Ram Trucks understands just how vital small businesses are to the success of this country. By employing 77 million Americans today and accounting for 65% of all net new jobs over the past seventeen years*, Main Street mom-and-pops collectively outpace even the biggest, most successful corporations in terms of economic importance.
To show our appreciation for all they do, Ram Trucks is pleased to team with STIHL USA in sponsoring the Small Business of the Year award. The “Indie,” as it’s also called, is given by small-business advocacy group Independent We Stand to one locally owned small business that has gone above and beyond to deliver great customer service and community support.
How does Independent We Stand determine the Small Business of the Year? The process begins with nominations from people like you. Between now and October 27, anyone who believes strongly in a particular small business can nominate it for the award. Read the contest rules to see exactly what happens post-nomination (hint: there is voting involved), and know that because of your nomination, your favorite small business is now in the running for $15,000 in total prizes, not to mention the honor of being named Small Business of the Year. See below for a complete breakdown of the prizes.
- $5,000 American Express gift card from Chrysler Group
- STIHL equipment certificate—A certificate for $1,000 worth of STIHL equipment good at any STIHL dealer in the United States
- A new website—The “Small Business Web Starter Package” from either Launch Interactive or ARI Network Services that includes custom layout design and programming of a homepage and five additional pages, location page with Google map integration and web traffic reporting (valued at $5,000)
- Three-day/two-night stay at an independent beach resort hotel in Virginia Beach, a tour of the STIHL plant and museum and a gourmet dinner with the Independent We Stand team (value at $1,000)
- Special plaque awarded to the winner to proudly display in their business
- Public relations and social recognition
- Five-minute video to be featured on the IWS YouTube Channel
- Each quarterfinalist and semifinalist will receive a Premium Membership from Independent We Stand
Visit the Indie Award Nominees page to size up the competition, to see just how vibrant and diverse the small business landscape is in our country today, and to join with Ram Trucks in wishing good luck to all who are nominated for the Small Business of the Year.
*Statistics courtesy of the Independent We Stand website.
