The national small business movement, Independent We Stand, announced the quarterfinalists, including Island Books of Mercer Island, for the 2015 Independent We Stand Independent Small Business of the Year Award. This announcement preceded Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28, encouraging holiday shoppers to support these businesses over big boxes and national chains.

Island Books is the only independent bookstore proudly serving Mercer Island for over 40 years. The store has a special atmosphere, where booksellers remember who you are and the kind of books you read. Everything inside is hand-selected with care, including cards, gifts, games, toys, locally-made chocolates and most importantly, the titles of the books themselves. Island Books staff will wrap your presents with a bow and ship them for free anywhere in the United States.

Mercer Island is a great place for families and children, and Island Books reflects that with its magical children’s section and playhouse. We host weekly morning storybook corners and monthly PJ story times. Every year, Island Books hosts book fairs for all the local schools and donate 20% of the proceeds. Countless children have grown up in the book store aisles and now bring their grandchildren.

Island Books is enjoyed by many as a community gathering place. Beside story times, the book store schedule is filled with monthly book clubs, author events, sip and shop nights, and more. You’ll find cozy chairs, old typewriters, bulletin boards, and good friends around every corner.

“This year’s quarterfinalists represent a variety of independent businesses across the country, who are making an impact on their local economies,” said Bill Brunelle, co-founder of Independent We Stand. “This award is our way of recognizing their outstanding efforts in their respective communities.”

Voting is now underway at www.IndieBizAward.com through Dec. 13. Voters may visit the website to cast one vote each day.

The 2015 Indie winner will receive prizes with a combined value of more than $10,000, including:

• $5,000 grand prize
• $1,000 STIHL equipment certificate. STIHL products are sold exclusively through local, independent servicing dealers and support more than 9,000 STIHL dealers in communities nationwide.
• “Small Business Web Starter Package” from independent web design firm – The Meridian Group
• Three days/two nights stay at an independent beach resort in Virginia Beach, Va. (valued at $1,000)
• Plaque to display at winner’s business
• Public relations and social media recognition
• Quarter and Semifinalists will receive a Premium Membership from Independent We Stand

Nearly 22,000 votes were cast for 315 nominees during the nominations phase. The winner of the Indie will be announced Dec. 16.

For more information on Island Books, visit: http://www.mercerislandbooks.com.
For more information on the “Indie” or to vote, visit www.IndieBizAward.com.

About Island Books
Island Books is a family-owned independent bookstore that has been the favorite stop for readers in Mercer Island, Washington since 1973.

About Independent We Stand
Independent We Stand is a movement of independent business owners across the country to inform their communities about the importance of “Buying Local” and how these efforts bolster their local economy. This movement supports all local and national causes committed to boosting local economic development projects. The Independent We Stand movement is co-sponsored by STIHL Inc. and FCA US LLC. www.IndependentWeStand.org.
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