Torch Awards for Ethics

BBB serving Central Ohio established the Torch Awards for Ethics as an annual awards program to publicly recognize local companies that have practices in place that elevate their commitment to ethical business. The Torch Awards for Ethics is designed to not only promote the importance of building trust, but also the willingness and efforts made by outstanding businesses to help contribute to an honorable marketplace.

BBB has distilled our intentional focus on trust and ethics into four C’s – Character, Culture, Customers, Community, and this is the basis for the Torch Awards entry process. The application outlines the character of the organization’s leadership, how an authentic culture is being fostered, how the company prioritizes its relationship with customers, and the impact the organization is making in their community.

The Torch Awards is open to for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes located within BBB serving Central Ohio’s service area. Our service area consists of the following 21 counties: Athens, Champaign, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Meigs, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Ross, Union, Vinton.

• BBB Accreditation is not required;

• For profit and 501(c)(6) applicants must have a “B” rating with BBB;

• 501(c)(3) non-profit applicants must complete the Charitable Standards Evaluation process and meet all BBB Standards for Charity Accountability;

• Organizations must have been in business for three years;

• All financial obligations must be met;

• Applicants are not eligible if they have received the Torch Award in the past five years;

• Government agencies are not eligible to submit an application.

Entries are evaluated by an independent, volunteer panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders.

When you go through the Torch Awards application process, you complete a very conscientious review of the true character and ethics of your organization.

Your company will be recognized during the Torch Awards for Ethics banquet, in a news release shared with Central Ohio media partners, on BBB’s Torch Awards for Ethics website, and BBB’s social media sites. BBB will produce a video vignette of your organization’s best practices that can be shared on your company’s digital platforms as well as your BBB Business Profile. You are able to utilize the Torch Awards for Ethics recipient logo with your recipient year on your digital and print marketing collateral. The crystal Torch Award your company will receive can be proudly displayed at your office to remind employees, customers, and guests of your commitment to ethics.

We provide complimentary information sessions that are led by BBB staff that walks through the entry process. It is an outstanding way to gain clarity and ask questions about what the judges are looking for in your company’s application. You can view a previously recorded info session here.

The Torch Awards for Ethics recipients will be honored at our event A Toast to Trusted Leaders typically held in early November. For 2026, this event will be at the Bluestone on November 12th.

Yes, nominating someone else helps us identify great candidates and encourage them to apply! You can visit our Torch Awards for Ethics nomination form and submit their information. Once we receive the nomination, we will contact the company directly and encourage them to submit an application.

If you have further questions regarding the Torch Awards for Ethics, please contact Keith Pickett at [email protected] or (614) 754-4563.