About International Torch Awards for Ethics(SM)

About the International Torch Awards for Ethics^SM

Presented annually since 1996, the International Torch Awards for Ethics^SM honor companies whose leaders focus on the four C’s: the Character of the organization’s leadership; if and how an authentic Culture is being fostered; the company’s transparent relationship with its Customers; and the impact the organization is making in the local Community. The award embodies the Better Business Bureau mission of advancing trust in the marketplace. The International Torch Awards for Ethics are brought to you by the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

Eligibility 
The International Torch Awards for Ethics (ITAE) is open to all for-profit businesses in North America that provide goods or services to retail and/or wholesale markets. Non-profit organizations or businesses whose primary markets are local, state or federal governments are NOT ELIGIBLE for this award. 

To enter the International Torch Awards for Ethics, a business must first be a winner of their local BBB Torch Award for Ethics program. The business can apply for the ITAE for three years after their local win. If they are not selected for an ITAE after trying for three years, they will have to apply again through their local BBB award program. BBBs in Canada and the United States conduct local competitions, forwarding winning entries for consideration in the International Torch Awards competition. If a local BBB does not have a business award program, businesses in that BBB’s service area are deemed ineligible to enter the International Torch Awards for Ethics program. 

 
Exclusion 
A company is not eligible if any of the following conditions apply: 

• They have not won an award from their local BBB Torch Award for Ethics program. 

• They have been in business less than three years. 

• They have earned less than a “B” rating from BBB. 

• There are indications they have not met their financial obligations. 

• They have been the recipient of the International Torch Awards in the past three years. 

Award Judging Criteria

Award selection for the International Torch Awards for Ethics  is based on the following four judging criteria. Businesses should keep in mind that to enter the ITAE they must first be a winner of their local BBB Torch Award for EthicsSM program. 

We understand that no leader, nor their company, is perfect; each company is unique and has different experiences and policies. We encourage you to find examples of your organization’s practices that best exemplify each of the four listed criteria. If you are not able to address a particular item under a criterion, please explain why you are not able to address it. 

Criteria 1:  Character

As CEO, President, Owner or Executive Director your leadership character sets the tone for your entire organization. As a leader, explain how you behave intentionally and communicate with your leadership team, employees, customers and stakeholders in a way that is consistent with your beliefs.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

• How you strive to live and lead with high character and intentionally seek feedback in order to make personal improvements.

• How you empower your staff to carry out your organization's commitment to building and maintaining ethical business practices.

• Tools, activities, or training that reinforce your staff's commitment to character ethics as part of the organization's normal business practices.

Criteria 2: Culture

Illustrate how your organization works toward a culture of trust through clarity of purpose, empowering employees, and opportunities for growth.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

• How you unite your team around your organization's vision and mission statement.

• How you empower employees to help shape the expectations and culture of your organization.

• What practices your company uses that demonstrates leadership's commitment to individual employees.

Criteria 3:  Customers

Give examples of internal practices your organization uses to build better customer relationships.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

• How you empower your employees to proactively address issues experienced by customers.

• How you go above and beyond to maintain transparency with your customers.

• An instance where your commitment to honesty was a positive differentiator in a challenging customer interaction.

Criteria 4:  Community

Display organizational programs, contribution and activities that return value to and support your community.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

• Programs or events that your organization has in place to actively engage with the community.

• How employees are encouraged to and recognized for spending time in community service activities that your organization and employees value.

• Contribution of funds or in-kind services to community programs consistent with the organization's values.