History of BBB SETX Texas Torch Awards

BBB Local Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics began in SETX in 1998, to create public recognition for local businesses with a solid commitment to conducting their business in an ethical manner. In the first year of our Award program, BBB included our annual meeting in conjunction with our programming.  

Since its inception, the Torch Award program has been our primary fundraising event for our student scholarship programs and endowments. In 2019, we began awarding scholarships through our Student of Integrity program, where deserving High School Seniors apply for scholarships and funds are distributed directly to their University or Higher Education Institution of choice. 

 The 2019 Torch Awards introduced the BBB Spark Award, a Torch Award recognizing business owners 35 and under and/or businesses that have been in operation for 3 years or less. 

The Torch award has always been open to all for-profit businesses that serve retail and wholesale markets in SETX whether or not they are BBB accredited. For many years BBB Southeast Texas did award in the nonprofit category, however, that ended in 2020 due to regulation changes.

In 2020, BBB of SETX implemented 3 business categories within Torch: Small, Medium and Large. In 2022,BBB added in the "Micro-Small" category in a way to be more fair to the many businesses in our area that consist of 1-2 employees. 

Each year BBB Southeast Texas determines an individual, business or organization to be named the "The John L. Bell, Jr. Friend of the BBB" Award Winner, in honor of John L. Bell, Jr.

BBB saw an additional need in 2023 and implemented the "Leaders of Industry" recognition award. 

We introduced two new Torch categories in 2024: Veteran Owned Business and Minority Owned Business. 

2016 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

K.A.T. Excavation & Construction, Inc.

CASA of Southeast Texas, Inc.  

2015 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Bill Clark Pest Control

April Tolbert Insurance Agency

MCT Credit Union

2014 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Entergy Texas, Inc. 

Classic Forms & Products 

Baptist Hospitals of SETX

2013 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Newtron Beaumont LLC

The Chef’s House  

Spindletop Center 

2012 Torch Award for Ethics Winners 

Star Graphics, Inc.

Airport Travel Agency

DuPont Goodrich FCU 

2011 Torch Award for Ethics Winners 

Anderson Ford Mercury 

Operation Refuge, Inc. 

2010 Torch Award for Ethics Winners 

Copy & Camera Technologies

Classic Southeast Texas  

2009 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Tony Houseman Co.

Philpott Motors  

2008 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

The Walters Agency  

Claybar Funeral Home 

2007 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Waldman & Smallwood  

2006 Torch Award for Ethics Winners 

Anderson Ford Mercury

Texas Marine

2005 Torch Award for Ethics Winners 

Winnie Welding Works 

Philpott Motors 

2004 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Tallman Pools

Howell Furniture 

2003 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Bill Clark Pest Control 

Entergy Texas 

2002 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Burris Transfer & Storage

Orange Savings Bank

2001 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Jeneal International

Collier Park Retirement Community 

2000 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Southeast Texas Water Conditioning

American Valve & Hydrant

1999 Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Efficient Systems 

Mason Construction 

1998 Torch Award for Ethics Winners 

Broussard’s Mortuary