Lisa Rene De Cotret
Posted August 14, 2010 @ 2:53AM
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret Biz X Magazine
Hard to believe that Summer in the City is coming to an end. Just a few more weeks left, and families are cramming in there last few vacations days. Parents are out in full force at the shops planning for back to school. Soon the classrooms will be open, and that fateful bell will ring, announcing that it's time to hit the books.
Water coolers will be surrounded by people telling wonderful tales of their adventures over the past few months. In Windsor we saw great success with our summer festivals, making us one of the best spots to spend a summer. Fringe, Bluesfest, Carrousels, Summerfest, have all come and gone, and we are left with lasting memories.
There was some crazy weather going on around here, from tremendous down pours, to sweltering heat. We braved the elements, got a tan, and possibly raised a few cold ones.
I am extremely grateful to our city and to the organizers for making sure my summer was filled with fun, music and laughter. Thank you Deborah, Ted and Louise, John and Sheryl, Debbie C., Summerfest peeps, and everyone else that had a hand directly or indirectly at making this one of my best summers ever. Well done Windsor, you pulled it off again.
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Posted May 13, 2010 @ 11:45AM
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret
Biz X MagazineThis time of year gets really exciting. Things are happening, restaurant patio's are opening up, summer fare is upon us. Just a few weeks from now we are going to see our city come alive again. Waking slowly from its Wintery slumber, and casting off the shadow of Spring. It evolves into a buzz of voices, from children's last sigh of relief as the school bell rings for that one last time indicating Summer is in full swing. We hear their laughter in local parks, and they look forward to events with wide eyed anticipation.
Events like Summer Fest with rides and games bursting all around them. They can't wait to get their flip flops on and their bathing suits because soon all the activities for Summer Camps will be open in places like Water World and Mic Mac Park, and the YMCA.
Family events will be in abundance in Windsor and I personally look forward to each and every one of them. The Carousels, with their distinctive food, and cultural music and dance is a must participate event. Red Bull Air Races, wow, a spectacular sight and event to be part of, if you haven't gone, its a must see.
Celtic music, R&B, Soul, Rock, Jazz, and Blues music, is represented in full force in our city, because of music festivals and cultural celebrations. Oh what a time to have fun, dance, and shake off the cares of busy weeks. Grab a ticket and show up, the fun will be there all you have to do is participate. Where else can you ride the Ferris Wheel, get cotton candy, eat great food from around the world, see legendary performances by world renown celebrated artists, and dance your boots off - Windsor.
So what are you waiting for, if you don't know where to find these events, just check out the Calendar pages of Biz X Magazine - we are in the know so you will be too.
I can't wait for the Summer Fun to begin! Can you?
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Posted February 16, 2010 @ 1:21PM
With nail-biting anticipation, I watched the men's moguls final race, knowing full well many Canadian Athletes were in the running for a medal. Nearing the end, we could see Canadians filling the coveted Gold, Silver, and Bronze seats.
It's all most over just a few Canadians to go, and next in starting position is Alexandre Bilodeau, from Quebec. Go my French brother, Go. He starts out good, first jump and he gets mad air, a little bauble and he is back on track, with screaming time.
Second jump and a beautiful cross X marking his superior jump, and race to the finish line...still nail-biting.....and his time.............GOOD FOR FIRST PLACE.
I jump up and scream at the top of my lungs like I was a soccer player announcer...GOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLDDD.
Unbelievable - On Home Soil - So proud to be Canadian..........Then tears come to my eyes, as I see Alexandre
Bilodeau take to the podium, and they place that GOLD medal around his next, and we hear the Canadian Anthem played - No prouder moment in Canadian
History than to see that image across my
television screen. I loved the screaming and cheering and applauding crowd that made sure Alexandre
Bilodeau knew exactly what his accomplishments meant to Canadians at the moment.
We are all proud of you my brother. You really created a momentousoccasion in Canadian history - WELL DONE!
Thanks to our Silver and Bronze medalists as well.
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Posted January 15, 2010 @ 11:56AM
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret
Biz X Magazine
I LOVE FACEBOOK, there it had to be said. I find out more things about my City than I do watching the local news, or reading the local paper. I have 243 friends on my facebook page, and some of these people are my family, acquaintances, business associates, charitable organizations, and friends.
Recently a What Windsor Needs Is.....? page was developed by one of my business associates, and I like this idea. I joined the group just to see what people are saying, and there are some very intelligent comments about what the city needs.
One of the questions I always ask for my City Smiles column in BIZ X is, "If you could change one thing about our local government what would that be?" I always am surprised by how thought out the answers are.
On Facebook there are communities that come together to uplift, to support, to raise awareness, or just to make you smile. I LIKE IT! Why - - because it helps. It helps to get your thoughts and messages out there to the masses. Join a positive thinking group, and you start thinking positive thoughts, join a group that lets you air your frustrations about local government. It helps because it is a way for local business to let us all know the latest news or bargains.
I find it a great way to connect with people, and I have even found friends that I have not spoken with since I was 10 years old....now that's a long time ago. This makes me happy. I got to connect with a long lost friend Angie, and until I connected I didn't realize how much I missed her.
I know some of you may think, connect, ..it's a computer...it's not very personable...oh yes it is, I find out what my friends and family who live far-away are doing, I can voice my comments on their status, they can share events through pictures, and they know that I am connecting in a way to their lives. So for all of the above mentioned reasons ...that is why I LOVE FACEBOOK.
Thanks to all of my 243 friends (and counting!)
Do you love or hate Facebook? leave your comments.
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Posted December 23, 2009 @ 11:36PM
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret
Biz X Magazine
I just had the most amazing experience, and I am glad that I am not too old that I could not appreciate the magnitude of what transpired.
I am always amazed at the stories I have heard of great events, and the camaraderie of thousands of people that gather together for the same cause. I have heard stories of Woodstock, and I attended Lilith Fair, and Band Aid. I participate every year in the Run For The Cure, all very worth while and moving experiences.
This experience was just as moving, but in a different way. I read an email from the Multicultural Council asking for volunteers to carry a nations flag for the Olympic Torch Relay that was being held here in Windsor. I jumped at the chance to participate and proudly carry whatever flag they bestowed upon me. The excitement I felt was much more than going to a packed rock concert of your absolute most favorite band, it was an uplifting moment like no other.
I know I was smiling from ear-to-ear because my cheeks were sore, and that was a glorious feeling as well. The feeling of pride that came over me knowing, in my small way, I was truly supporting our Canadian Olympic Athletes, was overwhelming. As the volunteers gathered in the Promenade Ball Room at the Casino, the realization of how historic the moment was for everyone became all to real.
The whispers grew to confidence as everyone got in line to carry their flags to be the guide for the Olympic Torch bearer. We all left the casino and people actually stopped gambling for a moment to cheer us on. Confidence turned to immense pride, as they started to
applaud us, and that swelling feeling inside can well you up.
I got to meet THE THREE SISTERS, I stood by athletes, I proudly flew my flag of Antigua/Barbados, I walked beside a Royal Canadian Mountie, and I watched as thousands knew they were being part of something bigger than themselves, and it was MAGIC.
And as the flame was lit, you could hear the ripping sounds of sheer joy screaming out to the whole country, ...we support you. The only color that looks good on Canadian Athletes is GOLD......go get 'em...kick butt in Vancouver 2010.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be part of this historic event, and I am glad I wasn't too old to truly enjoy this phenomenal feeling.
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Posted November 12, 2009 @ 5:23PM
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret
Biz X MagazineI have good, bad, and great neighbors, in the area that I live in. The one directly to the right of my house is wonderful, always helpful, need a tool, he will lend it. This family are great neighbors
Then the one across the road, loved to sit on the front porch swing, with a smoke and a beer, and recall long lost stories of golden years. I loved him, he passed away in October and he will be sadly missed by most of the neighbors. He was a good neighbor.
Which leads me to the bad neighbor, actually it's not a neighbor really it's a relative of the neighbor. Seems like they are always in a bad mood, always snippy if you look at them the wrong way, call you on all kinds of by-laws infringements about bushes, and garbage and what-not.
I thought to myself, I don't like that person very much. I always like to think of myself as approachable. If you got a problem address me directly, I will always take what you have to say into consideration. I thought how mean this person is and then I thought about the person.
Maybe they are having a rough time and that anger or frustration shows, but they aren't aware of it. I thought I should not judge them because I don't know their circumstances. I don't know if they have lost their job, have an illness. In fact I don't know them at all.
Maybe I should extend a hand and let them know I am here if they need a shoulder, or would like help with some yard work. Maybe instead of getting angry and wishing ill will, I will be kind and considerate.
So maybe if your dealing with a difficult neighbor, try KILLING THEM WITH KINDNESS.
What do you think, What Makes A Good Neighbor? Email me at
lisa@bizxmagazine.com with your comments. Have a nice day!
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Posted November 12, 2009 @ 4:58PM
It seems that our annual awards issue is the buzz in the air at the offices of Biz X Magazine and on the streets of Windsor, and I wanted to tell you a little bit about what goes on behind the scenes.
First the Big Boss and various others have to come up with the names of the categories, and remember after 11 years there are no repeats. So then when that's done, the Big Boss publishes the categories. Then it's up to you out there to vote, vote, vote.
In a secret meeting, the judges are gathered together, and if the judges have done everything correctly, like making sure each and everyone of them visit the establishments of the nominee's so they can make an accurate assessment of the business, then they vote.
Only one winner per category, so this judging thing is a difficult process. Winner are notified by Biz X and then we have a great big party and announce who won.
Biz X is the only publication that recognizes the efforts of small businesses in our area. It has been honoring these hard working individuals for more than a decade, and these awards are coveted. To win a Biz X Award, it means you have done something extraordinary to go that extra mile for your customers, suppliers, employees, and so on.
I applaud all the businesses that are winner's this year, and remember to display your award proudly as there are no two alike. That's what makes the Biz X annual awards so special, and that's what sets you apart from the rest.
And the winners are................................................stay tuned.
UPDATE...IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE OF THE MORE THAN 15K PRINT ISSUES DELIVERED TO EVERY SINGLE BUSINESS ADDRESS IN WINDSOR AND ESSEX COUNTY THAN CLICK ON OUR DIGITAL ISSUE BELOW TO SEE THE 2009 BIZ X AWARD WINNERS!!!
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Posted September 2, 2009 @ 10:26AM
I rarely watch television, but today I thought I would cruise around the channels to see what was on. I was very impressed with some of the commercials that are pushing buy local produce, Fresh from Ontario, and it got me to thinking.
Why just produce? As a person who is starting a small business in this crazy economy, I like the idea of using local people. I have lived here a long time, and it still surprises me that we have over 10,000 businesses here in the Windsor and Essex area, so why outsource when everything you need is right at your door step. It pains me to see jobs being given to outside city limit bidders. We are most likely the hardest hit city in all of Canada because of the economic crisis, yet we still buy our goods from the U.S. and we hand out huge local projects to outside companies.
People tell me that we have to look at the best price and I understand that my bottom and my bottom line are really all I should worry about. I still have the feeling that I am not helping my own economy if I go outside of my city to get a better price. Farming out my services to other local companies means I will use their resources when I need their services. Scratching my back while I scratch yours feels good, n'est pas!
The only way I do go to outside sources is if I can't find what I need here. You can always haggle over the price of goods and services. In fact it should be encouraged more often. I do it all the time, and my number one rule has always been, if the provider can meet or come within a reasonable range of my needs, I will not only do business with them, but I will give them my repeat business and I WILL tell two friends, and so on..and so on.
So again, why not local? I encourage you to ask your local pharmacist if you give them all your business will they lower the dispensing fee for you. Talk and make friends with your butcher, banker, and all the local merchants that surround your home and work. Talk to your dentist and ask if payment plans are available, and don't forget the vet if you have animals, start clipping coupons, check out Red Flag deals or Save.ca for great saving coupons. Use the internet to find discounts on travel, hotels, airfare, flowers, DVD's, etc...etc.....look and you will definitely find them. Use eBay and Kijiji and Craig's List for amazing deals.
We all have to figure out ways to save money, whether it's building a home, buying groceries, shopping for furniture, looking for shoes, or finding the right crib for your newborn, there are deals and savings to be had if you only ask. Again....try the shop around the corner. HAPPY SHOPPING!
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Posted September 1, 2009 @ 10:44AM
Oh my, it's that time of year again. Colour comes back into our lives, with the onset of Fall. Goodbye plain old green.
Oh Autumn you are my favorite season. Your lush rich colours, and cooling temps are what draws me to your beauty.
YUP, I really mean it, brrrrrr, a cool crisp chill is coming. But if I had the choice I would paint the entire landscape in Fall colours. Burnt Umber's, deep dark Forest Green's, Robust Reds and Golden Yellow's, wow, what a sight to behold. Thanks Mother Nature, what an amazing palette.
Check out Biz X Magazine's calendar page to see what fun and exciting things we can do for this season. Take a trip to the UPPER PENINSULA, it's picture perfect. All the harvest foods are in season as well, so take a drive to Amherstburg and stop by a road side stand. Visit the market for all the freshest harvest produce.
Time to dust off your favorite woolly sweaters, put away the flip-flops, and get the duvet back on the bed, warm up the flannels, and curl up with a blankie.
With fall comes one of my favorite times of the year, and that is October, which is breast cancer month. As the Windsor Community Liaison for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, it is my duty to tell you that the CIBC Run for the Cure is only 5 weeks away (Sunday, October 4th - Riverfront Plaza), and it's pledge time.
If you would like to join the Biz X team for the CIBC Run For The Cure, please contact me at
lisa@bizxmagazine.com.
Whatever you do to celebrate the Fall season, have fun, because WINTER is only four months away. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
Let me know what you think.....Is FALL the best season of the year?
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Posted August 25, 2009 @ 7:00AM
WE ARE JUST AS TALENTED AS ANYONE IN HOLLYWOOD. Well, at least I like to think so. We have so many talented individuals in Windsor and surrounding area's, it boggles my mind that more talent scouts aren't showing their faces our way.
I want to talk about one individual that we should all be supporting. There are great things in store for Kimberly Humber-Schultz. Kim is the winner of Bluesfest Idol 2009, and was ultimately what the judges were looking for. Just like a professional, (which she is not), she sang flawlessly, she engaged the audience, she had excellent stage presence, and gosh darn it she has great natural ability. In other words this girls got chops. I am not a music critic, but I know what I like, and I like Kim.
I love the fact that Kim is so warm and very down to earth. I love her sense of humour, and her enormous smile, and her big phat heart is so genuine. What I also love about Kim, is that she transcends genre. So she can belt out the Blues, romance you with a love ballad, tear down the house with her version of Rock N'Roll, or bring tears to your eyes with a Country tune. She is every music, and it's all in her.
Okay onto why I am blogging about someone you hardly or don't even know. Because you ought to know who she is, because when she becomes the big STAR that she is you can say,"I know her, she's gooooooooooood."
Kim is trying out to WIN the Country Music Television's Karaoke Star. Kim submitted an audition tape and is one of several who wants to claim the title. We have already had one winner from this area now let's see if we can get another one. Maybe those CMT people will stand up and take notice of the talent that keeps coming out of our area.
So here's the thing, I want you guys to go to the CMT website, and click on the Karaoke Star tab, and click vote. Kim is known as
JRSEYGRL, from Windsor. Listen to her audition and vote. She clearly is one of the best singer's in the contest and she needs Windsor's help to win. All you have to do is vote. It's up to you how many times you vote for her, and you can vote more than once.
The winner of the contest will be announced October 15, 2009, and the grand prize is $10,000. I know Kim and her husband and daughter could really use the money. I think Kim could win Canadian Idol, American Idol, and Country Idol. She really is that good.
So to all my loyal readers, and readers of Biz X ....VOTE FOR KIM. (aka.
Jrseygrl)
http://www.cmt.ca/kstar/CyberStarVote.aspx?page=4If you would like to make a comment or introduce me to more talented people send an email to
lisa@bizxmagazine.comComment on this blog (0)
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret
Events like Summer Fest with rides and games bursting all around them. They can't wait to get their flip flops on and their bathing suits because soon all the activities for Summer Camps will be open in places like Water World and Mic Mac Park, and the YMCA. 
Celtic music, R&B, Soul, Rock, Jazz, and Blues music, is represented in full force in our city, because of music festivals and cultural celebrations. Oh what a time to have fun, dance, and shake off the cares of busy weeks. Grab a ticket and show up, the fun will be there all you have to do is participate. Where else can you ride the Ferris Wheel, get cotton candy, eat great food from around the world, see legendary performances by world renown celebrated artists, and dance your boots off - Windsor.
by Lisa Rene-De-Cotret
And as the flame was lit, you could hear the ripping sounds of sheer joy screaming out to the whole country, ...we support you. The only color that looks good on Canadian Athletes is GOLD......go get 'em...kick butt in Vancouver 2010. 
I rarely watch television, but today I thought I would cruise around the channels to see what was on. I was very impressed with some of the commercials that are pushing buy local produce, Fresh from Ontario, and it got me to thinking. 
Kim is trying out to WIN the Country Music Television's Karaoke Star. Kim submitted an audition tape and is one of several who wants to claim the title. We have already had one winner from this area now let's see if we can get another one. Maybe those CMT people will stand up and take notice of the talent that keeps coming out of our area.