Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Calling All Karaoke Lovers! "Wheatley Idol" July 31, 2011 Is Here!

A little town with big talent! Who would have known that there was such amazing talent in such a little town? Youth from all around Southwestern ON will hit the stage at the eighth annual "Wheatley Idol", which is taking place Sunday, July 31 at the Two Creeks Conservation Area in Wheatley. "Wheatley Idol" is a part of the annual Wheatley Fish Festival, which takes place the Civic Holiday Weekend on July 29, 30, and 31.


Organizer of the event Darla Janzen told the Biz X Magazine that the talent competition, which was started by the Wheatley Optimists, has grown since it began, and this feature attraction continues to grow.

“It has become really popular,” Janzen says. We set a record year again for 2011! Registration to compete in the event is now closed, as the 30 spots filled up in one week. We credit our website, along with the media and other mediums for helping get the word out.”

Janzen said of the contestants, who hail from the Wheatley area and as far as Windsor and Sarnia. “Kids have the know-how when it comes to being online.”

Contestants come from all around to vie for the coveted "Wheatley Idol" title. The competition also draws hundreds of spectators, who offer support and encouragement for the great talent that takes to the outdoor stage. The singing competition is broken down into four age categories (6-9, 10-12, 13-16, and 17-29) and includes “celebrity judges” who determine the 13 winners.

The celebrity judges include local recording artist, singer/songwriter Nicole Barron, 92.7 Max FM, morning host Cordell Green, and Jennifer Morin the 2010 "Wheatley Idol" Overall Winner. There are great prizes for all the winners and includes a star-studded recording package for the 2011 Overall Winner”.

Janzen is excited to announce that the four 1st place winners from this year’s contest will also be guest singers at the 2011 Comber Fair - Miss Comber Fair Pageant. With volunteers, prize sponsors and community partnerships, Janzen credits all of these for the success of the annual event.

“Everybody does their part and we have a lot of great support,” she adds. Janzen indicated a large crowd is anticipated again this year for the event. Preparations for the competition are going smooth, and the list of the contestants has been announced.“We’ve tried to put a bit of everything into it, so it’s appealing to everybody.”

Admission to the event is free and open to the public as a free concert. Rain or shine! The Two Creeks outdoor amphitheatre makes for a wonderful woodland setting, and in the event of rain, the pavilion is available. Door prizes for the audience can be won; food from the Wheatley Scouts will be for sale, and 92.7 Max FM Radio out of Leamington will be on hand during the event to give out free swag.

Bring your Lawn chairs and Idol cheers! MC Dustyn Janzen, 92.7 Max and Mix 96.7 radio host, will keep everyone entertained and well informed throughout the event. We encourage the public to come out to the event and enjoy the entertainment. You can also Stay Connected with "Wheatley Idol" on "Facebook", "Twitter", and Idol Alerts! Check out the "Wheatley Idol" website for more details, Idol highlights and news. www.wheatleyidol.com


by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

Sunday, July 10, 2011

WE Children's Safety Village Day Camp Giveaway $110 Value X2

Biz X Magazine wants to send your
 youngster to the
Week Long Day Camp
at the Children's Safety Village of
Windsor and Essex County!!!


Two Passes - $110 Each
Good for July 18 -22 or August 8-12

Simply email our contest page here "CONTEST" 
and tell us in a short paragraph why you want to win this prize.

Open to all Biz X Facebook fans.

Two winners randomly selected Friday July 15
and posted here and on the Biz X Facebook page.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Odette MBA 5K Fun Run/Walk For ALS Sat. July 16, 2011

Odette MBA 5K Fun Run/ Walk to Support the Windsor-Essex County ALS Society


The Odette MBA Society at the University of Windsor invites you to participate in the Odette MBA 5K Fun Run/Walk benefiting the Windsor-Essex County ALS Society on Saturday, July 16th. This event will be held at Ganatchio Trail, just across from the WFCU Center. The run/walk will start promptly at 9 am, but prior check-in is required with registration beginning at 8 am. All of the registration information can be found by clicking HERE or logging onto http://www.uwindsor.ca/mbasociety/odette-mba-5k-fun-runwalk.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a devastating disease that targets the central nervous system. It is estimated that an individual diagnosed with ALS will require $50,000 of equipment. These expenses however are miniscule when compared to the emotional distress and physical suffering of the afflicted individuals. This event was created to support those afflicted members of our community. The Odette MBA 5K Fun Run/Walk demonstrates the unity and strength characteristic of the Windsor community, a community that you are a part of and a unity to which you are called.

Organizers look forward to seeing you on July 16th at Ganatchio Trail! Together, we are making a difference!

Inquiries regarding the Odette MBA 5K Fun Run/Walk can be directed to mbasoc@uwindsor.ca.

by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

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

Monday, June 20, 2011

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.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

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!

Saturday, June 4, 2011