PPG Paints Supports Annual Small Biz Contest

Independent We Stand invites both the public and business owners to help promote the importance and strong economic benefits of “buying local” through the ninth annual Indie Award.

The contest provides a chance for the winning independent business to reinvest in themselves through a branding, advertising and public relations makeover valued at $25,000.

Getting involved is as easy as nominating locally owned small businesses that go above and beyond to support their communities through charitable donations and community outreach. The web-driven small business of the year award also allows supporters to acknowledge businesses that exceed customer service expectations and grow their local economies.

“Here’s a chance for consumers to provide a boost to deserving businesses as we approach the holiday shopping season,” said Bill Brunelle, co-founder of Independent We Stand. “For the first time in the history of the contest, we’re announcing the winner in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday. It’s all part of our mission to help bolster the efforts to grow small business and recognize them for their economic and philanthropic impact on communities.”

Anyone can nominate a small business online starting Sept. 9. Voting begins as soon as a business is nominated. Consumers can vote a maximum of 25 times per 24-hour period from the same IP address. Any locally owned and operated business in the U.S. is eligible to enter the contest. Nominate and vote at IndieBizAward.com. The nomination phase and initial voting run through Oct. 20. 

The winner of the 2019 Indie Award will receive:

• Branding, advertising and public relations makeover from independent advertising agency — The Meridian Group — valued at $25,000;
• $1,000 STIHL equipment certificate;
• Plaque to display at winner’s business;
• Public relations and social media recognition;
• Quarterfinalists receive a lifetime Independent We Stand Premium Membership

• A.Dodson’s: a retail and gift shop with three locations in Virginia featuring a round-up program for charities of its customers’ choosing;
• Trio Hardware: a hardware and paint shop located in New York that proudly sponsors local sports teams and a high school robotics team;
• Life’s Memories & More: a scrapbooking store in Massachusetts whose charitable crafting efforts include supporting the military through a greeting card program and knitting scarves for breast cancer awareness;
• Carr Hardware: a family-owned and operated hardware store with locations in the Massachusetts Berkshires and Northern Connecticut that proudly supports numerous charitable organizations and provided its customers a platform to support hurricane relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Harvey