Posted on by Deborah Jones

BIZ X MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2025 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 2

BIZ X MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2025 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 2
BIZ X MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2025 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 2

ON THE COVER — Your AI Journey Starts Now — Page 18. Many small business owners are erring on the side of caution when it comes to integrating AI into their operations. However, ignoring AI is like disregarding the Internet in the ’90s — it’s a gamechanger. AI can supercharge your efficiency, cut costs, improve customer service and keep you ahead in a digital-first world. Our cover story highlights several local tech entrepreneurs that can show you how to leverage AI for your business. We’ll have you saying sooner, rather than later: “AI’m ready!”

INDIVIDUALS PICTURED: Picsume Co-founders Nick Mastromattei (left), Chief Technical Officer and Jordan Goure, CEO/President, are shown in their AI virtual office. With Picsume dynamic work profiles, employers can identify qualified candidates faster than ever. Experience cutting-edge recruitment technology built for speed and precision. Picsume’s award-winning tools empower people to find and hire the right talent faster, with less effort. Their company headquarters are situated at 1241 South Malden Road in Amherstburg. You can find out more details online at: Picsume.ca. PHOTOGRAPHER: This colourful background was generated using AI tools. The full photo is a collaboration of Rod Denis (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com) and Picsume’s AI/graphics department.

BIZ X MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2025 CONTENTS

4 Funny Stuff
5 From The Publisher: An Inspiring Production Honouring Black History, Culture, And Resilience
6 Event Profile: Women’s Enterprise Skills Training Of Windsor Inc.’s 19th Annual International Women’s Day Gala
7 Front Lines
8 Awards Spotlight: The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Of Commerce 2025 BEA Winners And Finalists

10 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: All Dressed Up And Off To Prom They Go Our Have a Cup of Joe With Joe columnist (Joe McParland) takes a look at how New Beginnings annual event, Say Yes To The Prom Dress! once again helps “dress up” Windsor and Essex County, one young person at a time! (Photo courtesy of New Beginnings).
12 Newsflash
14 Belle Vivante: Love And All That Jazz. In the centre of downtown Chatham, the air at Jazzbah is filled with the melodic sounds of jazz, blues and soft rock. Treat yourself and your sweetheart to live music, in a cozy atmosphere, as you sip on your favourite beverages for a memorable Valentine’s celebration.
14 Motivational Quotes With Danny
16 Food For Thought: The Best Pickled Eggs And BBQ Sauce
24 XX Files: Kathleen King, Owner Of White Oak Consulting
25 Ask The Experts: Elevate The Ambiance And Style Of Any Room With Wallpaper Master
27 Guest Column: Critical Areas All Biz Pros Need To Review And Develop A Comprehensive Plan For

28 The Parenting Biz: Supporting The Mental Health Care Of Black Kids And Youth. Black History Month is celebrated during the month of February every year in Canada. Our family section this issue profiles two local programs dedicated to helping Black children and youth navigate life and also appreciate and accept their Black identity. The first section relates to SAPACCY (Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth) under the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre (weCHC) for mental health care. Pictured above during an Outreach event at St. Clair College Student Residences, are Olu Ogunde, SAPACCY Case Worker and Giselle Vinsky, SAPACCY Social Worker and SAPACCY Team Lead. Next we introduce you to Beauty is Me. It’s a program that encourages black girls to embrace their natural hair and promote a positive self-image and black beauty consciousness. Then we’ll end with a few tourist attractions to visit, to allow residents to get a further understanding of Black history in our region. (Photo courtesy of weCHC).
34 Sports Stuff: Players & Female Coaches Needed For Unite Her Soccer, The Region’s Inaugural All-Girls House League
35 Parenting With Purpose: Surviving Winter With The Kids

36 Hot Shots: The Windsor-Essex County Association Of REALTORS 2024 Appreciation Luncheon. For this annual December luncheon the Windsor-Essex County Association Of REALTORS (WECAR) bring together local real estate agents with the board members. They honour those who have been in the industry for over 25 years. In addition they presented awards for: Act of Bravery, Community Service, and Distinguished REALTOR (yep, we will tell you who the recipients are!), but the appreciation didn’t stop there. They also announced their charitable donations and scholarship award recipients. Shown is Brook Rafuse, daughter of WECAR member Tara Rafuse (Deerbrook Realty Inc.). Rafuse was presented with a scholarship to the University of Windsor by Ida Sproule, WECAR Education Committee Chairperson. Rafuse is also with Remo Valente Real Estate (1990) Limited. (Photo courtesy of John Liviero/Sooter’s Photography).
38 Biz Of The Month: At Gerry’s Auto Service In Windsor, Your Vehicle Is Their Top Priority

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.