BBB Names Winners of 2010 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama, Inc. hosted its 13th Annual 
Torch Awards celebration today at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville and announced the winners and finalists of its Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The BBB also recognized four North Alabama students who were selected to receive this years' Torch Scholarships. Hernandez Roofing and Torch Technologies, Inc., both winners of the BBB's Torch Award in 2009, served as the event's Presenting Sponsors.
More than 140 companies and non-profit organizations were nominated for the Torch Award and were given the opportunity to submit information regarding their ethical relationships with customers, employees and vendors. A prestigious panel comprised of representatives of the academic and business community judged the entries. Thirty-eight businesses and organizations accepted their nomination and provided an entry for the Torch Award.
The BBB awarded the 2010 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics to: WaveLink, Inc. in the Small Business Category (1 to 25 employees); LogiCore Corporation in the Mid-Size Company Category (26-99 employees); Sigmatech, Inc. in the Large Business Category (100+ employees) and the Women's Business Center of North Alabama in the Non-Profit Category.
WaveLink, Inc., a provider of program management and 
technical support to major defense acquisition programs including aviation, rocket and missile, was recognized for their commitment to marketplace ethics and integrity. This company is dedicated to the creation of robust business and working relationships that are built on a solid foundation of trust, candor, loyalty and forthrightness. Tamela Gibbs accepts the award from Jay Rape, 2010 Chairman of BBB Board of Directors.
LogiCore Corporation, an information technology, integrated logistics and 
engineering support company, was recognized for their commitment to quality. They recognize that successful relationships are built on trust, honesty and integrity, and endeavor to earn a reputation that enjoys these values. Rachele Fears accepts the award for LogiCore.
Sigmatech, Inc., a government contractor offering 
systems analysis, engineering and integration, was recognized for having seven core values including: integrity, loyalty, respect, excellence, teamwork, passion, and recognizing the customer is the reason they exist. Their employees share a responsibility to maintain the highest standard of ethical business practices, ensuring a workplace they can be proud of. General Joseph Bergantz, CEO, accepts the award from Jay Rape.
Women's Business Center of North Alabama, received their award in 
recognition of their values which include: complete client confidentiality, responsiveness to client needs, constructive feedback, fair and equal treatment for all, respect for clients and their endeavors and adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct. Joanne Randolph, President, Stephanie Sellers and Kimberly Ford, Board Chair, accept the award from Jay Rape.
The Torch Awards celebration also included the 9th annual presentation of Torch Scholarships. Scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 each were presented to Anna Crumbley of Bob Jones High School, Kristin Ford of Lawrence County High School, Patricia Taylor of Covenant Christian Academy, and Jacob Wallace of Lexington High School.
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| Kristin Ford, Anna Crumbley, Jacob Wallace, and Patricia Taylor |
The scholarships were sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles - Auxiliary #3263, the Greater Huntsville Rotary Foundation, Intuitive Research & Technology, Kabco Builders, Inc., Kratos Defense Security Solutions, Redstone Federal Credit Union, and Torch Technologies, Inc.
During the local awards luncheon, twelve other companies and non-profit organizations were honored as finalists for the Torch Award.
The finalists were:
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| Donna Lanier, Tamela Gibbs, John Allen |
Small: All Seasons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, President Donna Lanier; Insight Home Inspection, LLC, Bill Loden; and Southern Construction & Design, Inc, President John Allen.
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| Kim Collette, Rachel Fears, Mike Brown |
Mid-Size: Alabama Foundation Specialists, Inc., President Ben Bayless; Aranea Solutions, Inc., President Kimberly Collett; and Fite Building Company, Inc., Vice President Mike Black.
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| George Pruitt, General Bargantz, Joann Longshore, Rob Crank |
Large: CAS Group - WYLE Incorporated, George Pruitt, General Manager; InfoPro Corporation, President Joann Longshore; and Jerry Damson Honda - Acura, Rob Crank, General Manager.
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| Ann Anderson, Joann Randolph, Margie Wiesman,
Kimberly Allfrey & Kelli Wright (The Enrichment Center) |
Non-Profit: CASA of Madison County, Ann Anderson, Executive Director; The Enrichment Center, Dr. Larry Little; and Therapy Partners, Inc., Margie Wiesman, Executive Director.
Twenty-two other companies/organizations were honored as nominees during the event: Bath Fitter; BB&T; BID Designs; Champion Window Company of Huntsville; Christmas Charities Year Round; Collins Supply, Inc.; Eagle Rehab Physical Therapy; Earl's Body Shop; GaN Corporation; Halsey Foodservice; Harris Home for Children, Inc.; Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc.; Inergi; Ingram Collision Center d/b/a MAACO; Kemp's Flooring, Inc.; Madison Academy; Marigail Mathis, Inc.; Pablo's on Market; Premier Bank of the South; Real Deal Exteriors; Rivenbark & Roper Antiques; and SOUTHBank.
Randy Paul, a former Shoals Area Radio Personality, served as the Award Celebration's Emcee.
The BBB would also like to recognize additional event sponsors:
Gold & Platinum Sponsors: 3M-Decatur, AnswerTel of Athens, Inc., Champion Home Remodeling & Construction, Champion Window Company of Huntsville, Cook's Pest Control, Fite Building Company, Inc., The Huntsville Times, Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation and Lockheed Martin
Bronze & Silver Sponsors: Athens-Limestone Hospital, Bama Jammer Promotions, BB&T, Blazin', Inc., COLSA Corporation, Defense Systems Management Corporation, Dynetics, Inc., GE, Huntsville Fitness Equipment & Fitness Zone, Jimmy Smith Jewelers, Knology, Lynn Layton Chevrolet, Mitch Smith Chevrolet, Pettus Mechanical & Plumbing Services, Regions Bank, Sigmatech, Inc., SOUTHBank, University of North Alabama, Wal-Mart Distribution Center & Woody Anderson Ford
