The Wisconsin BBB Business Ethics Torch Awards were created to showcase ethical Wisconsin companies and charities that build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, remain transparent and honor their promises. Spotlighting these companies and charities fits the BBB mission, which is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.
Click here to nominate a worthy company for the 2010 awards.
We’re proud of these companies and charities for their commitment to running honest, ethical organizations. It is our goal, with these torch awards to get more businesses and charities to “step up to the plate” by putting ethics and integrity at the top of their priority lists- just like our Torch Award winners and finalists.”, said Randall Hoth, President/CEO of the BBB Serving Wisconsin.
WHY?
Why do companies enter? Entering your company or charity shows your customers, vendors and employees that your company is committed to honest and ethical business practices. We invite you to apply today or nominate another deserving company or charity.
WHO?
Who is eligible to enter? This award is open to all Wisconsin for-profit, 501(c)(6) not-for-profit and 501(c)(3) charities, whether or not they are members of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Local, state or federal government agencies are not eligible for this award. All companies and charities who enter must maintain a
B-minus rating with the BBB in order to remain part of the program. All winners of the Torch Awards must sit out for the next three years. Runners up & Honorable Mentions are invited to reapply.
501(c)(3) charities, are asked to review the voluntary standards developed by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance found at www.give.org. These standards although not mandatory may provide assistance in responding to the four ethics criteria. Non-profits and charities are asked provide a copy of their 990’s.
WHAT?
What are the award categories? Awards will be presented to a maximum of six winners, runners up, and honorable mentions. Businesses and 501(c)(6) non-profits will compete together in four NEW size categories: 1-5 employees, 6-50 employees; 51-500 employees; 501 or more employees. Charities defined as 501(c)(3) organizations, will compete separately in two NEW size categories: 1-50 employees and 51 or more employees.
HOW?
How are the entries judged? Applications are reviewed by a prestigious panel of judges for their best proven examples of ethical practices or ethical dilemmas in the following four criteria:
1) ethical management practices,
2) ethical customer, vendor and stakeholder relations practices,
3) honest communications and marketing practices and
4) trustworthy reputation within your industry and community.
Scroll down for a complete application form and a valuable list of questions to help you apply. If you have questions about the application process, you’re invited to attend one of the FREE application workshops held monthly in Milwaukee and Appleton. Workshops will begin in November 2009. Check back often for updates. To view some of the judges' insights on the application process click here.
Nominate a Company for the 2010 Torch Award
Click here to see the 2009 winners and finalists.