The guest list for Better Business Bureau’s annual celebration of exceptional businesses and charities is set.
Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific has officially revealed the 81 finalists nominated for the region’s 2021 Torch Awards for Ethics. A total of 62 businesses and 19 charities are now competing to be one of up to 23 winners announced as part of the online ceremony scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 28 on the BBB YouTube page.
More than 300 applications were submitted from organizations located throughout BBB Great West + Pacific’s service area. Those regions include Alaska, Central Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Western Wyoming.
Similar to previous years, finalists were selected based on their ability to express their commitment to operational integrity. More specifically, each organization was asked to supply responses to prompts focused on their team’s character, culture, customer engagement, and community involvement.
To summarize, BBB sought to know why the organizations applying for this year’s Torch Awards were worthy of an honor celebrating ethical excellence in the marketplace.
Landing on that determination is no small thing. BBB Torch Awards winners are not simply the recipients of hardware showcased in an office lobby. Yes, that’s part of it, but each winning business or charity embodies something bigger. They’re recognized as community role models – institutions customers and industry partners know they can trust.
For the organizations selected, being named a Torch Awards winner is a legacy-building confirmation of the value their organization offers. As previous winners will attest, the award is a confirmation of character that separates winning organizations from everyone else.
“Competing for this Torch Award is a remarkable value statement,” said John Giacomi, general manager and co-owner of CM Heating, Inc., a 2020 Torch Awards winner. “It blends into your company’s story very well, and it really sets you apart from the competition.”
Finalists vying for this next batch of Torch Awards are one step closer to earning that distinction. Their applications have gone on to be reviewed by a committee of past winners. CEOs and upper-level managers from those organizations are asked to submit scores, and a composite of those results will determine winners from each region.
The type of Torch Awards businesses and charities may ultimately be awarded is determined by the size of their team, the number of years they’ve been in operation, and their non-profit status. Small, Medium and Large Business of the Year honors will be awarded to companies meeting those criteria, along with Charity of the Year recognition and the Spark Award, which is presented to companies that have been in business fewer than five years.
View the list of previous Torch Awards for Ethics winners to see established businesses and charities that are already setting the standard for marketplace trust. For questions about this year’s awards or to find out how to apply next year, connect with us at torchawards@thebbb.org.