Windsor-Essex 2016

Perspe ctive

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Windsor-Essex | 2 0 1 6

Centerline (Windsor), Innovators in Advanced Manufacturing

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Peter Quiring, Nature Fresh Farms Growing What the World Needs

A REGION MADE UP OF VIBRANT AND SAFE COMMUNITIES WINDSOR citywindsor.ca As Canada's busiest gateway to the NAFTA Trade Corridor, it provides unparalleled access to major transportation links on both sides of the border. To support investment financial incentives are provided in the strategic areas of: Development charges for commercial (non-industrial) and residential property is zero in core areas; in the Economic

TECUMSEH

LAKESHORE

tecumseh.ca

Revitalization Community Improvement Plan for

Tecumseh has a manufacturing-

targeted economic sectors; incentives for the Brownfield

centric labor force with

Redevelopment Community Improvement Plan to clean

support industries attuned to

up and redevelop brownfield sites.

manufacturing and processing.

lakeshore.ca Many auto related supply plants, tool and mold shops located here and an experienced labour force.

An abundance of clean water

A provincially certified

available to support bio-processing industries.

investment ready site available. A $62 million rec. facility (Atlas Tube Centre).

LASALLE lasalle.ca LaSalle is one of the fastest growing towns in South Western Ontario

LEAMINGTON

offering an abundance of natural areas, an interconnected trail

leamington.ca

network, and provides

Home to the largest concentration of

high-quality services.

Greenhouses in North America. Offers 100% discount on development fees for residential and non-residential and financial incentive programs (CIP) to help reduce the cost of rehabilitating and improving buildings in designated area.

AMHERSTBURG

ESSEX

KINGSVILLE

amherstburg.ca

essex.ca

kingsville.ca

PELEE ISLAND

One of the prettiest and oldest

Home to national and

Kingsville presents a unique

pelee.org

communities in our Region,

international manufacturing.

profile: a thriving downtown

As Canada’s most southern

offering low land prices and

No development charges for

environment surrounded

destination, Pelee Island’s climatic

no development fees for

new or expanding industrial

by traditional agricultural

characteristics have helped

commercial and industrial.

development. Funding for

farming, and an ever-expanding

support plant and animal life

Catchment area provides highly

rehabilitation of commercial

greenhouse industry. A 32 acre

not found in other parts of the

trained and skilled trades people

buildings and redevelopment

Industrial Park will be available

country. Home to the award

of vacant properties.

for development - Spring 2017.

winning Pelee Island Winery.

administrators and managers.

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Mayor Drew Dilkens City of Windsor

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Essex County

City of Windsor

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he City of Windsor is booming. Our taxes are competitive, our location is an asset and our workforce is skilled. Windsor is open for business. Over the past 11 years, Windsor has paid down debt, frozen taxes, and dramatically improved the overall efficiency of our government.

Using streamlined local economic development initiatives, leveraging the border as a key asset and encouraging partnerships with local businesses,Windsor supports a new economy that creates and maintains jobs for its residents.These actions have created a dramatic increase of investment in the City and resulted in a massive decrease to the unemployment rate that now sits below the provincial average. For more than a century, Windsor has been a City that builds quality products. We are using that tradition to create a new diversified knowledge-driven economy.

The City of Windsor is a dynamic place of civic pride and a hub for innovation, culture and creativity.

Our cost of living makes Windsor an attractive location for families and people of all ages. Housing costs are among Canada’s most affordable – less than half of Toronto prices. With quick access to local and large cultural, sporting and entertainment events, Windsor is a great place to live.

As a caring community, the City of Windsor showed its commitment to providing a high quality of life for all by welcoming over 1000 newcomers.

The City of Windsor celebrates our multi-cultural fabric and continues to support citizens with diverse needs in all stages of life. Our City is committed to walking and cycling as healthy and environmentallyfriendly modes of transportation and encouraging the arts as both an economic driver and an essential part of life in Windsor.

The City of Windsor is thriving. We are a strong community of families, businesses and entrepreneurs.

Today’s Windsor has so much to offer. Don’t just take my word for it. Come and see for yourself.

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renewed sense of vitality is beginning to take root across Essex County. After years of challenging economic conditions, the region is showing an increase in growth, productivity and output. The creativity, innovation and determination of Essex County residents and businesses have all been equally influential in this momentous shift.

Greenhouse operators continue to introduce new products and cultivate new markets. Agriculture and agri-business facilities have forged new alliances, creating a wealth of exciting new opportunities. The resilience of the manufacturing sector continues to impress and the significant investments being made demonstrates a well-placed confidence in our region.

Essex County businesses and residents continue to adapt and reinvent in order to seek out competitive advantages.

Local business and industry have been able to initiate strategic investments that have resulted in job retention, business expansion and investment attraction. Recent defining infrastructure investments, such as the announcement of the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (S.W.I.F.T.) project, demonstrates the understanding of the value of the region and will undoubtedly allow Essex County to remain competitive in the global marketplace, while also strengthening the local economy.

Notwithstanding the spark shown in local economic prospects, our residents also enjoy the benefit of beautiful, engaged and culturally-enriching communities. Our region was recognized as a Top 7 Intelligent Community and five of our Essex County municipalities were also ranked in the top ten safest communities in all of Canada, including local honours for holding the top spot.

Make no mistake about it, Essex County has been, is and will continue to be world-class. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, we encourage healthy and active living with our network of outdoor trails, we have a rich history of multiculturalism and we celebrate our diversity through a myriad of quality festivals, events and local attractions. We encourage you to visit us and come see all that we have to offer.

About the cover Windsor-Essex is one of the most unique business regions in Ontario, Canada. With access to 50% of North American’s population within a day’s drive, this region should be your next business stop. The region is a proud home to St. Clair College, the #1 ranked college in Student Satisfaction for Southern Ontario. The WindsorEssex region is the leader in the industry – combining the people, knowledge, research and the infrastructure.

Tom Bain Warden of Essex County

I Windsor-Essex Region

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am honoured to have been selected to lead the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation. As a newcomer to the Windsor-Essex Region, I am thoroughly impressed with our business case and asset map, including passionate partners and a business sector with a strategic and innovative approach to business development.

We are ideally positioned to be at the forefront of an entirely new economy. An economy which favors innovation, with research and development embedded in our key sectors - Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Business, Life Sciences and Transportation, Logistics and Warehousing.

It’s an economy where our businesses within all nine municipalities have embraced innovation with passion to transform our region into an economic powerhouse.

As much as $500 million in international trade crosses the Windsor-Detroit border every day, all heading to consumerrich markets across North America, many within a day’s drive of Windsor-Essex.

Our proximity to the U.S. allows local companies to establish cross-border initiatives and cooperative research partnerships such as autonomous vehicle technologies and clinical trials with major hospital systems in Michigan.

The region has a highly skilled workforce with expertise in light-weight materials, clean diesel, robotic-intensive automation, 3-D printing, design of assembly and production lines and more remains a key attraction to investors.The agri-business/food processing sector is also a major driver of our economy with the largest vegetable greenhouse cluster in North America.The University of Windsor and St. Clair College, are among the leaders in teaching and training a highly-educated roster of graduates ready to take on an ever-changing world.

Windsor-Essex is the fourth-most ethnically diverse region in Canada, with 101 distinct languages spoken, where people from all of the world’s major cultural and faith traditions find welcoming communities with opportunities to succeed.

Take a step into the future by investing in Windsor-Essex - a strong and vibrant region ready to embrace the challenges of a new economy Stephen MacKenzie, CEO WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation

P e r s p e c t i v e TM 1464 Cornwall Rd, Suite 5, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5 1-866-779-7712 info@perspective.ca perspective.ca

Publisher, CeO Steve Montague ViCe-PresiDeNT Ed Martin Marketing Coordinator Sabrina Woods Account Executive Graeme Molloy

PerspectiveTM Windsor-Essex was produced Independent of the Municipalities in the Windsor-Essex Region. Contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Perspective Marketing Inc. The publisher is not liable for any views expressed in the articles and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or the Municipalities in Windsor-Essex Region.

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North America’s Manufacturing Powerhouse Leaders and Innovators in Advanced Manufacturing

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arts suppliers and mold makers across the Windsor-Essex Region are at the forefront when it comes to using innovative technology to remain competitive in an ever-changing global marketplace.

The area is home to the largest machine, tool, die and mold cluster in North America. In fact, four of the top 10 mold makers in this hemisphere are located in the Windsor-Essex region.

It also boasts one of the largest automation sectors in Canada, several area companies specialize in lightweighting technologies and the majority of the auto industry’s original equipment manufacturers engineering and design offices are located within one hour’s drive of Windsor-Essex.

And many area businesses have developed their own cutting-edge research and development programs, all designed to help them reach out to customers across the globe.

CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd. is a family-owned business closing in on its 60th anniversary, PTooling is a small but aggressive company using laser technology to produce custom machine work and Crest Mold is among the leaders in developing innovative conformal cooling technology.

CenterLine is enjoying continued business success and cementing its reputation among industry leaders in designing, manufacturing and supplying products and services for the aerospace, defence, mass transit and automotive sectors.

Three years ago, CenterLine invested $7.3 million to expand its manufacturing space, hire and train new employees and establish the Donald Beneteau Centre of Excellence, named after the company’s founder who started the business as a two-man tool and die shop in 1957.

“The impact of the investment has far exceeded our expectations,” said company CEO Michael Beneteau. “The business is booming and we’ve been lucky enough to pick up our fair share.”

Marv Fiebig, President & CEO, PTooling displays a product manufactured with a new additive manufacturing machine. It is the first of its kind in North America.

But there’s more than good fortune involved. There is also planning, innovative thinking and financial investment.

“We have invested in new detection technology for our welding products and we have overhauled our welding gun product line so they are faster and take up less space on our customer’s shop floor,” said Beneteau. “Everything we do is designed to help our customers become more successful and when that happens we become more successful.

“We are continuing to invest in research and product development so that we can continue to grow both domestically and globally,” said Beneteau.

CenterLine, which has plants in seven countries, now has 650 fulltime employees and about 150 contract workers at its three Windsor-area plants.

It has recently leased another 60,000 sq.ft. manufacturing facility in nearby Amherstburg.

PTooling, meanwhile, recently spent more than $2 million on a Germanmade hybrid CNC machine which can both subtract and add materials during the manufacturing process at its Amherstburg plant by using state-of-theart laser technology.

“It is brand-new innovative technology which allows us to achieve

internal designs within a mold which we couldn’t do before,” said company president Marv Fiebig. “It opens up new opportunities for our company because of its revolutionary technology.

“There is no limit to what we can do because of our investment in this innovative technology,” said Fiebig. “Our clients love it because we can provide products we couldn’t have provided before.”

PTooling had been manufacturing products for the oilfield industry since 2003 but has since diversified into aerospace, spaceflight and automotive sectors in order to ward off further downturns and remain competitive in an ever-changing industry.

Using conformal cooling, in which the cooling channels follow the shape of the molding surface, along with dynamic mold temperature control which heats and then rapidly cools the mold, Crest Mold is pioneering plastic processing advancements which promise to revolutionize the industry.

“By heating up the molds and then rapidly cooling them, we are also able to manufacture products that are lighter, thinner and stronger,” said Ed Bernard, Crest’s director of research and development. “In many ways, this technology is a genuine game changer.”

Crest is working in partnership with Contura MTC GmbH of Germany and Regloplas Corp. of St. Gallen, Switzerland to further develop and utilize the cutting-edge technology.

“This region is recognized as a world-renowned cluster in the mold making industry and we have never reached out before to the senior levels of government for innovative support,” said Bernard. “But with the help of the Canadian Association of Mold Makers, now affiliated with the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, we are looking to establish a collaborative network of area mold shops to develop complex innovative processes while, at the same time, maintaining their own proprietary technologies.”

“This collaborative network with pooled intellectual property amongst niche cross-sector mold makers will empower a new generation of parts designers to create concepts previously impossible to manufacture,” said Bernard.

“The technological advancements that the mold making cluster is capable of will provide the ability to dominate this manufacturing sector.”

A long-standing partnership between the Dr. Denis Green at the University of Windsor and Ford Motor Company, supported by funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, examines the use of highstrength steels and lower density materials to reduce vehicle weight.

And the university’s Tribology of Materials Research Centre is focusing on understanding and improving the friction and wear of lightweight materials such as aluminum, magnesium and their composites.

The development corporation has also launched a website - BuyWindsorEssex. com - which provides a database of area suppliers in manufacturing, agri-business, information and communications technology and logistics and warehousing. With more than 100,000 visitors annually, it’s an essential resource for anyone looking for new suppliers or for local companies to expand their products into global markets.

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Windsor-Essex Economy to Grow Faster than National Average PMS286

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The Conference Board of Canada projects a positive economic outlook

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indsor is expected to have the fourth fastest-growing economy in 2016 – with manufacturing and sports tourism driving that growth – among 15 Canadian cities examined by the Conference Board of Canada.

For the second year in a row, Windsor’s economy is projected to expand by 2.4 per cent, well above the national forecasted growth rate of 1.6 per cent, according to a recent report.

“After creating 3,000 jobs in 2015, the Windsor economy is projected to generate an additional 1,400 jobs per year over 2016 and 2017,” the conference board report says.

The board attributes the city’s positive outlook in “large part” to FCA Canada’s investment in its Windsor Assembly Plant, which is building the new Chrysler Pacifica minivan. It also credits the city’s plans to host major sporting events such as the FINA World short-course swimming championships in December and the Memorial Cup next May.

Robotic Welding Stations at Windsor Assembly Plant

But as the region’s largest employer, FCA Canada plays a major role in the local economy.

FCA Canada is part of the international automotive group FCA with over 90 years of history and thousands of employees in the Windsor-Essex area.

FCA Canada, with its headquarters dominating Windsor’s downtown skyline and overlooking the City of Detroit, has invested more than $1 billion in research and development over the past 20 years, much of it in Windsor through partnerships with leading Ontario universities, including the University of Windsor.

At the Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC), “we are helping Canada create a new generation of automotive engineers,” according to Tony Mancina, Head of Engineering for FCA Canada.

And it’s that partnership between the best automotive minds in industry and academia that has contributed to the development of the next-generation Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the industry’s first electrified minivan.

By keeping its manufacturing and R&D facilities in close proximity, FCA Canada is able to better support the synergies between research and new product development advances. It’s a relationship based on equal dependency with FCA providing the ARDC with vehicles to work on and ARDC offering innovative solutions to FCA’s product development team.

The Windsor-Essex Region has been home to the minivan since 1983 when the first one rolled off the line at Windsor Assembly Plant. It’s the only plant in the world that builds the company’s minivans.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (left), Chrysler Pacifica (right) After investing more than $1 billion to retool the Windsor Assembly Plant, FCA announced it hired 1,200 additional workers, bringing the full complement to nearly 6,000.

“That’s definitely one of the big stories,” said Al Arcand, the conference board’s associate director and a Windsor native. “What happens (in

manufacturing) matters to the overall Windsor economy.”

Local manufacturing activity has been “picking up steam” since about 2010, according to the report. A strong U.S. dollar, low gas and oil prices and strong vehicle sales in the U.S. have helped.

“Windsor’s economy is enjoying a period of sustained and solid growth, the report states.

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Emerging Technologies in Automation Internet of Things Windsor-Essex is home to a significant automation cluster, including over 300 companies that are engineering, designing and manufacturing cutting edge automated industrial manufacturing systems for customers in the automotive, aerospace, food and beverage, renewable energy, nuclear, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, packaging and appliance manufacturing sectors around the world. This strong representation of automation companies can be linked to the 20th century establishment and growth of the automotive industry in the region, which has long been known as the Automotive Capital of Canada.

The rigorous demands of this industry have continued to spark the development of new

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and advanced manufacturing processes.

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Port Authority Generates 1,000 Jobs

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he Windsor Port Authority is a Federal agency which was incorporated under the provisions of the Canada Marine Act along with 17 of the other largest ports in Canada.

Of these ports, Windsor ranks in the top twelve in terms of total cargo volume with between 5-6 million tonnes of cargo handled annually through its twelve marine terminals.

The two major commodities handled through the port are salt and construction aggregates. Salt is mined and shipped out of the K+S Windsor Salt, Ojibway dock, which handles between 1.5-2.5 million tonnes of product per year. Stone and construction aggregates, which also average between 1.5 and 2.5 million tonnes annually are shipped through six terminals across the city; LafargeHolcim, Southwestern Sales Corporation Limited (east and west docks), Miller Aggregates Southwest, Coco Group, and CBM/St. Mary’s Cement. These commodities are utilized in the local construction industry

and the port’s ability to handle large volumesPMS286 efficientlyPMS432 and economically has played a critical role in the construction of two major infrastructure projects in recent years: - the 14km long Hon. Herb Grey Parkway which will link Highway 401 to the new Gordie Howe International Bridge and the 100 acre customs and truck plaza which will service the new bridge.

Petroleum products are shipped through the Sterling Fuels Marine dock which is owned by the Port Authority and operated by McAsphalt Industries Inc. The facility provides liquid asphalt to the local road construction industry and handles over 70,000 tonnes annually. In addition, the facility offers ship fueling services to both foreign and Great Lakes vessels and fuels an average of 450 ships in a typical year.

Morterm Ltd. is the port’s only full service general cargo facility and handles a variety of products – all forms of steel including coil, beams, and rods; project

Port of Windsor cargo such as wind turbine parts; and bulk products such as raw sugar. The facility also offers over 150,000 sqft of indoor warehouse space on its 90 acre site.

ADM Agri-Industries is one of the world’s largest grain traders and has operated the Windsor Grain Terminal for over 25 years. The facility provides worldwide export capability for local grain farmers and in addition processes seed oils at the crushing facility which is adjacent to the grain terminal.

The port is a major contributor to the economic vibrancy of the region generating over 1,000 direct and indirect

FOR SALE/LEASE

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jobs and injecting over $200 million annually into the local economy. The port has seen significant growth and development in recent years and offers numerous advantages to both shippers and potential new terminal operators – an ideal location at the approximate midpoint of the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System; modern, efficient and economical terminal operations; and the lowest port fees and rental rates of any of the major Canadian ports.

The Port of Windsor – your smart choice for moving marine cargo in the Great Lakes!

Jim Williams, Located in the centre of Windsor between Walker Road and Kildare.

Up to 36 acres available. Serviced land. Owner will divide.

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2855 Deziel Fully leased AAA industrial building. Contact broker for lease info.

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519-258-5072 3080 Grand Marais East Windsor, ON N8W 5A3 493 Ouellette Investment opportunity. Approx 8,100 SF on 3 floors on main artery in heart of downtown Windsor. Unique art deco design by famous architect Albert Lothian in 1928. Across from Southerland Global call centre w/approx. 1,500 employees. Close to St. Clair College & U of W downtown campuses, transit terminal & aquatic centre.

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The Epicenter of International Logistics in North America The region provides access to hundreds of millions of consumers in North American markets and is capable of shipping cargo anywhere around the world

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ith a port at the midway point of the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System, an international airport capable of shipping cargo anywhere around the world as well as two international crossings, with a third on its way, Windsor-Essex is uniquely positioned to provide access to hundreds of millions of consumers.

And the city’s rail connections support local businesses and provide access for goods on their way to North American markets through a rail tunnel connecting Windsor-Essex and Michigan.

PMS286 Windsor-Essex is PMS432 also at the western terminus of Highway 401 providing a direct link to interstate highways in the U.S. Windsor’s International Airport offers a 9,300-foot runway, no curfews and no congestion which makes it uniquely positioned to satisfy a wide range of air cargo needs, said Jim McCormack, director of finance at Windsor Airport.

Only seven kilometers from the U.S. border, the airport is federally designated as a trans-shipment point, permitting Canadian and foreign air carriers to use the airport as a transit point for incoming and outbound international cargo and U.S. carriers do not need to pay for air rights.

The airport also boasts a new truckto-truck cargo complex anchored

by FedEx on its northern perimeter and with airport lands immediately adjacent to international CN and CP

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The Ambassador Bridge.The U.S.A. market sits less than a mile away, across the Detroit River. Photo courtesy of: Suede Productions railways, the airport is ideally located for future truck-to-rail development with approximately 1,500 acres of industrial land available for development.

Windsor’s port is also perfectly positioned as a gateway to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway making it an ideal shipping point for millions of tonnes of cargo including salt, sand, stone and construction aggregates, all destined for international or domestic markets.

Last year, more than 5.6 million tonnes of cargo passed through the Port of Windsor exceeding both five and 10-year averages. Much of the growth came in the shipping of stone and aggregates for the construction of a 100-acre customs and truck plaza which will serve the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. There is approximately 60 acres of available land for development around the port.

A new border crossing, the “Gordie Howe” International Bridge and its approach roads and customs plaza, is being constructed with an investment of $4B. “Essentially the new bridge, with its greater efficiencies because of three lanes, will make all businesses shipping goods into the U.S. that much closer to major North American markets,.” said Bill Anderson director of the Cross Border Institute at the University of Windsor.

“It also opens up land-use opportunities for more logistics

companies to locate adjacent to the new customs plaza as well as on Highway 401 just outside Windsor,” said Anderson.

“With a direct highway to highway link, it is even more efficient now for shipping goods across the border in both directions.”

There are almost two dozen customs brokerage firms operating in the Windsor-Essex region, 17 licensed customs sufferance warehouses and several customs-bonded warehouses.

There are more than 4,300 employees in the region’s logistics and warehousing industries, 50 transportation companies and more than 3,500 truck drivers reside in the region.

There is no doubt that WindsorEssex is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of companies exporting goods to the U.S. and anywhere else in the world through a perfect combination of rail, air, water and road transportation systems.

Cargo Hub,Windsor International Airport

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A Cross-Border Corridor of Research and Innovation Combining private sector investment with leading research from the University of Windsor, Windsor-Essex is a medical research powerhouse

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tate-of-the-art innovative technology and research developed in WindsorEssex is changing the way the art world authenticates paintings, improves medical diagnostics through proprietary manufacturing capabilities and provides hope for those suffering from cancer.

Combining private sector investment and research at the University of Windsor is at the heart of two projects while another is the result of two innovative companies – Suntrition Inc. and Biomedcore Inc. - joining together as Acenzia Inc. to fulfill a common vision of making a difference in the outcome of chronic illnesses, including cancer.

The Institute for Diagnostic Imaging Research, headed by Dr. Roman Maev of the University of Windsor, features an art analysis team consisting of restorers, art conservators and appraisers who use thermography to analyse paintings and find defects and reveal alterations under the surface of the painting.

“We can use a variety of processes because every piece of art can be different,” said Maev. “It might be on wood, on metal, on canvas and all need to be analysed differently. It can be done by thermography or by spectral analysis but it is all non-invasive and does not affect the painting.”

“We are also able to authenticate the period in which a painting was made by using spectral analysis to determine what kind of paint was used and what its chemical properties are,” said Maev.

“Certain types of paint were used in certain time periods and we can analyse that non-invasively” Maev’s art team has been employed by the United Kingdom’s National Gallery, Cambridge University and the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Art in Moscow.

Maev recently gave a presentation on the

Dr. Siyaram Pandey, Biochemistry Ph.D., University of Windsor subject to representatives of the art world at Canada House in London.

“It’s a growing business and we are trying to get more organized so we can take on more clients,” said Maev.

Art forgery is a multi-billion-dollar crime on a worldwide scale and the IDIR’s technology is being used to authenticate paintings and provide quality control as well as non-destructive and non-invasive analysis.

The institute, which has developed a world-wide reputation since being established in 2008, has also developed technology in the fields of nanotechnology, biomedical research, acoustical microscopy and biometrics, all with a focus on commercializing results generated by its cutting-edge research.

It’s not the only cutting-edge research being conducted in the Windsor-Essex Region.

At Acenzia, the merged result of Biomedcore and Suntrition coming together, president and CEO Gordon Moore said that both companies bring something distinct to the partnership: Biomedcore’s research into using Zebrafish to help identify drug sensitivity for patients with chronic illnesses including cancer, and Suntrition’s R & D into standardizing Natural Health Product raw materials to ensure batch to batch consistency and efficacy for their clients and the consumer.

“We are able to inject live tumour cells into Zebrafish where they grow and behave similar to what the patient experiences. We are then able to assist the oncologist to determine dosing plans for that cancer patient by observing how chemotherapy affects the tumour in the fish,” said Moore.

“This allows the oncologist to identify the treatment that is best for each individual patient.”

Moore said that taking biopsies from lung cancer patients can be difficult, and dangerous to the patient, but Acenzia’s technology can also use simple blood samples, as specialized equipment is able to separate Circulating Tumour Cells from normal cells in the blood. These cells are then injected into the Zebrafish to once again help determine the best course of chemotherapy treatment for each patient.

Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Indrajit Sinha (former CEO of Biomedcore) and Grant Bourdeau (former CEO of Suntrition) had the common vision and insight to make Acenzia a technological pioneer that will help the diagnosis and treatment of chronic illnesses and also help to revolutionize the natural health product industry.

Meanwhile at the University of Windsor, Dr. Siyaram Pandey is leading cutting-edge research into cancer treatment at the Kevin

Couvillon Research Project at Windsor Regional Cancer Centre through the use of dandelion extract.

Clinical trials, focusing on those suffering from blood-borne cancers such as leukemia, began a year ago “There is no question that patients using dandelion root extract have had positive responses,” said Pandey. “We are now awaiting the results of the clinical trials to confirm those responses. The extract is absorbed by the body and goes directly to the cancer cells and we have had some very positive outcomes in our testing.

“It’s a very exciting development,” said Pandey. “At the moment, it is for people have exhausted other forms of treatment which is making it more difficult to recruit patients for the clinical trials but we remain very confident.”

Across the region, there are more than 50 companies actively involved in the fast-growing life sciences field, employing more than 1,800 people.

Other companies such as Jamieson Laboratories, Accucaps and NutraNorth are all taking advantage of a highly-skilled manufacturing workforce accustomed to working with extremely tight tolerances and a variety of materials. In addition to 10 pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturers, there are 43 other companies manufacturing measuring, medical and control devices as well as medical equipment and supplies.

The region’s proximity to Detroit opens up opportunities for cross-border medical research studies, a diverse population for clinical trials and a direct link between Canadian and U.S. health networks including Henry Ford Health Systems, with its seven hospitals and 40 medical centres, and the Detroit Medical Centre.

The University of Windsor’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry provides area students with first-rate medical education and training and St. Clair College turns out skilled graduates from its Centre for Applied Health Services.

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Message from the CEO and The Program and Services Steering Committee PMS286

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The proposed Windsor-Essex Hospitals System is anchored by a new state-of-theart hospital, which will include:

Windsor Regional Hospital

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ver the past decade the province of Ontario has put patients first by investing in new hospitals and redevelopment projects that support Ontario’s high-quality healthcare system.

As Co-chairs of the Program and Services Steering Committee overseeing the transformation of the hospitals system in Windsor-Essex, we look forward to joining the growing number of communities who have benefited from this strategic investment.

During the first stage of planning for the new Windsor-Essex Hospitals System, members of our team toured modern hospital campuses including the new Humber River Hospital, OakvilleTrafalgar Memorial Hospital and the Niagara Health System. These are

• investment mental health • chronic disease management • urgent care • diagnostics and dialysis at locations throughout the region The proposed Urgent Care Centre will have primary health providers like the Windsor Family Health Team on site so patients can easily connect with community care.

incredible examples of modern, patientfriendly facilities that have set new standards for infection control, use of technology and the overall patient experience.

This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put the current system under a microscope and redesign a

system that will significantly improve patient access to the right care, in the right place. It’s a model that directly addresses the needs of WindsorEssex and will benefit the region for generations to come. It is a vision that unites the region and has received overwhelming support from residents.

We are grateful to the Minister Health and Long-Term Care, Dr. Eric Hoskins, and his team for this opportunity and their due diligence in reviewing this proposal and look forward to moving on to the next stage in the planning process. #WEareready

Workforce WindsorEssex is your Local Employment Planning Council. Through research, we work to identify local employment and industry trends and gather local labour market information to share with the community.

We work every day to identify these emerging trends so that our community can use the information to make informed decisions.

These decisions may be around changing careers, considering programs for post-secondary education, or what the jobs of the future look like.

To remain as local as possible, we work with Windsor-Essex employers of all sizes and industries to understand and learn their challenges, successes and what their outlooks for the future are.

If you are an employer looking to be a part of this conversation, please contact us today!

880 North Service Rd, Unit 201 Windsor, ON, N8X 3J5 Telephone: 226-674-3220 workforcewindsoressex.com

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The History Just Pours Out of This Place

Craving an authentic culinary experience?

Windsor is one of the most diversified cities in Canada. Stroll through Erie Street and indulge in some of the best pasta, pizza and panini you can get without crossing the ocean. Feed your appetite for the exotic in Chinatown and Little Vietnam along Wyandotte Street West in Windsor. Further down the road, in the neighbourhoods of Wyandotte Street East, feast on Middle Eastern delights such as shish tawook, fattoush, and tabouli. For more traditional fare and a pint or two, stop

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Looking for legendary excitement and entertainment?

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hat’ll you have? During the Prohibition era, if any kind of alcohol was the answer to that question, chances were the glass was filled thanks to distilleries right here.

During those “dry” days, when making, selling and consuming alcohol was banned in the United States, the flow of Canadian booze across the Detroit River kept speakeasies and blind pigs well stocked. From 1920 to 1933, rum running came alive and reached epic proportions with as much as 75% of the alcohol consumed in America during Prohibition transported on waterways between Windsor and Detroit.

Today, the “spirits” of this colorful era in history come alive at the Canadian Club Brand Centre. The tour takes visitors back in history to the height of the Hiram Walker family’s success and his personal friendships with the biggest names in history – Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Guests are brought into the basement’s Speak Easy room where meetings were held with Al Capone and The Purple Gang and the tour finishes on a high note with a formal whisky tasting.

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Canadian Club Brand Heritage Centre into one of our historic pubs in Old Walkerville or Sandwich Town.

The biological diversity and vast mosaic of natural areas, including open waters, wetlands, and lush farmlands make Windsor Essex one of the most agriculturally productive regions in the country. Taking advantage of this, chefs use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible creating one-of-a-kind foodie experiences that are so authentic you can’t imagine them being anywhere else.

Experience Canada’s southernmost wine region.

See, smell, sip and savour robust reds, crisp whites and delicate ice wines that makes this is a true wine lover’s destination. Hop on an old-fashioned trolley or take a guided wine trail ride and pedal through the enchanting Lake Erie North Shore (LENS), sampling award-winning vintages at the almost 20 wineries that make up EPIC (Essex Pelee Island Coast) Wine Country.

There is also a passport available which contains over $100 in savings and benefits to the holder that can be redeemed as you visit each of the participating wineries, restaurants, accommodations and activities.

The excitement continues after dark at Caesars Windsor where guests can enjoy two floors of exciting gaming action, a spectacular nightlife filled with headline entertainment at The Colosseum, live music at Cosmos Lounge, fine dining at award-winning Nero’s Steakhouse, and the Vegas-style premium nightclub Ariius. With 758 Four-Diamond hotel rooms, 100,000 square feet of flexible convention space, fitness facilities and the best in gaming and entertainment at your doorstep, your experience at Caesars Windsor will surpass all expectations.

An exclusive experience is now available at Caesars Windsor. Industrial chic infused with luxury, Augustus 27 is the region’s premier destination for weddings, social and corporate events.

Located on the highest point in the City of Windsor, Augustus 27 creates an atmosphere that will ignite your senses with breathtaking, panoramic views overlooking the Detroit skyline and waterfront.

Hand-rubbed leather, concrete flooring with textured suede, steel paneled walls and dramatic tiered lighting give an unmatched feel of opulence and craftsmanship for any special event.

Augustus 27 offers exceptional service with outstanding personalized menu selections of the finest quality that will take your event to the highest level of modern extravagance.

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Applied Research Gives St. Clair Students an Edge

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t is said that necessity is the mother of invention. And according to Dr. Peter Wawrow, Professor in the Biomedical Engineering Technology program at St. Clair College, providing students with an outlet and opportunity to explore the applications linked to their studies in class is a necessity. Partnering with industry in research projects is where the magic of invention happens.

Wawrow gets quite excited when you talk about the wealth of opportunities for students to learn and grow.

“Participating in research projects gives the students a unique and exciting perspective to seamlessly integrate the learning environment into a real-world application”.

Wawrow has been meeting with numerous community partners in order to develop projects for his third year class.

One of those organizations is the John McGiveny Children’s Centre here in Windsor. Elaine Whitmore, CEO of the Centre says it is through the willingness and commitment to engage in novel partnerships across diverse fields such as education, health care, industry and technology, that the full potential of individuals can be realized. “Any research project aimed at improving the quality of life for children and youth with disabilities are areas we are passionate about.”

Third year Biomedical student Marirose Mazza has been involved in a research project in the past but is excited about the opportunities in her final year of the program. “If the material in the class is abstract to us seeing how it applies in real life is priceless. Working through concepts and ideas with the help of our peers and teachers puts us at a great advantage when we enter the field.”

The College is currently involved in a handful of applied research projects, most of which cannot be discussed openly due to the proprietary and confidential nature of the research. However students are eager to take their new found knowledge and skills and apply them to industry challenges.

Jonathan Azzopardi, President of Laval Tool and Mold in Windsor believes that industry education partnerships are essential, especially for companies who

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ABOVE: Daniele DeFrancscheci, Faculty in Mechanical Engineering Technician- Industrial with student Feras Antar RIGHT: Dr. Peter Wawrow, Coordinator of Biomedical Engineering Technology (LEFT) with student Marirose Mazza in Biomedical Lab don’t have the depth of resources to research and innovate on their own. “We are full of good ideas but when you are dealing with day-to-day operational issues, having the time to explore those great ideas can be a challenge,” says Azzopardi.

He goes on to say that being part of the educational process for students is a real benefit to both sides of the equation.

“Students are the next generation of workers for our industry. When they get involved in applied research projects they gain a greater appreciation for what happens in real world applications.”

Daniele DeFranceschi, Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Technician – Industrial program is also involved with local industrial manufacturers on research projects. “It is the student who wants to accelerate his or her career chances

who typically get involved in a research project,” says DeFranceschi. “These projects give students the chance to work with the employees in the company and receive instant feedback about their research.” DeFranceschi also points out that one project can often involve a number of programs at the college from Industrial Millwright and CAD/CAM to Automotive Product Design and Robotics.

Feras Antar is a third year Mechanical Engineering Technology – Automotive Product Design student and he has been working with DeFranceschi and he values this kind of experience. “It is so exciting to feel part of a project that may contribute to a company’s future growth.

The experience of generating ideas, getting feedback in meetings, and being enthusiastically embraced by the company is highly motivating.”

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First Robotics Connects High School Students with College and Industry PMS286

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indsor Essex has an international reputation for excellence in automotive manufacturing. According to Stats Canada, this region is home to a quarter of North America’s tool, die and mouldmaking industry and accounts for 80 per cent of the sector in Canada. In the past year companies have been on hiring sprees, having difficulty finding the highly trained people they need to fill well paying jobs. So it is no surprise that St. Clair College, in partnership with industry, is trying to attract and entice young people to get the education required to fill these important careers.

In the past three to four years, one particular activity seems to have taken hold and captured the attention of high school students. FIRST Robotics, which introduces students to engineering, technology, innovation and creativity is an event that has been called the Olympics of technology.

Until 2012, there was only one high school team involved in FIRST Robotics – the Sabre Bytes at Sandwich Secondary High School. Lee Awad Technical Teacher and the teams coach and cheerleader has been a part of the team from day one. “I have seen the way this program has changed student’s lives for the better. It is the perfect mix of theory and application and this is how

St. Clair student works on robotic cell in the lab for the two year Robotics Technician program. young people learn best. It is teaching perfected.”

The College has played an active role in the growth of FIRST Robotics teams

in the area, which now numbers eighteen high schools in Windsor-Essex and Chatham. In fact, the Chatham robotics team called CK Cyberpack has its home base at St. Clair’s Chatham campus. The team is comprised of students from many high schools in the community and they use the College’s facilities to meet and build and test their robot before competition. The community at large has also supported and embraced this team with financial and technical support from business and industry.

At each of the past three annual Windsor-Essex Great Lakes FIRST Robotics events, the college has also supplied a large machine shop, a necessity St. Clair’s cheque presentation to 17 FIRST Robotics teams in Windsor-Essex.

Far left: Darryl Danelon, Chair, Faculty of Engineering Technology; Far Right:Waseem Habash,VP Academic

during competition. And numerous staff and faculty get involved to mentor teams and provide technical support.

The College not only provides financial support to every high school team in the region, St. Clair was also the first to offer $1,000 scholarships to any student who competes in the FIRST competition.

Darryl Danelon, Chair of the Faculty of Engineering Technology, sits on the Board of the WE Great Lakes committee and is a strong supporter of engaging students in innovative ways. “FIRST Robotics is one of the few programs that effectively helps address the continuing paradox of attracting students into the high-tech jobs of the future,” says Danelon. “By turning STEM into a full professional sports-like competition and spectacle, FIRST has developed a perfect formula that inspires and motivates students’ participation and success.”

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Growing & Processing with Closest Access to U.S.A. Markets All the vital assets – workforce, location, climate, quality of life & the ability to manufacture & grow what the world needs

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temperate climate, long growing season, technologically-advanced growing systems, an efficient cross-border logistics industry and proximity to consumer-rich U.S. markets have all combined to make WindsorEssex among the leaders in agriculture and food processing.

Agri-business is a $3 billion industry with more than 8,000 employees spread across more than 100 food and beverage processing companies and over 1,500 growers. The region is home to major national and world-wide brands such as Nature Fresh Farms, Orangeline Farms, Bonduelle, Hiram Walker & Sons , Diageo, Utopia brands by Thomas Canning and Unico and numerous others.

And at Nature Fresh Farms in Leamington, advanced growing technology using custom-built software has made the company’s 175 acres of greenhouse space among the leaders in the agri-business sector.

Peter Quiring, president and CEO of Nature Fresh, said that technology and software developed in concert with Priva Inc., allows growers to monitor every aspect of the growing process including climate, wind, heat, humidity, quality and traceability on an hourly basis.

“We have never ever had a recall but we do mock recalls on a regular basis,” said Quiring. “If one of our sales people takes a photo of a Nature Fresh package in Miami, for instance, we can tell whereabouts in the greenhouse that particular produce came from in less than 30 minutes.”

Nature Fresh uses biomass fuels, generated largely from wooden pallets which would normally end up in landfills, to produce between 25 per cent and 30 per cent of the company’s heat.

Nature Fresh spent almost $1 million

Orangeline Farms – Zing! Healthy Foods on a water sterilization and purification system so that it can recycle 100 per cent of its water.

Quiring, who also owns South Essex Fabricating which builds greenhouses, said the company doesn’t use any herbicides, limits the use of pesticides, uses bumble bees for pollination and introduces predator-insects into its greenhouses to take care of bugs.

A mobile greenhouse travels across North America teaching consumers how their products are grown and where they are grown. Climatic conditions inside the greenhouse can be monitored remotely by an employee in Leamington.

Advanced technology has changed the industry and long gone are the days when growers and food processors relied upon nature to control their destiny.

Today, fruits and vegetables destined for markets across the globe are often grown inside temperature-controlled greenhouses throughout the region.

More than 2,000 acres of greenhouse operations make Windsor-Essex the largest vegetable greenhouse cluster in North America.

Using state-of-the art automated systems, processors across WindsorEssex are able to monitor their plants’

PROUDLY GROWING IN WINDSOR/ESSEX SINCE 1999

Family-focused leadership in fresh drives innovation.

naturefresh.ca

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Orangeline Farms of Leamington, which sells its runner beans, signature peppers and strawberries under its own Zing! Healthy Foods brand, constructed a separate controlled environment inside its bell pepper greenhouse and now grows strawberries under LED lights on a year-round basis rather than just during a normal growing season.

“The biggest challenge we faced was the fact there is no existing industry doing what we are doing and there are no best practices to follow,” said Duffy Kniaziew, who operates Orangeline along with his brother Jordan. “We are inventing it as we go along and that is time-consuming because we have to execute, modify, verify and go at it again.”

“Strawberries don’t grow from seeds so we need plant material and again, there is no existing industry so we are modifying plants from outdoor suppliers

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and that takes time as well,” said Kniaziew. “It’s an exciting project but it has created one heck of a challenge for our growers.”

PMS286 Orangeline has PMS432 recently been recognized with seven awards for its variety of peppers in a blind tasting in an annual greenhouse competition with voting conducted by foodies, experts, the general public and members of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Award-Winning and Fast Growing Wine Region In addition to fruits and vegetables, the Windsor-Essex area is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in Canada with 17 wineries, many producing award-winning vintages.

The region’s exceptional soil conditions, longer sun hours and greater heat units all contribute to the quality of grapes including vinifera and French hybrids.

The region has one of Canada’s longest growing seasons – 212 days per year The region’s liquor distilling industry has a long and rich history. Windsorbased Hiram Walker and Sons, a whollyowned Canadian subsidiary of Pernod Ricard SA, has been producing awardwinning Canadian whiskies under the Canadian Club and Wiser’s banner for

well over 100 years. The state-of-the art distillery also produces Polar Ice vodka, Malibu rum, Lamb’s rum and McGuinness liquors.

In Amherstburg, Diageo distills Crown Royal whisky for world-wide consumption.

#SomethingsHappening

Largest concentration of commercial greenhouses Thriving manufacturing sector minutes from the US Home to a Healthcare Hub

Leamington.ca

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Living and Playing in the Windsor-Essex Region Attracts Many PMS286

For the outdoors lovers, sports fans, festival goers, and everyone in between

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akefront living, award-winning wineries, golf courses to challenge every level of player, farmers markets, a temperate climate and festivals almost every weekend are just a few of the many advantages of living and playing in the Windsor-Essex region.

Surrounded by lakes, the region is a boater and fishing aficionado’s paradise. Its golf options range from short par-three courses to championship layouts.

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The region has also built a reputation as a Two Nation Destination with many cultural, entertainment and sporting events located not only locally but also just minutes away across the Windsor-Detroit border.

There are food and wine events and music festivals throughout the balmy summer months across the entire region from Lakeshore on Lake St. Clair to Leamington on Lake Erie, capped off in the fall by the highly-successful Windsor International Film Festival, recently named the second-largest volunteer-run film festival in Canada.

Among the most popular festivals in the region are the Tecumseh Corn

Welcome To

Annual Fireworks Display over the Detroit River Festival, Sip & Savour Experience Festival, LaSalle Strawberry Festival, Essex Fun Festival, the 160-year-old Harrow Fair, Windsor’s BluesFest and BuskerFest, Belle River’s Sunsplash Festival and Kingsville’s Migration Festival.

The region is also building its sports tourism reputation with a series of events. It has already hosted FINA

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diving competitions with athletes from across the world and recently staged the Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association tournament which brought in teams and players from across Canada, the United States and Europe.

This year in December, the 6,500seat WFCU Centre will host the FINA short-course swimming championships

YEARS

OF LIVING LASALLE

One of the fastest growing and safest towns in Southern Ontario, LaSalle’s proximity to big city living paired with abundant green spaces puts a high quality lifestyle within reach. LaSalle’s focus on infrastructure, services and progressive planning is attracting mass appeal – just some of the reasons why so many are “Living LaSalle”.

CANADA’S SOUTHERNMOST TOWN MYKINGSVILLE.CA • 1-844-554-5464

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Perspective with Olympic-quality swimmers from across the world. And next May, the Windsor Spitfires, and the City of Windsor will host the Memorial Cup, an annual week-long tournament to determine the best junior hockey team in Canada.

For those more interested in participating than watching, there are bike and nature trails throughout the county, taking walkers and riders through some of the most beautiful lakefront countryside in the region and past farms, produce stands and wineries across the county.

All of our local communities offer amateur sports programs for children and adults including hockey, baseball, soccer, football, lacrosse, martial arts, tennis and many others.

For entertainment, Caesars Windsor, which was recently expanded at a cost of more than $430 million, brings in top-name acts to its 5,000-seat concert venue from across North America. Local residents also have easy access Detroit and major league sports teams including

the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons and Detroit Lions as well as, college sports teams all less than two hours away.

And PMS286 every year,PMS432 Detroit plays host to hydroplane races on the Detroit River and the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.

The region has a creative and vibrant cultural community that encourages artistic expression, and celebrates cultural diversity. The Windsor Symphony Orchestra offers a full lineup of concerts from classical to pop along with excellent productions by Windsor Light Music Theatre, the University Players, Cardinal Music Productions and Korda Artistic Productions.

The Art Gallery of Windsor has more than 4,000 pieces in its ever-changing publicly-displayed collection.

And Broadway-quality productions are available just minutes away across the border at the Detroit Opera House, the Fisher Theatre and the Fox Theatre.

In addition to being the fourth-most diverse region in Canada with over 100 distinct languages spoken, municipalities

in the region have been recognized as the safest communities in Canada, according to a recent study by Stats Canada. We are a region rich in historical significance, vibrant communities and a resolve to give back and support others Housing prices across the region are among the most affordable in Canada which is attracting active retirees from

across Canada to spend their retirement years in the Windsor-Essex Region after selling their homes in larger cities across Canada and putting the balance away for a happy retirement or to open a small business.

The Windsor-Essex region will meet and exceed your expectations whether you come here to live, work, play or invest.

 

200 years and just getting started!

Waterfront vistas Award winning gardens Home to wineries, breweries, distillery Museums and Galleries Modern amenities

amherstburg.ca

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Leamington Marina, on beautiful Lake Erie

Amherstburg Ontario

It’s time to visit Amherstburg

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    www.tecumseh.ca

PROMISE YOUR LIFE. THE WORLD. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

@ uwindsor.ca

Join us for our

OPEN HOUSE Nov. 5, 2016 10 am - 4 pm

RITA T. Industrial Engineering

FREE TUITION DRAW!

For Open House information, campus or virtual tour: uwindsor.ca

519.973.7014 Creative: STCstorytellers.com

Photo: JonesFoto, inc.

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University of Windsor Helping Students Achieve Their Promise This fall, the University of Windsor launched a very simple but compelling value proposition: PROMISE@uwindsor.ca.

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t reflects our belief that we all have within us the promise to be someone better, the promise to show that we are more capable than we - or others might believe, the promise to contribute to making the world we live in a better place.

“Our goal is to help students achieve their promise”, said Alan Wildeman, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Windsor. “A vibrant learning community for students is the foundation for discovery and innovation that helps our community and contributes to a changing world”.

And through our more than 200 programs and highly regarded professional schools, such as law, business, engineering, education, nursing, social work and human kinetics, we can do just that.

We are also a medium-sized university of about 15,000 students who enjoy the benefits of greater collaboration with faculty members, the latest in classroom teaching technology and a world-class hub for innovation and research.

In fact, the University of Windsor has just been ranked among the top universities in the world for the first time in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016-2017.

UWindsor is one of only 26 Canadian Universities that the London, Englandbased Times Higher Education says are “counted among the world’s best.” There are 96 universities in Canada. In all, 980 universities - out of about 20,000 institutions worldwide – qualified for the Times Higher Education list.

The University of Windsor is also in a unique location and community to help students achieve their promise.

We live in vibrant and diverse region on the shores of the Great Lakes, share a border with the City of Detroit, are located next to North America’s busiest trade crossing and are the home of Canada’s key manufacturing sector – the auto industry.

Our graduate students and researchers not only contribute to the well-being of the Windsor-Essex region, but our province, our country and the world.

The University of Windsor ranks among the top universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016-2017) For example, the University’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER) is one of the largest lakewater research centres in Canada and among the top five worldwide in scientific citations.

Work related to the impact of industrialization, agricultural runoff and invasive species is adding important insight into what must be done to ensure clean water in the Great Lakes Basin.

The University’s Cross-Border Institute (CBI) has developed expertise in cross-border business and the movement of goods and people across borders, both critical to Canada’s economic future. It is a leading centre for research on cross-border supply chains and transportation.

CBI works in co-operation with the Institute for Border Logistics and Security (IBLS) in a unique joint effort by the City and University to advance the Windsor-Essex region as a world leader in cross-border logistics and security.

The University also plays a key role in auto-related research and innovation.

Our partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) at the Automotive Research and Development Centre has enabled our engineers and scientists and students to play a direct role in the design and engineering of many product in the FCA portfolio – including the acclaimed 2017 Chrysler Pacifica that’s built in Windsor.

Students receive a hands-on industrial experience in automotive

innovation while working with industry experts.

The University is also playing an important role in the revitalization of Windsor’s core and helping to preserve the area’s history with the development of our downtown campus. A new building – which retains the historic facade of the former Windsor Star newspaper – now houses the School of Social Work and the Centre for Executive and Professional Education. The second phase of the downtown campus will see the School of Creative Arts anchored in the century-old site of the Windsor Armouries.

The University is a proud member of the Windsor-Essex region, and a key contributor to its success.

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Ontario’s Best Kept Secret for Business Entrepreneurs discover a community of collaboration and innovation in Windsor-Essex PMS286

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uilding a strong local economy doesn’t have to involve investing millions of dollars in technology and infrastructure. It can start with small steps by independent business owners.

They can include people of all ages and backgrounds – from millennials to the newly retired The vast majority of new jobs in today’s ever-changing economy are created by small businesses and the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre – a department of the Windsor Essex Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the Ontario government – has taken a number of steps to clear the way for independent investment and business attraction Sabrina DeMarco, executive director of the centre, said a partnership with Music Canada and Canada’s Music Incubator has created a program for area artists and musicians to help them

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understand business fundamentals as they embark upon their cultural careers.

“They need to know how to market themselves and set up a business model and our partnership is providing all the support necessary so they can achieve their goals,” said DeMarco.

The music boot camp is already drawing interest from major industry players.

“Building a strong music economy is certainly worth the effort given the economic, social and cultural benefits that accrue to a community,” said Amy Terrill, executive vice-president of Music Canada.

“More and more cities are awakening to this opportunity.”

“The regional approach in WindsorEssex uniquely offers an opportunity to identify and build on the strengths in each part of the region, while advancing the community as a whole,” added Terrill.

“Music Canada is happy to support this

initiative and we look forward to seeing the results.”

“The CMI Bootcamp organized by WindsorEssex Economic Development has helped local artists to understand how the music business really works.” – David Mayson, Musician, Songwriter, Producer

Vel Omazic, executive director of Canada’s Music Incubator, is also firmly behind the initiative.

“CMI is pleased to collaborate with the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation to build a vibrant music sector and provide emerging artists and artist manager entrepreneurs with customized ongoing mentorship, access to expert business professionals and connectivity to the larger music industry.” said Omazic.

“I see great potential for the music industry to grow in the Windsor-Essex region,” added Omazic.

DeMarco said that an ecosystem has also been developed in Windsor-Essex to support entrepreneurs by connecting them with mentors, service providers and information on seed money, grants and Angel investors.

Perspective Windsor’s Downtown Business Accelerator provides office staff and space for start-ups to get their feet on the ground and the WeTech Alliance provides support and mentorship to entrepreneurs planning on launching a technology start-up.

Additional assistance can be obtained from the University of Windsor’s EPICentre, an organization which supports students and graduates interested in launching their own businesses, and St. Clair College’s Genesis Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre which helps students bring new products to processes to the marketplace.

In the Windsor-Essex Region, economic growth is happening on a weekly basis and much of it has been created by entrepreneurs who have realized how attractive, affordable and welcoming the region is for new business owners.

Tucked away on two adjacent streets in Windsor’s downtown core are three new businesses recently opened by Steven Thompson and John Ansell, a pair of serial entrepreneurs who moved to Windsor from Toronto four years ago.

The pair, who are former clients of the small business centre, opened the Squirrel Cage, an upscale café, in 2012 and have recently followed that success with A Dog’s PMS286 PMS432 Breakfast, a breakfast café, and Buuntz Company Ice Cream. There are also plans for a home décor store as well.

“We were attracted by Windsor’s affordable real estate prices and we were fortunate to find a gem of a building in the heart of downtown on a beautifully landscaped street,” said Ansell, whose business partner Steven has family in Windsor. “We are pretty much sold on Windsor and we’re in for the long haul.”

In order to encourage a new generation of investment, the Windsor Essex Active Retirement Community Initiative teamed up with SBC to launch Start Something New, designed to attract active retirees to the area because of its affordability, quality of life, climate and range of recreational activities.

And it was that creative marketing campaign which first attracted the attention of Carl and Rita Hulme, a pair

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Steven Thompson, left, and John Ansell, Owners of The Squirrel Cage, A Dog’s Breakfast, Buuntz & Co. Ice Cream, and Bungalow Home Décor of Orangeville residents who were looking for a place to buy a retirement property.

“It all started when we decided to look for a house on the water and we realized that wouldn’t be possible financially in the Toronto area,” said Carl Hulme who retired after spending 30 years with a multi-national company. “We took a trip to the Windsor-Essex area one weekend and within weeks we had bought a house in Harrow and used it as a summer home for a couple of years before we retired.”

Within a year, they opened Blimeys, a small store on Harrow’s main street and stocked it with thousands of products from the United Kingdom such as: shirts, caps, sweaters and frozen foods.

The Hulmes are sold on the notion of independent business investment in this region and have joined the Small Business Centre to help mentor, advise and support any other entrepreneurs looking to take the plunge into uncharted waters.

The City of Windsor

Beyond Borders

“Today’s Windsor has so much to offer.

Don’t just take my word for it.

Come and see for yourself.” @cityWindsorON @drewdilkens @cityofWindsor @drewdilkens

Mayor Drew Dilkens City of Windsor

Windsor. The Right Place. The Right Time.

A highly-skilled workforce An environment where entrepreneurs thrive and grow Housing costs among Canada’s most affordable World-Class cultural, sporting and entertainment events

citywindsor.ca

Perspective

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The Windsor Essex Hospitals System One System – One Focus – One Community – Countless Strengths

W

hen you head down Highway 401 toward the Canada’s southern most region, there’s a buzz that becomes increasingly more apparent as you approach Windsor-Essex.

It’s a growing number of people saying in unison, “We Are Ready”. It’s not just a hashtag used to promote the area’s vision for a redesigned, integrated, world-class hospital system, it is an energy that is percolating in residents who are eager to turn this vision into a reality.

In 2012, Ontario’s then Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, created a taskforce to examine the need and appetite for a new regional acute care hospital that would replace the two current, outdated hospitals. After 6 months of investigation and extensive community engagement, the taskforce recommended moving forward immediately with the planning.

FourPMS286 years later,PMS432 they not only have a bold and innovative vision to transform healthcare in the region, including a new state-of-the-art hospital, they also have the $200 million local share to cover the cost of the build.

“I’ve been in this region since I was born. In nearly 50 years, there has not been a project that has united residents like this has,” says Windsor Regional Hospital President and CEO David Musyj, who Co-chairs the Steering Committee overseeing the project. “It has brought the city and county closer together, we have elected leaders of all political stripes supporting the project, our local MPPs have been extraordinary, our clinical leadership and medical students have made it clear about the need and there have been numerous community groups and associations including business and labour groups on board. Everyone recognizes this is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to improve this system for future generations.”

Windsor Regional Hospital is Ontario’s third largest community

United in Support for New Windsor-Essex Hospitals System:Tom Bain, Essex County Warden; Percy Hatfield, MPP Windsor-Tecumseh; Drew Dilkens,Windsor Mayor and Taras Natyshak, MPP, Essex teaching hospital and the eleventh largest hospital in the province. The proposed vision includes replacing its two aging acute care campuses with a single-site, state-of-the-art hospital. Like the new hospitals that have recently opened in Toronto, Oakville and St. Catherines,

this facility will have 80% single- patient rooms to reduce the spread of infection and increase patient privacy. In addition, these rooms will feature modern technology to improve communication and the overall patient experience. continued on next page

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Incredible level of community engagement thank-you Windsor Essex The plan also includes a major overhaul of the way mental health is delivered in the region, with the creation of a Centre of Mental Health Excellence to provide a single point of entry for patients of all ages into the mental heath system. It includes an Urgent Care Centre, which has physical presence of primary care providers like the Windsor Family Health Team in the same facility, chronic pain management, dialysis and mental health services for patients in the city’s core. The plan provides patient’s greater access, connects them to community care, provides more coordinated information to patients for their decision making process and protects the patients. Bottom line the plan as proposed puts Patient’s First.

If approved, the province of Ontario will cover 90% of the $2B investment.

Residents in Windsor- Essex are already putting money aside to pay the remaining $200 million local share.

What has separated this project from others is the level of community engagement. There have been 50+ community meeting events, opportunities to provide feedback online and during radio phone in programs.

In addition, members of the public were invited to provide feedback on criteria used to select the location for a new hospital and apply for a seat on the committee that made the ultimate decision.

Those involved in the project say this level of community participation in a project this size is both brave and unprecedented.

“In no community that I know of, anywhere in Canada, has there been such an extensive community engagement process,” said Lucy Brun, a partner at Agnew Peckham with 32 years experience in healthcare planning.

Brun says community engagement and collaboration of community leaders allowed this region to move easily through what is often the most challenging part of planning – paying for it.

The Steering Committee overseeing this system transformation has completed

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE NEW WINDSOR-ESSEX HOSPITALS SYSTEM: PMS286

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“

“ We recognize the importance of this significant capital investment in modernizing our health care for future generations. We are proud to stand with our partners from the City of Windsor and our provincial representatives in expressing our collective desire to see this new vision for hospital care in our region become reality.”

Essex County Warden, Tom Bain

“

“ A single site acute care hospital is the cornerstone of the transformation in the delivery of health care in Windsor Essex. We are ready to move to stage two and ask the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to help us realize this vision. Our residents deserve nothing less.”

Windsor Mayor, Drew Dilkens

the first of a 5- stage planning process and submitted it to the community, as well as to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and is currently waiting for approval to move onto the functional planning and design.

Expect big things once they get the go ahead to implement this system transformation. The residents in Windsor-Essex are ready. #WEareready.

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It’s the resource for resourceful businesses Online listing of Windsor-Essex suppliers in: • Manufacturing • Agri-Business • Information & Communication Technology • Logistics & Warehousing

An essential database where Windsor-Essex suppliers and buyers from around the world come together.

This database is searched by nearly 100,000 visitors a year, including trade commissioners, procurement specialists and supply chain developers. It’s an essential resource for anyone looking for new suppliers or for our local companies to expand their products into markets globally.

Find it. Be found.

Best of all, it’s FREE at BuyWindsorEssex.com

Toll Free: 1.888.255.9332 | choosewindsoressex.com

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Farhi Holdings Corporation – Building on Windsor’s Turnaround Where others see challenges, Farhi Holdings Corporation sees opportunity.

F

ounded in 1988, the London, Ontario based real estate development company has a long track record of purchasing underperforming properties and stewarding a successful turnaround.

The company currently owns and manages more than 4 million square feet of office, retail, industrial and residential space in more than a dozen communities throughout Ontario, as well as two historic inns: Ingersoll’s Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and the Idlewyld Inn & Spa in London’s Old South neighbourhood.

FHC has been investing in Windsor since 2004, when founder Shmuel Farhi bought the Lear Seating factory and surrounding 110 acres of land. The factory is long gone – a victim of the 2008 economic crash – but the cityowned 40-acre WFCU Centre on part of the site is now home to the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires.

The remaining land is ripe for redevelopment, says Farhi, who envisions a vibrant commercial hub and possible future residential development.

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“Windsor has done a great job of transforming itself from Canada’s automobile capital to a more diverse economy,” says Farhi. “It’s in a very unique location across from Detroit and the huge US market, and it has an open-minded city leadership working hard to get the city moving forward.”

In 2010, FHC turned its attention to downtown Windsor with the acquisition of a 740-space parking garage on Pitt Street, as well as two half-acre waterfront sites on Riverside Drive.

In 2012, the company purchased another riverfront property, the largelyvacant City Centre Mall. “We are currently renovating the space to provide first class office accommodation,” Farhi says.

The following year, FHC partnered with Hamilton’s Vrancor Group Inc. to buy the Windsor Riverside Inn and Hilton Windsor hotels. The 305-room Hilton has since been renovated and rebranded as the Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel, one of the chain’s

A rare opportunity for prime riverfront development

60 acres available for development next to the WFCU Centre flagship operations, while the Riverside is undergoing a complete renovation prior to the announcement of a new tenant.

The two companies recently expanded their hospitality holdings with the purchase of Windsor’s downtown Travelodge Hotel, which is being renovated and rebranded as a Holiday Inn Express.

“Since 2007, we have seen a quarterbillion dollars’ worth of investments made around our holdings in downtown Windsor,” Farhi notes. These include the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre, as well as the downtown campuses of the University of Windsor and St. Clair College, which are already bringing thousands of students and faculty members to the core each day.

“We have been patiently waiting for the downtown to turn around, and that’s finally happening,” says Farhi, whose company currently employs more than 300 people in Windsor.

“The influx of post-secondary students is making a huge positive impact, and we believe it will only continue to grow.”

With an eye on the future, FHC recently acquired 18-acres on County Road 42, directly across from the site of Windsor’s new mega-hospital, scheduled to open within eight to ten years. Farhi says his land will provide an ideal location for the commercial, office, and residential development needed to support the state-of-the-art regional medical facility.

“We are long-term investors,” says Farhi. “We believe in Windsor and its future, and see a bright opportunity ahead to grow and prosper as part of the Windsor business community.”

To learn more about Farhi Holdings Corporation visit www.fhc.ca

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“A few steps down the stairs led us into the basement Speak Easy room, where during Prohibition meetings were held with Al Capone and The Purple Gang. Judging from the bullet hole in the wall, the whiskey wasn’t the only thing loaded.”

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AMHERSTBURG LEAMINGTON

ESSEX

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We advance economic development and prosperity in the region.

We are the region’s lead economic development agency and a dedicated catalyst for business growth and expansion. We attract new businesses to our region, help strengthen existing businesses and support entrepreneurship in three key ways:

We INFORM By providing the most current and relevant information and data on site selection, market research and available government funding.

We GUIDE By providing answers and advice on general business practices, expansion planning, multi-national branch planning, exporting, and training and educational resources.

We CONNECT

Learn more about the Windsor-Essex Region, contact us at:

TOLL FREE 1-888-255-9332

By helping organizations cut through red tape and we connect them with key decision makers, potential partners and funders.

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