Posted on by Deborah Jones

BIZ X MAGAZINE JUNE 2026 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 6

BIZ X MAGAZINE JUNE 2026

ON THE COVER — Spanning The Future (#9 “The Gordie”) — 18. The Gordie Howe International Bridge and its striking profile now reshapes the skyline on both sides of the border. It signals a new era of crossing that will fuel economic momentum for our region — and strengthen trade, support jobs, and drive long-term growth. Nicknamed “The Gordie,” the bridge honours legendary Canadian hockey icon Gordie Howe — “Mr. Hockey” — who spent most of his career wearing #9 for the Detroit Red Wings. In this special extended HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE cover story, Joe McParland digs into the bridge’s facts and history, its ambitious build, and the local companies whose work helped bring this once-in‑a-generation project to life. LOCATION: Captured from the Canadian side of the bridge in the second week of May 2026, this image was shot using an enterprise-grade drone equipped with a 200x zoom lens, taken from roughly 1.4 km away near the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway. PHOTOGRAPHER: Mike Chase of Windsor Aerial Drone Photography, one of the few Transport Canada Advanced Licensed and fully insured Drone Operators in the region. To view videos on The Gordie, go to: WindsorAerialDronePhotography.com.

CONTENTS JUNE 2026

4 Funny Stuff
5 From The Publisher: A Double Celebration, Biz X Issue 285 & 35 Years Of Rodney L. Denis Photographer.

Biz X magazine June 2026 Page 6

6 Awards Spotlight: TWEPI’s BOWE Winners. On the historic Capitol Theatre stage, Co-host of the awards ceremony Jason Toner (left), Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI), took the mic to guide a packed house of finalists, partners, and community leaders through the big moment — the unveiling of the 11th annual Best of Windsor Essex (BOWE) award recipients. Cheers, anticipation, and plenty of hometown pride filled the room as the winner in each category was announced, with TWEPI CEO Gordon Orr also sharing in the emcee duties. Ready to find out which businesses, attractions and activities in the local tourism and hospitality sectors earned the region’s votes? Turn to page 6! (Photo courtesy of TWEPI).
10 Front Lines
11 Newsflash
12 Biz X Was There
14 XX Files: The Doctor, The Professor, The Beauty Queen — Meet Dr. Rasna Gupta
15 Mel Knows . . . Kinda: Treasure Hunting At The Habitat For Humanity Windsor-Essex Re-Store
16 Windsor Food Spotters Feature Food Spots
26 Charity Profile: How St. John Ambulance’s Skilled Hands And Gentle Paws Are Making A Difference
27 Ask The Experts: From Ants And Rodents To Insects And Wildlife, Gray Wolf Pest Control Can Protect Your Home From Unwanted Guests.

Biz X magazine June 2026 Page 28

28 The Parenting Biz: Happy Days, Cozy Stays, Confident Training & More For Your Pampered Pup Pets are more than “just pets” — they are family! Today’s pet care is all about quality and expertise. From enrichmentfilled daycare and trusted boarding to professional training and expert grooming, we introduce you to three local businesses that care for your dog as much as you, your spouse and children do. (Photo courtesy of Kounty Kennels & Kritters Inc. showcasing their brand-new facility in Harrow)
33 Milestones: Ronald McDonald House Windsor Enters Next Decade With Record-Setting $3 Million Boost

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JUNE IS SENIORS’ MONTH
34 Feature Story: Supporting Seniors In Motion, The Businesses And Organizations Enriching Lives Across The Region Rackets up, spirits high. The couple shown above make their way onto the court — embodying the 2026 theme for Ontario Seniors’ Month, Let’s Get Moving. Each June, this provincial celebration recognizes the invaluable contributions older adults make across Ontario’s diverse communities and highlights the importance of advocating for and supporting a strong quality of life. Our very own senior guest writer Andrea Grimes speaks with businesses and organizations dedicated to supporting seniors’ well‑being, independence, and social engagement — work that helps foster a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for aging in Canada. (Photo courtesy of: Pixabay.com).
38 Biz Of The Month: A Taste Of Britain In Chatham Offers A Little Bit Of Home In Every Aisle

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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.