Local artist Steve Mancuso
Sault Business Matters was very happy when approached by local artist Steve Mancuso regarding promoting his growing art business venture, Manculi Artwork. If you are curious about the name “Manculi” like I was, here is the answer!
…[read more]Old teachers, good memories
Teaching is like any profession. There are good ones, pretty good ones, and bad ones. And it is the good ones who provide positive direction that lead to good instruction, good times — and even better memories.
…[read more]Make Salami via City Meat Market
Being a proud Calabrese Italian, I learned the art of making sausage and salami from my parents and it is something my three sisters and I still do today. Our parents have both passed away but we proudly carry on this great tradition and based on the demand we have for our dried sausage, Mom and Dad taught us very well.
…[read more]Feature: Holly Lasante Fitness
One thing I noticed immediately when I decided to try out some of Holly Lasante’s virtual strength training sessions as inspiration for this story is how supportive and encouraging she is even through what can be an impersonal mode of training being online.
…[read more]Franzisi’s = delicious food!
It was a pleasant surprise when I received a message from Maria Moro-Franzisi with some kind words regarding my efforts in supporting local businesses and her wanting to go ahead with some advertising here on Sault Business Matters.
…[read more]Identity Salon … Deb’s Spa
Identity Salon, located conveniently at 668 Wellington Street East with plenty of parking, looks forward to seeing new and old clients.
…[read more]Neal’s Country Farm & Market
On a recent day off, I decided to pay an impromptu visit to Neal’s Country Farm & Market and had a chance to connect with the friendly and hard-working owners Greg and Allyson Neal. I caught them by surprise but as expected, was greeted warmly by name as they stood in their mud splattered clothing and boots — true farmers!
…[read more]Feature: Superior Vision Care
I recently had a chance to catch up with the friendly and personable office manager of Superior Vision Care Tammy Culina, who also happens to be the wife of the equally friendly and personable optometrist there, Dr. Tom Culina, or Tom as he prefers to be called by his patients.
…[read more]Investing in our downtown
If you work, live, or frequent the Sault’s downtown, you just may have taken note of the modest growth that the area has experienced over recent times.
Forty-Five Social, which includes a men’s clothing store, barber shop, bar and cafe, along with Lucy Ro Clean Beauty, is just the latest local business enterprise to set up shop in the Sault’s downtown.
…[read more]Uncle Gino’s Cafe & Ristorante
Since 1985, Uncle Gino’s Café on Second Line West has been serving up some great Italian food and fan favourites like their famous and monster size delicious panzarotti.
It opened in 1985 with Maria and Gino Calvano as the hands on and hard working owners.
…[read more]Fall programs at FBFM
(EDITOR’S NOTE: We have this from the team at Fit Bodies. Fit Minds.)
Ready to get back in the gym and become a stronger version of you?
Here at Fit Bodies. Fit Minds., we’re offering a variety of programs this Fall to help you develop a strong body, balanced mind and a powerful life!
…[read more]Election aftermath overview
It may rightfully be stated that Sault Ste. Marie came within less than 250 votes of potentially shooting itself in the foot at the recent federal election.
That is because Conservative challenger Sonny Spina came oh so close to unseating Liberal incumbent Terry Sheehan. And had Spina prevailed, the Sault would have been on the outside looking in given that Canada re-elected Justin Trudeau of the Liberals as Prime Minister for what is now a third term.
…[read more]Fixated by football
Okay football fans, here we go. Are you ready for some nonsense?
A mind altering obsession with millions across North America including thousands in good, old Sault Ste. Marie, the National Football League begins the 2021 regular season this week.
…[read more]A wish list for the Sault
I love this town. I really do. When people trash the Sault, I invariably defend it to the hilt, even if the criticism is warranted.
Having said that, I do have a wish list for the betterment of the Sault.
…[read more]SK Group online platform
Since 1992, the multi-faceted SK Group Inc. has been serving the Sault and area offering top notch customer service.
It started out primarily as an embroidery business but then securing a larger space in 1996 allowed for expanded production facilities, more equipment and thus more capabilities.
…[read more]Mmmmm … Agawa Fish & Chips
There is nothing better than a fish fry using fresh locally caught fish. Am I right? Lucky for us in the Algoma region, we have access to some pretty amazing fresh local fish courtesy of a family run operation, Agawa Fishery.
…[read more]Transit bus advertising options
I recently had a chance to catch up with Blaine Smith, who is the managing director of Northern Transit & Arena Advertising Agency (NTAAA), and received some updates from him. As a refresher, NTAAA provides promotion services for businesses and organizations in Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, and Sudbury.
…[read more]Stellar service at Tamar’s
For businesses like Tamar’s Trends who rely a lot on things like weddings, large social events and gatherings, it is an understatement to say that COVID-19 has significantly affected the bottom line of the downtown flower shop.
…[read more]Ready for patio bars, beers
As many of us anticipate the imminent opening of outdoor patios relative to the go ahead from the Ontario government, the Sault’s downtown area will feature at least 10 licensed outlets that we know of, including some new ones.
…[read more]On the grill at Stackburger
Anyone who knows Kevin Syrette can vouch for his love of a good burger going back to his childhood and many years of traveling as part of the musical group Bear Creek where he would try burgers wherever he went.
Thus, it is very fortunate for the people of the Sault that in 2015, Kevin decided to take a leap of faith and open his very own burger joint — and voila, the now very popular Stackburger was born.
…[read more]Feature: Steel City Delivery
For over 20 years, Steel City Delivery has quietly been serving the Sault and area and building a loyal following primarily because of their friendly, efficient and reliable services.
…[read more]Lindsay in the air chair
There is another Ellis now spinning the timeless, endless classic hit tunes on local radio station Eagle 95.1.
Lindsay Ellis recently took over the 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. time slot on the Eagle. Her shift follows the 6-10 a.m. ‘Rise and Shine Morning Show’ that is hosted by her husband, long-time local radio personality Tim Ellis, aka Timmy E.
The Ellis’s have been local owners and operators of Eagle 95.1 for just over two and a half years.
…[read more]Sleep Inn: Home away from home
It was a recent Saturday evening that I was invited to experience the stellar hospitality of the well appointed Sleep Inn for myself as a way of research for this story, a little ‘staycation’ if you will!
It soon became apparent why they are recent winners of the prestigious Gold Award for Choice Hotels!
From the moment I arrived, I was greeted warmly by staff and immediately felt like a member of the Sleep Inn family, which explains why they have so many repeat guests.
…[read more]‘Your comfort, our promise’
Sault Business Matters had a chance to recently connect with the personable Derek Jackson, who is the chief information and marketing officer for Wardlaw Heating & Cooling.
And when asked the secret to the company being in business for 40 years, Derek responded with the fact that Wardlaw Heating & Cooling has worked hard to stay ahead of the curve and has always adapted with the changing industry.
…[read more]City Meat Market supports local
Speaking to Lori Nowitski, daughter of John and Rosina Bruni, owners of City Meat Market, it doesn’t take long to see how passionate she is about a few things — supporting local business, excellence in customer service, and a genuine desire to see the downtown thrive.
…[read more]Catching up with Pina and Tony
To say that COVID-19 has proved a challenge to a small local business like Bennardo Jewellers would be an understatement.
But in speaking to Pina Bennardo, it is truly heartwarming to appreciate their resilience.
…[read more]Phases and faces of radio
To declare or observe that radio has undergone consequential compression since I started in the business in 1975 would rank as an overplayed understatement.
From being live 24 hours a day, seven days a week in what was the golden age of radio for stations that were locally owned and operated, the industry has now subjected many who work in it do so in an almost robotic fashion while under the thumb of corporate control.
…[read more]Camera Craft stands test of time
Camera Craft has been a fixture in downtown Sault Ste. Marie for over six decades, which is an incredible achievement in the small business world. Longevity in operating a highly specialized service is certainly something to be proud of and a testament to the stellar customer service experience one can expect from the team at Camera Craft. Camera Craft has always been a family operated business from its previous owners and to the current ownership.
…[read more]High school will never be Dunn
The walls at the venerable high school on Wellington Street in the Sault’s east end came tumbling down several years ago.
But the long gone walls and hallowed halls still speak their own language and Sir James Dunn Collegiate remains alive in the memory bank for many who attended the school at any point from its opening in 1957 to its close in 2010.
If you went to SJD and enjoyed any part of your experience there for any length of time, chances are good that high school will never be Dunn in your mind, memory or heart.
…[read more]New at Fit Bodies, Fit Minds
Sault Business Matters recently caught up with the newly hired director of athletics for Fit Bodies. Fit Minds, Daniel Roy to go over some of its new and revised programming.
Daniel and the rest of the team couldn’t be happier to be able to offer more in person programming but also continue with virtual options for those that prefer that option given these times.
…[read more]What’s new at Yes! It Fits
It is no secret that 2020 was a challenging year for small businesses and that 2021 has also been off to a rocky start.
But the resiliency of a small business owner such as Jodie McNabb of Yes! It Fits is nothing short of inspiring.
Being able to adapt and make the best of situations has been a big part of why Jodie continues to be successful in a business category that by all intents and purposes would not be expected to do so well in this COVID-19 environment — but succeed she has!
…[read more]Pond Hockey Apparel
It was back in November when I was the lucky winner of a pretty nice looking shirt via ‘Movember’ promotion and the fine folks at Broers Jansen in the Sault’s downtown. I am one of the first people to try to support local philanthropic initiatives. In this case, it was for every purchase of Broers Jansen mulled wine, (you really had to twist my arm for this one), you received an entry into a draw for a shirt and they would donate some money to the ‘Movember’ campaign. When I received the shirt — which was super soft and comfy by the way — I noticed the words Pond Hockey Apparel on the sleeve.
…[read more]Hard working, top producing
As a defenseman of moderate skill, it was his work ethic and honest, hard-driven approach to the game that led John Glavota to a professional hockey career that included a decade on the international stage.
It is those same traits that have helped to make the 44-year old Glavota the top producing real estate agent in Sault Ste. Marie.
…[read more]Eagle on air, everywhere
It spins the classic music hits that are endless in time.
With an impressive music library that is without peer, Sault radio station Eagle 95.1 also reaches an on-line audience with a crisp, clear sound via http://eagleradio951.com.
And the Eagle also has more — besides music — to offer with day long weather updates and a local sports presence.
…[read more]Good nation of local radio
It came as good news to hear — a mere month after being unceremoniously ousted by Country 104.3 after 30 plus years in the air chair — that good guy Jeff McNeice has a new gig on rival local radio station Country 105.5.
At any rate, the forced, short-lived exile of McNeice brought two things to mind. As in, what was Country 104.3 thinking when it moved on from McNeice and, the restless hands of time have yet to pass by a local radio nation of announcers.
…[read more]Searchmont ski snippets
Perhaps the best-known ski resort in the Sault area is located in the community of Searchmont.
Over the years the resort has changed ownership many times and has often experienced the threat of closure on a number of occasions.
At any rate, following are a smattering of Searchmont Ski Resort snippets via the Sault public library.
…[read more]Feature: Odd Job Jacks
Odd Job Jacks owner Kurtis McDermid may not be aware of this but being a pretty actively involved member of our community who volunteers for local causes a fair amount, I have actually been a fan of what he and his business are all about for quite a few years.
You see, a couple of years ago, I took part in the Downtown Association’s annual ‘Spring Clean’ event where volunteers take part in tidying up downtown.
And at the time, a generous company had donated its time, resources and labour to help with this big task — and that company was Odd Job Jacks.
…[read more]Angry Joe rocks Reggie’s
Joltin’ Joe Della Savia returned to the stage in a big way on the weekend and rocked it at Reggie’s Place Tavern in the Sault’s downtown.
The current rendition of Angry Joe and the Growlers, featuring the always-entertaining Della Savia as lead singer, along with fellow guitarists Ron McLean and Marcel VanLandeghem and drummer Chuck Gassi, stole the show at Reggie’s with an array of well-performed classic hits from the 1960s and 1970s.
…[read more]Feature: KC Security Services
I had a chance to connect with the on-the-go owner of KC Security Services, Daniel Laprade, via telephone recently.
And like the owner himself, our conversation was reassuring and friendly, having known each other for years through our other roles in the community and by often seeing him working at many community events.
For someone so young, Daniel has quickly become a much respected and leader in the local security services scene.
…[read more]Feature: The Whisky Barrel
A recent Friday the 13th seemed like a good day as any to stop by The Whisky Barrel to have a chat with one half of the duo that owns this welcome addition to downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Since it was a vacation day for me from my “day” job, I even got to treat myself to a drink while we chatted, a rye and coke in case you are wondering.
When I arrived, the exuberant and personable Dunbar Thompson, co-owner of the Whisky Barrel, was working alone and chatting with a first time visitor. And while I sat at the bar waiting to chat, I was able to witness why people quickly become fans of the vibe offered at the Whisky Barrel.
…[read more]Feature: Marc Capancioni
It was during a break in the morning that I spoke to the easy going Marc Capancioni, mortgage agent at the local Centum Mortgage Brokers office here in Sault Ste. Marie.
Our chat began with a bit of a catch up about his recent new status as a first time Dad to a sweet little girl named Emmie who just turned 10 weeks old.
Marc said he and his wife are really enjoying being first time parents and have been blessed with a good sleeper who is super cute from the photos I’ve seen.
…[read more]Reggie’s revving up karaoke
The karaoke machine is returning to Reggie’s Place Tavern in the Sault’s downtown.
Randy Lapossie, who along with his wife Kylie took over operation of Reggie’s Downtown on September 1 of this year, confirmed that karaoke will be a Thursday feature from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. beginning this week.
…[read more]Feature: Arturo Ristorante
For the past 35 years, the Comegna family has been bringing incredible Italian cuisine to Sault Ste. Marie — first at their location on Gore Street and since 2002, at their current spot, 515 Queen Street East.
The founder of Arturo Ristorante, Arturo Comegna, well known in the local food scene, laid a strong foundation for success for his two sons, Thomas and Chris, who took ownership in April of 2011.
Both Thomas and Chris, despite their relative youth, have been involved in the business for the past twenty years, having learned at a young age, from their dad.
…[read more]Croatian community history
Za nase Hravatske prijatlje:
The Sault’s Croatian community has a long, gritty and vibrant history.
To be sure, the first Croatian immigrants arrived in the Sault area in the early 1900s.
…[read more]Feature: Void Vinyl
I don’t know about you, but I can tell you that at 18 years old, I was no where near being ready to own my own vinyl records/café/street wear clothing shop — or any business for that matter.
But for Nathan Wilding, his love of vinyl and the opportunity to open a pretty cool spot in the Sault’s downtown was something he felt driven to do.
Thus, Void Vinyl came into being.
…[read more]History, magic of Gros Cap
It is somewhat of a hidden treasure on the west side outskirts of the Sault, at the end Prince Township. From the archives of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, here is an historic look at Gros Cap.
…[read more]Feature: Marcel’s Automotive
It was a Friday evening when I spoke to the no nonsense, honest, and friendly Marcel Lamoureux via telephone.
In the background I could hear the sound of a child laughing and after what had been an emotionally challenging week hearing about the loss of a close friend’s son as a result of a car accident, the sound of laughter was a welcome one.
Advertising sales can be tough at times so it was a nice surprise when I stopped in to Marcel’s Automotive to speak to them about possibly advertising on Sault Business Matters knowing that they were relatively new to their current location at 61 Queen Street East, formerly occupied by Advance Transmission.
…[read more]45 years ago this month …
October is a month of significance for me.
I was born in October of 1952 and will soon turn 68.
And in October of 1975 — 45 years ago — I began my media career as a $3 an hour, part time sportscaster at local radio station CKCY.
I was hired in a rather unusual manner. That is, CKCY news and sports director Paul Leonard gave me the job over several glasses of draught beer at the Algoma Hotel, which was located beside Memorial Gardens, across from the radio station, in the Sault’s downtown.
…[read more]Feature: Big Lake Cabin
It is fair to say that the personable and happy go lucky Jon Young is in many ways a big part of why Big Lake Cabin in just over a year has quickly become a Sault favourite in the local dining scene.
The friendly, funny, kind, caring and generous Jon is often the face you see welcoming you to what is sure to be a pleasant dining experience.
Big Lake Cabin opened in August of 2019 and has truly brought a fresh new vibe to the Sault’s downtown dining experience with an innovative and creative menu that is changed up frequently to take advantage of what is in season but also what is seasonally appropriate.
…[read more]Missing high school hoopla
If there is a participation or experience that I miss at this time of year it is being a community volunteer as a basketball coach.
…[read more]Feature: Laura DeLuca
I recently met up with Laura DeLuca at a local downtown restaurant to chat about her work as a real estate sales representative for locally owned and operated brokerage EXIT Realty Lake Superior.
I have known Laura for a long time and even though it had been a while since we saw each other in person, it was as though no time had passed at all.
This type of easy and comfortable conversation is what anyone who contacts Laura for their real estate needs can expect. It doesn’t take long to realize that she has found the perfect fit for her personality and strengths and anyone looking to buy or sell their home is in good hands with Laura.
…[read more]Boosting the downtown
There is collective effort being made to sustain and maintain business.
Any good city needs a thriving downtown and the Sault is no exception.
Issues remain — issues that might be resolved with more police presence at night and more support from local government — but the Sault’s downtown has businesses new and old that are more than doing their part to keep the area going.
…[read more]Feature: Parlow/Ensurco
It is always a nice change to chat with an old friend for the purposes of a “work” story and such was the case when I chatted with Mike Parlow for this article.
You see, Mike and I go way back. How far back? How about some thirty plus years since we went to elementary school together at a great west end learning institution, St. Mary’s.
Michael is still the funny, personable, social, dependable, easy going guy that I remember from my childhood and those very character traits are what has made him so successful in his role with Ensurco Insurance Group as a broker/partner and risk manager.
…[read more]Feature: Norpro Security
For the past forty years, Norpro has been an industry leader in security, health and safety, and IT solutions.
And in speaking with the associate vice president of customer experience Allan Watson, it quickly became clear that the key attributes that Norpro prides itself on being synonymous with are responsiveness, approachability, and knowledgeability in all the sectors that it serves.
Norpro is an industry leader with a heart – and makes it its duty to maintain close ties to the communities in which it services.
…[read more]