Better Business Bureau Awards Celebrate Business Trust

Courtesy of BBB.

by Sonia Isotov

Hawaii’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Torch Awards.

Awards will be presented in four categories: Small, Medium and Large businesses, and Public Charity. Nomination forms are available at hawaii.bbb.org and the nomination deadline is Thursday, March 1, 2012, at 4 p.m.

Dwight Kealoha, chief executive officer of Hawaii’s BBB. Courtesy of BBB.

“The BBB Torch Awards aims to promote trust in the marketplace by recognizing local businesses, charities, and individuals for their outstanding commitment to fair, honest, and ethical marketplace practices,” said Dwight Kealoha, chief executive officer of Hawaii’s BBB, in a written statement.

Last year, two Maui companies, Aloha Air Cargo and Prudential Locations, were among the finalists for the Torch Awards.

The BBB Torch Awards will be presented to one small business (less than 20 employees), one medium-sized business (less than 75 employees), one large business (75 or more employees), and one public charity. The award recognizes their superior commitment to exceptional standards that benefit their consumers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and communities, and advances trust in the marketplace.

BBB will also present the Ka Mea O Kako‘o Award to an individual or group who has considerably advanced marketplace trust through consumer advocacy, protection or education, a specific action or lifetime achievement.

Hawaii business newscaster Howard Dicus (center) attended the Torch Awards last year. Courtesy of BBB.

The BBB Torch Awards are open to all Hawaii businesses, 501(c)(3) public charities, and individuals. BBB accreditation is not required to be nominated; however nominees must be in good standing with Hawaii’s BBB and must certify operations in Hawaii.

A panel of past BBB Torch Award recipients will review entries.  Finalists will be announced in late March and winners will be revealed at the BBB Torch Award Luncheon on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.  Additional details about the luncheon will be forthcoming.

For more information about the BBB Torch Awards, visit Hawaii.bbb.org or call 536-6956; Neighbor Islands call toll-free at 1-877-222-6551.

Torch Award table at the luncheon last year. Courtesy of BBB.

Established in 1945, the Better Business Bureau of Hawaii (BBB) is a nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest marketplace behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business and charity reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses.