NEWSFLASH – ASWE: WECAN; Essex Windsor EMS; Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County And Leamington Chamber Winners

THE RUNDOWN

Perk up! Coffee Break is back in a big way at the Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County (ASWE), thanks to local Tim Hortons owners. Launched on World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21), this annual fundraiser collects funds for ASWE and raises awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias across Windsor and Essex County. So how does it work? Businesses, faith groups, friends, and families can request a Coffee Break kit containing Tim Hortons coffee and supplies, educational material, and ASWE swag and host their own fundraiser until December 21, 2023. Participants can enjoy a warm cup of coffee, engage in meaningful conversation that brings awareness to the cause and their unspent coffee change is donated to ASWE to support their mission to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. To sign up to host your own Coffee Break at your location, please email: [email protected].

ON THE MOVE

The Chair of the Board of Windsor Essex Capital Angel Network (WECAN) Shawn Bustin recently announced a new chapter in welcoming Cam Crowder as Interim Executive Director, replacing Deborah Livneh. “Cam has a diverse background that includes formerly being a partner in multiple Tim Hortons franchises in Essex County and he currently leads Redstick Ventures, an early-stage venture firm specializing in food technologies,” Bustin explains. “He is co-owner of the Leamington Flyers and has also been an active Angel investorfor over three years, adding to his multifaceted experiences in the investment field.” Bustin continues talking about Crowder’s experience by stating: “As a proud alumnus of Venture University in Silicon Valley, he further honed his understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship through a 2022 accelerator experience for Venture Investors. His wide-ranging experiences bring a unique perspective to WECAN.” Crowder’s vision, in his own words, is as follows: “I am committed to ensuring WECAN emerges as a pivotal and sustainable entity in the start-up community of Southwestern Ontario, with a focus on enhancing member value and cultivating relationships with community stakeholders.” WECAN is a members-only Angel investors’ community of local investors who seek to support start-up companies with their capital, mentorship and connections. Angel investors help accelerate growth and prosperity in the region. 

As of October 9, 2023 Deputy Chief Justin Lammers is the new Chief of Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Management. He takes over from retiring Chief Bruce Krauter, who is staying on in an advisory role during the transition. “Deputy Chief Lammers embodies the Essex-Windsor EMS motto of accountability, integrity and compassion,” Krauter states. “He has developed a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding of the service — first as a paramedic and then as a member of the management team. He oversaw the service’s COVID-19 response, built the Community Paramedic Program from the ground up and has been involved in numerous community focused committees and working groups.” Lammers was named Deputy Chief, Planning and Physical Resources, in January after eight years as Deputy Chief, Professional Standards. Since joining Essex-Windsor EMS as a paramedic in 2005, he worked as an advanced care paramedic and acting Professional Standards Captain before being promoted to Deputy Chief and now Chief. “I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to lead our organization as we overcome challenges and keep striving to provide the best emergency medical services possible,” Lammers says. “I am proud of our entire team for continuing to show resilience in the face of adversity and always aiming higher. Their commitment inspires me and helps fuel my passion for Essex-Windsor EMS, paramedicine and serving the residents of our community.”

HALL OF FAME

The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (MCC) is proud to announce that the Carrousel of the Nations was awarded Top Festival & Event by Attractions Ontario in 2023. The 2023 Carrousel of the Nations event took place on June 16 to 18 and June 23 to 25, at various locations in the region. Fred Francis, Executive Director of the MCC states: “Thank you, to all those who voted for our festival; along with all of the individual cultural villages and volunteers who make our festival happen year after year. We thank the people of Windsor Essex who attended our festival this past June, as we are so lucky to live in a culturally diverse region that is very welcoming to all people.”

Congratulations once again to the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce (LDCC) on another successful awards ceremony! Their 29th Annual Business Excellence Awards took place on September 13, 2023 at the Leamington Roma Club with 216 in attendance. Every year the chamber has a special theme for their event, and for this year it was We Are Global, based on the international business our communities do around the world. The event was sponsored by Libro Credit Union along with sponsors for Hospitality (Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers); Wine (Baker Tilly), Table (South Essex Fabricating) and various award sponsors. The complete list of winners is as follows . . .Invest in a World Class Workforce: Mastronardi Produce Limited.; Customer First: Melo LLP, Jason Melo; Youth Excellence: Jessica DeSantis; Young Entrepreneur: Hallie Westwood, Orchid Media; Small Business Excellence 10 to 50 employees: Cured Craft Brewing Co.; Small Business Excellence 1 to 9 employees: Fehr Car Wash; Industrial/Manufacturing Excellence: South Essex Fabricating; Innovation: Under Sun Acres; Grow South Essex: Crave Family Grill & Pub; Excellence in Food Services: Riviera Maya; Welcoming Accessibility Award: The Bank Theatre; Warm Welcome: Dream BNB Hospitality; Positive Professionals: Mike Wiens, Sawatzky Balzer & Wiens LLP; Libro Director’s Choice: The Bridge Youth Resource Centre; and Alf Bennie award: Peter & Cathy Quiring. As noted, Mastronardi Produce — a fourth-generation family-owned business that pioneered commercial greenhouse growing in North America — was named the recipient of the Invest in a World Class Workforce award. This award recognizes a business that leads the way in preparing employees for the future by investing in skills development and training, providing career growth opportunities, and modelling lifelong learning. “At Mastronardi Produce Limited, we want our team members to see this as a place where they can grow, build lifelong careers, and make a difference,” indicates Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO of Mastronardi Produce (SunsetGrown.com). “Our talented team has brought us to where we are today, and we are proud to support employee growth in any way we can.” In closing the award ceremony, LDCC General Manager Wendy Parsons gave this inspiring quote: “I want to emphasize that the pursuit of excellence is an ongoing journey. It is not a destination, but a continuous effort to surpass our previous achievements. Remember that our responsibilities extend beyond our own success. Let us continue to mentor, support, and inspire the next generation of business leaders who will carry the torch of excellence forward.” This is something all entrepreneurs can live by!