Better Business Bureau2018 Torch Awards for Ethics

Entry Packet

Preparation Workshop: BBB will offer free workshops at its Burnsville office to assist nominees and representatives of their companies in assembling Torch Awards for Ethics entry packets. Nominees may choose one of the two workshop sessions to attend: June 8, 2018; 10:30-11:30 a.m. OR June 13, 2018; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Workshop participants must pre-register for these sessions at go.bbb.org/mn-nd-events.

CONGRATULATIONS!Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) Torch Awards for Ethics recognize and publicly acknowledge companies who display an outstanding level of ethics, customer service and integrity in all aspects of their operations. These companies generate a high level of trust among their employees, customers and within their communities. This award embodies BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust.

Eligibility and Award CategoriesThe Torch Awards for Ethics is open to all for-profit businesses of any size in Minnesota and North Dakota. Nominees must be in good standing with BBB; however, BBB Accreditation (membership) is not a requirement.

Companies entering the 2018 Torch Awards for Ethics competition will be judged in one of four categories based on their number of employees:

Category I: Companies with 1-10 employeesCategory II: Companies with 11-50 employeesCategory III: Companies with 51-175 employeesCategory IV: Companies with over 175 employees

ExclusionsA company is not eligible to compete if any of the following conditions apply:- They have been in business less than 3 years- They have earned less than a “B” rating from BBB- There are indications they have not met their

financial obligations- They have won this award in the past three years

Judging ProcessEntries for the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics will be reviewed by a panel of volunteer judges independent of BBB and its Board of Directors.

Criteria for selection are based on the six “Principles of Trust!” established by BBB. If your company has been the subject of a major lawsuit, including class-action suits, or adverse government actions in the past three years, this information must be disclosed as part of your entry and will be taken into account. Decisions made by the judges are final.

Key DatesPreparation Workshops: June 8, 2018 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) and June 13, 2018 (12:30-1:30 p.m.)Entry Deadline: July 24, 2018 by 4:00 p.m.Award Ceremony: October 24, 2018, 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. at U.S. Bank Stadium

Questions? Contact Mackenzie Kelley at Mackenzie.Kelley@thefirstbbb.org or 651-695-2482

Submission RequirementsYour business must submit one hard copy of the entry packet to BBB, as well as an electronic copy. Follow these steps to complete your entry:

1. Complete the enclosed entry form. Your signed entry form attests that your company is in full compliance with all laws and has not incurred adverse government action, nor engaged in any other business conduct which would reflect negatively on the company or BBB.

2. Address the questions in each of the six sections listed on the following page.

3. Provide three references from one of each: customer, vendor and community partner.

4. Include evidence of financial integrity such as a current credit report, a bank reference, vendor reference or a Dunn & Bradstreet report.

5. Use tabs to separate the binder into seven sections (one for each criteria and another for references and financial documents). Videos, DVD or CD media will not be reviewed.

6. Include any supporting documents (examples of policies, manuals, communications, etc.) in the correlating sections.

7. Include company name on the cover and spine of the binder.

8. Submit one hard copy of your entry to BBB. The entry must be in a 1-inch, 3-ring binder.

9. Submit your electronic copy of your completed entry to bbb.org/minnesota/ta-entry.

10. Please retain a copy of your completed entry. All submitted entries become the property of BBB and cannot be returned.

11. Mail or drop off your completed entry to: Better Business Bureau ATTN: Mackenzie Kelley 220 S. River Ridge Circle Burnsville, MN 55337

The official Torch Awards for Ethics entry deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 2018.

2018 TORCH AWARDS FOR ETHICS - ENTRY GUIDELINESA company should demonstrate its commitment to high ethical standards of behavior and provide documentation in all of the six sections noted below. We understand that each company is unique and has different needs, experience and policies. It is not necessary to address all of the suggested content in each of the six sections; they are merely provided as illustrations of possible content to demonstrate that criteria. We encourage you to find examples of your leaders’and/or organization’s practices that best exemplify each, or any, of the six Principles of Trust!

For each section provide a narrative summary that addresses the content or questions asked.

Section 1: Transformation at the TopInclude a letter from the CEO/President or Owner that includes a personal statement of their commitment to ethical business practices.

Suggestions for content:- A statement of the leader’s or leadership team’s personal code of ethics and how this code became significant- Participation in workshops/conferences or training in ethics- Examples of ethical challenges faced and how they were resolved- Examples of any public statement (speech, advertising or publication) of the leader’s commitment to ethics- How the leaders are transparent, value candor or receive feedback from the organization, vendors or customers

Section 2: Reinforce and BuildDescribe how your organization uses internal and external communication and/or activities that help your organization intentionally build and maintain an ethical culture and practice.

Suggestions for content:- How new employees are informed and/or trained in the company’s ethical policies- How the CEO/President/Owner’s personal code of ethics is communicated to employees, vendors or customers- Tools or activities that model, mentor, teach and reinforce defined character ethics as part of management communications/practices- Use of a character code or content in staff meetings- Vendor relations manuals, customer policies and stakeholder relations procedures (narrative description only)- How ethical behaviors of employees are identified and recognized

Section 3: Unite the TeamDescribe how your organization’s vision/mission statement is put into practice. Provide if desired, copies of any organizational statements such as ‘Vision’, ‘Mission’, ‘Core’, or ‘Business Values’ in the supporting document section with pertinent section highlighted.

Suggestions for content:- A description of how these statements are shared with existing and potential employees- Measurements your organization routinely uses to gauge progress or adherence of vision and mission- Description of how you solicit feedback collected from the marketplace and staff and how you use this information to make

adjustments to your organization’s practices to better match the vision/mission- How recognition/celebration or other practices are used to unite employees and reinforce the mission or values- Compensation systems/factors that help to unite employees- Examples of training and policies that assist employees in carrying out ethical practices and behaviors

Section 4: Steer PerformanceDescribe how your organization implements the best management practices and encourages employees to pursue and develop expertise in their areas of responsibility.

Suggestions for content:- Establishment of annual goals and targets for the organization- Clear measurements to evaluate progress and adjust plans to accomplish goals- Establishment of department or individual objectives or targets, Including timeframes and responsibilities- Practices using performance information to encourage, guide and motivate- Accountability and compensation systems for high performance- Rewards and recognition that integrate performance and high character or ethical behavior

Section 5: Treasure PeopleDescribe how your human resource practices prepare, support, recognize and provide opportunities for growth in both competency and ethical behavior for staff members.

Suggestions for content:- Hiring practices that ensure people are hired for character- Unique systems and processes for training and preparing staff- Description of practices and procedures to resolve ethical issues- Organizational disciplinary practices for low character and low competency behaviors- Descriptions of how ethical behaviors of employees are identified and recognized- Description of policies and procedures to ensure employees are treated fairly & respectfully & that workplace safety is assured- Mechanisms or procedures for employees professional development, termination practices and your employee turnover rates- Operational structures or systems that support each employee’s ability to perform

Section 6: Enthusiastically ReinvestDescribe your company’s community support and service activities within your industry and community.

Suggestions for content:- Participation in industry organizations and their activities to promote best practices- Description of how employees are encouraged to and recognized for spending time in community service activities that the

organization values- Description of any contribution of funds, or in-kind services to community programs that is consistent with the organization’s values

and character- Description of how the company’s advertising, operations, risk management, governance and regulatory compliance behaviors are

assessed against proven standards- Proof of achievement with any industry benchmarks for high standards of business excellence

“Receiving the Torch Award is truly an honor and a privilege. Winning this award has helped us to expand our network of customers and supply partners because they know we not only talk about service with integrity, but we deliver on that promise every day. We display the award prominently as a constant reminder of the values our company is built upon. It has been hugely beneficial to be supported and recognized by Better Business Bureau.”Discount Steel2017 Torch Award Winner

“Winning the Torch Award has been seen among our employees and peers as one of the highest achievements one can reach. Every time we point it out to a prospective client we raise eyebrows. There’s been a big promotional win for us as well, as we’ve leveraged the branding and story everywhere.”Murphy Bros. Design | Build | Remodel2017 Torch Award Winner

“This was a great project for the company as a whole. Winning has really enhanced the relationships and trust with our vendors, customers and even amongst coworkers. We have the word integrity on our uniforms and on our vehicles, but having the Torch Award displayed has encouraged everyone in the company to raise their character to a higher level. It takes a lot of work and focus to apply for the Torch Award, but the results are worth it.”Omega Force Services2017 Torch Award Winner

“The honor of winning the Torch Award has played a motivating role as we continue to expand our revamped customer experience program that is the foundation of our business growth model: delivering a world-class experience our homeowners expect and deserve. The entry process was rigorous, but it was also a unique opportunity to really dig into - and then document - so many of the unique and inspiring parts of the Renewal by Andersen culture. ”Renewal by Andersen2017 Torch Award Winner

Thank you to our sponsors for their support!

Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakotabbb.org • 800-646-6222

Better Business Bureau FoundationThe mission of BBB’s 501(c)3 educational foundation is to provide resources and training

on ethics as well as combat marketplace fraud that targets at-risk consumers. To learn more about our programs or to give a secure, tax deductible donation to the BBB

Foundation, please visit bbb.org/Minnesota/get-involved/donate.