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International Torch Awards for Ethics logo featuring a stylized torch and text by the Better Business Bureau.

Winners of the 2023 International Torch Awards for Ethics

Four businesses are recognized for their outstanding commitment to leadership character and organizational ethics.

The winners

Entrants compete within their business size category.

Category 1: 1 to 10 employees

The Congruity Group, Dayton, OH

The Congruity Group is a consulting firm that creates environments for C-Suite leaders to strategically engage with their C-Suite peers from their key customer accounts. Services include executive-level customer advisory boards; customer engagement assessment; hot topic roundtables; ideation labs; in-depth customer interviews; industry think tanks. Congruity Group was a recipient of a 2023 BBB Torch Award for Ethics(SM) from the BBB of Dayton and Miami Valley.

Category 2: 11 to 99 employees

Rescue One Air, Tempe, AZ

Rescue One Air is a residential and light commercial HVAC heating and cooling company that specializes in sales, service, maintenance, and installation. Rescue One Air provides a single resource for all aspects of heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems - from planning, engineering, and construction, to equipment, sales, installation, repair service and maintenance. The company backs up their commitment through professionalism and customer satisfaction. Rescue One Air was a recipient of a 2022 BBB Torch Award for Ethics from the BBB serving the Pacific Southwest.

Category 3: 100 to 499 employees

GBQ Partners, Columbus, OH

For over 70 years, GBQ is driven by the outcomes that they know can change the lives of those they work with and for. It is this purpose that drives and inspires them every day. “It’s why we exist.” GBQ is a 2022 recipient of the BBB Torch Award for Ethics from the BBB of Central Ohio. 

Category 4: 500 or more employees

Optima Tax Relief, Santa Ana, CA

Optima Tax Relief is a tax resolution firm providing assistance to individuals and businesses with IRS and state tax debts. Offering full-service tax resolution and employing over 600 professionals, Optima has resolved over a billion dollars in tax debts for their clients, helping their clients achieve a better financial future by making their tax issues a thing of the past. 
Optima Tax Relief is a 2021 recipient of the BBB Torch Award for Ethics from the BBB serving the Pacific Southwest. 

Finalists for the 2023 International Torch Awards for Ethics

Category 1

25th Street Automotive Inc., Phoenix, AZ

ActionCoach Bluegrass, Louisville, KY

Bridge City Law|Accident & Injury Lawyers, Portland, OR

Category 2

Baird Foundation Repair, San Antonio, TX

Boxelder Consulting & Tax Relief, Denver, CO

Category 3

Carson Wealth, Omaha, NE

Lumber 1 Home Centers, Mayflower, AR

Tax Relief Advocates, Irvine, CA

Category 4

Reborn Cabinets, Anaheim, CA

Risas Dental & Braces, Phoenix, AZ

The judging panel

The finalists and award-winning companies were selected by an independent panel of business and ethics experts:  Phil Catlett, retired CEO, BBB Grand Rapids, MI; Robin Day, National Director of Academics, Herzing College, Winnipeg, MB; Fred Elsberry, retired CEO, BBB Atlanta; John Fons, Fractional Corporate Counsel and Compliance & Ethics Officer, Fons Law Group; Kent Nobel, Professor of Ethics, University of Wyoming; Robert Reiss, CEO, The CEO Forum Group; Parag Shah, Chief Ethics Officer, Nationwide; and Matt Sitter, CEO, Advantage Foundry Network.

How companies were evaluated

Entries are reviewed by an independent, voluntary panel of judges against four criteria.

Character

Of the organization's leadership.

Culture

If and how an authentic culture is fostered.

Customers

Transparent relationships with customers.

Community

Impact in the local community.

Won your local Torch Award?

Local winners can enter the international competition for three years after their win.