Frequently asked questions - Torch Awards for Ethics in Northern Indiana
Here are some commonly asked questions about Northern Indiana's Torch Awards for Ethics.
1. What are the Torch Awards for Ethics?
The Torch Awards for Ethics are the highest honor the Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Indiana can give. They celebrate businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who demonstrate exceptional ethics, integrity, and trust in their operations and community impact.
2. Who can be nominated?
Any business, nonprofit/charity, or individual headquartered in one of BBB’s 23 Northern Indiana counties that holds an A letter grade from BBB and consistently demonstrates high ethical standards can be nominated.
3. Do nominees have to be BBB Accredited?
No. BBB Accreditation is not required to be nominated or to win a Torch Award.
4. Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone can nominate, including a business owner, a customer, an employee, a peer, or a community member.
5. How are winners chosen?
All applications are judged by a volunteer panel of local business and community leaders (not BBB staff). They evaluate entries based on how nominees demonstrate integrity through:
Character (values in action)
Culture (workplace trust)
Customers (service and care)
Community (positive impact)
6. What happens after a nomination is submitted?
Once nominations close, all eligible nominees will be invited to submit a full application. This allows them to share more about their organization’s practices, mission, and values.
7. What’s the deadline to nominate someone?
Nominations are open through July 13, 2025. Applications will be sent to nominees soon after. Applications are due back to BBB Serving Northern Indiana no later than August 15, 2025.
8. When are the finalists announced?
Finalists will be notified by September 26, 2025. At that time, the finalists will coordinate a time to record a short promotional video with BBB Serving Northern Indiana. Videos must be recorded before October 10, 2025.
9. When will winners be announced? The 2025 Torch Award winners will be announced on October 30 at the 20th Annual Torch Awards for Ethics Celebration.
10. What is the itinerary for the evening? 5:00 p.m. – Doors Open
Registration, drinks, appetizers, photo opportunities, and networking.
5:45 p.m. – Guests take their places in their reserved seats.
6:00 p.m. – Opening remarks and welcome
6:15 p.m. – Dinner served
6:45 p.m. – Torch Awards Ceremony begins
7:45 p.m. – Closing Remarks & Dismissal
10. Is there a cost to apply or attend the event? There is no cost to nominate or apply. Tickets are required to attend the Torch Awards for Ethics celebration and can be purchased here: 2025 Torch Awards
11. Where can I submit a nomination or learn more?
Nominations are now closed for the 2025 Torch Awards for Ethics.
12. What should I wear to the Torch Awards for Ethics?
The Torch Awards for Ethics is a special evening of celebration, and we encourage guests to dress in business professional or semi-formal attire.
