Independent We Stand’s ‘Indie Award’ Goes to Howard Brothers Hardware

Howard Brothers Hardware beat out four other finalists, winning with nearly 45,000 votes.

Thanks to their outstanding dedication to customers, employees and community members, Howard Brothers Hardware of Georgia is being recognized as Independent Business of the Year by Independent We Stand, a national small business movement which promotes the benefits of buying from locally owned businesses. Thanks to their dedicated fans, Howard Brothers Hardware won the ‘Indie Award’ with almost 45,000 votes.

“It is businesses like Howard Brothers Hardware that show clearly the benefit that local businesses have on our communities and economy,” said Bill Brunelle, project manager for Independent We Stand. “The superior customer service, economic impact and community involvement of this business, family owned and operated business since 1955, represents what the Independent We Stand movement is all about.”

After the review of hundreds of nominated businesses, Howard Brothers Hardware was chosen as one of five finalists – including Tandem Wine & Cheese Bar of Bothell, WA, Maple Ave Restaurant of Vienna, VA, Mummphy’s Book Nook of Elkhart, IN, and Superior Woodcraft of Doylestown, PA. Voting was then opened to the public, and the customers of Howard Brothers Hardware rallied to their support.

"The secret weapon in our toolbox is that we know our customers. They know and trust us,” said Andy Darnell, marketing manager for Howard Brothers Hardware. “This commitment to our people has impacted many individuals and families who in turn impact the community more than we could ever do ourselves.”

Strong supporters of the buy local movement, and firmly believing in leading by example, the Howard brothers decided to share their winnings with their fellow finalists. Because their current website (www.howardbrothers.com) was already in place, they donated the website design prize from Launch Interactive to Mummphy’s Book Nook. They also announced that they would split the $1,000 STIHL product voucher between the other four finalists.

The Howard brothers will be taking advantage of their other winnings – a search engine optimization package from SEO Bounty, a five-minute video to be featured on the Independent We Stand YouTube site and a two night/three day stay at an independently owned Virginia Beach, Va., resort.

For more information on the ‘Indie Award’ or on Howard Brothers Hardware visit www.independentwestand.org/theindiecontest or contact Kate Lewis at [email protected].

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