Arlington, VA, May 5, 2009 - Better Business Bureau is now accepting entries for the 2010 BBB International Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence competition. The award program recognizes businesses – small or large – who build trust in the marketplace through a strong sense of accountability and responsibility.
“We are looking for businesses that are proud of their marketplace record and uphold the trust and respect of their customers, employees, vendors, shareholders and communities,” said Steve Cole, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. (CBBB).
The award for Marketplace Excellence is open to all for-profit businesses in North America that provide goods and services to retail and/or wholesale markets. All business nominees must be in good standing with BBB; however, BBB Accredited Business status is not a requirement for entry or consideration. Non-profit organizations or businesses whose primary markets are local, state or federal governments are not eligible for this award.
Entries and nominations for the 2010 Marketplace Excellence award will be accepted through August 15, 2009. There is a $100, non-refundable entry fee.
The award guidelines, judging criteria, entry form, suggestions for completing an entry packet and profiles of past winners are available online at the BBB International Torch Awards Web site at http://www.bbb.org/International-Torch-Awards or by contacting CBBB at 703-247-9312.
The winning businesses will be honored by BBB at its signature national event in a special evening ceremony to be held in Washington, DC, in April 2010. BBB will also honor the winners of the BBB International Torch Awards for Advancing Marketplace Trust and Consumer Leadership. Winners for these two awards are selected via a closed nomination process and are not open to the public.
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About BBB
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.