Biz X magazine February 2016 - Vol 19 Issue 2 by Biz X magazine

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Made In Windsor! February 2016

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table of contents February 2016 volume 19 • issue 2

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38 42

4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: BizXmagazine.com Gets A Huge Makeover! 6 Editorial Viewpoint Columnist Alan Halberstadt dissects the horrors, in his opinion, of Windsor City Council’s one-day budget session four days before Christmas and concludes that the process cries out for scrutiny and reform. 8 On The Mayor’s Mind: The City Of Windsor Budget Puts Taxpayers First 9 Front Lines 10 New Product Alert: jelbows Aim To Ease Desktop Pressure 11 Heard On The Street 12 Awards Spotlight: The “26th Annual Business Excellence Awards” Finalists For The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Of Commerce 14 Newsflash 15 On The Entertainment Scene: Nathan McNevin And The Silence Factory Release CD 16 Dates To Remember 22 Your Local Biz Forecast: Doctor “J” Auto Clinic, Windsor 23 Generation YKNOT: Learning From The Success Of The Chrysler And FCA Minivans 24 Ask The Experts: Dor-Co Garage Doors, Oldcastle, ON 25 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: Windsor’s Automotive Heritage NEW! 26 Dynamic Duo: Marjie Gignac & Rob Balint Of Velvet Financing 27 Event Profile: The “Coldest Night Of The Year” Walk 28 Biz X Was There 29 Guest Column: Do You Have What It Takes To Be An Entrepreneur? 30 Biz MiXer Highlights: The December 2015 Event At Ambassador Golf Club 31 XX Files: Colleen Stark Of Canoe Point Designs 32 Portfolio Corner 33 From The Bookshelf 34 Hot Shots: The Windsor-Essex County Association Of “REALTORS” Luncheon Julianne Green (pictured at top by Rod Denis) of Buckingham Realty (Windsor) Ltd. Brokerage received a certificate in recognition of 25 years of membership at the December event. Many other Real Estate Agents were recognized as well — find out who else by flipping to our photo pages! 37 Good News: Chimczuk Museum Opens At Art Gallery Of Windsor 38 Feature Story: “The Art Of Marriage 2016” 2016 will be remembered as the year of “simply beautiful” with gorgeous bridal headpieces and soft, dreamy pastel wedding gowns that set the stage for romance and style. With the addition of metallic elements of gold, silver and copper, the hot trends this year are simply stated, classic and elegant. Photo (in middle by John Lyons Photography) features a gown and headpiece courtesy of It’s Your Day Bridal Boutique, LaSalle; Makeup: Faces by Tina Kennedy and Model: Kerri Brown. 40 Power Lunch: D.o.C.K. 21, Harrow, Ontario 41 Guest Column: Are You In Debt? 42 Feature: Uber & Cab Companies Battle Over Licensing Rules. Taxi drivers and cab companies are in a battle with Uber, a U.S. based ridesharing service, which launched locally last year. While existing cab drivers must adhere to a lengthy set of rules and regulations, Uber claims it is exempt because it is not a traditional cab service. Windsor City Council has decided to spend $30,000 on a consultant’s report to try and find a solution to the conflict. (Photo at left of taxis lined up by Dave Hall). 44 More Than Just The Law 45 The Way It Was 46 Biz Of The Month: Ag-Tronic Control Systems Inc. Celebrates 25 Years In Business

ON THE COVER — “You Better Believe It!”—18

Get ready for the future of transportation as the “North American International Auto Show” introduced vehicles that will not only change the way you get around, but how you do it. The future is here, and you won’t believe what your next car may be able to do. Auto Show Photos . . . • The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan unveiled at the show will soon hit showrooms everywhere. Photo by Lori Deschaine. • This clear life size plexiglass vehicle at the ZF display was an example of autonomous driving technology for safer driving in steering, braking and accelerating. ZF designs and develops sensors, processors and other devices that form the foundation for self-driving cars. Photo by Rod Denis. • Ford Motor Company President and CEO Mark Fields and Executive Chairman William Ford Jr. made a world-premiere announcement about its new mobility-services brand, FordPass at the Detroit show. This press conference in Joe Louis Arena was co-presented by a surprise visit from celebrity spokesman Ryan Seacrest (pictured). Photo by Lori Deschaine. • Road signs located in the Ford stand, “Behind The Blue Oval.” Photo by Rod Denis. B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

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Nitro tries to fit in as a couch potato. “Come on guys, seriously, what’s so funny about my hat?” Odin asks.

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from the publisher

Another new feature on the site is the ability for readers to write comments about the articles and columns in the magazine. Now readers can tell us, and our columnists, their thoughts, good or bad. They can also share our stories/posts on all social media sites like “Facebook,” “Twitter,” “LinkedIn” and more. “Something Borrowed” refers to how we have placed more content from the print edition onto the Internet for the world to read. Several key articles are placed on the website each month such as those from Alan Halberstadt, Arms Bumanlag and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “Something Borrowed” also relates to the newest member of the Biz X team, TVCogeco’s Joe McParland. Joe is a man about town and he will be increasing our web news coverage, including video clips. Joe also has an Op Ed blog — “Cup of Joe” — where he shares his latest musings on everything Windsor Essex. (And he has a new monthly column in our print copy too!) “Something Biz X Blue,” describes our logo colour and simply means we always remain “true blue” to where we live and work by featuring 100% local editorial coverage. Years ago, Biz X magazine was the first publication in our region to have a digital edition. Once again, thanks to Jack Rosenberg, we are still blazing the trail for others to follow! We encourage everybody to check out Bizxmagazine.com and leave us a comment.

“Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Biz X Blue!” By Deborah Jones No — I am not referring to anyone getting married. This is just the best way to describe our redesigned website, BizXMagazine.com and we are excited to inform you about all the changes. “Something Old” describes our previous website. It was seven years old and in terms of technology, it was a dinosaur! When it was first designed by an outside company it looked fantastic and accomplished what we needed, but as years went by, we kept adding more information to it and it became outdated. It was time for us to start utilizing the very latest technology which didn’t even exist when we had the previous site built. This is actually the third reincarnation of the Biz X website. Experts believe you should give your website a complete makeover every two or three years because technology is advancing that fast. We finally underwent a complete re-build and moved the Webmaster position in-house in order to have more hands on control and update the content PDF/X-1a:2003 as needed.

“Something New” not only refers to the website, but also to our overall approach to publishing MORE information for our readers. Our new site utilizes the latest and greatest in technology, which helps speed up page loading times and the clean, sleek layout is pleasing to the eye and easy to navigate for increased reader enjoyment. We feature daily news stories right on the home page on all kinds of important matters, from breaking news to government issues to arts, upcoming events and lots more. We also now have business owners and professionals from all over Windsor Essex sharing their knowledge to help others, as found in our “X-Pert Advice” and “Biz Blogs.” Check out Jack Eisenberg’s computing tips (Owner of Safe and Secure Computing and JEM Software); Advice for sales executives from John Dobrowolsky, Owner of Sandler Training and opinions on the local business scene from Arthur Barbut, Managing Director of the Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator.

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editorial viewpoint

One-Day Budget Process Resembles Three Ring Circus By Alan Halberstadt

nyone who witnessed the City of Windsor’s agonizing December 21, 2015 budget session will have a difficult time arguing against my cry to reform a process bordering on corruption. The session, to decide how to spend pockets of an $872 million 2016 budget, lasted 11-1/2 hours and was an insult to taxpayers and the handful of City Councillors who actually try to do a conscientious job. “The whole day was an amazing study on how to breach the process as much as possible,” says Ward 3 Councillor Rino Bortolin. The chamber was packed with delegations and observers who were told by the clerk’s department to be there at high noon. In fact, the in camera meeting, which had 15 items on the agenda including a number of hot button ones, started at noon and lasted a good 90 minutes. Just before Councillors emerged for the public meeting, they agreed, on the spot, to promote Treasurer Onorio Colucci to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) position without a public recruiting process. Council also voted to increase the salaries of six top managers. When the public meeting mercifully began, Council sent Atkinson Park supporters home happy with a nod that their pool would not be closed. Other scheduled presenters, like the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, had to cool their jets for several more hours. They were pushed aside by Mega Hospital Committee leaders, who were slipped onto the top of the budget agenda by Mayor Drew Dilkens, at the last minute, to pitch a request for over $100 million. That debate, understandably an important one, should have been accommodated in a special meeting of Council. It lasted more than three hours and jettisoned any veiled attempt at a fair, efficient budget process. After the hospital group happily went home it was into the five o’clock hour, at which time Council took an unscheduled “fresh-me-up” break before coming back to deal with the others. The Symphony requested $175,000 a year to run the Capitol Theatre. It was given $125,000 with the delegation declining to speak. By that time, many in the gallery, including some 30 delegations, had bolted for the door.

“I couldn’t believe the disrespect,” recalls Bortolin, noting the smirks and laughs coming from some Councillors puffed up with power as they re-emerged. The disrespect for the Council rump group was even more reprehensible. Dinner for the Council and administration, originally scheduled for 5 p.m., didn’t happen until 7 o’clock. When they came back into session with their tummies full, the clock was bearing down on 8 p.m., at which time the brazen table dropping commenced. Dilkens handed out an operating budget document dubbed “the path to zero.” In other words, if you pass this untouched, we will be heralded as heroes for delivering an eighth consecutive tax freeze. Four of the Councillors who are not in the Mayor’s stable — Bill Marra, Irek Kusmierczyk, Chris Holt and Bortolin, were flummoxed. Bortolin, Kusmierczyk and Holt had spent hours together in the previous three weeks digging into the intimidating 1,000-plus page operating budget documents looking for items to add or cut. Too bad for them. Councillor Fred Francis, the front man for the Francis political dynasty, made the motion to accept the Dilkens’ document as is. Councillor Paul Borrelli, a piteous supplicant of the Mayor, joyfully seconded it. The “Naughty Four,” who had prepared literally hundreds of questions and motions to amend the administration recommendations, were left to fumble through their binders to find kernels in “the path to zero.” They made a fruitless attempt to get some of their issues on the floor, but ultimately succumbed to the block of six — Councillors Francis, Borrelli, Jo-Anne Gignac, Hilary Payne, John Elliott and Ed Sleiman. “We’re at zero, so why bother?” Francis uttered. Business taxpayers might want to bother. Council decided not to decrease the city’s contribution of $2.1 million to the dysfunctional WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation while creating a 2.5 person, mini-economic development office run by the Mayor’s Office. Council has eliminated one-hour free parking downtown, ended the freeze on encroachment fees for outdoor patios and B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

boosted small business licensing fees by 28 percent. But, four days before Christmas, the worst was yet to come for the “Naughty Four.” At just before 11:30, when brains were mush, “Santa” Dilkens did another table drop. The nine-line proposal contained no details, but was moved by co-conspirators Francis and Borrelli in a flash. It contained nine “enhanced capital budget” projects totalling $10 million. “Mrs. Claus” Gignac received two early Yuletide gifts for Ward 6, $300,000 for a Wyandotte Street mill and pave and $500,000 for a splash pad at Realtor Park that wasn’t even on the radar screen in the parks department’s long-term master plan. Ward 10 “Elf” Borrelli received $2.1 million to leapfrog administration’s preferred list and reconstruct North Service Road. Ward 1 “Elf” Francis snared $600,000 to reconstruct the entrance to Southwood Lakes, which doesn’t need it, but pleases everyone who votes for him in that upper crust subdivision. “Elf” Sleiman, who has seen the light since going off side on the Auditor General vote, lapped up an incredulous $1.1 million for a family change room at Gino and Liz Marcus Community Complex in Ward 4. “Grampa Claus” Payne landed $1.5 million to reconstruct South Service Road in Ward 9. Elliott was either coerced cheaply or will grab some candy for Ward 2 out of $2 million set aside by Santa for unspecified arts endowments. “The Naughty Four” got a figurative lump of coal and the privilege of splitting $400,000 in ward funds with the “Blessed Six.” Council spent $10 million in about the same time it takes to complete a dishwasher cycle. Here’s the really not funny part. At its next meeting on January 4, 2016 Council spent two hours debating whether to spend $150,000 for improved lighting on Ottawa Street in Holt’s Ward 4. His initiative lost in a 6-4 vote. Earlier in 2015, Council whiled away three hours before voting to refuse a request from the operators of the downtown farmers market to waive $2,900 in Charles Clark Square rental and parking fees. Essex County municipalities like Amherstburg and LaSalle devote several days of public deliberations before finalizing their budgets. Meanwhile, “Big Brother” Windsor crams it into one farcical day of blatant pork barrelling. I challenge Council’s recently rehired Integrity Commissioner Bruce Elman to investigate and report on the integrity of that.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

ON THE MAYOR’S MIND

Budget Puts Taxpayers First By Mayor Drew Dilkens If you have any comments on this article, please share your thoughts and ideas by posting a comment under my column in the CITY section of BizXmagazine.com

n December 21, 2015 City Council put Windsor taxpayers first by finding the necessary savings to ensure the total property tax levy remains unchanged from 2015 levels, making 2016 the eighth straight year City administration and Council have worked together to deliver a zero percent tax increase. This unprecedented streak of zero percent increases began in 2009, after the City of Windsor was hit hard by the global recession. In 2009, Windsor’s unemployment rate reached its highest mark at 15.7 percent and City Council believed that increasing taxes would only increase the financial burden most families in the City faced. Although Windsor’s unemployment rate has decreased significantly since 2009, many residents are still looking for work and continue to struggle to make ends meet. It is with these Windsorites in mind that City Council has continued its commitment to fiscal responsibility. There are many necessary costs that continue to rise, which cannot be controlled at the municipal level, such as electricity rates or the price of food, so City Council has avoided adding to the burden by containing the one cost it can control. Zero percent increases are only one portion of an overarching narrative of fiscal responsibility over the past eight years. Though the property tax levy has not increased, the City has found ways to do more with the taxes it does collect. One of the City’s major achievements over these eight years is its debt reduction. Windsor’s debt peaked in 2002 at $229.4M and sat at $190.4M in 2008. Since 2009, the City’s has been able to pay down a portion of its overall debt each year, nearly cutting its debt in half to $98.2M. The City of Windsor will continue to

reduce its long term debt, which is projected to decline to $78M by 2018. Another major achievement is the fact that the City of Windsor’s funding for capital projects and infrastructure has actually increased during this period of tax restraint. Windsor has been successful in attaining provincial and federal infrastructure grants, which allow the City to tackle more infrastructure projects. The 2016 Budget itself had several major achievements that are especially noteworthy in the context of a zero percent tax increase. To ensure a certain quality of life for residents, City Council ensured that service levels would remain the same and that no services were cut. This has been increasingly difficult to deliver as many of the inputs to delivering a service continue to increase in cost. City Council was able to increase funding to the arts. The Windsor Symphony Orchestra was provided with a grant of $125,000 to manage the Capitol Theatre & Arts Centre and a $2M arts endowment was established to help to create such things as sculptures, murals, paintings and other pieces of public art. $1.5M for the acquisition of environmentally significant lands and $400,000 for ward-specific projects were also approved. It is important to note that many of the achievements from the 2016 Budget were shaped through the public input that was received throughout the budget process. Public input sessions began at the beginning of the process in July of 2015 and ramped up to include the many Ward Meetings, consultation sessions and surveys that were held in October and November and provided City Council and Administration with feedback on budget priorities. City Council was very cognizant of the public input provided and utilized it when

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

making decisions on issues, such as keeping Atkinson Pool open. While an eighth straight zero percent tax increase budget should be celebrated, we must also be aware of the many challenges facing the City of Windsor moving forward. The province requires the City and County to contribute towards the construction of a new Single Site Regional Acute Care Hospital — an estimated $200M. Without such a commitment from local governments the new hospital system plan cannot proceed. The share assessed to Windsor residents will likely equal half of the required funding, or $100M. An assessment of this magnitude would mean a tax increase of $10M per year over a 10 year period as funds for the project are required three months prior to completion of construction. In addition to funding the new hospital system the City of Windsor will be moving to implement more sustainable lifecycle asset management funding for many of our assets including roads, sewers, facilities and playgrounds. This type of funding requires dedicated yearly funding to repair or replace these items over their expected useful life. Such funding is already in place for the majority of our fleet with the primary benefit being an ability to fund large cost items without a major spike in our budget in the year of repair or replacement. Lastly, City Council approved budget placeholders for several needed projects including reconstruction of North Service Road and Devon Drive, replacement of Wyandotte Street (between Watson and Riverdale) and the entrance to Southwood Lakes, a splash pad at Realtor Park, a family change room at Gino and Liz Marcus Community Complex, and initiation of the engineering required to improve North Talbot Road. Each of these items will be reported back to City Council in due course for full deliberation and final approval Delivering a zero tax increase for the eighth straight year is no easy task. City Council has managed to do so while increasing reserves, decreasing debt and making record investments in infrastructure. Council’s guiding principle is, and always will be, putting the taxpayer first.

FRONTLINES Lazares & Co. A Valued Presence Downtown Windsor Lazares & Co., a downtown Windsor landmark for more than 90 years, returned to its roots a year ago by moving its retail sales operations back to the heritage building at 493 Ouellette Avenue after a three year relocation to Freeds on Ottawa Street. Now, more changes kick in February 2016, with CE0 Paul Twigg stepping aside from the day-to-day operations, turning the leadership over to his wife Sharon as President and son Warren as General Manager. The company has restored the building, refreshed the showroom and rebranded to recognize the “remarkable diversion in its fashion line-up,” such as capes, footwear and handbags, although the focus remains on luxury furs. Another major change is the closure of Lazares Grosse Pointe, Michigan outlet at the end of February to consolidate with the

Windsor’s “Roots 2 Wings” Flies Off With $10k In “ADP Small Business Grant Contest” ADP Canada (ADP.ca), a leading provider of people management solutions, has announced Roots 2 Wings — a Windsorbased business at 3230 Jefferson Blvd. that provides programming for youth and young adults living with a disability — is the first winner of $10,000 through their “2016 Small Business Grant Contest.” The contest offers entrepreneurs the chance to win a $10,000 cash prize and a year of free payroll services — valued at $3,500. In their winning entry for November 2015, Jody Lowrie, Founder of Roots 2 Wings, talks about how the organization focuses on building life skills, community engagement, socialization, professional development,

three-storey Windsor headquarters. “Fate happened, somebody was telling us something,” marvels Twigg, noting the move was triggered by the sale of the building by the Grosse Pointe landlord, coinciding with the dramatic plunge in the loonie, which gives Americans over 30 cents more on their dollar. He describes as “shocking” how little his American customers realized the exchange rate bargains they can get in Canada, so they were informed of this by a Lazares’ letter urging them to visit and deal with the Windsor store. “We were offering 33% in January . . . it’s the highest rate in more than 15 years,” he indicates. Another selling point for Lazares is the tax free status of fur products delivered in the U.S. Twigg, who still acts as landlord and

advisor to Lazares, has brought this valuable message to the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), where he was recently installed as Finance Chairperson. A former Chair of the DWBIA many years ago, Twigg is bringing a fresh perspective to a board that has been trimmed to eight members and is tackling a new approach. The board recently spent four hours dissecting and revamping its budget. Aggressive marketing of the exchange rate, in concert with border waits becoming more manageable, was prominent in “very productive” discussions, Twigg reports. “Rather than dabbling in many little things, we need to concentrate on bigger things and do them well,” he states. Far from sitting back in a recliner, Twigg is scoping out other ventures and he reminds Biz X that he has a licence to sell automobiles, combined with his proud association with the Rafih Auto Group.

and recreation to enrich the livelihood/ development of each and every one of its clients. Some of the programs of Roots 2 Wings include; Inspired Sounds Music Therapy, Dance with Soul to Sole, Winstars Gymnastics, Pottery & Palettes, pet therapy, and various volunteer initiatives. Lowrie, a passionate and devoted educator, started the business in 2013 to meet the needs of her son, Gabriel, who is now 20 and is autistic. “When Gabe was finishing high school, I was concerned about the lack of opportunities for him to lead a meaningful life in his adulthood,” she explains. “I began Roots 2 Wings determined that Gabe and many of his peers would receive the greatest possible care tailored to their personal needs. I am dedicated to ensuring adults with disabilities are integrated and experience equal opportunities to reach their maximum potential.” Winning the ADP Small Business Grant

will allow Roots 2 Wings to purchase some much needed lift and transfer equipment to assist with transportation. The money will also help them get a little closer to their long-term goal of acquiring a large vehicle, such as a van or bus, to help ease the burden of transporting clients to and from outings. To learn more about the work Roots 2 Wings is doing, visit their “Facebook” page. For further information about the “ADP Small Business Grant Contest” and to apply, visit ADPGrant.ca. Please note voting began November 1, 2015 and ends April 30, 2016. A winner is selected every month for a period of six months. To be eligible, a small business must be: registered as a corporation or partnership in Canada; actively and regularly pay between one and 99 employees, and doesn’t have any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar proceedings brought by creditors or governmental agencies pending against them.

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NEW PRODUCT ALERT

jelbows Aim To Solve Global Problem

jelbows: simple solutions for a common discomfort. Photo courtesy of jelbows.

Wrists, forearms and elbows are begging for a way to be more comfortable, while in contact with a desk all day. People all over the world are experiencing this common discomfort and now there is a simple solution! jelbows can let your discomfort disappear. jelbows are ergonomically designed gel pads meant to increase comfort at the desktop. Desktop pressure on wrists, forearms, and elbows leave many people feeling uncomfortable and sore as they engage with their desk during the work day. “Writers, bloggers, customer service representatives, call centre employees, interior design groups, physical therapists, students, and many more, have all seen benefits from this product,” states Chris Cullen of Tecumseh, Ontario, one of the owners of the company that created this new product. “jelbows are simple solutions for common discomfort and it is our goal to enhance comfort all over the globe.” The company was founded on the principle that people working at a desktop deserve to be more comfortable. After close to a year of market and design testing, jelbows LLC was found in the summer of 2015. “We are based in the U.S. However, we are expanding globally,” adds Cullen. “Those in Detroit can purchase their jelbows on Amazon.com for $15.99 (USD) by searching under ‘jelbows.’ We are currently working to include Canada in our Amazon offering.” Canadians can visit jelbows.com to order the products and learn more details on custom orders with company logos and different colour choices.

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BRINGING YOU UP TO SPEED ON THE LATEST BUZZ AROUND TOWN! Critics of sports tourism, embraced by Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and the Council majority, will have a hard time discrediting taxpayers money being used to host the “Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association (CARHA)” tournament April 3 to 10, 2016. The city guaranteed $750,000 three years ago to win the hotly contested bid over Saint John, N.B. and Quebec City. Bill Kell, local leader of the once every-four-year event, known as the “Olympics” of beer league hockey, reports that 133 teams and 2,200 players from around the world have already registered, with 57 squads from Europe, including 14 from Finland, three from Russia and five from Beverly Hills, California. The $750,000 is deceiving, says Kell, who expects offsetting grants and sponsorships, including some $300,000 from Celebrate Blockbuster Ontario, which chipped in four years ago when CARHA was hosted by Sault Ste. Marie. Windsor can expect up to 5,000 visitors, including the players, families and entourages, for the seven-day, sevennight event. “The average annual salary of a CARHA player is $72,000,” says Kell. “They

have money to spend.” Unlike the higher profile and controversial “FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships,” which Windsor will host in December 2016 at a cost to local taxpayers of up to $3 million, the host city is not absorbing accommodations, travel expenses, food and drink of athletes and officials. Each player choosing to stay at one of the 500 rooms booked by CARHA at Caesars Windsor must pay $960 per room, double occupancy, for seven days. The association is paying for the opening and closing ceremonies, worth $150,000, referees, ice rental at four regional arenas and bussing teams to the games. The city is estimating FINA will have an economic impact of $16.7 on Windsor. The CAHRA tournament four years ago in The Sault claimed a $13.3 million economic impact with 120 teams compared to the current projection of 133 teams coming to the Windsor event. On a side note to the FINA event, Biz X has learned the Windsor Spitfires were none too pleased to learn they will be dislodged from their WFCU Arena home for 31 days in December as FINA takes over the main bowl to install a temporary pool, carry out the competition and then disassemble the structure. You can’t make this stuff up! An item in this space in the January 2016 issue noted the City of Windsor’s Parks Department was operating with 18 workers below the traditional average and that Executive Director Phil Roberts was asking for five additional bodies at the December 21, 2015 budget session. As a postscript, Council approved the hiring of five. Taxpayers who are critical of the condition and maintenance of city parks and rights of way should know that the original request to the senior administrative budget team was 11 additional positions, still seven short of the workforce five years ago. Rino Bortolin, Ward 3 Windsor City Councillor, has sold Rino’s Kitchen and Ale

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House, 131 Elliott Street West, to his employee Josh Fraser. “Between my job as a Councillor, and my recent surgery, I realized I don’t have as much time as I would like to commit to the restaurant,” Bortolin tells Biz X. “There are few people who could carry on what we do here and Josh is one of them. Rino’s has always been something more than just a restaurant. We moved the needle when it came to local food. We did things you have never seen at restaurants — kids camps, cooking lessons, butcher demos, hands on sausage making classes, a midtown farmers market. There are families and a neighbourhood that rely on this business.” Fraser has been with the restaurant for most of the five years Bortolin owned it after recreating the Nesbitt Inn in a 100-year-old house. “He’s young, energetic, creative and driven to make an impact. I’m excited to see where he goes from here.” Chef Bortolin has been in the restaurant business for 24 years in Windsor and hints that he has not totally abandoned his trade. “I can never walk away from the restaurant industry. I expect to be present in one way or another.” Windsor City Council, in its biennial review of non-union compensation, voted not to bump up the pay of some 430 employees in 2015 and 2016. The city has consultants who conduct market studies every two years comparing Windsor management salaries with 12 selected peer communities like Hamilton and London. Council, since 2010, has set non-union salaries at the 50th percentile among its peers. The goal is to pay them no more than the average, and the most recent study by the Gazda Consulting Group placed them at 52%, based on the 2014 survey year. Meanwhile, the six members of the corporate leadership team, excluding Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Helga Reidel, received pay boosts of 2.5% retroactive to 2014, and 1% retro to 2015, totalling a modest $41,000. Those six were only at the 39th percentile compared to their peers. Reidel, whose salary was not below thew market study average, did not get a raise. She is leaving the post at the end of March to take over as CEO of EnWin Utilities.

AWARDS SPOTLIGHT

Presenting The “26th Annual Business Excellence Awards” Finalists The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and Presenting Sponsor Windsor Star announced the finalists for the “26th Annual Business Excellence Awards” (BEA) at the Windsor Star News Café in mid-January. Celebrating 26 years of Business Excellence, the gala takes place on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Caesars Windsor, where Award recipients are announced during a gourmet dinner and show. Tickets are on sale now at WindsorEssexChamber.org. Two award winners were already revealed at the press conference, but will also be recognized at the April ceremony. The recipients of the “Believe Windsor Essex” Award are Stephen Savage, John Savage, and Brian Schwab of Cypher Systems Group and the “ATHENA” Award is Shelley Fellows, VP Operations, Radix Inc. Congrats to the winners and all finalists!

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THE 2016 BEA FINALISTS ARE: “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award Finalists Nick Ciarlariello, Owner/President, Modern Moulding Ltd. Imad Najjar, General Manager, Mazaar Corp. Kyle Pinsonneault, President, Canadian Executive Search Group Inc. “Professional of the Year” Award Finalists Greg Monforton, Founding Partner, Greg Monforton & Partners Dr. Keven Hockley, Dentist, Windsor Family Dentistry Dr. Fouad Tayfour, Medical Director, Windsor Laser Eye Institute Inc. “Young Professional of the Year” Award Finalists Daniel Bosco, Owner, Windsor CrossFit Jennifer Charron, Director, Recruitment Services, Lucas Professional Search Group Marla Coffin, President & CEO, MARDA Management Inc. “Small Company of the Year” Award Finalists Hawkins & Co. Accounting Professional Corp. Infinit Nutrition Canada Lee and Maria’s Delivery “Mid-Size Company of the Year” Finalists Electrozad Supply Company Limited Home Instead Senior Care Hyatt Lassaline LLP “Large Company of the Year” Finalists CenterLine (Windsor) Limited Morrice Transportation M.R. Meat Market Ltd. “International Business” Award Finalists Papp Plastics & Distributing Ltd. Pollard Highway Products Sutherland Global Services “Tourism & Hospitality” Award Finalists Canadian Club Brand Centre The Iron Kettle Bed and Breakfast Rochester Place Golf Club and Resort “New Business of the Year” Award Finalists Canadian Specialty Exotics Devine Personnel Inc. Dry Parlour Inc. “Pillars of our Community” Award Multicultural Council of Windsor & Essex County United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

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NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN After a slump in total tonnage handled in 2014, following the record year in 2013, Port Windsor rebounded nicely in 2015 with an increase in total traffic of 3.8%. Tonnage reached 5.642 million tonnes, well above both the five and 10 year averages for the port. David Cree, President & CEO of the Windsor Port Authority (3190 Sandwich Street; PortWindsor.com) states “Although we did record weaknesses in several of our cargo categories, stone and construction aggregates had a remarkable year, increasing by almost 50% over 2014 and accounting for the overall gain in traffic. This substantial increase in construction materials was generated by the start of construction of the new customs plaza which will serve the Gordie Howe International Bridge.” As noted, several of the other major products handled within the port experienced declines in 2015, including salt, petroleum, grain and general cargo. Cogeco Cable Canada announced in mid-January it will now be offering its services under the name Cogeco Connexion. In addition, its community television network, TVCogeco, now bears the name CogecoTV. These new corporate names are part of the renewal of the brands of all the business units in the Cogeco family and will not result in any changes in their operations. The name “Cogeco Connexion,” a subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc., reflects the company’s mission and expresses the evolution of its offerings, ranging from video to high-speed Internet and telephone service, along with data and voice transmission services and cloud-based applications for businesses. Visit their website: Cogeco.ca for further details. Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario (RMHC-SWO.ca) opened its brand new “Information Place” inside a storefront at Tecumseh Mall, 7654 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor in early January 2016. With partnership support from Tecumseh Mall, RMHC-SWO has set up the space to serve as a one-stop shop for information about the new Ronald McDonald House, which is

The Information Place has a comfy seating area outside the storefront in the mall and inside features design plans, construction photos and informational brochures for visitors to take with them. Photo courtesy of Jeff Azar.

coming to Windsor Regional Hospital, Met Campus in Spring 2016. The Information Place is staffed by volunteers ready to answer questions about what the new House will be like and ways to get involved. It also serves as a meeting space for volunteer information sessions in the coming months. In front of the storefront (please see accompanying photo), RMHCSWO has set up a comfy seating area — a good example of the type of comfort they will be providing inside RMH Windsor. Regular hours are: Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ON THE MOVE Visions of Canada Owner Paul Boyko Jr. welcomes you to their new location at 1521 Riverside Drive West, Windsor. This newly renovated space offers plenty of free parking, a wonderful selection of eyewear, an incredible river view, and the same great staff! Founded in 1991, Visions of Canada has been serving Windsor for nearly 25 years. They provide eye exams on site, as well as same day service on many single vision prescriptions. See their website at VisionsOfCanada.com. Brian Yeomans has made the switch! After five and a half years at the Holiday Inn Downtown, Windsor he now takes the role as Corporate Sales Manager at the Holiday Inn & Suites Ambassador

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Bridge Windsor, 1855 Huron Church Road. He brings with him a wealth of 12 years in the hotel business and over 20 years in hospitality. He has had the pleasure of working with some of the best people in the business, and he is eager to work with the fantastic and established team at the Holiday Inn Ambassador Bridge. Samantha Magalas has joined the Mayor’s Office as Windsor’s new Sport Tourism Officer as of February 8, 2016. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the management of championship events from planning to execution. As the Sport Coordinator at Ontario University Athletics (OUA), Magalas created partnerships with 20 Canadian universities and multiple professional, provincial, national and multi-sport organizations. Magalas is a former university two-sport and national team athlete and has been involved with the Women’s National Baseball Team for the last 10 years, both as an athlete and coach, participating in five World Cup events. She most recently was a coach at the 2015 “Pan Am Games” in Toronto.

CONTESTS TO ENTER Walkerville Artists’ Co-op (WAC; 1974 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor) announces “Revitalized” — their first ever sculpture contest for emerging artists. Sculptures made from found objects or recycled materials in the last six months are eligible. Cash prizes of $300, $200 and $100 will be awarded. Judging is a two step process with entrants submitting three images to: chrisfordjewellery@gmail.com by February 26, 2016. Each work must be self standing and within 12” x 12” x 24”. Two submissions per entrant are allowed. A $15 non-refundable entry fee per item must be submitted with the official entry form to WAC. Successful candidates will be emailed by March 4 to deliver artwork to WAC for final selection by March 8. All works must be original and completed within the last six months. No commission will be taken on items for sale. Showcase opens March 10 and continues to April 1. Reception and awards presentation held April 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more about the contest at: WalkervilleArtistsCo-op.com.

ON THE ENTERTAINMENT SCENE

Nathan McNevin And The Silence Factory By Liz Daniel

ne of the most exciting new bands, Windsor’s own Nathan McNevin and the Silence Factory, is releasing their debut album, “Collection of Thoughts” in February 2016 to great anticipation. The musical genius behind the group is frontman, Nathan McNevin who is only 17 years old and in Grade 12 at Walkerville Collegiate Institute. When local Windsor band SieraSlave opened for Ashes of Soma at the Walkerville Theatre in March of 2015, there was a line up of fans after their set waiting for autographs and “selfies,” especially for Nathan McNevin — the band’s singer and guitar player. Everyone in the room knew they had just heard something very special. They were soon on regular rotation at local alternative radio station 89X. When SieraSlave decided to take a hiatus in September, McNevin embarked on a solo project. McNevin credits “being in the right place at the right time and having a web of people looking out” for his extreme fortune in performing solo as the opening act for 1980s’ rock legends Echo and the Bunnymen at The Fillmore in Detroit in September 2015. It was his first acoustic show and he brought the house down. Building on this excitement, he started recording at SLR Studios with Producer and Engineer Martin Bak. McNevin plays all the instruments, drums, guitar, bass and vocal in the recordings. He used money he earned from gigs and support from his family to invest in studio time for the new album. Songs on the album range from the rock out “Land” to a softer tune “Ruby’s House.” At the young age of seven, McNevin began studying drums and added guitar at age eight. His major personal influence has been his father, David, who is also his booking agent. “My dad is not just my dad, he’s my best friend,” he says. “Sometimes we fight as best friends will, but in the end, he is always there to help me and I am glad my dad is here with me on this journey. He taught me that the difference between success and failure is no matter what is thrown at you, you can’t dig a hole and disappear. You have to keep going, especially in the music business. You can be on a huge high of triumph and then have a very low time but you have to pick up and keep going.” His family has been a great source of

Windsor’s own rock stars Nathan McNevin and the Silence Factory, from left: Nathan Schiller, Nathan McNevin, Shaun Miller and Paul Doman. Photo courtesy of Syx Langemann.

support and encouragement in pursuing his talent and dreams. “My first musical influence was Nirvana’s album ‘Nevermind’ ” McNevin explains. “It inspired me to want to play music. I went through stages where I was into everything from heavy metal, rock, classical, even pop music. I feel there is something to be learned from every genre, every artist.” He writes all the music (with Shaun Miller co-writing one song on the CD) and lyrics for his new band. Miller and another band member, Nathan Schiller both play on tracks on the album. McNevin describes the artist process as “Freeform and ever changing. Inspiration can start with anything from an interesting sound that I hear walking around outside to stumbling upon a cool riff while playing my guitar. Recently, and for most of the songs on the upcoming album, I’ve been writing songs on an acoustic guitar. I think using this method of writing provokes honesty and authenticity in the music. Another effective approach is to, without any instruments, sing the first melody that comes to mind, then put chords behind it. That’s how I came up with the chorus melody for the track ‘Land’ on the album. I could go on forever about different approaches to writing.” When McNevin was forming his band for performing the album “Collection of Thoughts,” he asked Ashes of Soma B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

drummer Paul Doman to join him. “I didn’t hesitate,” Doman says. “Nathan has so much talent, he is such an inspiration at such a young age. I have been in the music business for 20 years and it is like being an entrepreneur. You make music that you hope people like. The chemistry with Nathan McNevin and the Silence Factory is exciting. Nathan has a presence when he walks onstage, he’s like a rock star.” Nathan McNevin and the Silence Factory have already played a successful show at Cherry Colas in Toronto as well as gigs in Hamilton, Simcoe, St. Catherine’s, Detroit and many venues in Windsor including helping out with charity events in our community. The band is practicing long hours in preparation for the CD release event of “Collection of Thoughts” at the Walkerville Theatre, 1564 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor on Saturday, February 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance (at Dr. Disc & Phog Lounge) or $15 at the door. They will be accompanied by The Wiebe Family String Quartet for a few songs and the show also includes opening acts El Mi Sho and The Hombres, as well as The Autumn Kings. To keep up with the rising star that is Nathan McNevin and the Silence Factory, like their “Facebook” page under “NathanMcNevinMusician” and look for videos on “YouTube.”

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FEBRUARYtoMID MARCH 2016 D AT E S T O R E M E M B E R

Biz X has the list of business events (and some fun stuff) that you shouldn’t miss! Please be sure to confirm all events before attending. WINDSOR ESSEX *unless noted the area code to dial is 519 Feb.12: St. Anne’s Parish and Torino Plaza present a “Valentine’s Day Gala” fundraiser to benefit IRIS House & Advocating Young Minds in association with the Sandwich Teen Action Group (STAG) at the Torino Banquet Hall, 12049 Tecumseh Road East in Tecumseh. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner (prepared by chef Rob Kelly) served at 7 p.m. $45 per person. Cash bar, entertainment provided by The Liverpool Echo. If you have any questions please contact Paul Pignal by email: apignal1@cogeco.ca OR cell 816-7957. Feb.14: Happy Valentine’s Day! Take your sweetheart (kids too!) out for dinner and support a local restaurant. Don’t forget the chocolates, flowers or even jewellery! Plenty of area businesses are ready and waiting to assist you in finding a perfect gift. Feb.15: “Family Day” in Ontario. Instead of working at the office, spend this holiday with your family and have a little fun! Feb.15 to 20: The Can Am Indian Friendship Centre (CAIFC)’s Urban Aboriginal Healthy Living Kids program’s “Living A Good Life — Native Youth Art Project” art exhibition takes place at the Artspeak Gallery, 1942 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor. Exhibition Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. & Wednesday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Opening Reception February 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come out to see the art and meet the artists. Light refreshments served. For more information speak to CAIFC’s Healthy Kids Worker, Joanne Mitchell, 253-3243 ext. 239. Feb.20: “Coldest Night Of The Year” Walk for The Downtown Mission, see page 27 in this issue for all details.

Feb.20: Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce presents the “11th Annual Business Excellence Awards” at Pointe West Golf Club with Guest Speaker Eddie Francis, Executive Vice President Operations and Member Experience, WFCU Credit Union. Dinner and Awards follow guest speaker. Limited tickets are available for $45, tables of 8, doors open 5:30 pm. Other questions? Email amherstburgchamber@gmail.com or check out AmherstburgChamber.com OR call 736-2001. Feb.23: “Biz West Networking Night” at Rock Bottom Bar & Grill, 3236 Sandwich Street, Windsor from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This is the first event of the West End Neighbourhood Renewal’s Business Engagement Program, “Biz West.” Come out to network with business owners and entrepreneurs across West Windsor. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Light snacks provided by their community partners. For more information get in touch with Meagan Hugall, Community Coordinator by emailing: mhugall@lifeafterfifty.ca OR calling 254-1108 ext. 139. Feb.24: “Trivia Night 17” takes place at the Portuguese Club in Leamington, 6:30 p.m. Teams of four compete answering trivia questions vying for cash prizes, door prizes and bragging rights. Trivia questions from a variety of subjects — TV, sports, Canadian, food and more. Entry fee is $100 per adult team and $60, for a student team. All proceeds to support minor baseball locally. Teams can register at: LeamingtonMinorBaseball.com OR by contacting Chairperson Jeff Lamotte, 566-4558. Feb.25: The Essex Region Conservation Authority hosts a free “Tree Planting & Care

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Workshop” at the Essex Civic Centre (360 Fairview Ave, Essex) starting at 6:30 p.m. This exciting and dynamic workshop discusses how you can get involved in the reforestation of Essex County. Learn about grants and financial assistance to landowners for planting trees, different planting techniques, and the ways to care for your future forest. Free admission but pre-registration is required. For more info, check out ERCA.org/events. Feb.25: The Charity Chix present the “Gangsters & Dolls Rum Running Riot Event,” 6:30 p.m. at Walkerville Brewery, 525 Argyle Road, Windsor. Featuring a Gatsby theme with gourmet appetizers, specialty bars, a premium silent auction and valet parking. Costumes encouraged. All proceeds to the Sandwich Teen Action Group in Olde Sandwich Towne. Tickets $125. For tickets email: kspirou@hotmail.ca OR call 253-0111. Feb.26: “Vito Tocco Annual Cancer Banquet,” Ambassador Golf Club 1025 Sprucewood, Windsor. Doors open 6:30 p.m. with a buffet dinner served at 7 p.m. Cost to attend $45. Log onto VitoToccoAnalCancerFoundation.com OR call Nancy, 991-4084. Feb.27: The Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) hosts their “2nd Annual Murder Mystery Dinner and Fundraising Event” presented by Caesars Windsor. Enjoy a mysterious adventure filled with fine dining, suspense and intrigue. Performer Michelle J. Mainwaring and friends will keep you guessing the whole night. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show starts at 6:30 with meal to follow. Tickets are $75/pp or $700 for a table of 10. To order tickets visit BANA.ca/mmd. For more information contact BANA, 969-2112.

Feb.27&28: The “Essex Train Show,” takes place at the Essex Public School, two minutes from the Highway 3 bypass. Southwestern Ontario’s largest train show. Hours for both days are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission costs: $5 adults; $4 teens/seniors; children $2 and those under 3 are free to attend. For visitor or vendor information email: heritageessex@bellnet.ca OR call 776-9800. March 2: “Hats on for Healthcare 2016” — All businesses, organizations, schools and individuals are invited to participate in this 7th annual fundraiser in support of Windsor Regional Hospital. Wear your favourite hat and donate a toonie in support of healthcare in the community. For more information, visit HatsOnForHealthcare.com. March 5: The Giovanni Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Avenue, Windsor presents the “2015 Italian of the Year” gala, an elegant evening of dining and celebration honouring recipient Raffaele Meo. Evening begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 each and include dinner with proceeds used to support scholarships for Italian Studies at the University of Windsor. 252-8383 March 6: Satisfy your sweet tooth at Essex County’s premiere “Maple Syrup Festival” at the John R. Park Homestead (915 Essex County Road 50, Essex) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make maple taffy in the snow and see syrup made the pioneer way. Learn the

science of maple and chow down on some pure maple products for sale in the gift shop! Cost is $6/adult, $4/children, and a $20 family maximum. To learn more on the full slate of maple events, go to ERCA.org/maple. March 8: “International Women’s Day Gala” at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts is an annual celebration in honour of all the amazing women in Windsor Essex. The night features a gourmet dinner, awards ceremony and keynote address. Tickets are $85 and the doors open at 5:30 p.m. For tickets or more information visit WestOfWindsor.com OR call 256-6621. March 18: “Soups & Stews” 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Place Concorde, 7515 Promenade Forest Glade Drive, Windsor. Savour the taste of three soups and three stews served with mashed potatoes, rolls and butter. Coffee and tea, homemade pies and cakes for dessert! Limited tickets available ($15 in advance; $7 kids 5 to 12 years old or $17 at the door) if event sells out there will be no tickets sold at the door so call the Place Concorde reception desk, 948-5545 to get yours ASAP! METRO DETROIT & REGION Feb.11: Sterling Heights Regional Chamber’s “#YoPros Social,” Fowling Warehouse (3901 Christopher Street, Hamtramck), 6 to 9 p.m. For more information and to register, send an

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email to: events@shrcci.com OR call 586-731-5400 ext. 11. Feb.18: Sterling Heights Regional Chamber’s “Annual Membership Address,” Heritage Church (44625 Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights), 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Event includes a report from the Chamber President with 2015 successes and 2016 goals and direction expressed by Chairman of the Board, Committee updates and Awards Presentations. Complimentary breakfast. Log on to SHRCCI.com to register or for more information. Feb.26: Sterling Heights Regional Chamber’s “Breakfast & Business,” Twisted Rooster (45225 Marketplace Blvd., Chesterfield Township), 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Log on to SHRCCI.com to register or for more information. March 6 to 12: Sterling Heights Regional Chamber’s “Restaurant Week” includes various participating chamber locations. Visit their website: SHRCCI.com for continuously added sites and menu savings. March 8: Sterling Heights Regional Chamber’s “Network & Learn” educational series continues with subject “LinkedIn,” presented by Leon LaBrecque, Managing Partner & CEO–LJPR Financial Advisors at Dave & Busters, 45511 Park Avenue, Utica from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visit SHRCCI.com for continued updates.

NAIAS2016

SPECIAL AUTO SHOW REVIEW COVER STORY By Jason Kerluck

All Photos By Rod Denis

The Next Generation Of Automobiles Is Nearly Here . . . And Things Will Never Be The Same!

ars have been around a while now, with many of today’s manufacturers in the business for over 100 years. They are, by their nature, pieces of technology that reflect the age they are created. But, occasionally that technology as a whole takes a great leap forward. The last great change in the auto industry came in the ‘80s. Yes, you heard right . . . the ‘80s. Big hair, bigger shoulder pads, and not very many fun cars ruled the decade. But, at least as far as cars go, the ‘80s were revolutionary. You see, before then, cars were far simpler machines. Something the backyard mechanic could work on. It was the advent of the microchip that changed the face of the industry. Little computers throughout the vehicle controlled every aspect of our cars. Since then, they have become far safer, much more powerful, and substantially more fuel efficient. Hybrids and other innovations have taken that last great leap to its highest level. At the “North American International Auto Show” (NAIAS) in Detroit January 16 to January 24, 2016 it became very clear that we were on the cusp of a new revolution — a revolution that is also based on the technology of the present day. Smartphones are everywhere. We are perpetually connected to each other and everything else. Social media dominates our lives. As a result, many of the new models come with drive friendly Smartphone compatibility with social media integration and anywhere there is Wi-Fi. There is another, more impactful facet to this revolution. One that manufacturers have been adding in a little at a time for the past few years. Consider technologies such as GPS, Blind Spot Monitoring, Self Parking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping, and all the other little driving aids found on cars today. They are all key components to the biggest part of this revolution — the Self Driving Vehicle. Many automakers are jumping into the fray wholeheartedly. What appeared to be the stuff of the animated U.S. sitcom, (aerocars like flying saucers) “The Jetsons,” will be a reality in a few very short years. According to “I-CAR”, an organization dedicated to providing the training required for repairing the next generation of vehicles, it’s a veritable “Technical Tsunami.”

Ford Motor Company made it clear they are riding this wave. So much so that Mr. “American Idol” himself, Ryan Seacrest (see cover photo) flew to Detroit right from the “Golden Globes” red carpet in California to introduce Bill Ford Jr. and Mark Fields of Ford Motor Company at a press conference. They went on to discuss what Ford had planned to leverage this new era. Ford SYNC Connect will offer a 4G Internet hotspot, as well as an app that will communicate with a SYNC Connect enabled car. Up to now GM’s OnStar was the only real player in this field. But, Ford will push the needle a bit further and add 24 hour Live Agent support as well as Ford Experience Centres set up in major cities. Imagine them as little Auto Show displays open year round! But, the showstopper was Ford’s self driving technology, which is far closer to reality than many would imagine. With their Park Assist feature, which has been parking our vehicles for us for a while now, should this be a surprise? But, Ford was not alone with big announcements, as many other automakers made some major headlines that will continue to shake things up. There were over 700 vehicles on display and over 50 vehicle debuts all on a show floor that underwent a remarkable 70 percent transformation. (Special thanks to FCA Canada for sponsoring a complimentary Transit Windsor shuttle from Caesars Windsor to Cobo Center in Detroit for members of the local Windsor Essex media). Continue reading, and follow us along as we take you on a stroll through this year’s NAIAS.

2017 Ford-150 Raptor

Ford also announced the launch of the newest F-150 Raptor, a go anywhere version of its venerable, regular strength, F-150 pickup. Bringing all of the aluminum and B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

technological advances of its current F-150, it takes every aspect of this model to the next level, making this truck “Baja” ready right off the showroom floor.

2017 Lincoln Continental

Also from Ford Motor Company, we were able to have a look at the 2017 Lincoln Continental. This new model, available in late 2016, features a new look for the brand, trading the current chrome moustache for a bolder grill. This won’t be the clumsy Continental of old. Featuring a 400hp 3.0V6, it’ll be plenty fast for young professionals looking for options outside of Cadillac and Lexus.

2016 Honda Civic

The 2016 Honda Civic is the “North American Car of the Year.” This is the Civic’s second time winning the award, the last time was in 2006. (The accompanying photo shows Honda Motor Co. Ltd.’s President and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, with Gary Evert, North American Development Leader for Civic, Honda R&D Americas, with their the “NAIAS Car of the Year.”) A perennial bestseller, the new Civic atones for the sins of its discontented past. Everything feels much higher end inside and out. Also gone is the digital speedometer on the top of the dash. This car sets a new standard for the compact economy class, and brings back a sense of sportiness that

2017 Chrysler Pacifica (front view)

has been missing for a while in the Civic. A frequent top seller, this new model is sure to keep the Civic as one of Canada’s most popular cars.

Important for not just Windsor, but FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) as a whole, the Chrysler Pacifica minivan resurrects a model name, while keeping true to the layout and packaging that has made the minivan a staple in the industry. Carrying styling cues from the Chrysler 200 upfront and the Jeep Cherokee and Dodge Dart in the back, it’s definitely sticking to the current FCA design language. Soft touch materials are found throughout, and build quality is wonderful. If you have kids, this is a great way to get around. (see cover photo)

2016 Volvo XC90

The “North American Truck/Utility of the Year” went to the Volvo XC90. For car guys, Volvo has always been the brand for those who appreciate a well-built, beautiful vehicle without the drama and pretence. And this model is no exception. Winning in 2003, this model has always been able to balance car-like handling with spirited performance, and in a package that, in keeping with Volvo tradition, maximizes safety.

2016 BMW i8

One of the most technically advanced electric vehicles on the market, the BMW i8 is a tour-de-force of style, technology and, performance. Considered one of the most beautiful cars, electric or not, on the market. This is a car that defines the next step in automotive design without losing any of the passion that makes cars fun.

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while similar in style, they are certainly different flavours, with many convinced the Fiat is better looking, as well as being a bit longer. For such a small segment, a little company is not a bad thing — even if it looks similar.

2016 Honda Civic “Car of the Year”

2017 Chrysler Pacifica (rear view)

The rear view of the new Chrysler Pacifica is just as nice as the front. High quality materials and sharp styling will hopefully bring more customers back to the minivan’s original creator. If successful, this will bode well for many in the Windsor area. If history is any evidence, we expect a lot of work for those folks at Windsor Assembly.

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa Romeo has been absent in the North American market for some time. The launch recently of the 4C sports car opened the door a little, however, the Alfa Romeo Giulia plans to kick the door all the way open. A sharp looking sedan, this car is far more practical, but still as fun as the 4C. Will Alfa be able to gain a foothold this side of the Atlantic? If this car is any indication, the chances are good.

2017 Porsche 911 Turbo

Porsche (pronounced “Por-Shuh,” thank you), showed off the latest in its long running 911 Turbo model. Graceful curves and brutal power have always been hallmarks of this car. Finished in a unique primer grey, this sports car defines the brand. That said, Porsche had a number of cars and SUVs on hand, all in that attractive primer grey.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

Also from FCA comes an exciting sports car that will perhaps rival the Mazda Miata in the sporty convertible market. This comes in the form of the Fiat 124 Spider. And the comparison is more than a coincidence. They share much of the same platform and underpinnings. That said, B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

An exciting product ready for prime time this year is the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

NAIAS2016

SPECIAL AUTO SHOW REVIEW Kia Telluride Concept

As a full electric car, it’ll be competing with the Nissan Leaf, Kia Soul EV, and others in the pure EV (Electric Vehicle) market. If the sharp styling isn’t enough, this car will take you 320 kms on a single charge. If that doesn’t ease “range anxiety,” the expected low price will.

2017 Buick Envision

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

Also from Chevrolet, the very long awaited Cruze Hatchback. Smartly styled, and beautifully proportioned, this car is the peanut butter and chocolate of the automotive world. Great space, good looks, and efficient, this car will hopefully offer some choice outside of the VW Golf, Ford Focus Hatch or Kia Forte 5. Based on the next generation Cruze, this car is also smartly packaged, the new Cruze will be larger and lighter than the 2015 model.

2015

402 STUDENTS

Also from General Motors is the Buick Envision compact SUV. While stylish and sharp, this model is noteworthy for one very significant reason. This is the first GM product to be built completely in China and imported to North America. As a global corporation, this makes a lot of sense. However, it’s still to be seen if buyers in North America will purchase a Chinese built vehicle. To be objective though, it is attractive, and the materials and build quality are excellent, and befitting of a Buick, which is very popular in China.

2017 Hyundai Genesis G90

Kia’s parent Hyundai also revealed their latest update to their performance luxury model, with their newest Genesis G90. Miles ahead of the original Genesis from back in the day; the G90 is honestly a fast and luxurious car. This new model addresses any criticisms the previous generation Genesis received. Bolder styling and loads of power and amenities mean that it’ll be a valid contender in the sports sedan market.

We had a successful 2015 with 402 students! Looking to keep up the great service in 2016. March Break classes still available.

To reserve call 519-259-2745 or visit www.agoodstart.ca

Windsor’s only CAA approved Driving School

The Asian manufacturers are getting into the truck game pretty strongly this year. New to the large truck game is KIA, who showed off their Telluride full size SUV concept. We didn’t get to take an up close look, but this new SUV hints at the direction that Kia is heading. Strong, bold, yet bearing that unique look that defines Kia, it’s proof they are here to stay and making vehicles that can fit every need.

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2017 Honda Ridgeline

Honda walked away from the Ridgeline a couple of years back, but few thought that was the end of this very unique truck. The new Ridgeline is clearly related to the Honda Pilot, on which it is based. It still has a unibody one piece design, even though it’s styled to look like its bed is separate. Think of it as a pickup for those who don’t like pickups, but need the bed. Expect great handling and excellent fuel efficiency from it.

Another Asian entry in the very competitive truck category is the Nissan Titan Warrior concept. Certainly meant to compete with the Ford Raptor and the Ram Rebel, it’s a beefed up version of the current generation Nissan Titan. Like those competitors, it’s styled to scare lesser trucks, and has the capability to back it up. With a 550ft-lb diesel V8, this thing will be nearly unstoppable if Nissan opts to build it.

ZF Displays Its Products In Clear Cars*

And to cap things off, automotive component manufacturer ZF presented a fun transparent vehicle that could very well double as “Wonder Woman’s” car! Its purpose was to highlight the various technologies that are playing a critical role in taking our cars to the future. It showed off all of the complicated safety and entertainment systems they produce for manufacturers all around the world. (*also see cover photo)

The Best Way To Predict The Future Is To Create It!

Well, that’s a wrap again for another year! What can we take away from the 2016 auto show? The idea that we will scarcely be able to recognize the cars from

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NAIAS2016

Nissan Titan Warrior Concept

only a few short years ago. The upshot will be safer, more efficient vehicles that will enrich our lives in ways they never could before. Social Media and connectivity defines our lives, so it’s only logical our vehicles dovetail with that experience. The next few years should be interesting indeed . . .

YOUR LOCAL BIZ FORECAST

Rev Up Your Expectations For A Great Auto Clinic By Arms Bumanlag

15 hours. On average. Give or take two additional hours due to accident coverage or appearances. That’s how much time I spend in my 2007 Ford Escape for my traffic reporting duties each week — driving around the city and the county covering breaking news, community events, and traffic issues. I’ve been in this job for over 10 years and driving is second nature to me. Don’t get me wrong, by no means am I a “gear head” like my friend CTV News Anchor Jim Crichton — that man knows his cars. However, I do know the value of finding a reliable, hard working and dedicated mechanic. Having someone who can explain to you what’s going on under the hood is crucial to the lifespan of your vehicle and your peace of mind as a driver. I recently took our 2005 Jimmy for service at Doctor “J” Auto Clinic at 857 Howard Avenue at Elliott Street, between Erie and Wyandotte Street in Windsor and spoke with Service Manager Jose Cornejo while he was busy on the shop floor fixing a number of cars of all makes and models. We chatted about how he started in the car business. “I grew up in the automotive industry and based on that interest came the proper education and eventually Red Seal interprovincial certifications,” he states. The clinic opened in 2010 at this location and the team specializes in custom fabrication, custom performance exhaust and general auto repair, and all vehicle repairs including: Alignments, Brakes, Tune-ups, Oil Changes, and Vehicle System Flushes including coolant and transmission. His crew also take care of vehicle air conditioning, and professional diagnostics all in a newly renovated and spacious building. “We stand behind our work with nine service bays available for our customers — we want your business,” says the manager. So, what makes a good mechanic? Cornejo believes it’s all about trust: “For starters someone who is honest, trustworthy, qualified, knowledgeable

For Jose Cornejo, aka Doctor “J”, his number one priority is to diagnose and repair your car’s ailments – all with a smile and a fair price. Photo courtesy of Doctor “J” Auto Clinic.

and keeps up with the proper education and qualifications on today’s vehicles, being able to communicate with the customer and having them understand the repairs. You have to keep the communication flowing with your customer and educate and inform them so they can make a choice on how they want to proceed.” Watching Cornejo in action is impressive — as he takes the time to diagnose and deliver information to his customers with care. He reveals that he was “motivated to launch the business due to the lack of misleading information customers were receiving while servicing and maintaining their vehicle.” Over the years, Cornejo has seen many shops run differently and he wanted his shop to be different for the customer. “I wanted a facility that kept it clean, honest and reliable,” he indicates. “Every Captain runs their ship differently but I want to work together with the customer and show them exactly what needs to be serviced. This means physically showing them worn out parts and explaining the maintenance issues that will solve their problems.” The facility is a one stop shop for all your automotive needs. The staff work on B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

a number of projects including running diagnostics, schedule maintenance, mechanical repair, 3D alignments, safeties or e-tests.” Cornejo is full of pride for his team who go the extra mile for their customers. “We even offer complete collision and paint shop, automotive glass and a complete detailing work shop,” he lists. “Essentially all your automobile needs at a discounted rate.” As you see the crew at work — it’s impressive to watch a symphony of technical experts working together in tandem — creating the proper atmosphere for customers to feel comfortable and confident they made the right choice in choosing Doctor “J.” To top it off, Cornejo adds, “We guarantee all our services parts and labour. Total job satisfaction is our number one priority, and that grows into client respect and confidence knowing that we get the job done right.” Not only do they work on your everyday type of vehicle they also have a number of clients who have custom jobs. “Whether it’s a custom hot rod, classic or restoration my crew can — and have — done it all, ” he states. “We also offer inhouse custom exhaust pipe bending and other unique services for any dream car.” Check out Cornejo’s work on DrJAutoClinic.com and “Facebook” highlighting a few of the neat and exotic cars he’s fixed up over the years. So, whether you are looking for a low-price oil change or Semi-Synthetic Valvoline, it’s at the clinic. Doctor “J” opens early at 8:30 a.m. and operates until 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Ask about the seniors’ discount and take a look at some of his creative and beautiful work on display in the waiting area. You will soon learn that this auto clinic is just what the doctor ordered for your vehicle! Arms Bumanlag is a Radio Host and Reporter for over 10 years at AM800 CKLW and CTV Windsor Weatherman and Entertainment Reporter at CTV News at 6 p.m.

GENERATION YKNOT

Slow-Cook Innovation By Yvonne Pilon

One of the biggest mistakes budding young entrepreneurs make is to equate innovation solely in terms of a breakthrough idea. Many start-ups are chasing the next disruptive technology like “Facebook,” “Amazon” and “Uber.” Enter Chrysler Pacifica — arguably the greatest #YQG symbol of innovation as continuous evolution and improvement. The first Chrysler minivan rolled off the assembly line on November 2, 1983 with its iconic sliding door and rear gate. The Dodge Caravan was the breakthrough product that changed the auto industry and arguably saved Chrysler financially. Over the next 30-plus years, Chrysler and FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) introduced six generations of minivans with a sector leading 115 minivan innovations. The current versions — Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid — make the count 40 new minivan firsts.

Pacifica is the first minivan available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, so your green conscience is clear as you shuttle your family from soccer to hockey to dance. It boasts a mobile drive-in theatre with the first 10-inch touch screen in the second row. There are more than 100 standard and available safety and security features, including the first minivan with a Forward Collision Warning system with mitigation, first minivan with Lane Departure Warning system with mitigation, and first minivan with Rear Park Assist system with stop. Ralph Gilles, Head of Design at FCA, says this Pacifica “… really has very little to do with the one before it. It’s all new from the ground up.” That might be a stretch. Place the Pacifica and Dodge Caravan side-by-side and the differences are stark — true — but the lineage is clear. It is the story of breakthrough innovation followed

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by three decades of incremental innovation. And that’s a terrific lesson for local startups and a proud achievement in itself worth celebrating, because the ability to remain on top as the best selling minivan after three decades requires some of the best engineers and best designers to dedicate their creativity and craft to keeping their product ahead of the pack. Robert Plant from The Wall Street Journal notes “the preferred strategy is to do both; incrementally innovate to refresh and extend your firm’s existing product range, while disrupting the industry at the same time with bold new products.” In sports terms, the Roger Federer of minivans has called Windsor its home court for over 30 years, while dominating the sector. It’s a success story worth studying. Yvonne Pilon is the President and CEO of WEtech Alliance (website: WETech-Alliance.com), one of 18 Regional Innovation Centres in the Province of Ontario, aimed at helping technology and innovationcentric companies start, grow and succeed. She is also an Instructor at St. Clair College’s The MediaPlex. As her Twitter profile suggests, she is a “Young professional passionate about entrepreneurship, tech, and putting #YQG on the map.”

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ask the experts

Open Up To The Possibilities Of Garage Doors By Dave Halliday

n a daily basis you plan things perfectly. Your lunch is made the night before and your clothes are laid out waiting for you. Breakfast is ready to go and the coffee maker is preset. Nothing can derail the schedule you have and you are ready to depart for work every day at the same exact time . . . except for today that is! As you prepare to start the car you hit the garage door remote. Nothing happens. You try the wall switch and manual over-ride. Nothing happens again. Despite all your preparation and planning you are a prisoner in your own garage and you are going to be late for work. You need a garage door expert and you need them quick! Fortunately, we at Biz X were able to discuss the finer points of garage door installations and maintenance with the knowledgeable people over at Dor-Co Garage Doors located at 5340 Brendan Lane, Oldcastle (Dor-co.com/ca). And since this is our auto show edition, there could not have been a better time to include them! Dor-Co has been servicing the needs of Windsor and Essex County residents for the past 40 years and also has locations at 698 Grand Avenue East, Chatham and, 1030 Confederation Street, Sarnia. They are also a 2009 Biz X Award winner for “The Door Installer To Latch On To.” Mark Newell, Commercial Sales Representative with over 32 years in the overhead door industry was able to share some of his experience with us. What is Dor-Co Garage Doors all about? “We install and repair both commercial and residential garage doors,” states Newell. “Whether you’re planning new construction or you’re in the middle of a renovation, our trained staff can successfully complete your overhead door installation.” What should I expect from my garage door

A new garage door can certainly increase the level of curb appeal for any home. Photo courtesy of Garaga, a product line available at Dor-Co Garage Doors.

installer/repair professional prior to starting the work? “Our team is professional and trained to supply you with the best installation or repair for years of worry free operation,” Newell claims. “We will discuss your installation or repair, functions of your door and garage door opener, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.” When considering a new garage door what type of assistance should one anticipate from their chosen provider/installer? “Our sales staff will attend your home and offer a wide selection of products with many options,” indicates Newell. “With over 50 years of combined sales experience, we will help you make a great decision to enhance your garage door and your home’s overall appearance.” What are the functional benefits of installing a new garage door? He explains, “With today’s modern products, you not only have many choices of designs, colours and windows, but the manufacturing process is now state-of-the-art. Doors are produced with higher integrity allowing longer warranties and life expectancy.” Newell continues, “Insulated doors are high R-value with wrap around steel design offering stronger, warmer and quieter doors.”

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Can improperly maintained garage doors and openers create hazards to the occupants? “Garage door are the largest moving object around your home,” he replies. “Garage doors, if not maintained properly, can become a safety hazard. The biggest problem is home owners neglect their garage door until there are problems. If a door and opener was serviced and adjusted by a professional company at least once a year, you would lessen the chance of injury, damage, and cars stuck inside your garage!” How important is a properly functioning garage door to the home’s overall security? Newell informs us that “If your door is not maintained and becomes stuck open overnight or the opener must be disengaged due to functioning problems, then your garage will become easily accessible and the weakest spot to entering your home.” As it turns out, your previous garage door was pretty much shot and you had the guys install a new one. The new door is awesome and provides a high degree of curb appeal, while also opening and closing when required! The motor is really quiet when it is moving and it has all of the latest in safety features to avoid any unfortunate mishaps. As for you, it has become a habit to sit in the garage with a cold one in hand, mindlessly making the door go up and down. There’s no real reason for the numerous test runs other than you have the power and control to do it! As you prepare to perform the 15th test opening of the evening the wife appears at the garage door and in one clean motion swipes the remote from your hand. “You’ll break the damn thing if you keep playing with it!” she declares and returns into the house . . . ah well; at least you still have your beer!

HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE

Celebrating Our Automotive Heritage! By Joe McParland

our yourself a hot “Cup of Joe,” sit back and relax, and let’s chat! In my initial blog in early January on the newly designed BizXmagazine.com website, I introduced myself to you as a political geek and junkie whose interest in politics began at an early age with a number of role model influences and grew even stronger when I moved to Windsor’s historical Victoria Avenue, a street boasting no less than 15 political candidates and elected officials in the past few decades. Well, there is actually more to me than just politics and in my bi-weekly blog, “Have a Cup of Joe with Joe,” I will attempt to flush this out. I am also writing a monthly column in the print and digital issues of Biz X (the page you are reading right now!) with different content for the most part. My blog and articles aim to be read like the type of conversation friends have with friends at local downtown coffee shops. There’ll be a lot of reminiscing, opinions tossed around, humour and just plain good old chatter about the community and region I have been blessed to call my home. So, coinciding with the auto theme for this February magazine, it is the perfect time to celebrate the automotive industry, the historic foundation of this region’s economy and employment base. “The North American International Auto Show” in Detroit at Cobo Center from January 16 to 24 captured the hearts, minds and dreams of all of us, both young and old. While the auto industry showcases the new, the innovative, the imaginative, this is also the time in Windsor Essex to reflect on our heritage as the “Automotive Capital of Canada.” I had to reach way back to my Assumption High School history classes with Mr. Bertoia in the late 1960s to remember that the birth of the auto industry occurred outside North America. The earliest examples of “horseless carriages” have their roots in Europe as a corollary of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1700s and 1800s. In fact, the word “automobile” is, itself, of French origin. The automobile was initially conceived in Europe as a luxury item of transportation for the noble and the privileged. This fact is highlighted in PBS’s “Downton Abbey’s” first season introduction of the Rolls Royce automobile for the nobility, in the early 1900s.

Eventually, these European auto concepts made their way across the Atlantic to the “new world” of the U.S. and Canada to be improved on both in terms of technology as well as mass manufacturing. No longer was the automobile a luxury item reserved for the rich and famous, it soon became everyday transportation for the regular folk. Only a 1.5 mile wide river separates Windsor from the “Motor City” Detroit, which for years has been recognized internationally as the automotive capital of the world. Due to our proximity, Detroit and Windsor has enjoyed a co-operative and complementary manufacturing relationship dating back to the early 1900s. A Windsorite, Gordon McGregor, formed the Ford Motor Company of Canada in 1904. His business, Walkerville Wagon Works, assembled the Fords as parts were transported by ferries across the Detroit River between the two cities.

This is but a thumbnail sketch of the earliest roots of our automotive industry foundation in Windsor Essex. Meanwhile, on the U.S. side, such notable auto giants as Walter Chrysler, Henry Leyland, Ransom E. Olds, Henry Ford, Charles and Frank Duryea, Charles Nash and Charles Kettering and others constantly improved the viability of the auto industry though the introduction of mass-production assembly lines and other technological advances. These influences quickly found their way to the “north” side of the Detroit River and helped make Windsor the auto capital of Canada. This is but a thumbnail sketch of the earliest roots of our automotive industry foundation in Windsor Essex. Many books have been written in greater detail and provide the continuing historical development of this industry — our industry — throughout the 20th Century. And now time for a personal confession. As a lifelong Windsorite, I have never been a car enthusiast, one in love with style, design and what’s under the hood. As a kid, I hated receiving model car kits for my birthday — B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

except for the glue that came with it. Cars have just never been my thing even though I worked three summers in the Windsor Ford Engine Plants through my university years. I see the car primarily as a necessary utility in my life, not a symbol of status or amorous desire. Yet, every year I join the massive throngs of people who pilgrimage to Cobo Center to attend the auto show. So, then, why do I attend? It’s because it’s an inspiring people event filled with enthusiasm, awe and excitement of those who are car enthusiasts, especially the young and the wide-eyed children. It’s also because I am paying thanks and tribute to the industry that has allowed generation after generation of families in my community to be proudly employed and enjoy a quality of life for so long envied by many other Canadians. We have hit hard times in the auto industry in the past dozen years or so, causing our regional unemployment numbers to skyrocket to national leading levels. This has forced us to pause and re-strategize how best to diversify our employment possibilities and future. But, I am confident that our future will continue to prominently include the automotive industry as our postsecondary schools of learning re-tool and readapt to that future, and to the challenges of global competition. Just recently I took a half hour stroll by myself through Ford City on Drouillard Road. If you haven’t done this, please do it. I could actually sense generation after generation of the men and women who day after day entered through the gates of the nearby Ford plants with pride to do what Windsorites did and do best — build cars. Many of the historic and legendary watering holes outside the plants are now shuttered, but I swear I could still hear their honky-tonk piano music, and the raucous laughter — and occasional fight — of auto workers from the past gathered for a brew or two after their shifts. And on your Ford City stroll you will be mesmerized by the amazing artistic wall murals of Ford City depicting our automotive roots and reflecting our predecessor’s individual and communal dignity and self-worth. These artistic renderings will bring you back to a time and a people that helped define our city and region through the years as the legitimate “Automotive Capital of Canada.”

By Richard Rosenthal

Marjie Gignac and Rob Balint

he Windsor area is blessed with many talented entrepreneurs, some of whom run businesses with their spouses. Our series continues with Marjie Gignac and Rob Balint who operate Velvet Financing (VelvetFinancing.com) — an ideal fit for our auto show coverage found a few pages before in this edition. Here is how this success story began for this issue’s profiled couple. Gignac had been a Finance Manager at two very successful dealerships for 12 years before she and Balint started Velvet Financing. She became an Auto Finance Expert during that time and basically wrote the book on how to do it right. Velvet Financing was started in 2009 during one of the worst recessions in decades. Unemployment was at an all time high and many people found themselves in trouble financially with damaged credit. “We feel that everyone, regardless of their situation, deserves to be treated with respect and we pride ourselves on the fact that we genuinely try to help our customers as best we can,” believes Gignac. Balint agrees and adds, “Nobody has to settle for somebody’s old, lousy inventory just because they are going through hard times.” Velvet Financing is the only pre-approval auto finance company in Ontario and gets clients approved with the lowest rate guaranteed so they can shop at any dealer or purchase privately. Clients love the fact that they only have to go through the credit process once and then they are cash buyers anywhere they go. The business gives the client his/her

dignity and confidence back when they have been turned down at a dealer or a bank. Gignac emphasizes: “You have to work very closely and listen to their wants and needs. You have to be compassionate. This is a very tough time for them and their family. They need a vehicle to get to work. A reliable vehicle. That burden has to be taken away from them so they can concentrate on more important things.” Customers get options and explanations of their best course of action based on their personal situation. Not only does Velvet Financing get them into a vehicle, they give them an education on credit and how to get back to where they once were. The couple strives to have happy informed customers who have a good experience and will recommend Velvet Financing to others. Most of the business now is based on referrals. That is the biggest compliment any business owner can receive. Gignac manages the Windsor office (4049 Tecumseh Road East) while Balint runs the Chatham location (257 St. Clair Street). Velvet Financing also has a location in Leamington at 414 Rocky Road managed by Kelle Thornhill. In August of 2015 they opened up a location in Sudbury. The pair believe they can replicate the goodwill and commitment to customers and could be successful in any city. This new location is being managed by Sudbury native, Alan Guthrie who worked in the car business for several years in Windsor before moving back to Sudbury where he also discovered a need for better financing options. The couple have been together since 2000

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Gignac and Balint enjoy a happy life of helping their customers, quality family time, saving animals and playing music. Photo courtesy of Amanda Balint.

and have three children. They are a very busy family but seem to make it all work. Everyone does their part at home — though they may eat dinner later than many families — the kids have their homework done, the pets are taken care of and the household chores are completed every day. They share a love for animals and to that end volunteer for Open Arms Animal Rescue Transport which takes dogs from high kill shelters in several U.S. States and transports them to freedom and a second chance for a happy life in Canada. Balint is also the bass player with The 519 Band, which recently won The Canada South Blues Society blues competition. As a result, they headed to Memphis at the end of January to compete in the “32nd International Blues Competition” with over 100 bands from around the world! In closing, the pair offer a few tips for other partners in business and life: “The best advice we can give couples interested in working together is to give each other a lot of space. Define your roles and respect each other’s abilities.”

EVENT PROFILE

“Coldest Night Of The Year” Walk February 20, 2016 For The Downtown Mission By Chelsea Girard

The “Coldest Night Of The Year” walk is undertaken by almost 90 missions across Canada, walking in the shoes of the hungry, homeless, and hurting, for a real chance for everyone to stand in solidarity with those in need. Windsor’s Downtown Mission joins the Participants in the “Coldest Night Of The Year” walk 2015. Photo courtesy of Barb Girard. nationwide walk on Saturday, February 20, 33,000 are chronically or episodically homeless. 2016, not only to raise much needed financial These are people in your community. support, but for participants to feel a small hint of the challenges thousands face in their Neighbours down your street. Kids you see every day. A family member you love. everyday lives that we take for granted. The Downtown Mission (website: “I think the Coldest Night of the Year walk DowntownMission.com) is there to lend a is spectacular as teams and individuals all walk for the good of someone else, raising needed hand. It is a non-profit organization, which has funds and awareness,” says Executive Director been serving men, women, and children who of Windsor’s Downtown Mission Ron Dunn, struggle with poverty and homelessness, since adding “what could be better!” 1972. In response to the gospel, the Downtown According to the website: Mission provides food for the body, nurture for ColdestNightOfTheYear.org/homelessness, it is the spirit, shelter for the homeless, advocacy for estimated that over 235,000 Canadians will the impoverished, and opportunity for human experience homelessness in a year. Of those: growth. 5,000 are unsheltered; 180,000 are staying in “I think it’s important to expose children emergency shelters and 50,000 are provisionally to the work of the Mission for two reasons: to accommodated (temporary and lacks security reduce the stigma homeless people face daily, 0216_MCCCU_HalfPG.pdf 1 2016-01-21 and tenure). Over 35,000 Canadians are and12:25 to teach children that it’s important to homeless on any given night and 13,000 to help where and when you can,” states Shannon

Porcellini, regular volunteer of The Downtown Mission since 2004. Porcellini encourages her children aged 12, 10 and 8, to give back to their community and explains how they can help. Fiona Coughlin, Director of Development explains that they “plan to have record numbers out this year” and they “also have some very enthusiastic volunteers working hard to get the word out.” Thinking about registering for the “Coldest Night Of The Year?” The basic information is as follows . . . Registration fee is $25, (no charge for walkers aged 12 or younger) and the fee can be waived if walkers commit to fundraise a minimum of $150 (for adults 18+) or $75 (for youth 13 to 17). Registration begins at 4 p.m.; Opening Ceremonies 5 p.m.; Walk begins (all distances) 5:15 p.m.; 6 p.m. Registration closes; 8 p.m. route closes. *Between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. a warm, light meal is served to all walkers and volunteers. The start and finish line is at the Mission, 664 Victoria Avenue, Windsor. Further details can be found by checking out the website: ColdestNightOfTheYear.org/home. So bundle up, raise as much as you can and Biz X will see you there!

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B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

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Bringing you all the action in Windsor, Essex County and Metro Detroit!

was there! Marija’s Place photos by Rod Denis.

With the help of Marija’s son Vojin as Chef — who joined the family business eight years after graduating from St. Clair College’s Culinary Art Program — the future looks bright for many more years to come. Marija’s Place is open Tuesday thru Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. where it’s “never too late for breakfast or lunch.”

Marija Panpovic, Owner of Marija’s Place, 1412 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor celebrated her 10th Anniversary in business in December 2015. She is pictured serving long time customer Ray Ryan, Owner of Pleasance Trophies, 1565 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor. Ray has been going to Marija’s Place for the past 10 years “because the food and service are great.”

In late January at Queen’s Park, Hoda ElMaraghy, Professor and Director of the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems Centre at the University of Windsor, was among 25 people invested into the Order of Ontario — the province’s highest honour. ElMaraghy was the first female Dean of Engineering in Canada and also the first Canadian woman to obtain a PhD in mechanical engineering. Her work has helped manufacturers around the world. Photo courtesy of the Government of Ontario.

November 20, 2015 was the eight year anniversary of the opening of Thai Palace restaurant, 1140 Lauzon Road, Windsor. Each year Owners Renu and Charles Anderson (right) donate a portion of the restaurant’s income to a different charity. This time around $1,699 was given to the Salvation Army (SA). Major Paul Rideout, SA Director of Community and Family Services is shown accepting the cheque from the couple. Photo courtesy of Thai Palace.

The “3rd annual Todd Ellis Memorial Golf Tournament” raised $2,000 for Canadian Mental Health Association. In the cheque presentation from RE/MAX were from left: Dawn Falkner; Kim Willis, Senior Manager, Fund Development & Community Engagement, Canadian Mental Health; Glen Muir and Larry Pickle.

RE/MAX photos by Rod Denis.

Just before Christmas, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd., Brokerage, 6505 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor held its annual “Giving Back to Our Community” potluck luncheon. RE/MAX Real Estate Agents (in photo) gave a portion of their sales commissions to support three local charities. First up, Transition to Betterness (T2B staff marked) received a $8,000 cheque. From left were: Linda Santos, Office Manager & Fundraiser T2B; Ken Dunbar; Amber Hunter, Executive Director, T2B; Tony D’Alimonte; Barb Fauteux; Glen Muir; Theresa Forcier; Connie Williams Barker; Don Merrifield; Dawn Falkner and Doris Lapico.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

RE/MAX Realtors and support staff continually operate their food drives in support of the Windsor Downtown Mission. They have also raised money to purchase five new beds and an entire daily menu for January 2016. Presenting the cheque for $4,000 were from left: Glen Muir (Broker of Record); Larry Pickle; Ron Dunn, Executive Director, Downtown Mission; Monique Ritz; Dawn Falkner; Pat Ouellette; Trista Anderson; Chris Macleod and Fiona Coughlin, Downtown Mission.

GUEST COLUMN

Entrepreneurialism — Got The Stuff? By Karen Behune Plunkett

here is currently a LOT of hyperbole about entrepreneurship and everyone seems to be jumping on the band wagon. It seems everywhere you look, whether academia, government or professional service providers, they have a program or conversation aiding you to become an entrepreneur. The fix to our economy! Perhaps we have it backwards. Maybe there are so many that were lured by the hype that they are now in a career they are not cut out for. And that has led to an exorbitant number of start-ups or entrepreneurs feeling like they are floating in a large pool desperately to trying to find their life raft, AKA guidance. Look, I’m not trying to be hypocritical, as those that know me, know that I am a serial entrepreneur. What that means is I understand that there are hits out of the park and often hiccups that knock you off your balance. However, what I really understand is that most often entrepreneurship is not for the faint hearted and to be successful you must be solving a problem — quite often in this new world of business it is a problem that nobody really knew existed. Now that I have the “Negative Nancy” stuff out of the way, I do strongly believe that learning and adopting entrepreneurial behaviour and skills is a tremendous asset in any job or role that you are engaged in. So if you are totally convinced that you and IT are the ONE, but really there is only one good reason to start a business — do you have a better solution to a market problem that already exists? And do you have that true burning passion and moxie to deliver it? Know a successful entrepreneur? That’s how they did it. Whether it was Henry Ford fixated with transporting people with vehicles, local company Centreline realigning and building on global business opportunities or local Dressed by an Olive, which capitalized on the growing specialty food sector — they all delivered market accepting solutions. That’s what successful businesses do. Okay, you have all of the above, following initial seed monies (typically from friends and family), along with many financial institutions, some of which are small business friendly, we now have a federally funded Angel Investment Chapter locally, the Windsor Essex Capital Angel Network (WEangelNetwork.com).

Members of Angel chapters decide individually IF they are interested in a project following due diligence and at what $ level. However, their experienced feedback is often as valuable as the potential for investment. (Full disclosure, I am a WECAN Director and have had the opportunity to present to a

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

Toronto chapter for one of my businesses in the past.) These are very important vehicles needed to support and drive our economy, while, most importantly, delivering terrific investment opportunity for the investor. So, do you have an innovated solution that keeps you up at night? Perhaps it’s time to jump into the pool. Karen Behune Plunkett is a Director of WECAN, a seasoned serial entrepreneur and Principal at PinPoint Strategic Direction, an entrepreneurial and Organization strategic Advisor. Learn more about both companies at WEAngelNetwork.com and PinPointSD.com.

Check BizXmagazine.com for location and date details or become a Biz X “Facebook” fan to keep up to date.

Look Who We Caught At The December 2015“Biz MiXer” at Ambassador Golf Club! Jimmy Graham, C. Ht. MindPower Mastery Coach congratulated Denise Postma from Dynamic Executive Assistance on winning a $150 MindPower Mastery Breakthru Coaching Session in one of the networking games. Learn more about Graham’s unique business at MindPowerPrograms.com.

Photos by Rod Denis. (To see even more guests in attendance additional photos can be found on the Biz X “Facebook” Fan Page)

The holiday “Biz MiXer” was held at the Ambassador Golf Club, 1025 Sprucewood Avenue, Windsor (AmbassadorGolfClub.com) in a beautifully decorated room with accommodating staff and delicious appetizers. Executive Chef Daniele Palanca; Sous Chef, David Aziz and Chef in training, Jorge Madrid, prepared a variety of edible treats for attendees. A special shout-out goes to Client Service Manager, Diane Farquhar for her assistance in planning the night and working on the decor with The Party Rental Company and Elegance by Design.

Only those attending the “Biz MiXer” have the chance to be on this page! Winners of our networking games are photographed for this section at each and every MiXer… don’t miss out! Carrie Deslippe (left), RMT and Owner of Above & Beyond Massage Therapy Clinic (5158 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor; MassageWindsor.com) presented Linda Reaume (a guest of Stephanie Gill of Home Instead Senior Care), a $100 gift basket with an adult colouring book, markers and a 30 minute massage and Reiki session.

If your business would like to host a “Biz MiXer” please email: jack@bizxmagazine.com Providing the musical entertainment and helping with the Emcee duties was Corbett Productions, Disc Jockey & Production Services, (CorbettProductions.ca). Spinning the tunes was Production Manager Jesse Thivierge (middle) with Event Coordinator Sandra Presland and Owner Mike Lesperance also on site.

If you would like to sponsor a prize for an upcoming “Biz MiXer” email: jack@bizxmagazine.com Value must be $100. You will receive promotion on this page in the magazine and 30also during the Biz MiXer” evening.

Since it was close to Christmas we had plenty of presents for lucky raffle winners from Rockefeller Lounge; Home Instead, Green Earth, Canadian College of Health Science & Technology; Infinit Nutrition, Hotham Building Materials, Lucier Glove & Safety Products, Grill 55 and the Holiday Inn & Suites. But, the big prize of the evening went to Janice Peters (right) of Unilever Canada. She received a $400 gift certificate for laser hair reduction from Bienka DiGiovanni, Owner and Technician at Uncover U Lasers, 2097 Shawnee Road, Tecumseh (UncoverULasers.com). B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

By Rebecca Wright

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A One-Of-A-Kind Designing Woman “What you see is what you get.” According to a local Graphic Designer, this common saying could be troublesome to many businesses because often times their image doesn’t accurately depict how outstanding their business really is. “Many businesses do not give much thought to their branding — which doesn’t reflect how great their services and products are — so my goal is to help their outer appearance match,” states Canoe Point Designs Owner, Operator and Designer Colleen Stark, who opened her business in January 2015 . Canoe Point Designs (website: CanoePointDesigns.com) is a local creative studio that works with small businesses to create designs for complete identity branding, including logos, websites, flyers, postcards, stamps and business cards. “We provide branding that will resonate with the target customers of the business,” explains Stark. At Canoe Point Designs, Stark and her team also offer many products and services for brides, such as designing invitations, save-the-dates, wedding websites, guest

books, seating charts, table nu m b e r s , programs, menus and more. “For brides, I offer the ability to make their wedding as incredible as they are, through their p r i n t e d Graphic Designer Colleen materials,” says Stark believes proper business Stark. branding can lead to success Her company and she’s confident her also provides designs can achieve this. Photo courtesy of Sarah Pau. printing for any of their designs. Although her business is still very young, Stark already has plans to use it to give back to the community. In the near future, she will be donating a portion of each sale to a local youth mental health facility. Stark has dealt with anxiety disorder and other mental health concerns in her personal life, which is

why she wants to help others facing the same challenges in life. “Donating is incredibly important to me, because I know how much getting help for your mental illness can cost,” indicates Stark. “Therapy, medication and psychiatrist appointments all add up quickly if you don’t have insurance, so if I can donate to a centre that helps children with these services, then I would feel great knowing they will have those opportunities and that my donation will be going to improving and helping these services.” So whether you need a brand new look or want to re-vamp an old one, the unique and outside-the-box designs by Canoe Point Designs are sure to make you stand out from the crowd and competitors, claims Stark. “People by nature are very visual and will make an immediate connection with a business that looks great on the outside,” she believes. “My designs will make an immediate connection with the customers of the business, which will attract even more potential business. And for brides, their day is one-of-a-kind, so why not choose designs that are one-of-a-kind as well?”

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portfolio corner

Ebbs & Flows By Steven Mayo

It may be easier to analyze markets by thinking of them as rivers. Some rivers have great flows of water, some less. The same can apply to countries and sectors. If the flows of money directed to a certain sector or country is reduced to a trickle, it is likely going down until the flow increases and improved news comes along. Positive flows of money are going to move to favoured areas until things “change.” If you step back and analyze Canada this way, it’s easier to understand that large money managers will not direct additional dollars our way until things improve. After 18 challenging months, will the tap be turned on more for Canada in 2016? In the meantime, the U.S. markets have had the greatest flow of dollars their way, versus Europe, Asia, and Emerging Markets. Will that change in 2016? Who knows, but I think this year will actually be similar to 2015; an environment where certain stocks and sectors get the majority of attention.

Here are my other thoughts for 2016 . . .

1. Again, it’s more important to look at certain

sectors, and I think additional attention should be given to U.S. financials, technology, consumer, and healthcare areas. 2. Cash has value. Opportunities come along all the time! 3. Be patient and nimble. Repeat. Buying and selling are equally important. 4. Every year there’s a disaster(s). Money flows out of markets quickly, but it returns quickly as well. Have a list ready of your favourite stocks. 5. Markets are unpredictable. Oil wasn’t expected by most to decline to $35. No one expected the Bank of Canada to cut interest rates twice, thereby hurting the Canadian dollar considerably. 2015 was a rare year. The S&P 500 had negative returns, with a negative bond market. Warren Buffet’s portfolio declined 10%. It is challenging out there! 6. No matter what the markets are doing, portfolio weightings have to be appropriate for each account (RSP, TFSA, non-registered, or

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

corporate) . . . and so do expectations. If 50% of an account is bonds/GICs, then that portion of the portfolio will only earn 2 to 2.5% per year for a 5 year term. If the remaining portion is invested in individual stocks or equity mutual funds, then this portion will have fluctuating returns. 7. Adapt! There are stocks out there which are to be considered because of growth characteristics, some for their value, some for their dividend income, and some for a combination of these attributes. Try not to anchor your portfolio to only one of these. As a reminder, growth stocks typically have more volatility. 8. The world remains an exciting place. I’m thankful to be in Canada. In summary, all markets (stock, bond, currency and commodity) will continue to have their own ebbs and flows in 2016. I expect the U.S. economy to outperform the world, again. I reiterate from above: Be patient, be nimble, repeat. I leave you again with a quote: “Many more times than not, it is better to buy the leaders and leave the laggards alone.” ~ George A. Chestnutt Jr. Steven Mayo is a Vice President, 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.

from the bookshelf

Poems For Your Sweetie Or Hockey Pics? By Marlene Markham-Gay Essex County resident, Monique Hebert has written a beautiful book of poems, “Profound, A Poetic Journey.” After writing for a few decades, she decided to bring her work to market. Beautifully written, flowing prose that is relaxing and therapeutic for the soul, Hebert’s dynamic description of verses are as profound as the title. She enjoys volunteer work and spending time with family and friends and her book of poems includes local locations such as “Walkerville.” Hebert writes “Nestled in a little wing known as Walkerville, one will find everything from quaint shops to a popular grill.” “Abundance of trees sheltering residents, surrounds the silence, for a long existence.” My personal favourite is titled “No Flaws Here,” a poem about nature. “Pelee Island” is another one that describes hidden treasures all around us.

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Visit AsAPoetKnowsIt.wordpress.com to get the latest information on Hebert. To purchase “Profound, a Poetic Journey” head over to: the Walkerville Artists’ Co-op, 1974 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor; Essex Railway Station, 87 Station Street; Crafters Plus, 3337 Walker Road, Windsor or Pelee Art Works, 82 East West Road, Pelee Island. Next we have a beautiful hard cover book with glossy pictures that will look elegant whether displayed on your coffee table or on the bookshelf. Written by local author, historian and Windsor Star columnist, Bob Duff, “50 Greatest Red Wings,” is an amazing history of some of the greatest hockey players that have ever played the game. Despite the superb photos that appear in the 230 pages, Duff’s book is every hockey fan’s treasure. He not only relied on his own selections, he has also had the input of many outstanding hockey people. The first five of the 50 is no surprise — Gordie Howe,

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Nicklas Lidstrom, Steve Yzerman, Terry Sawchuk and Ted Lindsay. What makes this volume so compelling, however, is Duff’s acumen and research, which is apparent in his other 45 selections. While disregarding famous names of stars who played only for a short time in Motown, Duff looked at the total package of excitement these other players gave to the fans at Detroit Olympia and after 1979, in the Joe Louis Arena. Windsor’s own Marcel Pronovost and Bob Probert and Leamington’s Darren McCarty also made the top 50. “50 Greatest Red Wings” can be purchased at Biblioasis, 1570 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor; Cindy’s, 585 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville; The Village Shoppe, 13 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg and all larger local bookstores including Chapters at Devonshire Mall; Indigo, St. Clair Beach and Coles at Tecumseh Mall. Marlene Markham-Gay is the former host of CFTV’s “Storyteller.” She promotes local authors through the book corner at the Essex Railway Station, which allows them to display and sell books. Marlene is an avid reader and encourages her eight grandchildren to read. So many books and too little time prevent her from reading the same book twice.

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B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS The 2015 “Appreciation Luncheon” For The Windsor-Essex County Association Of “REALTORS” (WECAR; WindsorRealEstate.com) December 17, 2015 at Beach Grove Golf & Country Club, 14134 Riverside Drive East, Tecumseh. Photos by Rod Denis. All people in photos listed from the left.

1. This luncheon is held in appreciation of those who are long term WECAR Members and also for those who served on various committees. Other various other awards and cheque presentations were also on the agenda. Photographed in our first group shot were: Cameron Paine, 2015 WECAR President, (also with BUCKINGHAM REALTY (WINDSOR) LTD. BROKERAGE); Julianne Green, Retiring Director of WECAR 2014-2015, (BUCKINGHAM REALTY (WINDSOR) LTD. BROKERAGE); Jeanette Vallance, Retiring Director of WECAR 2013-2015, (VISION REALTY WINDSOR INC. BROKERAGE) and Bill Courtney, Retiring Director of WECAR 20092015, (CENTURY 21 REQUEST REALTY INC. BROKERAGE). (NOTE: please also see photo of Julianne Green for 25 Years of Membership on the contents page of this issue.)

2. The gavel now passes to Norman Langlois, 2016 WECAR President (also with REGENCY REALTY LIMITED BROKERAGE) from Cameron Paine, Past WECAR President. Paine received an “In Appreciation of Service Award” and pin.

3. Long term WECAR members (Photos #3 to #28) received a plaque for 25 years of service. In recognition of 25 Years of Membership: Michael Berthiaume, BUCKINGHAM REALTY (WINDSOR) LTD. BROKERAGE. 4. In recognition of 25 Years of Membership: John Bondy, RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE. 5. In recognition of 25 Years of Membership: Donald Fuerth, B.A., AACI, P.APP, FUERLAND REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE. 6. In recognition of 25 Years of Membership: Lisa Grech Normandeau, MANOR WINDSOR REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

7. In recognition of 25 Years of Membership: Harold Remark, ROYAL LEPAGE BINDER REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE.

Missing: In Recognition of 25 Years of Membership: Patricia Boisjoli, RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE. 8. A framed Certificate of Membership was given to those celebrating 30 Years and up. In recognition of 30 Years of Membership: Cathy Guilbeault, DEERBROOK REALTY INC. BROKERAGE. 9. In recognition of 30 Years of Membership: Brenda Hawtin, REMO VALENTE REAL ESTATE (1990) LIMITED.

10. In recognition of 30 Years of Membership: Wendi Illi, MANOR WINDSOR REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE. 11. In recognition of 30 Years of Membership: Gerry Jacques, BUCKINGHAM REALTY (WINDSOR) LTD. BROKERAGE. 12. In recognition of 30 Years of Membership: Mark Lalovich, RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE. 13. In recognition of 30 Years of Membership: Doug Wickham, MANOR WINDSOR REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE.

14. In recognition of 35 Years of Membership: Phil Dorner, LOUIS PARENT REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE. 15. In recognition of 35 Years of Membership; Michael Drakich, RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE. 16. In recognition of 35 Years of Membership: Theresa Dugal, RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE. 17. In recognition of 35 Years of Membership: Carole Holtkamp, ROYAL LEPAGE BINDER REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE.

18. In recognition of 40 years of Membership: John Bistany, PAUL BISTANY REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE. 19. In recognition of 40 Years of Membership: Bob Courneya, BUCKINGHAM REALTY (WINDSOR) LTD. BROKERAGE. 20. In recognition of 40 Years of Membership: Nick Grandi, LOU BENDO REALTY & INSURANCE LIMITED. 21. In recognition of 40 Years of Membership: Paul E. Guerrieri, CENTURY 21 ERIE SHORES REALTY INC.

22. In recognition of 40 Years of Membership: Seamus Power: BUCKINGHAM REALTY (WINDSOR) LTD. BROKERAGE. 23. In recognition of 40 Years of Membership: Stewart Wolf, RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE. (PHOTOS 24 TO 30 CAN BE FOUND ON NEXT PAGE) 24. In recognition of 40 Years of Membership: John Yared, YARED REALTY INC. BROKERAGE. 25. In recognition of 45 Years of Membership: Kaye Drummond, SUN COUNTY REALTY INC. BROKERAGE.

23 B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

26. In recognition of 45 Years of Membership: John Lynn, ROBEL REALTY LIMITED BROKERAGE.

35 35

HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS HOT SHOTS The 2015 WECAR “Appreciation Luncheon” photos continue from previous page

27. In recognition of 45 Years of Membership: Tom Tomas, CENTURY 21 REQUEST REALTY INC. BROKERAGE. 28. In recognition of 55 Years of Membership: Bob Pedler, BOB PEDLER REAL ESTATE LIMITED BROKERAGE. 29. 2015 “Community Service Award” winner: Dan Inverarity, DEERBROOK REALTY INC. BROKERAGE.

30. 2015 “Distinguished REALTOR Award”: Darin Schiller, VISION REALTY WINDSOR INC. BROKERAGE.

B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

GOOD NEWS!

Story And Photos By Joe McParland

Chimczuk Museum Opens For The Public

On February 18, 2016 at 11 a.m. a ceremony takes place for the official opening of Windsor’s brand new Chimczuk Museum, located on the main floor of the Art Gallery of Windsor at 401 Riverside Drive West. This comes shortly after the 25th anniversary Chief Tecumseh wood carving commissioned by the Windsor Wood Carving Museum and carved by Neil Cox.

of the death of Joseph Chimczuk, a Windsor resident who left his entire estate to the Corporation of the City of Windsor to be used for building the Chimczuk Museum, a cultural museum, archives and library. The words “The river and the land sustain us” greet visitors as they enter the main gallery of the museum. These are the words from the city’s official Coat of Arms on display behind the Mayor’s Chair in City Council Chambers. The words illustrate the critical importance of the Detroit River in the historical discovery, settlement and development of Windsor — the dominant theme of the museum, and the space is a bilingual permanent exhibit. Describing what this new space means for the city and region, Mayor Drew Dilkens states, “For decades we have had over 12,000 artifacts in our archives — things that talk about the City of Windsor and we have not been able to display them properly because we’ve never had the space. Today, we have that space worthy of showcasing our rich and diverse history and the importance of our region in the early development of our country.” Madelyn DellaValle is the Curator of Museum

Artifacts include various furs prominent in the French exploration of Windsor and Detroit in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

Windsor, which includes the Chimczuk Museum, Maison Francois Baby House and the Duff Baby Interpretation Centre. She expands on the museum’s river theme: “the concourse is designed on the Detroit River including a reproduction of one of the first horse ferries on the Detroit River.” There is over 11,000 square feet of space in the museum, including five exhibit and gallery spaces. Some of the space is dedicated to permanent exhibits (such as the Children’s Gallery and Learning Space), while other space will see artifacts and displays rotated through. On February 18 and 20, 2016 there is free admission for all. Regular hours and prices are as follows. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission rates are: Adults (Ages 18 and over): $5; Students (Ages 3 to 24; with Student Card): $4; Seniors (Ages 60 and over): $4; Family: $15. For more information on the new Chimczuk Museum visit: MuseumWindsor.ca

GRAND OPENING • 401 RIVERSIDE DRIVE WEST •

THURS. FEB. 18, 2016. 11AM. FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY. RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY WITH MAYOR DREW DILKENS.

SAT. FEB. 20, 2016. 10AM - 5PM. FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY. EXHIBIT TOURS, ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVIES. ALL AGES.

INFO AT www.museumwindsor.ca B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

FEATURE STORY By Sheryl Davies

The Art of 2016

wedding is a magical event and during the 2016 season, couples will be making theirs’ distinctive, memorable, unique and personal. There will be flowers, dresses, and tears of joy — how the day looks depends entirely on the personality of the couple themselves, as they continue to put their signature style on the details of their nuptials. Every bride envisions her wedding day as the stuff dreams are made of and this season is no exception as couples add sentimental touches to a day steeped in dazzling details, wrapped in shimmer, texture and sparkle. Warm tones like rose gold and copper are going to be on this year’s request list because metallics are versatile. Glitzy gold adds that perfect pop of colour to a black tie wedding. Rose gold will be seen everywhere from rings to invitations, table linens to bridesmaid dresses, as it pairs well with the colours of spring and summer. For the first time ever in its history, the Pantone Color Institute of New Jersey has announced two colours of the year for 2016 — Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue — both are tranquil and gentle pastels that are calming, easy to live with, warm and familiar. Pink has always been a popular bridal colour so expect to see more of it as a decor feature and hue as more and more brides embrace it. Wedding gowns are gorgeous, ethereal, flowing and romantic with frothy ruffles,

stunning back details and elegant silhouettes. This season you’ll see florals, colours and long and short hem lines — great choices for every bride-to-be. Sarah Taylor, Owner of It’s Your Day Bridal Boutique (1661 Front Road, LaSalle; ItsYourDay.ca) is excited about this year’s array of styles. “It’s another season of breathtaking bridal fashion,” notes Taylor. “You’re going to see exposed skin this season with two piece intricate design cut-outs, ball gowns, texture and attention to detail. Gowns are magical and captivating with styles for classic and romantic brides. Every bride wants to be the lead in a fairy tale and this season lends itself to collections of organza, lace and other beautiful embellishments. The creativity that we see, year after year, just continues to be off the charts!” Flowers, always a signature statement, are larger and lush with brides carrying the more traditional cascading garland style. Flower backdrops continue to be popular and are clever photo ops for the happy couple and their guests. “Pinterest,” a virtual clipboard is providing couples more ideas than ever before; and it has a massive influence on spending. From traditional to rustic, vintage to romantic, there’s a plethora of ideas to be inspired by. You’ll see innovative lighting; Edison hanging pendant lights, floral laden chandeliers and candlelight. Candles cast a warm enticing glow that makes everyone look fabulous!

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This season’s wedding gowns are flowing, romantic and ethereal. Brides can choose from gowns or cocktail length — there’s a great selection to fit any style or budget. Photo courtesy of Chalet Studio Photography.

Lounge areas continue to be a popular addition to receptions and have evolved to host comfy, pillow-laden couches with intimate seating spaces. A must-have in this setting is the “cell charging station” — a fabulous amenity for the convenience of guests. You’ll also find “selfie sticks” on the reception tables as well as being randomly placed around the room for those, great picture posting moments. Spontaneous photos captured by guests will augment those taken by the wedding photographer for a broader range of memorymaking moments for the couple. However, guests this season are still being asked to stay “unplugged” during the wedding ceremony unless otherwise stated differently by the bride and groom. Food stations are the hottest catering trend of the year, mixing the best of buffet with a sit-down dinner. Think French Fries of curly sweet potatoes, biscuits, popcorn and perogies of cheese, potato, sauerkraut and dessert flavours.

Caterers are also bringing back cart service where the wait staff arrive at the tables stocked with all the fixings for custom appetizers to desserts — everything from the traditional Caesar salad to pasta and crepes suzettes. Guests will be treated to area food trucks that deliver late night snacks of hot donuts with cinnamon and mini waffles drizzled with warm, Canadian maple syrup. There are so many choices and menus are fresh, unique and creative, as local is a prime consideration in planning. Local craft beer and wine are increasingly popular as food and drink get on-trend and cocktail hour is paired with food. Think pretzels with beer or one bite nachos served with icy margaritas. Creativity and flair is key to this season’s fare. Guest favours are food oriented with little, well thought out take-away bags of hot sauce, biscuits, candy apples, trail mix, roasted coffee beans, cookies and candy apples. Other nice ideas to take home include locally manufactured scented romantic candles and hand-milled soap. Rick Wilkinson, Candle Maker and Owner of Wilkinson Candles, Windsor (WilkinsonCandles.ca) couldn’t agree more about the growing popularity of candles: “Candles are a fabulous wedding favour, thank you gift, decor item or a special treat for inclusion in a welcome basket for out-of-town guests. Everyone loves candlelight; it’s both

When it comes to their wedding day festivities today’s couples certainly have more choices and are more discerning than their parents were. From historic mansions to hotels, restaurants, wineries or private clubs (such as the Canadian Club Brand Centre, shown), they are kicking up their day with sweet and unique touches, which add a personal and meaningful feeling that will long be remembered after the day is over. Photo courtesy of Jeff Denomme Photography.

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romantic and practical, as well as providing a nice ambience and fragrance to any room.” He continues, “We manufacture tarts for warmers, votives and filled glass jars. Our candles are hand-crafted, clean burning, deliciously scented and make fabulous gifts for all occasions. We can custom design an entire wedding from the container to the label. With over 60 scents to choose from, we appeal to just about everyone.” Sheryl Davies is the Publisher/Owner of The Wedding Guide Windsor/Essex County (TheWeddingGuide.ca) soon to commemorate its 25th year. She is President of DMS Communications, a creative marketing company and also serves as a Social Media Commentator for businesses locally as well as throughout the United States. Davies was a 2015 Biz X Award Nominee in the category “Social Media Leader Who’s a Tough Act to Follow.” As a proud supporter and advocate of the arts, she is a founding member of the Canada South Festival Network, the Canada South Blues Society and a Past President of the Arts Council Windsor Region. Sheryl spent 18 years as one of the original organizers of “Bluesfest International.” She also sits as the only Canadian representative on a board of wedding specialists based in New York City.

SHOWCASING SOME OF THE BEST CUISINE IN WINDSOR & ESSEX COUNTY

POWER

LUNCH Where to dine for a business meeting or a quick bite with co-workers

THIS ISSUE FEATURES . . . D.o.C.K. 21, 21 King Street East, Harrow, ON By David Clark

A culinary gem in the heart of old Harrow has arrived with the kind of fare that everyone enjoys. Take the drive to experience D.o.C.K. 21 (Dock21.pub), a truly unique Gastropub that focuses on top quality food, plenty of craft beer and an atmosphere that invites relaxation. Since July 16, 2015 Owner/Operator Willy Krahn fulfilled his goal of opening the restaurant. According to Krahn, “D.o.C.K. 21 is my dream come true and I will do whatever it takes to keep it going.” And the pub has gone over well with the customers since it was recently nominated in the Biz X awards for “Restaurant That’s Hot, Hot, Hot for 2015.” Krahn is hoping the business will be one of the cornerstone restaurants in the small community of Harrow that he believes is on the verge of something huge. When you get a peek at the menu, there are a few popular selections that are perfect for the lunch crowd. Krahn states, “We do everything possible to accommodate any guest with a specific dietary need.” The hearty $13 Prime Rib Burger is ground

CANADIAN AND CARIBBEAN

Handsomely stacked and suitable for those with an appetite, the Prime Rib Burger delivers on great taste for $13.

in-house and built your way with Swiss, Cheddar, bacon, mushrooms, caramelized onions or even a fried egg for just $1 each. Also, an honourable mention, the Fish Tacos are Lake Erie Perch served inside a warm tortilla with tomato, black bean and corn cilantro salsa and finished with Cajun mayo at a tempting $14. At $13 the Chicken Curry Wrap which has the spicy zest you require is wrapped in a warm tortilla with lettuce, tomato, mayo and sweet cilantro sauce. All lunch items come with the choice of daily soup, house salad or fresh-cut fries. You can upgrade to a Caesar salad or seafood chowder for $2. All produce and meat is locally sourced as well. The most popular lunch specials include Tuesday’s Prime Rib Dip (6 oz.) on ciabatta, and au jus, an affordable $14, and the Grilled

Chicken Pesto Wrap appears on occasion at $13. A February special, you can choose either soup or house salad and a sandwich for only $9. Chicken Salad, Grilled Cheese and the B.L.T. are among the choices. Most items will arrive on your table within 15 to 20 minutes, but Krahn suggests, one lunch item for the business person in search of a quick meal is the Pulled Pork Sandwich ($12) served on a toasted pretzel bun and delivered in seven minutes.

Close to home Lake Erie Perch served in a tortilla and swimming with many of your favourite veggies, the Fish Tacos are a reasonable $14.

In addition, you can expect a cozy and comfortable atmosphere with lots of places to view your favourite sporting event at the restaurant. When it comes to customer service Krahn notes, “I am always here or close by and I make it a point to try to visit every guest, every night to ensure their expectations are met.”

Snap up a hearty $12 Pulled Pork Sandwich in seven minutes with a craft beer chaser! Photos courtesy of Willy Krahn.

Kitchen Hours* of Operation: Monday: CLOSED Tuesday/Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday/Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday: noon to 8 p.m. *The bar will stay open as long as business warrants

FISH & CHIPS

YOUR AD HERE

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BARBECUE & TAPAS

guest column

Is Your Business Deep In Debt? By Liliana Glen Do you have small business debts? Do you have personal debts because of your business? Operating a profitable business can be tough. Many business owners are focused on promoting their business and selling their products and services. Sometimes cash flow and income isn’t where it needs to be for you and your family. You may find yourself and your business in a very strained financial position — whether it’s unsecured debts on credit cards, loans, lines of credit or outstanding taxes owed to the Canadian Revenue Agency. Do you find yourself in this position currently? Take a hard look at your own situation and be realistic. If your debt is not reducing steadily each month then you should take action now and implement a recovery plan as quickly as possible. Here are three ways a small business can begin to dig themselves out of debt . . .

1. Cut unnecessary costs and free up cash.

PREMIUM CASUAL DINING

Take a hard look at the parts of your business which put you into debt in the first place and tackle them with a solution right away. For example, if customers aren’t paying on time or your expenses are too high, consider increasing efforts on collections efforts and getting rid of expenses that are not central to the operation of the business, such as office space or equipment you no longer use.

2. Put together a business budget.

Many small business owners will operate with a budget for their personal life, but few will ever look at a monthly budget for their business. If your debt keeps growing, then it means the company’s current budget (or lack of a budget) isn’t working! Create a budget based on the current financial situation of the business. An inexpensive way to help you keep track of your budget is to use accounting software like Simply Accounting, MS Money, QuickBooks, or web-based programs, such as FreshBooks.

3. Speak with your creditors.

Be upfront about the situation and the hardship the business is going through. Do they have a hardship plan that may provide reduced terms for repayment? If not, can they offer more flexible payment terms? The creditors may be willing to work with you — especially if you are a long-term client. If you feel as though your business or personal debt load is becoming too much there are a number of options to deal with your debts. You can seek independent professional advice to find the solution that best suits your personal and business situation. In many situations you can continue to operate your company while your debt is dealt with. Liliana Glen is a Debt Relief Specialist and the owner of 4 Pillars Consulting (4Pillars.ca) in east Windsor/Tecumseh. She specializes in helping individuals and businesses to put their debt and financial troubles behind them. Glen can analyze and create an effective debt restructuring plan for virtually every type of debt situation. B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

FEATURE STORY By Dave Hall

Uber And Area Taxi Drivers Square Off Over Rules, Regulations

John Toth, First Vice-President of Unifor Local 195, which represents drivers at Vets Cab, says Uber is ignoring existing licencing rules and regulations. By every definition, Uber is a taxi service and should be treated as such, claims Toth. Photo by Dave Hall.

Lawyer Jay Strosberg of Sutts Strosberg LLP says Uber is operating an illegal transportation service and undercutting taxi fares in many municipalities across Ontario. Photo courtesy of Jay Strosberg.

t’s a debate which has spread across North America and Europe and has now arrived in the Windsor area. It pits area taxi drivers who work for many local companies, against private individuals who have aligned themselves with Uber, a U.S. based company, which bills itself as a ride sharing service exempt from municipal bylaws and rules in what is a heavily-regulated industry. Susie Heath, a spokeswoman for Uber Canada, says her company has created a new business model that is distinct from traditional taxi services. But John Toth, First Vice-President of Unifor Local 195, which represents drivers who work for Vets Cab, says there is nothing distinct about a service which picks up fares generated from a central dispatch service and charges them a fee for a ride. “I’ve learned over the years that if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it’s probably a duck,” says Toth. “Bylaws covering the taxi industry in Windsor run to about 67 pages and from my perspective, Uber is currently not following any of them.” Uber is also facing a class action lawsuit filed last year in Ontario Superior Court by

Susie Heath, Uber Canada spokeswoman, says Uber is different from a taxi service and exempt from existing municipal bylaws and regulations. Photo courtesy of Susie Heath.

Windsor law firm Sutts Strosberg LLP. “The suit has been launched, theoretically, on behalf of everyone involved in the transportation industry in Ontario including drivers, dispatchers, plateholders, limo drivers, fleet owners and brokers,” states lawyer Jay Strosberg. “There is no other case like this against Uber anywhere. Our suit alleges a conspiracy to undercut taxi fares and thus everyone involved has suffered financial harm. In order to prove conspiracy, we have to show there has been an illegal act.” Strosberg continues, “And by ignoring municipal bylaws, Uber has, in effect, contravened both the Highway Traffic Act and the Provincial Offences Act. You simply can’t have people being undercut pricewise by someone who is acting illegally. If I drove down Ouellette Avenue, stopped to pick a guy up and charged him $20 for a ride to the airport, that’s illegal and what Uber is doing is no different.” In an interview with the Toronto Star last year, Heath called the suit “protectionist” and “without merit”. And while Windsor’s licencing department is conducting investigations into allegations that Uber drivers are breaking existing licencing rules, City B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

Council recently decided to spend $30,000 on a consultant’s report, which will include recommendations on how to deal with ridesharing services like Uber and its main rival Lyft (another US ride-sharing company). Those regulations call for charges to be laid against drivers operating a taxi without a license, which can result in fines of between $105 and $205. Craig Robertson, Supervisor of Licencing for the City of Windsor, acknowledges that Uber is not a regulated service under city bylaws and “we are not aware of any municipality in Ontario which has regulations in place so that’s why we’re dealing with the issue by seeking consultation from stakeholders before we move forward.” Robertson indicates, “We have public vehicle bylaws which cover taxis and livery services, such as limousines, and enforcement is largely complaint-driven. We are currently conducting an undercover operation, but there are challenges to any type of enforcement.” Part of the problem facing investigators is that people seeking an Uber ride must first register with a credit card and once that card number has been flagged as being used by an enforcement officer, it can’t be used again. Marwan Abouzeeni, a driver and plateholder for Vets Cab and Chairman of the Unifor unit at the cab company, doesn’t believe a consultant’s report is necessary. “We have rules and regulations in place already, so why not simply enforce those,” says Abouzeeni, who has driven a cab on and off for more than 20 years. “All we’re asking for is a level playing field and let the best service win. For us, public safety is the key issue. All our drivers have undergone extensive training, we have cameras in our cars, we have meters, we have to provide proof of liability insurance and our drivers have to provide proof of police clearances.” Abouzeeni warns, “With an Uber driver, the passenger doesn’t really know who is behind the wheel.” Heath, however, insists there is no anonymity in ride sharing because the rider and driver are known to each other. “Ride sharing cars cannot accept street hails and every trip is GPS-tracked,” says Heath. “Ride sharing is not a fulltime pursuit for most drivers and ride sharing vehicles are in use for under two hours most days. This, coupled with the technologybased nature of the business model, means that regulations created for the different business models of taxi don’t make sense in our industry.” Questions have also been raised about

insurance and whether or not Uber passengers are covered in the event of an accident. Area taxi drivers must carry as much as $2 million in liability insurance, according to Robertson. Strosberg disputes the notion that UberX drivers and passengers have commercial insurance. “If you get into a UberX car and you’re involved in an accident, there is no insurance coverage,” mentions Strosberg. But, Heath says that every ride on the UberX platform in Canada is insured. “In the event of an accident during an UberX trip, ridesharing partners are covered by commercial auto insurance in addition to any coverage maintained by our driver-partner,” says Heath. “We have a well-established claims process and upon being notified, we work with our riders or partners on properly resolving any accident claim.” UberX is the lowest-priced of Uber’s five ride sharing options. The others are UberXL, which largely features minivans, Uberpool, which allows passengers to share rides and split the cost, Uberblack, which is designed for business clientele and Uberselect, which provides rides in luxury sedans. Uber was established in San Francisco in 2009 and has since spread to more than 300 cities across almost 60 countries, but it has been met with opposition almost everywhere it has launched. Rulings about its legality under existing taxi industry regulations have differed from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. While it has been accepted in some cities, it has been banned in others. In Montreal, for example, more than 400 vehicles used by Uber drivers had either been ticketed or towed through the first 11 months of last year and in Toronto, a similar initiative was conducted throughout 2015 and into 2016, which has resulted in 120 charges. These charges include operating a taxicab brokerage without a licence, entering into an agreement or arrangement with an unlicenced taxi driver and/or an unlicenced cab owner to provide dispatch services and allowing the use of a vehicle without it being approved by licencing staff. Heath said that ride sharing is regulated in more than 65 jurisdictions across North America and the company is making progress establishing similar regulations across Canada. “In Windsor, we have been pleased to see support from Mayor Drew Dilkens and look forward to continuing our work with him, city council and city officials, as part

Marwan Abouzeeni, a Vets Cab driver and Unifor Unit Chairman, left, and fellow driver Toufic AlHourani believe existing regulations should be enforced and spending $30,000 on a consultant’s report is a waste of time and taxpayer money. Photo by Dave Hall.

of our ongoing process as we move towards a new regulatory framework that embraces ride sharing,” says Heath. But, since initially welcoming ride sharing as a way of providing competition in the marketplace, Dilkens has tempered his support and now believes existing bylaws should be enforced while a consultant’s report is being prepared. “Instead of flip-flopping in the media, it is incumbent upon Mayor Dilkens to instruct his bylaw enforcement department to do something about it,” argues Strosberg. Windsor Police Services spokesman Const. Andrew Drouillard notes his department is working closely with city officials to develop a strategy for dealing with bylaw enforcement and other issues. “We are exploring a number of options and possibilities at the moment,” says Drouillard. “But, nothing is currently in place.” In the meantime, Robertson comments that his department will be meeting very shortly with other city officials to help select a successful proponent to conduct the consultation process, but it could take until early summer before the process is completed. Besides objecting to what he believes is Uber’s disregard of existing rules and regulations, Toth says that approving additional taxi licences in the city will impact a driver’s ability to make a living. “We currently have about 217 licenses in the city, which is based on our population base,” says Toth. “Introducing untold numbers of new taxis into the city will impact everyone’s ability to earn a living. As far as I’m concerned, Uber has shown no respect for the city, its Mayor, our drivers and the rules under which they are forced to operate.” Abouzeeni, as a driver and plateholder, says he must earn as much as $1,700 a month before he starts making any money because of various fees for plate leases, B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

dispatch services and insurance, not to mention gas. “Our drivers have been very patient throughout this whole process, but they are now getting nervous about their future and ability to earn a living,” says Abouzeeni. “We are all local drivers paying taxes in this city and working for a Windsorbased company and I don’t see why we are bending over backwards to accommodate an American company. For our drivers, this is how most of them make a living. It’s not something they do in their spare time.” Area cab companies have been largely silent on the issue over the past few months. Walt Bezzina, General Manager of Vets Cab, said his company has reserved comment because “we don’t wish to provide Uber with any more publicity than it has already received and secondly, we respect the decision by City Council to seek out a consultant to determine where we’re going next.” Sam Nizzer, Owner of both LaSalle Taxi and LA Taxi, echoed Abouzeeni’s comments, saying “we believe Uber should follow existing regulations and all we want is for our drivers to compete on a level playing field with the same rules, regulations and insurance requirements.” In the taxi industry, fares are also regulated. Uber fares are based on distance travelled and time spent travelling and are billed to a rider’s credit card. In Windsor, Uber charges a base fare of $3 in addition to 25 cents a minute and $1.10 per kilometre. There is a minimum fare of $4.50 and a $5 charge for a cancelled trip. Uber fares are competitive and comparable to those of traditional taxi services. But, there have also been complaints about the company’s policy of surge pricing which dictates fares based on supply and demand at peak times such as New Year’s Eve. Uber defends its policy by saying it ensures drivers are available in a timely fashion at such times. Traditional taxi companies do not use surge pricing, but wait times can be lengthy on busy days. Strosberg said his firm has just finished serving paperwork on Uber’s European entities and there is still a lengthy process to complete before the suit is certified as a class action and can proceed. But regardless of what changes, if any, are made to the city of Windsor’s public vehicle bylaws and how the lawsuit plays out, it’s safe to say that Uber and other ride sharing companies have changed the face of the global taxicab industry.

more than just the law

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Employee Bonuses — To Pay Or Not To Pay?

MillerCanfield.com

By David McNevin

Should an employee who has been terminated from employment be entitled to receive a bonus declared after they no longer work for you? The short answer is — it depends. In a number of recent rulings, courts have confirmed that the governing factor is found in reviewing the terms of the bonus plan in place. As a general proposition, it has been consistently held that bonuses form an integral part of an employee’s compensation. Thus, as a starting point, an employee is entitled to be paid a bonus even though they have been terminated. However, this is subject to reviewing the terms of the bonus plan. Some key factors that will determine whether a bonus is in fact payable after an employee has been terminated include the following: i) Is the bonus plan discretionary or formulaic? If it is truly discretionary and in fact varies both up and down year by year, then that will tend toward a finding that it is not payable. Conversely, a formula

based bonus is more likely to be found to be payable. ii) Is there a provision that stipulates that the employee must be engaged in “active employment” at the time the bonus is declared in order to be entitled to payment? If such a provision is found to exist, it is more likely a court will find that the bonus is not payable. iii) Is the bonus plan in writing? Obviously, it is much easier to establish what the bonus policy is if it is in writing. Otherwise, the court is left to infer what the plan was supposed to be based on past practice, conversations, emails and memos dealing with bonus compensation. iv) Was the bonus plan known before the employee began working for the company? Assuming the bonus policy is one that otherwise satisfies the criteria above, was it known to the employee before they started working for you and can you prove it. If you can, then it is more likely that no bonus will be found to be payable.

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While it is certainly helpful to have a written bonus policy in place, it is even more helpful to make use of written employment contracts that include at least some reference to the bonus plan. While it is not necessary to include the entire bonus plan in an employment contract, it is helpful to have reference to the bonus plan and provide that it is “discretionary” and that the employee must be engaged in “active employment” at the time the bonus is declared to be eligible to receive it. Keep in mind that an employer may generally not impose new terms that are favourable to the employer after the employment relationship already exists. It is therefore advisable to have an employment contract presented to an employee before they commence their employment. Please consult a lawyer before taking any action based on information contained in this article. David McNevin is a partner with Miller Canfield LLP.

THE WAY IT WAS

From Combat Boots . . . To Straw Shoes By Andrea Grimes

wenty years after the Great War, Europe again stood on the brink of a mighty upheaval. Duty-driven lads from Windsor and Essex County just couldn’t wait to enlist. They were headed overseas to places they knew nothing about. Such was the case with Henry Dumaine, a local Windsor WWII Veteran. Dumaine worked alongside his mum in the family business, Marie’s Confectionary located at 195 Pitt Street West (present site of the Paul Martin Building (parking lot). Dumaine enlisted with the Essex Scottish April 1940 at the age of 24 serving with the C.A.S.F. 1st Battalion C.A.O. On August 16, 1940, the Regiment set sail for Britain as part of the Canadian Infantry Division. When the Regiment regained its strength in July 1944 (following the Raid on Dieppe August 19, 1942), Dumaine’s unit landed on the coast of Normandy and fought their way through France, Holland and Germany. While doing his bit for King and Empire, Dumaine wrote letters to his wife Mae who was anxiously waiting to receive word from her darling sweetheart. Dumaine wrote that he was a truck driver, ferrying troops to and from their destinations. He duly proclaimed his everlasting love for his wife and child; and thinking of them filled his heart with comfort and joy. It gave him the strength to soldier on, especially during the long and lonely nights huddled in the foxholes and trenches throughout scattered battlefields. When Dumaine’s letters stopped, Mae expected the worst. As it turned out, Mae received word that her husband was captured in Normandy in 1944. The German Army force-marched

prisoners from France into Germany to military prison camps such as Stalag VIII B. Many captured soldiers were unable to make this march as the Germans confiscated their boots forcing them to walk barefoot during one of the harshest winter blizzards Europe had seen in years. In other cases, soldier’s feet were so swollen and bleeding and, as a result, infection set in; they had to walk barefoot as they were unable to put their boots on due to the repulsive conditions of their frost-bitten feet. Dumaine often came to the aid of his comrades (many from Windsor), helping them get to their feet as they continued the march to the prison camps. Dumaine (and many other captured soldiers), suffered countless harsh and cruel beatings from the German guards for helping soldiers who were suffering from hunger and exhaustion to get to their feet. During Dumaine’s nine months in Stalag VIII B, he laboured in the salt mines and eventually adapted to prison surroundings. Being the resourceful man that he was, Dumaine soon gained a reputation of turning prison life to his favour. Dumaine had a very “enterprising” way about him that enabled him to “liberate” eggs and potatoes, which he shared with other soldiers to supplement their meagre prison rations of limited bread and water. Mae longed for the day to welcome her beloved husband home to Windsor. As Dumaine stepped down from the train, Mae edged her way through the crowds fighting back the tears in anticipation of the numerous embraces they would exchange — sharing the joy of how proud she was of him. According to Wayne Dumaine (Henry’s

WWII Veteran, Henry Dumaine outside his mum’s shop, Marie’s Confectionary, 195 Pitt Street West, Windsor (c 1940). Photo courtesy of Wayne Dumaine.

son): “While dad was in Stalag VIII B, he fashioned himself a remarkably serviceable pair of straw shoes (in the absence of his regiment-issued combat boots), which got him through the rest of the war until his release in 1945. Dad was nicknamed ‘Strawfoot’ for his most ingenious invention. When dad came home, he was constantly ‘on guard’. We never barged into his bedroom to wake him up for work because of how he reacted being roused in this fashion. The horrific memories of war haunted my dad until his death in 1977. Being called ‘Strawfoot’ throughout his life was a bitter reminder of the suffering he endured during WWII and not being able to do more to save the lives of those who served alongside him.” Dumaine’s duty, loyalty and service to Canada — what he and so many other young lads from across Windsor and Essex County fought for — recognizes our veterans from all theatres of conflict and peacekeeping missions for the price they paid “in the name of freedom” in so many unimaginable ways. In realizing how our lives are shaped by peace and in recognition of sacrifices made and indignities suffered by our veterans, we have opportunities to value democracy through remembrance . . . in their names.

Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Presents:

Journey Towards Success Awards Commit to take Action to Accelerate Gender Parity

When: Tuesday, March 8th, 2016 Where: St. Clair College Centre for the Arts Ticket Price: $85.00

2016

To Order Tickets: Call (519)256-6621 or Visit www.westofwindsor.com

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World-Class Industry Leader Ag-Tronic Control OF THE MONTH Systems Inc. Celebrates 25th Anniversary By Rebecca Wright

s this local company celebrates food safety solution — all on an 25 years in operation, they can eco-friendly paper label.” take pride in knowing they’ve grown In 2000 Ag-Tronic Control to be responsible for supplying 80 Systems Inc. was awarded a percent of the fruit and vegetable Business Excellence Award by the labelling requirements across Leamington & District Chamber Ontario, Quebec, Michigan and Commerce for “Company of the New York — a big feat for a company Year ” with one to nine employees. that began with just two employees. Sleiman says he’s learned a few Ag-Tronic Control Systems secrets to success that he’d like to Inc. (Ag-Tronic.com), located at share with other local entrepreneurs, 439 Silver Creek Industrial Drive which include: look at each request in Lakeshore, opened in January as an opportunity for new business; 1991. Owner and President Joseph be sure to ask questions and listen Sleiman opened the business carefully to obtain all the facts — after losing a job as a lead electrobefore speaking; under-promise mechanical service person for a Joe Sleiman, President of Ag-Tronic Controls Systems Inc. and his wife Samia and over-deliver; treat employees farm equipment dealer. In that Sleiman, Secretary/Treasurer, stand with their daughter (left) Terri Michienzi, fairly and as family to create a Project Manager & Mechanical Designer, in front of their latest state-of-the-art position, he had developed a very label converting equipment used for producing eco-friendly fruit labels for their great working atmosphere; and good reputation for supplying customers across Canada, USA and Mexico. Photo by Rod Denis. always look for opportunities to the best service, along with the diversify and expand your products successful design and manufacturing of industry consider us to be the world leader and clientele. several automation systems. in fruit labelling technology,” states Sleiman. Sleiman and his family are very “After becoming unemployed, I realized Fresh fruit and vegetable packing appreciative of each and every customer and that there was an opportunity to help companies can benefit by working with supplier over the years who have all helped automate the agricultural industry,” explains Ag-Tronic Control Systems Inc. by the company earn global recognition in the Sleiman. Through his years of experience improving their quality and efficiency and industry. and a good reputation in automation design, reducing operating costs, states Sleiman. “And we would like to thank our current manufacturing and service, Sleiman says The business also offers eco-friendly fruit employees for giving us the joy of going to he felt confident to start an automation labelling solutions. work,” says Sleiman. “Every day feels like a solutions company focused on the The company has grown tenfold over the family party.” agricultural industry. years, from a humble start with just two Sleiman also mentions that he and his Ag-Tronic Control Systems Inc. designs employees to now employing 20 people. wife, Samia, are also very grateful to their and manufactures automated packing and To keep up with needed expansions and children, Terri, Nicole, Alyssa and Zidan, labelling solutions for greenhouse and growth, the business moved to its fourth for believing in the company and their outdoor fresh fruit and vegetables all over location in 2010. continued support. Canada, USA and Mexico. “The past five years have seen double-digit “We are proud of our success in achieving Automation solutions for pack houses growth with the success of our latest fruit and maintaining over 99% customer include: English cucumber shrink-wrapping labelling system that can print variable data satisfaction across Canada, USA and and grading systems; fresh produce packing on fruit labels in real time as they are being Mexico, and look forward to expanding conveyers, weighing and grading systems; and applied,” comments Sleiman. “And our globally over the next couple of years with high-speed and manual labelling solutions internationally patented variable printing the same commitment and success,” says for fresh produce. technology has reduced label inventory costs Sleiman. “We look forward to the next “The ‘ORB-it’ Fruit Labelling Systems are and includes the ability to add trace-code 25 years with excitement as we build on our most popular because our customers and the data onto each piece of fruit for the ultimate experiences of the past 25 years.”

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