FROM THE PUBLISHER – Rodney Denis Photography Turns 35 As We Publish Issue #285

With the release of the June publication, we celebrate our 285th edition!

Since we began back in 1998, we have consistently published 10 issues a year except for the April and May 2020 issues which were forced to be combined due to the pandemic and businesses being closed with no mail delivery possible.

As you know, my family is a big part of all I do, but there are also many freelancers who I refer to as “Biz X family”.

In particular, one individual who has been with me since the magazine began, is professional photographer Rodney Denis. He’s also celebrating a milestone — 35 years in business.

With more than four decades of experience behind the camera, Denis has explored a wide range of subjects, from fashion models to vintage automobiles.

A proud graduate of Fanshawe College’s photography program, he refined his craft in bustling cities like Toronto, Halifax, and Detroit before making his way back to Windsor in 1989.

“I did not expect to be that busy,” Denis reminisces, recalling his early days upon returning to the city.

Not long after his arrival, Windsor Raceway invited him to take on the role of track photographer for their publicity department.  At the same time, he began to delve into commercial photography, collaborating with Partners Marketing to shoot for In Business Windsor magazine in the early ’90s. It was here, while I was their Assistant Editor, that our paths first crossed.

His collaboration with local photographer Tim Cornett, eventually led to the creation of DenCor Photography. However, as Cornett ventured into other pursuits, Denis took the opportunity to establish the business Rodney L. Denis Photographer in 1991, working with esteemed clients like Chrysler, Labatt Breweries, and Canadian Tire.

After I made the move to Opinion magazine to start The Business Exchange, Denis came with me. And when I went out on my own in 1998 to publish Biz X, he was right by my side again. “I was excited to be part of Deborah’s magazine as I knew she had a long-term winner,” he comments.

As the world of photography continues to shift with technological advancements, Denis holds a belief that black-and-white art photography will always have a special place, provided it remains genuine.

“Anything with a challenge has its greatest appeal,” he notes, referencing unique endeavors like capturing a Dodge Viper on the Ambassador Bridge for the Business Exchange as well as 28 creative Biz X Award covers.

“Photography has taken me to places that I never would have seen or experienced,” expresses Denis, but as for the future, he muses: “Cameras? Where we’re going, we don’t need cameras!”

As Denis gears up for the next chapter of his life, his impact on the Windsor photography scene is undeniably solidified. I’m grateful he is on our team — his photos are a part of our success, frame by frame.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER – Fashion Week Windsor-Essex 2026 Brought The Energy . . . And Biz X Was There

Biz X magazine was very proud to be a Sequin Sponsor, along with Mastronardi Estate Winery, of Fashion Week Windsor-Essex (FWWE) which took place from March 22 to March 28, 2026.

I’m pleased to support the fashion industry across southwestern Ontario — from designers and models to photographers, businesses, and the organizations that help them thrive.

Backing this creative community aligns naturally with our magazine’s commitment to showcasing local talent, entrepreneurship, and the people shaping our region’s cultural landscape.

In the photo above you’ll see me with Stephen Drouin, FWWE President at the kickoff luncheon that set the “seams” in motion.

According to Drouin: “Putting together the seven-day FWWE was exhausting, but it really paid off for the local fashion community. In our first year (a three-day event in 2025), 300-plus attended, but this year over 750 turned out to show their support. Next year the community can expect a celebration of local women’s empowerment, pioneers, and trendsetters through the decades.”

The 2025/2026 FWWE Board Members are Drouin; Sam Turner, Digital Design and Social Media Content; and Moya McAlister, Production Manager. Committee members include Justine Thompson-Fisher, Administrative Assistant; Melissa Hicks, Treasurer; Tracey Harding, Advertising Liaison; Irene Moore Davis, Editor; Lori Moore, Volunteer Coordinator, and Mena Biafora-Vincelli, Lead Stylist.

But first — check out a few of my favourite shots from this year’s event. Windsor showed up in style: bold looks, stunning locations, incredible support — and the photos prove it.

Click below to see what the buzz is all about!

PHOTO GALLERY IN THE MAY ISSUE ON PAGES 5 TO 7

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St. Clair College Celebrates Five Standout Graduates For 2026 Alumni Of Distinction Awards

You may have watched the big stars collect their trophies on TV this year already in film and music, but the real action here at home is just beginning!

The awards you can take part in — by sending in nominations, supporting and possibly attending in person — are getting underway in the coming months in Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent. Not to mention the 29th annual Biz X Awards with nominations this summer and the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce will reveal their 2026 BEA winners later this year too!

Until then, in our April edition, you will read about a local winner for the 2026 Scot of the Year recognized by the Scottish Studies Society. You’ll learn how to nominate a Registered Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, and/or Nurse Practitioner in the 19th annual Lois Fairley Nursing Awards, presented by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.

In addition, we share the website where you can submit your choices for the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce (CKCC) 138th annual Business Excellence Awards.

However, for now, we roll out the red carpet for the recipients of the 33rd annual Alumni of Distinction Awards! St. Clair College is set to honour five alumni in May who have made outstanding professional and community contributions in their fields and community service.

The 2026 winner of St. Clair College’s Alumni of Distinction Awards are:

• Jeff Denomme, Artist/Author, The Haunted Zoo: A graduate of the Graphic Design program representing the School of Media Arts and Design.
• Jennifer Jovanovski, Chief Executive Officer, John McGivney Children’s Centre: A graduate of the Nursing program representing the School of Nursing.
• Mark McGuire, Executive Director, Give and Go Sports Education: A graduate of the Business Administration program representing the Zekelman School of Business and IT.
• Jennifer Pestrin, Executive Director, Community Living Windsor: A graduate of the Developmental Services Worker program representing the School of Community Studies.
• Nic White, Owner and Chief Operations Officer, Handy Bros. Home Comfort: A graduate of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) program representing the School of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships.

This year’s cohort brings the total to 149 graduates recognized by the College since 1992.

Whether you’re reading this column in print at your workplace, flipping through it in a waiting room, or seeing our digital edition on your computer or phone — here’s your chance to be in the room for the
celebration itself.

The 33rd annual Alumni of Distinction dinner takes place Friday, May 8, 2026, in the Alumni Skyline Room at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, 201 Riverside Drive West in Windsor.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and dinner begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and are available by calling 519-972-2747. For event and reception information, please visit online.

We hope to see you there as the community comes together to celebrate this year’s remarkable alumni who continue to make an impact in our region!

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Marking A Decade Of Impact, Windsor’s Kidney Foundation Turns Up The Volume To Transform Annual Fundraiser Into Rock The Walk

Since 2009, Biz X magazine has been a proud supporter of various events organized for the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Windsor & District Chapter.

This has encompassed all kinds of annual events from walks and pasta/pizza fests to a culinary art fundraiser and a special fashion show. From patient support to education and advocacy, the Foundation
provides essential resources for those living with kidney disease in our area. Their events do more than raise funds — they build community, spark awareness, and remind us that hometown generosity can change lives.

This is why we are pleased to be a major media sponsor for their fundraisers, and of course, we wanted to make sure we are a big part of what they are doing in 2026!

Marking a major milestone, The Kidney Foundation’s longstanding Celebrity Men Fashion Event enters its 10th anniversary with a bold new identity and a reenergized vision.

Relaunched as Rock the Walk Fashion & Live Music Celebration, this year’s event — held June 13 inside the Skyline Ballroom at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, downtown Windsor — celebrates a decade of community impact while expanding its commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and local collaboration.

To honour this milestone year, the Foundation has introduced two marquee enhancements: a new partnership with Fashion Week Windsor, and a special live performance by internationally acclaimed Leamington-native singer/songwriter Billy Raffoul. These additions promise an unforgettable evening filled with music, fashion, and community spirit.

The refreshed branding reflects more than a new name — it signifies a deepened alignment with equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Organizers emphasize the new title embodies movement, music, and
momentum — qualities that have shaped the event’s evolution over the past decade. Building on its strong foundation, Rock the Walk welcomes a broader range of community voices, talent, and participation than ever before.

“Rock the Walk represents who we are today — energized, community-driven, and committed to making kidney health a local priority,” states Gene Schilling, Event Chair, during the January 2026 press announcement.

As always, the fashion show features apparel from local boutiques, shops, and designers. The final act of the fashion show will see a select group of past male models making a special appearance.

“Some of the past models will be walking the stage, but we are going to try and utilize others in different ways to enhance the experience for our guests. For example, VIP Ambassadors paired with VIP groups to ensure their evening is unforgettable; Event Ambassadors assisting with customer service, and a Social Media and Photo Op Team. This team also consists of past models who will make sure everyone is snapping as many pictures as possible throughout the night and using social media to promote the event.” – Shannon Van Watteghem-Levasseur, Fund and Community Development Officer, Windsor & District Chapter

Funds raised from Rock the Walk Fashion & Live Music Celebration directly support individuals living with chronic kidney disease, those undergoing dialysis, transplant recipients, and their families, while strengthening education and advocacy initiatives across Windsor Essex.

Key component of the event’s success has been the enduring involvement of the Windsor Regional Hospital renal program, which has always played a vital role in supporting this fundraiser.

This year, organizers are excited for another new partnership with St. Clair College, with students contributing their skills to help shape the planning, production, and execution of the celebration.

The event includes a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening, entertainment and the fashion show for general admission ticket holders. VIP tickets have an exclusive package with a three-course meal before the show, reserved seating, an after party with a full set by Raffoul and his band plus a luxury gift bag with samples from sponsors and leading beauty brands.

The timing of this refreshed event is especially significant as kidney disease continues to impact 1 in 10 Canadians each year, which is over 4.1 million people. Community driven initiatives like Rock the Walk
provide essential support and help raise awareness around prevention, early detection, treatment, and patient advocacy throughout the region. Tickets are now available online.

To keep the community informed and engaged, regular updates, announcements, and behind-thescenes features can be viewed on the Foundation’s facebook page and instagram.

With its bigger partnerships, bolder vision, and a milestone year, Rock the Walk Fashion & Live Music Celebration is set to become one of Windsor’s most meaningful and memorable events of the year.

I hope to see you there on June 13 when the fashion steps out and the music turns up!

Link here to see more on the event and read the full March 2026 issue.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER – The Honour Roll Of Business Excellence

As the publisher of a business magazine, I am committed to promoting companies that set new standards in their industries, and recognizing local awards programs gives me the perfect platform to showcase these achievements.

Featuring award recipients strengthens our mission to support and celebrate businesses that are accelerating growth, creating impact, and shaping the future of our local and global economy. As well, in challenging times like these, award stories offer a much-needed dose of good news!

Of course, our own awards program — the Biz X Awards, with hundreds of nominees and 24 winners, have taken place for the past 28 years — but we also support other organizations that are committed to acknowledging the best businesses in the area. In particular, the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards hold a special significance for me. I earned the Entrepreneur of the Year Award back in 2007 — the first, and still the only woman to do so — which makes it especially meaningful.

This is why we always feature the chamber’s award finalists on our pages, to bring attention to the remarkable businesses, organizations, and professionals chosen as finalists, year after year. And a few months later we also write about the overall winners and publish photos from the chamber’s big night.

Let’s now get into the main topic of my column this issue, the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce announcement of the 2026 Business Excellence Awards (BEA) finalists/recipients and upcoming gala.

Partnering with Libro Credit Union as the presenting sponsor, the 35th Business Excellence Awards will be a retrospective as the chamber observes its 150th anniversary.

“Libro Credit Union is proud to continue our decadelong partnership with the Business Excellence Awards,” comments Lori Atkinson, Regional Director, Windsor Essex, Libro Credit Union. “Stepping into this new role as presenting sponsor reflects our ongoing commitment to championing local businesses and the financial well-being of our region. We’re excited to help elevate a celebration that honours the people and organizations driving meaningful impact in Windsor Essex.”

Set for Thursday, May 14, 2026, the BEA event will acknowledge current trailblazers and past winners across nine categories, highlighting the legacy of excellence that shapes Windsor Essex. The Chamber and
BEA Committee’s mission is clear: celebrating achievements, honour history, and inspire future leaders.
Commemorating 35 years of the BEAs and 150 years of the Chamber, the event at Caesars Windsor includes a red-carpet welcome, dynamic reception, high-energy Awards Show at The Colosseum, and an
Afterglow Celebration in the Augustus Ballroom.

This year’s festivities also shine a spotlight on two exceptional honourees whose achievements reflect both the enduring legacy and the forward momentum at the heart of the event. These recipients were
announced formally at the BEA announcement press conference in mid-January. The 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award winner is Loretta Stoyka, a trailblazer whose vision and advocacy have empowered emerging leaders throughout Windsor Essex. Her legacy includes championing the ATHENA Award, founding the ATHENA Scholarship Fund, and inspiring progress in local leadership.

Additionally, the Spirit of Community Award pays tribute to The Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation for their transformative philanthropy and dedication to strengthening Windsor Essex. Their generosity and leadership set the standard for community engagement and inspires future generations.

“Every initiative we support is rooted in the belief that meaningful change happens when communities are strengthened from within, and care, opportunity, and hope are extended to all. We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to building stronger, healthier, and inclusive communities.” – Amber Hunter, Director of Philanthropy, The Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation

Finalists in the seven additional categories will be recognized, with winners revealed live on stage at the May event. Thanks to a creative partnership with Kelly Blais and Media Street Productions, this year’s awards bring new energy to a tradition of excellence. Curious to know who the finalists are? We will not keep you waiting any longer!

The finalists are as follows . . .

Professional Excellence

• Peter Hrastovec, Partner, Shibley Righton LLP
• Sandra Pupatello, Senate of Canada
• Federica Nazzani, Managing Partner, Capital Assist

Visionary Founder

• Frank Abbruzzese, President, AlphaKOR Group Inc
• Clare E. Winterbottom, posthumously, Founder/President, Anchor Lamina, Inc.
• Dr. Fouad Tayfour, Owner/Chief Surgeon, Windsor Laser Eye Institute

Business Legacy

• Valiant TMS, Sladjan Milidrag, President, North America
• Rosati Group, Tony Rosati, Co-Owner
• Ground Effects, Jim Scott, President

Destination Windsor-Essex

• Wolfhead Distillery, Tom Manherz, President
• Iron Kettle Commissary, Benjamin Leblanc-Beaudoin, Co-Owner
• Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards, Tom O’Brien, President

Innovation Champion

• The CHARGE Lab (Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy), University of Windsor, Dr Nayaran Kar, Distinguished Professor and Director
• GreenShield Canada, Nadim Kara, EVP Head of People & Culture
• Jamieson Laboratories Ltd, John Doherty, Chief Science and Innovation Officer

Leadership in Motion

• Fabio Costante, CEO, Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation
• Celso Oliveira, VP Financing, Southwestern Ontario for BDC
• Paul St. Pierre, President and CEO, Landscape Effects

Icon of Impact

• Caesars Windsor, Scott Jenkins, Director of Advertising
• Pernod Ricard operating as Hiram Walker & Sons, Joshua Reit, Sr. Director, Walkerville Operations
• Tepperman’s, Andrew Tepperman, Executive Chairman

Tickets for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards are now on sale online.

Good luck to all finalists from everyone at Biz X magazine! We look forward to celebrating with you and our team at the May event.

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