Main man has giant concern
Having worked in retail in Madison for over 30 years, all of it for locally owned businesses, I'm glad to see you highlight some of the more interesting ones ("Staying Alive," 7/3/09). But imagine my chagrin to see the advertising tag line ("Can he really beat the giants?") used by my business for 15 years applied to another appliance retailer, even one I respect as much as Vern Birrenkott.
While I am gratified to see that it has become iconic, I must protest that it is not generic.
Dennis Egbert, owner, Brothers Main Appliance and TV
Another BID backer
I'm writing in response to "Get Rid of the BID?" (6/3/09). As a BID employee, it pains me to have it referred to as a "mafia protection racket" that provides no real service to the downtown.
The BID was created by downtown businesses 10 years ago to address problems and achieve common goals. There was no outside source that imposed the BID assessment on these businesses. The BID isn't always popular with all business owners because of the assessment, but many others recognize the positive impact it has had on downtown Madison.
I work for the Downtown Ambassadors program, which staffs the information booths on State Street and the Capitol Square. We provide a service to downtown Madison's guests and residents by providing directions, answering questions and suggesting attractions, restaurants and shops.
The Ambassador program also staffs the holiday trolley and sends reps to special events around Madison.
We are not the mafia.
Julia Mimier
Pod people
Thanks to Rich Albertoni for an excellent article on the newer world of podcasting ("Plugging In," 7/10/09). He had it nailed. Yes we do have fun ranting and we love getting feedback from our listeners. It gives people all over the world an opportunity to share life experiences and ideas.