WWW.WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG

A PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS PROGRAM

CANADA - U.S. SECURITY DEAL

GRAND OPENING CS WIND

JANUARYFEBRUARY 2012VOLUME 44 | no.1 - 2 | BUSINESS BRIEFS

CELEBRATING

135Y E A R SSPECIAL EDITION

Dr. Alan Wildeman, President and Vice Chancellor University of Windsor and Jennifer Jones, Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board

at the Chamber’s 135th Annual General Meeting.

CONTENTS

ECONOMICOUTLOOK

7

4A PRESTIGIOUSAWARDS PROGRAM

CS WIND GRANDOPENING

6UPCOMINGEVENTS

8-9NEW MEMBERS

STAYCONNECTED

10SPOTLIGHT ONOUR MEMBERS

11-12MEMBERS INTHE NEWS

FAREWELL JOHN THRASHER

IN THE COMMUNITY

2 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG

OUR MISSION“Leading the business community for creating regional economic prosperity.”

Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce2575 Ouellette Place, Windsor, Ontario N8X 1L9Tel: (519) 966-3696 Fax: (519) 966-0603Email: info@windsorchamber.orgWebsite: www.windsorchamber.org

WERCC | VOLUME 44 | NO.1 - 2 | JANUARY.FEBRUARY 2012

JOIN US ONLINE

Join the official WERCCFacebook page atfacebook.com/pages/Windsor-essex-regionaL-chamber-of-commerce/125412597496221

Follow the latest WERCCnews and updates attwitter.com/Wercofc

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, COMMENT ON OTHERS, PICTURES AND LINKS, GET IN ON THE DISCUSSION WITH OTHERWINDSOR-ESSEX REGIONAL CHAMBER FANS.

STAFFDon Marsh, Interim President dmarsh@windsorchamber.org ext. 22Lois Booth, Assistant to the President lbooth@windsorchamber.org ext. 29Director of Sales info@windsorchamber.org Igor Siljanoski, Policy Manager isiljanoski@windsorchamber.org ext. 28Marianne Burke, Event Manager mburke@windsorchamber.org ext. 21Crystal Van Aspert, Finance & Office Coordinator cvanaspert@windsorchamber.org ext. 27Lindsey Rivait, Communications Coordinator adsales@windsorchamber.org ext. 25Kerri Day, Membership Service Coordinator kday@windsorchamber.org ext. 30Barbara Malmberg, Event Coordinator bmalmberg@windsorchamber.org ext. 31Nahidah Malik, Reception reception@windsorchamber.org ext. 0

ADVERTISING SALES The WERCC may choose to generate email: adsales@windsorchamber.org revenue from many discount programs and services being provided.

WELCOMELETTER FROM THE STAFF

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Many exciting changes are happening here at the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce—refreshing changes for the staff and our members. We have a new design for our Business Briefs, now also available online, a fresh new advertising policy, and many new features putting members first that we will be rolling out over the year.

In November, the Chamber celebrated 135 years of being the voice of business in Windsor-Essex at our Annual General Meeting, featuring Dr. Alan Wildeman, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Windsor, who made a major announcement about the University purchasing the Windsor Star building downtown. We are so pleased that Dr. Wildeman, who had the option of making the announcement on campus, instead saw the value in the Chamber, our audience, and in the 135 year proven track record.

With revitalized networking events, sophisticated award ceremonies, and upcoming workshops for our members, this is an inspiring time to be a part of the WERCC.

The staff here at the WERCC is dedicated to serving the business community in Windsor-Essex and look forward to what’s in store for 2012. We hope you’re excited for it, too.

JENNIFERJONESCHAIR OF THE BOARD

DONMARSHINTERIM PRESIDENT

Ms. Jennifer JonesChair**PresidentMedia Street Productions

Mr. Jim DrummondPast Chair**Senior Environmental Specialist RetiredGolder Associates Ltd.

Dr. Bill AndersonDirectorChair TransportationPolicy CommitteeProfessor, Political ScienceUniversity of Windsor

Mr. Marty BeneteauDirectorPublisher and Editor-in-ChiefThe Windsor Star

Ms. Pamela BreaultDirectorChair MembershipServices CommitteeTechnical Marketing ManagerMTE Controls/Con-Syst-Int Group

Ms. Carolyn BrownDirector**Vice President, AdministrationDetroit-Windsor Tunnel LLC

Mr. Dean ClevettDirector**Manager - Technical Engineering Services CanadaBASF Canada

Mr. Paolo CollavinoDirectorPresidentPCR Contractors

Mr. Adam DavisDirectorPresidentNext Dimensions Inc.

Mr. Mark Egbedeyi-EmmanuelDirectorChair Environment &Energy CommitteeDistrict ManagerWindsor/ChathamUnion Gas Ltd, Windsor

Dr. Janice ForsythDirector**PresidentForesight ManagementConsulting

Mr. Jason IlijanicDirector ChairFinance & Taxation CommitteeRelationship ManagerTD Commercial BankingSouthwestern Ontario Region

Mr. Kevin LaforetDirectorPresident and CEOCaesars Windsor

Mr. Jeffrey MacKinnonDirectorPartnerMcTague Law Firm LLP

Mr. Matt MarchandDirectorChair GovernmentRelations CommitteeDirector of Government AffairsContinental Rail Gateway

Mr. Stephen MattisDirectorVice PresidentCommercial Banking RBCBusiness Banking Centre

Mr. Ed MilesChair-Elect**Tax PartnerMiles & Co. CharteredAccountants

Mr. Gordon MooreTreasurer**PresidentMoore Consulting Corp.

Mr. David MusyjDirectorPresident and CEOWindsor Regional Hospital

Ms. Ann-Marie AthavaleNon-VotingChair ATHENA CommitteeVP - Sales/MarketingEmpire Communications Inc.

Dr. Alfie MorganDirector EmeritusProfessor Emeritus of BusinessAdministration University of Windsor

** Denotes member ofExecutive Committee

WINDSOR-ESSEX REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE2011-2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WELCOME

BEYOND THE BORDERDEAL WITH THE U.S. BY JENNIFER JONES AND DON MARSH

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan that was released on Dec. 7 by the Governments of Canada and the United States. This highly practical document sets out a series of steps that can be taken within the next few years using currently available technology and within the existing laws of both countries.

While some might prefer to see a grander “border of the future” vision, we believe the practical approach of the Action Plan has a number of advantages. It calls for concrete milestones to be reached by specific deadlines – some of which are as early as 2012 and virtually all of which are no later than 2015.

More importantly, because the steps do not require a new treaty or even much in the way of new legislation, the plan should not be held up by the current political gridlock in the U.S. Focusing

on the things that can be done soon is the best way to kick-start the process of border reform that has been stalled for too long.

The committee of Canadian and U.S. officials that drew up the Action Plan has clearly been listening to the business community. A number of key impediments to doing business across the border are addressed. “Trusted trader” programs, by which firms that can demonstrate a high level of supply-chain security are rewarded with faster borderclearance, will be expanded and harmonized across thetwo governments.

For more information, and to read the full text from the Chamber’sop-ed piece, please visit www.windsorchamber.org

AWARD.GRAND OPENING

A PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS PROGRAMGO FOR HEALTH WINDSOR-ESSEX

4 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG

Investing in the health of employees is awin-win situation. Having a workplace wellness program is beneficial for employees and employers. Employees benefit from improved overall health, decreased stress, and reduced illness. Employers benefit from increased productivity, improved morale and decreased absenteeism, prescription costs, and turnover rates. Also, workplace wellness programs improve corporate image as creating a healthy workplace can increase respect and admiration for your company both externally and internally.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and Go For Health Windsor-Essex are pleased to continue to offer the Working Toward Wellness (WTW) Healthy Workplace Awards Program. The purpose of this program is to recognize local workplaces that provide comprehensive workplace wellness programming to their employees and their families. These workplaces are leading the way in addressing wellness topics such as tobacco use, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, and more, through integrated programming and policy strategies.

Comprehensive workplace wellness programs involve four main strategies.

All workplaces in Winsor-Essex County are eligible to apply for a prestigious WTW Healthy Workplace Award. There are a total of 11 award categories ranging from BronzeLevel 1 to Diamond. These categories are designed to encourage new workplaces to create workplace wellness programs and policies while allowing well established workplaces to expand and maintain their current programs and policy initiatives.

The application process is thorough, yet quite simple. Any workplace offering a workplace wellness program between August 1, 2011 and July 31, 2012 can apply for a 2012 Healthy Workplace Award. Obtain a copy of the 2012 WTW Healthy Workplace Award Kit at www.wechealthunit.org by clicking on the Workplace Award Kit button on the right hand side. The kit outlines the awards criteria and application process in detail.

For more information on how to develop and implement a wellness program in your workplace or to find out more about the WTW Healthy Workplace Awards process, contact the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit at (519) 258-2146 ext. 3100. Together we can make our workplaces, families, and community healthier, happier, and more successful.

Awareness building – Provide information about the benefits of making healthy choices.

Educational skill building – Help individuals to acquire the knowledge, skills,and confidence necessary to make healthylifestyle choices.

Environmental support – Create physical and social workplace environments that promote, support, strengthen, andenhance healthy behaviours.

Policy support development – Have policies in place that help solidify the commitment to and sustainability of the organizations’ wellness program and its components.

On Dec. 6, 2011, Korean-owned wind tower manufacturer CS Wind officially announced the beginning of operations at CS WindCanada in Windsor.

The elegant grand opening took place at CS Wind Canada’s plant at 9355 Anchor Dr., the former location of the Valiant Corporation headquarters. Many alterations and expansions

were made to the now 360,000 square foot building, which were showcased in anamazing stop motion film presentation.

Guest speakers were out in abundance and included Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty, MPP Windsor West Teresa Piruzza, and Mayor Eddie Francis.

This was McGuinty’s third visit to CS Wind and he’s elated that the company is investing inOntario. “Seizing new opportunities is what our Clean Energy Plan, and what this company, is all about.”

Mayor Eddie Francis also congratulated the company, grateful about their presence in Windsor and what it means to our local economy. He promised that “Our workforce will not let you down. Our people will not let you down.”

Currently, CS Wind Canada boasts 100 employees with plans to hire an additional 200. CS Wind President Sung Sup Kim said that CS Wind will continue to challenge itself, strive for the best, and provide value to all of its customers as they also aim to become an employer of choice in Windsor. CS Wind is a strong global corporation and expects toproduce 300 wind towers annually in their Windsor plant.

The crowd was also treated to a presentation of traditional and modernized Korean dance performances, demonstrating that CS Wind is just as thankful to be in Windsor as the city is to have them.

For more information about CS Wind Canadavisit www.cswindcorp.com

CS WIND GRAND OPENING

UPCOMING EVENTS

WAKEUP WINDSOR ESSEXTUESDAY, JAN 24, 2012

LOCATIONGRILL 551855 HURON CHURCH RD.TIME7:30 AM

WAKE UP TO A FULL BREAKFAST-THEN AN ExPRESS NETWORK-ING EVENT! 90 SECONDS TO PITCH YOUR ORGANIzATION TO A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE. GET NOTICED, GET LEADS!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG OR CONTACT KERRI DAY AT (519) 966-3696 ExT. 30.

PRICEMEMBERS $15 EACH NON-MEMBERS $20 EACH

JOHNSON INSURANCEAFTER BUSINESSTHURSDAY, FEB 2, 2012

LOCATIONTHE CITY GRILL375 OUELLETTE AVE.TIME5:00PM - 7:00PM

PRICEGENERAL ADMISSION $20 MEMBERS $10 ($15 AT THE DOOR)

COMPLIMENTARY APPETIzERS AND DOOR PRIzES

ESSEx COUNTY’S ORIGINAL PREMIER NETWORKING EVENING.

EVENTS

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WARDEN’SLUNCHEONTHURSDAY, MAR 29, 2012

LOCATIONCOLUMBUS CLUB OF BELLE RIVER1303 COUNTY RD. 22SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER WARDEN TOM BAINTIME11:30AM - 1:30PM

PRICEMEMBERS $35GENERAL ADMISSION $45

9th ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY AT ST. CLAIR CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

SPONSORED BY:

135th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AT CABOTO CLUB

FEATURING GUEST SPEAKER DR. ALAN WILDEMAN, PRESIDENT AND VICE CHANCELLOR UWINDSOR

JINGLE BELL BASH AFTER BUSINESS AT THE RYEGATE

CHAMBER EVENTS

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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2012 BY IGOR SILJANOSKI

In December 2011 the Chamber interviewed leaders in key economic sectors that are likely to have significant impact on our region’s economy in 2012.

The Chair of the Chamber’s Finance & Taxation Committee Jason Ilijanic,TD Commercial Banking Manager, stated his forecast, “Relative to the rebound in the economy over the past year, stable to modest growth is expected over the short term, essentially keeping in line with expected performance of the broader economy.

Interest rates are expected to remain at current lows throughout 2012, which is positive for borrowers alike and unappealing for investors who are searching for higher yields. Improved conditions are expected in the latter part of 2012 into 2013.

The Canadian financial/banking system is strong, capital is present and competition has regained its footing over the past year or so, which bodes well for consumers and businesses.

Many of our traditional local sectors have regained their footing since 2009/10 therefore showing improvement in several of our local economic indicators such as employment and housing.

Our industrial/manufacturing base has rebounded reasonably well since that time in line with GDP growth and recovering automotive sales. The pace of growth in this sector could see some softening as pent up demand dissipates. It is positive to see other sectors experiencing growth; some of these include agriculture and related businesses, construction, transportation, and services.

The greatest challenge remains consumer and business confidence and general economic conditions such as employment and spending.”

The forecast for labour force in the Windsor-Essex region is positive, said

Donna Marentette, Executive Director, Workforce Windsor-Essex.

Talking about the challenges, she stated that “we may experience labour shortages for certain skilled trades and the Tool Mold and Die Machining field. Another issue is the need to attract young people in apprenticeship. New jobs will come from the agribusiness and possibly the winery sector as growth in the sector continues”.

The manufacturing sector is expected to do well in the light of a healthy 2011 for the Detroit-based automotive companies. Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada shared that optimism while speaking about the successes and the year ahead for his company.

“The company has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, but commitment to delivering best-in-classproducts has never been stronger” according to Bigland.

“Two-thousand-eleven has been a historic year for Chrysler Group LLC as we put our finances back in good order and regained our independence,” stated Bigland.

“Chrysler Canada has played a big role in helping achieve this turnaround, manufacturing some of the company’s most significant products and achieving a solid growth of sales and market share.” Another bright spot for the region’s economy in 2012 is the construction sector where economic outlook remains very positive. The Windsor Essex Parkway project will take millions of labour hours to complete says Jim Lyons, Executive Director of the Windsor Construction Association.

According to Lyons there is a significant investment made in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional sector. Many of the approximately $300 million in construction projects will start in 2012.

The outlook for the recently opened CS Wind and the wind energy sector is also

positive. Patrick Persichilli, Director of CS Wind shared his optimism for the sector and is expecting moderate economic growth for all sectors in the region. CS Wind, a manufacturer of wind energy towers is looking at a very good year with increasing demand from customers.

One of the export sectors experiencing significant expansion is the greenhouse industry. It plans on adding 300 acres of greenhouse space worth between $150-$300 million, creating 300-400 jobs.

Cole Cacciavillani, owner of the CF Group of Greenhouses sees the expansion in this sector as an opportunity for additional economic growth as there are significant multipliers associated with the greenhouse operations.

In the higher education sector, the University of Windsor has joined St. Clair College in plans to transform downtown Windsor into a vibrant intellectual community with student campuses planned for multiple locations.

University of Windsor President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Wildeman in a speech to the Chamber outlined a program that will see a continued transformation of the physical appearance of the University campus and its expansion downtown, including the completion of the Engineering building, investment in the Armories, and the purchase of the Windsor Star property.

The optimism coming from these key economic sectors is shared by the wider business community. Dr. Gerry Kerr, Associate Professor (Strategy & Entrepreneurship) at the University of Windsor is leading a study measuring business confidence in the Windsor-Essex region. His latest report stated that “tentative optimism expressed in the prior year continues to be prevalent, with expectations about the local economy remaining overwhelmingly buoyant”.

7 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG

MEET YOUR NEW MEMBERSOCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2011

advanced commercial dishmachine service inc.Restaurant Equipment Repairs (Main)Marcel DiFrancoPresident201 Shepherd Street EastWindsor, ON N8X 2K6Phone: (519) 564-5535Fax:(519) 258-3865marcel@dishwasherservice.cahttp://www.dishwasherservice.ca

CS LogisticsLogistics (Main), Transportation Services, WarehousingJohn BakerLogistics Partner255 Ellis Street EastWindsor, ON N8X 5E5Phone: (519) 253-8664Fax:(519) 253-7927jbaker@cslogistics.nethttp://www.cslogistics.net

double aa roofing inc.Roofing Contractors (Main)Timothy EansorPresident2177 County Rd 42Belle River, ON N0R 1A0Phone: (519) 728-4545Fax:(519) 728-9931info@finalroof.comhttp://www.finalroof.com

essex energy corporationEnergy - Renewable (Main)Alicia SparkesMarketing Coordinator2199 Blackacre Dr. Suite 2Oldcastle, ON N0R 1L0Phone: (519) 946-2000Fax:1 (866) 291-5317info@essexenergy.cahttp://www.essexenergy.ca

grill 55Restaurants (Main)Steve MeehanFood & Beverage Director1855 Huron ChurchWindsor, ON N9C 2L6Phone: (519) 967-9908steven.meehan@sodexo.comhttp://www.grill55.ca

L’atelier du chocolatCandy & Confectionery (Main)Dabora CharronChocolatier737 Ouellette AveSuite 12Windsor, ON N9A 6T2Phone: (519) 551-7683debora@lduchocolat.comhttp://www.lduchocolat.com

Les maison home contractorsHome Inspection Service (Main), Architectural Design ServicesPaul PetersonPresident1399 Pascal AveBelle River, ON N0R 1A0Phone: (519) 727-3670paul.peterson@cogeco.cahttp://www.lesmaison.ca

Liuna Local 625Labour Union (Main)Robert PetroniBusiness Manager2155 Fasan driveRR#1Oldcastle, ON N0R 1L0Phone: (519) 737-0373Fax:(519) 737-0380rpetroni@liunalocal625.org

Load Trail Trailer sales and service LTdTrailers - Sales & Service (Main)John BartschGeneral Manager1548 County Road 34Ruthven, ON N0P 2G0Phone: (519) 324-0953Fax:(519) 324-0835sales@loadtrail.cahttp://www.loadtrail.com

martin’s coiffeur & spaBeauty Salons (Main), Day SpaMartin MustaphaOwner & Operator103 - 75 Riverside Drive EastWindsor, ON N9A 7C4Phone: (519) 973-5558martinc@on.aibn.comhttp://www.martinscoiffeur.com

marz mediaAudio / Video (Main)Adam MarzOwnerPhone: (519) 564-1932info@marzmedia.cahttp://www.marzmedia.ca

nancy Johns gallery & framingArt & Framing (Main)Nancy Johns4755 Wyandotte Street EastWindsor, ON N8Y 1H8Phone: (519) 945-2222Fax:(519) 945-2222nancyjohnsgalleryframing@bellnet.comhttp://www.nancyjohns.com

nneka’s essentials internationalMarketing (Main)Maxine EbegbuzieBusiness Owner815 University WestSuite 101Windsor, ON N9A 5S1Phone: (519) 562-7530nnekasessentials@gmail.comhttp://www.nnekas.com

one groupMarketing & Advertising Services (Main)Jeff RobillardPresident1880 Assumption Street EastWindsor, ON N8Y 1C4Phone: (519) 915-7603jeff@onegroup.cahttp://www.onegroup.ca

poly-mor canada inc.Concrete Repairs & Restoration (Main)Bill WiensClient Services21419 Campbell RdRR #1Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0Phone: (519) 325-1358Fax:(519) 325-1359billw@poly-mor.cahttp://www.poly-mor.ca

romas pizzeria & LoungeRestaurants (Main)Tyler StevensOwner221 Front RoadLaSalle, ON N9J 1Z6Phone: (519) 978-9800tyler@cfoonthego.cahttp://www.romaspizza.ca

siefker performance machine inc.Automotive (Main)Andy SiefkerPresident35 Victoria AvenueEssex, ON N8M 1M4Phone: (519) 776-6761Fax:(519) 776-4500andy@siefker.com

southwestern manufacturing inc.Machining & Fabricating (Main)Vince SchillerPresident3710 Peter StreetWindsor, ON N9C 1J9Phone: (519) 985-6161Fax:(519) 985-6744char@southwesternmanufacturing.comhttp://www.southwesternmanufacturing.com

Tener Technologies, LLcComputer System Services (Main)Brian TenerowiczPresident701 Woodward HeightsSuite. 124Ferndale, MI 48220-1430Phone: (248) 593-5540http://www.tenertech.com

Trike my bike, daymak Windsor electric Motorcycles WindsorMotorcycles & Motor Scooters (Main)Lenn CurtisDirector/ManagerPhone: (519) 919-5535trikemybike@gmail.com

Trinity consulting group incConsultants (Main)Eileen BenePresident245 Jolly AvenueWindsor, ON N9J 3T1Phone: (519) 734-8354Fax:(519) 734-6341eileenbene@hotmail.com

DO YOU HAVEQUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR MEMBERSHIP?

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUTTHE CHAMBER’S AFFINITYPROGRAMS AND OTHERMEMBER BENEFITS?

KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CHAMBER?

CONTACT KERRI DAYMEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

kday@windsorchamber.orgor 519.966.3696 Ext. 30

8 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG

NEW MEMBERS

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIPAUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2011

422872 Ontario IncAbsolute Tool Technologies Inc.Accu-Staff Resource SystemsAccurate Manufacturing(Windsor) Ltd.Advanced Basement SystemsAdvantage EngineeringAerotekAIDS Committee of WindsorAMEC Environment andInfrastructureAmherst Quarries (1969) Ltd.AON Reed Stenhouse Inc.Architecttura Inc. ArchitectsAren’t We NaughtyArmando’sAt Ease Men’s ApparelAurora Steam Carpet &Upholstery CleaningAvenue EastBayshore Therapy & Rehab -WindsorBDO Dunwoody LLP Chartered Accountants and ConsultantsBig Brothers Big Sisters ofWindsor EssexBoodles of BasketsBrentwood Recovery HomeBrown & AssociatesFinancial ServicesBruce Philp FloristCAA Travel (South Central Ontario)Canadian DieselCanadian Tire - David Morrison Enterprises Ltd.CapsCanada CorporationCarrier Truck CentersCEA Audio & VideoCentennial WindowsCleardeck Systems LtdClinical Orthotic Consultants of Windsor IncCMA OntarioColio Estate Wines Inc.Colonial Tool Group Inc.Continental Rail GatewayCoral Medical Health SpaCoxon’s Service LimitedCramdon’s Tap & EateryCrawford & Company (Canada) IncCygnus - Cellulite & Skin Rejuvenation Clinic Inc.D J GalvanizingDainty FoodsDale Carnegie TrainingDevMark Consulting Inc.

Dr Anthony Lemmo - ChiropractorDr Disc RecordsDr. Snjezana Ljeti Dental OfficeEastside Dental OfficeEdward Jones InvestmentsEvola BuildersEzee WheelzFactory Auto Sound LtdFallon Innovation Inc.Famous Players SilverCity WindsorFirst Solar Development (Canada) IncFloor Coverings InternationalFlow Furniture BoutiqueFluid BasicsForesight Management ConsultingG & K Services Canada Inc.G S Engineering Consultants IncGENIVAR IncGolder Associates Ltd.Grand River Printing, Inc.Graphix PlusGreat Lakes Window and DoorsGreat Lakes Safety Products Inc.Great Lakes Technical TrainingGround Effects Ltd.Guardian Alarm Company of Canada LimitedH & R Block NationalHamptons Stone & Flooring Company IncH.I.A. Harmony In Action WindsorWindsor Essex County Health UnitHealthy ConnectionsHi Neighbor Floor Covering Company LimitedHoliday Inn & SuitesAmbassador BridgeHorseshoe Battery & Electric Service LtdHotham Building Materials Inc.IGB Automotive Ltd.Impact Staffing Inc.Innopure The Drinking Water CorporationIon Cernat (Owner/OperatorTruckingIron Mountain Records and Information ManagementJoan Bachmeier ConsultationsJP Thomson Architects LtdKar Buffs IncKinetic KonnectionKingsville Golf and Country Club LimitedL K Distributing Inc.La Guardia Restaurant

Landscape Effects GroupLaumar Computers Inc.Leadership Windsor/EssexLindham Industries LimitedLowesM.T.E. Controls CorporationMain Flame Industrial ServicesMainstream MarketingMC Business Solutions - WindsorMerwin & AssociatesMiles & Co Chartered AccountantsMinuteman PressMoe Mailloux FinancialServices Inc.Morton Industrial Sales & Service Ltd.Motion SpecialtiesNaples Pizza LimitedNedco, A Rexel DivisionNew Millenium TireOnfreight LogisticsOnsort Material Management Inc.Ontario GreenhouseVegetable GrowersOntario Spring & AlignmentOverseas MotorsParoian Skipper LawyersPaul Davis Systems of WindsorPaws for Love IncPC OutfittersPenalty Box Too Inc.Popp Parete Russo LLP Chartered AccountantsPreferred Restorations Windsor Ltd.Pupatello & Sons Ltd.General ContractorsR Lucente Engineering IncRe/Max Capital Inc, BrokerageRe/Max Preferred Realty Ltd. BrokerageRemo Valente Real Estate(1990) LimitedRGR Pharma LtdRioCan Management IncRo-Matt International Inc.Roma TileRomar Stone Carving IncRoyal LePage Binder Real EstateRT Precision MeasurementSafe Power Truck ServicesSauve AutomotiveSchulich School of Medicine &DentistrySelectcorSentient Controls andEngineering Inc.

Shibley Righton LLPSpartan Sling Manufacturing, Inc.Stantec Consulting Ltd.Store-N-Save LPStreetSeen MediaStroneSutherland Global Services Ltd.Sylvan Learning CentreT & J Tire & Auto Centre IncTailored Foam SolutionsTaubman Shopping CentersComstar Mobility Inc.Tessonics Inc.Toldo Corporation ServicesTorino’s RestaurantTown and Country Animal ClinicThe Trophy BoysUnited Communities CreditUnion LimitedVans L.T.L. Courier Ltd.Varco Industrial Sales Ltd.Vets CabVito Masonry Ltd.Vollmer IncVolpatti Construction Inc.VR Windsor IncWalk In Law FirmWalmart – Tecumseh Road EastWalmart – Dougall AvenueWayne White’s Fresh Meat and DeliWestern Equipment LimitedWholesale ServiceWindsor Asset Management GP Ltd.Windsor Body & Fender Ltd.Windsor CARSTAR CollisionWindsor CrossingWindsor Essex Brokerage for Personal SupportsWindsor Essex CommunityHealth CentreWindsor Homes Coalition Inc.Windsor Laser Eye InstituteWired SolutionsWPCI - Bell MobilityWright Health CentreWindsor Essex County Family YMCAZehrs Food Plus (#0573)

CONNECTED

9 | WINDSORCHAMBER.ORG

Double AA Roofing provides custom metal roofing installations for residential and commercial use. The company’s trained technicians install the unique 4-way interlocking permanent slate or cedar shake metal shingles, whose clean contemporary look and coordinating colour add beauty and function to your home.

New this year for Double AA Roofing is their location at 2177 County Rd. 42 in Belle River, giving the company more space and central access to their customers across Southwestern Ontario.

The company is in the process of building a new showroom and visitor area, allowing customers to come in and see their products and facilities first hand. Customer service is number one for the staff at Double AA Roofing, who pride themselves on fostering positive client relationships and experiences. “We take people on personalised tours to show them roofs we’ve done. There’s no charge for that. It’s all about the customer experience,” explained Eansor.

Double AA Roofing is holding a No Tax event until March 31, 2012 on metal roofing, raising awareness that they are able to install roofing during the winter months. Year-round, Double AA Roofing offers free quotations, no obligation assessments and low pressure sales.

Double AA Roofing will celebrate their Grand Opening this spring, featuring prizes, coupons, and more. The company will also be following up soon on their “Roof of a Lifetime Contest”, providing a roof to their nominated winner. For more details concerning this event, visit www.finalroof.com.

Graphix Plus Screen Printing & Embroidery, located at 1501 Howard Ave., unit 104, provides not only screen printing and embroidery services, they also cover everything from sublimation printing and vinyl graphics to mugs, calendars, and more.

Additionally, Graphix Plus also provides clients with a total Brand Identity Package including business cards, letterhead, envelopes, and presentation folders. Graphix Plus boasts over 700,000 promotional and apparel ideas for their clients to choose from, including T-Shirts, drinkware, hats, office supplies, bags, pens, and so much more.

The screenprinting and embroidery company doesn’t stop there, either, providing web development services, web hosting, custom applications, and content management systems among other offerings.

Customer satisfaction is important to Graphix Plus, who offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and quickly address any and all customer concerns. Even after the job is completed and the product is delivered, Graphix Plus continues their commitment of superior service and satisfaction.

For more information call (519) 254-1009 or visit them online atwww.graphixplus.com.

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERSNEW MEMBER | DOUBLE AA ROOFING INC.TIMOTHY J. EANSOR | PRESIDENT

RENEWING MEMBER | GRAPHIX PLUSMARIO PARISI | PRESIDENT

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SPOTLIGHT

BIZ X Publisher Deborah Jones presents the award for “Most Successful International Biz Pro” to Mario Collavino of the Collavino Group. Photo by Joe Lemire.

BIZ X has been honouring the leading businesses of Windsor and Essex County since 1998 with its traditional business awards. With votes from readers via the magazine’s website poll and a panel of judges determining the winners, the

awards recognize the cream of the crop—businesses and individuals which are believed to be outstanding in their respective categories. Since inception, Biz X has handed out more than 525 awards to area companies. For more information, including a full list of winners, visit www.bizxmagazine.com.

The Winner of the 2011 Conservation Farm Award was announced at the ESSEX SOIL & CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (ESCIA) Annual Meeting on Dec. 1, 2011. The award is presented each year to the farming operation which best display conservation minded farming practices from those nominated. The farms are graded on tillage practices, crop rotation, chemical use and storage, knowledge of fertility programs, Best Management Practices and overall farm maintenance. The winner is determined by a committee of Directors from the ESCIA. This year the winner of the Conservation Farm Award is Karl Neudorf of Essex. The Essex Conservation Farm Award is sponsored annually by the Essex Soil and Crop Improvement Association, the Essex Conservation Club and the Essex Region Conservation Authority. Nominations for the 2012 Conservation Farm Award are being accepted from now until Sept. 8, 2012. For more information on how to nominate an individual contact Michael Dick at (519) 776-5209 ext. 369.

THE ONE STOP SUNSHINE PROPERTY SHOP is a new company owned and operated by Darrin Lewis and Kim Spirou. Purchasing property in the U.S. is very different from purchasing it here at home. The One Stop Sunshine Property Shop is a Canadian company that can help potential buyers navigate the challenges of making a foreign real estate purchase south of the border. With over 20 years of retail and wholesale experience in the U.S. and Canada with major institutions such as J.P. Morgan Chase and the Royal Bank of Canada, Lewis says The One Stop Sunshine Property Shop is your one stop shop to facilitate a comfortable and hassle-free experience. For further information contact Kim Spirou, Vice-President of Marketing at (519) 551-3747 or Darrin Lewis at (519) 562-5510.

MEMBERS | FIRMSIN THE NEWS

FAREWELL FROM JOHN THRASHER

MEMBERS NEWS

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By the time you receive this newsletterI will have been in my new position with PBL Insurance for just over a month. When you are part of an organization for over 20 years, there are an overwhelming number of goodbye and thank you notes you want to send out so I thought it would be easier if I can reach some of you this way.

This Chamber is positioned in the topfive in the Province, offers more value for dollar than most business organizations in the country and is financially sound. If it offered an IPO, I would be the first to jump on board.

The Staff at the Chamber are incredible. During the last decade, we have faced more struggle and economic challenges than almost any other community in the nation but we refused to make this our crutch. Instead we stepped up to the plate and hit many home runs.

To all the members, you are the heart and soul of this organization. Without you, there is no purpose, there is no mission, there is no Chamber of Commerce. We have been punched and kicked as a community in so many ways but in some incredible way, we refuse to go down and this chamber plays such an important role in keeping that drive alive.

In closing, the only thing I ask is that as a business community we continue to work toward unison. Entrepreneurial spirit tends to drive individualism and that is good to a point. On the other hand, if things are not working out and you have tried everything on your own, the greatest compliment you can pay to your fellow member, even if they are your competition, is a simple phone call asking “I was wondering if I could borrow some advice.” My career and life with the Chamber has taken me on a great journey, one that I will never forget, God Bless you all in the New Year!

The 7th Annual Military Studies Conference co-sponsored by the University of Windsor Humanities Research Group in partnership with

the Wilfrid Laurier University Centre for Military, Strategic and Disarmament Studies, the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces in Windsor, takes place from Feb. 3-4, 2012 at the Maj. F.A. Tilston VC Armory, 4007 Sandwich St., Windsor. Intended for a general audience comprised of adults/young adults, this conference is a community-centered educational initiative that will explore the military history of Canada and our area. Conference cost (which includes lunch) is $20 for adults and $10 for students (with proper I.D). Topre-register, call (519) 253-3000 ext. 3508. Registration at the door is also available. For additional updates, visit www.uwindsor.ca/hrg.

The Canada Revenue Agency is holding a SR&ED information session in Windsor on Feb. 8 at the Windsor Tax Services Office (Main Floor

Ontario Boardroom, 185 Ouellette Ave.) with a 9:30 a.m.

registration followed by the seminar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no charge to attend but registration is required. To register visit www.cra-arc .gc.ca/txcrdt/sred-rsde/cntcts/ tshm-eng.html?=eml20111118.

The Government of Canada has developed the Digital

Technology Adoption Pilot Program (DTAPP) to help SMEs adopt digital technologies into their operations to improve productivity. The pilot consists of providing advisory services and financial assistance, deriving lessons learnt and best practices and raising awareness of the benefits and importance of adopting digital technologies. The pilot ends on March 31, 2014. The DTAPP team will work with your firm throughout the digital technology adoption process, providing direct advisory services, funding (up to $100,000), and linkages to other expertise with the aim of improving the success of adopting a digital technology and consequently increasing the productivity of your firm. For more information contact Vladimir Franjo, P.Eng., Industrial Technology Advisor, National Research Council Canada, Industrial Research Assistance Program at (519) 971-2015.

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COMMUNITY

IN THE COMMUNITY

The recent W.E. CARE FOR KIDS wrap up event marked the end of the fundraising year for the Windsor Essex Care for Kids Foundation.

At the annual luncheon, Board members of United Communities Credit Union proudly presented a cheque for $30,000 to the children’s health care cause. The W.E. Care for Kids Campaign began as a local fundraising initiative in support of the three local hospitals in Windsor and Essex County. Recently, the foundation has committed to raising $1 million to help rebuild the Family Learning

Place operated by Windsor Regional Children’s Centre, which offers an intensive treatment program for children with significant emotional and behavioural needs. Their mental health problems are at such a crisis state that it necessitates being temporarily removed from their community, school and/or their home. Visit www.wecareforkids.org or www.myunited.ca to learn more.

MEMBERS | FIRMS IN THE NEWS continued

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