Torch Awards for Ethics Criteria

BBB Torch Awards for Ethics promotes not only the importance of ethical business practices but also the willingness of and efforts by outstanding businesses that demonstrate a solid commitment to marketplace ethics. Each BBB Torch Awards for Ethics winner earns a unique opportunity to receive public recognition for their excellent business practices.

BBB Torch Awards for Ethics criteria comprises four factors: character, culture, customers and community.

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.

Entry/Submission

The application form allows applicants to both type information pertaining to the criteria as well as upload supporting documentation such as letters, pictures, flyers and other relevant material. Each section provides an opportunity to upload documents.

Who Can Participate?

BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is open to all for-profit businesses headquartered within the 105 counties served by BBB serving the Heart of Texas. Applicants must meet the following criteria: minimum of three (3) years in business and maintain a rating of B or higher with BBB. BBB Accreditation is NOT a requirement.

Business Size Categories: Entries are categorized by the number of employees: 1-10, 11-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-99 and 100+. The category is based on the number of employees in your business including any branch location.

Judging: Each criterion receives equal weight and is scored between 1 and 10 to generate an overall score for each entrant. Awards are given to the business in each size category with the highest overall score. The decisions of the judges are final.