BBB Torch Award Winners

From: Evansville Better Business Bureau: October 18, 2007, Evansville, Indiana—The Tri-State Better Business Bureau held their first annual Business Integrity Torch Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at the new Vectren location. The four winners, based on number of employees, were businesses, who displayed exemplary performance in the areas of ethics, quality control, customer satisfaction, public service and leadership. The Torch Award 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. Businesses submitted a packet of information addressing four criteria. 1: Organizations practices—including a statement by the company about its position regarding business integrity and company practices and/or policies that foster positive employee relations. 2: Customers/Vendor/Supplier Relations—company policies and practices that assure excellence in products and/or services, and demonstrate accountability to those being served: vendors and suppliers 3: Marketing/Advertising/Communications/Solicitation Practices—samples or descriptions of the methods the company uses to assure all solicitations, promotional materials and advertisements are truthful and accurate. 4: Reputation within Industry and Community—awards, recognition, news articles and/or complimentary letters from others and examples of sound environmental, health/wellness practices and recognition. All submissions were judged by six volunteers from the Senior Core of Retired Executives and the University of Southern Indiana. The presentation began with an inspiring speech on ethics by pastor and community leader Adrian Brooks. The four winners were: (Category I. – 1-10 employees) H.G. McCullough Designers, Inc. H.G. McCullough offers custom residential, commercial & renovation design services. In attendance were Paul Buchanan, Julie Conley, Harry McCullough, Mary McCullough, Geralyn Ruminer, Kent Ruminer, Elissa Ruminer & Greg Mullen (Category II. – 11-99 employees) R. Bacon Enterprises, Inc. R. Bacon Enterprises, Inc. offers Medical Supplies and Services. In attendance were Karen Bacon, Ron Bacon, Mindy Carlton, Tom Carlton, Jayne Kempf & Brenda Orsburn (Category III. – 100-499 employees) Cintas Corporation Cintas offers textile and uniform sales and service. In attendance were Sabrina Brandon, Brenda Broshears, Chad Payton, Chris Jones, Jaime Reininga, Cathie Thomas, Jerry Wells & Annette Williams (Category IV. – 500+ employees) Holiday World & Splashin Safari Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari is an amusement and water park. In attendance were Rachel Berg, John Chidester, Matt Eckert, Tory Mowery, Eric Snow & Dee Ann Woolems One thousand dollar Student of Integrity scholarships were also given to three high school students. Over 140 high school juniors in 18 Tri-State counties submitted essays on what ethics means to them based on a personal experience. Essays were judged by professors from the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana. Winners were: Amanda Cartwright, Bosse High School; daughter of Dwayne Cartwright. Sierra Rick, Harrison High School; daughter of Mary & Brian Rick. Brittney Joiner, formerly attending Harrison High School; daughter of Granvell & Brenda Pierce.