Former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of The World, Lennox Lewis, “Coming Home” To Revive Boxing in Canada.

By Paul Fitzgerald 

 

Lennox Lewis just announced his partnership today with established Toronto businessman Les Woods, President, Global Legacy Boxing, to develop Toronto as a “Boxing City”.

“When I turned pro, I had to go to the UK in order to pursue my career. The infrastructure to develop boxers wasn’t in Canada then – it will be now,” Lewis says.

Lennox will announce the creation of the platform for professional World Class Boxing events with the first card premiering September 12th at the Sony Centre, Toronto. The Press Conference for the fight will be announced on July 27, 2015.

The last Canadian undisputed Heavyweight World Champion, Lennox Lewis, holds dual British and Canadian citizenship. As an amateur he won the gold medal, representing Canada at the 1988 Olympic Games after defeating future heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe in the final.

Lewis is regarded by many as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.

According to Toronto businessman Les Woods: “We have the resources to invest in professional athletes and the spectacle and experience of boxing to generate partnerships and alliances for a sport I feel has been extremely undervalued here. Toronto wants boxing back, and we’re going to deliver it,” says Woods.

The Next Trend Designs Inc. Welcomes Jeffrey Edward to the Team

By Paul Fitzgerald 

Rob Charlton, the President of the Next Trend Designs Inc., is pleased to welcome Jeffrey Edward to the TNT team.

“We are thrilled to announce that Jeffrey is joining us and we know he will be a big part of our growth,” says Charlton. “As a young professional he knows the value of putting clients first. He is ambitious, innovative, forward thinking and he has a remarkable talent connecting with people. His educational background and his knowledge in sales are sound and we know he will help take our company to new heights locally and nationally.”

Jeffrey’s academic and professional sales experience is impressive.

Jeffrey, a native of Mississauga, ON, obtained his Honours - Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. He majored in Business and Sustainability and minored in Environmental Studies.

Jeffrey got his start in business back in his first year of high school. He was an extremely successful Power-Seller through an online eBay business he formed. He specialized in buying and selling a variety of products, as well as creating custom products. He received 100 per cent positive feedback from over 4,000 customers he worked directly with, which is impressive on every level. 

While in high school he also owned and operated his own canteen, Jeff’s Fresh Coffee – a truly successful business venture.

During his university days he was a lead associate with Public Mobile. He played a role in launching the company’s financial services division and worked on a variety of projects requiring communication and the coordination of cross-functionally throughout the corporation and retail channels.

As a TNT Account Executive his focus will be on the Craft Beer market and the hot beverage market in Canada. In the near future he wants to offer environmental companies - locally, nationally and internationally - with sustainable branded products from TNT. He wants to make a name for himself in the industry as the “go-to-guy” who supplies the best in brand merchandise.

Jeffrey enjoys the fast-pace business environment and the down-to-earth feel from the TNT team.

“Working at TNT is so much fun… The people here and the people at the companies I work with are a big part of why I enjoy coming into work,” he says. “I also love the fact that I can sell anything to any market, so the sky is the limit. I love craft beer, I love coffee and I love spending time outdoors and TNT allows me to work in all three of those markets at once and I can’t ask for any more than that.”

Meet TNT

TNT is one of the premier full-service promotional product firms in the industry. TNT deals with all aspects of logo wear, recognition programs and idea creation. TNT has been involved in countless promotional events both in Canada and the United States. Their experiences and expertise allows them to provide clients with the best in service and selection. They are leaders when it comes to custom design of clothing and promotional products, direct import, complete on-line and in-house programs, premiums and incentives, executive gifts, and promotional products for trade shows, annual conferences and thank-you gifts for clients and staff. All TNT products are of the finest quality and include all the latest designs and fashions available.

Please feel free to reach out to Jeffery for your branding requirements at jedward@tntworld.com

Or Visit us online today: www.tntworld.com

Helping Kids be Kids: H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada Host the Second Annual Boys and their Toys Fundraiser for Easter Seals

By Paul Fitzgerald 

It’s going to be a day of fast cars, revved up engines, amazing sights and sounds, great food and entertainment, and most of all a day that will have kids smiling from start to finish.

You see on Saturday, May 30, 2015, H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada are yet again proving their commitment to community outreach and will host their second annual Boys and their Toys Fundraiser for Easter Seals Ontario (www.boysandtheirtoys.ca)

Last year’s event was a resounding success as the event raised $10,000.00 for Easter Seals Ontario - a leading children’s charity devoted to helping kids with physical disabilities succeed and live more independent lives. This year they want to surpass last year’s efforts in a big way.

This year’s event will be held from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at H2 Systems Inc. headquarters which is located at 3245 Harvester Road.

The Boys and their Toys event is a chance of a lifetime for car lovers who will get to test drive the finest of wheels of their dreams. All proceeds go directly to Easter Seals Ontario.

Here are the mint wheels each guest gets to test drive: Lamborghini Huracan, Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren Mp4-12C, and Aston Martin Vantage Roadster

All test drives for each car will be $200.00 and it will be $250.00 to test drive the Lamborghini Huracan.

Models will also be on hand for photo-ops with each and every guest who test drives any vehicle.

During the event guests will also get to tour the Experience Centre at H2 Systems Inc. – the only one of its kind in Canada, and a state-of-the-art car simulator will be available for those who want to try out their driving skills before they embark on their dream test drive.

Clinton Howell, founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc., indicates that the annual event holds a special place in everyone’s hearts.

“This year’s event is going to be another resounding success,” Howell. “The line-up of our dream wheels is simply out of this world and everyone is thrilled to know that all proceeds are going directly to Easter Seals. Our efforts will only put smiles on kid’s faces and in all everyone is helping kids be kids.”

Shaz Samji, Founding Member of Supercars Canada, states, “We know our event will be a big hit as each guest gets the chance to test drive their dream cars, and most of all our Boys and their Toys fundraiser will help children with physical disabilities on many levels. We are so pleased to be giving back to the community in which we live and work, and we know our efforts will have a positive impact for Easter Seals.”

CarolineWallace, Senior Development Officer, Easter Seals Ontario, says her organization is elated to be a part of this dynamic fundraising initiative.

“Easter Seals applauds the efforts and generosity of H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada in hosting this exciting event again. We are so fortunate to be the beneficiary of this unique fundraiser,” says Wallace.

“Easter Seals Ontario has been helping children with physical disabilities for over 90 years and we rely fully on corporate and public support to offer our camping experiences, programs and services. H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada are doing a wonderful job in helping kids be kids. The entire Easter Seals team is extremely thankful for the continued efforts of Clinton Howell and Shaz Samji in hosting the annual Boys and their Toys event. Their positive support means a world of difference for kids with disabilities.”

Supercars Canada is a membership club and a car enthusiast's dream, located in Burlington.

H2 Systems Inc. is widely known for its excellence in offering the best in home theatre systems, home automation, home integration, and even home theatre décor for clients in Burlington and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

To register to test drive the wheels of your dreams and to support Easter Seals Ontario, please visit: www.boysandtheirtoys.ca

Lack of Guidance Counsellors at Port Credit Schools? Fresh Careers Provides Parents and Students with Solutions

By Paul Fitzgerald 

It’s a staggering fact that only 14 per cent of Ontario elementary schools have access to guidance counsellors, and only 10 per cent have a counsellor on staff full-time.

Meanwhile, middle schools, those with grades 7 and 8, and high schools, have a higher percentage of guidance counsellors on staff but the average ratio of students to guidance counsellors is 391 to 1, which means students get little face time. This limits the amount of hands-on support that they should receive.

The lack of guidance counsellors in the education system in Port Credit is also being felt by parents and kids alike.

However, while the education system is grappling with cutbacks and changes in staffing priorities, a local entrepreneur is stepping up in order to make a positive and long-term difference for the youth of tomorrow.

You see, Susan McKechnie of Fresh Careers is expanding her business to include a one-of-a-kind career planning and coaching service for youth. Her passion for helping others will certainly help a strained educational system and will benefit youth and their families on many levels.

On Wednesday, April 22, 2015, McKechnie will host a special workshop, Post-Secondary Planning: Providing the Tools for Crafting a Post-Secondary Roadmap, at Port Credit Secondary School. The event will be held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

“It’s never too early to think about and plan for your teen’s post-secondary pathway to college or university,” says McKechnie. “It will be here sooner than you think.”

During her presentation McKechnie, a youth career development professional and career coach, will provide parents with a step-by-step approach to helping their teen’s craft a suitable post-secondary roadmap.

“The intention of the evening workshop is to leave parents with the information necessary to navigate what comes next for their teens,” says McKechnie.

The topics she will cover include: the New Canadian Economy and the Future Jobs; Career Discovery Exploration; College and/or University, and/or Apprenticeship or other; Choosing the Right Fit of a Program; Financial Realities of a Post-Secondary Education; Preparing for the Transition to the World of Work and Planning a Successful Future.

The services that Fresh Careers offers are unique on every level and will benefit our youth, parents and will serve as a new and innovative branch for schools at all levels to utilize.

Some of the services Fresh Careers offer includes: Academic Roadmap Planning, Career Exploration, Events and Workshops, and Academic, Life and Career Coaching.

McKechnie and her team of professionals will soon be working with a number of other schools across the GTA.

 “Our youth need direction and leadership from the right sources,” says McKechnie. “At present, the current system of career and life development is lacking in a big way in our educational system, and we know we will be here to make a positive difference for youth who need guidance and direction.”

She adds, “The right guidance and support means our youth will be better prepared for tomorrow.”

Take Me Out to the Movies... In Our Backyard

By Paul Fitzgerald 

So here is the scenario. Darkness suddenly hits a huge silver screen. The audience sits silent with much excitement and plenty of anticipation. Then all of the sudden a bright full-colour-image appears on the big screen – of course it is accompanied by heart-pumping-theatrical-like-music. The audience, captivated in every sense, becomes immersed with the superb images and the incredible sound effects. The moment becomes live; real in more ways than one.

This experience is all part of inventiveness in storytelling through entertainment. That’s right, it’s show time.
You might assume that this scenario is one you would expect at your local mega-plex cinema. However, it’s not really: this is an experience you can now have in your own backyard.

According to Clinton Howell, the founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc. in Burlington, ON, backyard home theatre systems are now a new and emerging trend these days. From Burlington to Hamilton, and from Oakville to Mississauga, homeowners are turning to the outdoor home theatre experience as a means of entertaining family, friends and the neighbours.

And, believe it or not, having an outdoor home theatre system is easy to set up and take down, and more importantly you don’t have to break the bank in order to have one. Still, some investment is involved with time and money, but it’s worth it in the end. Even better, having a backyard home theatre is great for family bonding time during the spring and summer months.

“Homeowners these days seem to be staying local during the spring and summer months now as travel is becoming more and more expensive,” says Howell. “Still, while at home, they want to entertain and they want to be entertained, and backyard home theatres are popular because it’s a fun experience, less costly than traveling with a family and it’s a new way of enjoying cinema at its best.”

When most people think of the home theatre experience, they think of a home theatre room or a multi-purpose room inside. Taking it outdoors takes the movie experience to a whole new level, almost like the days when drive-ins became popular.


H2 Systems Inc., popular for its excellence in offering the best in home theatre systems, home automation, home integration, built-in-multi-zones and video solutions, flat-screen TVs, home networking, home theatre design and construction and décor for its clients, is now part of the backyard home theatre trend. While spring has just arrived, Howell and his team are out helping homeowners discover how they have they ultimate outdoor home theatre experience.

Howell reiterates to customers of the importance of watching movies in the dark.

“Watching movies outdoors in the dark provides the best entertainment experience in terms of picture quality,” he says. “Projected images have much better black levels and contrast when the projector of the main source of light. Going to war with the sun is a never-winning battle. The only way you could watch movies outside in light is by purchasing highly expensive outdoor screens or high-end flat-screen TVs. The good news is that there are options, but in all watching movies under the stars is a terrific experience.”
In planning the location of your screen, a large wall on the back of the house or attached to your fence is a perfect option. And if you are short on space, then take advantage of well-placed trees for hanging an inflatable or portable screen between them.

“While the location of the screen is important, keep in mind that you have your power supply in close proximity,” says Howell. “Aside from the projector, you will need to power your Blu-ray player or set-top box and speakers.”

Your choice of what type of screen to have is also important, explains Howell.

“The cost of quality weather-proof screens is more than affordable nowadays,” he says. “Inflatable screens are also popular but are more expensive.”

As well there are all a variety of all-weather-outdoor TVs and the bigger ones can be expensive if one prefers this approach.

Selecting the right projector is also important. “Having a separate projector for your outdoor home theatre is important,” he says. “You can buy relatively inexpensive projectors so you don’t need to worry about them getting damaged.”

“There are a variety of projectors with lumen ratings over 2,000 available and now 3D projectors are in and are coming down in price. If 3D is your fancy then grab some affordable glasses and enjoy your backyard movie experience in style.”

Howell suggests that before purchasing a projector it is important to know its actual distance to the screen. The right distance from the projector to the screen will mean a better viewing experience for you and your audience.

And keep in mind that the right sound is also important in having the right outdoor home theatre experience.


“There are all-weather speakers that are available and they are ‘sound’ for your evening entertainment,” says Howell. “In all, there are a variety of choices with outdoor sound systems – which you can have on stands, or hang from the side of your house or even on the trees. The options for speakers are endless – go with what works and have fun.”

Once your outdoor home theatre is all set up, then it’s time to fire up the grills to serve some good eats, along with some popcorn too of course.

For those who are not sure where to start or need direction with setting up an outdoor home theatre system, Howell suggests hiring a home theatre expert to guide and do the work for you.

“A home theatre expert will provide a variety of options and will work within your budget,” says Howell. “Home theatre experts know all about the right screens, projectors, flat screen TVs, audio, power sourcing and ensuring you have a memorable outdoor home theatre experience.”

He adds, “The warmer temps will soon be here and now is the time to plan for your new outdoor home theatre in your very own backyard.”