Awards Luncheon
May 2027
Join us as we recognize those who are advancing trust here in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.
About the awards
Recognizing integrity put into action
Established in 1994 the BBB Torch Award for Ethics seek to elevate and celebrate the commitment made by for-profit and non-profit enterprises to the highest standards of leadership character and organizational ethics. The awards bring attention to the practices that these organizations employ to generate a high level of trust, among their employees, customers and their communities.
Qualifications
Eligibility and how it works
Accreditation is not required, and there is no cost to apply. Eligible organizations meet these criteria:
Located in BBB SE TN & NW GA's service area.
In operation for at least three years as of May 2027.
Holds at least a "B" rating with BBB (accredited or not).
Has not received a Torch Award in the past five years in the same service area.
How the process works
1
Nominate a company
Complete the online nomination form by the deadline. Companies can be self-nominated.
2
Independent judging
A volunteer panel scores each submission on character, culture, customers, and community against a published benchmark.
3
Winners are announced at our in-person event
We announce winners and finalists at our event, and honor all award contenders during the program and in a commemorative piece published within the Chattanooga Times Free Press following our event.
Why the recognition carries weight
A fair, independent process
Judged independently
An independent, voluntary panel of business and community leaders reviews and selects every recipient.
Scored on merit
Submissions are measured against a published benchmark for character, culture, customers and community — not ranked against one another.
Backed by BBB's mission
Made possible by the BBB Education Foundation and built on more than a century of work toward a trustworthy marketplace.
Ways to take part
Choose how you want to take part
Whether you're ready to apply, want to nominate an organization, or just have questions — there's a clear next step.
Start Here
Nominate an organization for the Torch Awards
Shine a light on a business or non-profit that demonstrates integrity-driven best practices. Companies can self-nominate.
Register here
Join us in celebrating integrity and ethical business practices at the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics luncheon. Register today to celebrate this year’s honorees and connect with fellow professionals who believe in doing business the right way.
Become a sponsor
Help us shine a light on businesses that go above and beyond to do the right thing. Through your sponsorship of the Torch Awards for Ethics luncheon, you can support BBB's mission to advance trust and celebrate ethical leadership in our community.
Contact BBB
Questions about the program? Please contact Will Hannah, Director of Events, at (423) 287-5540 or [email protected]
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is an annual celebration honoring exceptional businesses and nonprofits. It recognizes outstanding ethical practices and a commitment to character, culture, customers and community.
Organizations must be located in BBB, SE Tennessee & NW Georgia's service area (Bledsoe, Bradley, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Murray, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie, Van Buren, Walker, Whitfield), have been in operation at least three years as of April 30, 2026, and hold at least a “B” rating with BBB. Organizations that won a Torch Award in the same service area within the past five years are not eligible.
No. Awards are not contingent on accreditation, donations, or any purchase or sponsorship. No purchase is necessary to enter or to win.
Yes. BBB Accreditation is not required to apply. All eligible businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to participate.
An independent, voluntary panel of business and community leaders reviews, evaluates and selects the recipients.
We announce winners and finalists at our BBB's Torch Awards for Ethics luncheon, and honor all award contenders during the program and in a commemorative piece published within the Chattanooga Times Free Press following our event.
Winners receive a trophy and certificate, a recipient media kit, a press-release template, a social media feature, and use of the official Torch Awards Winner logo, subject to BBB's advertising guidelines.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!
The BBB Torch Awards would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you for investing in this celebration of ethics, integrity, and trust in our business community.
