The quarter-finalists for the 2014 Independent Small Business of the Year Award include a landscaping business, a garden center, a lumberyard, two outdoor power equipment dealers and two hardware stores.

In recognition of Small Business Saturday, which this year was held on Nov. 29, Independent We Stand announced the quarter-finalists for its 2014 Independent Small Business of the Year Award, the Indie, and representatives from the landscape industry and related sectors were on the list.

Independent We Stand is a collection of U.S. independent business owners committed to informing their communities about the importance of "buying local" to bolster their local economy. This movement is sponsored in part by STIHL Inc., Chrysler Group and Devoe Paint, and supports all local and national causes committed to boosting local economic development projects.

Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to support small businesses instead of big boxes and national chains.

More than 12,000 votes were made for 302 nominees during the nominations phase. Of the 25 quarter-finalists, the green industry is represented by:

• Mower Man Lawn Service, a landscaping business in Lakeside, Calif.
• Superior Outdoor Power, an outdoor power equipment dealer in Superior, Neb.
• Wagoner Power Equipment, an outdoor power equipment dealer in Englewood, Ohio
• Matt's Building Materials, a lumberyard and hardware store in Pharr, Texas
• Cornells True Value Hardware, a hardware store in Eastchester, N.Y.
• Prairie View Farm Market, a garden center and farm market in Hampshire, Ill.
• Vickery Hardware, a Do It Best hardware store in Smyrna, Ga.

The Indie winner will receive prizes with a combined value of more than $10,000, including:
• $5,000 grand prize
• $1,000 STIHL equipment certificate
• "Small Business Web Starter Package" from independent web design firm Launch Interactive that includes custom website layout design and programming with a location page with Google map integration and web traffic reporting
• A three day/two night stay at an independent resort hotel in Virginia Beach, Va., that includes a tour of the STIHL Inc. headquarters and dinner with the Independent We Stand team
• A plaque to display at winner's business
• Public relations and social media recognition

Voting is now underway at www.IndieBizAward.com through Dec. 14. The winner of the Indie will be announced Dec. 17.