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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