BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois announces the 2023 Torch Awards winners (artwork created by bbb chicago )
It’s been called one of the most powerful brand and reputation-building awards that a company can receive. The winners of the coveted 2023 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics and Excellence were announced today.
The Torch Awards are open to all Chicago and Northern Illinois-based businesses that have been in business for three years and have a track record of trust, ethics, and exceptional service.
Torch Awards categories are judged on company size, based on the number of employees, and there are also three specialty categories. They are Minority-Owned and Operated businesses, Woman-Owned and Operated businesses, and a Firestarter Award for newer companies in business for three years or less.
Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the BBB says, “The Torch Awards are the highest honor the BBB can award to a business. These awards are presented annually to outstanding businesses in recognition of their commitment to high standards in character, culture, customers, and engagement with their community. We are so proud to welcome our new winners into the Torch family.”
The winners announced for 2023 include:
E&N Electric LLC – Des Plaines, IL (Firestarter Award for companies in business for 3 years or less)
E&N Electric LLC is a family-owned and operated, full-service residential, commercial, and industrial electrical contractor located in Des Plaines, Illinois. The fact is that there are hundreds of electrical contractors that can provide the service needed, but only a few that care. Here at E&N Electric LLC, we pride ourselves on quality, honesty, and safety. We are the contractor that cares. Nataly Martinez opened E&N Electric LLC alongside her husband Elder Cortez in January 2021.
Lenity Financial, Inc. – Geneva, IL (Woman-Owned & Operated)
Lisa Conrath-Bova is the Co-founder and majority owner of Lenity Financial, Inc., along with her husband Mark Bova. With more than 50 years of experience, we see an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others through our passionate response to their financial issues (financial planning, investment management, tax planning). Exceptional service to our number one priority – our clients – is foremost. “We are forward thinking and leverage technology toward a “best in class” client experience,” says Lisa. “Whether providing online access to accounts, financial plans or tax reports Lenity Financial utilizes the industry’s top technology.”
Integrity Home Exterior Designs – Ingleside, IL (1-9 employees)
Integrity Home Exterior Designs is a contracting company specializing in Roofing, Siding, Gutters, and Windows. We were founded in Northern Illinois, and we live in and around the communities we serve. Integrity is not just our name; it is our founding principle. We strive to make a better contracting experience through transparency, communication, and quality work completed on time. We believe our greatest legacy is the lasting impression we leave on our clients. The cornerstone of our philosophy is that our success depends on future clients generated by the satisfaction of our current clients.
WEBIT Services – Naperville, IL (10-49 employees)
WEBIT Services is dedicated to reducing the income inequality gap through employee ownership. Our clients make the world a better place, we amplify their impact through our partnership. Set your business up for success with our values-driven technology solutions, support, and strategy.
NEXT Door & Window – Burr Ridge, IL (50-99 employees)
NEXT Door & Window was started in 2002 with one mission: to provide a world class door and window replacement experience. Founders Justin Bartley and Ron Burns are most proud of the amazing team of over 100 door and window professionals that have brought this vision to reality. Through the core values of Relentless Customer Service and Selfless Teamwork, NEXT has created a culture of continuous learning and empowerment to create the ultimate customer experience. NEXT is honored to accept the 2023 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics for our dedication to building trust in local communities.
Integrated Project Management Company – Burr Ridge, IL (100-499 employees)
Integrated Project Management Company, Inc. (IPM) is a business consulting firm focused on planning and implementing strategically critical initiatives across multiple industries, including life sciences, healthcare, consumer products, and industrial products. Since its inception in 1988, IPM has served more than 500 clients and completed more than 5,000 projects. Headquartered in Chicago, IPM has regional offices in Boston, St. Louis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Parsippany. IPM was a recipient of the 2018 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
Byline Bank – Chicago, IL (500-1,499 employees)
Byline Bank is a full-service commercial bank with approximately $8.94 billion in assets, serving small businesses, mid-market companies, and consumers. Operating over 40 branch locations throughout the Chicago and Milwaukee metro areas, Byline’s been a community partner in its neighborhoods for over 100 years. In addition to being a Top 5 SBA lender in the nation*, Byline offers a competitive range of commercial lending, Wealth Management, and Treasury Management products backed by experts with decades of experience in the industry.
*National ranking: Ranked by the U.S. Small Business Administration by volume FY2023
Empire Today, LLC – Northlake, IL (1,500+ employees)
Empire Today® is the nation’s largest in-home full-service provider of carpet and hard surface flooring having satisfied over 3 million customers over 64 years. Our mission statement, “Making beautiful new floors easy,” is brought to life through our values of placing customers first and acting with a sense of urgency to satisfy them; the golden rule; building trust through integrity; and taking personal ownership working together to drive results while celebrating successes. A true Chicago icon for its 800-588-2300 jingle, Empire has enjoyed a partnership with the Better Business Bureau since 1974.
Also, the second awardee inducted into the BBB Torch Awards Hall of Fame was Daniel L. Goodwin, chairman, CEO and founder of The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. (“Inland”).
Under his leadership, Inland has grown into one of the nation’s largest real estate, finance, and investment groups. He is the recipient of numerous local and national business, civic, and philanthropic awards, including the National Association of REALTORS Good Neighbor Award, the Illinois Association of REALTORS Lifetime Achievement Award, The Chicago Association of REALTORS Hall of Fame Award, The Executives’ Club of Chicago Corporate Citizen Award, and the BBB’s Torchbearer Award. Inland has also received the 2009, 2014 and 2017 BBB Torch Award For Ethics.
Torch winners from the Rockford Region:
Iconic Voice, LLC – Rockford, IL (Minority-Owned & Operated)
Iconic Voice is a healthcare education company founded and led by a seasoned nurse spanning over twenty years. This visionary leader brings a wealth of practical experience, clinical expertise, and an understanding of the healthcare industry to the forefront of the organization. Specializing in comprehensive CPR training, Iconic Voice stands as a beacon of excellence in equipping individuals with life-saving skills and knowledge. The company's commitment to educating Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) further underscores its dedication to raising the standard of care within the healthcare community. Iconic Voice's aspiration lies an unwavering dedication to compassion, instilled not only in the training programs but also embodied by every member of the team.
Midwest Seamless Gutters and Siding – Rockford, IL (10-49 employees)
Midwest Seamless Gutters and Siding has been in the exterior remodeling industry for 3 generations. We specialize in seamless gutters, siding, leaf protection, and windows. We employ 46 employees that are all given full benefit options. Our experience, professional service, and quality craftsmanship set us apart from the competition. We value our community and regularly donate time and money to help it thrive. "When your home or business is in need of a makeover, Call Midwest to take over!"
WREX-TV – Rockford, IL (50-99 employees)
Rockford's WREX-TV has been a prominent fixture in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin since the 1950s. The call letters of the station were dedicated in memory of Rex Caster, the son of the President of Greater Rockford Television. Rex Caster tragically lost his life in France, during World War II in 1944. WREX-TV has retained its call letters and channel number since 1953. WREX is currently part of Allen Media Group. Throughout its long history, WREX has remained a steadfast presence in the Rockford area, serving as a trusted source for local news, weather, and sports coverage in the Stateline region.
Candidates for the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics were evaluated by a prestigious independent panel of 20 judges from the business and academic communities against these criteria:
• High ethical standards of behavior toward customers, suppliers, shareholders, employees, and communities.
• Dedication to Culture, Community, Character, and Customers.
• Demonstrated ethical practices surrounding their buyer/seller relationships.
• Marketing, advertising, communications, and sales practices which reflect a true representation of what is being offered in the marketplace.
• Acknowledgment of ethical marketplace practices by industry peers and in the communities where they do business.