-
Someone you know needs to win an Indie!
Now is your chance to attend the awards ceremony honoring the winners!
Or,
Now is your chance to honor those who boldly go their own way...
You are invited to nominate local independent business leaders and artists who represent the best our region has to offer through their everyday endeavors, community building and philanthropy.
Who do you have in mind?
Nominees may be independent business proprietors, operators, fine artists and performers, based in and around Madison and Dane County.
Think about the people who make our community richer. They embrace risk, shrug off stereotypes and fearlessly leap outside the box.
These are people you know: innovative retailers and restaurants, artists who create community, neighborhood champions, green-forward entrepreneurs, and small-business advocates.
Nominations are open for a month, from Thursday, July 26 until Sunday, August 26. Awards will be presented in eight categories at the 2012 Isthmus Indies Ceremony on Monday, October 8 at the Goodman Center in Madison.
The Isthmus Indies are sponsored by SupraNet, and presented by Isthmus Publishing Company in cooperation with Dane Buy Local.
-
Isthmus Independent Business Awards 2012 Winners
Market Spark
The nominees are local businesses that have stepped out in front of the crowd modeling innovative practices.
Alison Dodge, Lea Wolf and Carolyn Schwartz, Happy Bambino:
The women of Happy Bambino have created an innovative yet sustainable business model that serves a new generation of parents. It's more than a retail store that competes with the big boxes. As a community resource for parents, the kind of dedicated support that Happy Bambino offers is invaluable. It's a place for parents to connect with each other, to learn about "bellies, babies and breastfeeding," as one nominator put it, "Many in Madison and beyond can say 'Happy Bambino made me a better parent.' "
Fresh Food Friend
The nominees are committed to delivering local, sustainable food through restaurant or retail channels.
Jeff Maurer, Fresh Madison Market:
It's not just that Jeff Maurer built his retail store in the heart of the UW campus, stocking an array of nutritional options for the college set. And it's not just that Fresh Madison Market teaches classes that highlight ingredients and cooking techniques to encourage healthy eating. As the panel of Indies judges agreed: It's that truck! Maurer's Freshmobile delivers access to affordable fruits and vegetables in Madison's six "food deserts" - a grocery store on wheels. The positive impact has been immediate.
Green Angel
The nominees advocate for environmentally sustainable practices in their local businesses and lifestyles, encouraging others to do the same.
Jim Bradley, Home Savings Bank:
As the man behind the magic at a community oriented bank dedicated to sustainability, bank president Jim Bradley is a green business force on a mission to make a difference. The Stoughton branch was the first solar-fueled bank office in Wisconsin, and Home Savings' newest location, on East Washington Avenue, is the first LEED Silver bank building in the state. Through Bradley's thoughtful leadership, Home Savings is exemplary in community outreach, investing in local charitable causes and environmentally friendly endeavors, and encouraging others "to enhance the quality of our natural environment."
Hometown Artist
The nominees are visual or performing artists who demonstrate a commitment to the community through their work, representing the best of the independent-minded creative class.
Jennifer Uphoff Gray, Forward Theater:
Forward Theater's mission statement asserts "Madison deserves locally produced, professional theater that can add to the cultural fabric of our city." As artistic director, Jennifer Uphoff Gray is the leader who helps make this happen. She not only encourages interesting and thought-provoking productions, she takes maintaining a reliable business model seriously, and engages our "community's urgent desire to nurture world-class performing arts."
Dynamic Developer
The nominees create sustainable projects that benefit the community.
Thomas Holmes, Glenville Timberwrights:
Thomas Holmes and Baraboo's Glenville Timberwrights create stunning structures using ancient techniques paired with modern technology and ecological innovation. In harvesting timbers for reuse, Holmes and his crew have mastered the art of giving second life to these precious resources. The results are both dynamic and beautiful. Glenville Timberwrights connects with the community through workshops for young people and a scholarship program for Baraboo High School graduates, inspiring a new generation of craftspeople.
Neighborhood Notable
The nominees demonstrate leadership in making their neighborhood and its businesses successful.
Richard Kilmer, Community Pharmacy:
From its humble beginnings as a student-led health resource, Community Pharmacy now celebrates 40 years in business on State Street, an amazing accomplishment in a competitive category dominated by huge national chains. The longevity demonstrates not only leadership but a commitment to a cooperative core value system that offers a full range of products and services from alternative homeopathy to traditional pharmaceuticals. Pharmacist Richard Kilmer, a friendly face in the store since 1984, is a fine representative of that dedication.
Bridge Builder
The nominees bring together people with different points of view to effect positive change.
Michael Olson, Madison Music Foundry:
Madison Music Foundry, the brainchild of entrepreneur Mike Olson, champions music as a bridge builder. The intimate atmosphere and professional studio space let musicians of all ages and abilities come together and perfect their craft. The Foundry provides a place for music teachers to host students for private lessons, which is an excellent way to subsidize a musical life in a precarious economic environment. If Olson's goal is to help promote the importance of music in our culture, his execution is well played.
Dane and Beyond
The nominees use new technology to reach beyond today's way of doing business. They encourage innovation to connect Dane County with the world.
Markus Candinas, Candinas Chocolatier:
Since 1994, from his small brick-and-mortar factory in Verona, artisan chocolatier Markus Candinas was among the earliest to adapt to a digital sales model, mastering the art of confection as well as the world-wide web. Consistently rated among the best in taste and quality, Candinas chocolates are more than just a beautifully packaged local treat; they serve as an envoy of deliciousness from Dane County to the globe. This is an inspiring accomplishment.
-
Isthmus Independent Business Award Categories and Winners
Indies are awarded in eight categories as listed here, along with the judges' statements from 2011 and 2010. You can choose a specific category for your nominee, or leave that up to the panel of judges.
Market Spark
The nominees are local businesses that have stepped out in front of the crowd modeling innovative practices.
2011 Winner: Jim Birkemeier, Spring Green Timber Growers
Birkemeier brings a unique, creative approach to his hardwood flooring and wood product business, using local wood in a sustainable way and keeping the proceeds in the region. He's obviously a risk taker, choosing to work from a small, rural community, using innovative methods to create truly gorgeous products. He promotes an understanding of the impact on the local economy, and shares information about his methods with forest stewards around the world, presentating his ideas in numerous countries. Beautiful work.2010 Winner: Barry Levenson, Founder. The National Mustard Museum
The Mustard Museum is an established, one-of-a-kind tourist attraction that since 1986 has taken the art of selling a condiment to a whole new level. It's completely unique as a business — almost kind of weird — but in a really good way.Fresh Food Friend
The nominees are committed to delivering local, sustainable food through restaurant or retail channels.
2011 Winner: James Barewolf, Sassy Cow Creamery
Wisconsin is Dairyland, and here is a business that is embracing the future in an industry that's been under pressure, if not on the ropes, for decades. Sassy Cow's community involvement is especially important, reaching out to inform people about the origin of the food they consume. Barewolf's business hosts on-farm events, presents demonstrations for children and school groups, and has been successful in placing Sassy Cow products in local restaurants and retail outlets. Well done.2010 Winner: Anya Firszt, General Manager, Willy Street Co-op
When it comes to fresh food, Willy Co-op touches everything — buying it, making it, selling it — and they've been doing it forever. Before we even knew we wanted fresh food or needed organic food, Willy Co-op was there, a farmer's market open every day. The Community CHIP in particular is a way to painlessly donate to local causes. Overall, Willy is and has been way ahead of the curve.Green Angel
The nominees advocate for environmentally sustainable practices in their local businesses and lifestyles, encouraging others to do the same.
2011 Winners: Tim and Kevin Metcalfe, Metcalfe's Market
As the fourth generation in a successful family grocery business, the Metcalfe brothers, Tim and Kevin, now put community interests at the top of their agenda. The list of green practices Metcalfe's Market at Hilldale has implemented are not only impressive, they represent the ultimate in encouraging others to be more environmentally friendly, empowering their employees to contribute to the effort. And it's not just in their grocery business. Their private initiative to improve the John Nolen lakefront corridor is visionary. They embody and inspire a new generation of ecologically minded civic involvement. Lead on.2010 Winner: Rick Cathcart, SCRAM! Couriers
Madison's only year-round, all-weather bicycle messenger service makes us feel a little bit better about sending packages across town, in rain, sleet, snow, and even when the sun is shining. Scram has taken a somewhat common idea and lessened its environmental impact with a fast and friendly business model. For a city the size of Madison, it's just awesome to have such an option.Hometown Artist
The nominees are visual or performing artists who demonstrate a commitment to the community through their work, representing the best of the independent-minded creative class.
2011 Winners: Timothy and Renee Farley, Farley's House of Pianos
The musical gifts the artistic Farleys heap upon Madison are unique. They provide the means for groups and individuals to contribute to the arts by loaning pianos from their collection for performances around the city, hosting concerts, as well as offering lessons for young and old. But perhaps the most intriguing element of their artistry is the extension of the useful life of pianos. The Farley's restoration workshop is something to behold, and uses a process involving meticulous precision and the finest replacement materials. They play for keeps.2010 Winner: Tom Linfield, ArtsTribe
Tom Linfield led the design and creation of the mosaic giraffe 'Long Tall Sally,' and donated it to the Zoobilee auction to benefit American Family Children's Hospital and Henry Vilas Zoological Society. Artists Dana Slowiak, Aimee Reid-Rice and Gary N'ski joined Linfield to collaborate on the amazing work of art — cooperation being a hallmark of the ArtsTribe mission. With this latest sculpture, Linfield continues to demonstrate incredible generosity in donating his fine art to local causes.Dynamic Developer
The nominees create sustainable projects that benefit the community.
2011 Winner: Steven Zeigler, ZDA, Inc.
Steven Ziegler's company merges engineering, creativity and sustainability with landscape architecture and garden design. Here, Zeigler is recognized most notably for work at Troy Gardens and with Porchlight. Troy is a mix of community gardens and trails, local agriculture and affordable housing; ZDA was responsible for the master plan and design details, community input, and the installation of natural restoration. Currently, ZDA is involved with planning and fundraising for Porchlight's Safe Haven facility, designed to meet the needs of those who are homeless due to mental illness, in a quest to provide a pathway out of this despair. Noble endeavors.2010 Winner: Thomas Thayer, President and CEO, Tri-North Builders
Tri-North shows that building can be sustainable through every step of the process, creating efficient and practical structures in a spirit of local cooperation and communication. Thayer and his partners have created a well-rounded, thoughtful business that not only contributes to the communities in which it builds, but strives to remain at the forefront of green construction innovation.Neighborhood Notable
The nominees demonstrate leadership in making their neighborhood and its businesses successful.
2011 Winner: Marilyn Burke, Marilyn's Salon & Opera House
Downtown Middleton Business Association founder and president Marilyn Burke is a local dynamo, ever-present at Middleton business events and always advocating for her community. She is integral to the success of Middleton as a viable business community. She is a good neighbor.2010 Winner: Carol "Orange" Schroeder, Founder, Orange Tree Imports
Carol "Orange" Schroeder is a cornerstone of the Monroe Street neighborhood, where nearly 99 percent of the retailers are locally owned and independent. When anything happens on Monroe, you can bet that Schroeder is organizing, participating or contributing in some way. She has been vital to the success of this local business community.Bridge Builder
The nominees bring together people with different points of view to effect positive change.
2011 Winner: Milele Chikasa Anana, Umoja
Milele Chikasa Anana provides a channel for writers and artists who otherwise may not be heard or seen, creating positive energy within an historically marginalized community. She is an advisor and coach for many small business owners. She models a glowing future for youth by demonstrating strong leadership, and making the community richer through the pages of Umoja, her monthly publication. Forward.2010 Winner: Rev. Gene Ferrara, Center for Conscious Living
Gene Ferrara created the Center for Conscious Living in Madison to be a welcoming space for people of all belief systems, bridging a mix of spiritual experiences — multicultural, multi-denominational, multi-ethnic — to find common peace. Ferrara brings people together, and is simply a kind and happy presence in many lives.Dane and Beyond
The nominees use new technology to reach beyond today's way of doing business. They encourage innovation to connect Dane County with the world.
2011 Winner: Chris Meyer, Sector 67
When Meyer graduated from the UW with a master's degree in mechanical engineering he could have worked anywhere, for any company. Instead he chose to start a design and science incubator, creating a space for young people in the Madison area, unique perhaps in the whole country, to foster a supportive atmosphere for the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs. Meyer's potential influence is vast, and Madison is feeling it already. To infinity and beyond.2010 Winner: Bryan Chan, CEO, SupraNet Communications, Inc.
We can't go anywhere in town without hearing about Bryan Chan and his passionate involvement in the local community, his commendable values and ethical business practices. Chan's goal was to be a premier ISP for Wisconsin business. He has achieved that and more, all while giving back to the community he views as integral to his success. We are lucky to have him here.The Isthmus Indies are sponsored by SupraNet, and presented by Isthmus Publishing Company in cooperation with Dane Buy Local.
-
Celebrate with the winners!
The 2012 Isthmus Indie Awards Ceremony
A Benefit for Dane Buy Local
The Isthmus Indies are sponsored by SupraNet, and presented by Isthmus Publishing Company in cooperation with Dane Buy Local.
-
Thank you for your interest in the Isthmus Indies!
For event information, press materials or media inquiries, or any other questions, please contact:
Chris Majchrzak, Isthmus Marketing & Events Manager
Phone: 608-251-5627 x 122
Email: cmajchrzak@isthmus.com
The Isthmus Indies are sponsored by SupraNet, and presented by Isthmus Publishing Company in cooperation with Dane Buy Local.
This is an official Isthmus event
Isthmus Publishing Co., Inc.
101 King Street
Madison WI 53703
Phone 608-251-5627
Fax 608-251-2165Email: event@isthmus.com
Web: Isthmus | The Daily Page
Mobile: Isthmus Mobile
Follow Isthmus on Facebook
Follow Isthmus on Twitter
-
Isthmus Independent Business Award Winners
Market Spark
The nominees are local businesses that have stepped out in front of the crowd modeling innovative practices.
2012 Winner: Alison Dodge, Lea Wolf and Carolynn Schwartz, Happy Bambino
2011 Winner: Jim Birkemeier, Spring Green Timber Growers
2010 Winner: Barry Levenson, National Mustard Museum founder
Fresh Food Friend
The nominees are committed to delivering local, sustainable food through restaurant or retail channels.
2012 Winner: Jeff Maurer, Fresh Madison Market
2011 Winner: James Baerwolf, Sassy Cow Creamery
2010 Winner: Anya Firszt, Willy Street Co-op
Green Angel
The nominees advocate for environmentally sustainable practices in their local businesses and lifestyles, encouraging others to do the same.
2012 Winner: Jim Bradley, Home Savings Bank
2011 Winner: Tim and Kevin Metcalfe, Metcalfe's Market
2010 Winner: SCRAM! Couriers, SCRAM! Couriers
Hometown Artist
The nominees are visual or performing artists who demonstrate a commitment to the community through their work, representing the best of the independent-minded creative class.
2012 Winner: Jennifer Uphoff Gray, Forward Theater Company
2011 Winner: Timothy and Renee Farley, Farley's House of Pianos
2010 Winner: Tom Linfield,
Dynamic Developer
The nominees create sustainable projects that benefit the community.
2012 Winner: Thomas Holmes, Glenville Timberwrights
2011 Winner: Steven Ziegler, Ziegler Design Associates
2010 Winner: Thomas Thayer, Tri-North Builders
Neighborhood Notable
The nominees demonstrate leadership in making their neighborhood and its businesses successful.
2012 Winner: Richard Kilmer, Community Pharmacy
2011 Winner: Marilyn Burke, Marilyn's Salon & Opera House
2010 Winner: Carol Schroeder, Orange Tree Imports
Bridge Builder
The nominees bring together people with different points of view to effect positive change.
2012 Winner: Mike Olson, Madison Music Foundry and Blast House Studios
2011 Winner: Milele Chikasa Anana, Umoja
2010 Winner: Rev. Gene Ferrara, Center for Conscious Living
Dane and Beyond
The nominees use new technology to reach beyond today's way of doing business. They encourage innovation to connect Dane County with the world.
2012 Winner: Markus Candinas, Candinas Chocolatier
2011 Winner: Chris Meyer, Sector67
2010 Winner: Bryan Chan, SupraNet Communications Inc.