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Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) St. Louis will present Torch Awards for Ethics to ten businesses and one nonprofit and Student of Ethics Awards to two students at a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Missouri Athletic Club.
“We’re excited to recognize these organizations and students for the commitment they’ve made to ethical behavior and service,” said Michelle Corey, BBB St. Louis President and CEO. “They’re an outstanding group of role models, and they’re making a tangible, positive impact on their customers and communities.”
Two-time Olympic track and field medalist Dawn Harper-Nelson, a graduate of East St. Louis High School and UCLA will be the keynote speaker. Harper-Nelson won medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. KMOV-TV evening anchor Cory Stark will emcee the event.
Ten businesses will be recognized for their commitment to exceptional ethics and service:
- BEST Transportation of St. Louis provides premium transportation services for weddings, special occasions, corporate needs, and more. “Our entire team at BEST Transportation strives to go the extra mile every single day for our clients, our team and our community. Being chosen as a Torch Award for Ethics winner is validation that being committed to our values is recognized and respected,” said Deborah L. Rudawsky, co-owner.
- Cass Commercial Bank has supported businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based institutions in the St. Louis region with financial services for over 118 years. “The banking industry must work to repair its tarnished reputation and regain the public’s trust. It is gratifying to be recognized for our effort to achieve this higher ethical standard at Cass Bank and we are honored to receive the Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau,” said Dwight Erdbruegger, president.
- Chamberlin Tax Advisory Group gives families peace of mind through tax and wealth planning services. “Chamberlin is honored to receive the Torch Award for Ethics for a second time. This recognition highlights our dedication to provide exceptional retirement planning services to families throughout the United States. The Better Business Bureau's acknowledgment reinforces Chamberlin's ongoing commitment to industry leading excellence,” said Susie Chamberlin, co-founder, and Don Chamberlin, co-founder and CEO.
- Fence and Deck Depot helps customers build the perfect outdoor space with fence and deck installation and design services. “Winning the Torch Award for Ethics signals to customers, employees and all stakeholders that the company operates with high integrity. The award reinforces to our team members that our positive organizational culture and ethical behavior makes us an employer of choice in our field,” said Sean Nesbit, president.
- Fischer & Frichtel Homes constructs custom homes to meet their clients’ unique needs. “We are honored to receive our third Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau. Integrity has been a cornerstone of Fischer and Frichtel since our founding, and we strive to maintain it in our dealings with each other, with our trade partners and, most importantly, with our customers and the community,” said Chris Fischer, product development manager.
- O.J. Laughlin Plumbing Company is a full-service plumbing company that has served customers in the St. Louis region for decades. “The O.J. Laughlin Plumbing Company is a proud recipient of our second BBB Torch Award for Ethics that highlights our company's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and responsibility in everything we do. It strengthens the trust our clients and partners place in us and enhances our reputation as a champion in ethical business conduct,” said Dan Laughlin, president & CEO.
- SLAM Agency is a marketing agency that works with mission-driven organizations to help them make a broader positive impact. “Winning the Torch Award for Ethics proves what we've always believed: Give more in value than you take in payment, and success will follow. It's not just about making a profit – it's about making a positive impact. This award shows that our commitment to putting our clients and community first isn't just the right thing to do, it's good business,” said Tyler Kelley, co-founder and chief strategist.
- SmartHouse Heating & Cooling provides a wide array of heating and cooling services in the St. Louis region, including installation, repairs and maintenance. “There is nothing more central to the operation of our business than integrity and ethics. The Torch Award for Ethics is third-party affirmation to our clients and our team that we live our values every day,” said Marc Bluestone, president.
- St. Louis Back and Knee Center has a team of specialists who provide care for chronic pain, particularly in the knees, neck and back. “Winning the Torch Award for Ethics is a reflection of our team's dedication to not only providing top-quality care, but also doing so with integrity and compassion. This award reinforces our mission to serve our community with ethical, patient-centered care, and we are humbled by the recognition,” said Dr. Dan Gogliotti, owner.
- True Cut Lawn Service and Landscaping LLC helps residential and commercial clients maintain their lawns and achieve their landscaping visions. “Winning the 2024 Torch Award for Ethics is an incredible honor for True Cut Lawn Service and Landscaping LLC. It reaffirms our commitment to integrity, customer trust and the highest standards of service in our industry,” said Michael Hampton II, CEO and founder.
One nonprofit will be recognized for its commitment to transparent, ethical service:
- Gateway Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America supports honorably discharged American veterans who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction, helping them access accessibility renovations and purchase medical equipment. “We are grateful to have been recognized for our efforts in providing exceptional services and programs to our membership of paralyzed veterans. This recognition furthers vital community awareness of and involvement with the Gateway Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America,” said Rose Ganz, president.
Two high school students will be honored with the Student of Ethics Award and receive a $2,500 scholarship:
- Laura Pierre, Cor Jesu Academy, St. Louis, Mo.
- Ayla Schuler, Perryville High School, Perryville, Mo.
The Dave Mungenast Family of Dealerships is the underwriting sponsor for the 2024 St. Louis Torch Awards for Ethics.
