The Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics (previously known as the Integrity Awards) recognize companies who display an outstanding level of ethics and integrity in all of their business dealings. These companies generate a high level of trust among their employees, customers and their communities. This award is open to all for-profit businesses in Minnesota and North Dakota, who are in good standing with the BBB. Membership in the BBB is not required.

How does it work?
A company must first be nominated for the award.

There are four available size categories based upon number of employees:

• Category I: 1 – 10 employees
• Category II: 11 – 50 employees
• Category III: 51 – 175 employees
• Category IV: 175+ employees

After a company is nominated, they are asked to complete a formal entry. The entry guidelines ask each company to demonstrate their commitment to ethics by addressing the following six Principles of TRUST!, as established by BBB:

• Transformation at the Top
• Reinforce and Build
• Unite the Team
• Steer Performance
• Treasure People
• Enthusiastically Reinvest

The Judging Process
Entries are then reviewed by an independent panel of judges. The judges determine the finalists and award recipients for each category. All companies are recognized at the Torch Awards ceremony and the winners are announced live at the event. All finalists and winners also receive these benefits.

Exclusions
A company is not eligible to compete if any of the following conditions apply:

• They have been in business less than 3 years
• They have earned less than a “B” rating from the BBB
• There are indications they have not met their financial obligations
• They have won this award in the past three years

Key Dates
Nominations Due: May 9, 2017 by 5:00 PM
Workshops: June 8, 2017 (10:30-11:30 AM) and June 13, 2017 (2-3 PM)
Entry Deadline: July 24, 2017 by 4:00 PM
Award Ceremony: October 25, 2017, U.S. Bank Stadium

Questions?
Contact BBB Event Coordinator Mackenzie Kelley at 651-695-2482 or mackenzie.kelley@thefirstbbb.org.