BIBit to WIN IT--deadline July 16, 2011

A branding boost for one Canadian small business is up for grabs!

Believe, Innovate, and Become “IT”. That is the vision behind BIBit, a national contest for small Canadian businesses offering them the chance to win a branding and communications package valued at $30,000. The BIBit contest is open to Canadian businesses less than five years in operation from the fashion, lifestyle and beauty industries.

Four of Canada’s most talented entrepreneurs and small business owners have joined forces to offer this multidisciplinary package to one Canadian business to help improve their overall brand presentation, recognition, and success. The BIBit partners include Kate Engineer, marketing strategist and owner of BIB Marketing and PR Management; Andrea Ford, interior stylist and owner of RE:Style Studio; Bruno Marsala, director and owner of HD Media Creations; and Jared Tapscott, web designer and owner of Razor Edge Labs.

“The goal is to positively impact the future for another small business by providing them with the necessary expertise, guidance, exposure and branding tools to excel in their industry!” states Andrea Ford.

The BIBit contest grand prize is valued at $30,000 and includes: a six-month public relations management contract, including a media event, provided by BIB Marketing and PR Management; a media event hosted at the RE:Style Studio and a branding consultation with Andrea Ford; a fully produced 90 second HD video directed by HD Media Creation; and a fully customized website and a website strategy consultation provided by Razor Edge Labs. “We moulded our services together ensuring the grand prize will foster brand awareness and sustain an online competitive edge for the winning business, ” shares Bruno Marsala.

BIBit launched tWednesday June 15th 2011 9:00am EST at the official contest website www.bibit.ca and ends on Saturday July 16th 2011 12:00am EST. Eligible Canadian businesses must complete the online BIBit Questionnaire in order to enter the contest, and contestants also have the opportunity to submit a video and photos to provide more information. The partnering entrepreneurs are the judges for the BIBit contest and together will be selecting the winning business. The BIBit winning business will be announced on Tuesday August 2nd 2011 10:00am EST at www.bibit.ca.


Kate Engineer, President and Owner of BIB marketing and PR Management, is the visionary behind the BIBit contest. Kate recognizes the importance strong brand recognition brings to a new business and its success. “Generating brand awareness for your service or product is one of the most challenging aspects of launching a new business, and most start-ups lack the required funds to invest in a public relations or marketing campaign. However, the return on investment can be two-fold and the business rockets to another level. ” Kate understands that becoming an entrepreneur is a risky venture and she decided it was time to help another new Canadian business succeed in their endeavour.


The BIBit contest partners are excited to learn more about the variety of Canadian start-ups businesses within the fashion, lifestyle, and beauty industries through the contestants applications. Jared Tapscott, shares, “we look forward to establishing great relationships with the winning business and celebrating the brand’s transformation.”


by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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Kidney Foundation Digs $10k Boost Through Biz Xcellent Fundraiser

Biz X Magazine

Foundation digs $10k boost through Biz Xcellent fundraiser

People, promotion and place key factors to success

Tecumseh, Ont. The Kidney Foundation of Canada volleyed for a 10k boost through net revenue profits generated by The Biz X Beach Jam Volleyball Tournament held on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at On the Beach (On the Green). The 10k amount represented a 50% spike from its planned revenue goal of $5,000 for 2011 where over 118 participants, volunteers and staff were in attendance for this event.

According to Fund Development & Chapter Manager, Mike Brennan “people, promotion and place rallied the success of this event, which will benefit the Foundation,” in support of raising funds toward stimulating innovative research while increasing awareness of the Foundation’s programs and services locally throughout Windsor-Essex County that benefit approximately 4,000 individuals directly affected by kidney disease or on dialysis.

“The Biz X Beach Jam was a sizzling success and On the Beach was the perfect place to host this summer time fundraiser. I wish to thank the entire committee for all their hard work -- it definitely paid off!” said Deborah Jones, publisher for Biz X Magazine.

In terms of partnership and promotion for the event, “we had a splendid core group of sponsors led by Biz X Magazine, In Play! Magazine, RBC Royal Bank, On the Beach, Bank and 100.7 & 95.1 The Rock,” adds Brennan.

“Biz X and In Play magazines were proud to sponsor this volleyball tournament for the Windsor & District Chapter of the Foundation. Not only did the beach jam raise funds for a very worthy cause but it also gave local employees the chance to have a little fun in the sun and get to know their co-workers better. We definitely look forward to next year's tournament becoming bigger and better than ever!” said Jones.

Of special note, RBC Royal Bank fielded 9 Teams while promoting the event throughout the region amongst its branches and making a significant financial contribution in combined pledges.

The Windsor & District Chapter also made a strategic move to host this event at On the Beach in Tecumseh. “This is Southwestern Ontario’s finest outdoor volleyball venue,” said Brennan.

Team Cole consisting of members Gabriel Bruzzese, Kyle Williamson, Ryan Le, Kelly Paolini, Erin Murphy and Corey Cole dominated the field and commanded the best of 3 final 21-9 and 21-11 respectively over Team Landry to win the $1,000 cash purse before donating $100 back. “It was an excellent event and fundraiser,” said Cole.

Crystal Dewar was the top fundraiser for this event and her team The Ballers led the field in overall pledges at $930 convincingly.

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Windsor Business Accelerator Great for Entrepreneurs New and Experienced.

by Deborah Jones Publisher
Biz X Magazine

Recently I had the chance to tour the new Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator, located at 720 Ouellette Avenue (corner of Ouellette & Tuscarora).  

Here I am working from one of the computers
in a two person office in the new facility.

Designed to help accelerate the growth of start-up and emerging businesses and provide mentoring and training programs for entrepreneurs, the Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator opened its doors in early June. 

The project was developed by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) and supported by a $678,000 Community Adjustment Fund Grant, courtesy of the Federal Government, for equipment and leasehold improvements. The building’s exterior has been re-vamped to include a fully glassed front wall which offers enhanced lighting and greater energy efficiencies while lending to the ambiance of the new facility. It truly is magnificent and a great place to work!

What’s happening inside the facility is even more exciting. Within 7,000 square feet, the ultra-modern facility incorporates 23 open concept offices; 14 spacious 1-2 person offices; three group-meeting rooms; three living rooms; a library; a kitchen; and a photocopy room. Tenants are offered fully furnished workspaces, including desk/chair, file cabinet, phone, free wireless internet, computer, mailbox, and shared receptionist. Coupled with the collaborative networking environment, the Business Accelerator is an excellent place to grow a business.

 

For more information check out the June issue of Biz X  at http://www.bizxmagazine.com/ and also our July/August edition will feature a spread of photos and more info!

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X MARKS THE SPOT! The Biz X Beach Jam Volleyball Tournament $1000 CASH FIRST PLACE!!!

by Deborah Jones Publisher
Biz X Magazine

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United Way's National Day Of Caring

Caring for Communities across the Country


 On Thursday, June 2, 2011, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, in partnership

with the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) took part in United Way Canada’s National

Day of Caring.


In Windsor-Essex, individuals from various workplaces and organizations stepped up to the

challenge and planted thousands of plants, and cleaned local watersheds and Conservation Areas to

beautify Windsor and Essex County. Volunteers from Cavendish (UFCW Local 459), H.J. Heinz

Company Limited (UFCW Local 459/IOE Local 772), Ford Motor Company of Canada, Russell A.

Farrow Limited, Leadership Windsor-Essex, which includes individuals representing the banking,

financial, public, health, labour, education, private and not-for-profit sectors, and United Way’s

GenNext Committee took part in the National Day of Caring at the Lou Romano Plant, Hillman

Marsh and Devonwood Park.


The Essex Region Conservation Authority was thrilled to take part and assist in the planning of this

event.


“The clean up helps to remind our community of the need for environmental stewardship of

all of our natural areas,” says Richard Wyman, General Manager, ERCA. “ERCA strives to connect

people to our landscape, waterfronts, and our Great Lakes and rivers with attractive natural areas,

trails, and Conservation Areas as a part of a vibrant and sustainable community.”


“United Way’s National Day of Caring engaged hundreds of volunteers across the country to

support their communities through volunteer activities,” states Penny Marrett, CEO, United

Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County. “We are thankful to be surrounded by so many giving and

caring workplaces and individuals who are dedicated to improving our community and making

Windsor-Essex County a great place to live.”

United Way Canada’s National Day of Caring was held in 18 locations across Canada. Days of

Caring, an initiative of United Way, engage individuals in the community to work together to make a

difference in the community. United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County focuses on three

priority areas: Supporting Basic Needs and Independence, Positioning Kids and Families for

Success, and Creating Thriving Neighbourhoods.

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

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