EZ Office Supply

About Us

Our Mission                                

We champion locally owned businesses through advocacy, education, & collaboration.

Our Vision

When local businesses thrive, our communities thrive. Each one of us plays a vital role in supporting a vibrant local ecosystem by choosing to support local businesses, collaborating with neighbors to create opportunities, or advocating for policies that sustain independent businesses.

Our Core Values

  • Inclusivity:  We are committed to fostering inclusivity by embracing diverse voices, ensuring equal opportunities, and creating a welcoming environment for all in our community.
  • Sustainability:  We prioritize sustainability by supporting practices that protect our environment, strengthen the local economy, and ensure long-term community well-being.
  • Prosperity with Purpose:    We believe in prosperity with a purpose, striving for economic growth that benefits everyone, uplifts local businesses, and fosters a thriving, equitable community.
  • We’re in this Together:  At Dane Buy Local, we believe that success is shared. Our members lift each other up, championing collaboration over competition to strengthen our collective impact.

    • Josie Pradella & Rick Brooks
    Dane Buy Local Co-Founders

    The Dane Buy Local Presidents throughout the years have included:

    • Kelly Starr-King - 2009-2011   
    • Colin Murray - 2011-2013
    • Kay-Tee Franke - 2013-2015
    • Rick Lenz – 2015
    • Amy Johnson – 2016-2020
    • Amanda Metcalfe - 2020
    • Amy Johnson - 2020-2021
    • Curt Fuszard - 2022 - 2024
    • Jillian Page - 2024 - present

    What attracted early adopters to the Dane Buy Local idea?

    • Importance of local ownership and purchasing
    • Supporting small business practices and ethics
    • Sense of community
    • Desire to learn
    • Belonging and inclusion
    • Sustainability
    • Respect
    • Value of uniqueness vs. sameness
    • Commitment to future generations
    • Better quality of life for all
    • Building social and economic capital

    Our History

    Originally known as the Dane County Buy Local Initiative, Dane Buy Local was founded in 2004 as a program of Wisconsin Partners for Sustainability.

    Dane Buy Local transitioned from being solely run by volunteers in 2008 to hiring its first staff person, Lark Gibson. In 2010, we moved from sharing an office with Drake & Company Staffing Specialists to securing our own offices at 6300 Enterprise Lane in Madison.

    In 2009, the Board made the decision to become a stand-alone non-profit, moving away from dependence on Wisconsin Partners for Sustainability. In February 2013, we hired our first full-time Executive Director, Colin Murray.

    In 2013, Dane Buy Local developed relationships with more than 15 chambers and business groups. 

    In March 2015, we established the Dane Buy Local Foundation to support public awareness campaigns such as Independents Week and Shift Your Shopping. Later that year, in October, we relocated offices to the east side of Madison at 2801 International Lane.

    During the pandemic, starting in 2020, Dane Buy Local had the honor of administering the Small Business Grant Support Programs for local businesses in Dane County. Funds were provided by Dane County through the ARPA Federal Program. A total of $28 million was provided in grants to the small business community.

    In 2023, Colin Murray retired and Paula Severson became the next Executive Director.

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