James Russell (far left) and Bob Russell (far right) of American Pest Solutions, Inc. accept the 2008 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics from Alfred H. Colonna, Jr., Chair of the BBB Western Massachusetts Business Advisory Board and Steven Rothschild, Chair of the BBB Board of Directors.
Western Mass. BBB Awards Breakfast and Golf Tournament Exceeds Expectations
Your BBB recently honored American Pest Solutions, Inc. of Springfield, with its prestigious "Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics" at The Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley, home of the 2004 U.S. Women's Open. The BBB also extended its "Honorable Mention" distinction to another local company, Moving / Odd Jobs Unlimited, of Chicopee. In addition, the BBB honored Evan Coleman from Amherst Regional High School with its first annual western Massachusetts Student Ethics Award and Scholarship.
This marks the third year of the western Massachusetts Torch Awards and the first annual western Massachusetts golf tournament. The event commenced with a breakfast speaking program featuring Veronica Cintron from WWLP-TV 22 as master of ceremonies. Guest speakers Janice Healy, Chief of the Attorney General's Western Massachusetts Division and James Scafide, Chief of the Business, Technology & Economic Development Division, spoke to the business crowd about consumer protection initiatives and policies that directly impact businesses, as well as consumers.
Honoree James Russell of American Pest Solutions, Inc., third generation owner of the company, shared the award with his son, Robert, the current president and fourth generation to operate the organization. "American Pest Solutions will continue to build on our reputation for quality service to consumers," said Mr. Russell. "Speaking for my son and myself," he went on to say, "This award is the pinnacle of our success as a 94-year-old service organization."
Lois Puopolo, Vice President of Operations of the BBB of Central New England, said that, to be considered for the award, a company "must maintain high standards of behavior toward customers, suppliers and employees; have a history of ethical business practices in the marketplace and involvement in the community; and be a for-profit business located in the BBB's service area for a minimum of three years." American Pest Solutions is now eligible to enter the International BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics competition. Ms. Puopolo further indicated, "This annual award was established to recognize companies that understand the importance of fair play and ethics in the business marketplace, and to encourage such positive corporate behavior across all industries in Central New England and beyond."
BBB Student Ethics Award winner Evan Coleman, from Amherst Regional High School, was presented with a certificate of recognition and a $500 scholarship. This prestigious award recognizes Evan's history of achievement in academics, sports, arts, music, and community involvement.
"It was a very challenging effort to determine this year's winner of the Torch Award and Student Ethics Award, but American Pest Solutions and high school senior, Evan Coleman stood out with qualities that surpass the BBB's standards," said Alfred H. Colonna, Jr., Chairman of the BBB Western Massachusetts Business Advisory Board. "We had an impressive variety of companies and students nominated this year, with very many worthy candidates," Colonna concluded.
The Western Massachusetts Torch Awards and Golf Tournament featured a full day of golf, breakfast, lunch, dinner, a remarkable silent auction, a caricature artist, hors d'oeuvres and beverage tastings, several contests with exceptional prizes, and a very positive atmosphere. This year's inaugural event exceeded all expectations with anticipation of an even more successful event next year.
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Corinne Kilasienski accepts BBB Torch Award Honorable Mention for Moving/Odd Jobs Unlimited |
Dedication & Commitment Award presented to Rod Sitterly, President - Roger Sitterly & Son, Inc. |
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Veronica Cintron of WWLP-TV 22 |
BBB Student Ethics Scholarship winner Evan Coleman |
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1st Place Golf Team: Mike Lindsey, Paul McNamara, Fran Simpson, Bob Staback of Fuel Services. |
Caricature artist Neal Portnoy provided entertainment after the golf tournament. |
The 2008 Torch Award for central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut will be awarded in the fall, be sure to come back later in the year for information on that event!