STERLING – Standing up for local businesses can be as simple as eating at a local sandwich shop instead of a corporate-owned chain restaurant, a representative of Independent We Stand says.

Larry Mathiot, territory manager for Mississippi Valley Stihl Inc., is coming to Sterling Tuesday to tell local independent businesses why they should join the Independent We Stand movement.

Stihl, which makes chain saws and other outdoor equipment, is spearheading the national movement, which helps spotlight independent companies and makes it easier for customers to find those businesses.