Presented annually since 1996, the International Torch Awards for Ethics^℠ 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.

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.

See the full award judging criteria.

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 Award for Ethics in the past three years.