Local organizations honored for dedication to integrity and ethical business practices.
The Torch Awards for Ethics is the most prestigious honor BBBGWP bestows on businesses and charities operating within its eight-state service area. Winners are selected based on their commitment to operational integrity and ethical business practices.
Media Contacts:
Roseann Freitas, PR and Communications Manager | roseann.freitas@thebbb.org
Whitney Slade, Communications Director | pr-communications@thebbb.org
ANCHORAGE, AK. Oct. 28, 2021 - Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific (BBBGWP) announced two businesses and one charity as winners of the 2021 Torch Awards for the state of Alaska.
Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals – Small Business of the Year
EBO Consulting Inc.– Spark Recipient
Catholic Social Services – Charity of the Year
The Torch Awards for Ethics is the most prestigious honor BBBGWP bestows on businesses and charities operating within its eight-state service area. Winners are selected based on their commitment to operational integrity and ethical business practices.
“We were thrilled to receive more than 300 Torch Awards submissions this year from businesses and charities alike,” said Tyler Andrew, president and CEO of BBBGWP. “It was truly inspiring to learn how each business makes a daily commitment to not only uphold ethical business practices, but also embody the true meaning of integrity. We hope this recognition helps the winners and finalists stand out in their local communities and encourage more businesses to operate with those same principles.”
Each organization was asked to supply responses to prompts focused on their team's character, culture, customer engagement, and community involvement.
Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals, established in 2018 in Anchorage, has left a statewide impression, having sold millions of dollars in inventory to customers across the globe. “We work with a variety of clientele who are dealing with difficult situations in their lives; whether dealing with death, divorce, downsizing, departing the state, or dealing with a family member’s estate; we operate with compassion,” said Marketing Director & Auction Manager, Abigail McLagan.
Catholic Social Services, established in 1996 in Anchorage, serves the poor and those in need, strengthens individuals and families, and advocates for social justice. “Through serving our guests and meeting their needs, we strive to help them build hopeful and fulfilled lives,” said Annual Giving Director, Celeste Earley. “We treat everyone with respect and ensure that clients’ privacy and identities are protected by not using names, pictures, or other identifying details when discussing success stories with the public.”
EBO Consulting Inc., established in 2018 in Anchorage, comprises a team of specialized consultants to help businesses innovate, even during trying times. “At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EBO team provided pro-bono support to local businesses seeking emergency funding for nearly 12 weeks,” said Owner and COO, Emily Berliner. “We saw a significant impact providing this community service, with eight small businesses awarded over $215,000 in grant funds.”
Torch Awards winners from each state were announced as part of a virtual ceremony held on Oct. 28, 2021. Learn more about the impact of the BBB Torch Awards from previous winners featured in the “Passing the Torch” video series.
ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2020, people turned to BBB more than 160 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including BBB Great West & Pacific, which serves more than 20 million consumers in Alaska, Central Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Western Wyoming.
