'Indie Award' narrowed down to 25 candidates
Two hardware stores are among the quarterfinalists for a coveted “Independent Small Business of the Year Award,” from the industry group “Independent We Stand.”
Taylorsville Hardware of Taylorsville, Ky., and McCoy True Value of Indianola, Iowa, are still in the running for the award, now in its ninth year, after 152 nominees have been whittled down to 25 finalists.
This year, the winner will receive a branding, advertising and public relations makeover valued at $25,000, in addition to other prizes. All quarterfinalists receive an Independent We Stand Premium Membership for life.
Here's the official contest candidate descriptions for each of the two hardware store contestants:
See descriptions of all 25 "Indie Award" quarterfinalists here. https://www.independentwestand.org/indies/home
The announcement of the 25 quarterfinalists triggers the next round of voting, which will run from Oct. 28 through Nov. 17. For the first time, the winner announcement on Nov. 25 precedes Small Business Saturday, an annual shopping holiday encouraging consumer support of small businesses.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Correction: The above story neglected a third hardware store candidate among the 25 quarterfinalists. Here is the official nomination-form description for Dunham's Department Store of Wellsboro, Pa., a Do it Best Corp. member that operates a full-line hardware store:
Dunham's Department Store
Beginning as a small grocery store in 1905, Roy and Fannie Dunham built a store unlike many you’ll find. Dunham’s Department Store is speciality department store located in beautiful Wellsboro, Pa. Owned and operated by 3rd and 4th generation family members, Dunham’s is truly a unique shopping experience. Customers come from all over the northeastern United States to visit this wonderful town and shop in Dunham’s. At any time you’ll find 4th generation family members Ann Dunham Rawson and her husband Joe Rawson on the sales floor in either the Department Store or Do-It Center, working tirelessly to bring a mix of modern and traditional merchandise, their loyal customers have come to expect. Just one stop to this unique store will leave with the feeling that “There’s Something About Dunhams!”
Taylorsville Hardware of Taylorsville, Ky., and McCoy True Value of Indianola, Iowa, are still in the running for the award, now in its ninth year, after 152 nominees have been whittled down to 25 finalists.
This year, the winner will receive a branding, advertising and public relations makeover valued at $25,000, in addition to other prizes. All quarterfinalists receive an Independent We Stand Premium Membership for life.
Here's the official contest candidate descriptions for each of the two hardware store contestants:
McCoy True Value Hardware has been serving the local community for over 130 years. Giving back to the community is just part of who we are as a business. There have been many interesting events happening in the community and a movement towards updating the local downtown area. Jenn at McCoy's thought a great way to jump start the transformation was to partner with the local Warren County Economic Development Office and True Value Manufacturing to offer a paint grant. Businesses can apply to receive 5 gallons of paint for an interior or exterior project. So far, they have awarded 26 of the 50 gallons allocated for the cause. Projects have ranged from cheering up kids entrance to the local book store with a bright color picked by store patrons to updating building facades. I am always amazed at what a little bit of paint can do to freshen up a space! Also inspired by the little libraries, the store is partnering with the Indianola Rotary Club to create a library which will include Do-It Your Self books and a place to find /recycle gently used tools. The library, which will be installed this October, will look like the famous Dr. Who Tardis because of its potential to be more than it appears. Giving back to our community is second nature because they are our friends and family.
Taylorsville Hardware is the third generation of the hardware store on Main Street. This store has been a staple to Taylorsville Main Street and remains true to that today as it is still a family-owned business. We have carried on the tradition of “if we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” Even though this hardware store has been serving its community for over 100 years; when we took over June 2017, we brought a fresh feel to its old hardwood floors. We have accomplished a lot in our first two years, from getting customers used to our new name and new faces to updating the product selection and enhancing store floor space. We still have lots of BIG plans in our near future! In connection with new outdoor and kayaking products; we have started a traditional kayak float that we call the River Run. As well as special events where you can test out products, shop late, and even shoot crossbows. We should be chosen for the 2019 Indie Awards because we are big supporters of our community and would love to represent our Main Street & community even better!
See descriptions of all 25 "Indie Award" quarterfinalists here. https://www.independentwestand.org/indies/home
The announcement of the 25 quarterfinalists triggers the next round of voting, which will run from Oct. 28 through Nov. 17. For the first time, the winner announcement on Nov. 25 precedes Small Business Saturday, an annual shopping holiday encouraging consumer support of small businesses.
# # #
EDITOR'S NOTE: Correction: The above story neglected a third hardware store candidate among the 25 quarterfinalists. Here is the official nomination-form description for Dunham's Department Store of Wellsboro, Pa., a Do it Best Corp. member that operates a full-line hardware store:
Dunham's Department StoreBeginning as a small grocery store in 1905, Roy and Fannie Dunham built a store unlike many you’ll find. Dunham’s Department Store is speciality department store located in beautiful Wellsboro, Pa. Owned and operated by 3rd and 4th generation family members, Dunham’s is truly a unique shopping experience. Customers come from all over the northeastern United States to visit this wonderful town and shop in Dunham’s. At any time you’ll find 4th generation family members Ann Dunham Rawson and her husband Joe Rawson on the sales floor in either the Department Store or Do-It Center, working tirelessly to bring a mix of modern and traditional merchandise, their loyal customers have come to expect. Just one stop to this unique store will leave with the feeling that “There’s Something About Dunhams!”