Portland Buy Local kicks off the 2nd Annual IndieBiz Awards to honor local, independent businesses nominated by the public in each of 10 categories (see 'Award Categories' below).

Who can participate:

Anyone can nominate a business for an IndieBiz Award! However, only eligible local, independent businesses can win.

How:
Go to www.portlandbuylocal.org between April 1 & April 22
Click the 'Nominate Your Favorite IndieBiz' link
Fill out the nomination form
Go to www.portlandbuylocal.org between May 1 & May 15
Vote from among the finalists
Attend the IndieBiz Awards Night Gala May 20th (see below)
That's it!
Details:
After nominations close, anyone is welcome to vote from among the finalists online at www.portlandbuylocal.org (May 1-15).

Portland Buy Local invites the public, the business community and Buy Local members to attend the IndieBiz Awards Night Gala, May 20th from 6-9 pm at The Empire Dine & Dance for music, food, silent auction of goods donated by Portland's diverse local independent businesses, and the announcement of the awards. Admission is free (donations welcome)! One award is reserved for an eligible business who may not fit any category, based on audience decision the night of the event (see Wild Card Award) . Each of the 10 winners receive an award, and professional portrait taken in their place of business donated by Buy Local member Fitzgerald Photo.


Award Categories:
Soul of Portland
This business radiates 'Portland', in character, originality, individuality, service, and contribution to the city's quality of life.

Flavor of Portland
Portland is known for good food, but this food business goes the extra acre by going out of their way to buy from local growers, suppliers, distributors, bakers, and service providers, strengthening our economy and supporting a diverse small business culture.

Environmental Hero
This local business is the one you consider Portland's environmental icon...tell us why!

Portland's Best Kept Secret
Some local independent businesses consistently deliver a high level of quality, but more often than not, fly under the radar. Which is Portland's Best Kept Secret?

Community Hero
As consumers ,we support local businesses we frequent by buying from them. This local business does a remarkable job of supporting the community back...

Portland Totem
This local independent business has has been in Portland long enough to have had such an influence on the city, that it's hard to even imagine working and living in Portland without them.

The Business With No Front
Many of Portland's independent businesses operate in a studio, a workshop, an office, a clinic, a garage, a gym, or even out of the home. You can't swing by for the paper and cup of coffee, but they're a big part of our economy and our quality of life, When you need to call on them, you always have a great experience, and you're always glad they're there. Which outstanding local business without a store front deserves special recognition?

Global Hero
This independent Portland business supports our local economy, but also exposes our local community to the big world outside, reminding us to be actively aware of the global community we are all a part of.

Wild Card Award
On IndieBiz Awards Night, there'll be one award reserved for the business who has such passionate patrons that they are willing to get up and tell everyone all about the local business that defies categorization! Publicly divulge your favorite local business at IndieBiz Awards night at the Empire on May 20th!