Information and FAQ's for a company or organization located within BBB's 21 County Area for the Torch Award for Ethics consideration
Introduction
The Torch Awards for Ethics (Torch Award) honors companies whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character and ensure that the organization’s practices meet the highest standards of ethics, and consequently generate trust. These companies generate a high level of trust among their employees, customers and their communities. The award embodies the Better Business Bureau® mission of advancing marketplace trust.
Award Categories
The Torch Award is open to for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes physically located within BBB Serving Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia service areas. Firms need not be BBB Accredited. 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations must complete the BBB Charitable Standards Evaluation process, and currently meet all BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
Companies entering the 2025 Torch Award competition will be judged in one of four categories based on the number of employees and one non-profit category:
- Companies with 1 - 10 employees
- Companies with 11 - 25 employees
- Companies with 26 - 99 employees
- Companies with 100+employee
- Non - Profit Category
FAQ's
What is the Torch Awards for Ethics?
The Torch Awards for Ethics (Torch Awards) honors companies whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character, ensuring that the organization’s practices meet the highest standards of ethics, and consequently generate trust. These companies generate a high level of trust among their employees, customers and their communities. The award embodies the Better Business Bureau® mission of advancing marketplace trust.
The Torch Awards is open to all for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations physically located within BBB’s 21-county service area.
What is the criteria to enter?
The Torch Awards for Ethics selection committee looks at the entries based on the six principles of TRUST! (Transformation at the Top, Reinforce and Build, Unite the Team, Steer Performance, Treasure People, Enthusiastically Give Back). Companies are not eligible if any of the following conditions apply:
- They have been in business less than three years
- They have earned less than a “B” rating from BBB
- There are indications they have not met their financial obligations
- They have been the recipient of the Torch Award in the past five years
- They are a government agency; Government contractors can confirm their eligibility by contacting their local BBB.
Who judges the entries?
Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders.
What is the benefit of submitting an application?
When you go through the application process, you complete a very rigorous review of the true character and ethics of your organization. With no monetary cost involved, any one of these outcomes will create real value...and who knows...maybe our judges will see exactly what you see and recognize it with a Torch Award!
How many entries do you receive?
We receive a number of entries ranging between 15 and 35 in our varying size categories.
If I am a recipient, what does that mean for my company?
A variety of benefits come along with being a Torch Awards recipient. In addition to being recognized at the Torch Awards for Ethics luncheon, your company will also be recognized in a news release shared with media partners; various print ads in The Chattanooga Times Free Press, including a special section dedicated to Torch Awards recipients; on the BBB website, on the Torch Awards for Ethics website, and BBB social media sites. You are also able to utilize the Torch Awards for Ethics recipient logo on your digital and print marketing collateral and website for one calendar year, and in text in subsequent years. The crystal Torch Award can be proudly displayed at your company to remind employees, customers and guests of your commitment to ethics.
How can I find out more about the application and entry process?
Ask one of our BBB staff members, past winners or past selection committee participants who can walk you through the criteria and the entry process itself. It is an outstanding way to gain clarity and ask questions about what the judges are looking for in a company’s application.
I’m a small business; how will I know if I have time to compile and submit an entry?
The easiest way to learn about the entry process and the time involved is to talk with or meet with one of our key BBB Staff members, you will leave feeling confident about the process.
Do I have to attend a training session to submit an entry?
No. If you meet the prerequisites, we encourage you to apply whether you’ve attended a training session or not!
I know of a great company for the Torch Awards, can I nominate them?
Absolutely! Nominating someone else helps you think about what you really value in others and gives them some immediate, well-deserved encouragement to apply. You can visit our Torch Awards for Ethics website and submit their information. Once we receive the nomination, we contact the company directly and encourage them to submit an application.
I’m looking forward to applying, how do I start?
You can visit our Torch Awards website and start the online entry process. The deadline for entries is March 28nd, 2025.
Is it worth the time to submit my entry?
As all of our past recipients will tell you, taking the time to submit an entry is absolutely worth it!
Who do I contact for more information?
If you have further questions regarding the Torch Awards for Ethics, please contact Will Hannah, Marketing & Event Specialist at will@chattanooga.bbb.org or (423) 287-5540.