Each year, BBB Serving Northern Indiana's Torch Awards for Ethics honor businesses and organizations that demonstrate outstanding integrity and a deep commitment to building trust in the marketplace and their community.
Torch Award for Ethics judging criteria
Nominees are evaluated according to the following criteria:
Character
Show how you/your organization lives out your core values through intentional actions and open communication with employees, customers, and stakeholders.
Culture
Describe how you/your organization fosters a culture of trust by maintaining a clear mission, empowering your team, and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth
Customers
Explain the internal practices and standards you/your organization uses to strengthen customer relationships and enhance their experience.
Community
Share the ways your business gives back through programs, partnerships, or initiatives that make a positive impact in the communities you serve.
Who can participate?
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics are open to individuals, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses located within BBB Serving Northern Indiana’s 23-county service area.
Eligibility requirements:
In business for a minimum of one (1) year
Hold an A rating with BBB
No pattern of unresolved complaints
BBB Accreditation is NOT required
Judging
Candidates for the 2025 BBB Torch Award for Ethics will be evaluated by a panel of judges from the business community. The decisions of the judges are final.
Entries are judged on an average overall best score.
Entry/submission
Nominations for Torch Awards can be submitted by consumers, business associates, and business owners themselves.
- Nominations open:
Online nominations begin on April 26, 2025.
- Deadline to nominate:
All nominations must be submitted by July 13, 2025.
- Nominee notification and application:
Nominees will be contacted with more details and asked to complete an application by July 15, 2025.
- Deadline to submit applications: Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2025.
- Judging:
Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of judges, made up of local community members who are not employed by BBB Serving Northern Indiana.
- Winners will be notified by September 26, 2025.
- Winners will schedule a time to record a promotional video with BBB Serving Northern Indiana before October 10, 2025.
- Award Celebration:
Winners will be honored during a special evening at Northern Indiana’s 20th Annual Torch Awards for Ethics Celebration on October 30, 2025, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
