(GBQ)
BBB of Central Ohio and the International Association of Better Business Bureaus (IABBB) is proud to announce local accounting and tax advisory firm GBQ Partners, LLC as a winner of the 2023 International Torch Awards for Ethics. At the BBB Trust Summit, GBQ was nationally honored as one of only four businesses for their outstanding commitment to leadership, character, and organizational ethics.
GBQ Partners received Central Ohio’s BBB Torch Award for Ethics at its annual Toast to Trusted Leaders celebration. All international winners must have received the award at the local level to progress to international consideration.
“Winning Central Ohio's BBB Torch Award for Ethics was a testament to their local impact, and now, as they ascend to the international stage, it reflects the significance of their ethical business practices resonating globally. Kudos to GBQ Partners for setting an outstanding standard,” congratulated BBB President Judy Dollison.
Presented annually since 1996, the BBB International Torch Awards for Ethics recognize businesses in North America that maintain outstanding dedication to upholding ethical business practices and promoting trust in the marketplace.
“The International Torch Awards for Ethics is one of the most important programs we do each year,” said Kip Morse, IABBB President and CEO. “BBB sets standards to make trust a fundamental component of the American marketplace, but these businesses are out there every day making it happen. By awarding them the 2023 International Torch Award for Ethics, we are demonstrating to the business community that adhering to Better Business Bureau ethical standards is the hallmark of successful, competitive companies.”
An independent panel of business and ethics experts selected finalists and award-winning companies. Companies were evaluated against four criteria including 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. These are the “4 C’s” embraced by BBB’s Center for Character Ethics.
GBQ is a tax, consulting and accounting firm based in Columbus, OH that empowers growth: Growth of people, communities and clients’ businesses. For more 70 years, GBQ has been 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.
Nominations and applications are now open for BBB of Central Ohio’s 2024 Torch Award for Ethics and Spark Awards. Applications will be accepted until August 16, 2024.