I'm not sure any competition is truly 'independant'. This would very difficult. You need a whole lot of gear, supplies, and crew. I imagine it would be helpful to be in the industry as it makes it easier to sell a new competition to other companies. It must be difficult to get the name of your competition out there, get it trusted by major competitors, and get it prestige level to a high level.
***Panzera has been involved with the Montreal competition for many years (according to the website, since the third season).
I think competitions can be run by fireworks companies, and - well I'm not sure how to say it. They should be able to include companies from all over as long as they meet competition standards. There are many qualified outfits that can compete, there is no reason why any company should have ownership in two companies competing in the same major competition in one season.
Nor should the host company ever have their own company compete in that competition. If they are truely deserving, they will recieve invites to other major international competitions.
Just my thoughts though, I've never organized something like this. Maybe it is alot tougher to get companies to commit in the first few year of a competition. They do put a lot on the line, putting their name out there for critic and possible failure. And who knows about money? We all hear about how times are tougher for LaRonde. You put a lot of work and energy into a display, with a longer serving competition I'd trust more that I'd get paid, where with a new one... there's no precedent anyways | 
