The Torch Awards for Ethics showcase businesses that give back to the community and their employees while upholding honest and fair business practices.

Winning a Torch Award means you have proven your company is ethical, honest and fair. It does not mean your company is perfect, only that you get back up and keep trying!

Benefits of Applying for the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics

1. To demonstrate company leaders’ ability to thrive with a high level of personal character in good situations and grow in not so good situations.
2. To honor employees and the hard work they do representing your company daily.
3. To recognize the integrity of company leaders.
4. To show customers you really do care about doing the right thing.
5. Because your company does the right thing.
6. Because customer service is NOT dead!
7. To create an overview of your business.
8. To create a format to use for training.
9. To help identify & document best practices as well as areas of concern/improvement.
10. Winning businesses receive area wide publicity, a crystal trophy and the right to advertise the BBB Torch Award for Ethics honor.
11. Winning companies have the opportunity to enter the International Torch Awards for Ethics competition.

Good customer service matters today more than ever. Trust and the ability to establish a long term relationship are an important part of every business transaction. This Award highlights those qualities and the value of ethics overall in our community.

Area companies and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply. 

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honors organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character; ensure that the organization’s practices meet the highest standards of ethics; and consequently generate trust with its customers and the community. The Torch Award embodies BBB’s mission of advancing business trust.

Eligibility 

The Torch Awards is open to for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes located within BBB’s service area, the 26 counties of the Texas panhandle. 

• 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 submit an application.

Criteria

We understand that no leader, nor their company, is perfect; each company is unique and has different experiences and policies. We encourage you to find examples of your organization’s practices that best exemplify each of the four listed criteria. If you are not able to address a particular item under a criterion, please explain why you are not able to address it. 

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 in order 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 that 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 your company uses that demonstrates 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 proactively address issues experienced by customers.

·         How you go above and beyond to maintain transparency with your customers.

·         An instance where your commitment to honesty was a positive differentiator in a challenging customer interaction.

Criteria 4:  Community

Display organizational programs, contribution 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.

Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders. Your written submission, including examples, stories and documents, should provide a robust and accurate depiction of your organizations focus on character, culture, customers and community. Supporting documents and attachments can range from handbooks, internal documentation, or photos from events.