Let us now sing the praises of the independent businessperson -- exactly the mission of the Isthmus Independent Business Awards, otherwise known as the Isthmus Indies. You may have noticed that as the cover topic as we announce the awardees of the 2013 Indies in this issue.
This fourth annual celebration of local entrepreneurship is sponsored by Monona State Bank. The awards come in eight categories: Market Spark, rewarding innovation; Fresh Food Friend, involving local, sustainable food; Green Angel, promoting environmental stability; Hometown Artist, recognizing an artist committed to the community; Dynamic Developer, who does projects that benefit the community; Neighborhood Notable, who takes the lead in a neighborhood; Bridge Builder, bringing people together; and Dane and Beyond, using new technology to connect Dane County with the world. We solicited nominations from the public and this year received a record number of candidates.
The winners are profiled inside by a selection of Isthmus writers, and they constitute a snapshot of Madison's rapidly evolving entrepreneurial community. In addition, they'll be feted on Monday, Nov. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Madison Concourse Hotel at 1 West Dayton St. The event is for the benefit of our partner in this endeavor, Dane Buy Local, and the public is invited.
There will be appetizers, provided by the Concourse and Dane Buy Local members, a cash bar and a silent auction. The soiree will be hosted by Isthmus associate publisher Linda Baldwin and Monona State Bank president and CEO Paul Hoffmann. Should you care to join us, tickets are $25 and available at the Isthmus office at 101 King St. or online at IsthmusIndies.com. If you are into supporting local small business -- and you know it could use support if you've been following the looming metamorphosis of State Street -- this is the ticket to buy.
