BBB Torch Award Information
The BBB is proud to announce our Annual Torch Awards! This year non-profit organizations will be allowed to compete for the first time! Businesses whose primary markets are local, state or federal government are not eligible for these awards. Nominees must be in good standing with the BBB; however, accreditation in the BBB is not a requirement. For-profit companies will compete in three different categories – Marketplace Ethics, Customer Service and Community Service. They will also compete in four different size categories so companies of the same size will be competing against one another.
Entries for the BBB Torch Awards will be reviewed by three judges independent of the BBB’s staff and Board of Directors. Please submit all entries in English. The judges may request additional information from any company at any time. If your company has been the object of major lawsuits, including class action suits, or government actions in the past three years, this information must be disclosed as part of your entry. Decisions of the judges are final. BBB does not participate in any way in the judging process.
You can mail your entries to our office or upload your entries to a distinctive e-mail address of torchawards@atlanta.bbb.org along with any attachments you like directly to the BBB where we will make the copies and send the information to the judges. Application form is required for both paper and electronic entries.
There is a $200 entry fee per category. The entry fee includes one ticket to the Torch Award ceremony. Companies may compete in all three categories but must pay separate entry fees for each category. Additional tickets can be purchased at a cost of $75 per ticket. The entry fee can be submitted along with the company’s Torch Award entry via the Internet with credit card, debit card and electronic check information. Companies may also mail in their financial information. Entries will not be submitted to the judges until the entry fee has been received.
Secure Online Payment.
All Torch Award entrants will be asked to submit a jpeg copy of their company logo to be used at the Torch Award’s ceremony.
The deadline for submitting entries is January 31, 2010. Judging will be completed by March 15, 2010 and the winners will be announced at the Torch Award’s luncheon (time and date to be announced).
Criteria & Categories for the 2010 BBB Torch Award’s
BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics Criteria
:
Companies will submit in a Word document, not to exceed 1,000 words, reasons why their company should be considered for this award. Included in the document should be the following:
1. Information highlighting specific business and management practices relevant to the award.
2. Information that shows the company’s commitment to fair and honest conduct in the marketplace.
3. Information from the company showing their position regarding business integrity and ethical practices. This includes a formally adopted policy or mission statement.
BBB Torch Award For Customer Service Criteria:
Companies will submit in a Word document, not to exceed 1,000 words, reasons why their company should be considered for this award. Included in this document should be the following:
1. Information included in their Customer Service Policy that specifically highlights ethics in customer service.
2. Information regarding training of employees with regard to Customer Service.
3. Provide specific information regarding how the company deals with consumer complaints.
4. Company should attach at least three letters from customers regarding outstanding Customer Service.
BBB Torch Award For Community Service Criteria:
Companies will submit in a Word document, not to exceed 1,000 words, reasons why their company should be considered for this award. Included in this document should be the following:
1. Information regarding the company’s participation with any charity or community organization.
2. Information regarding individual employee’s outstanding participation with any charity or community organization.
3. Information why participation with a charity or community organization is important to the company and its employees.
4. If applicable, please identify the amount of monetary donations provided as well as the nature and volume of in-kind goods (i.e., products, food, etc.) and in-kind services (i.e. volunteer work) contributed to charities and/or community organizations.
*In this category, a company can upload pictures of trophies, plaques, certificates and other items that show their participation in community organizations.
BBB Humanitarians of Trust Award
Criteria for charitable organizations:
1. All entrants must have been evaluated by BBB and meet all 20 standards for charitable accountability. Entrants are not required to be BBB accredited.
2. Charity must provide a list of all program services and how each program benefits the community.
3. Charity must provide a minimum of five letters from people/organizations they have assisted. Each letter must detail specifically the way the charity has improved or helped the individual or organization. General or generic letters of thanks will not be acceptable.
4. The charity’s executive director or principal officer must submit a written document, not to exceed 1,000 words, on why they believe their organization should be recognized as a Torch Award winner for outstanding Charitable Organization.
Size Categories for Charitable Organizations:
Category I – Revenue of less than $100,000 per fiscal year
Category II – Revenue of $100,001 - $500,000 per fiscal year
Category III – Revenue of $100,000 to $1,000,000 per fiscal year
Category IV – Revenue of $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 per fiscal year
Category V – Revenue exceeding $10,000,000 per fiscal year
If you have any questions, please contact Dottie Callina at dcallina@atlanta.bbb.org or 404-762-4406. We wish you the best of luck!