Better Business Bureau of Central New England, Inc. (BBB) is asking the community for nominations for its annual Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics competition for Central Mass. The awards recognize one or more companies for their commitment to ethical behavior and high standards of business conduct. This year's event will feature a keynote speaker of national profile and interest.
"We often talk about the scams, the schemes, and the businesses that behave unethically," said, Lois Puopolo, Vice President of Operations. "But there are thousands of businesses that are doing the right thing, every day. They treat their customers, vendors, employees and other shareholders with honesty, integrity, courtesy and respect, no matter how favorable or unfavorable business conditions might be. This award was established to focus attention on those good companies."
The BBB seeks nominations for companies in its Central Mass. service area by August 15, 2008 and entries by August 29, 2008 so that a panel of judges selected from the business and academic communities can complete the competition. The awards will be presented at a BBB Torch Awards Banquet October 29th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, Worcester, MA.
To be eligible to enter, a company must 1) maintain high standards of behavior toward customers, suppliers and employees; 2) have a history of ethical business practices in the marketplace and involvement in the community and 3) be a for-profit business located in the BBB's service area for a minimum of three years. In addition, the company must not have an unsatisfactory record with the BBB. A company that wins the award will have the opportunity to enter the International BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics competition.
Nomination forms can be requested from the BBB by calling (413) 594-2160 or toll-free 1-866-566-9222, or by email request to springfield@cne.bbb.org, or by visiting the BBB's website at www.bbb.org. BBB accreditation is not a requirement for nomination and entry. This is an ethics award for the community.
Last year's Torch Award recipient, Mr. Robert Stone of Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Central MA, was elated to take home this coveted business award. "For me and my company, this was a very big honor; not for what it means in the business community, but just to know that there is an organization that tips their hat to a company that takes extra strides in diligence and ethical practices. This proves that it really pays to operate with integrity."
The mission of the Better Business Bureau is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and consumers, through voluntary self-regulation, business and consumer education and service excellence. The Better Business Bureau of Central New England, Inc. serves Central and Western Massachusetts and Northeast Connecticut offices in Chicopee and Worcester.