BBB Serving Southeast TN & Northwest GA 2021 Student of Integrity Scholarship Recipients

In his essay, Gray writes, “I have learned many things in a small, rural Georgia town, and one of these is that “word travels fast.” This statement not only applies to rumors and stories, it also applies to the importance of ethics and business in our community.”    He goes on to say:    “Generally those businesses and individuals that have good ethics have good reputations, and they leave a positive impact on the people they do business with. A business can have the smartest individual in the state, country or world working with them, but if that individual does not have good ethics and moral principles, then people will not want to do business with them.”    

Carsi writes: “A business that is morally and ethically sound will certainly gain the trust of those around them. They will quickly find that their business will grow based on the loyalty that they will develop between people that trust them to not cheat them out of their money solely for a profit, but sincerely for the betterment of all involved. If a business is to survive and thrive in today’s economic climate, it should recruit the help of people within the community where it is located. Empowering principles, by which the community can grow and bring in quality persons will ensure that the business will do just that, thrive”. 

Colby writes: “An ethically focused business is more productive, more positive and more trustworthy. If customers know that the people caring for them and working for them act and make decisions that are good for everyone.” He also shares “Even if acting ethically isn’t may not be the easiest thing to do, it is certainly the most caring and respectable decision to make, and members of the community will respect each other.” 

Joy writes: “With good business ethics as a guiding principle, employees often make more honest decisions using less time – increasing employee morale and productivity. Businesses well known for their reputation among their community, employers, and other businesses, almost always have a solid foundation emphasizing good ethical business practices within their company. Applying the same strong ethical core to any business can directly impact the strength of the company and its future as whole.” 

Stephen writes; “The presence of ethics is vital in any business because ethics build trust and camaraderie between employers, employees, and the customers, which in turn, enhances business’ financial state. If the employers display and encourage ethical behavior in the workplace, the employees will follow suit and create a positive atmosphere that improves the workplace experience for everyone.” Even a slight embrace of ethics just in terms of actions will pay off in a financial sense since employees working in a positive, respectful workplace are consistently more happy and most importantly, more productive.”

In Dylan’s essay, he shared his experience with a local gas station in Spencer, TN. His father took him there many times and did so because he trusted the owner.

His lesson from his father is “if you can trust the person who owns the business, you can trust the business.” He also learned that the gas station owner consistently gave back to the local community. He concluded “it doesn’t matter if you are a little gas station in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains or a Fortune 500 company in New York City. You must have trust for a successful business. This trust will build a solid foundation for the reputation of the business.” 

Connor writes: “Knowing what is right from wrong and choosing to do what is right will encourage customers to trust a business. This trust will make customers want to come back because they know that they are in good hands.”  Connor adds: “Not only do the business’s ethical practices contribute to boosting their own successes, it will lead to happier customers and bettering the community in which it is located.” 

In his essay, Elijah writes: “Ethical standards of behavior are especially important because it is not enough for a business to simply follow the law –[ “legal” and “ethical” are not necessarily synonymous. Business law only determines the minimum standards of behavior expected of companies. Business ethics enhance the law by providing a framework for acceptable behaviors that are beyond governmental control. They create an environment of personal accountability in business areas where there is no explicit responsibility under the law.”

He adds “It is more important than ever for companies to demonstrate responsible business practices. Ethics programs are a great tool for motivating employees to perform their role with integrity. These employees then model these ideals to their families and fellow community members. 

Daley shared the following as part of her essay: "In preparation for this application, I researched the principles which guide the work of the Better Business Bureau. I learned that those who are accredited by the BBB must adhere to the following values: build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor promises, be responsive, safeguard privacy and embody integrity. I quickly realized that these tenets are essential not only for successful businesses, but also for life.”

She goes on to share that “honoring promises is perhaps the greatest of values of business and humanity. I strongly believe that I must honor each commitment, whether large or small, and hold on to my word. A leader is only as valuable as his/her promise.”

Catherine’s essay: “Communities that have a strong core of community leaders that follow the same ethical code will attract businesses and residents to the area. Ethics show outsiders who you truly are and what you stand for; they are the foundation of both businesses and communities and are directly related to one another.” 

She adds: “If a business lacks a strong ethical core, it may be a poor fit in an ethically strong community. The opposite is true s well; an ethically strong business may struggle in a community that does not have consistent ethical leadership. The impact of having strong ethics that are consistent across a community is far reaching. It shows not only the community members what they stand for, but to the world at large.