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This year’s Torch Awards winners were selected by a panel of community leader judges for their ethical operations, standout workplace cultures, and dedication to giving back to the community.

2026 Torch Awards Winners

A woman with medium-length hair stands next to the Cincinnati Animal CARE logo on a gray background.
Carolyn Evans, Executive Director

Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society

Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society is Hamilton County’s open-admission municipal animal shelter. Since assuming operations in 2020, we have built trust through transparency, accountability, and open communication - even on difficult issues - while inviting the community to be an active partner in improving outcomes for people, pets, and the community.

Behind the bio, watch this winner's feature video

Man in a light blue plaid suit jacket smiling next to the Cutting Edge Flooring & Tile logo on a gray background.
Clinton Griffith, Co-owner

Cutting Edge Flooring & Tile

Founded in 2012, Cutting Edge Flooring & Tile is a locally owned, family-run business serving Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and South Dayton. From flooring and tile to complete bathroom transformations, its team pairs expert guidance and quality craftsmanship with exceptional communication, integrity and a commitment to putting mission over margin.

Behind the bio, watch this winner's feature video

A man in a suit and glasses stands next to a Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & Northern KY logo on a gray background.
Mike Dunn, CEO

Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & Northern KY

Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY reaches nearly 11,000 seniors every year across 13 counties with meals, transportation, social and protective services, pet support, social connection programs and management of the OTR Senior Center. The team works to deliver essential services that promote the independence and well-being of seniors.

Behind the bio, watch this winner's feature video

A man in a blue Spray-Net polo shirt stands beside the Spray-Net logo on a gray background.
Jay Balekar, Owner

Spray-Net Cincinnati

Spray-Net of Cincinnati, locally owned and operated, was founded in 2022, offering hassle-free, factory finish permanent exterior painting, brick staining and kitchen cabinet refinishing to the region, backed by 15-year transferable warranty.

Behind the bio, watch this winner's feature video

A person in a suit and tie with a Talbert House logo and slogan, "Building a Stronger Community... One Life at a Time," on the left.
Josh Arnold, President/CEO

Talbert House

Talbert House empowers children, adults and families to live healthy, safe, and productive lives. The agency's network of services focuses on prevention, assessment, treatment, and reintegration across Southwest Ohio.

Behind the bio, watch this winner's feature video

Thanks to our 2026 Torch Awards judges!

Thank you for upholding the highest standards of ethics and excellence.

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JD Staley

Owner

Staley Transformations

Smiling man in a suit and tie stands indoors with a colorful decor and a sign reading "ethics" in the background.

Paul Fiorelli

Professor & Director

Cintas Institute for Business Ethics at Xaiver University

Smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde hair in a black blazer and purple top, standing against a gray background.

Peg Dierkers

CEO

Bethany House Services

Smiling woman in a dark blazer against a grey background.

Sonia Kreimer

Director, Corporate Communications

Western & Southern Financial Group

Smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde hair in a black blazer and red blouse against a neutral background.

Cathie Kuhl, Moderator

Mediator/Facilitator

Previous Recipients

2026

  • Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society

  • Cutting Edge Flooring & Tile

  • Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY

  • SprayNet of Cincinnati

  • Talbert House

2025

  • Best Point Education & Behavioral Health

  • Bethany House Services

  • CareStar, Inc.

  • Crayons to Computers

  • Faithful Friends Pet Memory Center

  • New Seasons Auction & Estates

  • Rumpke Waste & Recycling

2024

  • Apple Spice Junction

  • Brighton Center, Inc. 

  • Dress for Success Cincinnati

  • EverDry Waterproofing of Cincinnati

  • Optimized Senior Living 

  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati

  • The Everzocial Group 

2023

  • Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI)

  • City Wide Facility Solutions 

  • CityLink Center

  • Emma's All In One Occasions

  • Heritage Bank

  • Jolly Plumbing Drains Heating & Air

  • Keep Cincinnati Beautiful

  • Santa Maria Community Services, Inc. 

2022

  • A Child's Hope International, Inc. 

  • Continental Roof Company 

  • Junk King, Cincinnati

  • Magnificent Morsels Catering, LLC 

  • Ohio Basement Authority

  • Staley Transformations, LLC

2021

  • Best Point Eduation & Behavior Health

  • Biehl Brothers Contracting LLC

  • Honey Sweetie Acres, LLC

  • Rumpke Waste & Recycling 

  • Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center 

2020

  • Brighton Center, Inc. 

  • CareStar, Inc. 

  • Circle Tail, Inc. 

  • HealthWarehouse.com 

  • Ohio Cash Buyers, LLC

2019

  • Ace Exterminating Co.

  • Camp Joy

  • Deviant Designs, Inc. 

  • Impact 100, Inc. 

  • The Basement Doctor of Cincinnati

2018

  • A-Pro Southwest Home Inspection

  • Cincinnati Asssociation for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI)

  • Clarke Contractors, Inc. 

  • Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises

2017

  • ProMasters Home Repair & Handyman of Cincinnati 

  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati

2016

  • People Working Cooperatively, Inc. 

  • Schneller Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning 

  • Staley Transformations, LLC

  • Stepping Stones, Inc. 

2015

  • Get Noticed Get Found, Inc. (GNGF)

  • Intrust IT

  • Over-The-Rhine & Walnut Hills Kitchens and Pantry

  • Queen City Homecare, LLC

2014

  • BM2 Freight Services, Inc.

  • Cincinnati Youth Collaborative 

  • Infintech

  • iSPACE, Inc. 

2013

  • Dial One Security, Inc. 

  • Easter Seals TriState

  • SNAAC (Security National Automotive Acceptance Company, LLC)

  • The Business Backer, LLC

  • The Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Cincinnati

2012

  • Abilities First Foundation

  • Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati

  • Tecta America Zero Company, LLC 

2011

  • Abstract Displays, Inc. 

  • Cutter Construction, Inc. 

  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ohio Valley Chapter

  • One Way Farm of Fairfield, Inc. 

  • ProSource (Pro Source Technologies, Inc.) 

2010

  • 4C for Children

  • Appearance Plus Cleaners, Inc.

  • Centennial, Inc.

  • Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio

  • Furniture Fair

  • Clark-Theders Insurance Agency, Inc. 

  • The LAM Foundation

2009

  • Advanced Technology Consulting, Inc. (ATC)

  • Apollo Heating & Cooling 

  • Best Upon Request Corporate, Inc. 

  • Cincinnati Nature Center

  • Every Child Succeeds 

  • Jones Lang LaSalle

2008

  • Colliers Turley Martin Tucker

  • Messer Consturction Company

  • Neyer Properties, Inc. 

  • Nixco Plumbing, Inc. 

  • Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Cincinnati

  • VISIONS Community Services 

2007

  • Alternate Solutions Homecare

  • Camp Joy

  • Easterseals Serving Greater Cincinnati (Easter Seals Work Resource Center)

  • Libertas Technologies, LLC

  • Natorp's Nursery Outlet

  • Niceley's Appliance Repair, Inc. 

2006

  • The Malibu Group

  • Bachman's Inc. 

  • Caracole

  • Center for Chemical Addicitions Treatment

  • Hixson

  • Matthew 25: Ministries, Inc.

  • Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory, LLC

  • Ronald McDonald House

  • Widmer's Carpet Cleaning

2005

  • Brooks & Sons Auto Service, Inc.

  • Cincinnati Works

  • Crayons to Computers

  • Gilkey Window Company

  • RestorAid Diaster Restoration

  • Rumpke Consolidated Companies

  • Total Quality Logistics, Inc.

2004

  • Champion Window Manufacturing Inc.

  • Cincinnati Union Bethel (HER Cincinnati)

  • Meyer Capital Management, Inc. 

  • Santa Maria Community Services, Inc. 

  • Sparkpeople Inc.

2003

  • American Red Cross - Cincinnati Chapter

  • C-Forward, Inc.

  • Coldwell Banker West Shell

  • Neal's Design Remodel

2002

  • Beech Acres Partnering Center

  • Children's Home of Northern Kentucky

  • General Revenue Coporation                              

  • Tom Gill Chevrolet

2001

  • CMC Properties                  

  • Sheakley

  • The Bromwell Company