PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Carr Hardware is the only business in Massachusetts to make it to the quarterfinals of the "Independent We Stand Small Business of the Year Award."

 

And, if it wins, the local company plans on donating that money right back into the community.

 

Carr Hardware says the small business organization Independent We Stand is giving out $5,000 to this year's winner. If Carr gets it, it will be donated toward building a new splash pad at Clapp Park.

 

"It is perfect for the kids. It gives them a safe and healthy place to go to," said Director of Marketing Geoffrey Webb. "This is just another way to give back to the community."

 

A customer had previously nominated Carr Hardware for the award and on Nov. 20, the Berkshires-based business found out it was in the top 25 of 249 businesses across the country after a first round of voting. 

 

"I am very proud of our team members, at each of our six locations, which were instrumental in helping us be recognized by Independent We Stand by their commitment to providing superior service to our customers," said Vice President Bart Raser in a statement.

 

"I encourage folks to log onto the website often and vote for Carr, if we do receive the Indie Award I have committed to donate 100 percent of the cash proceeds towards the rebuild the new Splash Park project in Pittsfield."

 

Webb said the contest puts a lot of emphasis on what small businesses do for the community. Carr Hardware next year will be entering its 90th year since it was founded and prides itself on being a community partner. It operates stores in Pittsfield, Lee, Great Barrington, and North Adams in Massachusetts, and stores in Avon and Enfield, Conn. 

 

"This year's quarterfinals represent the independent businesses from across the country who go above and beyond to support their local economies," said Bill Brunelle, co-founder of Independent We Stand in a statement. "This award is our way of honoring the contributions they've made to their communities."

 

The splash park project is part of an ongoing effort to revamp Clapp Park. Both the Rotary Club and the Buddy Pellerin Field Committee are supporting a number of park improvement projects eyed for the park. Carr Hardware is a member of the Rotary Club, which has specifically eyed the creation of the new splash pad.

 

"It is one of the causes the Rotary Club is behind," Webb said.

 

The voting for the contest is open to the public. But one can only vote once a day. Voting ends on Dec. 10 and is done online here.