AirSuite Cirro Software
In the heart of Thunder Bay, an innovative tech company is making waves in the aviation industry. Established in 2015, AirSuite has quickly become a preferred and trusted aviation software company offering their popular flight operations management system and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). Their flagship product, Cirro, is designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance for commercial aviation operators by integrating the information they must gather for each flight and makes tracking and reporting a breeze.
AirSuite’s Cirro software is was developed by pilots for pilots accommodating various fleet sizes and aircraft types. AirSuite has garnered over 230 clients across Canada, including a significant presence in remote northern locations and growing interest from international operators in the US, Indonesia, Kenya, Australia, and New Zealand.
The company's recent securing of a $2.48 million federal contract with the Aircraft Services Directorate, which includes a fleet of approximately 44 aircraft, marks a significant milestone for the firm. As CEO Michael Kleywegt stated, “This is AirSuite’s first federal contract, and we’re excited to expand our team and capabilities to meet the needs of such a prestigious client.”
AirSuite’s growth is deeply rooted in the support and collaboration with the Thunder Bay business community. “We’ve had vital support from early adopter commercial air operators in Northwestern Ontario who beta tested the early versions of Cirro and continue to provide helpful feedback,” shared Kleywegt. This local backing has been instrumental in their success and ongoing development.
The company has also benefited from the encouragement and assistance of local business development programs and funding organizations. “We’ve experienced outstanding community support from key organizations including Neegani Investments, Thunder Bay Ventures, Northern Ontario Exports Program, NOHFC, IRAP and the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre," Kleywegt noted. Such support has been crucial in enabling AirSuite to innovate and grow, reinforcing Thunder Bay’s reputation as a nurturing ground for businesses.
AirSuite’s commitment to Thunder Bay extends beyond their business operations. They are dedicated to hiring locally, contributing to the expansion of the tech industry in the region. Currently employing 19 full-time staff, with 13 based in Thunder Bay, they are on track to grow their team to 21. The company’s headquarters in Thunder Bay's Edinborough Office Centre has recently expanded to include a newly renovated 2,200 sq ft space, reflecting their growth and ambitions.
Moreover, AirSuite is working towards rigorous federal-level cybersecurity certifications, emphasizing their commitment to security and regulatory compliance.
Looking ahead, AirSuite is poised to expand their client base both locally and internationally. The company's journey from a small startup in Thunder Bay to a recognized leader in the aviation industry is a testament to the potential and vibrancy of the local business ecosystem.
In the words of Kleywegt, “We simply would not be where we are today without the support of our community and key organizations.” AirSuite’s story is not just about technological innovation but also about the power of community and the remarkable opportunities that Thunder Bay offers to new and innovative businesses.
For more about AirSuite, visit air-suite.com
Coco Bay Restaurant
Phuong Pham, the owner of Thunder Bay’s newest Vietnamese restaurant, Coco Bay, has a story as rich and flavourful as the dishes she prepares. Born and raised in Vietnam, Phuong’s journey to becoming a restauranteur is filled with unique cultural influences and a deep-rooted love for cooking.
Phuong originally pursued a degree in biology and chemistry, but soon after university, she felt a different calling.
“I was working with my uncle in Fort Frances, and he discouraged me from the idea of running a restaurant, saying it’s very hard work. I just wanted to do something fun!” she recalls. Despite her uncle’s warnings, Phuong followed her passion, leading to over 23 years in the restaurant industry.
Growing up in Vietnam, Phuong spent countless hours assisting her mother and grandmother, both skilled in traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques.
Her grandfather, who owned two boats, often brought home an abundance of anchovies, which the family used to make homemade fish sauce and other fermented delicacies. This early exposure to authentic Vietnamese ingredients and methods shaped Phuong’s skills.
The restaurant’s fish sauce, a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine, owes its special taste to her grandmother’s pickled carrots. Phuong’s refined palate and keen sense of smell, honed from years
of kitchen experience, allow her to create dishes that are authentically Vietnamese. “It’s like a trip to Vietnam,” she says.
Coco Bay’s menu features classic Vietnamese dishes, including the beloved noodle bowl and Pho, alongside Ramen. Phuong explains the differences between these popular dishes: Pho has a beef base and is simmered, while Ramen is traditionally pork-based and must be boiled for over 12 hours.
The pork belly for Ramen is marinated for 24 hours and cooked for another four. Phuong’s ability to pair the perfect vegetables with each type of soup sets Coco Bay apart. “Something different about our Ramen is we’ve added some bok choy. Just like you pair wine with different food, we pair specific vegetables with each dish,” she explains.
Phuong beams with pride as she talks about the community’s warm reception to her new offering located at 55 Cumberland Street South.
The Hub Bazaar
by Donna White
As a small business owner, Lori Paras is all too familiar with the challenges entrepreneurs face when opening a new storefront. “I decided to create a space that would reduce these barriers and allow creative and innovative ideas to flourish without the overheads and complexities that typically come with starting a business from scratch,” said Paras.
And The Hub Bazaar was born.
Located at 507 Victoria Avenue E., The Hub currently houses eight businesses including Anna’s Loft, Lucy Q Perogies, Waawate Ikwe, Wired 807, She Life Studio, 807 Thrift N’ Things, Holistic Adventures, and Lori’s shop, The Red Bicycle.
Each business has benefited from what The Hub has to offer: pop-up spaces – that significantly reduce the costs and risks associated with starting a business, PR, marketing and mentorship in business basics to facilitate business growth, and perhaps most importantly, a synergistic environment where entrepreneurs can learn from each other and innovate together.
Ian Cameron of Community Spokes Bike Shop has nothing but praise for Lori and The Hub. “It’s an amazing place if you have an idea and want to take it to a retail level. When you become a new business owner, you’re in debt, and so much is coming at you. It can really stress you out, but Lori is always there to answer questions and give advice.”
The opportunity obviously worked for Ian. After four years in The Hub, his Community Spokes Bike Shop had expanded its clientele base so much that it had to move to a larger location and expand its business hours.
For more on the Hub Bazaar go to thehubbazaar.com