What is it about Wellsboro? It's this little gem of a town, snuggled deep in the hills of rural Pennsylvania. Once a person discovers Wellsboro, they can't forget it. Soon, they plan their next trip back. Maybe for one of the many festivals. Maybe to enjoy the outdoors. Maybe for the slower pace of life.
Wellsboro is such a special town that two of its businesses have made the top 25 list for this years's Independent We Stand small business award, an annual contest where thousands of small businesses are nominated.
Thousands of businesses were nominated across the United States of America. Loyal fans and customers voted, and only twenty five of those businesses made it to the second round of the contest.
In Wellsboro, two businesses made it, Dunham's Department Store, and From My Shelf Books & Gifts. Wellsboro, with a population just north of 3,000, is home to not just ONE, but TWO nationally-recognized small businesses.
Why Wellsboro? Sure, Wellsboro still has a beautiful, historic downtown, but it's more than that. Wellsboro is still a place where people say hello as you walk down the street, or ask if you need help if you look lost and out of place.
It's part of our tradition, helping a neighbor carry a package to the car, or giving directions to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. These two businesses exemplify Wellsboro's approach to people, offering tourists and locals alike great customer service and dedication to the community.
Dunham's Department Store is one of the few remaining family-owned department stores in America. Founded at the beginning of the 20th Century, this family-run store has been serving the community for three generations. The owners of a big box store don't live in Wellsboro, but the Dunhams do.
Dunham's Department store carries anything from electronics to perfume to a double espresso in its Cafe 1905. Times might change, but it doesn't mean the focus should shift from service, or the personal touch.
From My Shelf Books & Gifts is rooted in their community. Owned and operated by Kevin and Kasey Cox Coolidge, this husband and wife team has provided free, family-oriented events for over a decade, including Wellsboro's Bookfest. These folks provide "book matchmaking" services that are truly second to none.
Visiting From My Shelf Books isn't shopping, it's an experience. With staff that don't sell books, but breathe and live books. Kevin Coolidge is also an award-winning children's author, and the bookstore is home to Wellsboro's most famous felines, Huck & Finn, who are stars of their own book, Huck & Finn, Bookstore Cats.
You could help the rest of America discover these stores, and boost them to the top ten. Visit www.IndieBizAward.com and click "View Nominees" Both of these businesses are on the front page. Wellsboro might feel like you traveled to the 1950s, but you can find both on Facebook with links to vote and posts to entertain and inform.
You can vote twenty five times a day per IP address between now and Sunday, November 17th until midnight EST. This allows all members of a household to vote. You can vote from home, from work and even from Cafe 1905 every day. The 10 getting the most votes will proceed to the judges who decide the top winner.
In round three, the top 10 selected will be in the running for the Indie Award grand prize. The finalists will be announced November 18th and the overall winner will be announced on November 25th and receive an enhanced prize package valued at $25,000.
Best of luck to these two notable small businesses that show the best business of America is still small business.You get twenty five votes. Use them. You can vote every twenty four hours. I am. What will you do with the extra vote? There are twenty five businesses, but I'm casting my extra vote for the cats.
