Despite the concerns about the wavering macroeconomies of Europe and, to an extent, the U.S., the fact is that a healthy business environment grows from the bottom up. It is from that entrepreneurial base that new ideas, new leadership and new energy come. And so that is where we direct our gaze when searching for honorees in the third annual Isthmus Independent Business Awards, which we've dubbed the Indies.
The nominating session for this year's awards began last Thursday and will last until Aug. 26. After that date a panel of judges will begin evaluating the nominees in eight categories, leading to an awards ceremony at the Goodman Community Center on Oct. 8.
The Market Spark award will go to someone who has brought new practices to an older discipline. We're looking for innovators here. The Fresh Food Friend is just what it says - someone who has put local food sources to good use for everyone's benefit. The Green Angel is someone who has made environmentally stable practices a pillar of their business, while the Hometown Artist is someone whose work is committed to the community.
The Dynamic Developer is a conscientious sort who pursues sustainable projects that benefit the broader community, whereas the Neighborhood Notable demonstrates leadership in making a neighborhood enterprise a viable entity. The Bridge Builder unites disparate constituencies toward a common goal. The Dane and Beyond award will go to someone using new technologies to reimagine an industry.
The 2012 Isthmus Indies are sponsored by SupraNet, a Madison digital innovator, and Isthmus, in cooperation with Dane Buy Local. To learn more about the awards and the process, and to see the names of past winners, visit IsthmusIndies.com or go to TheDailyPage.com and look under Mad Tools for a link. Hurry - we've got to get some fresh blood in the game before the world economy implodes through corruption, incompetence and cluelessness.
