In 1996, the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) started the BBB International Torch Award program to recognize companies for fair, honest and ethical business practices. Each year four companies, from small and medium-sized enterprises to multi-national corporations were honored at a CBBB-hosted event.
For 2008, the BBB International Torch Awards program will undergo some changes. In line with the BBB System mission of advancing trust in the marketplace, the BBB International Torch Awards program will focus on a distinct ‘marketplace trust’ theme. Changes to the program are designed to increase visibility for the BBB System, award recipients, and the issue of trust in the marketplace.
The BBB International Torch Awards program will now recognize two businesses and one individual in the following three categories:
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Marketplace Excellence - presented to a business in recognition of their superior commitment to exceptional standards that benefit their consumers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and surrounding communities.
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Advancing Marketplace Trust – presented to a business in recognition of an action, program, or sustainment activities that significantly and positively contribute to advancing trust in the marketplace.
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Consumer Leadership – presented to an individual who has significantly advanced marketplace trust through consumer advocacy, protection or education, through a specific action or lifetime achievement.
The award for Marketplace Excellence is open to all for-profit businesses in North America that provide goods or services to retail and/or wholesale markets. Non-profit organizations or businesses whose primary markets are local, state or federal governments are NOT ELIGIBLE for this award.
BBBs in Canada and the United States conduct local competitions, forwarding winning entries for consideration in this category. Businesses may also self-nominate for the Marketplace Excellence category.
The Advancing Marketplace Trust and Consumer Leadership awards are new categories for 2008. Nominees for these awards will be selected via closed nomination process. Finalists will be nominated by a committee of industry experts and BBB leaders, and the winning business and individual will be selected by an independent panel of judges.
All business nominees must be in good standing with the BBB; however, BBB Accredited Business status is not a requirement for entry or consideration.