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view . spring 2012
The WindsorEssex Economic Development
Corporation and its WindsorEssex Small Business
Centre has relocated into the Centre for Engineering
Innovation (CEI).
“The WindsorEssex Economic Development
Corporation looks forward to the opportunity of moving to
this regional address and to continue partnering with the
University of Windsor and St. Clair College on a number
of initiatives,” said spokesperson Lana Drouillard of the
move, which took place in mid January. “We will work with
them to leverage their comprehensive research for strategic
planning purposes as well as focus on building the talent
pipeline that will continue to ensure our
region remains competitive globally.”
Drouillard said that a robust
economy depends on creating a culture
of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The agency’s new location, adjacent to
the UWindsor Faculty of Engineering
and the Odette School of Business,
will facilitate its collaboration with key
community stakeholders.
UWindsor President Alan Wildeman
said that the combination of academics,
business, industry and agencies will
make 700 California Avenue “an address
for innovation.”
“Our University is fully committed to being a hub for
the manufacturing sector and for industry and business
across our region,” said Wildeman. “We welcome the
addition of the Economic Development Corporation as a
partner in creating a regional address that business and
government can point to as the place to go for ideas that
could support investment in our community.”
Phase II of CEI is slated for a fall 2012 completion. For
the most updated information on the project, including
news stories, images and a live view of the construction
site, please visit:
CENTRE FOR ENGINEERING INNOVATION UPDATE
University of Windsor
psychology student Tessa
Virtue and Scott Moir,
the
defending Olympic champions,
delivered their Broadway-on-ice
routine, an elaborate piece of
technical showmanship, to win their
fourth national title in Moncton, NB
in January.
It capped a triumphant return to the ice after Virtue’s
leg injuries sidelined the pair for most of last season.
Virtue’s leg required two surgeries and extension
therapy to correct. They had to sit out last year’s
national championship.
“It was a tough one to sit out, but we’re so happy to be
back this year, and not just back, but back in top shape,”
said Virtue.
Their gold-winning national program featured fearless
one-handed lifts combined with skill and grace.
This past season, the ice dancers won their opening
event, the Finlandia Trophy in Vantaa, Finland, in October.
They went on to win gold medals at their two ISU Grand
Prix events - Skate Canada in Mississauga and the Trophee
Eric Bompard in Paris and a silver in December at the
Grand Prix Final in Quebec City.
The Canadian ice dancers are also 2008 World
Championship silver medalists, 2009 World Championship
bronze medalists, 2008 and 2009 Canadian Champions,
2006 World Junior Champions, 2008 Four Continents
Champions and 2009 Four Continents silver medalists.
Virtue and her partner come from the Ilderton area,
north of London. She has had to work as a part-time
student on her psychology degree while preparing for
world-level competitions.
Virtue has mentioned how much she appreciates her
time at the University of Windsor and the support of her
professors during her training seasons.
GOLDEN GIRL CLAIMS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
This photo of the Centre for Engineering Innovation was taken from the tower of the
Odette Business School in January 2012. With most of the concrete work now completed,
the tall central crane which had been a fixture on the horizon for nearly two years has
been removed.