Indie Bookstores in Quarterfinals for Independent We Stand’s Small Business of the Year Award

Four independent bookstores are among the 25 quarterfinalists for Independent We Stand’s Independent Small Business of the Year Award for 2015. Anyone can vote multiple times through December 13 to help choose 10 semifinalists.

Indie bookstores in the quarterfinals are:

• Afterwords Books in Edwardsville, Illinois
• From My Shelf Books & Gifts in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
• Island Books in Mercer Island, Washington
• Scout & Morgan Books in Cambridge, Minnesota

Independent We Stand created the Independent Small Business of the Year Award in 2011 to recognize the small, locally owned businesses that go above and beyond expectations to deliver stellar customer service and community support.

The 10 semifinalists will be announced on December 14, and the winner will be revealed on December 16.

The winner will receive prizes with a combined value of more than $10,000, including: a $5,000 grand prize; a $1,000 gift certificate for STIHL power tools; the Small Business Web Starter package from independent web design firm The Meridian Group; a two-night stay at an independent beach resort in Virginia Beach, Virginia; premium membership with Independent We Stand; and a plaque.