Better Business Bureau Recognizes Marketplace Ethics In Tri-State Businesses and Nonprofit Organizations Recognized for Doing The Right Thing

Cincinnati, OH–Integrity. Trust. Fair play. Honest competition. Truth in advertising. Sometimes in today's fast-paced world, companies forget the basic rules of an ethical marketplace in their effort to capture the illusive share of the pie. The BBB, founded with a mission to see that all share in the opportunity through a fair and equitable marketplace, has recognized 14 businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Tri-state area for their commitment to the ideals of marketplace ethics. Their efforts shine a light on better business for all.

At a gala evening at the Cincinnati's Music Hall, the Better Business Bureau celebrated the winners and finalists of the Bureau's 2003 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

The Torch Award recipients were chosen by a distinguished panel of independent judges that included: Michael Carroll, Dean, College of Business, Northern Kentucky University; James Cohen, Vice President, CMC Properties (2001 BBB Torch Award Winner, 2002 International Torch Award Winner); Sandra Hughes, Global Privacy Executive, Procter & Gamble. The judges evaluated the applications based on the eight judging criteria established by the Council of Better Business Bureaus and the International Torch Award Program. The finalists were chosen by the judges based on the overall scores; the Torch Award recipient being the top finalist in each category.

"Nothing encompasses the spirit and tradition of the BBB more than the Torch Award, which recognizes and honors those businesses and organizations who fully commit themselves to ethical practices in all aspects of their business dealings," stated Jocile Ehrlich, president of the Bureau.

Ehrlich added, "More than 120 companies and organizations were nominated this year. Our 10 finalists and four winners are the embodiment of what the BBB has been saying is good about business in the Tri-State area."

2003 Torch Award Winners and Finalists Are:

Business Category One
(1 — 9 employees) Winner: C-Forward Finalist: Libertas Technologies

Business Category Two
(10 — 99 employees) Winner: Neal's Remodeling Finalists: Mechanical Finishing, Inc. and Print Management

Business Category Three
(100 + employees) Winner: Coldwell Banker West Shell Finalists: Champion Window Manufacturing, Inc. and Gilkey Window Company, Inc.

Nonprofit Category Winner: The American Red Cross, Cincinnati Area Chapter Finalists: Cincinnati Bible College & Seminary, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, People Working Cooperatively, Santa Maria Community Services and Working in NeighborhoodsThe Cincinnati BBB was founded in 1926 when the economy was roaring. Consumers needed to be able to rely and trust the companies they dealt with on a daily basis. The BBB's founding members recognized that need and formed an organization that would set standards, lead the way, and promote a better, respectable and more ethical marketplace. The Torch Awards are a continuation of the BBB&'s 77-year tradition and commitment to furthering that mission.
For more information about the Torch Award Program for Marketplace Ethics, contact the Cincinnati Better Business Bureau at 513.421.3165 or 800.471.3015.