Posted on by Deborah Jones

BIZ X MAGAZINE MAY 2025 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 5

BIZ X MAGAZINE MAY 2025 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 5

ON THE COVER — Celebrating Canadian-Made — Page 18. As Canadians become more intentional about their purchases, many are seeking homegrown products. Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent is lucky to be home to many businesses that make buying Canadian super easy. In our business profiles you’ll learn about everything from dog treats, office supplies, cider and maple syrup, to outdoor living products, training devices for ice hockey players and a retail shop dedicated entirely to Canadian brands. Each owner brings something uniquely local to the table. These entrepreneurs are deeply invested in both the region and the country and are eager to help consumers (re) discover just how rewarding shopping Canadian can be. They also offer suggestions to help all entrepreneurs navigate these challenging times and support each other!

MAIN PHOTO, INDIVIDUAL PICTURED AND LOCATION: Co-owner Rob Nadeau of Ruscom Maple Products (2028 Mitchell Road, Ruscom Station) and his wife, operate a local maple syrup, butter and candy producer. Their sugaring process makes Grade A Ontario syrup, which comes from the sap of Silver Maple trees in Essex County. On the front cover Nadeau proudly displays a bottle of pure Canadian joy in their sugar shack. He is pictured with his two mascots — a beaver named Rusker (for Ruscom and Comber, the nearby town in the Municipality of Lakeshore) and a crow named Scout, who reminds us to make wise decisions during times of transition.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Rod Denis (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com). INSET PHOTO — Page 27: In The Parenting Biz section we highlight the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest at the Libro Credit Union Centre in Amherstburg, May 31 and June 1. One activity attendees can see both days is the dog agility demonstration, with well trained athletic canines. There is a public practice agility course as well. Photo courtesy of the Border City Barkers Agility Club.

BIZ X MAGAZINE MAY 2025 CONTENTS

4 Funny Stuff
5 From The Publisher: WEST’s Inspiring Individuals, Clients, Partners And Employers Who #Accelerate Action
8 Front Lines
12 Newsflash
14 Belle Vivante: Lap It Up In Harrow. The Beerded Dog Brewing Co. is a fantastic county spot for a nice cold drink on a hot summer day. It features pub-style cuisine, friendly service and a constantly changing beer and cocktail menu.
16 Food For Thought: A World Of Sweetness Awaits As Artisanal Canadian Pastry Shop Opens Its Doors In Amherstburg

blank

24 Awards Spotlight: TWEPI Marks 10 Years Of BOWE Awards City of Windsor Ward 7 Councillor Angelo Marignani (left in photo up top) and Keith Andrews, Invest WindsorEssex Strategic Advisor to the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer, were among over 100 people in attendance to find out the 2025 Best Of Windsor Essex (BOWE) award recipients. In the 10th anniversary of the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) competition, winners were announced during a live event on the Cosmos Lounge stage, inside Caesars Windsor, where nominees and local dignitaries gathered in early April. (Photo courtesy of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island).
26 Guest Column: Tips To Make Summertime For Your Little Ones Explorative, Imaginative And Playful
27 The Parenting Biz: Family Fun, Guaranteed Done. Gear up for spring with two family friendly events in the area. We’ll have you and the kids raising the “woof” at the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest and hooked on supporting the Italian Canadian HandiCapable Association Fishing Derby!
31 Health Matters: Protecting Your Family & Pets From Rabies
32 Parenting With Purpose: The Benefits Of Animal Assisted Therapy On A Child’s Well-Being
33 XX Files: Andrea Valinkonis Offers Classy Cat Stays At Her New Country Cattery
34 Ask The Experts: Help, I Found A Wild Animal . . . Now What?

blank

35 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: Local Humane Society Makes A Difference For 99 Years, One Tail At A Time Our Cup of Joe Columnist, Joe McParland, turns his attention to the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society and their new Executive Director, Lynnette Bain (pictured). Joe discusses all the great services they have provided for the pet population in the community for the past 99 years, as they prepare for their 100th anniversary in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Blush Photography).

blank

37 Biz Of The Month: Calling All Cat Lovers – The Yay for Strays Cat Café is the place to be to get your kitty cuddles! While there you can visit the cat-themed café, enjoy treats and hot beverages, shop for unique items, and even adopt a friend to take home! (Shown above) Belle was photographed waiting for her furever family to arrive. A few days later, Belle was adoption #99. Good news, indeed! (Photo by Darin Reybroek).

blank
Deborah Jones

Deborah Jones – Publisher of Biz X Magazine Deborah Jones graduated from the University of Windsor with an Honours Degree in Communication Studies and was employed at two other local magazines shortly after for a few years learning all she could about writing, advertising, public relations and more. She made the jump in 1998 to go out on her own to publish Biz X magazine and has worked in the publishing industry since 1990. In 2007, she earned the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award from the Windsor & District Chamber of Commerce. To date, she is the ONLY woman so far to receive this award. In 2013, she received one of the first “Windsor Women of the Year” awards from the Ladies Exclusive Alliance. Her most recent achievement is the 2023 Media Award from the Windsor Essex Chapter of the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Deborah is proud to live in Windsor and truly cares about each and every business and strives to make Windsor Essex the best place to live, work and play.