Grayslake Business Competing in Martha Stewart American Made Competition

A Grayslake business owner is hoping you can help him win $10,000—and to see, once again, the only celebrity he has ever met in person.

Neil Estrick, owner of the Neil Estrick Gallery, is competing with other businesses for a chance at winning the 2013 Martha Stewart American Made competition. The winner will receive $10,000 and a trip to New York for the Martha Stewart American Made Symposium.

Businesses in each of the six categories—like craft, style, design and garden—fill out a biography page about their business on the Martha Stewart American Made competition and then work at marketing their page to get votes. People then vote for businesses in each category from Aug. 26 through Sept. 22. The winners of each category will be announced Sept. 23. Then the voting will begin for the grand prize winner. That voting will take place from Sept. 23-30, and the grand prize winner will be announced on Oct. 1.

As of late Sept. 16, the Neil Estrick Gallery had received 8,295 votes.

"I'm amazed at the people who are voting," said Estrick. He estimates that he's in the top 15 for the craft category. "We're doing very well on it."

Estrick said he has been sharing the link with his Facebook friends and work contacts. The Neil Estrick Gallery also sends out a regular monthly mailing to hundreds of people, which gives him another opportunity to promote the contest.

He said it would be great to even make it to the top six.

"I don't think I'll make it that far, but I'll be close," said Estrick.

He noted, however, that just participating in the contest is bringing exposure to his business.

"Really, it's a national audience, so it's something I wouldn't be able to get normally," said Estrick.

To vote for the Neil Estrick Gallery in the 2013 Martha Stewart American Made competition, visit the Neil Estrick Gallery page.