BBB North Georgia's Award Information and Criteria

Introduction
Our mission is to create an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other. One of the ways we do this is by recognizing marketplace role models. BBB publicly recognizes businesses committed to ethical marketplace practices in this spirit with the annual BBB Torch Awards for Ethics.

Eligibility
Before submitting your application, please review the below requirements to make sure your business meets eligibility:

• The Torch Awards is open to for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes located within the 47 counties served by BBB Atlanta & NE Georgia.
• 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 three years;
• Government agencies are not eligible to apply.

Criteria
BBB Torch Award for Ethics is designed to promote the importance of ethical business practices and the willingness and efforts of outstanding businesses that demonstrate a solid commitment to marketplace trust. Each Torch Award for Ethics winner has a unique opportunity to receive public recognition for their excellence in ethical business practices.

BBB Torch Award criteria are broken down into four categories:

Criteria 1:  Character
As CEO, President, Owner, or Executive Director, your leadership character sets the tone for your entire organization. As a leader, explain how you behave intentionally and communicate with your leadership team, employees, customers, and stakeholders in a way that is consistent with your beliefs.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

How you strive to live and lead with high character and intentionally seek feedback to make personal improvements.

• How you empower your staff to carry out your organization’s commitment to building and maintaining ethical business practices.
• Tools, activities, or training reinforce your staff’s commitment to character ethics as part of the organization’s normal business practices.

Criteria 2: Culture
Illustrate how your organization works toward a culture of trust through clarity of purpose, empowering employees, and opportunities for growth.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

• How you unite your team around your organization’s vision and mission statement.
• How you empower employees to help shape the expectations and culture of your organization.
• What practices does your company use that demonstrate leadership’s commitment to individual employees.

Criteria 3: Customers
Give examples of internal practices your organization uses to build better customer relationships.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

• How you empower your employees to address issues experienced by customers proactively.
• How you go above and beyond to maintain transparency with your customers.
• An instance where your commitment to honesty was a positive differentiator in challenging customer interaction.

Criteria 4: Community
Display organizational programs, contributions, and activities that return value to and support your community.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

• Programs or events that your organization has in place to actively engage with the community.
• How employees are encouraged to and recognized for spending time in community service activities that your organization and employees value.
• Contribution of funds or in-kind services to community programs consistent with the organization’s values.