(Boise, ID) Tuesday, May 3, 2022 - Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific (BBB GWP) officially announces the opening of the 2022 Torch Awards for Ethics application within its eight-state area servicing Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Western Wyoming and Central Colorado.

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honors exemplary organizations for their dedication to integrity and ethical standards. BBB GWP selects businesses in the following tiers for each of the service area regions.

Tier 1: Small Business of the Year
Tier 2: Medium Business of the Year
Tier 3: Large Business of the Year
Spark Award: Companies between one - five years old
Luminare Award for Service: Exceptional Philanthropy

“The Torch Awards is the opportunity for businesses to be honored by one of the most recognized symbols of trust in the marketplace,” said Tyler Andrew, president and CEO of BBB GWP. “Our rigorous application process challenges businesses to assess their operational standards and illustrate how they’re building trust with their employees, customers, and communities.”

Award selection will be based on responses to prompts focused on the character of the organization’s leadership, examples of how an authentic culture is being fostered, how the company prioritizes its relationship with customers, and the impact the organization is making in its community.

“Applying for a BBB Torch Award helped us reflect on how we do business and how we can further improve our operations, “said Peter Svedin, founder and CEO of Lifetime Windows and Siding. “Winning the Torch Award proves that we operate ethically and with honesty. It comes with a great deal of pride and lets us know that we are doing business the right way and that we are a trusted community partner."

BBB, in partnership with BBB Wise Giving Alliance, is also thrilled to announce the distribution of a new award in 2022. The BBB Luminare Award for Service honors individuals who prioritize philanthropy and have made a meaningful impact through their charitable initiatives. Nominees for this award have demonstrated qualities of compassion, volunteerism and community leadership.

Applications are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders that have previously received a Torch Award.

All businesses that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply. BBB Accreditation is not required. The link to the application, along with the criteria and eligibility requirements can be found at trust-bbb.org/torch-awards.

The nomination form for the Luminare Service Award can be found at trust-bbb.org/luminare. Individuals are welcome to nominate themselves.

Torch Awards winners from each state will be announced as part of a virtual ceremony to be held later this year. To learn more about last year’s ceremony and past winners, click here.

About BBB: For more than 100 years the Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit, has upheld high standards for fair and honest business practices. BBB specialty services are membership-based for businesses and free for consumers. BBB provides objective advice on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, consumer alerts and educational information on topics related to marketplace trust. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Visit BBB.org for more information.