Independent We Stand, which is co-sponsored by STIHL Inc., is a movement of independent business owners across the country meant to inform communities about the importance of "buying local" and how these efforts bolster their economy, and to support all local and national causes committed to boosting local economic development projects.

The recently released list of finalists for the 2015 Independent Small Business of the Year Award once again included representatives from the green industry.

With nearly 22,000 votes cast for 315 nominees, one landscape business, and three that service landscape businesses made the final cut for the award that is known as the Indie Award, and supported by Independent We Stand, a movement focused on raising awareness about the benefits that local businesses bring to a community's economy.

Mower Man Lawn Service is a landscaping company in McKinney, Texas. Mae's Power Equipment from Mission, Texas, The Mower Shop from Fort Smith, Ark., and Carr Hardware, which has four locations in Massachusetts, sell, rent and service landscape equipment.

The winner of the award will receive a prize package valued at $10,000 including $5,000 and a $1,000 STIHL equipment certificate. For more information about Independent We Stand, visit www.IndependentWeStand.org.