Isthmus: Nominations are now open for the 2014 Isthmus Independent Business Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2014 Isthmus Independent Business Awards

Celebrate the local, independent spirit that thrives in Madison with the fifth annual Isthmus Independent Business Awards. The Indies honor the indispensable Madison movers and shakers, awarding creativity, innovation, sustainability and bold leadership.

This is our opportunity to recognize the business leaders and creative people who represent the best our region has to offer through their everyday business pursuits, artistry, community building and philanthropy.

Nominees may be independent business proprietors, operators, fine artists and performers, all from the greater Madison region. These are people we know: Innovative retailers and restaurants, artists who create community, neighborhood champions, green-forward entrepreneurs, and small-business advocates.

Nominations are open through Thursday, Oct. 2 in ten categories. Nomination forms are online at IsthmusIndies.com.

Isthmus Independent Business Award Categories for 2014:

Market Spark: The nominees are local businesses that have stepped out in front of the crowd, successfully modeling innovative practices.

Remarkable Retailer: The nominees are local proprietors who have achieved notable success running an independent, retail oriented shop.

Creative Cuisine: The nominees are independent restaurant chefs or managers who serve consistently excellent food in a creative way.

Fresh Food Friend: The nominees are committed to delivering local, sustainable food through restaurant or retail channels.

Green Angel: The nominees advocate and facilitate environmentally sustainable practices in local business and lifestyles.

Hometown Artist: The nominees are visual or performing artists who demonstrate a commitment to the community through their work.

Dynamic Developer: The nominees create sustainable projects that benefit the community.

Neighborhood Notable: The nominees demonstrate leadership in making their neighborhood and its businesses successful.

Bridge Builder: The nominees bring together people with different points of view to effect positive change.

Madison and Beyond: The nominees use new technology to reach beyond today’s way of doing business, encourage innovation to connect the Madison region with the world.

A panel of five judges will review nominations and decide on the winners, who will be announced in Isthmus Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014.

Awards will be presented Monday, Nov. 17 at Olbrich Gardens, in a benefit for Dane Buy Local. Ticket information is online at IsthmusIndies.com.

The 2014 Isthmus Independent Business Awards are sponsored by Monona State Bank, and presented by Isthmus Publishing Company in cooperation with Dane Buy Local.

Previous winners are online here!!

For press materials, media inquiries, or any other questions, please contact:

Janell Palmer, Event Director, at jpalmer@isthmus.com or (608) 256-2273