Crystal Drop Gala, Feb. 2, 2013 For Rotary LaSalle-Centennial

The Rotary Club of LaSalle-Centennial plans to have an exciting event, the 6th Annual Crystal Drop Gala on Saturday, Feb.2, 2013 starting at 6:30 p.m. at ESSEX GOLF & COUNTRY Club on Matchette Road.

Tickets are $80 each or $800 for a table of ten.

The cuisine, as always at this annual event, will be an intoxicating blend of delicious East Indian and North American entrees and desserts. Award winning Chef Rajeev Patgaonkar has partnered with Essex Chef John Kakucka to create a memorable menu. And as always, the entertainment for the evening will be an elegant combination of exquisite dances and contemporary music.

There will be a terrific array of items to bid on at the silent auction tables as also a few select theme package items available at the humorously-presented live auction.

The funds raised by the Club at this event will go towards supporting the many local and international projects the Club undertakes each year in the areas of Literacy, Clean Water provision and Polio Eradication.

You are invited to Come, Enjoy and Participate in these noteworthy humanitarian ventures.

Contact the undersigned for tickets...
Roger S Mann                    Dr. Nick Krayacich             Shalin Khosla

 

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Winterfest, downtown Windsor, Dec. 15, 2012! Don't Miss It!

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Craft Show @WFCU Centre Dec. 1 & 2, 2012

Christmas Craft Show @ WFCU Centre (Community Centre Complex)

Dec 1st 10 am to 6 pm & Dec 2nd 10 am to 4 pm

Admission is free, but a donation made to "Street Help of Windsor" is greatly appreciated.

First 200 people get a goody bag filled with coupons, discounts, samples, and other treats.

Over 60 vendors!!  Come out & support your local crafters & charities!

If you have any questions please call Chelsey, 519-984-7494.

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Face To Face Show With Biz X's Deborah Jones, Nov. 14 to 28, 2012

Check out Biz X Publisher Deborah Jones on TVCogeco's Face to Face show with John Fairley, premiering Wednesday Nov 14^th at 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm! If you miss it then don't worry, it will be running for two weeks straight. John asked Deborah to be on his show in honour of Biz X's 15 years of publishing and 150th issue (Nov/Dec 2012).

Face to Face with John Fairley is broadcast in over 110,000 households in Windsor and Essex County on TVCogeco, Channel 11 and HD 700.  

The air times are:  

Wed Nov 14 – 6:30pm and 10:30pm

Saturday Nov 17 - 12noon & 6pm

Sunday Nov 18  - 12noon & 6pm

Tuesday Nov 20 -  7:30pm and 1am

Wed Nov 21  - 6:30pm  and 10:30pm

Saturday Nov 24  -  12noon & 6pm
Sunday Nov 25  - 12noon & 6pm
Tuesday Nov 27  - 7:30pm and 1am
Wednesday Nov 28  - 6:30pm and 10:30pm


Tune in to learn a little bit of the history on how the magazine began and why it is still going strong today!


by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Show Your Stripes Charity Dinner, Nov. 10, 2012 @ Pointe West.

The second annual Show Your Stripes Charity Dinner supporting carcinoid neuroendocrine cancer research is being held on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Pointe West Golf Club. 

 

The evening includes dinner and coffee tasting, a silent auction and raffles.  Proceeds will benefit the Carcinoid NeuroEndocrine Tumour Society of Canada and help promote awareness and research studies for this rare, but devastating cancer. 

Tickets are $45. For tickets and information, please contact wenets@gmail.com.

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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The 19th Annual 5k Family Fun Run, Walk, or Wheel on Oct. 27, 2012

Family Respite Services invites the public to come out and walk, run, or wheel 5km along the Riverside Trail at Riverside Drive and Huron Church, on Saturday, Oct. 27^th, 2012.

This event, sponsored by the University of Windsor Student Law Society, was formerly known as the Ambulance Chaser Run. All proceeds will go directly to families caring for children with disabilities in our community.

Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favourite childhood character. There will prizes for fastest times, best costume, and more. There will also be a 100m dash for the kids and a 100m silly dash for those grown-ups who are kids at heart!

 

For more information contact Family Respite Services at 519-972-9688 x156 or info@familyrespite.org           Register with $15 or $50 in pledges

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Motor City Community Credit Union BBQ: Oct. 18, 2012

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Win Free Groceries For A YearVote Until Oct. 31!

Take 1 minute of in your busy day to take the time to enter to WIN FREE GROCERIES for 1 YEAR! While doing so please say you are "Supporting Team Windsor Crossing".

 

Windsor Crossing is competing with 15 other properties (and are currently in second place) for a chance to WIN a $10,000 Grant for the Windsor Essex County Food Bank Association. 

It is only 5 quick questions (Name, Email, Phone #, City, Which team do you support), please click on the link http://farefightforfood.ca/contest-2/ to be directed right to the contest page.

Please tell all you know!
Good Luck in Winning the Groceries for 1 year!


by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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In Honour BBQ November 8, 2012

In Honour of the Ones We Love, Inc.

Benefit BBQ STEAK DINNER
Thursday November 8, 2012
 Dinner at 6pm
 Riverside Sportsmen Club
 10835 Riverside Drive East

Only

$20 per adult

$10 per child

Contact Kathy for tickets

519-946-0189

Menu: NY Strip, Baked Potato, Salad
Rolls & Butter
Coffee /Tea /Dessert

Cash Bar

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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"Wheels On Wyandotte Car & Motorcycle Show" Sept. 15, 2012

Attention all car lovers, check out the 2nd annual "Wheels on Wyandotte Car & Motorcycle Show" on Saturday, September 15, 2012 in the 5400 to 5900 Wyandotte Street East block. Road will be closed for duration of show.

 

Car Registration commences at 10 a.m. and the show begins at 1 p.m. til 4:30 p.m. It is hosted by the Olde Riverside Town Centre.

The theme is the 70s. The show this year will see the introduction of Motorcycles. There will be a cake decorating contest and those interested can contact Michelle Teno-Wachter at 519 973-5438 and a pet contest and the contact for this event is Bridget Scheuerman 519 962-6550. 

 There will be a raffle with prizes of 50" TV, I pad and Detroit Tiger Tickets. Tickets are available  at stores within Olde Riverside and the day of the event. All proceeds from the event will go to the Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario.

 

For more information, please contact Bridget Scheuerman at 519 962-6550 or bscheuerman@cogeco.ca


by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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On Yer Bike! Tour di Via Italia Races Sept. 2, 2012

After a one-year hiatus due to construction, registration for the 53rd season of the Tour di Via Italia is officially open. The races are scheduled for Sunday, September 2, 2012.

While the regular course will be used a great addition to it, a round-about at the corner of Parent Ave. and Erie St. will add some stunning visuals and great racing.

The Tour di Via Italia will start and finish in the heart of Windsor’s Little Italy. After a beautification project to the neighbourhood, a new addition to the course has been added.  A roundabout is now located at the corner of Erie Street East and Parent Avenue!

“We're very excited to be continuing this Labour Day tradition,” says organizing committee member, Aldo Sfalcin.  “The beautification of Via Italia will definitely provide the perfect backdrop with great viewing locations for fans.”

There will be races for children and competitive races in a variety of categories, all leading up to the late afternoon Pro Men’s Race which highlights world class cyclists from Canada, the United States and abroad. Reigning champion, Chris Uberti of Indiana, will be returning to defend his title.

With the event having a total prize purse worth thousands of dollars, teams from Belgium, US Postal, Steve Bauer, Frankie Andreu, Robbie Ventura, and many other stars have won or competed in the race.

The annual race has drawn thousands of spectators to Windsor’s Little Italy giving local businesses located along the route an economic boost.

“It’s an important part of the culture and history of our city and provides a welcome surge in activity for restaurants and businesses located along Erie Street,” explains Adriano Ciotoli, an avid supporter of cycling in the region and co-creator of the award winning Wine Trail Ride Cycling Tours.  “We can see upwards to 10,000 people converge onto the street for the races.  It provides a great opportunity for families to come out, enjoy the races, have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants or cafes and be a part of an event that has become entrenched in our local culture.”

The closed circuit course is completely flat with four corners and a lap distance of approximately 2 km with the start/finish line located on Erie St. E. between Marentette Ave. and Elsmere Ave.

The first race was held on November 2, 1958.

For additional information about the Tour di Via Italia as well as registration visit tourdiviaitalia.com



by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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See Donna Messer, "The Queen Of Networking" August 21, 2012

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Can You Organize A Holiday Parade? The DWBIA Needs You!

Downtown Windsor BIA seeks parade organizers

The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) has announced that it will be issuing a Request for Proposals to identify qualified entities who could organize a 2012 Holiday Parade in Downtown Windsor.

Applicants will be able to download the RFP from the Downtown Windsor BIA's website at www.downtownwindsor.ca after 2 PM on August 3. Consultant/vendor evaluation criteria will include relevant experience, quality of products and/or services, and competitive cost. Proposals must be received no later than 4 PM E.S.T. on August 15.

"The DWBIA is excited about the prospect of bringing a holiday parade back to the city centre," said Larry Horwitz, DWBIA Chair. "We want to evoke community spirit and invite families, friends, downtown merchants and businesses to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy an evening parade and other festive experiences."

The DWBIA is also exploring other activities including, but not limited to, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, ice sculptures, and lighting displays.

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Fundraiser Winery Tour August 4, 2012

6th Annual Melanie Harrison Foundation Fundraiser Winery Tour Dinner & Dance!

August 4th, 2012 marks the date for the 6^th annual Melanie Harrison Foundation Fundraiser Winery Tour and Dinner Dance - Tickets Still Available 519-738-2698

As a graduate of the University of Windsor, Melanie Harrison had just completed her first year of teaching at two Windsor area schools in 2006.  In order to honour her memory, her passion for teaching and her desire to make a difference, the Melanie Jane Harrison Memorial Award for Aspiring Teachers was established at the University of Windsor.  This scholarship assists hard working students to achieve their goals in the field of teaching.  To date, the scholarship has been awarded to six (6) deserving recipients.  Proceeds from the Melanie Harrison Winery Tour are used to fund the annual U of W scholarship and to support local charitable needs.

This year their goal is to support programs that help the youth of our communities by promoting mental health and wellness.  They are supporting the new Family Learning Place through the WE Care for Kids Foundation in Windsor as well as continuing support of the annual Scholarship Award at the University of Windsor.

Here is the plan for this year's Melanie Harrison Winery Tour & Dinner/Dance Fundraiser on August 4th:

Wine Tour destinations and Evening Event:

·        Saturday August 4^th at 11:30 a.m. Participants meet at Heritage Village located at
6155 Arner Townline Cty Rd 23 between Essex/Kingsville

·        Board one of 2 air conditioned Trolleys (see wetrolley.com)

·        MUSCEDERE VINEYARDS first stop - Tour, Tastings, Italian Lunch & Music

·        Afternoon tours and tastings at: Wagner’s Orchards & Vineyard; Aleksander Estate Winery; North 42° Winery & Serenity Lavender Farm - tour, wine tasting & a tasty treat!Tour, wine tasting and a tasty treat at North 42 º Winery and Serenity Lavender Farm.tasting and a tasty treat at North 42 º Winery and Serenity Lavender Farm; Return to Heritage Village & Transportation Museum

·        Late Afternoon & Evening Events: 4:15pm Music by the band “Those Guys”; Tour of the Canadian Transportation Museum; Music by Harrow native Sidney Marentette – 2011 winner of Youth Talent Search held at the Western Fair in London, ON; Followed by Local Music & Silent Auction5 p.m. Music by Harrow native “Sidney Marentette”-2011 Winner of Youth Talent Search held at the Western Fair in London; 6:30 p.m. Special “Chicken & Rib” dinner catered by Chef Jeff Wright; Music by Dave Avellino and Special Delivery

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Attend A Virtual Trade Show July 26 to 28, 2012

Have you ever gotten home from a day at a trade show, plopped on the couch, and wished someone could rub your feet and bring you a feast? Well, the exhausting qualities of old fashioned conventions and traveling expenses are a thing of the past thanks to a Vancouver company, Utherverse. As they gear up to kick off their Second Annual Utherverse Virtual Convention this week, see for yourself how you can now attend trade shows in your sweat pants from the comfort of your own home.

Check it out this Thursday, July 26^th through Saturday, July 28^th. UtherConvention takes place completely online, and you navigate through trade show floors and exhibitor booths with an avatar. Not only are there a variety of booths, but all that you have come to expect at a real life convention is at your keyboard fingertips, including speakers, an award show, and even the opportunity to hit up after parties and comedy shows. There are also great networking events and ways to meet people from around the world who may be able to help further your business goals.

You can check out a full event schedule, but we suggest checking out “Virtual Conventions: A Look Behind the Curtain” at 3:00 pm EST on Thursday, “Town Hall” at 6:00 pm EST on Friday with Utherverse CEO, Brian Shuster; and “The Most Successful Ways to Run a Virtual Event” at 1:30 pm EST on Saturday. You might want to look over all the awesome speakers to see if anyone else’s background and specialty piques your interest.

To attend, create a username here, and then register here. And conventions as you know them will become a distant memory!

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Province Wide Funding For Community Arts Project

ARTISTS IN WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY CAN APPLY FOR UP TO $10,000 IN FUNDING TO DEVELOP COLLABORATIVE, COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECTS

Learn more at the Artists in the Community / Workplace (AICW) program Information Session on Thursday, July 26th, 2012 at 6:30pm

Join Arts Council - Windsor & Region's Cultural Animator, Alana Bartol on Thursday, July 26th, 6:30pm at the GIBSON GALLERY located at 150 Richmond St in Amherstburg, for an Information Session on the Ontario Arts Council's Artists in the Community / Workplace (AICW) grant program.

The AICW grant program supports the research, development, production and presentation of community-engaged, collaborative, arts projects between artists and community organizations. Arts and Non-arts partners can apply for up to $10,000 to cover material costs and artistic fees for their project.

Projects funded by the AICW program take place in various communities and workplaces. Examples of successful applicants include: Hamilton Printmakers Arts Association led a series of mixed-media workshops with staff from Juravinski Cancer Centre, resulting in a public exhibition of artwork, artist Florencia Berenstein worked with Canadian Auto Workers to create a public art installation celebrating 25 years of participation by female members in the union and Weston Mount Dennis Youth Association collaborated with Everybody’s Theatre Company to create a 'theatrical walk' for their neighbourhood. Local recipients included Windsor photographer, Sandi Wheaton, who partnered with the Injured Workers Coalition, Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers and the Workers Health & Safety Centre to create 'Legacy Costs: Burden or Benefit?', a research and development project that aimed to give voice to community members affected by issues of injury or death in the workplace, pension loss, plant closures and other workplace issues.

The program is open to artists from ALL disciplines.

An application to the program requires a partnership between an arts partner and a non-arts partner.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Arts Partners:
-A Professional Artist
-A Professional Group or Collective of Artists
-Not-for-Profit Arts Organizations

Non-Arts Partners:
-Not-for-Profit Community Organizations
-Health Care Facilities
-Ad Hoc Community Groups
-Trade Unions
-Amateur and Emerging Artist Groups

For more information on the AICW project grant program, please visit: www.acwr.net/aicw

For more information about the Gibson Gallery, please visit: www.gibsonartgallery.com

For more information on the Ontario Arts Council, please visit: www.arts.on.ca
by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Summer Patio Party July 11!

Patio Season is the best time of year! It’s a chance to unwind, while enjoying the outdoors with great food and drinks, all while supporting local Windsor restaurants. Erie Street has a beautiful new front and are excited to launch new outdoor patios; therefore we must have a PATIO PARTY!

Family Respite Services has worked on Erie Street the last 13 years for an event called Walk on Erie Street. Every year FRS sells out of tickets (selling 370) as this event is a nice relaxing evening to enjoy friends and amazing food. Since FRS sells out, they decided to plan another successful event, called Patio Party.

 This exciting fun filled event  takes place on Wednesday, July 11^th from 6:30-10:00

6:30-Visit your first restaurant for appetizers (Mezzo is serving pulled pork spring rolls, calamari, brushchetta and caprese)

7:45-Visit your second restaurant for appetizers (Enzo’s is serving rice balls, pizza, stuffed mushrooms and beef sliders)

9:00 Visit Centro for dessert (Centro is serving tarts, brownies, cookies and cheesecake)

Tickets are $50 and include appetizers and dessert.

 Come out for an excellent evening, proceeds benefit FRS (familyrespite.org), supporting over 900 families caring for children with disabilities in Windsor/Essex County.

 Call 519-972-9688 x 156 for tickets, or visit any participating restaurant!

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Get To Tecumseh Town Plaza June 23!

The Tecumseh Town Plaza presents “Taste of Tecumseh Festival” a celebration of food, wine and local entertainment with proceeds to benefit Transition to Betterness. 

Each of the five local restaurants: The RyeGate Steakhouse and Lounge, La Cucina, Tabouli, Foia and Tecumseh Pizzeria are preparing tapas style plates with individual wine pairings. 

$3 entrance fee includes entertainment for children and adults all day long. Time: 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., 19+ 7pm.  (check out the entertainment and all information in the accompanying flyer!)

Visit www.theryegate.com for more details or call 735-6500 and Biz X will see you there!

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Startup Canada Tour Comes To Windsor May 22&23, 2012!

Calling all entrepreneurs! WEtech Alliance is proud to announce that Windsor has been selected as one of few Ontario cities to host the nationwide Startup Canada Tour. WEtech Alliance along with the support of the Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator, the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, Odette School of Business, SIFE Windsor, other volunteers and entrepreneurs including Blab Media and Accent Media, are thrilled to unveil the action packed agenda for Startup Canada's visit on May 22nd and 23rd.

The tour will kickoff at the Odette School of Business on May 22nd with a keynote address by National Post columnist, Rick Spence, followed by a networking event at Caesars Windsor's VU Bar with word-of-mouth guru, Saul Colt. The day will conclude with a special Startup Canada Town Hall at Walkerville Brewery. One hundred entrepreneurs and members of the local community will be invited to participate in this event. Participants will develop a concrete action plan and community-led solutions to pressing issues facing entrepreneurs in Windsor-Essex. The tour will conclude the following day, May 23rd, with a one of a kind Entrepreneur Show and Tell at the Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator. 

Events are open to entrepreneurs, business owners, students and community enthusiasts from all sectors and stages of operation. Limited seating available for the Town Hall and lunch with Saul Colt. To register for the Town Hall, visit www.windsortownhall.eventbrite.com. To register for Lunch with Saul Colt, visit www.lunchwithaguru.eventbrite.com.

Activities: Startup Windsor: Join The Hunt (Pre-Tour Activity)

Monday May 14th - Sunday May 20th

 Windsor-Essex is home to some amazing businesses! Come together and find some new and exciting things to do and see in your city. Are you ready to join the hunt? Visit www.startupwindsor.ca on May 1st and register for your chance to play and win some seriously cool prizes!    Biz X magazine is proud to be a part of the scavenger hunt as well!

This event is sponsored by Blab Media, Accent Media, WEtech Alliance and The Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator.

-Startup Canada Windsor Kickoff with Rick Spence, May 22nd, 2012
8 am - 10 am  at the Odette School of Business, Room: 104, 401 Sunset Avenue
Registration: www.windsorkickoff.eventbrite.com

Join the Odette School of Business, WEtech Alliance and The WindsorEssex Small Business Centre as we kickoff Startup Canada's visit to Windsor-Essex. The kickoff will feature University of Windsor Alumni, Rick Spence, sharing his over 20 years experience studying Canada's most successful entrepreneurs in a keynote discussion titled "Growth Secrets of Canada's Top Entrepreneur".

 Rick Spence is a Toronto-based business writer, consultant and speaker dedicated to helping businesses grow. He is the former editor and publisher of PROFIT, The Magazine for Canadian Entrepreneurs. He now writes a weekly column on entrepreneurship for the National Post, as well as columns for PROFIT and other magazines. Rick wrote the first Canadian book on growth business (Secrets of Success from Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies, 1997). He has taught "New Venture Startup" at Ryerson University and sits on the board of a Toronto-based geophysical software company.

-Lunch with a Guru: Saul Colt, May 22nd, 2012
12 pm - 2: pm EST at Caesars Windsor - The VU Bar,377 Riverside Dr. Windsor, ON N9A 7H7
Register: www.lunchwithaguru.eventbrite.com.

 Join WEtech Alliance and The Accelerator for an exclusive event with word of mouth guru, Saul Colt. Entrepreneurs and community members are invited to snack and chat with the guy that was recently named one of the iMEDIA 25: Internet Marketing Leaders & Innovators and has been called one of Canada's best community builders/experiential marketers. (ONLY 30 SPOTS AVAILABLE)

 -Startup Canada Windsor Town Hall, May 22nd, 2012

6 pm - 8:30 pm EST at the Walkerville Brewery, 525 Argyle Windsor
Register: www.windsortownhall.eventbrite.com

 Join Windsor-Essex's Entrepreneurial Community for a garage brainstorming sessions that will bring together entrepreneurs and members of the local entrepreneurship community to develop concrete action plans and community-led solutions to pressing challenges facing entrepreneurs in Windsor-Essex, Ontario and across Canada. In groups of 5-8, a diverse mix of participants will create an action plan in 30 minutes to tackle a particular challenge that they define within the particular issue area. The Action Plans generated and discussed during the Town Hall will lead to more probing analysis and questioning in future Town Halls across Canada, as each Town Hall builds on the last. All of these ideas, exercises and opportunities will contribute to the resulting Charter, Action Plan and White Paper. For more information about Startup Canada Town Halls, visit www.startupcan.ca.

 -Entrepreneur Show & Tell at The Accelerator, May 23rd, 2012

11 am - 1 pm  at The Accelerator, 720 Ouellette Avenue
Register: www.showandtell2012.eventbrite.com.

We know Windsor-Essex is filled with talented entrepreneurs but meeting all of them is another story. That's why we're putting all of them under one roof for a special Show and Tell event.

 Join The Accelerator and Startup Canada as we shine the light on local entrepreneurs. Show and Tell participants will include Accelerator tenants, WEtech Alliance members, Essex Angel Capital portfolio companies, community entrepreneurs, and many more. This is a great opportunity to meet and greet with the local entrepreneurial community and Startup Canada representatives.

F or more information or to inquire about exhibiting, please contact Arthur Barbut 519-564-8456.

Windsor’s Startup Canada Guests

 -Saul Colt, Head of Magic at FreshBooks

Saul was recently named as one of the iMEDIA 25: Internet Marketing Leaders & Innovators and has been called one of Canada's best community builders/ experiential marketers, even Chris Brogan once referred to Saul as "exactly who you want representing your company".

-Rick Spence, External Relations Advisor www.canentrepreneur.com

 Rick Spence is a Toronto-based business writer, consultant and speaker dedicated to helping businesses grow. He is the former editor and publisher of PROFIT, The Magazine for Canadian Entrepreneurs. He now writes a weekly column on entrepreneurship for the National Post, as well as columns for PROFIT and other magazines. Rick wrote the first Canadian book on growth business (Secrets of Success from Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies, 1997).

-Victoria Lennox, CEO/Founder, Startup Canada

 Victoria is the first Canadian and one of the youngest recipients of a Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion on the recommendation of the British Prime Minister. Victoria won the award for having pioneered a grassroots youth entrepreneurship movement both in the UK and globally that has taken on a momentum of its own with a membership of more than 45,000 enterprising students across over 80 universities within 12 months.

 -Cyprian Szalankiewicz, Co-Founder & Creatitve Director, Startup Canada

 Cyprian Szalankiewicz is an entrepreneur, award-winning cinematographer and the owner, artistic and technical director of Genie Media Ltd., an Ottawa-based start-up that offers pre- and post-production services, specializing in camera motion control for the film and television industry.

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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Have Any Electronic Waste? Give It To ERCA on Earth Day!

Bring your E-Waste to Earth Day

 The Essex Region Conservation Authority’s (ERCA) Youth Engagement Team (YES) will collect electronic waste at the Earth Day Tree Planting event on Sunday, April 22.  Participants and others who wish to responsibly recycle old computers and accessories, cell phones, batteries, and even things like old televisions should bring them to the event.

“The YES Team was anxious to undertake a project to benefit the environment for Earth Day,” explains Richard Wyma, ERCA General Manager.  “Responsibly recycling old electronics is a great way to benefit the Earth, while also supporting a great organization, CAW Local 200’s Computers for Kids.”

Tree planters and others are invited to collect their electronic waste and drop it off at ERCA’s Earth Day Tree Planting event on Sunday, April 22 from 10am – 2pm, at McHugh Park, located on Florence and McHugh, just east of the WFCU Centre.   

“Everyone can stay and plant a tree to celebrate Earth Day while they’re there,” Wyma went on to say.  The Earth Day celebration will include the public planting of 1500 trees at the park, kids’ crafts and activities, a fundraising barbeque and a rain barrel sale.

Rain barrels will also be available for $55 and must be pre-ordered at www.rainbarrel.ca/erca.  The barrels can be pre-paid or customers can pay cash when they pick the barrel up at the event. 

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a community-based organization dedicated to protecting, restoring and managing the natural resources of the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region.


by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS WELCOME LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR APRIL 18, 2012

Rotary Windsor- St. Clair, in partnership with other Rotary clubs across the Windsor-Essex region, will welcome Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, to Windsor on Wednesday, April 18.

This celebration, which will be hosted at the Giovanni Caboto Club, includes a kick off for the Rotary at Work initiative.  Hon. Onley will deliver the event’s keynote address.

 "It is expected that by 2020, over 20% of the population in North America will have a disability,” explains Terry Cloutier, Manager of Employment Services at Community Living Windsor and a member of Rotary Windsor-St. Clair.  “Combine that with the Conference Board of Canada’s prediction that by that same year, there will be a one-million worker shortfall, and it is clear there is a looming employment crisis.”

The Rotary at Work initiative offers a solution, and encourages businesses and organizations to hire people with a disability.  The program is gaining a lot of traction in the Toronto area.  Business Leader Mark Wafer, who owns several Toronto Tim Hortons franchises, has hired people who have a disability.  This business move has been met with tremendous success.   Turnover in his business has decreased to 35% compared to the corporate average of 82%, productivity has increased as has greater staff loyalty and dedication; all contributing to cost savings and increased profits.  Wafer will also share his experiences at the event.  

 “The Rotary at Work initiative aims at building awareness and support about the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities,” says Rotary Windsor-St. Clair President Paul Charbonneau.  “We’re very proud to be involved with this program, and recognize that it makes good business sense.”

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 18^th from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at the Giovanni Caboto Club.  Tickets for the dinner are just $22 but must be purchased in advance by contacting Terry at terry@clwindsor.org or by phone at 519 974-4221 ext 235.  

Rotary is the world’s largest service organization with 1.2 million members.  Rotary Windsor St. Clair is comprised of about 40 members from around the Essex Region dedicated to improving our local and worldwide communities by undertaking projects to address hunger, health, literacy, promote physical activity, and provide support to the financially disadvantaged in our community. 

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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The Canadian Vacation Economy

Each year the cold Canadian winter months signal the migration of Canadians to southern climates in Florida, Mexico and Caribbean to soak up the sun and relax.

A destination especially popular with visitors from the Great White North is Cuba. Largely off-limits to U.S citizens due to political factors, Cuba caters heavily to Canadian tourists with direct flights departing from Windsor airport on a weekly basis.

Local travel agents and online vacation websites are kept busy this time of year booking flights and hotels and arranging travel insurance. Airlines and airport employees provide transportation and logistics while clothing retailers see a spike in swim and cruise wear. Tanning salons also see people wanting that “base tan” before they go south and bask in the sun.

So even though Canadian dollars are being directed south the effect of winter travel on the local economy is undeniable. A breath of warm air in the middle of winter might be just what the doctor ordered to recharge the batteries and have some fun.

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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FESTIVAL OF ICE FEB. 11&12, 2012

CELEBRATE THE CHILL OF WINTER AT THE FESTIVAL OF ICE

In Canada, grapes get transformed by a touch of magic and the kiss of winter’s chill into a delectable concoction of sumptuous sweetness we call ice wine. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, visitors will enjoy the wonders of winter accompanied by some delicious ice wine at our annual Festival of Ice from February 11-12.

Each of the 12 participating wineries have put together some special Festival offerings.

“The Festival of Ice is an experience for all those who love fabulous wines and allows visitors to savour the best of our region’s wineries amidst the backdrop of winter fun. It is the perfect opportunity to take a weekend to tour our region’s Wine Route,” says Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. 

During the Festival of Ice, couples can kindle some romance with the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway. Start the weekend touring and sipping an array of fine wines paired with delicious local cuisine. After learning how to create the perfect Ice Wine Martini, nibbling on handmade ice wine truffles and admiring spectacular ice carvings, its time to warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate or hot soup around a crackling fire. Couples can end the night on a perfect note in the romantic charm of a Bed & Breakfast overlooking Lake Erie.

Alternatively, the entire family can head out for some wintery fun as the Festival of Ice also offers wholesome, kid-friendly excitement. Strap on some skates and fly across a country pond, bundle up to toboggan down a snowy hill, or challenge your kids to make the perfect snow angel. Kids particularly enjoy watching master ice carvers create awe-inspiring works of art out of simple blocks of ice.  The Festival of Ice has something for everyone.

Go to www.visitwindsoressex.com for a complete list of activities offered at the Festival of Ice.


by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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New Years Resolutions

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine

Well it’s the beginning of a brand new year and it seems that many people still subscribe to the idea of New Years resolutions. Somehow the magic of our numerical system that measures time is a catalyst for some people to make change.

They might resolve to make an improvement to their personal life, career or financial status. Living heathier is another popular pledge that fills gyms and health clubs every January. Yours truly has decided that physical activity is not only necessary but enjoyable and is on a program to effect positive change.

Quitting smoking is up there on the list as well. Your doctor may be able to help you out with this if you are a fan of the smokey treats and want to kick the habit. So whatever you decide to do (if anything at all) make it stick and make 2012 your best year.

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