Plenty of people didn't think Seven Days would last longer than its name: a week. It seemed like political suicide to go up against a Gannett-owned daily and two weeklies — one of which we had created — in a small, media-saturated market.

At the news-oriented Vermont Times, we created the arts paper Vox, only to discover five months later that both papers were for sale. We decided to start over and do our own. We were convinced that Vermonters would embrace a smart, edgy — and locally owned — alternative to the mainstream media.

On September 6, 1995, the debut issue of Seven Days hit the streets. Two months later, Peter Freyne brought his popular column, "Inside Track" to Seven Days, making the paper a must-read for Vermont's political junkies in and out of the Statehouse.

Those frantic first five years now seem like a blur, perhaps due to working long hours Seven Days a week! But being on the edge also made us more creative — both in the way we grew the business and the way we presented stories about the communities we serve.

In 2000, we were thrilled when the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce recognized our growth with its "Business of the Year" Award. Multiple awards in writing, design and customer service over the years have verified our dedication to quality.

Other "watershed" moments in our growth:

• In September 2000, Seven Days grew to two sections, thanks to the increasing commitment of our advertisers. The cover of Section B became a free "gallery" featuring the artwork of local artists.
• In 2003, we began acknowledging "bests" in the community with the first annual "Daysies" awards.
• In 2004, we published the first annual 7 Nights — a glossy, full-color magazine and web guide to restaurants and bars Vermont.
• In 2005, we launched a brand-new, easier-to-navigate website — a continually evolving portal for reader edification, entertainment and interaction.
• In 2008, the Burlington Business Assocation presented us with the "2008 Burlington Business Award," recognizing us for exemplary business practices, contributions to the community, promotion of a positive image for Burlington and business success.

Seven Days also has supported area nonprofits over the years by sponsoring dozens of events, from Mardi Gras Weekend to FlynnSpace shows to charity fundraisers. We think nothing reflects community and knits it together like a free, independent, Vermont-centric newspaper. We are delighted and honored that Seven Days has become a "bulletin board" that links Vermonters through stories, listings, letters and ads. Our success is a testament to the place in which we live, our readers, and of course to the businesses that advertise in Seven Days. To which we can only say, thanks!

— Pamela Polston and Paula Routly (co-founders)