WEDC SErviCES • Supporting Windsor-Essex region businesses• Attracting and facilitating investment• Connecting businesses and government agencies• Assisting area companies to expand locally

and internationally• Facilitating strategic relationships with

government and foreign offices• Connecting local and foreign companies

to develop new trade opportunities• Supporting key trade missions• Providing regional economic data• Providing a Manufacturer’s Directory,

an online search tool for Windsor-Essex region manufacturers and the companies in need of their services

• Providing community and lifestyle information

KEy ContaCtSPatrick Persichilli, Vice President519-255-9200, Ext. 2226Tracy Pringle, Director, Business Retention & Expansion, 519-255-9200, Ext. 2229Rakesh Naidu, Director, Business Attraction519-255-9200, Ext. 2235Wendy Stark, Economic Development Officer 519-255-9200, Ext. 2225Lee Anne Damphouse, Executive Assistant to the CEO, 519-255-9200, Ext. 2230Roxana Gosman, Project Analyst, Board Liaison 519-255-9200, Ext. 2228Sandy Smith, Administrative Assistant519-255-9200, Ext. 2222Lina Williams, Information and Systems Coordinator 519-255-9200, Ext. 2224WindsorEssex Small Business CentreSabrina DeMarco, Manager, Small Business Development, 519-253-6900, Ext. 2232Diane Malenfant, Programs Advisor519-253-6900, Ext. 2231Susan Wong, Information Coordinator519-253-6900, Ext. 2233Shannon Dyck, Programs Advisor (Kingsville Office) 519-733-3137

Think Number One.

“Locating in Windsor-Essex gives us access to a workforce with a reputation for quality, which is essential to our business,” said Ezio D’Onofrio, President of Globalive Communications. “We look forward to having Windsor-Essex be a part of our growth.”

The customer service centre opened February 2nd with approximately 100 employees. The company anticipates an expansion of the centre, however, as Globalive prepares to launch its new, national wireless service offering. A one-day job fair organized by WEDC and Ontario Works drew approximately 1200 applicants.

Wizie Chooses Windsor-essex for r&d Centre

After considering locations around the globe, Wizie, a leading provider of managed travel-trade services and solutions, selected Windsor-Essex for its new research and development (R&D) facility.

Fifteen employees will be in place when the office opens in April 2009, and an additional 120 to 125 people are expected to be hired over the next three years. Approximately 60 per cent of the employees will work in advanced software research and development. The remainder will provide business-to-business customer support.

At the media conference announcing Wizie’s decision, Trideep Aggarwal, President and CEO, thanked the City of Windsor, Windsor Airport and the WindsorEssex Development Commission (WEDC) who “bent over backwards” for them.

Remo Mancini, Chairman of the WEDC, was pleased with his organization’s success in facilitating the decision. “Windsor-Essex is an ideal location for a variety of industries and we’ve been actively pursuing R&D jobs as part of our strategic diversification plan. The WindsorEssex Development Commission’s role in the process helped convince the Wizie team that Windsor-Essex was the right decision for their company’s continued growth.”

teleCom Company adds 100 Jobs

When executives from Globalive Communications were considering Ontario communities in which to open a new customer service centre, they discussed alternative locations with the Ontario Ministry of International Trade and Investment (MITI). MITI officials were aware of the opportunities in Windsor-Essex and suggested Globalive pay a visit. Facilitated by WEDC, this one visit convinced Globalive that Windsor-Essex was the place to be.

Over the past few months we’ve made progress on several development initiatives, two of which resulted in major announcements in late ‘08 and early ‘09.

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis joins Trideep Aggarwal (centre) and Remo Mancini (right) to announce Wizie.com’s choice of Windsor-Essex

AMHERSTBURG ESSEX KINGSVILLE LAKESHORE LASALLE LEAMINGTON TECUMSEH WINDSORchoosewindsoressex.com

how Can We help you?

WEDC recruits 225 high-tech and service-industry jobs

Two announcements in two weeks cap successful quarter

Suite 215333 Riverside Dr. West Windsor, ON N9A 5K4

P: 519-255-9200

Windsor-Essex hosts representatives from

International Marketing Centre

Ministry of International Trade and Investment personnel and WEDC staff received a warm welcome at Dieffenbacher North America.

On December 4th and 5th, the WindsorEssex Development Commission played host to a group of International Marketing Centre (IMC) representatives from around

the world. Employed by the Ontario Ministry of International Trade and Investment, these professionals are co-located in Canadian Consulates and Embassies in ten cities and eight countries worldwide. Their mandate is to promote Ontario opportunities to foreign investors and to act as intermediaries for Ontario companies looking to expand their markets into these countries.

Upon their arrival in Windsor-Essex, the group was given an overview of the region by WEDC staff, including our existing industries, strategic location,

skilled workforce, education, low costs of doing business and R&D capabilities. The IMC representatives gave brief overviews of their markets, highlighting key industries and opportunities for investment attraction and export development.During their visit to Windsor-Essex, the group toured seven manufacturing operations and three facilities at the University of Windsor. They were very impressed by the capabilities of the local manufacturers and by the opportunities provided by the University. The manufacturers were able to speak with the IMC representatives located in the markets of interest to them and these contacts will assist in their future market expansion plans.

According to reports coming in from participants, it was a successful tour of the Windsor-Essex Region and the contacts made are already benefitting the participating companies and the Region.

Remo ManciniChair, WEDC

message from the Chairman

apma helps Companies achieve

operational effectiveness

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) is offering a program to help companies achieve operational effectiveness. This program is administered by the APMA, delivered by industry experts at Operations Expertise Inc., and is subsidized by the Government of Ontario. It is a multi-phase program that will: • assess and benchmark the supplier

organization’s operational effectiveness

• provide a foundation for a more intensive improvement plan, based on Japanese manufacturing philosophies

• offer opportunities to comply with the New Domestic OEMs’ expectations

• and develop effective solutions with significant savings.

For more information, or to apply for this program, visit www.apma.ca.

managing automotive

supplier riskThe Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) has developed a supplier-focused Market Intelligence Program (AMIP) for its members. AMIP combines comprehensive databases and planning tools that are automotive supplier-specific to help its members identify opportunities and management risk. For more information about AMIP, visit the APMA website, www.apma.ca.

new tax exemption status

for auto parts manufacturers

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) recently announced that, on behalf of its members, it has sought and received tax exemption status for Canadian manufacturers and shippers who ship products to Michigan, or through Michigan to other locations in the United States. The exemption applies to companies that are domiciled in Canada, do not have a permanent establishment in Michigan, but ship product there.

For more information on the association, please visit www.apma.ca

looking to break into the mr&o

sector?In the global aerospace sector, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MR&O) market is undergoing many changes. To examine opportunities in this sector, Industry Canada is hosting its second Canadian Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Technology Workshop in Richmond, B.C. on February 26th and 27th, 2009. There is no registration fee but advance registration is mandatory.

For more information, please contact Adam Moser at Industry Canada 613-954-3114 or e-mail adam.moser@ic.gc.ca.

Think Number One.

economic development and technology news saVe the date!

For updated news and events, visit us at www.choosewindsoressex.com

V O T E D N O RT H A M E R I C A’ S # 1 TO P S M A L L C I T Y F O R I N V E S T M E N T A N D D E V E L O P M E N T B Y T H E T I M E S O F L O N D O N , E N G L A N D ’ S F O R E I G N D I R E C T I N V E S T M E N T M A G A Z I N E

WEDC is pleased to welcome Patrick Persichilli as its new Vice President. Mr. Persichilli replaces Michael Burton, who recently accepted a position with the Institute for Diagnostic Imaging Research at

the University of Windsor.

Mr. Persichilli brings a diverse and proven track record of executive-level management to the WEDC. Most recently, he was Director of Administration & Corporate Affairs for Valiant Corporation in Windsor. Prior to that, Mr. Persichilli spent nine years with Ford Motor Company and Nemak of Canada in various management positions.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Patrick as he joins us in this key management role,” said Remo Mancini, Chairman of the WindsorEssex Development Commission. “We will be relying on his experience and skills in dealing with business owners/executives and in human resource management as we move forward to diversify and strengthen our local economy.”

“The WindsorEssex Development Commission has come a long way in the past 18 months,” commented Persichilli.

“I am delighted to join this changing and dynamic organization, and I look forward to working with our existing business community as well as focusing on new economic investment opportunities to revitalize our region.”

WedC Welcomes new Vice president patrick persichilli

Patrick PersichilliVice President

WEDC

HUB’09 is a major international conference on the growing global logistics sector, with emphasis on opportunities in southwestern Ontario. The conference’s major sessions will explore the following topics of interest:

Windsor-Essex – A Multi-Modal Centre of ExcellenceAn introductory overview of a strategic and infrastructurally sophisticated location for international logistics operations. Get the “lay of the multimodal land” with panelists from YQG-Windsor Airport Corporation, Windsor Port Authority, the Ontario Trucking Association, and representations from National Railway Organizations.

Beyond Boundaries – Creating a Better Border Being the busiest Canada/US border provides a uniquely informed perspective on the challenges of international logistics. Explore forward-looking solutions with panelists from Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, representatives from local Border Crossing Operators, and representatives from the customs brokerage industry.

Transportation and Logistics in The New Economy An insightful look at how evolving patterns of global trade are driving the future of transportation and logistics, with panelists from supply chain and logistics national associations, representatives from national planning organizations, and industry insiders.

Moving Forward – A Hub of Opportunity in Windsor-Essex A synthesizing discussion with panelists from each of the day’s sessions, moderated by Dr. Bill Anderson, Ontario Research Chair in Cross-Border Transportation Policy. The interactive format will encourage Q&As and audience participation.

BREAKFAST EVENT SPEAKER: JEAN-PAUL RODRIGUE

Jean-Paul Rodrigue, Ph.D. is a researcher at Hofstra University, past Chair of the Transport Geography Specialty Group of the American Association of Geographers and the Van Horne Researcher in Transportation and Logistics.

He is the acclaimed author of two books on economics and transportation, L‘Espace Économique Mondial: les Économies Avancées et la Mondialisation and The Geography of Transport Systems.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:JEREMY RIFKIN

Jeremy Rifkin is President of the Foundation on Economic Trends and the bestselling author of 17 books on the impact of scientific and technological changes on the economy, the workforce, society, and the environment.

His books have been translated into more than thirty languages and are used in hundreds of universities, corporations and government agencies around the world.

His most recent books include The Hydrogen Economy, The European Dream, The End of Work, The Age of Access, and The Biotech Century.

Renowned author and economist Jeremy Rifkin to address international

multimodal conference

apma helps Companies achieve

operational effectiveness

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) is offering a program to help companies achieve operational effectiveness. This program is administered by the APMA, delivered by industry experts at Operations Expertise Inc., and is subsidized by the Government of Ontario. It is a multi-phase program that will: • assess and benchmark the supplier

organization’s operational effectiveness

• provide a foundation for a more intensive improvement plan, based on Japanese manufacturing philosophies

• offer opportunities to comply with the New Domestic OEMs’ expectations

• and develop effective solutions with significant savings.

For more information, or to apply for this program, visit www.apma.ca.

managing automotive

supplier riskThe Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) has developed a supplier-focused Market Intelligence Program (AMIP) for its members. AMIP combines comprehensive databases and planning tools that are automotive supplier-specific to help its members identify opportunities and management risk. For more information about AMIP, visit the APMA website, www.apma.ca.

new tax exemption status

for auto parts manufacturers

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) recently announced that, on behalf of its members, it has sought and received tax exemption status for Canadian manufacturers and shippers who ship products to Michigan, or through Michigan to other locations in the United States. The exemption applies to companies that are domiciled in Canada, do not have a permanent establishment in Michigan, but ship product there.

For more information on the association, please visit www.apma.ca

looking to break into the mr&o

sector?In the global aerospace sector, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MR&O) market is undergoing many changes. To examine opportunities in this sector, Industry Canada is hosting its second Canadian Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Technology Workshop in Richmond, B.C. on February 26th and 27th, 2009. There is no registration fee but advance registration is mandatory.

For more information, please contact Adam Moser at Industry Canada 613-954-3114 or e-mail adam.moser@ic.gc.ca.

Think Number One.

economic development and technology news saVe the date!

For updated news and events, visit us at www.choosewindsoressex.com

V O T E D N O RT H A M E R I C A’ S # 1 TO P S M A L L C I T Y F O R I N V E S T M E N T A N D D E V E L O P M E N T B Y T H E T I M E S O F L O N D O N , E N G L A N D ’ S F O R E I G N D I R E C T I N V E S T M E N T M A G A Z I N E

WEDC is pleased to welcome Patrick Persichilli as its new Vice President. Mr. Persichilli replaces Michael Burton, who recently accepted a position with the Institute for Diagnostic Imaging Research at

the University of Windsor.

Mr. Persichilli brings a diverse and proven track record of executive-level management to the WEDC. Most recently, he was Director of Administration & Corporate Affairs for Valiant Corporation in Windsor. Prior to that, Mr. Persichilli spent nine years with Ford Motor Company and Nemak of Canada in various management positions.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Patrick as he joins us in this key management role,” said Remo Mancini, Chairman of the WindsorEssex Development Commission. “We will be relying on his experience and skills in dealing with business owners/executives and in human resource management as we move forward to diversify and strengthen our local economy.”

“The WindsorEssex Development Commission has come a long way in the past 18 months,” commented Persichilli.

“I am delighted to join this changing and dynamic organization, and I look forward to working with our existing business community as well as focusing on new economic investment opportunities to revitalize our region.”

WedC Welcomes new Vice president patrick persichilli

Patrick PersichilliVice President

WEDC

HUB’09 is a major international conference on the growing global logistics sector, with emphasis on opportunities in southwestern Ontario. The conference’s major sessions will explore the following topics of interest:

Windsor-Essex – A Multi-Modal Centre of ExcellenceAn introductory overview of a strategic and infrastructurally sophisticated location for international logistics operations. Get the “lay of the multimodal land” with panelists from YQG-Windsor Airport Corporation, Windsor Port Authority, the Ontario Trucking Association, and representations from National Railway Organizations.

Beyond Boundaries – Creating a Better Border Being the busiest Canada/US border provides a uniquely informed perspective on the challenges of international logistics. Explore forward-looking solutions with panelists from Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, representatives from local Border Crossing Operators, and representatives from the customs brokerage industry.

Transportation and Logistics in The New Economy An insightful look at how evolving patterns of global trade are driving the future of transportation and logistics, with panelists from supply chain and logistics national associations, representatives from national planning organizations, and industry insiders.

Moving Forward – A Hub of Opportunity in Windsor-Essex A synthesizing discussion with panelists from each of the day’s sessions, moderated by Dr. Bill Anderson, Ontario Research Chair in Cross-Border Transportation Policy. The interactive format will encourage Q&As and audience participation.

BREAKFAST EVENT SPEAKER: JEAN-PAUL RODRIGUE

Jean-Paul Rodrigue, Ph.D. is a researcher at Hofstra University, past Chair of the Transport Geography Specialty Group of the American Association of Geographers and the Van Horne Researcher in Transportation and Logistics.

He is the acclaimed author of two books on economics and transportation, L‘Espace Économique Mondial: les Économies Avancées et la Mondialisation and The Geography of Transport Systems.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:JEREMY RIFKIN

Jeremy Rifkin is President of the Foundation on Economic Trends and the bestselling author of 17 books on the impact of scientific and technological changes on the economy, the workforce, society, and the environment.

His books have been translated into more than thirty languages and are used in hundreds of universities, corporations and government agencies around the world.

His most recent books include The Hydrogen Economy, The European Dream, The End of Work, The Age of Access, and The Biotech Century.

Renowned author and economist Jeremy Rifkin to address international

multimodal conference

WEDC SErviCES • Supporting Windsor-Essex region businesses• Attracting and facilitating investment• Connecting businesses and government agencies• Assisting area companies to expand locally

and internationally• Facilitating strategic relationships with

government and foreign offices• Connecting local and foreign companies

to develop new trade opportunities• Supporting key trade missions• Providing regional economic data• Providing a Manufacturer’s Directory,

an online search tool for Windsor-Essex region manufacturers and the companies in need of their services

• Providing community and lifestyle information

KEy ContaCtSPatrick Persichilli, Vice President519-255-9200, Ext. 2226Tracy Pringle, Director, Business Retention & Expansion, 519-255-9200, Ext. 2229Rakesh Naidu, Director, Business Attraction519-255-9200, Ext. 2235Wendy Stark, Economic Development Officer 519-255-9200, Ext. 2225Lee Anne Damphouse, Executive Assistant to the CEO, 519-255-9200, Ext. 2230Roxana Gosman, Project Analyst, Board Liaison 519-255-9200, Ext. 2228Sandy Smith, Administrative Assistant519-255-9200, Ext. 2222Lina Williams, Information and Systems Coordinator 519-255-9200, Ext. 2224WindsorEssex Small Business CentreSabrina DeMarco, Manager, Small Business Development, 519-253-6900, Ext. 2232Diane Malenfant, Programs Advisor519-253-6900, Ext. 2231Susan Wong, Information Coordinator519-253-6900, Ext. 2233Shannon Dyck, Programs Advisor (Kingsville Office) 519-733-3137

Think Number One.

“Locating in Windsor-Essex gives us access to a workforce with a reputation for quality, which is essential to our business,” said Ezio D’Onofrio, President of Globalive Communications. “We look forward to having Windsor-Essex be a part of our growth.”

The customer service centre opened February 2nd with approximately 100 employees. The company anticipates an expansion of the centre, however, as Globalive prepares to launch its new, national wireless service offering. A one-day job fair organized by WEDC and Ontario Works drew approximately 1200 applicants.

Wizie Chooses Windsor-essex for r&d Centre

After considering locations around the globe, Wizie, a leading provider of managed travel-trade services and solutions, selected Windsor-Essex for its new research and development (R&D) facility.

Fifteen employees will be in place when the office opens in April 2009, and an additional 120 to 125 people are expected to be hired over the next three years. Approximately 60 per cent of the employees will work in advanced software research and development. The remainder will provide business-to-business customer support.

At the media conference announcing Wizie’s decision, Trideep Aggarwal, President and CEO, thanked the City of Windsor, Windsor Airport and the WindsorEssex Development Commission (WEDC) who “bent over backwards” for them.

Remo Mancini, Chairman of the WEDC, was pleased with his organization’s success in facilitating the decision. “Windsor-Essex is an ideal location for a variety of industries and we’ve been actively pursuing R&D jobs as part of our strategic diversification plan. The WindsorEssex Development Commission’s role in the process helped convince the Wizie team that Windsor-Essex was the right decision for their company’s continued growth.”

teleCom Company adds 100 Jobs

When executives from Globalive Communications were considering Ontario communities in which to open a new customer service centre, they discussed alternative locations with the Ontario Ministry of International Trade and Investment (MITI). MITI officials were aware of the opportunities in Windsor-Essex and suggested Globalive pay a visit. Facilitated by WEDC, this one visit convinced Globalive that Windsor-Essex was the place to be.

Over the past few months we’ve made progress on several development initiatives, two of which resulted in major announcements in late ‘08 and early ‘09.

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis joins Trideep Aggarwal (centre) and Remo Mancini (right) to announce Wizie.com’s choice of Windsor-Essex

AMHERSTBURG ESSEX KINGSVILLE LAKESHORE LASALLE LEAMINGTON TECUMSEH WINDSORchoosewindsoressex.com

how Can We help you?

WEDC recruits 225 high-tech and service-industry jobs

Two announcements in two weeks cap successful quarter

Suite 215333 Riverside Dr. West Windsor, ON N9A 5K4

P: 519-255-9200

Windsor-Essex hosts representatives from

International Marketing Centre

Ministry of International Trade and Investment personnel and WEDC staff received a warm welcome at Dieffenbacher North America.

On December 4th and 5th, the WindsorEssex Development Commission played host to a group of International Marketing Centre (IMC) representatives from around

the world. Employed by the Ontario Ministry of International Trade and Investment, these professionals are co-located in Canadian Consulates and Embassies in ten cities and eight countries worldwide. Their mandate is to promote Ontario opportunities to foreign investors and to act as intermediaries for Ontario companies looking to expand their markets into these countries.

Upon their arrival in Windsor-Essex, the group was given an overview of the region by WEDC staff, including our existing industries, strategic location,

skilled workforce, education, low costs of doing business and R&D capabilities. The IMC representatives gave brief overviews of their markets, highlighting key industries and opportunities for investment attraction and export development.During their visit to Windsor-Essex, the group toured seven manufacturing operations and three facilities at the University of Windsor. They were very impressed by the capabilities of the local manufacturers and by the opportunities provided by the University. The manufacturers were able to speak with the IMC representatives located in the markets of interest to them and these contacts will assist in their future market expansion plans.

According to reports coming in from participants, it was a successful tour of the Windsor-Essex Region and the contacts made are already benefitting the participating companies and the Region.

Remo ManciniChair, WEDC

message from the Chairman