Celebrating past winners in our BBB Torch Hall of Flame

The Torch Awards for Ethics celebrate the standout businesses and leaders across Chicago and Northern Illinois who lead with integrity and set the bar for ethical business practices. Past winners represent the best of our region—organizations that inspire trust, elevate their industries, and embody the values at the heart of BBB’s mission.

2024 Winners

American Sale

Winner of 100-499 Employees Category

Recipient: Bob Jones, President

APEX General Contracting

Winner of 20-49 Employees Category, Rockford Region

Recipient: Brandon Rhymer, Director of Operations

Artesian Collaborative

Winner of Woman-Owned Business Category

Recipient: Dr. Sunitha Chandy, Founder

Bally's Chicago

Winner of 500-1,499 Employees Category

Recipient: Monica Scott, VP of Community Engagement

Empire Today, LLC

Winner of 2024 Hall of Fame Award

Illinois General Remodeling Services Co.

Winner of 1-9 Employees Category

Recipients: Mailee Lao, Sr. Public Adjuster and Mariell Cabrales, Office Manager

Independence Village

Winner of 50-99 Employees Category, Rockford Region

Recipient: Jim Lara, Director of Business Operations

JM Construction

Winner of 1-19 Employees Category

Recipient: Justin Swanson, Founder/President

Millennium Bank

Winner of Minority-Owned Business Category

Recipient: Nick Dizonno, President & CEO

RSM

Winner of 1,500+ Employees Category

Recipient: Pete Mulvey, RSM Partner

Simple Stitches

Winner of Woman-Owned Business Category, Rockford Region

Recipient: Paige Haefke, Owner/Master Tailor

Stephenson Business Center

Winner of Minority-Owned Business Category, Rockford Region

Recipient: Janene Stephenson, Owner

Vision2Voice Healthcare Communications

Winner of 10-49 Employees Category

Recipient: Dan Rehal, President

2023 Winners

Byline Bank

Winner of 500-1,499 Employees Category

Recipient: Tim Harrington, Senior VP

E&N Electric LLC

Winner of Firestarter Award

Recipient: Nataly Martinez, Owner

Empire Today, LLC.

Winner of 1,500+ Employee Category

Recipient: Chris Grainger, President Residential Division

Iconic Voice, LLC

Winner of Minority-Owned & Operated Category

Recipient: Lakhila Tellis, CEO

Integrity Home Exterior Designs

Winner of 1-9 Employee Category

Recipient: Josh Fischer, Owner

Integrated Project Management

Winner of 100-499 Employees Category

Recipients: C. Richard Panico, Founder

Lenity Financial, Inc.

Winner of Women-Owned Business Category

Recipient: Lisa Conrath-Bova, CEO

Midwest Seamless Gutters and Siding

Winner of 10-49 Employees Category

Recipient: Greg Green, President

NEXT Door & Window

Winner of 50-99 Employee Category

Recipient: Justin Bartley, Founder & CEO

WEBIT Services

Winner of 10-49 Employee Category

Recipient: Jim Bonaccorsi, CRO

WREX-TV

Winner of 50-99 Employee Category

Recipient: Theresa Wesseln