BBB believes in the power of trust, and our mission is to advance trust in business. Through evaluation, Accreditation, education, and celebration, BBB builds a community of like-minded businesses that have the opportunity to impact people and communities positively. To us, trust is the glue that holds communities together; it’s the principle BBB was founded on, and it’s what continues to motivate us today.

BBB serving Central Ohio established the Torch Awards for Ethics as an annual awards program to publicly recognize local companies that have practices in place that elevate their commitment to ethical business. The Torch Awards for Ethics is designed to not only promote the importance of building trust, but also the willingness and efforts made by outstanding businesses to help contribute to an honorable marketplace.

BBB has distilled our intentional focus on trust and ethics into four C’s – Character, Culture, Customers, Community, and this is the basis for the Torch Awards entry process. The application outlines the character of the organization’s leadership, how an authentic culture is being fostered, how the company prioritizes its relationship with customers, and the impact the organization is making in their community.

     

 

Nominate a business

Do you know an outstanding local organization? Nominate them for a Torch Award today!

 

Check back for applications in 2025

For additional questions, visit our FAQ page or contact event coordinator Cassy Patterson at cpatterson@centralohio.bbb.org

Interested in applying for a Torch Award? Visit our eligibility and criteria page for more details.

Congratulations to the 2024 winners of the Torch Awards for Ethics!

Ahola Payroll & HR Solutions is redefining payroll and HR nationwide with a personal touch and unmatched transparency. Forget endless contracts and hidden fees—Ahola’s clients enjoy clear pricing, empowered honesty from their sales team, and top-notch, accessible customer service. This family-owned business knows that great culture starts from within. With an employee-first philosophy, they’ve created an engagement committee that works hand-in-hand with leadership to foster meaningful programs and events, connecting deeply with their team at every level.

CARE Heating and Cooling Inc. isn’t your average HVAC company—it’s a pioneer in transparency. For years, they’ve witnessed the Trust customers place in their technicians, which inspired their unique “no performance pay” policy. This approach prioritizes honesty and ensures their technicians always have customers’ best interests at heart. CARE’s dedication to a positive culture is evident in their team-oriented service department, where every voice counts. By separating service and sales, CARE’s clients feel genuinely cared for, creating a ripple effect that allows CARE to deliver the most reliable service in town.

Kane Learning is a boutique consulting firm with a knack for custom solutions and an even bigger heart. Gratitude is woven into their DNA, fostering a unique vibe that clients and team members feel from day one. With open conversations about the state of the business and a culture that encourages everyone to “think like an owner,” Kane Learning’s team is empowered to build genuine, lasting client relationships. And when they’re not going above and beyond for clients, they’re sharing their expertise in strategic planning and leadership development with local nonprofits, generously volunteering their time to support organizations that make a difference in the community.

Milex Complete Auto Care - Mr. Transmission of Columbus, Ohio, offers top-to-bottom automotive services with a special focus on transmission repairs and rebuilds. Honesty and efficiency are at the core of what they do, building trust and long-term relationships with their customers. But their commitment goes further—Milex employees regularly volunteer to provide free car repairs to those in need. Milex also invests in the future of the industry by supporting educational programs and scholarships for aspiring automotive professionals. Their generosity of time and talent truly sets them apart in the world of auto care.

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