The Torch Awards for Ethical Enterprising, through the Wisconsin Center for Character Ethics, 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.
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 businesses and 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations physically located within the state of Wisconsin, whether or not they are members of the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Non-profit organizations, 501(c)(3) charities, are asked to review the voluntary standards developed by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance found at www.bbb.org/charity. These standards although not mandatory may provide assistance in responding to the six ethics criteria. Non-profits and charities are asked include a copy of their 990’s
EXCLUSIONS
A company is not eligible to apply if any of the following conditions apply:
- They are a local, state or federal government agency
- They have been in business less than three years
- They have earned less than a “B” rating from the BBB
- There are indications they have not met their financial obligations
- They have already been the recipient of the Torch Awards
WHAT?
What are the award categories?
Companies entering the 2012 Torch Award competition will be judged in one of four categories based on the number of employees.
- Companies with 1-10 employees
- Companies with 11-50 employees
- Companies with 51-175 employees
- Companies with 175 or more employees
Not-for-profit organizations will be judged in one of two separate categories based on their number of employees.
- Organizations with 1-50 employees
- Organizations with 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 six criteria:
- Leadership commitment to ethical practices
- Communications of ethical practices
- Organizational commitment to ethical practices
- Organizational commitment to performance management practices
- Organizational commitment to ethical human resource practices
- Organizational commitment to the community
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 from November thru May.
Click here to read "Tone at the Top", written by Daniel Schroeder, Ph.D, president of Organization Development Consultants and a 2012 Torch Award judge.
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