Contact:
Colin Murray
(608) 712-3440
colin@danebuylocal.com
[Madison, Wis.]— In conjunction with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), Dane Buy Local members are encouraging the public to “go local” and declare June 23 – July 4, 2017 Independents Week. "Local businesses strengthen the local economy and enhance the high
quality of life in south central Wisconsin.” stated Dane Buy Local Executive Director Colin
Murray. “Independents Week is an opportunity to celebrate locally owned businesses which we
support.”
“It’s a time to reflect on the importance of economic democracy and community self-determination by celebrating our nation’s locally-owned, independent businesses,” affirmed
AMIBA director Jennifer Rockne.
“As Dane Buy Local joins other buy-local alliances and partner organizations across the country
— thousands of independent business owners and citizens participating in Independents Week—we celebrate great independent businesses, large and small who exemplify the depth, diversity, and economic impact of the business community in south central Wisconsin,” said Colin Murray.
“We have much to celebrate. Our friends and neighbors embody the spirit of entrepreneurship
and individuality. We value their uniqueness and character, as well as their ability to give back in our communities with time, talents, goods, and services to help fulfill community needs,” said
Amy Johnson, president of Dane Buy Local.
Members of the press and public are invited to an Independents Week press conference to kick off the Independents Week campaign on Friday, June 23, at 11:30 a.m., Qual Line Fence, 801 S. Division St, Waunakee. Featured speakers include Waunakee Village President, Chris Zellner, Fitchburg Mayor Jason Gonzalez, representatives from the City of Madison, MadREP, and Mark Pocan’s office. Other business people will be on hand for interview including Heartland Credit Union, Qual Line Fence, HeyMiss Progress, and The Dane County Regional Airport.
In addition, the public is invited to a Dane Buy Local Independents Week Business Expo. More than 60 locally-owned, independent businesses will be exhibiting on Tuesday, June 27, at The Village on Park – 2300 Park St, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
“The expo will provide an opportunity to learn about the many businesses in our area that help
sustain an economic climate full of diversity and individual choice,” said Colin Murray. “I invite
the community to add its support by coming to the expo as well as participating in other member
events and promotions during Independents Week. A complete list of activities offered by Dane Buy Local members can be found at danebuylocal.com,” he added.
Independents Week is presented by Heartland Credit Union—proud of its 80plus years history in the community. Additional support is being provided by the Evjue Foundation, charitable arm of The Capital Times, and the Madison Gas & Electric Foundation.
Dane Buy Local is affiliated with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) and is
part of a growing national movement of communities rallying to support their independent businesses and ensuring the opportunity to operate an independent business endures. Dane Buy Local creates a sustainable, vital local economy through education, collaboration, and promotion, as a non-profit member organization.
