The national small business movement, Independent We Stand, announced Travis Jean Emporium of Macon is a quarterfinalist in the ninth annual Independent We Stand Independent Small Business of the Year Award contest or “Indie Award.” This announcement triggers the next round of voting (Oct. 28-Nov.17). The winner announcement on Nov. 25 precedes Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, giving consumers plenty of time to support these small businesses during the very busy holiday shopping season. Independent We Stand asks consumers to take it a step further by only supporting small businesses versus big boxes and national chains.

Travis Jean Emporium was created in 2015 out of a desire to offer an unparalleled retail experience in Macon, Georgia. A place where artisans and artists can showcase locally made goods that speak to the essence that is Downtown Macon.

We began working with local farmers, artisans, and artists in late 2015 and quickly found our niche. Today, we proudly offer curated Georgia Made products and local art from Macon's most talented artists.

Today, Travis Jean Emporium has found success by partnering with local, state, and national organizations to create a business model that advocates for equality, justice, and social good. We believe that we are stronger when we work together and strive to practice our values everyday to make our community the best place to live.

“This year’s quarterfinalists represent the nation's favorite independent businesses who go above and beyond to support their local economies,” said Bill Brunelle, co-founder of Independent We Stand. “This award is our way of honoring the hard work they do every day to contribute to their communities.”

Voting is underway at www.IndieBizAward.com now through Nov. 17. Voters may visit the website to place up to 25 votes per 24-hour period from the same IP address.

The 2019 Indie winner will receive prizes with a combined value of more than $25,000, including:

Branding, advertising and public relations makeover from independent advertising agency The Meridian Group valued at $25,000

$1,000 STIHL equipment certificate

Plaque to display at winner’s business

Public relations and social media recognition

Quarterfinalists receive a lifetime Independent We Stand Premium Membership

American’s cast thousands of votes for 152 nominees during the nominations phase. The quarterfinalists in alphabetical order are:

ABC Discount Appliances, an appliance and electronics store in Pennsauken, N.J.

Artisana Gallery, a gallery for local artisans in Pacific Grove, Calif.

Beacon Services & Appliances, an HVAC and appliances sales and repair store in Beverly Hills, Fla.

Beantown Statie Production Company, a video, film and music production company in Lowell, Mass.

Corner Financial Corporation, a consumer and business lender in Orlando, Fla.

Cowboys Chophouse, a family owned and operated steakhouse in Emmett, Idaho

Dana’s Fine Jewelry, Inc., a jewelry store in Newton, N.C.

Duvall & Co., custom furniture design studio in Wake Forest, N.C.

From My Shelf Books & Gifts, a new and used bookstore and gift shop in Wellsboro, Pa.

Healthcare Supply Service, Inc., a dental supply company in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Hen & Chicks Studio, a quilting and scrapbooking studio in Conrad, Iowa

Imaginarium SuperStore, an antiques and collectibles store in Omaha, Neb.

K-FIT Minooka, a circuit training and boxing gym in Minooka, Ill.

Maeband, a pregnancy belly band maker in Herriman, Utah

McCoy True Value, a hardware store in Indianola, Iowa

Dunham’s Department Store, a specialty department store in Wellsboro, Pa.

Sherman’s, a furniture, appliance, electronics and mattress store in Peoria, Ill.

Taylorsville Hardware, a hardware store in Taylorsville, Ky.

The Art Lounge, a custom frame shop and art gallery in Spartanburg, S.C.

The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop, a gift and home décor shop in Valatie, N.Y.

The Mattress Factory—Furniture & Mattress Galleries, a mattress and furniture store in Greenwood, S.C.

Travis Jean Emporium, a gift shop featuring carefully curated Georgia-made products in Macon, Ga.

Windsor House Nannies, a full-service nanny placement and sitting service agency in Austin, Texas

Ziegfield Florist and Gifts, a novelty gifts and floral shop in Maple Shade, N.J.

Zirilli's Chilly Treats, an Italian ice and ice cream shop in Cape Coral, Fla.