There are five nominees for the 2010 Microenterprise of the Year Award. You can learn more about them below and then vote on your choice! Voting closes September 10th at 5pm.
Andrea DiPalma & Alseny Yansane of Wontanara Productions: Alseny is a dynamic teacher and fourteen year performing artist with world renowned Ballets Africains has dazzled audiences across the globe with his fancy footwork, powerful percussion and heart stopping acrobatics. Alseny is internationally recognized as a cultural ambassador for his broad understanding of the dances, rhythms and traditions from each geographical region of Guinea and has brought new songs and musical arrangements to the Pacific Northwest. Alseny is a wonderful teacher who is energetic, inspiring, and fun, adored by students of all ages who snap to attention in his presence.
Andrea DiPalma has spent close to seven years in Guinea, immersing herself in the art, culture, and way of life. She has trained with many disciplined and visionary artists, performed in a variety of prestigious venues and collaborated with Alseny to teach young people wanting to become performance artists. Because she is fluent in Susu, Guinea’s national language, Andrea has been able to transcend much of the cultural barrier and gain an appreciation and understanding of the inner workings of Guinean society. Throughout the Pacific Northwest she is recognized by educators for her creative curriculum development, classroom management skills and her ability to integrate educational themes with Won Tan Nara Productions’ interactive residencies. Wan Tan Nara Productions'
Mira Fannin of Sweet Skins: Sweet Skins is a minority women owned eco-clothing Company. Designer and mother of three, Mira Fannin started the company 5 years ago selling at the Saturday Market in Eugene Oregon. There was such a demand for the classic simplicity and wearability of the designs that the obvious choice was to keep going. Sweet Skins has grown into a business that is both ecologically sound and ethically run, using the latest and greatest in ecologically sound fibers and conscious clothing manufacturing; fabrics like eco-fleece, hemp, organic cottons and wool for their low impact processing and superior texture and quality. Dyes are low impact and everything from fabric scraps to paper products are recycled or reused. Clothing is designed and constructed in a converted garage studio sew shop by a handful of diverse women living in non-industrial Eugene Oregon. As business continues to grow, Sweet Skins is committed to maintaining strong roots to the community, the health of the planet and to pave the road for a new more conscious business model. Sweet Skins Eco Boutique
Matt Rabe of Web Solution Shack: Web Solution Shack had it's humble roots as a one-man operation in Matt Rabe's Eugene basement in the late summer of 2007, evolved to include one designer over the course of 2008, and has expanded to include a small group of subcontracting developers as of late 2009, all in order to meet demand. The Web Solution Shack business name was officially registered in November of 2008. To date, all of Web Solution Shack's labor is performed by independent contractors at their own locations, on their own equipment, and along their own schedules. Web Solution Shack does not outsource – all subcontractors reside within the United States, with strongest representation in the Eugene area, and all are paid competitive and fair rates.Web Solution Shack
Heidi Brancato of Brighter Smiles: Brighter Smiles has been operating as a wholesaler and store front of professional teeth whitening systems since April 2007. Heidi Brancato, owner and President, saw the opportunity to introduce a current and proven method of teeth whitening in a nontraditional channel. Recently expanded into a full service salon, Brighter Smiles caters to the beauty and wellness industry, and promotes itself as a company interested in the well being, health, and happiness of their clients and end-users. Brighter Smiles, A Full Service Salon
Dan and Christine McGrorty of Red's Fire Protection, Inc.: Red’s founder and CEO, Dan McGrorty started his career in the Fire Service at the age of eighteen and dedicated twenty-two years of service. Dan excelled through the Fire Service and achieved the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. Dan also worked for one of the largest private fire protection companies in the United States as a fire sprinkler inspector for seven years. Dan experienced firsthand, that people were being taken advantage of due to their lack of knowledge in the fire protection industry. So, when the opportunity arose for Dan to start his own business, Red’s Fire Protection, Inc. was born. Red's Fire Protection, Inc.
Know who you are going to vote for? Vote here!
