BBB Cincinnati Torch Awards winners

Meet this year’s Torch Awards winners, selected by a panel of community leader judges for their ethical operations, standout workplace cultures, and dedication to giving back to the community.

Winners were revealed at the 2024 Torch Awards for Ethics and Spark Awards Gala on Thursday, October 3 at The Summit Hotel.

2024 Torch Awards for Ethics winners

Apple Spice Junction logo with headshot of Doug Siebenburgen, Owner & General Manager Doug Siebenburgen, Owner & General Manager
Apple Spice Junction

Apple Spice is a locally owned and -operated corporate catering company delivering superior box lunches and hot food buffets throughout Greater Cincinnati. Founded in 2005, the foodservice company believes in hard work, honesty, and making a difference in the community through a culture of excellence and mentorship that empowers staff to do the right thing. Apple Spice often partners with staff members in their community service, supporting causes near and dear to employees including local schools, sports teams, fundraisers, and youth organizations.

Brighton Center, Inc. logo with headshot of Wonda Winkler, President & CEO Wonda Winkler, President & CEO
Brighton Center, Inc.

From modest beginnings in 1966 in a Newport, Kentucky, storefront, Brighton Center is a private community-based nonprofit that has grown to provide a comprehensive range of programs and services. With a mission to create opportunities for individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency, their initiatives range from financial, workforce development, and homeownership services to substance abuse recovery aid for women, neighborhood-based programs, and early childhood education. Last year, Brighton Center served 24,986 people through 45 programs in Northern Kentucky and beyond.

Dress for Success Cincinnati logo with headshot of Lisa Nolan, President & CEO Lisa Nolan, President & CEO
Dress for Success Cincinnati

Global not-for-profit organization Dress for Success helps unemployed and underemployed women achieve economic independence. Founded in 1999, Dress for Success Cincinnati (DFSC) is the only life-long career assistance and job retention program in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky focused specifically on the needs of women and their families. While best known for offering interview and work attire, the Norwood, Ohio-based nonprofit provides a range of career development programs and client services. Over 25 years, DFSC and its mission-driven staff has transformed the lives of more than 25,000 women.

Everdry Waterproofing of Cincinnati logo with headshot of Kate Oleksiak, Owner; James Begley, General Manager; and Mary Kelly, Owner [Left to right] Kate Oleksiak, Owner; James Begley, General Manager; and Mary Kelly, Owner
Everdry Waterproofing of Cincinnati

Everdry Waterproofing of Cincinnati is a full-service waterproofing and foundation repair company based in West Chester, Ohio. Launched in 1984, their mission is to provide customers with the benefits of a dry, structurally secure basement leading to a safe and healthy home through education, honesty, quality control, and customer satisfaction. Serving more than clients, Everdry Waterproofing’s community education program empowers employees to teach homeowners common foundation issues and DIY fixes at public events and community activities.

The Everzocial Group logo with headshot of Kevin McGrew, CEO Kevin McGrew, CEO
The Everzocial Group

Everzocial is a full-service digital marketing agency based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Temecula, California, specializing in web design, SEO, online advertising, and social media marketing services to help businesses grow their revenue and online presence since 2012. Committed to ethical practices and exceptional service with a focus on supporting organizations that serve the community, Everzocial offers pro bono digital marketing services to local nonprofits, sponsors various community events and fundraisers, and mentors students through paid internship programs with Miami University and Rising Leaders Cincinnati.

Optimized Senior Living logo with headshot of Lindsay McLaughlin, Founder & CEO Lindsay McLaughlin, Founder & CEO
Optimized Senior Living

Optimized Senior Living is a family-owned and operated boutique-style assisted living business opened in 2018. They provide personalized and holistic care for seniors with compassion, integrity, and dignity in their family-style, faith-based assisted living home in Lebanon, Ohio. Employees use their creativity and heart to make an impact on residents through unique activities like Olympic games and monthly family gatherings, plus open-to-the-community events ranging from a fall arts and craft festival to open houses and wine and mingle functions.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati logo with headshot of Jennifer Loeb, CEO Jennifer Loeb, CEO
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati

Established in 1982, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati offers a community of compassion, support, and the comforts of home to families with critically ill children, steps away from the medical care they need at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. In 2023, they saved $13.5 million for 2,525 families in need through more than 60,000 nights of care and 162,000+ meals served. The charity also gives back to their community by supporting Avondale schools and other local programs including the Avondale Community Garden.


Thanks to our 2024 Torch Awards judges!