Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics

Transcription

1 Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics trust performance integrity entry form 2009 PRESENTING SPONSOR PRESENTING SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR

2 what are the torch awards for marketplace ethics? The mission of your Better Business Bureau is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education, and service excellence. In this spirit, your BBB conducts an annual awards program to gain public recognition for businesses and organizations that maintain a solid commitment to conducting their business practices in an ethical fashion. Each year, companies of different sizes are selected through a regional competition to receive a Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. Winning entries will then be forwarded to the Council of Better Business s 2010 International Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics competition. The Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics is designed to promote not only the importance of ethical business practices, but the willingness and efforts made by outstanding businesses to ensure that our marketplace remains fair and honorable. Every winner and finalist of a BBB Torch Award has an unprecedented opportunity for public recognition and well-deserved visibility. who is eligible? The Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics is open to all businesses and organizations that service San Diego and/or Imperial County markets. Companies must be in good standing with the BBB; however, BBB Accreditation is not a requirement for entry or consideration. For your entry to be considered the following five-steps must be met: 1 Prepare your entry, addressing all four criteria and include summary 2 Complete the entry form 3 Submit the entry fee 4 List references 5 Sign the compliance statement who judges the awards? Candidates for the Better Business Bureau s 2009 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics will be evaluated by a panel of judges from the business and academic community who are independent of the Better Business Bureau. The judges may request additional information. The decisions of the judges are final. The four criteria will be judged equally, each carrying a maximum point value of ten, for a total of 40 points.

3 step 1 preparing your entry A company should demonstrate its superior commitment to exceptional standards that benefit its customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and surrounding communities. The company must provide supporting documentation in four areas for consideration (below). While examples from all four areas must be provided, the bullet points below are only suggestions and not all bullet points are required to be addressed in order for a company to compete. Entries must be submitted on 8.5 x 11 paper, with the total entry limited to a 2-inch, three-ring binder. Tabs must separate the binder into four sections corresponding to judging criteria, and include materials that speak to the firm s strengths regarding each of the criteria. Judges will not review video, DVD, CD or Web-based products. Along with addressing the four criteria listed below, entries must also include a two-page summary (max) that: Explains why the company merits consideration for the award Highlights specific business and management practices relevant to the award Illustrates the company s commitment to standards that build trust in the marketplace Explains the company s position on integrity and standards of conduct in relationships with all stakeholders including a formally adopted policy or mission statement. 1 management practices* Pertinent sections from an employee handbook, company manual or training program (formal or informal) showing how the company s commitment to exceptional standards are communicated to and implemented by employees A vision, mission or core values statement describing the company s commitment to exceptional standards thatbenefit its customers, employees, suppliers, share holders and surrounding communities Formal training and/or procedures used to address concerns an employee may have in dealing with ethical issues Management practices and policies that foster positive employee relations Employee benefits and/or work place practices contributing to the quality of family life Actions taken to assess and mitigate risks, and prevent workplace injury Examples of sound environmental practices Examples of operational practices focused on security and privacy issues on and offline Illustrations of your company s commitment to standards that build trust in the marketplace (i.e. customer service program, employee relation policy or practice, vendor/supplier relationship, etc.) Existence of Ombudsman, Compliance Office or Ethics Officer (a person who investigates and attempts to resolve complaints and problems, maintains the ethics culture, responsible for being one of the key knowledge and contact points on issues relating to corporate principles and ethics). 2 community/investor/stakeholder relations Examples of the company s vision,mission and/or core values statement in action describing how the company s beliefs have been leveraged for the benefit of consumers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and surrounding communities Company policies and practices that demonstrate accountability and responsibility to communities, investors and other stakeholder audiences Corporate governance practices address accountability and responsibility to shareholders Complimentary feedback from customers, vendors, suppliers and /or community leaders Actions taken by the company demonstrating service beyond the call of duty Brief case study examples of circumstances in which the company made tough decisions that had negative short-term consequences, but created long-term value and benefits Examples of, and results produced by pro bono work Examples of the company working closely within the community and making a positive social impact and any recognition for charitable and/or community service projects and ethics). 3 communications and marketing practices Descriptions of methods the company uses to ensure all sales, promotional materials and advertisements are truthful and accurate Sales training policies and/or codes of ethics used by sales personnel that ensure all transactions are made in a transparent, honest manner Crisis communications efforts and associated marketing actions that educated audiences, prevented negative outcomes and restored trust and confidence in the company, its products and services Examples of internal communications practices benefiting employees and contributing to overall company effectiveness and efficiency 4 industry reputation Media coverage reflecting the company s industry and community reputation as a trustworthy business Awards, recognition and/or complimentary letters from within the company s industry, trade group or community *Note: Owners of companies with no employees must explain how a personal commitment to exceptional standards is applied in business practices.

4 step 2 entry form Company Name Company began business in San Diego or Imperial County on Website Address Address Product / Service President / Owner Street Address City Zip Telephone ( ) Fax ( ) I would like to enter the 2009 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics competition in the following category: 1-4 Employees Employees Employees 500+ Employees 5-10 Employees Employees Employees Charity/Non-Profit This Official Entry is being submitted by: Name Title Telephone ( ) Fax ( ) Relationship to company being entered step 3 entry fee These fees help fund the Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics Scholarship Program: Check Enclosed for $25 Please Charge $25 to My Credit Card MC Visa American Express Card Number Exp. Date Passcode Name on Card Signature entry deadline: september 4, 2009, 5pm Need Help? Call Andrea McNelis at (858) Your BBB offers free, one hour How to Enter the Torch Awards workshops. Call (858) for more information and upcoming workshop dates.

5 step 4 references Company, Customer or Client Name Address Telephone 1. ( ) 2. ( ) 3. ( ) 4. ( ) 5. ( ) Suppliers 1. ( ) 2. ( ) 3. ( ) 4. ( ) 5. ( ) step 5 compliance statement We understand that the judges may request a site visit. We agree to host the visit and to facilitate an open and unbiased examination. We also understand that by signing this application we certify our compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations governing our business or industry. We further understand that any government action must be disclosed in the entry. Any misstatement of material fact may justify recession of the award. Presenting sponsors are not eligible to enter contest. We agree that we will abide by BBB guidelines for referencing the BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in any advertising or public announcement. Please send entries and supporting materials to the Better Business Bureau, 5050 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 110, San Diego, CA Entry forms are also available online, at All submitted entries become property of the San Diego BBB. Winners entries cannot be returned. Authorizing Official (Please Print Name) Title Signature Date

6 2008 winners and finalists: 1-4 employess Herr Photography, Winner Velocity Audio Visual Services, Finalist Coastal Payroll Services, Finalist 5-10 employees Murray Lampert Construction, Winner VanBerg Construction, Finalist ALM Window & Door Inc, Finalist employees K-CO Construction Company, Winner Groovy Like a Movie, Finalist employees Marrokal Construction, Winner Anderson Plumbing Heating & Air, Finalist Action Air Conditioning & Heating, Finalist employees JW Floor Covering, Winner Frank Motors, Finalist Toyota of El Cajon, Finalist employees SkillStorm Commercial Services, Winner charity/non-profit Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Winner United Through Reading, Finalist The Better Business Bureau 5050 Murphy Canyon Road Suite 110 San Diego, CA or visit bbb.org