BBB Torch Awards for Ethics logo

BBB of Upstate New York Torch Award for Ethics

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honors organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character, ensure that the organization’s practices meet the highest standards of ethics, and consequently generate trust with its customers and the community.

The Torch Award embodies BBB’s mission of advancing business trust.

The application period for the 2024 Torch Award opens on September 1st and applications are due on January 15, 2024.

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The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honors organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character, ensure that the organization’s practices meet the highest standards of ethics, and consequently generate trust with its customers and the community. The Torch Award embodies BBB’s mission of advancing business trust.

Eligibility & Criteria

The Torch Awards is open to for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes located within BBB of Upstate New York's 48 county service areas. 

  • BBB Accreditation is not required

  • For profit and 501(c)(6) applicants must have a minimum of a “B” rating with BBB

  • 501(c)(3) non-profit applicants must complete the Charitable Standards Evaluation process and meet all BBB Standards for Charity Accountability

  • Organizations must have been in business for three years and meet BBBs 8 Standards of Trust

  • All financial obligations must be met

  • Applicants are not eligible if they have received the Torch Award in the past five years

  • Government agencies are not eligible to submit an application

A business/charity meeting these guidelines may also be nominated for the award.

The Judging Process


Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders. Your written submission - including examples, stories and documents - should provide a robust and accurate depiction of your organizations focus on character, culture, customers and community. Supporting documents and attachments can range from handbooks, internal documentation or photos from events.

The Application


Each applicant will be asked to provide the following:

Organization Information
  • Organization name
  • Organization address
  • Owner/CEO/executive director name
  • Email address
  • Phone
  • Fax (if applicable)
  • Total number of full-time employees
  • Total number of contracted workers (if applicable)
  • Total number of part-time employees
  • Total number of volunteers (if applicable)
  • Type of organization
  • Brief description of organization
  • Name and location of parent organization (if applicable)
  • Organization entry contact email address, name, title and phone number
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
References

Contacts who can vouch for your positive and ethical business practices.


** These criteria were recommended by the 2020 Torch Award Task Force and the Center for Character Ethics. They were adopted by the CCE and tested by BBB Columbus, OH.  
** The criteria were approved and adopted by the Excellence Committee on Dec. 3, 2020.

2024 Torch Award for Ethics Recipients


Learn more about the 2024 Torch Award Recipients by clicking the links below!



Consumer Directed Choices

Large Nonprofit Category
 

Diamond Collision

Small For Profit Category
 

Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning

Large For Profit Category
 

Skyline Builders, Pink Rose Home Service

Mid-Size For Profit Category
 

United Way of the Adirondack Region

Small Nonprofit Category

 

For more information about the Torch Award for Ethics, reach out to Bret Dewhurst by phone 518-633-2227 or email at bdewhurst@upstatenybbb.org.