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Join us for the 2025 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics Ceremony
Make plans to attend one of Arkansas’s most inspiring business celebrations. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. and the program begins at 11:30 a.m. The 2025 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics luncheon honors outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs who lead with integrity, trust, and purpose in their industries and communities.
Hosted by Better Business Bureau® of Arkansas, this annual event shines a spotlight on the best of Arkansas business—recognizing the 2025 Torch Award and Spark Award winners and finalists, honoring student video contest honorees, and celebrating local businesses that make a positive impact across the state.
Event highlights
Keynote speaker – Dr. Julien C. Mirivel
Dr. Julien C. Mirivel is a professor of applied communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, an award-winning teacher and scholar, and a professional speaker. He is among the founding scholars in the emerging field of positive communication and has authored five books on the topic. A TEDx speaker and founder of the Positive Communication Network, Dr. Mirivel has been featured in outlets such as FastCompany, CEOWorld Magazine, and HR Morning. His mission is to inspire individuals and teams to communicate more positively at work and at home. Learn more at julienmirivel.com.
Emcee – Chris May, KATV
Chris May anchors the most-watched newscasts in Arkansas on KATV. An Arkansas native and award-winning journalist, Chris has reported from across the globe during his 30-year career, including roles in Boston and Philadelphia. He has received seven regional Emmy Awards and helped lead three newsrooms to national Edward R. Murrow Awards. Chris now calls Little Rock home, where he lives with his wife and two children. Learn more at KATV.com.
2025 honorees
2025 Torch Award for Ethics Winners:
Category 1: The Kar Shop, Inc. – Rogers
Category 2: Delicious Temptations – Little Rock
Category 3: Harry Robinson Buick GMC – Fort Smith
Category 4: WinChoice USA – Mountain Pine
Torch Award Finalists:
Category 1: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of NWA – Bentonville
Category 2: College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving – Little Rock
Category 3: Vesta Foundation Solutions of Arkansas, LLC – Springdale
Category 4: First Collection Services - Little Rock
2025 Spark Award Winner:
D&R Automotive, LLC – Jonesboro
Spark Award Finalist:
Quality Plumbing and Custom Bath, LLC – Alexander
Student video contest honorees
BBB will also recognize top entries from our statewide student video contest, which challenges young people to explore ethics and trust in business through creative storytelling.
Why attend?
The Torch Awards for Ethics represent the highest recognition the BBB bestows, honoring companies that go above and beyond to build trust with customers, employees, and the community. The Spark Award celebrates Arkansas entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses (operating fewer than three years at the time of application) who demonstrate exceptional character, build strong company cultures, and make meaningful community contributions. The luncheon marks an afternoon of celebration, ethics, networking and great food! You don't want to miss this opportunity to support local industry and network with peers.
Tickets are going fast – reserve yours today.
Tickets are on sale now, and seating is limited. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate ethical business leadership in Arkansas. Purchase tickets online or contact the BBB office for more information.
Please note: The Clinton Presidential Center requires all guests to pass through a security checkpoint upon arrival. Bags will be screened, and guests will be wanded by security personnel. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to allow time for this process.
For media inquiries:
For interviews, media access, or promotional information, please contact us.
