Independent We Stand, an organization dedicated to helping support small businesses, is partnering with Do It Best Corp., STIHL Equipment, and other sponsors to fund the America’s Main Streets contest. The contest, “to help promote the importance and strong economic benefits of these Main Streets and the small businesses that help them thrive,” has been entered by the Hope Chamber of Commerce.

Many cities and chambers, as well as downtown beautification programs, nominate themselves for the contest. Each has to write a brief description of their downtown, and what they will do with the prizes from the contest to help support their local businesses. Beckie Moore, director of the Hope Chamber of Commerce, has pledged that, should Hope win, the prizes will be used for grants that will go to local businesses for a variety of uses, including restoring some of the older buildings on Main Street.

The prizes include $25,000, a certificate for $1,000 worth of STIHL equipment (good at any STIHL dealer in the U.S.), $500 shopping sprees from Do It Best Corp., Nationwide Marketing Group, and tmbr (a flooring company), as well as public relations and social media recognition and a special plaque awarded to the winner.

To support Hope’s local businesses, please follow the link below and vote each day (each device can vote up to 25 times in a 24-hour period):

VOTE for Hope HERE