Top Choice Magazine - Spring 2011

Spring 2011 • Vol. 05 • No. 01

Another Win

Under Stratus’ Belt

Trish Stratus is voted 2010 Businesswoman of the Year page 32 Photo: Maggie Habieda, Fotografia Boutique $4.99CAN • www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

32

14

It’s Stratus-fying Being on Top

24

28

Vinsanto, Plated to Perfection

“ 2

The Wedding of Dr. David Almeida

Immigration Services without Borders™

Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”

— William Shakespeare

Spring 2011

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

EVENTS 6 » Top Choice Awards 2010 Gala 14 » David Almeida’s Wedding 18 » Herman José in Toronto 20 » The Heart Truth Fashion Show 22 » Brazilian Carnival 2011

Top Choice Magazine

BUSINESS GREATNESS 24 » Vinsanto Ristorante 28 » Michael Niren & Associates 32 » Trish Stratus

magazine is published 4 times a year and is a reliable guide to

DR. NINO KUZMAR 34 » Facial Enhancement That’s Right for You PROFILES 36 » Brian Roman 40 » Melissa Di Marco 42 » Fotografia Boutique 44 » Joseph Sugarman

Top Choice Magazine is dedicated to showcasing excellence.

It features businesses, business professionals, entertainers, and media that are recognized with awards. Top Choice Magazine is produced by Top Choice Media Group Inc. The

the top products and services in your community!

More than 50,000 copies are distributed throughout Top Business and professionals in Canada, the magazine works like a promotional tool to the participants. Readership is estimated at more than 300,000 per issue.

Advertising Inquirers Only award-winning, reputable or recognized businesses, entertainers, media providers, and business professionals are

MANAGEMENT 46 » Helping Small Businesses

promoted in Top Choice Magazine.

MARKETING & SALES 48 » How to be Professional on Facebook 50 » The Rise of the Intelligent Consumer 52 » Five Places to NEVER meet with a client 54 » Five Places to Close the Deal

or send an email to info@TopChoiceMagazine.com.

If you would like to advertise, call us at (416) 662-2123

Media kits are available in print and digital format.

Copyright notice The content and photographs in this magazine are protected

TECHNOLOGY 56 » No Website, No Future INTERNATIONAL 58 » The BRIC BUSINESS REVIEWS 60 » Best of Toronto’s Hair Salons 64 » Best of Toronto’s Bakeries 66 » Best of Toronto’s Cafes 68 » Best of Vaughan’s Cafes ROSS MARIN 72 » Social Media Marketing Opportunities

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by copyright. Reproduction in any form, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Contact us Top Choice Magazine 160 Applewood Cres., Unit 24 Vaughan, ON L4K 4H2 Canada

info@TopChoiceMagazine.com Toll-free: 1-866-771-9743 Tel. 416 662 2123

Spring 2011

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MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

David Silvestre Publisher

Managing Editor Monica Couto Art Director Michael Fillier Accountant Executive Sal Verri Sales Manager Fay Xuan Graphic Designers Michael Fillier Nelson Huang Photography Sam Santos George Pimentel Maggie Habieda Sonia Recchia

David Silvestre with one of his business heroes Arlene Dickinson, Co-star of CBC’s Dragon’s Den (see the event on page 20)

HELLO TOP CHOICE READERS, Hope the long-awaited Spring has brought you some new and exciting opportunities - in your business and personal lives. With this Spring issue of Top Choice, we too, have been experimenting.

We now extend an invitation for you to take a closer look.

The obvious change is in the paper, the feel of the magazine.

Next, we’ve given a fresh look to our layout to improve your reading experience. And, we’ve also taken a new direction.

As any business owner, we also keep improving our services and products. In this issue, we’ve introduced a new Business Reviews (page 60) section where you’ll get an inside look on what they have to offer. From here on in, we’ll be expanding content to explore stories and ideas that meet the needs and interests of you and your business.

While we continue to deliver award-winning coverage through our magazine, we have also embraced social media and explored these networks to give you up-to-date information through Facebook, Twitter and blogs.

So my message is simple: embrace change, improve yourself by creating better habits and become a positive contributor in this “new global community”!

PS: Continue being modern day explorers and search out new methods to reach your goals.

FOLLOW US

Writers Sandy Caetano Monica Couto David Silvestre Editors Sandy Caetano Get a code reader at get.BeeTagg.com 4

Spring 2011

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EVENT

Top Choice Awards 2010 Gala presented by David Sklar & Associates Written by David Silvestre Photos by Sam Santos / JC Pimentel Photography & Maggie Habieda / Fotografia Boutique

“These guys put on an awards show every year that would rival the Academy Awards.”

— Kevin Frankish, Breakfast Television

“It was amazing, I couldn’t believe how incredible the whole night was, they went all out” — Ashley Greco, Z103.5

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Spring 2011

NOVEMBER 6, 2010 - Vaughan, Ontario. It was a night of celebrating excellence and every moment was focused on just that. From the entrance to the reception, through dinner, all the way to the final award it was a night to remember.

The 5th Annual Multicultural Top Choice Awards honoured over 40 businesses and professionals in the Greater Toronto Area.

Including Trish Stratus, Scott Fox and the Z103.5 Morning Show, John Derringer from Q107.1 and City TV’s Breakfast Television... and they did it in style.

For the entrance they rolled out a vibrant red carpet, where photographers were eager to capture a first look at guests before they entered Luxy. Upon entering

the venue, guests were treated to a cocktail reception to whet their appetites with an array of food stations and smooze with the rest of their award-winning peers.

After the reception, guests were guided to the main room where Top Choice Media transformed Luxy, which normally operates as a night club, into a corporate awards gala that has already been compared to the Oscars.

Once again Top Choice Media Group proved that they can produce first-class events and the only question remains is “Which venue will they transform next?”

This event would not be possible without the support of David Sklar & Associates, Trustee in Bankruptcy

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THE RED CARPET

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TOP CHOICE AWARDS 2010

(1)

(2)

(1) Trish Stratus (Businesswoman of the Year) with the hosts of the Z103.5 Morning Show, who also received an award of their own (2) Top Choice Award Organizers with Event Presenter David Sklar & Associates (3) Kevin Forget, Producer of Breakfast Television receives the award on behalf of BT for Top Television Morning Show (4) John Derringer receiving the award for Top Radio Personality (5) Ashley Greco, Dave Blezard and Scott Fox, hosts of The Z103.5 Morning Show receive the award for Top Radio Morning Show

(3)

(4)

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(5)

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THE EVENT

Miles Rain

Batucada Carioca

We brought the show to the Top!

Brian Roman, Singer

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Daniel Panetta, Singer

Samba Brasil Entertainment

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TOP CHOICE AWARDS 2010

Breakfast Television (City TV)

John Derringer (Q107)

Television Show (Morning)

Radio Personality (Male)

JC Pimentel Photography

Corpo e Alma (OMNI TV)

Photography Studio (Portuguese)

Television Program (Portuguese)

Crystal Glen Homes

Costa Law Firm Law Services (Portuguese)

Home Builder

Euromart Realty Ltd. Real Estate Brokerage

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Spring 2011

TLN Telelatino Television Programming (Hispanic)

Scott Fox & The Z103.5 Morning Show Radio Program

Bairrada Churrasqueira Take Out (Portuguese)

Denturaid & Hearing Health Hearing Services (Portuguese)

Ferreira Insurance & Investment Concepts

Life Insurance Services (Portuguese)

Belo Fashions Boutique

Clothing Retailer Bridal (Portuguese)

Dundas Wood Windows & Specialties

Window and Door Company (Portuguese)

Trish Stratus

Businesswoman of the Year

Canamould Extrusions Inc. Exterior Moulding Company

Eddie Quindamo Mortgage Specialist (Hispanic)

Ferma Foods

Food Distributor (Portuguese)

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THE WINNERS

Skyway Roofing Roofing Company (Portuguese)

ILAC

Mach 2 Press

Volcanic Electric

Printing Services (Portuguese)

Nak Won

Korean Restaurant (Korean)

Language School

Electrician (Portuguese)

Niren and Associates, An Immigration Law Firm Immigration Law Firm

Talho e Salsicharia Rui Gomes Meat Shop (Portuguese)

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Lisbon by Night

Zelia Gouveia

Yummy Catering

Vinsanto Ristorante

Fine Dining (Portuguese)

Catering Company

Osler Fish

Fish Market (Portuguese)

Local 27

Mortgage Specialist (Portuguese)

Workers Union (Portuguese)

Michael Chau’s Piano Emporium

Italian Restaurant

Music Centre (Chinese)

Prestige Duct Cleaning

Robert Design Group Design/Build Company

Duct Cleaning Services

Fluss Partners LLP. Markham Flooring Inc. Flooring Retailer

Chartered Accountant (Jewish)

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Richard summed it up: “When a person is unable to repay their unsecured debts within a reasonable period of time, they have two options under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act - to file for Bankruptcy or to file a Proposal. Most people are familiar with the concept of Bankruptcy, but many are unfamiliar with Proposals. Those who qualify for a Proposal, work with a Trustee to make a legally binding offer to their unsecured creditors to pay off a portion of their outstanding unsecured debt, over a period of up to 5 years.”

Richard Sklar

Jason Sklar

ERASING DEBT & REBUILDING LIVES Have you ever wondered what it is like to seriously consider Bankruptcy?

Perhaps you know someone who is facing that situation - dealing with collection calls and overwhelming debt.

Or perhaps, your thoughts are closer to home.

You are not alone, according to the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB): between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 - 24,804 people in the Greater Toronto Area filed Bankruptcies and Consumer/Division I Proposals.

That is a 9.0% increase over the previous 12 months, and a whopping 43.6% increase over the July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008 period.

To understand these alarming numbers and what they mean to real people, we spoke with one of the leading Bankruptcy Trustees in the GTA David Sklar, C.A. CIRP of David Sklar & Associates and two of his top Estate Administrators: Jason Sklar and Richard Sklar, B.A.

“The advantages of a Proposal”, explained Jason, “are that the person filing is normally able to keep their assets (as long as they make the required payments – such as a mortgage) and unsecured creditors usually approve of the agreement as they often recover more money than they would in a Bankruptcy. At the successful completion of a Proposal, the individual is released from their unsecured debt – without the stigma of Bankruptcy. “ “Of course, there is a lot more to Bankruptcies and Proposals, and one must speak with a Licensed Trustee before a decision can be made.”, David added. He then went on to stress, “At David Sklar & Associates, we make certain that our clients understand that Bankruptcy is their last resort, and it is only recommended when there are no other viable choices.”

What do the OSB numbers tell us? Are the increases in Bankruptcies and Proposals due to the economy?

To better understand what the OSB numbers are about, we started by discussing Bankruptcies and Proposals.

Call: 416-498-9200

www.DavidSklar.com

The award winning team at David Sklar & Associates Inc. “While the economy definitely played a major part in the increase,” commented Jason, “we find that it is excessive consumer debt that hurts our clients the most. The people who come to us for help have often spent years in a ‘delicate balancing act’, living beyond their means – and when trouble (such as job loss or health issues) hits – it all comes crashing down. “ “That is why,” explained Richard, “we not only help our clients erase their debt and get a fresh start, we teach them how to live within their means, so they can stand up to future challenges without the burden of debt, and successfully rebuild their lives.”

Once the economy improves, do you foresee a drop in Toronto Bankruptcy and Proposal rates?

“Unfortunately, as part of that economic recovery,” David shared, “interest rates will start to increase.

Given the extremely high levels of consumer debt that many Canadians

carry, once the interest rates go up significantly, we are anticipating higher levels of Bankruptcy and Proposals”.

What can people do to avoid Bankruptcy or the need to file a Proposal?

“Although the solution is straight forward,” warned David, ”it can be difficult to achieve without the right attitude. For many of our clients – the ‘right attitude’ has been forced on them by circumstance. For those who choose to avoid financial strife on their own, they need to get serious and: • • • • •

Stop using credit.

Pay off all credit cards asap.

Pay off all loans asap.

Set up and stick to a budget.

Live within their means.”

easier, at David Sklar & Associates, we offer a free initial consultation.”

There are no easy solutions in getting rid of debt, but after our interview with David, Jason and Richard, we are convinced that in the Greater Toronto Area, there are options and there is help.

For more information visit the David Sklar & Associates Inc. website at

www.davidsklar.com

Top Choice Award for Bankruptcy Trustee.

2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010

“If someone is unable to fix their financial problems with these steps” advised David, “they may need our help. To make taking that first step

Locations In: Pickering · North York · Scarborough · Toronto · Etobicoke · Mississauga

EVENT

Family

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Spring 2011

Tradition

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e n i m s a J David &

“I do...”

Written By SANDY CAETANO

Photos by DAVE & CHARLOTTE LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Weddings bring back vivid memories of the beautiful day I got married. The day we recited our vows to one another in the company of our friends and family, doesn’t seem so long ago after all.

But the couple celebrating their love this fine weekend in July, were Dr. David Almeida and Jasmine Brooks. When they first met, David was a medical student doing a research study that involved the eyes. Jasmine, who was a volunteered participant in the study, spent 30 minutes with David taking photos of the inside of her eyes. Following that initial meeting, David asked Jasmine out on a date and the two have been inseparable ever since.

Now, together, they are preparing for one of the biggest days of their lives. It all began on Friday July 23, with an elegant dinner for David and about 70 of his closest

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friends at a cozy restaurant in downtown Toronto. The restaurant’s atmosphere was pure romance with varying shades of gold accented by the natural floral centre pieces on each table.

After gifts were exchanged between David and his guests, the evening’s festivities went on until nearly 12:30 a.m.

As the night bids adieu, the break of dawn brings upon a new day full of new beginnings. The backdrop for the couple’s nuptials is Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

At 3 p.m., guests began arriving -- doctors, professors, and business owners of different nationalities were all in attendance on this very special day. They wanted to be present to help commemorate that David, just 30 years old, already bears three career diplomas in medicine, and without ignoring his simplicity and humility,

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EVENT

Just Ma

rried

will now start another chapter in his life - marriage.

The day itself was magical, to say the least. It felt as if we had all been pulled into one of those extravagant fairytale weddings we’ve all read about at one time in our lives or another.

The ceremony began at 5 p.m. in the ballroom which elegantly decorated with dozens of adorned purple and gold candles, flowers in gold heavenly shades, and sparkling lights blooming through large ancient crystal chandeliers. Sweet sounds were carried through the room from the lips of Sonia Tavares who sang Hallelujah, accompanied by Ms. Joanna Jordan on harp.

Standing in front of the altar was the vision of beauty all in white, Jasmine in her wedding gown with a crown of wildflowers upon her head.

David arrives in style, smiling ear to ear, accompanied by his godparents, David and

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Spring 2011

Cristina Pereira. As he quickly approaches the altar, his parents, Joseph and Fernanda Almeida join their son as he walks to the front.

The ceremony left the 220 guests with tears of happiness, as Jasmine and David

SMILES, JOY AND AN ATMOSPHERE OF PURE FRIENDSHIP GAVE WIND TO A FEAST OF THREE DAYS said their “I Dos.” The reception continued at another location with photographs, and with Sonia delighting guests with her sweet sounding fados.

Just after 7 p.m. the golden doors to the Imperial Ballroom - the same ballroom where one week earlier Queen Elizabeth II had been dining on her visit to Canada.

We were dazzled by our surroundings from the luxurious ballroom and unforgettable decor. Dinner was served with the sounds of the harp playing while we ate, followed by the well-known Toronto band George St. Kitts, who delighted all guests with songs fro 1950s.

Near midnight the elegant buffet was served, music went on until about 2 a.m.

Joy surrounded the ballroom, and finally a restful night at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

From 11a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, 170 guests gathered to party and socialize with the newlywed’s, Jasmine and David Almeida. The end was approaching, smiles, joy and an atmosphere of pure friendship gave wind to a feast of three days.

Cheers to David and Jasmine, may God accompany you both on your journey of love and life from this moment forward.

BY SANDY CAETANO

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

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EVENT

Herman José in Toronto FOR THE FIRST TIME in over 25 years, Herman José returns to Toronto to perform live at Hora de Agradeciemnto do Pedro Maia & Carla Tavares.

The event was held at the Toronto Centre for the Arts where over 1,000 guests witnessed Herman at his best!

Herman’s show is a patchwork of his many, many talents, including stand-up comedy, singing, piano and guitar. The audience was in an uproar from the time Herman came on and they stayed that way the entire night.

Event presenters: Pedro Maia and Carla Tavares Master of ceremonies: Lidia Ferriera from OMNI Television

Event presented by: Maia & Associates www.maiaandassociates.ca Carla Tavares mortgagebrokers.com/carla

Travel sponsor: Happy Travellers

Accommodations: Talho Rui Gomes www.talhoruigomes.com

Event produced by: Top Choice Media Group www.topchoicemedia.com

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Spring 2011

The event at Toronto Centre for the Arts was the first time Herman José performed in Toronto in over 25 years

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EVENT

The Heart Truth Fashion Show

Dina Pugliese, Co-Host of CityTv’s Breakfast Television

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Spring 2011

The Heart Truth is that heart disease and stroke remain the leading cause of death for Canadian women - more than all cancers combined. It’s a scary fact, but the truth.

Written by Sandy Caetano Photos by George Pimentel ON MARCH 24TH, CANADIAN celebrities and top fashion designers joined forces with the Heart and Stroke Foundation to make healthy hearts fashionable.

“Heart disease is still widely perceived as ‘a man’s disease’ and women often fail to make the connection between risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and their own chance of developing heart disease,” says Bobbe Wood, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. “Today, the need is greater than ever for awareness around women’s risk of heart disease and stroke.”

The 2011 Heart Truth Fashion Show hosted at downtown Toronto’s preeminent historic venue, the Carlu - featured celebs modeling one-of-a-kind red dresses by top Canadian fashion designers all to spread the word about women’s risk for cardiovascular disease.

For the first time, male Canadian celebrities also strutted their stuff on the catwalk to help shine the spotlight on women’s heart health. Men’s attire was provided by V Hazelton.

Some of the models in this year’s inviteonly show included: Bal Arneson, host of Food network’s the Spice Goddess; Tre Armstrong, judge on CTV’s So You Think You Can Dance Canada; Isabelle Brasseur, Figure Skating Olympic Medalist; Deborah Cox, R&B Singer; Mylene DinhRobic, actress on CTV’s The Listener; Rick Campanelli, Co-Host of ET Canada; Chan Hon Goh, Principal Ballerina for

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Arlene Dickinson, Co-star of CBC’s Dragon’s Den

Colin Mochrie, actor on Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Deborah Cox, R&B Singer

the National Ballet of Canada; Andrea Martin, actress and comedian; Colin Mochrie, actor on Whose Line Is It Anyway?; Enuka Okuma, actor on Global’s Rookie Blue; Dina Pugliese, Co-Host on Citytv’s Breakfast Television; Buffy SainteMarie, Academy Award Winning singer/ songwriter; and Arlene Dickinson, CEO Venture Communications and Co-star of CBC’s Dragon’s Den.

TODAY, THE NEED IS GREATER THAN EVER FOR AWARENESS AROUND WOMEN’S RISK OF HEART DISEASE AND STROKE. The Heart Truth is that women’s death rates have been climbing steadily for decades, even as men’s rates of death from heart disease and stroke have declined. The number of deaths from heart disease and stroke is now virtually the same between women and men.

“The Heart Truth raises awareness that while heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death for Canadian women,” she says, “Women have the power to protect their heart health by arming themselves with knowledge about their unique risk factors, warning signs, by talking openly with their doctors, and taking preventative action to control their risk factors through lifestyle changes.”

The Heart Truth campaign is about helping Canadian women make the

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Monica Couto, Dina Pugliese, Arlene Dickinson and David Silvestre connection between high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and sedentary lifestyles, and increased risks for heart disease and stroke. It also encourages women to reduce their risk factors and empowers them to seek the advice and care they need from their doctor. Canadians can show their support for The Heart Truth by purchasing and wearing a red dress pin, the official symbol of the campaign, which symbolizes women’s courage, passion and their power for change.

For more information visit www.TheHeartTruth.ca

David with Steve Anthony Co-host, CP24 Breakfast

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EVENT

Brazilian Carnival 2011 In the dead of winter, the 2011 Brazilian Carnival heated things up with an electrifying event that took place in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest.

By Sandy Caetano EVERY YEAR, THE BRAZILIAN Carnival showcases different regions and carnival traditions throughout Brazil. In past years, they have shown Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Pernambuco.

“The event was amazing! Greater than our expectations,” says Angela Mesquita, event organizer. “This year we took our guests to the Amazon Rainforest; we showed them the Parintins folklore festival, a story of a dispute between two rival bulls: ‘Caprichoso’ in blue and ‘Garantido’ in red.”

Saturday March 5th, the Hungarian Canadian Cultural Centre (located at 840 St.

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Spring 2011

Clair Ave. W.) in Toronto was full to capacity, with 800 people in attendance, ready for all the festivities. Unfortunately, about 200 people had to be turned away at the door.

This year’s Carnaval Brasil took attendees to Parintins (Amazonas), located in the middle of the Rainforest, where the creativity of the local natives give life to ‘Boi Bumbá’, showing the bulls Boi Garantido and Caprichoso, rivals of a fascinating and colourful dispute in red and blue.

The live performance of Bracatum (an Afro Brazilian band) and Cibelle Iglesias, The Dance Migration, Maracatu Baque de

Bamba, Escola de Samba de Toronto and DJ Simba, also enlightened the event.

“Our Carnaval Brasil is becoming a tradition in our community and around Toronto,” says Mesquita. “People of different ethnical groups and cultures are attending and telling their friends. The night was nearly over and guests were already asking about next year.”

To catch a few highlights of this year’s event watch the video by PanTV (an online Canadian-Brazilian channel) for their coverage of the event, www.youtube.com/ PanTVcanada.

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Vinsanto, Plated to Perfection Vinsanto is voted Top Italian Restaurant in Vaughan for Second Consecutive Year.

By Sandy Caetano

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Spring 2011

PASSION IS A VITAL key to possess in life, in any business, in any career path but especially when working in the food service industry. If there’s one thing people are passionate about, it’s definitely food.

What you eat and how good it is makes a difference on the outcome of any gettogether, whether it’s an intimate dinner with friends or business meeting.

“I’m flattered that people would come to my dining establishment to eat,” says John Di Vittorio, owner of Woodbridge’s Vinsanto Ristorante. “I’m just driven because I want people to have a great time with great food and great service. It’s just something that I love to do, to make people happy, and I know food and going out make people happy.”

The passion Di Vittorio has for his business is obvious to all who meet him. His insistence on using local, fresh and top quality ingredients play a big role on his restaurant’s rising to the top - and the main reason his loyal patrons keep coming back for more.

At Vinsanto you can be sure, no matter what dish you decide on, that’s its been cooked and plated to perfection. That’s something, Di Vittorio takes pride in - the

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BUSINESS GREATNESS

The elegant dining room is perfect for business meetings and romantic dinners

Vinsanto Ristorante is celebrating their five year anniversary this Spring. Owner John Di Vittorio personally invites you to discover why Vinsanto is Top Choice.

excellence and high quality of the product he sets in front of his customers.

It’s for this reason he’s won the Top Choice Award for Top Italian Restaurant in Vaughan for two consecutive years, and was also awarded the title of Reader’s Choice Restaurant of the Year for 2010.

“It’s a great privilege to be recognized by our clientele,” Di Vittorio tells Top Choice Magazine. “That we do a fantastic job with

atmosphere is what has kept customers coming back for five years.

Chef Andrew Yacoub, who attended the highly respected French culinary school Le Cordon Bleu Paris for four years, describes the cuisine as a blend of “modern European, concentrating on Mediterranean flavours simple, yet sophisticated.”

Only the highest quality ingredients like imported truffles, heirloom beets and carrots, Alberta beef, BC yellow tilefish and wild Pacific salmon.

Marking their five year anniversary, Vinsanto is celebrating by undergoing a facelift that will increase seating from 70 to over 100. Di Vittorio is excited to invite his guests to enjoy the newly renovated restaurant, an expansion he says will surely please all who enter his fine dining establishment.

Vinsanto has become a venue of choice for many clientele - business meetings, romantic dinners, ladies night out - which is why it’s almost always completely booked. So if you’re wanting to to see what all the fuss is about, make sure you call ahead to book a reservation.

“We are regularly booked and it’s tough to get in,” he says. “So please, book reservations ... so that we can give (you) the attention (you) deserve.”

I’M JUST DRIVEN BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO HAVE A GREAT TIME WITH GREAT FOOD AND GREAT SERVICE. our service and food, and that we provide a great ambience that people want to spend their hard earned dollars on the weekend with us and have a great time with us.”

Vinsanto’s success lies in its fine cuisine, dish after dish that’s bursting with flavour.

Flavours so rich, it satisfies even the pickiest of palates. Whether it’s Angus Beef Tenderloin, Wild Pacific Salmon or the delectable Focaccia Pizza with artichoke spread - the menu, combined with friendly customer service and a warm welcoming

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VINSANTO RISTORANTE

Vinsanto Ristorante is located at 28 Roytec Rd., in Vaughan and is open Monday to Saturday (available for private functions on Sunday).

To book reservations call 905.264.3991. For more visit www.vinsanto.ca.

905.264.3991 VINSANTO.CA

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Since 1929

HIGH PERFORMANCE VISION™ The Bochner Eye Institute is internationally-recognized as the experts in Laser Eye Surgery. Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Bochner is the longest established laser eye treatment center in North America.

“We have thousands of satisfied patients from all over the world— 40 countries and counting — to have laser eye surgery,” says Dr. Raymond Stein. “However, the most significant acknowledgement of our expertise comes from the fact that well over 300 eye doctors have chosen our Institute to have their eyes treated.” The father and son teams of Harold and Raymond Stein, and Albert and Jordan Cheskes trained at the world renowned Mayo Clinic. They also hold professorships at the University of Toronto and have collaborated on an impressive 35 texts — the most academic books attributed to a private institution in North America.

“Our reputation as a center of excellence is attributable to the quality of our surgeons,” notes Dr. Harold Stein. “Patients considering a laser procedure can be rest assured that our surgeons are amongst the most skilled and experienced in the world,” explains Dr. Stein, “what really sets us apart is our expertise partnered with the most advanced laser technology available.” Technologies like the new Intralase® equipment. The Intralase® laser is the safest, most effective all laser LASIK technique.

This technology provides improved safety, better vision, higher degrees of predictability and precision.

Now with, new diagnostic equipment, the Bochner Eye Institute is now better able to detect and correct diseases and disorders of the eye at the earliest stages. “Innovation, safety, experience, dependability, and the longevity that comes with years of experience and thousands of happy patients are what keep the Bochner Eye Institute at the forefront of laser technology in Canada,” concludes Dr. Albert Cheskes.

Official Laser and Eye Centre for the Toronto Blue Jays

416.960.2020 • 1.800.665.1987

WWW.BOCHNER.COM

A testament to its innovative approach and legacy of success, The Bochner Eye Institute is proud to be chosen as the official laser and eye centre for the Toronto Blue Jays.

SERVICES KERATOCONUS Keratoconus is a corneal disease that occurs when the normally round dome-shaped cornea (the clear outer area of the eye) progressively thins causing a conelike bulge to develop. New treatment modalities are offerred including corneal collagen crosslinking with Riboflavin and intracorneal rings.

INTRAOCULAR TECHNIQUES Intraocular techniques, as the name implies, are done within the eye. Three intraocular techniques are available at the Bochner Eye Institute: Phakic Intraocular Lenses - often referred to as an Implantable Contact Lens (ICL), Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Cataract Surgery

LASIK LASIK, or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a type of laser eye surgery for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

In order for light to focus more clearly on the retina, the outer window of the eye and the cornea must be of the proper curvature.

PRK During photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), the surface cells of the cornea, called the corneal epithelium, are removed instead of creating a LASIK flap. The excimer laser is applied to reshape the cornea and correct vision. Visual outcomes are equally as impressive as with LASIK, however, the healing time tends to be longer.

Official Sponsor of the Toronto Maple Leafs & Toronto Raptors

LEFT TO RIGHT:

DR. HAROLD A. STEIN

MD, FRCSC, DABO, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

DR. ALBERT CHESKES

MD, FRCSC, DABO, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

DR. RAYMOND M. STEIN

MD, FRCSC, DABO, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

4-time recipient Top Laser Vision Correction in the GTA

MARKETING

Immigration Services without Borders™ Niren and Associates, An Immigration Law Firm.

CANADIAN & US Immigration and Visa Services for Individuals and Companies.

What can we do for you? Our role as your immigration lawyer.

AS YOUR IMMIGRATION LAWYERS, Niren and Associates has made it our primary goal to assist you with your cross-border goals. Whether you are company wishing to transfer a worker to Canada to the US or an individual seeking a new life, our job is to help open you the doors to the US or to Canada .

We know that these days, the government has created complicated barriers to entry. Immigration rules and regulations are becoming more and more complex. In order to qualify to relocate to Canada or the US, you must present your case properly to an

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immigration officer who has the authority to grant or deny your admission.

At Niren and Associates, we specialize in preparing applications for Canada and US permanent residence, work permits, study permits and visitation. The applications we prepare for you involve more than just completing forms and collecting supporting documents. Our applications are designed to persuade and to convince immigration officers to grant you the visa and to say “Yes” to your application for admission.

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

BUSINESS GREATNESS EACH AND EVERY APPLICATION WE PREPARE INCLUDES: • A LEGAL SUBMISSION LETTER that serves to convince the authorities that you are a suitable candidate to visit, work, study or live in Canada or the US. • We also ASSEMBLE a complete APPLICATION PACKAGE that contains everything that is required including all the necessary information and documents that are to be reviewed by an immigration officer who will be making a decision on your case.

• We also MANAGE and MONITOR your CASE from start to finish. This means that we will make sure your application is mailed to the correct immigration office on time.

This also means that we will keep track of the progress of your application as it makes its way though the immigration system. In many cases, applications can take many months to process and part of our job is to make sure that your application is moving forward towards completion.

• When it comes time for an immigration officer to assess your case, we will prepare you for a possible interview if one is required.

• Finally once the visa has been issued, we ensure that it is properly delivered and that it contains all the correct and necessary information.

OUR CANADIAN IMMIGRATION SERVICES INCLUDE: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Permanent Residence Applications Family Sponsorships Work Permits Corporate Immigration, Intercompany Transfers, Work Visas Canadian Experience Class Applications Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications Immigration Hearings and Appeals to the Federal Court Study Permits Visitor Permits Provincial Nominee Program Criminal Inadmissibility Cases Denied Entry to Canada Cases

OUR US IMMIGRATION SERVICES INCLUDE: • • • • • • •

US Work Visas such as TN, L-1, E-2, H-1B Visas Green Card applications Family Sponsorships US Waivers and U.S Border Problems Business and Corporate Immigration Visitor Visas to the USA Denied Entry to the US cases

Michael Niren

Immigration Lawyer, Niren and Associates

Call us at 416 410 7484 or Toll Free at 1 866 929 0091

HEAD OFFICE 20 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 2202 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4R 1K8 Phone 1-416-410-7484 Fax 1-416-222-3757

www.VisaPlace.com

With offices in Canada and the US Coast to Coast

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

info@visaplace.com

Spring 2011

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THE ROAD TO SUCCESS STARTS...

with little steps in the right direction.

Achieving your financial goals are easy when you have the right plan. Take your first step today, call us for a complimetary no obligation consultation

CUSTOMIZED FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

For Small Business Owners, Professionals and Families

We offer the following products from a range of financial companies:

Individual Life Insurance • Mortgage Insurance • Disability Insurance • Critical Illness • Health & Dental Insurance RESP’S • RRSP’S • RRIF’S • LIF’S • Segregated Funds • Income for Life • Individual Pension Plans • Guaranteed Investment Certificates • Group Insurance and Group Retirement Plans

Meet the President & Founder “The biggest misconception people have about insurance is that it’s expensive. It’s not.

It’s expensive not to have it if something happens.”

PEDRO M. MAIA Born in Lisbon, Maia realized that many Portuguese people place undue trust in their Financial Security Advisors. Maia makes it his mission to educate customers on the products and services they have bought or are buying. He gives customers options and spends hours educating them. He compares himself to Mike Holmes, a contractor on television’s Holmes on Homes, who tries to fix the damage already inflicted on people’s homes. Similarly, Maia looks out for people and guides them to fix

potential problems and achieve their dreams.

His firm provides full financial services including insurance, financial and estate planning and conservation, mortgages and loans. Well connected both inside and outside the Portuguese community, Maia helps his clients find many other services too.

In regards to insurance, he says, “The biggest misconception people have about insurance is that it’s expensive. It’s not. It’s expensive not to have it if something happens.”

www.MaiaAndAssociates.ca

Four-time recipient for Financial Advisor of the year

T. 416.916.7400 F. 416.916.7676 Mobile. 416.419.5984 255 Duncan Mill Road Suite 512 North York, On M3B 3H9

It’s Stratus-fying Being on Top Trish Stratus is the winner of the Top Choice Businesswoman of the Year Award for 2010

By Sandy Caetano

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Spring 2011

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

BUSINESS GREATNESS

It’s a staredown between Trish Stratus and David Silvestre. Trish is the 2010 Businesswoman of the Year... so I think we know who won.

BEING PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT you do is the key to having success in both your career and your business.

It comes down to knowing what you want, knowing how to obtain it and strategizing your game plan. Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Diva Trish Stratus knows all about being successful, as she was dubbed the recipient of the Top Choice Award for Top Business Woman of the Year for 2010.

“It’s hard for me to think of my yoga business as a business (because) it’s something I love,” says Stratus. “The thing I tell people, (is) to go for what you’re passionate about because at the end of the day, to go to work every day and to love what you do, it’s a fantastic thing ... it’s Stratus-fying!”

After opening shop April 26, 2008, nearly three years later, Stratusphere Yoga Studio a 5200 sq. ft multi-disciplinary yoga centre and Canada’s largest eco-friendly yoga studio - has become a popular place for yogis and those beginning to make yoga a part of their lives. Her drive to introduce yoga to everyone she can is one of the things that has helped her get to the top.

For those unfamiliar with yoga, it dates back to more than 5,000 years. It’s about promoting an overall increased sense of physical and mental well-being. It also detoxifies the body, relieves tension, and reduces stress.

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

As a role model in the fitness industry promoting health and wellness, the seven-time former WWE champion pulled herself out of the ring and started a new chapter of her life, but this time on a yoga mat.

It was through her experience as a sports entertainer for the WWE, a company known for their excellent marketing innovation and success, that Stratus has been able to grow and nurture her yoga studio allowing it to completely flourish.

“This (award) means a lot, you know, it’s funny because yoga and the business of what I do is something that I’m passionate about and something that I’ve been doing for my entire life,” says Stratus. “I don’t go to work thinking I’m going to work, it’s something I love to do and winning this award - (is) bringing me closer to my goal, which is to get the whole world to do yoga.”

Yoga was introduced to Stratus in 2005 after she was injured while wrestling - she had a herniated disc in her back and traditional physiotherapy wasn’t working.

Once she started doing yoga, her back was completely healed so much so that she went back to wrestling and finished her career for a few more years with no back pain.

It was after she retired that she decided to open up what they call a ‘one stop yoga shop.’ The rest, as they say, is history.

ABOUT TRISH STRATUS Trish Stratus is an international television and magazine celebrity, best known for her achievements with WWE. Over the last decade, Stratus has dedicated her life to health and fitness, and has parlayed her success and passion into a recognized lifestyle brand.

Stratusphere was officially launched with the opening of her yoga studio, the largest in Canada. Stratus’ yoga fitness line which will reflect her brand’s core philosophy of achieving wellness through balanced living will begin to roll out nationally this summer with the release of her DVD ‘Stratusphere Yoga’. Stratus recently made her feature film debut with the world premiere of Bail Enforcers at ActionFest Film Festival 2011.

Stratus can currently be seen starring in WWE Tough Enough on USA Network.

To follow Trish, twitter.com/trishstratuscom

WWW.TRISHSTRATUS.COM

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MARKETING

Facial Enhancement That’s Right For You IN THIS AGE OF information overload and sleek marketing, finding out what facial cosmetic procedure is right for you can seem like a daunting task. First, one must ask the question, what type of result am I looking to achieve? If subtle enhancement is the goal, then a noninvasive approach would be appropriate.

If significant transformation with elimination of substantial sagging tissue is your objective then the skilled hands of an experienced facial plastic surgeon may be your best option. In the non-invasive realm, there simply is no comparison to the results achieved through the combination of Botox Cosmetic, dermal filler and fractional laser technology.

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Spring 2011

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

DR. NINO KUZMAR before

It is natural for most people to feel apprehensive about the idea of having injections or laser devices applied to their face. However, when in the hands of well qualified and experienced practitioners that approach their work with a

IT IS NATURAL FOR MOST PEOPLE TO FEEL APPREHENSIVE ABOUT THE IDEA OF HAVING INJECTIONS OR LASER DEVICES APPLIED TO THEIR FACE sense of artistry and pride, there really is little to fear. And the results are worth it!!!

Botox Cosmetic injection is a great procedure for reducing that tired and often intense look we get from forehead and frown lines, not to mention the agedness associated with “crow’s feet”. www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

after

Hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers such as Teosyal, Juvederm and Restylane work remarkably well in gently restoring volume loss in the cheek and mid-face region as well as enhancing the fullness of lips.

collagen remodelling attained with the Affirm laser is not only useful in anti-aging but has also helped many of my acne scar patients achieve great improvement.

These days, the relative affordability No n-a b l a t i v e f r a c t i o n a l l a s e r of these technologies when compared resurfacing devices like the Cynosure to more invasive procedures has really Affirm Multiplex are both safe and made facial enhancement and rejuvehighly effective in improving the nation attainable for many more people. overall textural quality of sun-dam- And why not? When in the right hands, aged skin by reducing pore size, they produce great results safely, with fine lines, uneven pigmentation as little or no downtime and certainly well as skin tightening. The level of need not be feared.

DR. NINO KUZMAR Cosmetic Physician Dr. Nino Kuzmar is a University of Toronto Medical Graduate and founding medical director of the St. Clair Cosmetic & Laser Clinic. He is a cosmetic physician with a special interest in nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.

(416) 652-1288 • STCLAIRCOSMETICANDLASER.COM 1223 ST. CLAIR AVE. WEST, SUITE 205

Spring 2011

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PROFILE

Brian Roman

The Best is Yet to Come BRIAN ROMAN’S VOICE WILL make you stop and listen.

His stage presence and charisma will keep you wanting more. His performance and his story will leave you inspired.

He doesn’t imitate or copy the greats of the past, he is just like them. Would you be able to drop a successful, highprofile, 20-year-long career to pursue your true, life-long dream? Brian Roman did and he has never looked back!

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www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

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MARKETING INSPIRATION PROFILE

BRIAN ROMAN HAD A dream of being a professional entertainer all his life. The dream largely remained just a dream, as Brian built a high profile, thriving career in the insurance and real estate world for over 20 years. Blessed with a natural ability to sing and a deep passion for helping others in need, Brian put those gifts to work as a powerhouse producer of many successful fundraiser events which he not only organized, but performed at as well. It was while satisfying these deep passions that an ever-growing, rapidly enthusiastic audience began to demand more. Natural momentum took hold and a serious rethinking of his life’s purpose and direction became undeniable.

In September of 2005, Brian made the life-altering decision to change his career title from “Brian Roman - 20 Year Insurance and Real Estate Professional” to “Brian Roman - Entertainer”, and so he immediately went to work on his debut CD. But that alone wasn’t enough. Brian decided to take the biggest gamble of his life and book Roy Thomson Hall - one of Canada’s premier concert halls. The show was a triumphant sell-out and Brian Roman found himself with a large front page headline, picture, and story in the Toronto Star the next morning. That also included interviews on CBC Radio, AM

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740, CFRB and CityTV’s evening news.

His trademark generosity once again was expressed through an $8,000 donation from ticket and CD sales to allow a child’s wish to come true through the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. Brian Roman, the entertainer, had arrived!

Through these many appearances, along with training from the internationally acclaimed Canadian tenor, Mark DuBois, Brian Roman has transformed into the

BRIAN’S VISION HAS TURNED INTO A POSITIVE INSPIRING REALITY OF WHAT’S POSSIBLE IF WE DARE TO ACT ON A DREAM. consummate professional entertainer.

Wherever he performs, large enthusiastic audiences find themselves captivated by his charismatic stage presence, accomplished baritone/tenor voice, personal warmth, sincerity and generosity of spirit.

Brian Roman is now heavily booked throughout Canada and the US. His CD titled “As Long As I Have Music” features

3 brand new songs—2 of which, Brian co-wrote, the third being deeply connected and dedicated to the memory of his grandmother titled “Forever in My Song”.

The CD is rounded out with Brian’s truly inspired takes on classics spanning the golden era ranging from Sinatra to Elvis to Tom Jones. Brian continues to make himself available for charities and is always thrilled to lend his talents and time in the aid of others in need.

As a testament to their ongoing belief in Brian Roman’s music and spirit, songs from the new CD have already been added to the play rotation on radio stations, Brian’s music can now be heard regularly on radio in Canada and the US. As the momentum continues, this year will see Brian Roman entertaining as a headliner in front of tens of thousands of new fans throughout North America and being heard on radio by hundreds of thousands of new listeners.

Brian’s vision has turned into a positive inspiring reality of what’s possible if we dare to act on a dream...but as the song says, “The Best Is Yet To Come”. Brian Roman is the complete package. His voice will make you stop and want to listen and his charismatic stage presence and the way with which he holds his audiences in the palm of his hand will keep you wanting more, as will his story and his passion.

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

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Voted Top Renovation Services of 2010 in the GTA

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PROFILE

OUT THERE WITH MELISSA DiMARCO CITY TV Saturdays at 8:30 p.m.

• • • • •

Citytv Toronto cable 7 Citytv Vancouver cable 13 Citytv Calgary cable 8 Citytv Edmonton cable 7 Citytv Winnipeg cable 8

Weekdays at 1:30 pm on Citytv Toronto OMNI. 1 Thursday nights at 11:00 p.m., before David Letterman!

OUTTHEREWITHMELISSA.COM

Melissa DiMarco:

A woman for all seasons ASK MELISSA DIMARCO WHAT she’s doing and you’ll get a different answer every time.

Whether it’s bantering with George Clooney on a red carpet, interviewing Elton John at the recent premiere of Billy Elliot, having fun with rock legend Sammy Hagar, or sitting in the editing suite meticulously going through every frame and line of her award-winning celebrity interview and comedy show, Out There with Melissa DiMarco, the multitalented actress/journalist is always on the go.

“Yeah, I’m a bit of a workaholic,” smiles DiMarco. “When you act, interview, write, and produce, as I do on Out There, you kind of have to be. It really is my pet project.”

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Now in its sixth season, Out There, which airs Saturdays at 8:30 pm on Citytv stations nationwide, was inspired by DiMarco’s real-life experiences as both a journalist and observer of the entertainment industry. The show combines one-on-one interviews with satirical comedy, chronicling the adventures of a celebrity journalist (played by DiMarco) in her constant struggle to score interviews and red-carpet exclusives.

“I wanted to delve below the surface glamour of celebrity journalism,” DiMarco explains. “To knock it off its stiletto-heeled pedestal and show viewers the ordinary, often silly person beneath all the glitz.

That’s who my character is. And since our stories are based on my experiences as an entertainment journalist, they really seem

true-to-life, but also have a comic sensibility all their own.”

Behind every hard-working showbiz personality is an equally hard-working team, a fact DiMarco points to with pride.

“We’ve had people who’ve been with Out There since the start. People like Paul Visca (Director of Photography), Adam Pal (Director), Jeff Kostyniuk (Senior Editor), Phillip Dixon (Camera Operator), and Ron Camilleri (Composer), who’ve helped me maintain the show’s integrity and original vision,” she says. “We’ve also recently brought in new blood, writers like Mark Van de Ven, who bring a fresh perspective.

Without them and all the rest of the Out There crew, I wouldn’t have been able to last six seasons.”

As for her own future, DiMarco says she’s fully committed to Out There: “There’s always some new experience that can be transformed into something funny for our fans to enjoy. It’s a never-ending journey and that’s what makes it great.”

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

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MARKETING

Grand opening: Fotografia Boutique Where Classical Art Meets Digital Mastery.

MAGGIE HABIEDA NOWAKOWSKI, formerly knowns as Moments by Maggie has recently opened a new Photography Studio in the Town of Oakville Fotografia Boutique. A true work of art, offering only the best of customer service and highest quality photography. With a 1500 square feet of portrait shooting space, a gallery with large canvases and and every inch of elegance, she has brought her dream to reality. One vision, one dream by one remarkable women created from scratch.

Those who attended the Gala Opening of the Studio on November 28th, 2010 know that she has exceeded her goal.

It was a great success, over 300 people attended this wonderful affair. Catering

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was provided by the Grand Victorian, live entertaintment by extraordinary Grenville Pinto, the best Violinest in the country!

The charming hostess has outdone herself greeting everyone personally and showing her new accomplishment.

PORTRAYING PEOPLE HOW THEY DREAM THEMSELVES TO BE. Maggie, 2010 and 2011 Photographer of the Month for the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) - one of the top North American Photographers,

Recipient of numerous awards in the Glamour and Wedding photography.

Most photographers capture people as they are. Maggie’s unique combination of technical skill and creative touch allows her to capture people as they dream themselves to be. With the feel of a master photographer, expertise of a seasoned designer and the soul of an artist, she redefines conventional photography and brings it to new heights. She embarks on an uncompromising pursuit of perfection with every project she takes on.

Maggie is also well known for her custom designed masterpiece, one-of-a-kind wedding story books printed in Italy.

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

PROFILE

The World of Glamour...

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

Spring 2011

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PROFILE

Linda Lingle, Governor of Hawaii, Joe Sugarman and Karl Rove, Advisor to President Bush

Joseph Sugarman and Patrizia Del Zotto at the 5th Annual Multicultural Top Choice Awards Gala

Joseph Sugarman "The Mail Order Maverick" JOSEPH SUGARMAN IS A Former Marketing Maverick who pioneered everything from the pocket calculator, toll-free order taking and informercials.

This energetic entrepreneur, is always ready to offer his wisdom to people willing to use it to help them grow in their career and business.

Called a Mail Order Maverick by the New York Times, Sugarman was invited to be a keynote speaker at a seminar for marketers at Toronto’s Hilton Hotel this past February.

Sugarman who is best known for his marketing of BluBlocker sunglasses throughoutthe world and in Canada on the Home Shopping channel and in Canadian retail stores.

He eventually sold 20 million pairs and turned the product into a

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well-recognizedbrand name.

Each guest at the seminar will receive a pair of BluBlockers as a gift from Sugarman for attending.

Sugarman, who spends a good deal of his time traveling between his Maui, Hawaii and Las Vegas homes is getting ready to launch a totally new product line that he feels will impact millions of people and is setting up a Toronto office to service the Canadian market.

The products range from a stem cell based skin care line called Signals to an energy drink called Trigger. “We have several more anti-aging products coming down the pipeline to help with hair growth, pain relief, skin whitening and even vitamins for the brain.”

Setting up the Toronto office is Patricia Delzotto, a local business woman who has

had a great deal of international marketing experience.

“The reaction to our product line has been very gratifying,” says Delzotto. “We’re getting orders from as far away as Chile and Pakistan.”

According to Sugarman, “Science is moving so quickly that within the next 10 to 15 years, we should have figured out how to avoid most disease and live to at least 120 years of age. And our new products should contribute to that achievement.”

Sugarman is the author of six books on marketing and advertising to include Advertising Secrets of the Written Word, Marketing S e c r e t s o f a M a i l O rd e r Maverick, Television Secrets for Marketing Success and The Seven Forces of Success which will be released this spring.

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

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MANAGEMENT

Helping Small Businesses Advice to business people...we are all becom­ing one.

I’M OFTEN ASKED FOR the secrets of success and how I was able to achieve success myself. I’d like to share in this article some of the success secrets and many of them may not be what you expect.

First and foremost I firmly believe that everything that happens to us is for the best. It may not seem that way when you experience a failure (and I’ve experienced many) but looking back on my life, I can see where many failures resulted eventually in incredible success.

Another philosophy I follow on a regular basis is simply that “every problem has within it an opportunity so big that it dwarfs the problem.” That’s how I uncovered some of the biggest opportunities in my life. In order to do that, you need to restate the problem in a positive way. For example, when digital watches came out in the early 70’s they were wrought with problems. I said, “We’ve got a problem in that digital watches were seen as possibly being defective and people were reluctant to purchase them.”

I then restated the problem. “How can we assure our customers that their purchase was worthwhile and that they are protected by our company.” I then came up with our loaner watch program which stated that if the purchaser has a problem, with their watch, all they need to do is call us on our toll free line and we’ll send them a replacement watch right on the spot.

Sales took a dramatic jump.

For the problem I turned it into an opportunity to launch one of the most successful products in our history— BluBlocker sunglasses. I was doing an 8-page insert for the United Airlines

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catalog when one of the products we were offering was not available because the manufacturer went out of business.

I remembered a pair of sunglasses that a friend of mine showed me that was made for NASA and I called that friend, told him

EVERY PROBLEM HAS WITHIN IT AN OPPORTUNITY SO BIG THAT IT DWARFS THE PROBLEM. that I had a serious problem and needed a product to fill a page within two days. My friend sent me the pair and I solved the problem with an opportunity to introduce BluBlocker sunglasses to the world.

I also believe that failure is what I call a “Success Force.” Simply put, each time you fail, you get closer and closer to success.

It’s only a matter of time.

Another philosophy has to do with focus. The more you focus on a single product, or a single area, the greater your chance of success. If you’re scattered, it is very difficult to achieve success.

I also believe that keeping your desk clean is a success force. Whenever my desk gets too cluttered, it’s like a warning sign to me that something is not right. I clean my desk, put things in the proper order and it seems that things flow smoother.

I have a set of philosophies that have guided me through most of my business career.

In fact, I wrote a book called Success Forces, that was published over 30 years ago which expressed these philosophies and which I am now revising with all the wisdom and painful experiences I’ve encountered since then. The revised book will be called, “The Seven Forces of Success” and it will be available in the Spring. I wish all who read this. great success.

JOSEPH SUGARMAN Joe Sugarman, once called the “Mail Order Maverick” by The New York Times, is a groundbreaker in every sense of the word.

His accomplishments in marketing innovation alone give him the right to be called a legend. Now he wants to share his brilliance with the rest of the world.

WWW.JOESUGARMAN.COM

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

3640 McNicoll Avenue, Scarborough

416.291.2932

www.ExpoSystems.com

VISION... COURAGE... PASSION Every successful company has it’s own secret and a source of inspiration, for ExpoSystems Canada that source is its President Nigel Vance-Lousada.

In a matter of 5 years, Nigel has transformed the fledgling ExpoSystems Canada company into a full flight industry leader. His passion trickles deep into the company from its designers to its sales people. You can hear the company motto in every stride of every employee as they work to “Make YOU Stand Out!”

Photo by SAM SANTOS / JC Pimentel Photography

Nigel Vance-Lousada, President

www.ExpoSystems.com

If you have a message for your customers, ExpoSystems Canada will get it out there for you.

ExpoSystems ExpoSystems Canada Canada will will Make Make YOU YOU Stand Stand Out! Out!

MARKETING

How to Behave Professionally on Facebook SOCIAL NETWORKING HAS BECOME an integral part of the lives of people across the world. Prior to social networking, reconnecting with family members and old friends meant resorting to making phone calls or hiring a private detective. Such sites as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare are growing communities that make it simpler to reconnect with more people than any high school reunion can ever accomplish. Although using the sites mentioned may yield positive outcomes, it is important to use them in a professional manner.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Select each profile and album picture carefully before submitting. Pictures depicting you playing sports or having a peaceful family get-together at the beach are appropriate for keeping a clean profile and seeming active.

Pictures displaying a potentially offensive activity, such as alcohol abuse or sexual explicitness, should not be a part of the photo album. Business employers

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can check over a candidate’s profile on Facebook, and immature pictures could be a deciding factor in hiring the candidate or not.

ALTHOUGH USING THE SITES MENTIONED MAY YIELD POSITIVE OUTCOMES, IT IS IMPORTANT TO USE THEM IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER. 2. Contribute a status update to Facebook relating to daily activities, special events or upcoming vacation plans that is suitable for a public environment. Although status updates are also useful for sparking group discussions, refrain from posting embarrassing and verbally

hurtful comments that may offend someone.

3. Write a friendly message to catch up with friends and family members, but avoid revealing anything personal on someone’s wall where everyone has access to the message. If anything personal needs to be communicated to any single person, send this information as a private message, accessed through the profile section.

4. Assign only familiar people to a friends list rather than adding complete strangers. Keeping a friends list limited to these contacts helps prevent privacy violations and the spread of viruses. Set privacy settings accordingly to protect your profile.

5. Communicate with fellow co-workers and managers on Facebook to learn more about your career choice.

Source: Robert Bethea, eHow.com

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Your “Top Choice” for:

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MARKETING

The Rise of the Intelligent Consumer You, me, our friends, and family…we are all becom­ing one.

How does this affect small businesses?

They’re just price shopping…right?

What you can do about it.

WITH ALL OF THE pub­l i­c a­t ions and online resources, con­sumers now have the abil­ity to make smarter deci­s ions when they buy. Unfortunately, most of the major sup­pli­ers of these resources only look at the major play­e rs in the mar­ket, which means they are con­stantly over­look­ing the lit­tle guys. (Small Businesses) You may sell some of the high­est qual­ity wid­gets out there and even offer top of the line cus­tomer ser­vice… but unfor­tu­nately the chances of you being pub­lished or men­ tioned in any of these con­sumer resources are very slim.

With the ease of access to infor­ma­tion, regard­ing the qual­ity of the prod­ucts and ser­vices we buy, we also have the abil­ity to become mod­er­ately edu­cated on the sub­ ject of our pur­chase, way before we even begin to look for a provider.

‘Intelligent con­s umers’ will also buy based on price, but I would not cat­e ­go­ rize the major­ity of these con­s umers as the dreaded “price shop­pers”. The dif­fer­ ence is that the price shop­pers are (for a

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num­ber of rea­sons) strictly mak­ing their buy­ing deci­sions based 80–100% on price alone. While the major­ity of ‘intel­li­gent con­sumers’ are look­ing for a per­fect over­ all value and they are will­ing to spend more if your price matches their per­cep­ tion of value.

THE “INTEL­LIGENT CONSUMERS” ARE THE BUYERS YOU MUST TARGET. The “intel­li­g ent con­s umers” are the buy­ers you MUST tar­get. One more time…

The “intel­li­gent con­sumers” are the buy­ers you MUST target.

This means all of your mar­ket­ing and sales efforts must be dri­ven towards tar­g et­ing more of these buy­e rs…“But how?”…“And won’t I lose the buy­ers who are not in the ‘intel­li­g ent con­s umer’ group?”

Marketing towards the ‘intel­li­gent con­ sumers’ does NOT mean you are exclud­ing any­one from your mar­ket­ing efforts, but you ARE offer­ing the value the ‘intel­li­gent con­sumers’ are look­ing for.

Doing this is rel­a­tively sim­ple — offer as much VALUE as you pos­si­bly can.

Going back to the begin­ning of this arti­ cle, we know that ‘intel­li­gent con­sumers’ are deemed intel­li­g ent because of their drive to become edu­cated on the sub­ject of their pur­chase, before they ever really start the buy­ing process. If infor­ma­tion is the first place these ‘intel­li­g ent con­ sumers’ are look­ing, you must become that source of infor­ma­tion. When you become their source of infor­ma­tion or knowl­edge, you are com­plet­ing 4 nec­es­sary actions in order to effec­tively posi­tion and mar­ket your small busi­n ess to your prime cus­ tomers by…

• • •

Becoming an expert Adding value to you small business Becoming a valu­able resource and start­ing a rela­tion­ship before a true sales process begins

We are knee deep in the 21st cen­tury and it’s time that our Small Businesses are primed and ready to compete.

Source: Travis Gutierrez Owner — Phoenix Small Business Solutions

www.TopChoiceMagazine.com

SALES

Five Places to NEVER Meet with a Client!

I recently came upon several columns from different publications urging home based entrepreneurs to find creative places to have business meetings with their clients.

If your meeting room of choice is a diner down the street from your home because you think: “It’s not the best scenario, but it’s cheap and my clients don’t seem to mind,” think again.

In fact, many professionals agree with this statement and say that small business people should take advantage of cheap public spaces to handle client meetings.

They say it doesn’t impact their credibility, image or reputation.

I completely disagree. This is poor advice for entrepreneurs who are trying to get their businesses off the ground because – to use a cliché – impressions, especiallyfirst impressions, count.

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Who you are, the way you speak, the way you dress, the way your work looks, how you manage your finances and cash flow, the environment where you work, where you meet your clients – it all matters. Every little detail sends a message about who you are and what you believe in.

Every detail helps someone make the decision to say “yes” or “no”, especially if there is a lot of money on the line or if your client has to justify his decision to his bosses.

CLIENTS, PARTICULARLY GREAT PAYING CLIENTS, WANT TO GIVE THEIR BUSINESS TO COMPANIES THAT INSPIRE TRUST.

That means that every interaction counts. And meeting in a diner over a dayold danish, isn’t going to cut it, if you want to grow your business, get better clients and make more money.

So, to help you make a better impression with your clients, I have assembled “The Five Places Where You Should Never Meet With A Client”. All of these places have been recommended as potential meeting sites by professional consultants.

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your ideas a platform that you can control.

The fewer people around, the more decision-making power you have to make a lasting positive impression.

5. Any Fast Food Restaurant

1. Any Wi-Fi equipped coffee house Starbucks has really become the king of the cheap public meeting space and a spate of similarly equipped coffee houses have cropped up on every block. I’ve read that the plush chairs, “eclectic snack food” and infinite supply of java are the selling points. Fine. But you do not want to meet your clients on tiny, coffee-stained tables, surrounded by students and twenty-something novelists. No, you want to have an adult conversation and make strong points without worrying about bothering the folks at the table six inches from you.

Starbucks is serviceable and cheap, but it is not an environment to help you make a strong impression that inspires trust, confidence and loyalty.

2. Any high-end book store Some consultants believe bookstores offer a quiet, intellectual feel when meeting with clients. This is ridiculous. They think this, of course, only because the place has a lot of books, not because it sends the message that you are smart, together, knowledgeable and savvy. College students and down-on-their-luck artists meet in bookstores. You must create an image of success, even if you are a struggling startup. People want to invest in and work with winners. If you do not take your business seriously, no one else will either.

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3. Public Libraries Not sexy but definitely quiet. According to some of my colleagues, libraries offer a place to meet all day and no one will make you buy anything. I’ve been informed that some libraries even offer conference rooms that you can use. No matter how practical, the message is that you have no resources.

You are telling your clients that the best you can do is muster up an ill-equipped room in a public library. There is little opportunity for you to make a huge impression and most likely, the technology, such as videoconferencing and presentation platforms, will not be state-of-the-art or reliable.

4. Hotel Lobbies

Hotel lobbies can be quite beautiful and on the outside, seem like a great space to meet. But they are also busy. There is a lot of foot traffic there, including large groups of tourists and a few children’s choirs passing through. Hotel guests on vacation do not care if you make a good impression with your client and the hotel employees will not cater to your needs unless you are a guest. You cannot control your environment here. You cannot create a look of professionalism. You may end up shouting your well-prepared points over a group of drunken salesmen. Give your business and

One consultant recently informed his readership that McDonald’s had started offering free Wi-Fi in some of its urban franchises. This does not mean you shouldmeet a client there anytime soon. I love the occasional chocolate glazed donut from Tim Hortons and have enjoyed a Big Mac or two over the years, but that is not something you should share with a client, especially a client whose business you aretrying to win. You are trying to sell yourself as high-end, something special, a cut above the competition. When your client thinks of you, you do not want him to say, “That Joe, we always meet at Arby’s”. You want him to say, “That Joe does some outstanding work for our firm – what a pro!” These little things stay with people, so make sure that everything you do represents you well.

Clients, particularly great paying clients, want to give their business to companies that inspire trust. They avoid the fly-bynight operators in favor of companies that look like they will be around for years to come. They are looking for companies who deliver stellar work on deadline and until they get to know you and the quality of your work, potential clients can only judge you by “what they see”.

So, they are noticing your office, how you dress, how confident you look, how tight your presentation is, how organized you seem. And no matter how you stack it, meeting in your living room or in Starbucks, does not exactly scream out that your company is “best-of-breed.”

By Jeff Landers Source: Travis Gutierrez Owner — Phoenix Small Business Solutions

5 Places TO meet at on next page »

Spring 2011

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SALES

Five Places to Close the Deal When it comes to closing a business deal, you’re opening the door to a new business relationship. So you want to make sure it’s done right.

By David Silvestre The first thing to ask yourself is how much is this deal worth to you and your company? The venue for a business lunch is very important. Business lunches are often used to strike deals and many companies have lost potential partnerships due to a business lunch having gone wrong.

Apart from the negotiations themselves, the choice of venue is probably the most important. Choose a place that’s close to your guest’s office or location. Don’t make them come to you, and do not select a venue where they have to drive through heavy traffic - that will only cause unnecessary stress.

If possible chose a place you’ve been to before. If you have to choose a venue you haven’t tried before, visit it some time before your meeting to get familiarized with the set up. And try to choose a restaurant that has a varied menu with at least a couple of vegetarian options.

Here are some of my favourite places in the GTA to close a deal: NINO D’AVERSA If the deal is under $2500, a great place to meet your client is Nino D’Aversa.

With a few locations around the GTA, this family oriented restaurant will definitely fit the bill. Expect an easy-going atmosphere, vivid people, great meals and a terrific espresso bar. To top it all off, they have an Italian hot table with a delicious selection.

How’s that for a 50% done deal?

$2,500

Are you looking at closing a deal above $10,000? Now it’s time to step it up to the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle, high above Toronto’s entertainment district at Toula Ristorante & Bar. Here you will discover a one-of-a-kind dining experience like no other.

Toula offers one of the best views of our city skyline, the place to be when you know your client is Top Class! This venue’s atmosphere oozes elegance and sophistication, yet it’s also cozy and comfortable. From their fine cuisine to their beautiful bar and lounge, Toula will motivate your sales speech to a whole different level.

$10,000

Check out www.toularestaurant.com for a glimpse inside.

CENTRO RESTAURANT When it comes to $15,000 business deals ... let us start by introducing you to Centro Restaurant, located on the longest street in the world, Yonge Street. This is the perfect environment to seal the deal.

Within Toronto’s fine dining industry, Centro is at the top of their game - they’re an icon. In operation since 1986, they take pride in maintaining ongoing relationships with their faithful customers and high-profile recognition within the community. You can also select the room according to how many people you are meeting. As soon as you walk in, the taste of “it’s a done deal,” is in the air and remains when you leave!

$15,000

For more info visit www.centro.ca.

ONE RESTAURANT

For a deal of up to $5,000 we recommend Vecchio Frak Café located $5,000 on College Street, in the heart of Little Italy. Make sure you call ahead to book reservations because this chic little cafe fills up pretty quick!

They’re known for one of the best Italian cuisines in town with a killer antipasto plate and mouth-watering pizza.

Expect a friendly and gracious welcome, amazing European red wine, and outstanding service - this place is sure to have your client feel so at ease, they’ll be eager to sign the deal.

Now, if you’re talking about closing a deal that’s $20,000, you definitely need a $20,000 place that has an unbelievable wow factor. With this type of client, you need to be very selective - he/she knows what they want and they are not afraid to walk out if things are looking sour. There is only “One” place we could recommend for closing a deal of this magnitude, and that’s One Restaurant at the Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville. As Toronto’s most celebrated neighbourhood of style and culture, it’s the ultimate meeting experience.

Choosing this world-class restaurant for your business lunch will show your client you’re serious about your company’s reputation and that you are at their level in business. This type of meeting is sure to end with, “It’s a deal.”

Visit www.vecchiofrak.com for more info.

Visit www.onehazelton.com for more info.

VECCHIO FRAK CAFÉ

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TOULA RISTORANTE & BAR

Spring 2011

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TECHNOLOGY

A Company Without a Website, is a Company Without a Future Businesses today are very different from the businesses of yesterdays. Today, it is not sufficient for a business to only have a physical presence.

A web presence is essential for any business to attract a bigger customer base and for generating more revenues. E-Commerce has become the buzzword of the day and corporates are moving with lighting speed to make their web presence felt. An end to end E-Commerce site can help in executing a business cycle much faster, making it easier for customers and suppliers to save precious time and money. Let us check out what it takes to develop a professional website and make it successful.

The idea of developing a web site for the company is not enough. A great deal of research is needed in terms of the requirement gathering, structuring the site and designing it. It is always advisable to hire a professional web design company to do the job. For any dynamic website a fair amount of programming is required to connect the database and ensure that the response time is fast. To this end, a professional web design company can help you to quickly gather speed and ensure speedy execution of the project. The company that you are hiring should have experts in web flash

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projects. Flash is a designing tool which can add various animations and effects to the website.

It should be noted that providing e-solutions to the clients is no more a value add that companies are offering. If you want to stay in business, then you not

ONCE THE WEBSITE IS FULLY FUNCTIONAL AND THE TARGET MARKET AND CUSTOMERS ARE AWARE OF YOUR COMPANY, THEN YOU CAN EXPECT REVENUES TO QUICKLY POUR IN. only need to have a web presence but also an effective website through which customers can derive value. A static website without interactive features may not have much significance like a dynamic website.

So, when you are moving ahead with your E-Commerce initiative these points should be carefully noted. Also, the time that the site takes to load is important. We must

understand that customers do not have much time to spend on a single website.

As a result, the important messages should be portrayed in the homepage itself. Once you have the site up and running, the other important step is to market the site.

Customers would not be aware of your company’s e-solutions till the time they know about it. There are various ways to market the website and a professional Internet marketing company can help to achieve the objectives. Once the website is fully functional, and the target market and customers are aware of your company, then you can expect revenues to quickly pour in. An E-Commerce site should have payment features and security tightly integrated. If a company is handling personal information of it’s customers, it must take adequate steps to ensure their privacy.

So, if you have not yet created your company’s web presence, now is the time to move forward. You will see a dramatic change in your organization’s brand image after launching your website. Of course, your business must be fully ready to cope up with the increased expectations of the customers.

Source: www.articledashboard.com By: Tadas

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Ne e d a ? e t i s b e W

Website solutions Get an engaging, professional presence for your business online. Showcase all the most important information your customers need to make a buying decision. Simple, fast and affordable!

Specializing in: Web, Video, Print and Promotions Your Ideas Are Ready™

(416) 662-2123 www.TopChoiceMedia.com Connect:

MARKETING

The BRIC Whether you are in business or are a consumer, both need to know as much as possible regarding the economic world direction, and you with the new “Era” of globalization it’s not hard to see how international business will impact everyone!

FOR THE BUSINESS OWNER it will be easier and cheaper to negotiate and the consumer will have more “buying power” to choose their purchase wisely. Everyone is so excited to invest and make a “buck” or “two” BUT what are the risks involved?

Take a look at the BRIC’s Power and their weakness.

“In economics, BRIC (typically rendered as “the BRICs” or “the BRIC countries” or known as the “Big Four”) is a grouping acronym that refers to the countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China that are deemed to all be at a similar stage of newly advanced economic development. Despite lagging behind the other members in terms of economic growth, China formally invited

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South Africa to join the BRICs in 2010, and so the acronym changes from “the BRICs” to “the BRICs.” South Africa thus became the first African country to be admitted to BRICs. The acronym was coined by Jim O’Neill in a 2001 paper, entitled “The World Needs Better Economic BRICs.” The acronym has come into widespread use as a symbol of the shift in global economic power, away from the developed G7 economies toward the developing world.

According to a paper published in 2005, Mexico and South Korea are the only other countries comparable to the BRICs, but their economies were excluded initially because they were considered already more

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INTERNATIONAL Dmitri Medvedev, President of Russia, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, Hu Jintao, President of China and Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, pose for the official photo at the 2nd Summit of Heads of State and Government of the BRIC.

developed as they are already members of the OECD. Goldman Sachs (global economics team) argued that, since they are developing rapidly, by 2050 the combined economies of the BRICs could eclipse the combined economies of the current richest countries of the world. The four countries, combined, currently account for more than a quarter of the world’s land area and more than 40% of the world’s population.

Goldman Sachs did not argue that the BRICs would organize themselves into an

SOUTH AFRICA THUS BECAME THE FIRST AFRICAN COUNTRY TO BE ADMITTED TO BRICS. economic bloc, or a formal trading association, as the European Union has done .

However, there are some indications that the “four BRIC countries have been seeking to form a ‘political club’ or ‘alliance’,”

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and thereby converting “their growing economic power into greater geopolitical clout”. On June 16, 2009, the leaders of the BRIC countries held their first summit in Yekaterinburg, and issued a declaration calling for the establishment of an equitable, democratic and multipolar world order. Since then they have met in Brasília in 2010 and will meet in China in 2011.

free trade ranks Brazil (“moderately free”) above the other BRICs (“mostly unfree”).

Henry Kissinger has stated that the BRIC nations have no hope of acting together as a coherent bloc in world affairs, and that any cooperation will be the result of forces acting on the individual nations. “

(Source Wikipedia)

Now that you have some valuable information regarding the most controversial economical situation of our days.

So, think about it before you act on either starting a business relationship with all of these countries or purchase good from these countries because the reality is if anything goes wrong with them, whoever is involved will pay for the consequences.

But, if they manage their differences and make it happen it will bring financial freedom to all involved!

But on the other side of the Coin: The Economist, (English-language weekly news and international affairs publication in London) in its special report on Brazil, expressed the following view: “In some ways Brazil is the steadiest of the BRICs. Unlike China and Russia, it is a fullblooded democracy; unlike India it has no serious disputes with its neighbors. It is the only BRIC without a nuclear bomb.”

The Heritage Foundation’s “Economic Freedom Index”, which measures factors such as protection of property rights and

(Source Wikipedia)

What side are you on?

Give your opinion by emailing us at opinion@TopChoiceMagazine.com

Spring 2011

59

T P CHOICE MAGAZINE

REVIEWED Top Choice Magazine is introducing a new section, Business Reviews.

In this portion of the magazine, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse and take an inside look at the many businesses that you the people, have recommended to us for their excellence. You’ll also find reviews on Top Choice Award recipients who continue to shine, as well as, new businesses who are trying to make it to the Top. Top Choice Magazine has business review specialists out on the road conducting these business reviews on a daily basis. So if you know of a business who should be dubbed “Top Choice,” call or email us to to give us the details and we’ll make sure to pay them a visit.

Best of Toronto’s Hair Salons: With all the hair salons popping up across the city, it’s difficult to choose just one. Below, you’ll find number of hair boutiques we reviewed across Toronto, so you wouldn’t have to. Now you can find a place that will help liven up your locks.

Life Hair Studio

Life Hair Studio has called Dufferin Mall home for eight years. The husband and wife duo, owners Joey and Pamela Chimenti, run a successful hair studio with an impressive list of clients. Located minutes away from the Bloor subway line, Life Hair Studio is easy to find by TTC or car. Whether you desire a buzz cut, a fohawk, a short funky do, gorgeous luscious curls, long beautiful extensions or you want to revamp your colour - the hairstylists at Life Hair Studio are there to make you look fabulous.

Additional services at the salon include waxing and piercing.

L Squared Salon

If getting an edgy new look is what you desire, Louis Anthony Coutinho, co-owner of L Squared Salon, is your man. Having graduated from Marca College - Toronto Hair Design and Esthetics School and working a few years at Life Hair Studio, Coutinho takes pride in what he does. And he does it all, from cuts and blow-outs, highlights, shaves, fades and lineups. L Squared Salon - keepin’ it fresh all year round.

Salon Testarossa

Located in the mall, just steps from the Yorkdale subway and GO transit stations, Salon Testarossa is always busy. And with the constant hustle and bustle of people coming and going by his salon, it’s no wonder so many have become regulars. Hairstyling was always a passion for owner Joseph Rupolo, so he opened up his own salon in 1986. Just over 25 years later, Rupolo’s commitment to making his clients look great has only strengthened. With their reasonable prices, Salon Testarossa, named after the Ferrari, is worth checking out, at least once.

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900 Dufferin Street, (Inside the Dufferin Mall) Toronto, Ont., M5G 1P5 416.535.5225 Check us out on Facebook.

714 College Street, Toronto, Ont., M6G 1C3 416.532.3939 Join our Facebook page for more info.

3401 Dufferin St. (Inside Yorkdale Mall) Toronto, Ont., M6A 2T9 416.789.3459 www.salontestarossa.com

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At Life Hair Studio you can be sure your hair is in good hands, with experienced stylists who will make your hair go from drab to fab. Their motto: Take care, brush your hair!

highlights colour cut and blowdry up-do’s extensions

416.535.5225 900 Dufferin Street (Inside the Dufferin Mall) Toronto, On M5G 1P5

keepin’ it fresh all year round

SPRING

Spring is here! Time to update your Winter do’s at L Squared Salon.

Whether it’s a cut and blow-out, highlights, a shave or a G6 Fade these stylists are ready to rock you with a fresh new do! esthetics: facials Glycolic peels Waxing hair: highlights Colour Cut and Blowdry shaves & fades

416.532.3939

louis anthony Coutinho Co-owner and lead stylist of L Squared Salon

714 College street toronto, on M6G 1C3

T

RE P CH VI OICE M E W AG A EDZINE

Fringe Salon

Fringe Salon is a diamond in the rough. Located at Queen and Brock in Parkdale, this trendy salon has become quite popular in the four years since it’s doors first opened. Where most salons today are going the route of solely Schwarzkopf Professional, Fringe has aligned itself with Aveda’s high performance hair care products, as well as, L’Oreal Professional. Fringe is a cool and hip salon, a place you feel welcomed from the get-go. From the owner to each stylist, there’s not one ounce of unfriendliness.

Marc Anthony Salon

Marc Anthony Salon has been in business for over 15 years. Marc who always had a fascination with doing hair, took over the salon from his parents, and transformed it into the well-known hair salon it is today.

Marc Anthony is also known for his popular product line, available for purchase at his salons, as well as, at Shoppers Drug Mart and select retailers. They also have a new promotion called the Blow Dry Club, where you get 10 blow-outs for $250.

John Steinberg & Associates

John Steinberg & Associates, located in King West Village - one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods - was established in 1991. When you walk into this hair salon, one can expect a warm and comfortable atmosphere and a friendly reception. This team of hairstylists treats every patron like a friend. It’s all about making you feel right at home. For such a trendy salon, the prices are quite reasonable, and the end result well worth it.

En Vogue Salon & Spa

En Vogue Salon & Spa has made the Dufferin Mall it’s home for 20 years. For a good chunk of it’s time at the mall, this salon was formerly called Modern Touch. But when they changed locations, they gave it a new name - En Vogue. They have several locations in the GTA. Services include wash, style, cut, colour, and perms, as well as, spa services including facials, manicures, pedicures and massages.

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1336 Queen Street W., Toronto, Ont., M6K 1L4 416.588.1336 www.fringeinc.ca

1918 Avenue Rd., Toronto, Ont., M5M 4A1 416.789.1212 www.marcanthony.com

585 King Street W., Toronto, Ont., M5V 1M1 416.506.0268 johnsteinberghair.com

900 Dufferin Street (Inside the Dufferin Mall) Toronto, Ont., M5G 1P5 416.536.9112

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Precious Flowers N’ Things

Event Photo: SAM SANTOS / JC Pimentel Photography

Multicultural top choice awards 2009

Flowers Decorations Chair Covers Gift Baskets ToronTo

New! riChmonD

hiLL

823 LansDowne ave

70 easT Beaver Creek rD. UniT 28

416 537 3444

905 709 4299

T

RE P CH VI OICE M E W AG A EDZINE

Peter Anthony Salon

Right in the heart of Yorkville you’ll find Peter Anthony Salon. For over 35 years, Peter Anthony has been styling hair - a lifestyle he is absolutely passionate about. He takes the time to get to know his clients, befriending them, and ensures his clients are happy with the quality of his work before they walk out his front door. He has worked with many celebrities including the legendary actress Isabella Rossellini and Jason Priestley of Beverly Hills 90210 fame, to name a few.

1200 Bay Street, Suite 503 Toronto, Ont., M5R 2A5 416.922.9863

Best of Toronto’s Bakeries: If you’re looking for a delectable delight or a delicious piece of bread, look no further. Walk into any one of these bakeries and your tummy will be rumbling until you sink your teeth into something yummy.

Harbord Bakery

Albert Kosower started working at Harbord Bakery in 1929. When his owner became ill in 1945, he took over the business and made it his own. Since then, this bakery, one of the oldest Jewish bakeries in he city, has been a family run business. When you open the front door, the aroma of fresh Hallah (egg bread), crusty bagels, cheese buns, croissants and other pastries fill the air. They also carry mousse cakes, cheese cakes, tarts, a dairy case with a variety of cheeses, jams and preserves, and more.

115 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ont., M5S 1G7 416-922-5767

Tre Mari Bakery

Having just celebrated it’s 50th anniversary, Tre Mari Bakery was founded by Mary and Jim Deleo. This Italian bakery serves up its clients a variety of crusty breads, buns, and baguettes, as well as trays full of delicious Italian cookies and desserts. They also have a hot table with everything from pizza to lasagna and paninis, a cheese and deli counter, and they also do catering too.

1311 St. Clair Avenue W., Toronto, Ont., M6E 1C2 416.654.8960 www.tremaribakery.com

Leah’s Home Bakery

This quaint little bakery is owned by Leah Kalish, and has been on St. Clair Ave. West for just over a year.

This very modern and trendy looking bakery carries everything from pastries, brownies, cookies and more, all made from scratch. Leah makes her own potato chips too! This bakery also does catering and wholesale, as well as, wedding cakes. Her motto: “Life is short ... eat dessert first!”

621 St. Clair Avenue W., Toronto, Ont., M6C 1A7 416.785.4711

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Salmon Sashimi

Private rooms

A family restaurant

Spacious dining room

Located in Scarborough, Nikada Restaurant offers diners the authentic taste of Japan in a relaxed, modern setting. Nikada presents an impressive selection of sushi and sashimi and prides itself on mastering the art Robata. Robata is an ancient Japanese grilling technique which is unique and rarely used by Japanese restaurants in Canada. An elegant establishment with a Japanese-inspired ambiance, Nikada is also the ideal place to host an intimate gathering or a group celebration.

416-754-8838 1883 McNicoll Avenue Scarborough

RE P CH VI OICE M E W AG A EDZINE

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Best of Toronto’s Cafes:

Faema Café & Boutique

For more than 50 years, Faema Canada has introduced espresso machines and cappuccino makers to Canadians. Today, they have several retail locations in Ontario, as well as, three cafe’s - one in Vaughan Mills, Sherway Gardens and it’s head office at Christie and Dupont Streets. Their menu features a variety of traditional Italian pizzas, paninis, soups, pastas, desserts, gelato, espresso, cappuccinos and more. Faema Canada now introduces their new boutique at the head office location. Open to the public, it features home and retail espresso machines, accessories, parts and ingredients, plus a knowledgable staff. It’s a fabulous showroom fully equipped with a state of the art testing lab - so go ahead and become your own barista at home.

Manic Coffee

Manic Coffee is a very cool and hip indie coffee shop located at College St. and Bathurst St. With every seat in the house always occupied, Manic Coffee has been a well kept secret, until now. This coffee shop is part of direct coffee trade, meaning there’s no middleman, so they purchase their coffee directly from the farmer! They also have no wi-fi access, all to recreate a social atmosphere. It’s like Cheers, where everybody knows your name.

Sicilian Sidewalk Café

Found in Little Italy, Sicilian Sidewalk Café has been home to locals, immigrants and those passing through for over 52 years. Started by the Galipo brothers and known as Canada’s oldest gelateria, it’s somewhere you can reconnect with a friend over an espresso, dessert, breakfast, soup, sandwich or some traditional italian gelato. Life can get pretty complex, so come in and unwind and become a part of history.

Cherry Bomb Coffee

There’s nothing like a fresh out of the oven muffin, that’s why this neighbourhood coffee house serves up homemade goods daily. Open the front door and the vapors of rustic banana cake, hot chocolate croissants, muffins, scones, oatmeal cookies and more, surround you, taking over your senses. Owners John and Sarah Ruttan are also known for their flavourful blends of coffee. Cherry Bomb Coffee - it’s the bomb.

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672 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ont., M6G 1Z6 416.535.1555 www.faema.ca

426 College Street., Toronto, Ont., M5T 1T3 416.966.3888 www.maniccoffee.com

712 College Street Toronto, Ont., M6G 1C3 416.531.7755 www.sicilianicecream.com

79 Roncesvalles Avenue Toronto, Ont., M6R 2K6 416.516.8212 www.cherrybombcoffee.ca

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RE P CH VI OICE M E W AG A EDZINE

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Best of Vaughan’s Cafes: Whether you’re on a lunch break from work or going for a Sunday afternoon drive with your family, either one of these cafes will definitely satisfy your needs and tantalize your taste-buds.

Trattoria Café Novita

A blend of Portuguese and Italian customs, Trattoria Café Novita is a bakery catering to the tastes of its locals. In business for seven years, this family run operation offers a unique mix of pastries and cakes, bread and a hot table, featuring traditional Portuguese and Italian foods. With a historic European feel, Novita also has a great espresso bar, experienced bakers, and staff ready to serve its clients. It’s all about tradition, in every sense of the word.

The Big Cannoli

If pasties, cakes or cookies are on the menu, then The Big Cannoli should be on your list. Owner Val Cappelli and son Michael have joined forces to serve you fresh and delicious desserts. Starting with the finest natural ingredients, The Big Cannoli then combines years of training, experience and an innate talent to create delectable masterpieces of sweet perfection. With plenty of free parking, drop by for a friendly chat over an espresso or cappuccino - and perhaps a cannoli too.

Café Dolce Bombe

Little explosions in your mouth - that’s what these delicious pastries filed with Nutella will do to you.

Owners Mauro and Romina Sarracini want to give you an escape from the outside world while you enjoy a rich bombe. For five years, the two have been making these bombes, as well as, other pastries and cookies, for all who walk into their little café. They also cater to events like weddings and showers.

7611 Pine Valley Dr, Unit 4 Vaughan, Ont., L4L 0A2 905.265.7841

Son of a Chef

Have you ever had a gold cappuccino? If not, you don’t know what you’re missing. Imagine a beautiful cappuccino with a fluffy cloud of foam, sprinkled with a light dusting of cinnamon and flecks of gold. Son Of A Chef is a catering company based in Vaughan, that offers its customers exquisite on-site catering. At their main location (at 167 Applewood Cres.) they make a perfect espresso along side delicious traditional pastries like cupcakes and zeppole..

They specialize in fine artisan breads including stonebased ciabatta in a variety of flavours: Mediterranean breads stuffed with prosciutto and parmigiano, olive breads and more.

167 Applewood Cres.

Unit 3 Vaughan, Ont., L4K 4K7 416.688.1723 www.sonofachef.com

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9750 Weston Rd., Villa Royale Plaza Vaughan, Ont., L4H 2Z7 905.652.0972

28 Roytec Rd., Unit 11 Vaughan, Ont., L4L 8E4 905.850.6699 www.thebigcannoli.ca

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ROSS MARIN

Social Media Presents Unique Marketing Opportunities M A R K E T I N G T H RO U G H S O C I A L MEDIA platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs, can be quick and powerful. Social media presents unique marketing opportunities and methods of success. The importance of social media is growing and companies are struggling for ways to fit it in their marketing strategy.

Social media is what you make it.

What was once just a way for individuals to connect and share with one another, social media has developed into a promising business tool. It presents unique marketing opportunities and methods of success. It is a communications tool that can be used by almost every function within an organization to be more receptive, responsive and efficient. SMM programs usually center on efforts to create content that attracts attention and encourages readers to share it with their social networks. A corporate message spreads from user to user and presumably resonates because it is coming from a trusted source, as opposed to the brand or company itself. Word of mouth is more influential than any type of advertising and there is a lot a marketer can do to activate discussion about the company’s products. There are very specific practices to accomplish this and these results can be measured accurately.

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SMM includes writing content that is remarkable, unique, fresh, and newsworthy. This content attracts attention and encourages readers to share it with their social networks. In a perfect world a corporate message spreads from user to user and can go viral because it is coming from a trusted source, as opposed to the brand or company itself.

Social media expansion is important because it provides foundations for broader and faster mindshare, along with supporting your search engine marketing objectives. You will achieve social marketing success through the participation in various social media networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace), social bookmarking (Digg, Stumbleupon), social media sharing (Flickr, YouTube),

review sites (ePinions, Amazon) and blogs (WordPress, Blogger). It covers all activities around social interaction (content, videos, images and audio).

Social media tools can be useful for any size business or company to communicate with their target audience, brand themselves and create awareness.

Since the social web allows you to interact with others, create and promote content that can get links and viral attraction, you can, with the right strategy, reach key influencers using this medium.

To read more about social media marketing you can download a FREE copy of my eBook ‘Social Media Marketing - Do It The Right Way!’ by visiting www.marinmediagroup.com and click on the Marin Report.

ROSS MARIN President Marin Media Group Backed by more than 30 years of experience, Ross Marin is the President of Marin Media Group, a full-service marketing and advertising agency located in Toronto and Fantactics Sports & Entertainment Marketing, one of Canada’s most innovative, interactive, consumer-driven sports marketing agencies.

TEL 905.660.6655 EXT. 243 WWW.MARINMEDIAGROUP.COM • WWW.FANTACTICS.NET

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