontario, including the London area and Niagara region, and we plan to open more locations as we move east, around the GTA,” the owners remark. The Storage Box supports the local Autism Ontario chapter and the WindsorEssex Children’s Aid Society. “Our boxes, systems and operating approach, combined with our experienced leadership team and exceptional staff, is what has brought us to this point and made us an industry leader in a very short time — and it will continue to push us through the years to come,” the owners state.

The nominees are . . .

Countryside Kennels, 6309 Concession 6 North, Amherstburg Merrimutt Pet Resort, 4483 Concession Rd. 4 N, Amherstburg Quiche Kennels, 6484 Essex County Rd. 46, Maidstone Tailwagger’s Inn Personal Pet Sitting, Facebook.com/tailwaggersinnpersonalpet sitting, McGregor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Quiche Kennels

Owners Louise and Elaine Paquette describe Quiche Kennels as the largest pet facility in the area, with separate rooms for different types of dogs and attached outdoor spaces for the pups to enjoy fresh air whenever they need (QuicheKennelsAndGrooming.com).

“Usually a day care or kennels have one big common area for multiple dogs not from the same family,” they explain. “We have large rooms and outdoor areas attached to the suite and outdoor patios.” To run it this way costs a lot more, but it’s the safer way to do things and so it’s worth it, stress the Paquettes.

Quiche Kennels specializes in boarding, grooming and show handling for dogs. They also take care of other animals such as cats, rabbits, hamsters, birds and more. Their climate-controlled facilities boast lambskin bedding, individual sleeping areas and doggy doors, fresh water all the time, several large play areas, a private fenced-in dog park that’s more than an acre and a half of grass and trees, and “lots of love!” The sisters took over the business for their parents —

Christine and Oscar — who opened Quiche Kennels in 1981 and have since passed away.

Along with their two employees, the sisters are committed to providing thorough daily cleaning and disinfection of the facility and they conduct daily health checks and behaviour assessments of the visiting pets.

They also cater to dogs if they need meds and take care of diabetic animals. Each dog gets their own locker and there is always an on-site live-in caretaker. There are different rooms to choose from for your pet, with each having access to a large outdoor space. One type of room that guests can choose for their pet, is called the “Quiet Suite,” for little or older dogs. All suites have toddler beds and a television. The prices range from $32 to $60 a day, depending on which room you select for your pet and whether you’re dropping off more than one pet to stay together in a room. “We have been involved with dogs for over 40 years and our reputation is very high in boarding, grooming, breeding and showing dogs,” declare the owners, adding that many veterinarians have boarded their dogs or cats at Quiche Kennels over the years. “Our experience and care of animals is always our number one priority. The animals always come first, as well as our honesty and guidance that we have given to people over the years.” The sisters recall a time when some baby squirrels needed help so they brought them to Wings Rehab Centre and now they continue to support them. They also support the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society and the “Stuff the Bus” food drive campaign for the homeless. Judge Mancini says

4. “Pet Paradise”

(A dog boarding kennel with the kind of care your dog deserves while you’re out of town.)

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Whether you have a “Golden Retriever,” “Goldendoodle” or any other breed of dog, we’re pretty sure he/she will want to check in for a holiday at Quiche Kennels! Canine guests can relax, comfortably, in a suite, on their “Doggie Snooze Sofas” with custom blankets, while listening to classic and tropical melodies from the music provided in each wing.

Or they can lay back and watch a canine related movie of the day on the telly! The pampering continues as well around the holidays with free pet photos taken by the owners of the kennels — a pawsitively perfect present for their clients!

Photos courtesy of Quiche Kennels.

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“While doing my research, I was pleasantly surprised at how clean and lovely the boarding kennels section looked. They are also highly recommended by veterinarians and other professionals around the area. I would feel very confident in leaving my precious dogs (one with special medical issues) with Quiche Kennels on my next vacation!”

5. “Distinguished Biz Champ Of The Year” (A company in operation for over one year that has done something exceptional to take care of business.) *No restaurants/bars or retail shops could be included as they have their own categories.

The nominees are . . .

2way Automotive & Industrial Supply, 15 Renaud St., Unit 106, Amherstburg Accountants 2.0 Powered By SRT Accounting, 12218 Riverside Drive East, Unit 6, Tecumseh Advanced Foot Care Nurse And Wellness Centre Inc., 1203 County Rd. 22, Emeryville

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All On Board (Charcuterie), 7845 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor All Systems Wellness, Chiropractic, Naturopathy, 7786 Wyandotte St. East, Unit 100, Windsor O’Kane Financial Group, 3215 Jefferson Blvd., Unit 303, Windsor Old School Auctions, 2177 County Rd. 42, Belle River And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Advanced Foot Care Nurse And Wellness Centre Inc.

Operating since October 2012, Advanced Foot Care Nurse and Wellness Centre Inc. (AFCN) is a foot care nursing service with a mission to provide a higher quality of care with compassion, says Owner Janis Boudreau. “Feet are the most neglected part of our bodies, and we have developed an amazing business and care model to be able to make medical foot care accessible and safe for everyone,” she states.

Describing the business as a “one-stop foot shop,” they also sell foot care products such as shoes, slippers, compression socks and more. Aside from their four locations in Windsor, Emeryville, Kingsville and Amherstburg, AFCN offers mobile home foot care services and also has a facility/ retirement foot care program. “We strive

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to meet the needs of clients who may not be able to get to us,” comments Boudreau.

They currently now have 21 contracted long term care or retirement homes and see about 900 home-care clients every six weeks. Their “family-focused workplace” consists of 14 nurses and office staff, with all of them licensed, registered and insured. Boudreau says she and her team are inclusive and committed to serving the most vulnerable in the community. She reports that they receive many calls from elderly clients who are just worried about their feet. “We make a lot of complimentary house calls and we do it because we know that when they are older and sometimes alone, they worry very easily about their health and a 15-minute check-in visit can fix that,” she indicates. The business is a member of the Ontario Podortho Nurses Association, Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses, College of Nurses of Ontario, the Canadian Association of Medical Device Reprocessing, and the Belle River On The Lake BIA,. The staff of AFCN have expertise in a variety of foot problems complicated by medical conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, circulatory disease, dementia, and changes associated with the aging process. They also offer quality, non-invasive treatments

6. “Office Building Experts” The employees of the Advanced Foot Care Nurse and Wellness Centre Inc. definitely have the “golden touch”! At the Emeryville clinic from the back, left to right are: Brittany Pitre, Janis Boudreau (Owner), Anne Howley, Kristen Goulet, Michelle Ireland, Sarah Duic and Jewel Sasso. Absent: Heathyr Lovell, Julie Peretin, Paige Frankfurth and Brenda Rivait. Photo courtesy of Janis Boudreau.

(If this developer/construction company builds it, they will come! Commercial and institutional projects only.)

The nominees are . . .

Crawford General Contracting Inc., CrawfordGci.com Fortis Group, FortisGroup.ca Petretta Construction Inc., Petcon.net Rosati Group, RosatiGroup.com TCI Titan Group, TCIWindsor.com And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

for: ingrown nail care, heel fissures, fungal infections, diabetic care, callus/ corns, plantar fasciitis, thickened nails, and orthotics. When the pandemic started, the team immediately accessed Personal Protective Equipment very quickly and outfitted their office with barriers coming down from the ceiling between nurse and client. They acquired rapid COVID-19 tests and have never stopped services since the pandemic started. “True AFCN team spirit was born during this pandemic,” Boudreau exclaims, adding they adjusted schedules, supported each other and spaced out clients to ensure everyone received care. “Safety was such a priority,” she emphasizes. “We actually gained more contracts and more clients, so the business grew twice as big in the 18 months of COVID-19.” Judge Ciaravino comments, “In my book, collecting donations for the homeless with their ‘Street Feet’ program, elevates Advanced Foot Care to the top of the list as the ’Distinguished Biz Champ Of The Year’.” The “Street Feet” campaign began in 2019 and is an initiative where AFCN collects foot care items such as new

socks, nail clippers, files, lotions, polishes and antiseptics to donate to a local women’s shelter, the Downtown Mission of Windsor, and Street Help Homeless Centre of Windsor. The team also gives back by fundraising for the Community Support Centre of Essex County, donating a basket for a raffle for the Windsor Goodfellows every year and they sponsor a local baseball team. Boudreau says they are constantly looking at new ideas and inspirations, always keeping watch for new products and trying to improve as a business, and this gives them the staying power to last throughout the years. “We are after being the household name for foot care,” she asserts. As for their business plans for the future, they aim to continue to be the leading centre for advanced foot care education and entrepreneurial nurse mentorship, having started offering a foot care course this year to southwestern Ontario nurses. They are also building upon their current locations and hope to continue to move towards London.

Read more about all their services on: AdvancedFootNurse.com.

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Rosati Group

The team at the Rosati Group is uniquely positioned to complete a project from concept to completion; from simply purchasing the property, handling legal matters, designing the building, actually building it and finishing the landscaping, according to Owners Tony and Nick Rosati.

“With more than 15 million square feet constructed, the Rosati Team is uniquely positioned to truly provide single-source accountability for any project,” the brothers state. “Our in-house design, development, real estate, legal, and project management teams supplement our full-service field crew and construction team to provide the expertise and skills to take care of our clients’ project from concept to completion.”

The brothers explain that over 50 years ago (in 1969) the Rosati Group was founded in an apartment closet on Windsor’s west end by their parents, Vince and Olivia Rosati. Over the next 10 years they hired staff and moved the office to their backyard. Their first job was a mixed-use building on Jefferson, and their first million-dollar job they were awarded was an apartment building on Giles and Church. Between 1980 and 1989,

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Since 1969, the Rosati Group has built over 2,000 projects in multiple industries in southwestern Ontario. In some ways you might say that the “streets are paved with gold” leading to these impressive new buildings! Two great examples are their 2009 project — Vistaprint (left), 447 Advance Boulevard in Tecumseh and in 2018 at Caffeine & Co. Café and Bakery in Amherstburg. The Rosati Group renovated both the interior and exterior of this location with a focus on maintaining the building’s ambience and old world charm, while also offering many modern amenities including the outdoor summer patio. You can view photos of more projects on: RosatiGroup.com. Photos courtesy of Rosati Group.

Vince and Olivia started Rose City Tile, they completed the Key Tours apartment buildings, Victoria Manor Rest Home, developed Rosati Drive, and completed their first out-of-town project in London. Between 1990 and 1999, Rosati broke ground on the Greenwood Centre, Tony and Nick took over, they completed Auburn Woods Executive Home Sites, Crystal Harbour Dockominums, developed the South Walkerville Medical Centre, and designed Valiant’s global headquarters. Between 2000 and 2010 were expansions built by Rosati for Green Shield and the Hearn Group, The I.C.H.A. Novelletto-Rosati Complex breaks ground in Mic-Mac Park, Vistaprint chose them to build their manufacturing hub, Grand Central Business Park was launched, Xanadu Health & Fitness Club opened, and Wheels Inn moved forward with Rosati for a major redevelopment. From 2010 to 2020, Rosati built a new home for the WindsorEssex Therapeutic Riding Association, they were chosen for the CS Wind Canadian

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manufacturing facility, they built their largest project to date with a 750,000 square foot warehouse on Grand Central Business Park (between Pillette Road and Central Avenue), they were awarded the new Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Plaza, they built a Starbucks in LaSalle, they completed a new high school in Leamington and they stepped up for emergency repairs after a tornado ripped through our region. Their most recent projects are the new Cabana Chiropractic & Health Centre and Penalty Box locations in south Windsor and Bobcat of Windsor on Rhodes Drive. “Now, in 2021 we are building an elementary school in LaSalle, restoring an old building in Amherstburg, and converting St. Anthony’s in Amherstburg into loft apartments,” list the brothers. Nominators praised the company for superior quality, care, being extremely conscientious, detailoriented, and delivering all on time and on budget. The owners of the company also received accolades from nominators for being pillars of the community who are

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honest, straightforward and a pleasure to do business with. Rosati Group is licenced, bonded and insured and a member of the Windsor Construction Association.

They employ 48 people and outsource to local companies when needed, including: Target Building Materials Ltd., Form & Build Supply, Tecumseh Home Hardware, BMR, Bravo Cement, Bubby’s Plumbing, Coco Paving, Dor-Co Garage Doors, Garlatti Landscaping Inc., Rose City Tile, Rauth Roofing and Riverview Drywall & Painting Contractors Ltd. They guarantee and provide warranties on their work and provide timely bids. When the pandemic hit, they implemented safety precautions on all their job sites and in their office they separated those that could not work from home and had an open-door policy so no-one was touching door knobs. They also started conducting Zoom calls with customers and suppliers instead of in-person meetings.

“We did everything we could to ensure our staff was safe while working on site or in the

office when needed,” the brothers comment.

Operating from 6555 Malden Road, the company is a big community supporter and has developed the Rosati Foundation, which helps many organizations in Windsor and Essex County. What does the future hold? “Our future plans include developing bigger projects that will bring jobs and tourism to Windsor,” they assert. “Windsor is growing and we are excited to be a part of that.”

Judges Ciaravino and Kerluck had a bias in this category and did not participate in any conversation about it or vote on it.

7. “Numero Uno Insurance Agency” (Auto, home, commercial or life insurance.)

The nominees are . . .

Bondy Insurance, 1301 Front Rd., LaSalle Eagen Insurance Brokers Inc., 5940 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor Ives Insurance Brokers Ltd., 347 Maidstone Ave. East, P.O. Box 369, Essex

Premium Insurance Brokers, 3063 Dougall Ave., Windsor Tabone Insurance Brokers Inc, 3012 Tecumseh Rd. East, Unit B, Windsor Tolmie Financial Group, 11505 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor Will Insurance Brokers Ltd., 13039 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Ives Insurance Brokers Ltd.

Ives Insurance is a family business that has been built up over the years, one relationship at a time, according to the Owner and President Jeff Ives. “Since being founded in 1966 in the small farming town of Essex, Ontario, we have proudly served our community as a dependable and trusted brokerage,” states Ives, who took over the business started by his father, Jerry Ives.

“With more than 10,000 customers across southwestern Ontario, our insurance brokers forge strong relationships with each and every customer, simply by understanding their individual needs and providing the best quality insurance,” he states, adding they are your trusted partner and advocate for all your insurance needs. Their team of trusted individuals can truly be depended on. “We work, live and play in many communities and offices across southwestern Ontario,”

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he says. Their services include: home, auto, recreational, business, speciality and lifestyle insurance. “With over 50 years in business, our licenced insurance brokers take the time to listen and understand what matters most to you.” Nominator Chris A. writes that he is a 70 year old senior trying to stay in his own house in light of the increasing costs.

He says he was frustrated and after dealing with another broker for years, his rates went up and they made no effort to find him a better rate. “I came across Teresa DeGrandis of Ives Insurance Brokers who worked very hard to find a company to meet my needs and her follow-up was more than professional,” he expresses. Ives Insurance’s current locations are in Essex (head office), LaSalle, Leamington, Amherstburg, Windsor and Waterloo. They recently merged Leamington and Kingsville together, as well as merging Kitchener, Ayr and Waterloo, notes Ives.

He says their dedicated team is comprised of 30 brokers and 93 total staff. “You can depend on Ives Insurance to be your advocate when choosing insurance coverage to protect the things you care about most,” he asserts. View testimonials and more on their website: IvesInsurance.com.

Judge Ciaravino did not vote or take part in any discussion in this category due to a bias.

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8. “2021 Powerhouse Professional” (A local business owner or top manager who has what it takes to keep the company/ organization they own or work/volunteer for, profitable in today’s tough times.)

The nominees are . . .

Adam Castle, WEtech Alliance, 2455 Wyandotte St. West, Suite 200, Windsor Amit Modi, Nimble Brain Education Inc., 3020 Dougall Ave., Unit 11, Windsor Chuck Kelly, Movati Athletic, 650 Division Rd., Windsor Corey Douglas Robertson, Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) Volunteer, AlsoGroup.org, Windsor Damon Winney, Jump Realty, 3390 Walker Rd., Unit 300, Windsor Daniel Speal, Windsor Power & Light, WindsorPowerAndLight.ca, Belle River Dr. Krishna Khatri, LaSalle Vision & Restore Dry Eye Clinic, 5935 Malden Rd., Unit 1, LaSalle Dr. Maxwell Abraham, Abraham Orthodontics, 185 Erie St. South, Unit 1, Leamington Faith Monaco, Impact Health And Fitness Centre, 88 Talbot St. East, Leamington Giuseppe Piruzza, The Chefs Table, ChefGiuseppe.com, Leamington Hussein Khalil, Hussein Khalil Insurance Agency, 1291 Wyandotte St. East, Unit 3, Windsor Jonathon Azzopardi, Laval Tool, 4965 Concession Rd. 8, Tecumseh Joseph Jr. Youssef, Fast Lane Auto Repair, 61 Main St. West, Kingsville Lexy Delicata, Glam By Lexx Hair Extensions, 2075 Edgemore Ave., LaSalle Luci Cutrone, Franco-Sol Garderie, 11886 Tecumseh Rd. East, Unit 2B, Tecumseh

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Mario Ruggirello, Pinnacle Physiotherapy, 1270 Walker Rd., Windsor Marlene Turcotte, PFP Safety Source, Performance Fire Protection, Marlene Turcotte Income Tax/Bookkeeping and 839 Media, 2366 Dougall Ave., Windsor Mike Laforest, Load Pro Services, LoadPro.ca, Windsor Mitchell Bouchard, Red Cape Films, 310 Hanna St. East, Unit 201 B, Windsor Patrick Dupuis, The Co-operators, 25 Amy Croft Drive, Unit 19A, Lakeshore Rakiesha Jones, Totally Baked, Facebook.com/totally.baked.rv, Windsor Ron Monaghan, Bin There Dump That, BinThereDumpThat.com/ dumpsterrentalwindsor, Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Adam Castle, WEtech Alliance

Start-up Program Developer and Growth Coach with WEtech Alliance and a volunteer/ supporter for numerous local organizations, Adam Castle has spent his entire life thinking about how to make an impact on the community. In 2003, at the age of 15, he turned

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his passion for music and where he lived into his first incorporated business with what he describes as one of Toronto’s first social media websites: Untz.ca. At its height, the business employed more than 60 part-time students and when it was sold, Castle was given a financial boost to help pay his way through his postsecondary studies. Prior to his current position at WEtech, Castle’s work includes: in a social work capacity at New Beginnings Rossini Group Homes, as a Developmental Support Worker at a local school board, as a DJ for his own company called PressPlay Productions, working with the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation (now Invest WindsorEssex) and more. “When Economic Development is done well and cohesively, there is a dispersal of resources that happens in a much more equitable way,” comments Castle about his passion. “A Windsor that works for everyone was the vision I believed possible, through the creation of an environment that was geared towards economic growth.” His education includes a Masters in Sociology from Wayne State University and certification in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo, through a joint program developed by the Economic Developers Association of Canada. “Almost four years ago, I applied for the opportunity to work at WEtech Alliance, where they were hiring for their Director of Venture Services,” Castle explains. “What I didn’t know at the time, was that this job would be an opportunity to take everything I had learned previously in social work and economic development and combine my skills to work both one-on-one with clients on a micro level, while also designing and creating programs to aid in business growth and acceleration at a macro or regional level.”

Castle found ways to combine his work in mental health with this new role, as, in 2020, WEtech partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County (CMHA) to deliver “Entrepreneurs on The Front Lines,” a program designed to assist entrepreneurs struggling with mental health during the pandemic. He is also a CMHA

Adam Castle definitely gets a “gold star” for everything he does to make the YQG community a better place!

Photo courtesy of Adam Castle.

“Sole Focus Project” Ambassador. Castle has sat on more than 20 boards and committees and has given back to the community in countless ways, including: as a Judge for FIRST Robotics Canada, serving on the board for Windsor Hackforge, being a member of the Red Shoe Society of Windsor-Essex, member of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders Group, sitting as an Advisory Committee Member with the Ontario Ministry of Economic

Development, Job Creation and Trade, sitting on the board at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario, and more. At WEtech he has worked with hundreds of businesses on growth strategy, market-entry, and business model reinvention, from the smallest of start-ups to industry leaders, and everything in between (see: WeTech-Alliance.com for more details on this non-profit organization). “I believe what makes me a ‘Powerhouse Professional’ is that I lead through collaboration and connectivity, and I’ve spent a career making relationships with people across our entire region and beyond, across Ontario and Canada as well,” Castle indicates. However, he is not just managing and navigating waters for one organization.

“With nearly 300 clients in our portfolio at WEtech, I’m providing that level of leadership to hundreds of businesses in my day-to-day, and I’m maintaining, growing, and nurturing relationships all the time, not only for myself, but for anyone who needs them.” When the pandemic hit, Castle mentions that the shift to virtual allowed for the single greatest year of growth their portfolio has ever seen — going from 178 clients to 263 — many of which are companies with two or more employees. He and his team initiated the “Keeping Clients Close Protocol” to help the individuals and companies they work with keep afloat during

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the pandemic. “We continued to evolve our services by removing barriers and using technology to become more efficient than we ever thought possible,” Castle states. “These changes allowed us to create the flexibility needed to go from engaging 82 clients a quarter, on average, in 2019, to 195 clients a quarter in 2020.” As for what the future holds, he says on the WEtech side of things, his expectation is to continue growing their team and increasing their impact and value for the local business community. “The next few years hold a ton of opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs looking to do things in new and different ways, and it appears that the provincial and federal governments are aligned on supporting that kind of thinking,” he notes.

Due to a conflict, Judge Ciaravino did not vote in this category.

9. “Artist Of The Year”

(A singer, painter, musician, sculptor, band, actor etc.) *No authors or photographers could participate.

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The nominees are . . .

Ahmad Othman (Painter), Instagram.com/4.ever.great Alexa Carroccia (Singer), Instagram.com/alexacarroccia Asaph Maurer (Painter), AsaphMaurer.com Bill Nuvo (Performing Artist), Facebook.com/thegigglemat Candyce Mollard (Podcast Host), Anchor.fm/hellohelloworld Cole Fortier as “Epoxy Moron” (Drag Queen), Instagram.com/epoxy_moron Jakub Winiarski (Podcast Host), Linktr.ee/thesundaynightarmy Julian Pawlaczyk (Illustrator), Instagram.com/julianp_comics Madeline Doornaert (Singer/Song Writer), SoulCityMusicCoop.com/ madelinedoornaert Paula McNorton (Lifecaster And Lampworker), Facebook.com/paulas-lifecasting-studio-225121507879686 Serina Timperio (Multidisciplinary Artist), SerinaTimperio.com Smokin’ Purple Monkeys (Band), M.Facebook.com/smokin-purplemonkeys-133490306717766 Stephanie Mele (Multidisciplinary Artist), StephanieMele.com The Blue Stones (Band), TheBlueStonesMusic.com And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Madeline Doornaert

Vocalist Madeline Doornaert says her song-writing focuses on relatable sensory experiences, connecting them to greater themes of healthy relationships, environmental stewardship, self-advocacy, and combating power abuse in arts industries. “For example, in my song called ‘Sunscreen’, I relate the experience of smelling sunscreen to themes of nostalgia and accompany these ideas with retro instrumentation to highlight the nostalgic feel of the recording,” she explains.

“I work to create music that communicates relatable ideas uniquely and accessibly.”

Audiences at her live performances have described feeling comforted by the positive themes present in her repertoire. On her debut album — “Muddy Water”, which was released in February 2021 and supported by the City of Windsor’s Arts, Culture, & Heritage Grant Program — Doornaert delivered a collection of 10 original songs.

“I delved into experiences of enduring friendship, self-love, and overcoming hardship,” she describes. She was inspired to create a self-portrait in the style of 1970’s folk pioneers Carole King, Janis Ian and

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Buffy Sainte-Marie with “landscapes of acoustic guitars, lush back-up vocals and analog percussion.” Doornaert reports that in April 2021, Listen To Discover’s David Croker described her album as “a delightful showcase of how securely she understands her eras and genres of music.”

The album is available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, and can be streamed for free on YouTube, Bandcamp.com and her website: MadelineDoornaert.com.

Physical and digital copies of the album are also available for purchase on her website.

At 23 years old, she has spent more than half of her life on-stage. “Beginning my career at just 10 years old in the folk/pop act GeorgiaRose, I showcased my original songs and arrangements at festivals and landmark events throughout the region of Windsor Essex, like the ‘LaSalle Strawberry Festival’ and ‘Art in the Park’,” she comments. “After graduating from the Walkerville Centre for the Creative Arts, I studied jazz vocals at the University of Windsor for four years under the tutelage of beloved Detroit-based jazz singer, Shahida Nurullah.” Judges note that Doornaert’s voice is quite unique and moving. “Madeline is pretty awesome,” believes Judge Kerluck. Throughout her career, she has explored multiple styles of singing, including folk, jazz, and opera.

She says her voice landed comfortably in a retro pop style after falling in love with Janis Ian’s album called “Between the Lines” and learning every song from Carole King’s album, “Tapestry”. In recent years, Doornaert continued to make a name

A “gold record” in the making! Madeline Doornaert is photographed during a promotional shoot of her debut album, “Muddy Water” released in February 2021. It features her "golden voice" on 10 original songs about her experiences of enduring friendship, self-love, and overcoming hardship. Photo courtesy of Travis Latam.

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in Windsor and beyond, receiving airplay on CBC Radio across Canada; performing as a soloist with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra; playing for the virtual “Bluesfest Windsor YUNITY Front Porch Party” 2020, plus becoming a member of the Windsor music label, Soul City Music Co-op. After releasing a successful debut album and gaining a consistent community of listeners in Canada, the United States, Britain, and Australia, she anticipates that her next album will deeply resonate with current and new audiences. “In recording my next album, with support from the Ontario Arts Council’s Music Creation Grant, I aim to approach the song-writing process with a more personal style,” she reveals. “In this next compilation of songs, I will draw from more diverse sources of inspiration.” Through her online platform and original music, Doornaert regularly advocates for Charlotte’s Freedom Farm, a charitable organization that provides rehabilitation and care to animals that have been abused and/or orphaned.

Judge Mancini had a bias in this category and did not participate in any conversation about it or vote on it.

10. “Exceptional Social Enterprise” (A team of workers at a non-profit organization or registered charity making a big difference in our community.)

The nominees are . . .

Amherstburg Community Services, Amherstburg-cs.com Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Windsor Essex, Windsor.BigBrothersBigSisters.ca Bike Windsor Essex, BikeWindsorEssex.com, Windsor Harmony In Action, HarmonyInAction.com, Windsor Kingsville BIA, KingsvilleBIA.com Kingsville Military Museum (KHPI), KHPI.mnsi.net Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Thrift On Mill, MccThriftOntario.com/Leamington Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation, NoahsHouse.ca, Windsor Safe Families Windsor/Essex County, SafeFamiliesCanada.com/find-a-chapter/thenetwork/windsor-essex-on, Amherstburg South Essex Community Council, SECC.on.ca, Leamington The Downtown Mission Of Windsor, DowntownMission.com/giveback/#charitees

WEBiz Fit, Windsor M.Facebook.com/webizfitbootcamp Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, WindsorCancerFoundation.org WindsorEssex Community Foundation, WECF.ca, Windsor YQG Cares, YQGcares.net, Belle River And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF)

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to improving communities across the region through collaboration, strategic leadership and innovative solutions to charitable giving. WECF accomplishes this by pooling the charitable gifts of donors to create endowment funds and using the investment income to make grants. Since 1983, the WindsorEssex Community Foundation has made more than $10 million in grants to organizations throughout Windsor and Essex County. By providing funding to community projects and programs, the WindsorEssex Community Foundation inspires leadership, community collaboration, and innovation.

Based on needs outlined in their annual “Vital Signs” survey, they aim to fund programs that fall within the granting areas of interest and answer community needs,

including food security, newcomer transition, getting around, belonging and leadership, environment, health, wellness and activity, work, safety, housing, arts and culture and learning. Last year, the WindsorEssex Community Foundation granted over $2 million to local community agencies aligned with the “Vital Signs” report. There are currently four employees at WECF, who describe themselves as “a small staff that oversees a large number of donations and gifting per year.” They work tirelessly to ensure that money donated to WECF and funds made available through government and corporate partnerships flows directly to nonprofits in Windsor Essex to serve the entire community. When the pandemic hit, the team immediately moved to working remotely.

They also sprang into action to support the Government of Canada’s emergency response grants, which provided money to non-profit organizations greatly impacted by COVID-19. In addition, WECF established their Emergency Response Fund, which was initiated with a contribution from the WindsorEssex Community Foundation and supported by generous contributions by local philanthropists and corporate partners, “The Emergency Response Fund provided front line services to vulnerable populations whose staff, volunteers, programs, operations,

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and revenue were negatively affected by COVID-19,” the team explains. Judge Willis comments that the WECF is an avid supporter of numerous initiatives in our community, with “Vital Signs” and “Random Act of Kindness,” just two examples of ways they show their support. “This is in addition to the thousands of dollars they give to charities in Windsor Essex annually,” Judge Willis adds. “Whether it’s a scholarship to help someone pursue their post-secondary education or a larger donation to support some of the most vulnerable, the WECF can be counted on to listen, support and affect change.” (Information about all their programs can be found on: WECF.ca).

According to Lisa Kolody, WECF Executive Director: “The team at WECF cares deeply about Windsor Essex and we work hard every day to enhance the lives of the members of the community. Our reach covers a broad range of issues that affect the community and the work we do benefits everyone, from children to the elderly, lovers of art, the environment, newcomers, indigenous, homeless, LGBTQ+, and everyone in between.” WECF (3200 Deziel Drive, Suite 511, Windsor) definitely has a “heart of gold” and truly makes our region a wonderful place to live, work and play!

Judge Barker abstained from voting in this category due to a conflict.

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11. “Caregiver That Nurses You Back To Health”

Nominee can be a nurse, health care professional or caregiver working at a hospital, retirement home, clinic, senior care service etc.)

The nominees are . . .

Allison McAvoy, Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, Allison McAvoy Osteopathy, 3774 Walker Rd., Windsor Bryan Gobet, Nurse, Saint Elizabeth Health Care, 2473 Ouellette Ave., Windsor Dr. Andrew Bigness, Chiropractor, Dr. Bigness Chiropractic Care, 79 Giles Blvd. East, Windsor Dr. Kaitlin Martinello, Naturopathic Doctor, Lifetime Wellness Center, 800 North Service Rd., Unit 301, Windsor Mary Sinclair, Nurse St. Clair College Health Centre, 2000 Talbot Rd. West, Windsor Patty Kochanowski, Banwell Gardens, PSW, 3000 Banwell Rd., Windsor

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And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Dr. Kaitlin Martinello, Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Kaitlin Martinello says she is in the business of optimizing health, promoting wellness and helping people reach their health goals through the use of natural medicines. “There has been an incredible growth in the health and wellness sector in the last decade, where we can see the shift in people wanting to be proactive to better their health now, instead of when a disease state occurs,” Dr. Martinello expresses.

In her private practice, Dr. Martinello treats a variety of patients with unique and sometimes complex medical cases. At times she is a patient’s first encounter with a Naturopathic Doctor, and other times also their last resort to improve their current state of health when they feel that traditional medicines have failed them. “To me this a such an honour and a privilege to be able to empower individuals to take charge of their health and guide them through the safe and effective treatment options naturopathic medicine has to offer them,” she states.

With a special interest in gastro-intestinal conditions, autoimmune diseases and women’s health, she also offers a variety of natural medical modalities including

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Intravenous Vitamin Infusion Therapy (IVIT), natural hormone replacement therapy, acupuncture treatments and more.

“Over the years and through the populations of patients I have seen, I decided to further my education to become certified in both the prescribing of natural bio-identical hormone therapies as well as Intravenous Vitamin Infusion Therapy, because I see tremendous value in having these available to residents of Windsor and Essex County,” she adds. Dr. Martinello recalls her road to becoming a naturopathic doctor began by obtaining a four-year undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Windsor. “In my last year of post-secondary education, I applied to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and started my career to becoming a Naturopathic Doctor right after graduating from the University of Windsor,” she explains. “I spent four years working towards a Bachelor of Naturopathy, wrote and passed two sets of board exams for the province of Ontario and became a licenced Naturopathic Doctor in December 2015.” Dr. Martinello works in-office full time, with a roster of more than 1,200 active patients. “I work in a private multidisciplinary medical

If you have “gold fever” you are contagious with excitement about discovering “gold”. But we are equally as excited about finding Dr. Kaitlin Martinello, Naturopathic Doctor! Dr. K has always wanted to help people from a very young age after watching the western drama TV series, “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”. Photo courtesy of Chalet Studio Photography & Gardens.

clinic (the Lifetime Wellness Center) with like-minded and caring individuals,” she describes. “We pride ourselves in building this chosen work family and truly care deeply about the patients who come in through our doors.” She says her dedication to her profession always starts with the patients themselves. “Dr. K” (her nickname by family and patients) takes pride in taking the time to listen to their stories and health journeys and trying to get to the root cause of their dysfunction. “There is never a ‘one complaint at a time’ policy in my office,” she notes. “Any and all details patients want to discuss are viewed as relevant and important information.” At her practice, she aims to create a calm and trusting environment, especially through these unprecedented times during the pandemic. “I maintain flexible office hours and make myself available to patients via phone or email and always encourage them to reach out to me even with the littlest of questions,” she asserts. And something she maintains is that all communication to patients — whether it is in-office, through phone or email, reviewing important medical reports etc. — is done directly through her and not any other staff at her office. “I believe it is important for patients to communicate directly with their health care provider and feel that I am accessible

and not just a name behind a designation,” Dr. Martinello vows. “This ensures trust and, in my opinion, a level of medical care that may seem outside the norm.” Karissa, a Biz X nominator describes Dr. Martinello as an exceptional medical professional who treats her patients as a whole to find the underlying root of an issue and doesn’t just mask or put a temporary band-aid on symptoms. “She loves what she does and goes above and beyond for her patients by accommodating their appointments.

Dr. K is kind, patient and eager to help and keeps herself up to date on new research,” she writes on her nomination form.

Dr. Martinello says compassion, kindness, empathy, and a willingness to really listen and try to understand are qualities of any good caregiver. The lines of communication are always open for patients who need extra care and support, according to Dr. Martinello. “When patients walk out of the office, they feel heard, empowered and motivated with a treatment plan in place and with the knowledge that I am only a phone call or email away if they should have any questions,” she asserts. View more information about her services on: DrKaitlinMartinello.ca.

Judges Ciaravino and Mancini both abstained from voting in this category due to a bias.

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12. “The Physiotherapist With All The Right Moves” (Criteria includes availability, qualifications, treatment methods, and reputation.)

The nominees are . . .

Charlotte Loaring, Loaring Physiotherapy & Health Centre, 13126 Tecumseh Rd. East, Unit 5, Tecumseh Corey Ireland, Ireland Manual Physiotherapy, 313 Main St. East, Unit 19, Kingsville Jenita Princess Santhakumar, Novo Healthnet, 250 Tecumseh Rd. East, Suite 100, Windsor Lana Berton, Berton Physiotherapy & Chiropractic, 555 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor Troy Sajatovich, Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic, 832 Lauzon Rd., Unit 200, Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Troy Sajatovich, Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic

Registered Physiotherapist Troy Sajatovich is the new Owner of Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic — previously Smith Physiotherapy Clinic. Born and raised in Windsor, Sajatovich has lived in the Riverside area his whole life. He completed the Bachelor of Human Kinetics Honours Movement Science Co-operative Education program at the University of Windsor in 2010 and went on to complete his Master of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Western Ontario in 2012. “Upon completion of my Masters Program, I was employed as a fulltime Registered Physiotherapist at the formerly named Smith Physiotherapy Clinic in October 2012,” he explains.

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“Six years later, in November 2018, I was honoured to be given the opportunity to purchase the practice from former Owner and physiotherapist Chuck Smith.”

Through the transition, Sajatovich says all staff, facility, equipment and clients remained constant. Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic offers many services and treatment methods, including: manual therapy, pain and inf lammation modalities (cupping, TENS, ultrasound, heat, ice, acupuncture, dry needling), therapeutic exercise programs, home exercise programs, injury education and prevention, physio for workplace injuries, physio for motor vehicle accidents, return to work conditioning, therapeutic taping, vertigo assessment and treatment and post-operative rehabilitation. (View: RiversidePhysio.ca for a complete list of all services).

Upon entering Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic, patients are welcomed into a warm, positive and fun environment, he describes. “I approach patients with empathy, understanding, acceptance of their individual stories and experiences,” he states. “I strive to actively listen and provide genuine feedback and support.” As patients enter the treatment area, there are options including

private, semi-private and open concept treatment settings to accommodate clients’ preferences, comfort and needs.

In the movie world, there’s James Bond of “GoldenEye” and “Goldfinger” plus Frank Sinatra in “The Man with the Golden Arm”, but in real life there’s only one Troy Sajatovich of the Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic!

Our Biz X Award winner is shown on the seated dual leg extension/leg curl machine for strengthening the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Photo courtesy of Physiotherapist Nathan Atkinson.

ON

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In December 2016, while working as a Registered Physiotherapist, Sajatovich had the opportunity to join the medical team for the “FINA World Swimming Championships” hosted at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, allowing him the ability to assess and treat athletes from around the world. In 2018, Windsor Regional Hospital and Chatham-Kent Health Alliance began participating in the Hip and Knee Bundled Care Initiative through the Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care Bundle program. Sajatovich decided to enrol Riverside Physiotherapy Clinic to become one of the local clinics to partner in this program, providing post-acute care related to hip and knee procedures. “This program provides funding for individuals who otherwise would not have physiotherapy coverage following their knee/hip procedure,” he indicates. Sajatovich believes the reason why his clinic is unique is because of the value, care, knowledge and dedication of his staff. “We refer to ourselves as a work family and oftentimes patients will complete their treatment reporting they also felt as though they were part of this family dynamic and team environment,” he notes. As someone who is focused on continual learning and

growing, Sajatovich has taken multiple continuing education courses in the McKenzie Method (A,B,C,D), Mulligan Technique, Acupuncture, Soft Tissue Release, Kinesio Taping, and is Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified to screen golfers in specific movement patterns related to the golf swing and potential for injury. He is a long-standing member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and an active participant in the Windsor District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association.

Some charities and foundations he works with annually to help raise money or share important information on their behalf include: “Donate Your Kicks” (HôtelDieu Grace Healthcare), the Miracle League Sports Field (located at the Farrow Riverside Miracle Park), Stigma Enigma (mental health awareness), “Hats on for Health Care” and they sponsor a local charity golf tournament.

Sajatovich received many glowing award nominations, including one from Susan T.: “When you’re in pain, it’s all you can focus on. Troy listens closely to how you feel and asks a lot of questions about your lifestyle. Whether you’re sportsminded, a sedentary retiree or an active student, he instinctively knows what

rehabilitation plan will work. Troy not only provides results, but gives you hope, and you can’t put a price on that!”

Judge Ciaravino did not vote or take part in any discussion in this category due to a bias.

13. “Real Estate Lawyer Holding The Keys To The Kingdom” (The lawyer to hire to help you close the sale on your new home who is experienced, trustworthy and helps you save time and money.)

The nominees are . . .

Ayman Haddad, Kirwin Partners Lawyers LLP, 423 Pelissier St., Windsor Christian Janisse, SimplyClose, 61 Richmond St., Amherstburg Donald Merritt, Self Employed, 525 Windsor Ave., Suite 103, Windsor Floro Culmone, Culmone Law Office, 410 Giles Blvd. East, Windsor R. Craig Stevenson, R. Craig Stevenson Law Office, 25 Amy Croft Drive, Unit 18A, Tecumseh

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Saverpierre Maggio, Walk In Law Firm, 1566 Huron Church Rd., Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Christian Janisse, SimplyClose

For real estate lawyer Christian Janisse and his team, their goal is to bring the real estate industry into the 21st century.

“Our company offers clients the ability to close their real estate transactions electronically from anywhere in the world,” says the founder of the real estate firm, SimplyClose. “Whether they are buying, selling or refinancing a home, they can upload documents, sign the legal paperwork and provide or receive funds from the comfort of their home.” He adds that while they still accommodate in-person meetings upon request, their digital solutions are proving to be a popular request, as the reduction in travel and necessity of taking time off work to attend a lawyer’s office allows clients to sign at any time, any day. “We are available after hours and on weekends to accommodate busy schedules as well,” he notes. His real estate legal services include buying, selling or refinancing a home. “Christian is changing how the industry is operating by being one

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Lawyer Christian Janisse of SimplyClose is on a mission to make the legality of real estate closings simple.

Practicing law since April 2018, and specializing in real estate for the past year and a half, Janisse has already completed more than 100 real estate transactions.

For this he earns a “gold crown” for holding “the keys to the kingdom”! Photo courtesy of SimplyClose.

of the only real estate lawyers offering a full virtual option for clients,” writes nominator Dan G. who also works in the real estate business. Janisse is a legal practitioner with the Law Society of Ontario and a member of the Essex Law Association. He’s been practicing law since April 2018 and has focused on real estate for the past year and a half.

At SimplyClose, he mentions they can provide expedited closings if necessary.

“We have closed transactions in 24 to 48 hours if required for any reason,” he states. Legal fees for a purchase are a f lat rate of $800 plus HST and disbursements (out of pocket expenses). Legal fees for a sale and refinance are a f lat rate of $700 plus HST and disbursements. To date, he has completed more than 100 real estate transactions in his career (and he is only just getting started!). “Our firm prides itself on being highly responsive, available and prompt,” Janisse asserts.

“We understand the importance of buying and selling a home and we strive to be a firm that puts clients first.” Whether someone has a basic question or requires assistance with the entire process, Janisse and his closing specialists (law clerks) are always available to help. In addition he keeps in touch with all he can by being very active on social media. Just check: Facebook.com/simplyclose to read tips on subjects such as when to hire a real estate lawyer, how to prepare financially for home ownership and more! Further details about the firm can be found on the website: SimplyClose.ca.

Due to a conflict, Judge Goulet did not vote in this category.

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14. “The Best Little Retail Shop Of 2021” (Open to all retailers with good prices, fantastic customer service and selection.) *All must have a storefront and no online only businesses could be included.

The nominees are . . .

10 Seventeen Cannabis, 571 Notre Dame St., Suite A, Belle River Aggregate, 1505 Ottawa St., Windsor Blimeys British Store & Gift Shop, 71 Talbot St. North, Essex Bunch, 1050 Drouillard Rd., Windsor Closet Cravings Upscale Consignment Boutique & Gift Shop, 25 Amy Croft Drive, Tecumseh Ginger’s House Of Flowers & Gifts, 61 King St. West, Harrow Happier Camper, 274 Dalhousie St., Suite 104, Amherstburg Little Monkey’s Children’s Consignment Store, 601 Centre St., Unit 1, Belle River Minapeach Framing Designs, 3863 Dougall Ave., Windsor NOMAD, 9 Main St. East, Kingsville Oak Farms Flower Outlet, 96 Oak St. West, Leamington Paisley Dreamer, 232 Lansdowne Ave., Kingsville Siblings Children’s Consignment Shop, 1471 Ottawa St., Windsor Soulliere Optical, 3055 Dougall Ave., Windsor Stereoland, 1251 Ottawa St., Windsor The Amherstburg Cannabis Co., 268 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg The Local Maker Artisan Gift Shop, 11 Main St. East, Kingsville The Sewing Shoppe, 2400 Highway 3, Unit 2, Oldcastle Wolf & Rebel, 2748 Seminole St., Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Blimeys British Store & Gift Shop Blimeys British Store & Gift Shop is a truly one of kind store in the Windsor Essex area, carrying gift items imported from around the U.K., Europe and other parts of the world, since 2014. Carl and Rita Hulme, Owners of Blimeys British Store & Gift Shop, state: “it’s hard to summarize Blimeys in one paragraph because there are so many unique things to shop for here!” In addition to British food products, they sell a wide variety of men’s and women’s clothing including — but not limited to — waxed cotton jackets made in England, sweaters made in Ireland

and the U.K., hand painted pottery, and stunning jewellery made in England and Europe. They also carry Loake Handmade Shoes and Barbour Jackets from the U.K. Everything at Blimeys British Store comes with a story behind it, which allows their staff of eight employees to tell these stories and the background behind the products.

This supports the uniqueness of the brand and products. All staff are trained about

A “golden opportunity” surfaced for the owners of Blimeys British Store and Gift Shop and a move was made in the summer to a new location on Talbot Street North in Essex. The business outgrew its previous Harrow location and now has triple the space to display even more food! Shoppers can find a wide variety of British foods imported from across the United Kingdom, ranging from Wispa biscuits, Aunty’s Golden Syrup Pudding and Ambrosia Creamed Rice Pudding, to Walkers Crisps, Bewley’s Tea, Haywards Pickled Onions and more! Photos courtesy of Blimeys.

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the brands and take great pride in explaining them to customers! The couple, along with their son Mark Hulme (Store Manager), work very hard to find products that represent the country they are imported from, as well as their individual brand. They are always looking for new products to support their story and bring customers back to explore.

Blimeys British Store & Gift Shop managed to stay open during the pandemic because they sell imported food (available online at: Blimeys.ca; as well as in-store and curbside pickup). However, they did limit the number of people allowed in the store and ensured all surfaces and public areas were cleaned and sanitized. Carl and Rita also took the time during the lockdowns to find a new larger space in Essex, which they moved to in July 2021, having outgrown their previous space in Harrow. “Blimeys British Store & Gift Shop is the place to get your British fix in Essex,” says Judge Barker. “They have great staff, great food and a great collection of fine durable clothing — it’s like being at home if you are English. When you walk in and see the Cornish pasties, British foods and confectionary, you get the feeling you are in a rural shop in England — it’s very comforting for the homesick Englishman.” This award represents a hat trick for the Hulme family, now with three Biz X Awards: one in 2015

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for “County Biz Worth The Drive” and the other in 2018 for “The Best Little Retail Shop Of 2018.”

Judge Ciaravino had a bias in this category and was not involved in the debate concerning it.

15. “Rock Of Ages Granite Outlet” (Granite countertop companies with a good reputation, helpful sales reps, large selection, showroom, efficient installation, warranties and more.)

The nominees are . . .

Colautti, 2779 Howard Ave., Windsor European Art Stone, 2825 Turner Rd., Windsor Granite Design Works, 1285 Crawford Ave., Windsor Mondial Granite & Marble Inc. Windsor, 3215 Jefferson Blvd., Bldg. 200, Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Mondial Granite & Marble Inc. Windsor Since 2016, Mondial Granite & Marble Inc. Windsor, owned by Biagio Caruso (out of the corporate office in Italy), imports and wholesales natural stones like marble, granite, and quartzite as well as synthetic products such as quartz and porcelain, among others. The business specializes in providing

Is “gold” granite on your wish list for the kitchen counters? With a 10,000 sq. foot showroom filled with a large selection of natural stone and quartz slabs, you’re sure to find the perfect choice for your needs at Mondial Granite & Marble Inc. Windsor.

Photo courtesy of Mike Casoni.

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high quality materials, each with their own beautiful characteristics, and the ability to create unique spaces in your home. According to Judge Goulet: “Mondial Granite & Marble has one of the largest selections of granite, marble and quartz stone. If you are in the market for upgrading your counters or vanity tops, Mondial is the place to check out.

Manager Mike Casoni who runs the Windsor location is great, easy to deal with and can help make your dream kitchen and bathroom come true.” Mondial’s staff of three provide personalized advice, competitive prices and a reliable service to their clients, satisfying the most varied needs and trends in the world of construction, design and architecture. The company has four commercial locations (Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Windsor) and enjoys a close relationship with the Franco Caruso Group, one of the main producers of natural stones in Italy. So how does the process work? Fabricators, designers and home builders send their clients into Mondial Windsor’s 10,000 square foot showroom to select slabs for their projects.

Their team helps these clients in the selection process by allowing them to see full slabs instead of small samples. Values are strongly embedded in the company and provide a common base that aligns everyone to the same vision. Mondial Granite & Marble Inc. Windsor considers not only those who will ultimately use the product, but also all those who participate in the production chain. This is their secret to constantly evolving while complying with the strictest standards of care and environmental safety. Check out photos of their products on their website: MondialGranite.com.

Judge Ciaravino did not vote or take part in any discussion in this category due to bias.

16. “A Gardener’s Wonderland” (A garden centre or nursery selling quality plants, flowers etc., plus a few little extras to tempt shoppers!) *No landscaping companies were permitted.

The nominees are . . .

Anna’s, 1911 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, 1550 Rd. #3, Kingsville Orchard Farm Nursery Ltd., 820 North Talbot Rd., Windsor Provincial Nursery & Garden Centre, 2191 Provincial Rd., Windsor Wheat + Thistle, WheatAndThistle.com, Windsor

The “golden” rays of the sun shine brightly at Anna’s! From beautiful blooms to attractive foliage, the annuals at Anna’s are born and raised in their very own greenhouses, offering a burst of seasonal colour, to planters, beds and baskets.

Photo courtesy of Anna’s.

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Anna’s Anna’s has been a fixture in Kingsville since 1974, providing an unbeatable selection of plants and flowers, gorgeous home and garden décor, as well as freshlypicked, local produce and wellness products essential to any healthy lifestyle.

The business is owned by the Mastronardi family with Marlene (the daughter of Anna and Henry, the original founders with Henry’s father, Alberico) being the face of the business who is always running around checking everyone has what they need.

Anna herself can be seen watering the plants each morning and Henry, her husband monitors the product table ensuring it meets the standards that were set out by him so many years ago. Marlene’s husband Frank works behind the scenes with the marketing and purchasing team and helps take care of the day to day operations, both in store and online. In their 20,000 square foot space you can find houseplants brought in from Florida; annuals, homegrown by owner Anna and Henry’s, son Rudy; perennials and seasonal winter greens sourced from Ontario and BC growers; planters designed and planted by Anna’s garden team; and produce home-grown by Albert (Anna and Henry’s other son) and sourced locally from growers (see a complete family history on: AnnasFlowers.ca).

Anna’s also hosts seasonal workshops and offers custom planters and designs. Their customer service is known for always going above and beyond — working in all of the extreme temperatures with smiles on their faces and always happy to help. Their team works tirelessly to ensure their store is as beautiful and inspiring as possible. The staff of 15 employees are constantly offering advice on which types of plants would be best for certain environments, or how to care for unhappy plants or bug infestations.

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and out at many of their top clients’ homes in the affluent areas of Windsor Essex.

During the pandemic, Anna’s was able to rise to the challenge by getting their store online ASAP. What started with phone-in orders from Facebook album shopping, quickly turned into a Shopify experience that customers can visit online at: ShopAnnas.ca.

Now customers can shop for many of their favourite products from Anna’s from the comfort of their own homes, for delivery of items available Canada-wide or pickup in Kingsville. “The showroom at Anna’s spans five greenhouses filled with everything from annuals and perennials to local produce and home décor items for every room of your house, including your outdoor living space,” comments Judge Barker. “This family business treats its customers like they are part of their family too! And as you drive by on Seacliff Drive you see an amazing presentation outside according to the season, but the products inside will make your home so spectacular the neighbours will be talking about it!”

Judge Ciaravino abstained from voting in this category due to a bias.

17. “The Home Advantage Artwork/Décor Store” (There’s no place like this place to purchase artwork and/or home décor items.) *No large furniture shops or art galleries could participate.

The nominees are . . .

Cindy’s Home And Garden, 585 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville Girard & Co. Flowers And Gifts, 1371 Grand Marais Rd. West, Windsor Imperial Gifts And Décor, 12000 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh Maison Mary Anne, 13139 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh

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Origins Global Village, 2580 Manning Rd., Tecumseh Priscilla’s Presents, 1195 Iler Rd., Harrow The Dandelion Home Decor Inc., 119 Lesperance Rd., Unit A, Tecumseh And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Origins Global Village Origins Global Village carries a variety of unique, imported merchandise from around the world at affordable prices for all ages. Their diverse collection includes beautiful meditation pillows, singing bowls, tapestry, incense from India, wood carvings and teak furniture, handmade instruments and original paintings from Indonesia, outdoor pottery from Mexico (including planters, chimeneas and clay suns).

Prices range from $5 to $200. They also work directly with artisans to create unique products that their customers love. “After Green Earth closed, I felt the area was missing a place to buy the eclectic giftware they were famous for; but Origins has stepped up to the plate!” believes Judge Kerluck. “I knew that Origins had been around for a while before, but I am blown away by what they have done in the last couple of years. It’s simply incredible and the shop is a delight to visit as nothing beats the joy of browsing the diverse and varied pieces that you just don’t find anywhere else.”

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They always listen and try to help each and every customer whether they are making a purchase at the shop or just need a friendly person to show they care. They make everyone feel welcome! During the lockdown, Heather and Matte began hosting weekly live sales on Instagram through their “Crystal Shop” brand page. They also post many products on: Facebook.com/originsglobalvillage for customers to view and pickup curbside. Check out their main location in Tecumseh or their second store at Devonshire Mall!

Origins Global Village in Tecumseh carries a variety of imported merchandise from around the world. With an eclectic collection of home décor items, outdoor furnishings and giftware, customers can enjoy browsing through the shop on the hunt for “gifts of gold”!

Photo courtesy of Heather Malec.

18. “The Alarm Co. Always There With Bells On”

Judge Renaud agrees and comments: “Origins Global Village is an excellent boutique shop that carries a diverse product line for its customers in the community.” Although they opened their shop in January of 2010, Heather and Matte Malec — Owners of Origins Global Village — have been importing from around the world for more than 30 years (under their first brand, Freyja). Since opening, the couple strives to give customers a great experience by sharing their knowledge of products; whether someone is looking for an incense fragrance or a statement piece for their home — they are all important.

(Where to buy a security system and/or fire protection for residential, commercial or industrial needs.)

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The nominees are . . .

Border City Security And Communications, BorderCitySecurity.ca, Windsor Knight Vision, 300 Giles Blvd. East, Unit 2C, Windsor Safe And Sound Alarms, 796 Erie Shores Drive, Harrow Security One, 200 Sherk St., Leamington

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Security ONE Security ONE has been the premier security company in southwestern Ontario for more than 30 years. Chris Neumann, Owner of Security ONE, offers smart home automation, energy management, fire and sprinkler monitoring, flood monitoring and specializes in greenhouse environmental monitoring.

Their smart security system allows you to stay connected to your home from anywhere in the world. They further offer CCTV solutions, live video verification, smart car monitoring, as well as door access control and medical alert monitoring. They have invested in a prominent IT security firm allowing them to protect not only physical locations, but provide IT protection as well, thereby providing a true total security solution. Locally owned and operated since 1978, the company has been led by a group of individuals with extensive backgrounds in commercial and residential security. They are the only local security monitoring company that employs a retired OPP officer for the purposes of providing security audits using principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), a technique endorsed by the Windsor Police, OPP, RCMP and police forces across North America. They are a member of the Better Business Bureau, certified with

the Canadian Security Association and listed with Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC). According to Neumann: “We boast the only ULC listed redundant monitoring station solution, with four redundant monitoring stations in Leamington, Sarnia, London and Belleville, Ontario mitigating any natural disaster or weather pattern to disrupt monitoring.” His company offers 24 hour/365 days a year monitoring of your home, office, or medical alert of a loved one. All monitoring is local, based at the monitoring station in Leamington (with 40 workers along with the Windsor location on Eugenie Street East).

Security ONE is an Authorized Security Dealer for Honeywell and First Alert Security System. They provide their customers with complete solutions, a full line of security products/services and offer additional monitoring services such as low temperature, rising sump pump levels, asset protection and protection from noxious gasses. “Whenever I asked anyone who their security system for their home or business is with, they always seem to answer Security ONE, so they must be doing something right,” mentions Judge Goulet. Along with exceptional customer service, another reason for their success is because the owner believes: “We know that to be successful in business, we must be active in the communities that we serve.” And so for the

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past eight years, their “Who Deserves to Win” promotion provides free security systems and monitoring to families that were victims of violent break and enters, vandalism and home fires. Local businesses and organizations have benefited from the promotion as well, including Hiatus House and Plant Joy in Windsor. During the pandemic in 2020, they organized a virtual concert featuring local stars Buck Twenty and Canadian country music star Eric Etheridge, to raise $10,000 for local food banks and health foundations.

Over the years, their sponsorship program has benefited local soccer clubs, figure skating clubs, hockey associations, swim teams, Crimestoppers, and local high schools. See all the services this business offers on the website: SecurityOneAlarm.com.

19. “The One Stop Pool Supply Shop” (A company offering supplies, parts and chemicals for swimming pools or hot tubs . . . and some fun inflatables too! Swimming pool design, installation or maintenance services are not required.)

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The nominees are . . .

Atlantis Hot Tub And Pool Centre, 137 Lesperance Rd., Tecumseh Creative Homescapes, 2619 County Rd. 42, Windsor Erie Accent Pools & Spas Inc., 147 Oak St. West, Leamington Perciballi Pools & Spas, 11524 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor Relax Pools & Spas, 216 Patillo Rd., Tecumseh Watermark Design & Build, 3900 Walker Rd., Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Relax Pools & Spas Since 2001 Relax Pools & Spas offers inground pool sales and complete installations, MAAX hot tub sales and repairs, in-ground pool liner replacements, winter cover sales and installation (safety covers and vinyl hanging covers), water testing for pool and hot tub water samples, chemical sales, pool floats, goggles, toys, games and accessories. Eugene Cipparone, Owner of Relax Pools & Spas — along with his staff of 30 — believe their superior customer service puts them ahead of anyone else in the industry. For his team, customers come first, always and they try their best to make sure every customer is happy with how they

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operate their business. Cipparone provides extensive training to his employees to make sure they are doing their jobs correctly and that they have great communication with the customers and follow up after every service call to obtain feedback. Just one of many great examples as proof of their exceptional service, was when a customer came in to their shop and could not get their pool to clear up due to lots of algae and clarity issues. The staff spent the time explaining in detail what steps they needed to follow to make the water safe and clear again. The customer came back 48 hours later and the water was crystal clear. Needless to say, the customer was very satisfied! During the pandemic, they took the necessary steps to ensure they, as well as their customers, were protected. They installed plexiglass shields at all their stations, had hand sanitizer for all customers and ensured everyone was wearing masks and staying six feet apart when visiting the store. Even throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns, they knew they still had to make sure everyone’s water was chemically safe so they offered curbside pickup and water testing drop offs at their 10,000 sq. foot showroom. “During the pandemic, Relax Pools & Spas went the extra mile helping their customers who needed urgent parts, such as replacement

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pumps,” points out Judge Ciaravino. “Parts were hard to find due to supply disruptions and the company was rebuilding pumps and getting hot tubs back up and running at half the cost. At a time when others were increasing prices, they were charging reasonable rates and definitely offering superior customer service.” Cipparone of course is pleased with how happy his customers are and comments: “We have no plans for expansion as we would like to be able to maintain our excellent service for the customers that we currently have.

We do have plans to increase the number of in-ground pools we build each year as they are in a very high demand. We also are working on getting more hot tubs to be able to supply the high demand as well.”

Not only are their customers content with all they do, but the company gives back to the community as well! Relax Pools & Spas uses yearly raffle prizes of pool floaties and pool openings and closings to support the following charities: Windsor Rotary Club, W.E. Care for Kids, the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign, Transition to Betterness (T2B) and the “Bob Probert Ride”. Their supply shop is open year round and you can find out more about their hours, products and services by logging on to: RelaxPoolsAndSpas.com.

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20. “Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot For 2021!”

(A new or an existing restaurant/food truck that offers exceptional cuisine, fair prices and has a unique, trendy atmosphere — patio dining and/or take-out only is also acceptable.)

The nominees are . . .

Café Amor & Art, 1557 Ottawa St., Windsor Carmen’s Catering, 75 Oak St. West, Leamington Cheesecake On A Stick, 13300 Tecumseh Rd. East, Unit 118, Tecumseh Cured Craft Brewing Co., 43 Mill St. West, Leamington Eastern Flavours, 4072 Walker Rd., Windsor El-Mayor Restaurant, 650 Division Rd., Unit 406, Windsor Funky Chow Kitchen, 2090 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Hamoudi’s Shawarma, 3392 Dougall Ave., Unit 300, Windsor India’47, 1640 Lesperance Rd., Tecumseh KOMA Restaurant (Kitchen Of Michael Anthony), 3090 Dougall Ave., #403, Windsor Marukin Steak & Sushi, 8408 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor More Taters Please, 4110 Walker Rd., Windsor Oishii Sushi, 7485 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor Oven 360 Tecumseh, 12000 Tecumseh Rd. East, Unit 5, Tecumseh Perfetto Bistro Bottega, 3850 Dougall Ave., Unit 80, Windsor Pomegranate Chinese Cuisine, 7816 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Rico Taco Windsor, RicoTacoWindsor.square.site Souq, 2651 Howard Ave., Unit 1, Windsor Sushi Bar Lakeshore, 486 Advance Blvd., Lakeshore Syd’s Sandwich Co., 559 Pelissier St., Windsor Zuleeats, 13430 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh

things right and provide their guests with a fabulous dinner. Michael Anthony Barlozzari, Owner of KOMA Restaurant, focuses on “Italian fusion” cuisine and supporting many local suppliers. Since opening in July 2016, the restaurant has offered a varied list of starters, fresh homemade pastas, several seasonal main dishes, daily specials, scrumptious desserts and an extensive wine list. On their dinner menu you can find different types of proteins ranging from seafood, beef, poultry, lamb, veal and wild boar to name just a few. They cater to all dietary needs with careful consideration to those with allergies, sensitivities or “diets of conscience”. While they receive high praise for all their dishes, their specialty is their flavourful and decadent sauces found in many of their menu offerings. They also feature tasting menus for group dining, allowing their patrons to sample a number of tasting-sized portions accompanied by beverage pairings, for a sampling experience of all that KOMA Restaurant has to offer. “Michael Anthony Barlozzari is hands-down, the best chef in Essex County,” believes Judge Ciaravino. “He is a Picasso with a spice palette. The fact that

he has been able to turn a restaurant located in a nondescript strip mall — next to a Baskin Robbins — into one of the hottest fine dining establishments in Windsor, is a testament to him and his team’s culinary skills in the kitchen. The atmosphere is amazing, the service is intimate, and the entire experience is just phenomenal.”

During normal times, KOMA Restaurant has an interior seating capacity that allows for 42 patrons. Responding to the challenges of the pandemic, they added patio seating for 20, increased their curbside pickup, offered special family-sized meal pricing and increased their already immaculate method of operating to ensure the safety of their staff and customers.

They were able to continue to employ most of their dedicated staff of 12 throughout the trying times of the pandemic. The dining room is open Monday to Thursday from 5 p.m.

Our award winner. KOMA Restaurant, specializes in “Italian fusion” cuisine.

Pictured (left) is the Seafood Tagliatelle entrée with lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, octopus, cod and trout.

Shown at right is Chef Barlozzari’s Braised Osso Bucco sharing plate with house made ravioli, bone marrow and arugula.

Photos courtesy of KOMA Restaurant.

And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

KOMA Restaurant (Kitchen Of Michael Anthony) KOMA Restaurant provides a unique dining experience in the Windsor area because they consciously choose to remain a smaller, intimate establishment. This allows for attention to detail and for striving to create the best food possible with an appealing presentation. They want to ensure they do

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The food served at KOMA Restaurant is so divine it might even be cooked with “golden eggs”! Michael Anthony Barlozzari, Owner of KOMA Restaurant is photographed outside the entrance to the Dougall Avenue location. Photo courtesy of KOMA Restaurant.

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to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and closed on Sunday. Since restrictions have eased, KOMA Restaurant has increased their catering business, providing decadent food for gatherings as large as pandemic guidelines have permitted. If you are interested in knowing their catering, take-out and dine-in options, or just want to view a menu, log on to: KOMArestaurant.com.

21. “Rootin’-Tootin’ Pear fect Meals” (A restaurant or take-out business specializing in serving vegan or plant-based dishes.)

The nominees are . . .

Healthy Mama, 152 Lesperance Rd., Tecumseh Little Foot Foods, 1404 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor Nooch, (nominated location closed, new location in future), NoochWindsor.ca Plant Joy, 5622 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor The Decision Tree, 3707 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor The Plant Base, 126 Richmond St., Amherstburg And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Plant Joy Plant Joy specializes in delicious vegan doughnuts made with high-quality ingredients that minimize their impact on the planet, animals and people, since 2018. They use 90% organic ingredients, meaning the ingredients are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and they prioritize fair-trade ingredients (where the workers that farm the ingredients are paid a fair wage) whenever possible, such as their organic and fair-trade cane sugar, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, coconut flakes and coconut milk. Jordynne Ropat, Owner of Plant Joy — and her staff of two — operate the takeout business out of the 650 square foot

And "the golden word" is . . . doughnuts!

Jordynne Ropat, Owner of Plant Joy, prepares to sink her teeth into a strawberries and cream doughnut.

Photo courtesy of Lively Creative Co.

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If you and your family have been as “good as gold,” then give yourself a sweet reward by ordering doughnuts from Plant Joy. The doughnuts are for vegans, nonvegans, environmentalists and all foodies — simply because they are delicious and made fresh every single morning from real, organic ingredients. Photo courtesy of Haley Mai Photography.

space. They aim to use ingredients from area businesses and collaborate with local makers wherever possible; this is the case, not only in the ingredients they use, but also in the retail products they sell in the shop. They make their doughnuts from scratch every morning, ensuring they are as fresh and delicious as possible. They offer unique gourmet flavours — in addition to their regular menu, they change their seasonal flavours frequently. For example, in the fall they have pumpkin spice long johns, apple crumble, and chai latte as their seasonal flavours. The list of regular flavours can include glazed, cinnamon sugar, maple dip, raspberry dip, maple bacon (made with Carrots N’ Dates

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coconut bacon), lemon lavender, cookies n’ creme, vanilla sprinkle, strawberries and cream, apple fritter, chocolate dough and chai latte. “We are the only shop in the city to offer vegan doughnuts,” Ropat points out. “Few shops in the city offer vegan ‘comfort food’ and especially vegan desserts that tastes like the ‘real thing’ — but we don’t only serve vegans.

We also serve dozens of customers with dairy and egg allergies, some of whom had never tasted doughnuts before they tried ours!” Their doughnuts don’t contain eggs or dairy, or dietary cholesterol, and they are made with organic ingredients, making them a healthier choice. And because they are plant based, they are also environmentally friendly. “To say their doughnuts are a meal in themselves is an understatement,” expresses Judge Kerluck.

“Whether for breakfast, lunch or a snack, Plant Joy’s doughnuts are huge, totally decadent and the variety keeps you going back for more, time and time again. It’s really tough to imagine that for something so filling, it’s 100% vegan sourced. It’s almost enough to convince anyone that a vegan diet doesn’t need to be all leaves and beans!” During COVID-19, they pivoted to online ordering and began offering curbside pickup and using TDS — a locally owned delivery service. To see the bakery’s walk-in hours and learn how to order doughnuts for your office or family, check: PlantJoy.ca.

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22. “The Most Wonderful Event Of The Year” (Annual runs, golf tournaments, motorcycle rides, charity fundraisers etc. Virtual events accepted.) *“GOLDEN RULE” EXCEPTION: Non profits and charities could participate as can festivals and trade shows.

The nominees are . . .

“Art By The River,” GibsonArtGallery.com/art-by-the-river.html “Joe Hogan Memorial Golf Tournament,” JoeHoganMemorial.com “Ouellette Car Cruise,” DowntownWindsor.ca/cruise “The Giving Eight Windsor-Essex Impact Annual Classic Golf Tournament,” TheGivingEight.com “YQG Pop-ups,” Facebook.com/yqgpopups And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

“Joe Hogan Memorial Golf Tournament” In 1997, Doug and Dan Hogan (Owners of Hogan’s Printing) started the “Joe Hogan Memorial Golf Tournament” on the second Thursday of September each year, in honour

of their father Joe — who lost his battle with cancer. Joe Hogan loved the game of golf and it was something that the Hogan family enjoyed together. What started with 92 golfers (mainly friends and business associates) at Sutton Creek Golf Club, grew to an event with 632 golfers over three courses (Ambassador Golf Club and Roseland Golf & Curling Club as well) and a meal at the Caboto Club after with more than 600 people in attendance. Over 24 years, the tournament has raised more than $1.2 million for various charities — the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation being the main recipient. Other charities receiving donations are; the Windsor Spitfires Foundation, The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc., and the Make-AWish Foundation. They also established the “Sherron Hogan Memorial Scholarship” in honour of their mother, which has assisted 105 young men and women in continuing their post secondary dreams. The golf courses always sell out and the event is one of the biggest golf tournaments in southwestern Ontario. “This golf tournament has such a wonderful long history in Windsor Essex,” comments Judge Mancini. “Everyone who is anyone has played in the tournament knowing it’s for such a great cause, the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation.” Before the pandemic they had a shotgun start at all the courses at 10 a.m.

However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, they could only have a limited number at the golf course at one time. “We adapted by staggering tee times between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.” the brothers explain. “When the golfer checked in, they received a gift worth approximately $200 (the value of the registration fee). They then played 18 holes of golf with a cart and had lunch, along with various games on the golf course.” This year the event felt a bit more like normal as the Caboto Club was utilized for an open house style dinner and the hall was set up somewhat as it was in the past. A silent auction and raffle was also on the agenda.

Before the pandemic they would have a formal assembly where they would raffle off all the prizes and present the cheque to the charities and have a wonderful celebration.

Yet again, with the restrictions, they had to go virtual, and the morning after they filmed the raffle and prize giveaways to post on their website: JoeHoganMemorial.com and Facebook page. That is just one of the many reasons why this event was selected as the final winner, as the organizers acted quickly and efficiently to make changes so the 2021 event could go on and provide a fun outing for golfers at three area golf courses — and also raise approximately $65,000 for local charities!

Judge Ciaravino had a bias in this category and did not participate in any conversation about it or vote on it.

23. “Amazing Accommodations” (A hotel, inn or motel with cheerful, knowledgeable staff; luxurious rooms; a variety of amenities; reasonable rates in a great location.) *No B&Bs, campgrounds or cottages could be included.

The nominees are . . .

Diane Motel, 5816 Tecumseh Rd. East, Windsor Inn 31, 31 Division St. South, Kingsville Seacliffe Inn, 388 Erie St. South, Leamington Stonecroft Inn, 3032 Dougall Ave., Windsor The Grove Hotel, 12 Main St. East, Kingsville The Wandering Dog Inn, 1060 East West Rd., Pelee Island And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

The Grove Hotel Opened in 2016, The Grove Hotel is an 18room boutique hotel in downtown Kingsville — next to the Grove Brew House. Located in an 1854 historic building on Main Street East in downtown Kingsville, The Grove Hotel staff hopes to provide a memorable experience and to exceed its guests’ expectations on every visit. Hotel General Manager Jennifer Flynn and her team, always make every guest feel welcome! Thousands of visitors (a whopping 33,000 at their last count) have been drawn to this location (MyGroveHotel.com) as a must-see destination. They revel in the opportunity to stay in one of the 18 quirky and uniquely themed rooms and to visit the many restaurants, breweries and wineries that are in the area. “This prohibition gem is Windsor and Essex County’s answer to an award-winning boutique hotel,” says Judge Barker. “Their unique rooms feature an eclectic design of

If “a golden key can open any door” make sure it is a key to one of the 18 rooms at The Grove Hotel!

This boutique hotel is located in an 1854 historic building on Main Street East in downtown Kingsville.

Photo courtesy of Mel & Jer Creative.

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At The Grove Hotel Room #4 — “The Brew Master Suite” — honours the oldest recorded recipe in the world . . . beer!

Grab a pint, raise your glass and enjoy a night in this unique King Room. Photo courtesy of Kerry Trepanier Photography.

furnishings, finishes and knickknacks. Another plus is that the hotel is attached to the awardwinning Grove Brew House, a microbrewery dedicated to handcrafting traditional style beers in the heart of downtown Kingsville. All these wonderful advantages, combined with top notch customer service, make The Grove Hotel a true destination experience.” During the initial lockdown, James Flynn — Owner of The Grove Hotel along with his family — was forced to make the difficult decision to lay off all 15 of his employees, after being hit with room cancelations due to border closures, travel restrictions and stay at home orders.

However, he took on the challenge of COVID with a vengeance, offering free accommodation to frontline workers such as police, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, and nurses with a

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“Hotel For Heroes” program. At the end of the program they had donated approximately $75,000 in equivalent room nights! Additionally, they took this “golden opportunity” to develop travel packages, stay add-ons, gift cards and an online shop called “Grove Goods & Co.” (“curated items for the weirdo at heart”). This has been a huge success and allowed them to offer an even more personalized visit (and therefore more memorable). This year, along with the Lewis family, they launched The Grove Bike Co., a bike rental offering to further enhance the guest experience and offer visitors and locals a chance to get out and explore their amazing community in a new and unique way.

As for the future? Plans are already in the works to open The Grove Motel, slated for 2022, in Colchester.

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24. “Most Instagram

Worthy Biz” (A business where visitors and local residents love to visit to take selfies and post all over social media, especially Instagram!)

The nominees are . . .

Bad Witch Bakery, 900 Erie St. East, Windsor Caffeine & Co., 238 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg North 42 Degrees Estate Winery & Bistro 42, 130 Essex County Rd. 50, Harrow Thirteen At The Inn, 388 Erie St. South, Leamington Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel, 1335 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor Windsor Tea Emporium, 1295 Ottawa St., (now located inside Windsor Cake Emporium, 3244 Walker Rd.), Windsor Wineology Bar & Restaurant, 1646 Wyandotte St. East, Windsor And the Biz X Award goes to . . .

Wineology Bar & Restaurant Opened in November 2014, Wineology Bar & Restaurant is the first and only wine bar in

A

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FRYDAYS FI

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& CHI

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Although you can find a sparkling wine with “24K gold” flakes to drink, you won’t even need this option as the wine cellar at the Walkerville location of Wineology Bar & Restaurant holds over 500 bottles at any time of the year.

You’re sure to find something different to try every time you visit. And, as you can see by the photo of this couple, the wine cellar it is a great spot to take a romantic picture to post on Instagram! Photo courtesy of JC Boulos.

Windsor and Essex County that offers wine from every region of the world. Jean-Claude (JC) Boulos, Owner of Wineology Bar & Restaurant — along with his 70 employees at four locations — love to teach and educate customers about wine. The majority of their wine selections

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can’t be found at the LCBO and are directly shipped from the wineries. The wine cellar at the Walkerville location alone holds 500 bottles. The business is also known for food and wine pairing and their wood-fired pizza is considered one the best pizzas in the city. Add in the perfect setting and you have all you need for a great evening out! Judges couldn’t help but notice on Instagram how many photos were taken at Wineology in Walkerville and shared. “Who wouldn’t want a photo on the Wineology rooftop?” nominator Celesta G. asks. “It’s a great atmosphere for a date or night out with friends.” It’s obvious that patrons just love taking photos here of themselves enjoying the drinks, food and atmosphere. Their locations are very well branded; you can notice their logos, signs and name everywhere. So, it’s easy and simple to advertise their brand. They provide a unique ambiance at all locations in the region — Walkerville; 13300 Tecumseh Rd. East, Tecumseh and 19 Main St. East in Kingsville (refer to: WineologyBar.ca to make reservations and view a wine/food menu) — and they also have a location in Kitchener. The design and architecture provide a romantic ambiance that is a perfect fit for Windsor night life. Their theme is always black and orange, which you can notice from the design on their website and social media. Boulos always recommends people post their pictures to social media and tag it with their special platform created by their graphic

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Luckily you do not need a “golden ticket” to access the 1,500 sq. foot rooftop at Wineology Walkerville!

Here you can enjoy a glass of wine and your favourite appetizers to share with your significant other or friends and document it all by snapping shots for your Instagram page. Photo courtesy of JC Boulos.

design leader so they can re-post them. Their 1,500 square foot rooftop (opened July 2021) engineered by Aleo Engineering and designed by Boulos provides Instagram-worthy backdrops of the city for great selfies, featuring food and wine!

It’s also an ideal spot for a wedding. They are currently building glass walls under the canopy to heat the space and keep using it during the wintertime. In the future, they plan to expand Wineology all over Ontario.

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HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE

All Hail The Queen Natalie Bourgoin

By Joe McParland

T

his past summer, between August 20 to 23, the 2021 Galaxy Canada Pageant took place at the Novotel Toronto Vaughan Hotel.

What is a Galaxy Pageant you ask?

From: CanadaGalaxyPageants.com, “The ‘Mrs. Galaxy’, ‘Miss Galaxy’, ‘Ms. Galaxy’, and ‘Miss Teen Galaxy’ competitions are on track to rival the oldest and most prestigious international pageants in the industry today.

The Galaxy International Pageant is recognized as one of the premier beauty and style competitions for women of all nations.”

The Galaxy Pageants have eight different age divisions with contestants ranging from six years old and up. Those competing in the ‘Miss’, ‘Ms.’ and ‘Mrs.’ categories are judged on: Photogenic: 15%, Interview: 25%, Swimwear: 20%, Fashion Wear: 20%, and Evening Gown: 20%.

Competing against 14 women from across Canada in the ‘Ms.’ category, 34 year old Natalie Bourgoin from Windsor, Ontario — a first time pageant contestant — was crowned 2021 “Ms. Galaxy Canada”.

Her victory qualifies her for the 2022 Galaxy International Pageant to take place in the U.S., a pageant drawing current reigning Galaxy Queens from countries throughout the world.

Born in small town rural New Brunswick, Bourgoin’s family moved to Ontario when she was in grade two and settled in the Ruthven/ Leamington area.

She later joined the Canadian Armed Forces serving on both Canada’s east and west coasts in the Navy as a Sonar Operator from 2009 to 2013.

She reveals, “I always wanted to be in either the armed forces or become a cop. It was something feeding my tom-boy nature, which is quite ironic with me then winning the ‘Ms. Galaxy Canada’ title years later.”

After fulfilling her four year commitment with the Navy she left to pursue other life opportunities.

This attractive single mom of three children, ages five, seven and nine, currently resides in Lakeshore — but probably not for much longer.

She has a history of buying properties, renovating them herself and then flipping them for a profit.

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Totally consumed with business and marketing endeavours, Bourgoin is the founder and CEO of Femme Fatale Parties Inc., an international direct sales company that specializes in couples’ enhancement products.

The company grew internationally, but is now inactive as she pursues other business and philanthropic opportunities.

She also started up NextGen Massage Chairs, a direct sales business sourcing and selling massage chairs for half the price of retail.

She marketed these chairs successfully at home shows across the country, before moving on to other things.

Bourgoin also ran an Airbnb from a cottage she has just recently sold, but continues her Airbnb activity with an isolated furnished room in her current home.

Wait, there’s more!

She is a self-taught stock investor and has even started up a small home-based business for her children.

This gives her a good reason to brag as she states: “They have the same entrepreneurial drive I have, so they assist with daily chores and sales with Queen Bee Apiary, which we market through social media.” (Refer to: Facebook.com/queenbeeapiary.ALN).

Starting off with one hive, the business has grown to 11 hives.

“The bees are Ava, Liam, and Noah’s babies,” she laughs.

In recent times Bourgoin has started to transition from the business entrepreneurial arena into the philanthropic/advocacy arena.

She informs me: “Philanthropy is about 70% of who I am — since I was 16 years old I have been sponsoring various kids from various countries and doing things for the homeless for decades. I’ve been the kind of person who gives the shirt off my back.”

YQG Cares (YQGCares.net), a Canada not-for-profit registered in October 2020, is her most recent initiative.

Together with her two Co-directors, Lisa Valente (Facebook.com/upmediawindsor) and Jenny Duran, they formed this group.

Hopefully, as it’s based on a subscription model, it will generate funds for local issues such as homelessness, addiction, veterans, and a number of other social needs where B I Z X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Presenting Windsor and Essex County’s very own Queen, Natalie Bourgoin, the 2021 “Ms. Galaxy Canada” winner. Photo courtesy of Jim Orgill and Canada Galaxy Pageants.

the collective effort of the members in the community, using power in numbers, can assist a great many people.

Fittingly so, the organization is a 2021 Biz X Award nominee in the category, “Exceptional Social Enterprise”.

According to Valente: “Natalie Bourgoin and I quickly became friends through our mutual passion advocating for our marginalized community, and our drive for being successful in business. I refer to her as a ‘powerhouse’ who continuously inspires; motivates, and supports me as a female entrepreneur . . . working together as board members for YQG Cares, I would describe us as ‘power of the pack’ — three women supporting the community and each other.”

After my 50-minute interview with Bourgoin I was exhausted (in a good way) from learning about all the things this young woman has accomplished in her 34 years of life for herself, her children, and her community.

In this issue of Biz X magazine, where we celebrate the many worthy nominees and winners coming from local professionals, organizations and businesses who have done outstanding work for their community in the past year, it is appropriate that we congratulate Natalie Bourgoin, the 2021 “Ms. Galaxy Canada” Queen.

During the months to come she will use her Galaxy platform to advance their needs, as well as the important things she is doing with YQG Cares and her other advocacy and philanthropic efforts.

I am sure, like us, our readers cannot wait to see what transpires!

TECH BYTES

Lessons Learned

By Yvonne Pilon Every year WEtech Alliance works with hundreds of companies.

Our services range from offering up discounts and credits to the most used development software, to relying on a group of advisors called the Venture Success Team, who coach our clients through their biggest (and smallest) challenges.

Our advisors unanimously agree, the best part of our job is the constant learning that happens on multiple levels.

This is not only to stay on top of industry and technology trends, but learning from our clients as they travel their own entrepreneurial journeys.

We asked some of our participants in the Annual Libro “ScaleUP Accelerator” program to tell us the most impactful thing they’ve learned this year, in hopes their insights can add to what is no doubt a growing list of your own.

Here are their comments.

Patrick Thompson, Sales Development Lead of Ettractive Inc. (automotive hardware and software) says: “My biggest lesson over the past few months is you are a lot more resilient than you think! We often explain that resilience differs from other concepts, such as mindset or adaptability.

This is because it happens in the face of unexpected or difficult circumstances.

If you are struggling with building your resilience skills, in the new year, try some of these strategies — view your decisions as active choices, not sacrifices; believe in yourself more and view stress/setbacks as opportunities to push yourself.”

Yong Li, Founder and President of OLT Footcare Inc. states: “The biggest lessons we learned in 2021 is how powerful digital transformation can be for your business. This includes the following: Digital presence (building an online brand means engaging with customers and having real conversations that are authentic and provide a real voice for your business); Digital marketing (fine tuning your advertising to find customers anywhere they might be spending time online — the Internet is a huge place, find your niche and thrive) and E-commerce (understanding the power of delivering direct to consumers, is a massive

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opportunity allowing for unparalleled customer service).”

Emily Johnson, Founder and Creative Director of StrongerU Senior Fitness indicates: “Passion is important! In business (as with life) things won’t always go as expected or planned. 2021 took ‘expect the unexpected’ to a whole new level, but when you’re passionate about what you’re doing it helps you to persevere no matter what life throws at you.”

This past year has taught all of us so many new lessons, the trick will be remembering it all as the world steadily gets back to spinning on a much more familiar axis.

Our challenge for you is to take the time you need to slow down and reflect on the ways you’ve learned, grown, and persevered this year, in your own right.

When passion and reflection combine, they make for an unstoppable force.

Yvonne Pilon is the President and CEO at WEtech Alliance and has over 12 years experience in the tech sector with a core focus on growing companies and building a thriving entrepreneurial community.

She was recognized in 2019 as a “Top Social Media Influencer” in Canadian Tech. Follow her at @yvonnepilon and learn more about her organization on: WEtech-Alliance.com.

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portfolio corner

“Oh, The Noise!”

By Steven Mayo

In the words of Phillip Fisher, a legendary American investor: “The stock market is filled with individuals who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.”

This famous quote highlights the importance of knowing the value of a business that you may be considering to add to your portfolio.

When stock markets have declines, it’s the investor who has done their homework and knows the numbers of a company well, who is ready to take advantage of the price decline.

As always stock markets have ebbs and flows. As I write my column in mid-autumn the “noise” factor has increased and the markets have heightened concerns.

Today’s noises are . . .

1. P roduction problems out of China, Indonesian, Cambodia 2. S upply chain issues, such as the semi-conductor chip shortage

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© Can Stock Photo/lonabon

3. China slowdown 4. Inflation 5. C OVID-19 Delta variant waves across the world 6. Potential U.S. government shutdown 7. U.S. debt ceiling (of course it will be raised) 8. Re-opening of economies delayed . . . etc., etc.

All of these issues are manageable and in some cases correctable, such as production issues and chip shortages, which will eventually be resolved.

These short-term issues, while serious, also cloud our judgments of certain businesses.

For example, demand for cars and trucks remains high and earnings for the big auto companies were good, but will be better when production is back on track. This also bodes well for the auto suppliers.

For me, this is an area that an investor

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should spend extra time reviewing. The long-term prospects are promising at current levels.

There are other stock market sectors that have also taken a pause recently because of concerns.

As I have stated in the past, investors should think about sectors, not just the indices. That is where you find the bargains. Remember a year ago, when no one cared about oil stocks?

As we approach winter, the markets will realize (again) that the U.S. fundamentals are in good shape.

“The Grinch” (a fictional character created

by Dr. Seuss) sums it up best: “For tomorrow, I know, all the Who girls and boys will wake bright and early. They’ll rush for their toys!

And then! Oh, the noise! Oh, the noise, noise, noise, noise! The one thing I hate . . . oh, the noise, noise, noise, noise!”

I couldn’t say it better myself.

Even the Grinch “warmed up”. When the noise is highest, think of buying. A Christmas rally could be forming.

Steven Mayo is a Vice President, Director, and Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. (Member — Canadian Investor Protection Fund). This article is not intended as nor does it constitute investment advice. Readers should consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on information in this article.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL WOMEN AT WORK

By Dave Hall

Misty Adams

At The Top Of The (Gifting) Tree

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isty Adams is a firm believer in the future health and success of downtown Windsor. So she’s decided to join other new entrepreneurs in the core by opening The Gifting Tree, an eclectic gift store only a few metres off Ouellette Avenue.

“I looked around at a number of other potential locations, but downtown is where I want to be,” says Adams, who also lives downtown. “I admit downtown still needs work, but with more residential units coming, I think there’s a great opportunity for residents, hospitality and retail to co-exist and make it all work.”

The Gifting Tree is located at 90 Park Street West and has been benefitting from foot traffic from downtown residents, workers and the many people who attend the downtown farmer’s market on Saturday.

She believes that “Without a viable downtown, I don’t believe you can have a viable city. Whenever you travel to other cities, you always come away talking about the downtown — not the suburbs — and I think we have a chance to make that happen here also.”

Open since September 18 of this year, The Gifting Tree sells a variety of jewellery, candles and home décor products as well as many other gift items.

“It’s a broad range and I think people will be able to find just about anything they are looking for,” she adds, claiming: “It’s not a cookie-cutter store like many others.”

Previously, Adams operated Funky Kidz, a store focusing on children’s clothing and gifts, on Ottawa Street, before she closed it during the 2008-2009 recession.

Instead, she launched a business selling

The Gifting Tree owner Misty Adams operates a unique store filled with eclectic items suitable for any occasion.

However, since now is the time for holiday shopping this is the place to visit for offbeat and trendy items where even the gold Christmas tree has an edgy, glitzy look! Photo by Rod Denis.

her products at vendor shows, including at both campuses of Windsor Regional Hospital, and home, garden, and bridal shows in both Windsor and Chatham. When COVID-19 restrictions prevented her from continuing with that business model, Adams pivoted once more. ”At that point, I decided to do what I do best and that’s open another retail store,” she explains. ’I’m encouraged by what I have experienced so far, but I think the city could still do a lot more to help out small businesses.”

Adams believes parking should be free on weekends and the first hour of parking the rest of the week also should be free.

“Nothing drives away business more than getting a ticket while you are trying to support small entrepreneurs such as myself,” she expresses.

Married to Joe Sergi who works at Caesars Windsor, Adams is originally from Montreal. However, she’s been in Windsor long enough to remember when Ouellette Avenue and Pelissier Street were retail destinations, and with the anticipated growth in residential units in the core, she is hopeful it can happen once again.

In the meantime, she is working on setting up a social media page on Facebook and looking forward to helping new customers find the perfect present this holiday season.

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ask the experts

The Right Décor Can Elevate Your Holiday Event To The Next Level

By Dave Halliday

I

t was a normal day at work until you wandered into the staff lounge to bump your caffeine level . . . that’s when you saw the posting — “Company Christmas Party! All are welcome.

Please RSVP by December 12, 2021”.

The annual hangout night with all of your co-workers is something you dread for some reason and you’re not sure why. It’s tough enough going to an event where you know everyone to some extent, but toss in having to see them all on Monday, after the party, can be stressful.

The night arrives and finds you in your best suit and the wife looking absolutely beautiful in a festive gown. The limo pulls into the driveway and looking as fashionable as ever you are both whisked away to the party venue. In your mind, this may be the classiest part of the evening.

You enter the venue and your wife immediately notices the ornate decorations and elegant entrance to the lobby. The experience only gets better as you step into the hall.

The setting, décor, lighting and well, everything, is simply amazing!

Suddenly you are not dreading the evening and in fact are looking forward to what should be a fantastic time.

As the night progresses, you notice someone you presume is the designer working tirelessly away ensuring every detail is just right. You find a moment to approach and discover it is none other than Diane Spencler, Professional Event Designer and Licenced Event Planner.

Her company, Designs by Diane, located at 5885 Huron Church Line (online at: DesignsByDiane.org) recently expanded to include its own venue on the 15 acre ranch property she shares with her husband, Jay Glover. It’s an ideal location for those seeking a pastoral, country setting for a wedding reception

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If your company is hosting a holiday or New Year’s Eve party for your staff, Designs by Diane has everything you need for an elegant evening from table linens to centrepieces to specific theme décor items (like the winter wonderland pictured). Photo by Rod Denis.

for up to 100 guests. (Get full details on catering options, etc. on: WindsorMicroWeddings.com).

But for now, you are interested in the corporate aspect of what she does!

As you talk more you learn that Spencler has 40 years of personal experience and Designs by Diane has been in business for an impressive 35 years providing wedding, event and holiday parties at a variety of local venues.

Spencler notes: “We are quite familiar with the Ciociaro Club, Ambassador Golf Club, St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, Beach Grove Golf & Country Club, Caesars Windsor and many other local facilities.”

Her corporate services include design consultation, table linens, chairs/chair covers,

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centrepieces, custom-themed items and flowers.

Back in 2019, you had the pleasure of attending the Biz X Awards Gala and were blown away by the décor and how it fit the theme of the evening (nautical for “When Your Ship Comes In”).

Sure enough it was Designs by Diane who was responsible for the décor that night as well.

Popular themes she has brought to life for area companies and organizations include super heroes, “The Great Gatsby,” an animal safari, “Candy Land,” “Mad Hatter,” “The Wizard of Oz” and more!

“If you can dream it, we can create it,” expresses Spencler.

Curiously, you ask how she develops the designs and themes for such events.

“Well, we take the theme and design the event around available resources that we either have in stock or we special order for that specific theme,” states Spencler. “We do so to create the theme to reach its highest potential, yet still maintain the elegance that Designs by Diane is known for.”

You note that it must be a rewarding feeling to assist someone in making their special occasion as perfect as they had hoped, and ask what Spencler feels are the keys to ensuring the success of the event and satisfaction of her client.

“That’s easy,” she declares. “Our goal is to always go well above and beyond the expectation of the client to achieve that WOW effect! We are always about taking it a step further and creating a setting that their guests will never forget and we strive to do that each and every time.”

As you and your wife enjoy the limo ride home later that evening you bask in the afterglow of an incredible evening. Turns out the annual work Christmas party doesn’t have to be something you dread, and you’re even looking forward to seeing everyone at work on Monday!

(NC) Over the last year and a half, many of us have embraced outdoor living and started enjoying our balconies, patios and backyards to the fullest. However, just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean spending more time outside needs to stop!

Be a great cold weather get-together host with these tips . . .

Always Keep Guests Warm Probably the top concern when it comes to cold weather gettogethers is making sure everyone is warm and comfortable.

Fortunately, you can accomplish this in style with a rustic firepit, chiminea or patio heater. You can also light candles and provide cozy blankets for some added warmth.

Decorate With Seasonal Items Enhance the theme of a festive winter get-together with country and farmhouse décor, like plaid linens and pillows. You can also create a nature-inspired tablescape with fresh pinecones and evergreen branches. A vintage wooden sled makes for a charming side table to set with drinks and snacks.

Serve Comfort Food And Drink There’s nothing like old favourites to make spirits bright. You’ll never go wrong with a classic hot chocolate and marshmallows or S’mores by the fire. If you’re feeling creative, try French toast fingers dipped in maple syrup. Want to give guests a hearty meal? Make some chili earlier in the day and reheat it, or fire up the grill for some maple-glazed wings and stuffed squash to add some extra warmth.

www.newscanada.com

LIFESTYLE Winter Outdoor Entertaining Tips . . .

ISSUES How To Host A Cold Weather Get-Together

Experiment With Sound Nothing sets a positive atmosphere quite like some good music.

Bring people together and create the perfect ambience for an evening with friends or family with ad-free music from SiriusXM. Simply connect the SXM App to your smart speaker and browse through the extensive catalogue of genres and artists to find the right soundtrack for a memorable, merry gathering.

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THE WAY IT WAS

Memories Keep Family Traditions Close At Heart

By Andrea Grimes

The 1942 postcard shown was sent by WWII Veteran, Donald Knight (Essex Scottish Regiment) to his mother, Mrs. Orlo Knight of Leamington. Postcard courtesy of Donald’s son Bryon Knight, retired Pipe Major of the Essex and Kent Scottish Pipes and Drums.

I

remember waving goodbye as dad drove away, promising to bring home the best Christmas tree EVER. Would he stop at Laura Secord to order those boxes of Life Savers?

I also remember Sunday afternoons with the aroma of shortbread cookies filling the house, when mum donned an embroidered apron she bought at Bartlett’s Department Store and dad walked in the back door and twirled her around, dancing to their favourite tune (that just happened to be playing on the radio). The warmth of family made me feel that I was the luckiest girl in the world and yes, this was going to last forever!

As I walked into his study one day, they both stopped talking. I expected to learn that mum’s sewing room was going to be a nursery.

As it happened, nothing was farther from the truth, and what I was told forever changed my life — our lives. He was going off to war!

He knew about “joining the ranks” as his great granddad served in the Boer War and some of his cousins ‘went over the top’ at Passchendaele and the Somme. Naturally, it was his duty to serve Canada and that he did with exceptional pride.

While in line at Lyttles Bakery, I heard people talk about what was going on “over there” and some of the boys, who worked at CKLW Radio, bragged about signing up, because it was the right thing to do. When they did, our neighbourhoods seemed so empty to not see them sitting on their front porches and calling out to girls walking by.

While dad was overseas, mum volunteered with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Many of the same families who relied on the Society to help them manage during the war were on hand for the opening of the Society’s retail store at 357 Pitt Street East, on July 16, 1962.

“Windsor has a distinguished history for its commitment to helping individuals of all diversities who may experience hardships at some point in their lives,” says Sam Abouzeeni, Owner of Master Cleaners (MasterCleaners.ca). “Whether it be a crisis situation, which calls for fellowship or the need to refurbish a home after a fire or flood, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul brings its mission forward to anyone in need and does so through the generosity of our city.”

Season’s greetings Wishing you peace, joy and happiness this holiday season. From our Windsor office Partners and staff.

With KPMG Enterprise, you’ll have a trusted advisor who shares your entrepreneurial mindset someone to help you drive your business forward and meet your goals.

Contact us 618 Greenwood Centre, 3200 Deziel Drive I T: 519.251.3500

© 2021 KPMG LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

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Let's do this.

The Society established its first conference in Windsor under the auspices of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church in 1896.

“The Society’s mission is to serve Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy,” says Penny Craig, Secretary of the Windsor Essex Central Council Board of Directors of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (refer to: SSVPWindsorEssex.com).

An ad sponsored by the Professional Cleaners of Windsor appeared in the Windsor Star December 1, 1975: “The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is known but to God. The Known Society in 1974 aided more than 2,790 families with food, clothing and furniture, more than 100 invalids and shut-ins were brought to Mass, hundreds of families received Christmas and Easter food baskets, and hundreds of children were sent to summer camps.”

Craig notes: “The Society has been here through two world wars, the Great Depression, and the polio epidemic; the 99 day strike, fires and tornados; the recession and COVID-19. Our 125th anniversary was scheduled to take place in 2021; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our celebratory Mass at St. Alphonsus Church is postponed until February 2022.”

All the letters that dad sent home were written with the pen I bought at Copeland’s Stationary. His endearing words kept warm memories of our family close at heart.

While cutting out paper snowflakes at the kitchen table, dad walked in, swept mum up his arms and as usual, twirled her around humming to their favourite song (that just happened to be playing on the radio). We had our family Christmas at home once again!

Christmas time heralds a celebration of reunions, of nostalgic and deeply personal stories; of greater camaraderie, a sense of belonging — shared universal feelings of community and fellowship, of renewal, forgiveness and hope.

When we recall Christmas past, we usually find the simplest things give the greatest glow of happiness. As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is.

As a civilian Veterans Advocate, Andrea Grimes was presented with the “Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal” and the “Governor General’s Medal” for her volunteer service to Veterans. She volunteers for various military family service-support organizations including: the North Wall Riders Association, Windsor Veterans Memorial Service Committee, Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment Association, Military Institute of Windsor, the Royal Canadian Naval Association, the Korean War Veterans Association and the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association.

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THE PARENTING BIZ Feature Story By Dave Hall

It’s The Best Time Of The Year For Family Fun

hristmas is a time for family-friendly traditions, Santa Claus parades, spectacular light displays, and many festive decorations.

After a season of subdued celebrations last year, many of those fun activities are back in the holiday event line-up.

Why, even Santa Claus is getting in on the act by driving here ASAP so he is ready to participate in the five parades being held in his honour this year!

“I think people are ready to celebrate Christmas by attending family-friendly festive activities again and we are glad many of those traditions have returned,” says Maggie Durocher of the Windsor Parade Corporation, which is organizing Santa Claus parades in Windsor, Essex, and Amherstburg.

There is also a Santa Claus Parade in Leamington, organized by the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce, and another in Kingsville organized by the town’s “Fantasy of Lights” committee.

There are fun activities from Essex all the way to Leamington and the majority have returned to in-person attendance. There are a few events still being held online, but they are now in the minority.

“It’s a magical time of the year and it’s time to celebrate and cherish these familyfriendly activities — and if there’s anything the pandemic has taught us, it’s to not take them for granted,” says Gordon Orr, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (website: VisitWindsorEssex.com).

Orr adds: “Not only do these light festivals, parades and other events showcase the best this region has to offer our residents; it’s also a perfect opportunity to show visitors, in town for family celebrations, our region at its best.”

He also comments that it’s yet another step on the uneven path towards recovery for the hospitality and recreational economy.

And there’s plenty to see and do everywhere across the county again this holiday season.

Following is a sample of the list of activities taking place in communities across Essex County between now and Christmas. Keep in mind, COVID-19 restrictions can change with a moment’s notice and it is a good idea to check with each community to make sure there are no changes or postponements in any plans before you head out the door. Check as well if masks are required and also proof of vaccination.

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© Can Stock Photo/Tiplyashina

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As soon as Santa Claus heard about all the holiday festivities in the area, he knew he had to jump in his car and drive from the North Pole straight to Windsor and Essex County. He just has to be a part of all the action!

Start Off With “Dear Santa”

Parents have the opportunity to order letters and gift packages right from Santa Claus by accessing the website: LettersAndGiftsFromSanta.com or through Isabelle’s Dreams (a local business) via: IsabellesDreams.com.

Letters and scrolls range from $14.95 to $35.95 and “Nice List” certificates range from $8.95 to $16.95. All prices are in U.S. funds.

November 15 to January 16 “Light Up The Night” During “Winter Fest”

This dazzling light show kicks off “Winter Fest” and illuminates Windsor’s commercial properties along Ouellette Avenue, from Tuscarora Street to Riverside Drive and along Maiden Lane West.

Features such as LED colour bars and gobo light imagers create magical experiences encouraging residents and visitors to rediscover downtown’s many treasures.

The light show, staged by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), provides spectators with a canvas of lights for an eight-week period, along with inviting and safe activities for people of all ages.

For more information visit the DWBIA wesbite: DowntownWindsor.ca/WinterFest.

November 19 The “Ho Ho Ho Holiday Stroll The Street”

Belle River On The Lake BIA invites B I Z X MA G A Z IN E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

residents and visitors alike to stroll along Notre Dame Street between Dupuis Street West and Tim Hortons, to view vendors and storefronts displaying their holiday wares.

BIA retail businesses and restaurants are open with special savings offered for customers. The event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and is an upbeat, small town experience bringing businesses and people together over eight blocks. Letters to Santa are collected as well, and there is also entertainment.

For the latest updates and holiday events refer to: BelleRiverBia.com.

November 20 to December 31 The “Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade” & “River Lights Winter Festival”

This annual event, named a Top 100 Ontario attraction by Festivals and Events Ontario in past years, kicks off on November 20 with a tree-lighting ceremony in Kings Navy Yard Park at 6 p.m., followed by free hot chocolate and a fireworks display. A week later, the popular Santa Claus parade takes place on November 27 (but more on that later!).

Attendees are urged to visit downtown Amherstburg safely in an outdoor, enchanted setting amidst two premier parks — Toddy Jones and Kings Navy Yard — and roam the streets of this historic town.

“Amherstburg’s quaint restaurants, cafés and shops make the ‘River Lights’ festival a great family and friends winter destination,” says

THE PARENTING BIZ Anne Rota, Manager of Tourism and Culture for the Town of Amherstburg. “Being able to view the lights, stroll along historic Rankin Street with the houses decked to the nines, eat in one of our eclectic restaurants or grab a coffee and a dessert in a cool coffee shop, makes Amherstburg unique and inviting.”

There are thousands of lights on display throughout the downtown area, including many along Rankin Street where many of the homes date back to the Victorian era. The “Holiday Stroll” takes place from mid-November until the end of December. For a complete schedule refer to the website: VisitAmherstburg.ca.

November 20 The “Kingsville Santa Claus Parade”

The town’s 18th annual parade kicks off at 6 p.m. in downtown Kingsville. This year’s theme is “What Christmas Means To Me.” The parade route runs along Main Street from Migration Hall to Division Street and then south on Division to Park Street.

For more information on the parade, visit: FantasyOfLights.ca.

November 20 to January 5 The “Kingsville Fantasy Of Lights Festival”

Following the Kingsville parade, all the lights in Lakeside Park are turned on by Santa himself for the 29th annual “Fantasy of Lights Festival” Opening Ceremonies.

Amherstburg’s “River Lights Winter Festival” takes place every evening from November 20 to December 31. The town definitely has a special charm year round, but their outdoor winter events make great family memories too.

As shown by the mother and children in the accompanying photo, the events also add a bit of warmth to the holiday season.

That cup of free hot chocolate helps too — right? Photo courtesy of The Amherstburg Tourism Department.

There are also electric train rides available around the upper bowl of the park to see the light displays. So hop aboard to take in the sights while sipping hot chocolate from the comfort of the Kingsville Express!

The train rides run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting November 21 before wrapping up on January 5. Admission is $2 per person, $5 per family of four and free for children under two years of age.

During the “Fantasy of Lights” celebration, there is also a “Light up the Town” contest for business owners and homeowners.

All property owners are invited to light up their homes with the finest in festive decorations, all designed to entertain and enchant visitors and residents alike.

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For more details on all the town’s activities, go to: FantasyOfLights.ca.

November 21 “Handmade For The Holidays — Woven Ornament Workshop”

Residents and visitors are invited to join the staff at John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area in Essex and learn how to make two hand-woven ornaments — a reindeer and a heart.

Here you can learn how to work with flat reed for the reindeer and cardstock for the heart.

These handmade treasures add sentimental value as gifts or holiday toppers.

The $25 lesson includes instructions and materials.

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THE PARENTING BIZ Sessions run from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Homestead is located at 915 Essex County Road 50 in Essex.

Reserve your tickets for this Essex Region Conservation Authority event at: HandmadeForTheHolidays2021.eventbrite.ca.

Everyone loves a parade!

The date for the “Leamington Christmas Parade” falls on the last Saturday of November. At the 2020 parade the Leamington Fire Department truck was ablaze with holiday lights.

Photo courtesy of Southpoint Publishing.

November 26 to January 9 “LaSalle Holiday Lights”

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with something for the entire family. This holiday light display also includes musical performances, vendors, food trucks and takehome activity kits for children.

The schedule includes “Food Truck Fridays,” Saturday night “Sounds of the Season” and a “Holiday Night Market” on Sunday featuring handmade items and local businesses on site.

All events take place at the LaSalle Civic Centre at 5950 Malden Road from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more on: LaSalle.ca.

November 26 to January 9 “Storefront Decorations”

During this time frame, local artists spread holiday cheer throughout downtown Windsor by creating colourful holiday window art, on as many as 20 storefronts. So bundle up the kids and take a sightseeing tour!

November 27 The “Leamington Santa Claus Parade”

Organized by the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce, this family-friendly drive-thru event returns to Point Pelee National Park for another season.

“We’re not quite ready to bring crowds back to our streets, so we’re doing the drive-thru again, which was very popular last Christmas,” explains Wendy Parsons, General Manager of the Chamber. “We had 1,600 cars go through the park last year and we’re expecting just as many again this season.”

Families can access the park off Bevel Line and all side roads into the park are blocked

off to make the parade more orderly and less congested.

“In typical years, we would expect as many as 60 floats and last year I would have been happy with 10,” says Parsons. “We had 30 so we were very happy and we’re hoping for more this year.”

Floats, including one carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus, are located along Northwest Beach, West Beach, the boardwalk and at the park’s visitor centre, as well as other places along the route. Schools, community groups and local businesses have already committed to entering floats.

“In this time of COVID restrictions,

OPENING CEREMONIES Saturday, November 20, 2021

Parade at 6:00 p.m. Downtown Kingsville

followed by lighting kick-off at Lakeside Park

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THE PARENTING BIZ you have to remain positive and innovative while trying to bring some happiness to the community,” adds Parsons. “Our motto is “Be kind and be patient, Santa is watching.”

The parade hours run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and it generally takes about 30 minutes for drivers to pass through the park. There is no admission fee to the park, but organizers hope everyone can bring a donation for the food bank and/or an item for Toys for Tots.

For the latest information, visit the website: LeamingtonChamber.com.

November 27 The “Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade”

This year’s parade maintains the same route as a year ago — along Front Street to William Street and then down Richmond Street to Dalhousie Street before finishing up at Toddy Jones Park.

“All of our parades this year are traditional parades,” explains Maggie Durocher of the Windsor Parade Corporation, which is staging the Amherstburg parade. “We’ve spoken with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and it will be completely safe.”

She adds: “We have no real desire to do a reverse parade again because I think people find traditional parades more fun.”

While it’s an outdoor event, organizers are suggesting people remain in family bubbles

915 Essex County Road 50 and pre-registration is required online at: DeckTheHolidays2021.eventbrite.ca. The $50 fee includes all materials, expert instruction and a hot beverage. Attendees are asked to bring work clothes, gloves and pruners.

Grab your gumdrops, ready your candy canes and snap up your sugar for “House to House Combat: Battle of the Gingerbreads,” an online competition by the DWBIA in December (see description on next page).

as much as possible and wear a mask or a favourite scarf.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. and more information can be found on the website: WindsorParade.org/santa-parade.

November 27 and November 28 “Deck The Holidays — Wreath Making Workshop”

This event, staged by the Essex Region Conservation Authority at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, features a wreath-making workshop using natural materials from forests and farms.

Sessions take place November 27, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and November 28, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m.to 4 p.m.

The Homestead is located in Essex at

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November 27, December 4 & 11 The “Downtown Windsor Holiday Village” and “Santa On The Lane”

The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association transforms Maiden Lane into a pseudo-North Pole village, enabling residents and visitors alike to enjoy their very own winter wonderland, complete with Christmas trees, carollers and popup shops featuring local confectioners and retailers.

“Santa on the Lane” is a socially-distanced photo opportunity, also on Maiden Lane. Santa is stationed on a throne inside a snow globe from where he visits with children and families between noon and 4 p.m. on November 27, December 4 and 11.

December 1 to December 21 “Comfy With Claus” & “Letters To Santa”

Streaming live from his workshop at the North Pole, this Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association inspired event — “Comfy With Claus” — allows

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THE PARENTING BIZ

“Bright Lights Windsor”, a spectacular festival of lights, food and music, returns to Jackson Park this season, after a year’s hiatus, due to COVID-19 restrictions. The 2021 event, which runs from December 3 to January 9, features more food vendors and additional lighting displays, designed to entertain families of all ages. Photo courtesy of the City of Windsor.

Santa to meet with kids and families for five-minute online appointments, while at the same time receiving a screenshot of their experience.

Regarding “Letters to Santa,” jolly old Saint Nick has a personal email address (Santa@ downtownwindsor.ca) so parents can help their children keep the tradition alive and enter the digital era by writing an email to him!

With a little help from his elves, Santa emails back a personalized response, complete with a North Pole background.

December 1 to December 21 “House To House Combat: Battle Of The Gingerbreads”

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This online competition features Windsor and Essex County residents submitting their gingerbread masterpieces to The Windsor Star for the chance to be declared the best gingerbread house in all the land.

Organized by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association, it’s a responsible socially-distanced alternative to traditional in-person gingerbread house competitions.

December 1 to December 25 “Songs Of The Season”

Local singer-songwriters and musicians present a series of 15-plus virtual concerts through the month of December, giving audiences the gift of music and bringing enchantment into their homes and onto their streams.

Presented by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association, the concerts are streamed on YouTube and other social media platforms and are free to anyone who wants to watch.

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December 3 to January 9 “Bright Lights Windsor”

After a year’s hiatus, “Bright Lights Windsor” returns to Jackson Park where as many as 100,000 visitors annually viewed the lights before COVID-19 restrictions caused last year’s to be cancelled.

“It’s nice to have it back where it belongs,” says Michelle Staadegaard, Manager of Culture and Events for the City of Windsor.

“Everyone involved loves to see people’s smiles as they walk through the park and it’s quickly become a very popular event.”

While details were still being developed at press time, a vendor’s market with food trucks, 10 new light displays, a traditional lighted Christmas tree and music playing throughout the park each night, are again on the agenda.

In order to make the event safe for everyone, there are prescribed routes through the park from each of the two entrances — Tecumseh Road East near Kennedy Collegiate and McDougall Street near Parkside Tennis Club.

“It will also help us manage the crowds,” explains Staadegaard.

For more information, refer to the website: CityWindsor.ca.

December 4 The “Windsor Santa Claus Parade”

While this parade did not have a title sponsor as of early November, Maggie Durocher of the Windsor Parade Corporation says that little thought was given to cancelling the event.

“We couldn’t do it at this late date, but having no sponsor makes a huge difference financially,” says Durocher whose organization has given up its office and a staff person to reduce expenses.

“There’s been no ‘Summerfest’ for the past two years and that is our biggest revenue producer.”

THE PARENTING BIZ Durocher has also been seeking bands to participate in the parade since COVID-19 restrictions have made it too expensive for U.S. bands to cross the border and many local bands had not started practicing early enough in the fall. Don’t worry though, there is going to be music, horses, entertainers, local nonprofits and much more!

The 53rd annual “Windsor Santa Claus Parade” begins at 6 p.m. on Riverside Drive from Parent Avenue west to Janette. Up to date information at: WindsorParade.org/santa-parade.

An enchanted lighted snow globe marks an entrance to “Bright Lights Windsor,” which returns to Jackson Park this holiday season. More than 100,000 visitors viewed the lighting displays in 2019 and just as many are expected this year. Photo courtesy of the City of Windsor/Mychailo Photography.

December 4 & 5 “Christmas Artisan Market”

A “Christmas Artisan Market” takes place at Lakeside Park in Kingsville from 4 to 9 p.m. on opening night and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second night.

Local artists and crafters display their wares for the very best in local Christmas shopping.

Learn more at: FantasyOfLights.ca.

December 5 “YQG Made — A Holiday Maker Market”

YQG Made is an affiliation of local craft makers, artists, knitters, woodworkers, brewers and more, all located across Essex County.

It’s the organization’s first market at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area

with approximately 20 to 30 local makers on site selling their locally produced wares.

At the market unique holiday gifts are featured as well as pioneer demonstrations around the farm, hands-on-activities for children, seasonal photo backdrops for selfies, mulled cider and roasted chestnuts. You can also visit the gift shop to take a piece of history home!

The Homestead is located at 915 Essex County Road 50 in Essex. For further information, see ERCA's website: EssexRegionConservation.ca.

December 7 “Paws And Claus”

Bring your camera and capture what’s sure

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to be some funny, furry friend photos!

Held at the Lakeside Park Pavilion in Kingsville from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., this event offers a one-time opportunity for people to have their pets photographed with Santa Claus and is by donation. There are also pet friendly vendors on site. Check out the website: FantasyOfLights.ca to read more details.

December 7 to December 24 “Cooking With Claus”

For this Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association organized event, Santa teams up with local chefs and

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THE PARENTING BIZ restaurateurs to present virtual cooking, baking, and mixology classes for the entire family.

There are eight to 10 video shows that include “Cocktails and Claus,” “Sides with Santa” and “Cooking with Claus”.

December 11 The “Essex Santa Claus Parade”

Sponsored by the Essex Business Improvement Association and organized by the Windsor Parade Corporation, the parade begins at 6:30 p.m.

Maggie Durocher of the Windsor Parade Corporation, informs Biz X she’s expecting larger crowds than last year at many of the local parades.

“People are anxious to get out and do something traditional again and the feedback has been amazing so far,” she states. “Everybody needs a parade right now.”

The Essex parade runs along Talbot Street between Fairview Avenue and Victoria Avenue.

Get the latest updates on: EssexBia.com.

December 12 and 19 “Holiday Tours Of The Homestead”

John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area’s costumed guides take residents and visitors alike on a historic tour of the 1842

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house and farm of John and Amelia Park, which is decorated for the Christmas period with stockings hung by the chimney and festive decorations throughout.

There are also holiday-themed handson activities for children and a “Nice List” ($2 fee) ready to be submitted to Santa in time for Christmas.

In keeping with current safety protocols, tour times must be booked in advance at: EssexRegionConservation.ca/education-andevents (then choose the specific date).

Tours are offered from noon to 5 p.m. and admission cost is $6 per adult; $4/children aged three and up or a family maximum of $20 (under six participants).

The John R. Park Homestead is located at 915 Essex County Road 50 in Essex.

December 14 to December 25 Video Vignettes #ShopLocal

In celebrating a countdown to Christmas Day, the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association presents innovative digital content designed to spread festive cheer and attract new patrons to the city centre.

The 12 Days of Christmas is a series of video vignettes encouraging residents and visitors to support the #ShopLocal campaign over the holiday period. In addition to downtown shopping it includes virtual arts/

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crafts workshops and partnerships with the Art Gallery of Windsor, Windsor Public Library and local artists/artisans.

“Simply Havin’ A Wonderful Christmastime”

So there you have it in a nutshell! With all these fantastic activities in the works we know the lyrics in the Wings and Paul McCartney song in the subtitle above will come true.

Just keep in mind, no matter which activities and/or events you attend, be sure to bring your face masks and practice social distancing wherever possible. Think safety first always.

Whether in-person or online, there is no shortage of family-friendly activities for people of all ages throughout the Christmas and holiday season. It’s well past time to have fun again!

Editorial Note On DWBIA & Town Of Tecumseh Events For all DWBIA events listed go to: DowntownWindsor.ca/WinterFest.

Regarding the Town of Tecumseh holiday schedule, dates, times and locations of Christmas festivities and activities had not been finalized by press time. For information on their activities as it becomes available, please visit: TecumsehBia.com or Tecumseh.ca/Christmas-In-Tecumseh.

THE PARENTING BIZ HEALTH MATTERS

Keeping Healthy Over The Holidays Supplied By The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Healthy Schools Team

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2. Maintain Healthy Habits The holidays are a great time to celebrate with family and friends by sharing meals and making memories. Don’t forget to keep healthy habits in mind!

• Try to eat vegetables and fruits at every meal. Fresh, frozen or canned are all good options.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Engage in some physical activity.

Need ideas?

Visit the website: UnlockFood.ca to find delicious recipes, hydration tips, or ideas for keeping kids busy in the kitchen this holiday season.

For some tips on how to get a better night’s sleep, go visit: SleepOnItCanada.ca. Family workouts don’t need to be fancy — head to one of the local parks or trails, and spend some time in nature.

3. Continue To Follow Public Health Measures The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to avoid exposure to the virus.

© Can Stock Photo/famveldman

he last couple of years have been unpredictable and stressful to say the least. Now that the holidays are fast approaching, celebrating again with friends and family is a top priority.

Stay safe this holiday season, by including the following tips . . .

1. Make Your Mental Health A Priority While the holiday season is supposed to bring joy and togetherness, it can also be a source of increased stress, anxiety, and loneliness for many.

That’s why it’s important to make time for self-care during the holidays. Even taking just a few minutes to go for a walk, meditate, have a bubble bath, or chatting with a friend can help.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health and substance use concerns have increased dramatically. For professional help, contact Wellness Together Canada (WellnessTogether.ca) for free, confidential mental health and substance use supports and resources for people of all ages, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When visiting others this holiday season be sure to always follow COVID-19 public health measures.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, keep your physical distance (i.e., 2 metres or 6 feet) from others, continue wearing a facemask in public, wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and stay home if you or your family members are not feeling well.

4. Get Vaccinated Every vaccination administered brings us closer to fully enjoying the activities we love so much. Make sure you consult reputable sources, including your health care provider or public health organization if you have questions about COVID-19.

For more information on COVID-19 and local vaccination clinics, refer to: WEVAX.ca. And for further details on a variety of health topics, including COVID-19, visit: WECHU.org.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), in partnership with other agencies and health care providers, seeks to enable all Windsor and Essex County residents to be as healthy as possible.

The unit is located at 1005 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor.

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THE PARENTING BIZ

The Pieces Of The Puzzle Come Together With Essential Autism Educational Services Inc. OF THE MONTH

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By Dave Hall

n appearance on an U.S.-based television show 17 years ago prompted a Windsor couple to launch Essential Autism Educational Services Inc., providing help and support for families dealing with relatives who have autism.

Company Chief Executive Officer Dwayne Wessel was working in Michigan at the time as an educator and consultant, helping students from age three to 26 deal with autism and other emotional impairments.

When a student of his was selected for a home renovation on ABC Television’s “Extreme Home Makeover,” Wessel volunteered to help select furniture and specialized equipment.

Both of the student’s parents were hearing impaired and the student was visually impaired, as well as autistic.

Following the show, Wessel’s phone started ringing with calls from local families seeking similar support and advice.

It all prompted Wessel and his wife Debbie Lockrey-Wessel to establish their company, which has been working with local families ever since. In 2004, Wessel was the company’s only employee and now there are 18.

“My brother John (Lockrey) has autism,” explains Lockrey-Wessel. “When my husband saw what my parents had done to make his life better, combined with the phone calls we had been getting, we decided to start our own company so we could help more families deal with similar issues.”

Lockrey-Wessel has also written a book on the subject entitled “A New Friend at School.”

She hopes it will help other students understand and accept autism. The book has large bold illustrations to teach children about a classmate who has autism.

Wessel, who has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Windsor and a master’s degree from Oakland University in Michigan, says Essential’s approach is to focus on strengths not

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weaknesses, and it has led to some remarkable results for children, teenagers and adults.

“Many children eventually age-out of the services they are offered and it leaves parents wondering where to turn next,” says Wessel.

“Our services include an adult transition program, beyond high school, for the next leg of their education.”

The company currently has 15 clients and its goal is to eliminate waiting lists for those seeking help.

“Many of our clients have a family member with autism who is five years old or younger, but because we know learning doesn’t end at the age of five, we are one of the few agencies that also provide in-home intervention services for teens and adults,” explains Wessel.

The company works with both families and agencies and provides support for individuals with special needs by utilizing Applied Behaviour Analysis, which is a scientific approach to increasing or decreasing particular behaviours.

A Board Certified Behaviour Analyst acts as a team leader and completes an assessment of the client that measures socially significant goals, communication skills, socialization skills and academics.

“During our assessments, we measure the observable behaviours and skill deficits to find where we can teach skills to help foster independent success in real-world situations,” says Wessel. “Our technicians then receive guidance from the analyst in order to implement strategies and programs, work with clients in their home environment and collect data.”

Essential Autism Educational Services, an incorporated for-profit business, uses discreet trial training where it breaks down skills into step-by-step components and natural teaching methods, in which opportunities are created in the natural environment to teach skills.

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Dwayne Wessel, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), Certified Teacher and CEO of Essential Autism Educational Services Inc. and his wife Debbie LockreyWessel, company Vice President, provide quality in-home interventions for individuals who are on the autism spectrum using Applied Behaviour Analysis.

Each holds a puzzle piece, a symbol used for autism.

Photo by Rod Denis.

They also offer support services to help clients achieve their goals by providing parent training, input for school meetings and behaviour plans to increase pro-social behaviours.

“The goals address deficits in developmental milestones and the splintered skills that are often found in a client’s development,” adds Wessel. “By learning in the home, our clients are able to generalize their skills in their natural environments.”

According to the couple, this type of analysis can make a difference in the lives of families across Windsor and Essex County.

The company, which has plans to expand to Chatham-Kent, Sarnia and London, is currently accepting new clients.

“We can provide a professional, yet personalized in-home learning experience, which allows families to observe and participate in their child’s progress,” Wessel comments.

“These are life-changing interactions for clients and staff.”

Learn more on: EssentialAutism.ca.

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