Team Biz X Front Office

Publisher Deborah Jones

Deborah has worked in the publishing industry since 1990 and has experience in every department of the magazine business from Office Manager to Freelance Writer to an Accounting Clerk and Editor, before being quickly promoted to Publisher at the young age of 26. She then made the jump to becoming her own boss and started up Biz X magazine in 1998. Deborah loves her job as she continually gets to meet new people as well as having the opportunity to promote and learn about different types of businesses and organizations in Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent. Deborah was chosen Entrepreneur of the Year by the Windsor Chamber of Commerce for 2007! Deborah and the entire Biz X team appreciate all the support they have received from clients, suppliers, friends, and the entire business community! Over the years, Deborah and her business have received many awards, the most recent being the 2023 Media Award from the Windsor & District Chapter of the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

.  Contact Deborah

Colin Jones

OUR VICE-PRESIDENT FOREVER

Colin was the in-office computer whiz, chief bean counter, ad designer, photo fixer, Circulation Manager, general problem solver and a co-editor for the  magazine since day one. As a member of the family who publishes Biz X (he was the  husband/father/father-in law of Kathy, Deborah, Della and Jack R.), he was deeply dedicated to the job and often worked 18 hours a day to ensure  everything was completed to perfection. Retirement was not in his plans, and sadly, he passed away in November 2025. He was very proud of everything we have accomplished together, and we promise to keep printing an amazing publication for many years to come. All of Colin’s ad designs and his accounting and editing procedures, along with his strong work ethic, will continue to inspire us always.

Della Jones

Della is the Assistant to the Publisher. Della is involved in all departments of the magazine from subscriptions to proofreading, accounting, ad design and more – but that’s only when she’s not running all over the city to pick up materials or coordinating the freelance staff to help save the Publisher valuable time! As a member of the family that owns Biz X, Della is extremely committed to keeping the magazine in the #1 spot. She particularly enjoys attending the many functions that Biz X is lucky to be invited to and meeting all the great people in the business community. There is no doubt that Della is a “people person” and a great asset to our organization! Contact Della

Kathy Jones

Kathy is in charge of office administration and is the friendly voice you’ll hear over the phone in the Accounting Department. She’s our Wonder Woman, always ready to go on a moment’s notice and willing to pitch in to do whatever is necessary to get the job done. Since she is part of the family that owns Biz X she enjoys helping out to ensure the day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Rae Marie

Rae provides Biz X with page layout and pre-production services, and lots of excellent suggestions on how to improve our readers’ experience. She has been a member of the Windsor Essex advertising design and marketing community for over 25 years.= After ending her 15-year career with a local newspaper, she built a team of online specialists with a passion for “all things Internet.” On a professional level, she aspires to excellent design and communication skills, honed first at two advertising agencies, then at weekly newspapers and a daily newspaper. She is proficient in graphic design computer programs, has firsthand experience in web products, and is well versed in social media.

Jack Eisenberg

Rodney L. Denis

A professional photographer for over 30 years, Rod has shot everything from fashion models and commercial products to food and automobiles. Rod is a graduate of the photography program at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario and has worked in major centres such as Toronto, Halifax and Detroit. Since 1991 he has operated Rodney L. Denis Photography shooting commercial projects for corporate brochures, catalogues, calendars and the web.

Lariza Mendoza

Lariza joined the Biz X team as a sales representative in October 2025, with a background in marketing and communications. Her professional journey began at a local newspaper, where she worked as a reporter and writer. She then gained experience as a production assistant at a local television station. Following this, she developed a passion for marketing and a commitment to supporting businesses in their success. Lariza has expertise in digital strategy, market research, content marketing, and community engagement. Currently she is exploring how AI can enhance marketing campaigns. Contact Lariza

Team Biz X Writers and Photojournalists

Michelle Allen

Michelle has been involved in printing and publishing for over 40 years. She has worked with numerous local publications in Windsor and London as Graphic Artist, Art Director, Production Manager and occasionally writing and editing. Michelle and Biz X Publisher Deborah Jones first met while working at several local Windsor magazines in the 1990s. She assisted Deborah with designing the very first publication of Biz X and is very happy to once again be involved in the publication of Biz X so many years later joining the team as a writer. Her experience also includes advertising sales and design and Michelle is hoping to put this experience to good use in the future. She has received many awards throughout her career recognizing her commitment to the community
and the printing industry. Welcome back Chelle!

Mike Chase

A lifelong resident of Windsor Essex, Mike has been an integral part of the community over the years. He has served as a Director for both the Leamington and Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce, the local Better Business Bureau as well as the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus. Mike has also worked with the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce serving on committees and recently as as judge for the Business Excellence Awards. He has owned and operated a few companies in the past and now enjoys his regular “flights” around the county with his latest business, Windsor Aerial Drone Photography. As a member of the Biz X team since 2023, he utilizes the latest drone technology to offer a unique perspective when it comes to aerial photography and videography for the magazine. Today, Mike and his wife Darlene are residents of the beautiful little town of Amherstburg.

David H. Clark

David has been contributing to Biz X magazine since 2012. His recent contributions have included writing automotive material and his mainstay, “Food for Thought.” David is up to the challenge of putting together this food related article each issue because it is presented to the readers in a way that makes them feel like they are absorbing those special tastes, culture and the overall atmosphere of the restaurant itself.  And that is a huge plus for the local dining industry! This regular column also profiles caterers and specialty food shops and gives all foodies something to think about!

Andrea Grimes

As a respected Veterans Advocate, Andrea is recognized for her commitment to raising the awareness of the importance of remembrance. For her contributions in service to our military families, Andrea was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Andrea introduced the roles that our Veterans “of all stripes” played in service to Canada through the Biz X page, The Way It Was. She recently retired in early 2024, however once a writer always a writer! Watch for her special guest columns to run from time to time.

Dave Halliday

Dave is a graduate of the Civil Engineering Technology program at St. Clair College in Windsor. He is currently the Field & Laboratory Manager of a local Engineering Firm and has been involved in materials testing, site inspections, and condition surveys on various notable structures throughout our region for the past 30 years. Dave is our resident “Mr. Home Improvement” and has been a Contributing Writer to Biz X since 2004 with the column Ask the Experts.

Tina Huynh

Tina is a member of the Biz X photography team since 2023. She has taken many cover shots for the magazine and also for various print columns such as Biz of the Month and the XX Files. You can also find her out and about with her camera at various events for the Biz X Was There section of the website and the Hot Shots photo spread in the print issue. Tina is a dynamic entrepreneur and wellness advocate with a variety of hobbies and interests. She is also a nutrition coach that helps women who struggle with dieting to finally feel free and successful around food. In addition, Tina is a real estate agent and host of her own podcast, Tina’s Arena, which focuses on food, growth, and entrepreneurship.

Mel Lucier

Mel is more than a comic. She’s a fighter. She’s a teacher. She’s a force to be reckoned with in the world, arriving exactly when we need her most. Mel’s lived experience and sharp insight offer lessons we could all stand to learn. As of June 2026, her column brings a fresh take on everyday life and Windsor Essex businesses, services, and hidden joys. Let’s be real. We all need a laugh — and sometimes a good cry — to get through it all. If you’re ready for more of Mel’s wit, wisdom, and wonderfully sideways outlook on life, read her blog online and catch her Mel Knows… Kinda column in Biz X!

Joe McParland

After a 26 year career as a manager with the Canada Border Services Agency in Windsor, Joe retired in 2015. During his working years he was a volunteer with YourTV (TV COGECO) from 2003 to 2015 as an on air media personality covering the City of Windsor and Essex County Council meetings. Now, he still keeps busy as a registered Ontario Marriage Officiant and has married more than 1,600 couples, and is owner of Creative Marriage Celebrations. He is also in his 10th season playing the role of the Fighting Parson in Windsor’s award winning and highly acclaimed Rum Runners Tour presented by Encore Productions. And Joe has been sharing his talents and numerous life experiences with Biz X for many years as our Cup of Joe columnist plus he always pitches in to help us with any other “Joe – Jobs” we can find for him!

Jim Murphy

Jim was born and raised in Windsor. He has a BA in Communications, Media and Film and a MA in Philosophy — both from the University of Windsor. He is pleased to be part of the Biz X team as he gets to meet all kinds of interesting entrepreneurs in the region. Along with writing feature stories for the magazine in a variety of subjects, he is also the marketing/social media person for a laser cladding company and a professor in the Journalism program at St. Clair College

Josie (Elysia) Murphy

Victoria Rose

Victoria is a Project Manager and Marketing professional who has worked in tech, advertising, advanced manufacturing, and not-for-profit organizations. A community champion and active volunteer, she regularly contributes to Biz X to help spotlight the many great events, initiatives, businesses and charities found in the Windsor Essex region. She lives in Riverside with her family and enjoys camping, traveling, and meeting new dogs.

Rebecca Wright

Rebecca has been a regular contributor to Biz X since 2013. She writes and shoots photos for the magazine and her work has been published in various community publications. She is currently an instructor in St. Clair College’s Journalism and Public Relations programs. Through Biz X, she takes pride in connecting with the community’s business world and being able to share the stories of local entrepreneurs through her articles and photos.

Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh (left) and Tracey Harding know that every sip of wine tells a great story. That’s why they are the perfect pair to travel across the region in search of the finest wines, best brews and innovative spirits in the region. Plus, they have the qualifications to prove it! Vegh has travelled to over 50 countries exploring cultures and what the world has to offer in food, wine, music, art, and fashion. She is an award-winning community leader, journalist, business owner, educator, music manager, former Chief Communications Officer, and international Athena Award recipient. Harding is a fourth-generation Canadian with deep roots in southwestern Ontario. She has wined, dined and lived in Toronto, Bermuda, New York, the U.K., and Windsor. She has worked in the fashion, real estate/décor, hospitality and food service industries and is a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Sommelier, award-winning amateur cook, food tour guide and instructor. You can read up on their findings in feature stories in Biz X, and the regular column, Belle Vivante which focuses on places to go, things to do and experiences in Windsor Essex to enhance your beautiful life. And so the excellent adventure continues . . .