BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics
Nomination Form (PDF) (email us to nominate a company)
Entry Application Form (PDF) (print and include when submitting application)
Entry Application Instructions
Application Guidelines
Judging Criteria
ENTRY APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Entries must be submitted on 8.5” x 11” paper, with the total entry limited to a 2-inch, three-ring binder.
Tabs must separate the binder into four sections corresponding to judging criteria, and include materials (mission statement, policies, publications, news articles, advertising, customer testimonials, etc.) that speak to the firm’s strengths regarding each of the criteria.
The Entry Application must include a completed entry form and a two-page summary (maximum).
Summary should explain why the company merits consideration for the Marketplace Excellence award. See Guidelines and Criteria for detailed explanation.
Judges will not review video, DVD, CD or Web-based products.
Nominees should retain a copy of their entry.
All entries become the property of BBB and cannot be returned.
There is no fee for application submission.
All applications should be mailed to 152 S. Jefferson Suite 200 Spokane, WA 99201.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
BBB Accreditation is not a requirement for entry.
The company may not hold an unsatisfactory record with any BBB. If your company has been the object of major lawsuits, including class action suits, or government actions in the past three years, this information must be disclosed as part of your entry.
Competition welcomes entries from businesses throughout the Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Montana region provided they have a location or branch within the specified region.
Entries for the BBB Torch Awards will be reviewed by a panel of judges independent of the Better Business Bureau staff and Board of Directors.
Competition welcomes entries from businesses throughout the Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Montana region provided they have a location or branch within the specified region.
Entries must be submitted in English.
Judges for the Torch Awards may request additional information from an applicant company or business regarding any of the judging criteria.
Finalists may be asked to provide contact information for customers, vendors, and suppliers whom the judges may contact about the firm’s entry.
Entries for the BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics are reviewed by an independent panel of judges.
Finalists may be asked to allow judges to conduct a site visit. To determine that a firm is meeting financial obligations, judges may obtain a Dun and Bradstreet report.
If the nominee has been the object of major lawsuits, including class action suits, or government actions in the past three years, information must be disclosed as part of the entry.
Judges decisions are final.
Torch Award Application Guidelines & Criteria
BBB Torch Awards criteria are designed to provide flexibility to nominees in best describing and supporting their company’s activities.
Criteria also allow for flexibility in evaluation, leaving room for subjective consideration, rather than a judging process purely driven by statistical analysis.
1. Entries should include the completed entry form and a two-page summary that:
a. explains why your firm merits being a Torch Award winner;
b. highlights specific business and management practices relevant to the award; and
c. illustrates your firm's commitment to fair and honest conduct in the marketplace;
d. provides your firm's position regarding business integrity and ethical practices. This includes a formally adopted policy or mission statement.
2. Entries should be submitted on 8.5" x 11" paper, and the total entry is limited to a 2 inch, three-ring binder.
3. Use tabs to separate the binder into 4 sections corresponding to the judging criteria, and include materials (mission statement, company communications and publications, news media articles, company advertising, letters of recognition or commendation, customer testimonials, etc.) that demonstrate your company's strengths regarding each of the criteria. Note: video, DVD's and CD media will not be reviewed by the judges.
4. Please retain a copy of your complete entry and provide the business with a copy. All submitted entries become the property of the BBB and cannot be returned. If your business wins the Torch Award in the local market and chooses to move forward to the International Torch Award, the business will be required to forward four complete copies of the entry for the judges.
Entries are due in December. Judging and winner notification will occur in January. The Torch Award Presentation Ceremony will be held in late February.
Entries may be sent to the Better Business Bureau, Attn: Jan Quintrall, 152 S Jefferson, Ste 200, Spokane, Washington, 99201.
Enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard if you would like us to acknowledge receipt of your entry.
Torch Award Judging Criteria
A company should demonstrate its commitment to high ethical standards of behavior and provide documentation in the following categories. Below are suggestions of areas to address. Not all areas are required in order for a company to compete.
1. Management Practices. (if you are the owner of the company, with no employees, explain how ethics are used in everyday business practices.)
Pertinent sections from an employee handbook, company manual or training program (formal or informal) showing how ethics policies are communicated to and implemented by employees.
Formal training and/or procedures used to address concerns an employee may have in dealing with an ethical dilemma.
The existence of an Ethics Officer, Compliance Officer or Ombudsman should be noted, along with information concerning the responsibilities and authority of this position.
Formal or informal management practices and policies that foster positive employee relations.
Employee benefits and/or work place practices which contribute to the quality of family life.
Actions by the business to assess risks and take appropriate actions to prevent workplace injury.
Examples of sound environmental practices.
2. Customer/ Vendor/ Supplier/ Shareholder Relations.
Examples of how your business has prospered because of your belief in honesty, integrity and doing the right thing.
Complimentary feedback from customers, vendors and/or suppliers.
Company policies and practices that assure excellence in quality products and/or services, and demonstrate accountability to customers, vendors and suppliers.
Actions taken by your company showing that it went "beyond the call of duty."
Examples of cases where your company had to make tough decisions that had negative short-term consequences and led to long-term benefits.
If your company is publicly traded, discuss how the corporation demonstrates accountability to shareholders and adheres to good governance practices.
3. Marketing/ Advertising/ Communications/ Sales Practices.
Descriptions of the methods your company uses to assure all sales, promotional materials and advertisements are truthful and accurate.
Examples of efforts by your company to improve communications, advertising, marketing and sales practices which benefit your industry as a whole.
Sales training policies and/or codes of ethics used by sales personnel that ensure all transactions are made in an upfront and ethical manner.
4. Reputation within Industry and Community.
Articles in trade, industry publications and news media that reflect your reputation in your industry and community as an ethical business.
Awards, recognition and/or complimentary letters from others within your industry or trade group.
Recognition for charitable and/or community service projects.