The GE Johnson Award for Marketplace Ethics was created to honor outstanding businesses whose commitment to ethical business practices help promote and uphold a fair marketplace.
Congratulations to our previous winners:
2011 - Berwick Electric Company
2010 - Trax Construction IncClick here for 2012 complete Entry Packet.OR
Click here for 2012 award Nomination Form.Click here for 2012 award Eligibility/Process information.Click here for 2012 award Guidelines.Click here for 2012 award Criteria.Click here for 2012 award Entry Form.Eligible CompaniesThe award is open to all for-profit businesses that serve retail and wholesale markets and nonprofit organizations whether or not they are a BBB Accredited Business.
Applicants must exhibit high ethical standards of behavior towards customers, suppliers, users, shareholders, employees, and communities in which they do business. They must have demonstrated ethical practices surrounding their buyer/seller relationships and have a long-standing history and reputation for ethical practices in the marketplace.
Organizations applying for the award must be located in the twenty-five counties served by the BBB of SC: Alamosa, Baca, Bent, Chafee, Cheyenne, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, El Paso, Fremont, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Huerfano, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Las Animas, Lincoln, Mineral, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo, Rio Grande, Saguache and Teller. The headquarter location does NOT need to be located in southern Colorado.
Award Process
- Companies may nominate themselves or they may be nominated by employees and/or customers.
- Applicants must complete an Entry Form and submit an Entry according to the Award Guidelines.
- BBB of Southern Colorado will do background checks of all applicants.
- Application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2012.
- Application must be submitted to BBB of SC offices at: 25 North Wahsatch Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
- The judging committee includes business people from BBB of SC board of directors, UCCS faculty and sponsoring companies.
CriteriaThe criteria used is that of the BBB International Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence. BBB of SC can forward winning entries for consideration in the Marketplace Excellence category.
1. Management Practices (If you are the owner of the company, with no employees, explain how ethics are used in everyday business practices.)
- Pertinent sections from an employee handbook, company manual or training program (formal or informal) showing how ethics policies are communicated to and implemented by employees.
- Formal training and/or procedures used to address concerns an employee may have in dealing with an ethical dilemma, at the local level.
- If applicable, the existence of an Ethics Officer, Compliance Officer or Ombudsman should be noted, along with information concerning the responsibilities and authority of this position.
- Formal/informal management practices and policies that foster positive employee relations, at the local level.
- Employee benefits and/or work place practices which contribute to the quality of family life, at the local level.
- Actions by the business to assess risks and take appropriate actions to prevent workplace injury, at the local level.
- Examples of diversity and inclusiveness. Efforts in hiring and purchasing.
- Examples of sound environmental practices, at the local level.
2. Customer/Vendor/Supplier/Shareholder Relations
- Examples of how your business has prospered because of your belief in honesty, integrity and doing the right thing, at the local level.
- Complimentary feedback from customers, vendors and/or suppliers, at the local level.
- Company policies and practices that assure excellence in quality products and/or services, and demonstrate accountability to customers, vendors and suppliers.
- Actions taken by your company showing that it went “beyond the call of duty.” (i.e. turned down a business opportunity due to an ethical issue)
- Examples of cases where your company had to make tough decisions that had negative short-term consequences and led to long-term benefits.
- If your company is publicly traded, discuss how the corporation demonstrates accountability to shareholders and adheres to good governance practices.
3. Marketing/Advertising/Communications/Sales Practices
- Descriptions of the methods your company uses to assure all sales, promotional materials and advertisements are truthful and accurate.
- Examples of efforts by your company to improve communications, advertising, marketing and sales practices which benefit your industry as a whole.
- Sales training policies and/or codes of ethics used by sales personnel that ensure all transactions are made in an upfront and ethical manner.
4. Reputation within Industry and Community
- Articles in trade, industry publications and news media that reflect your reputation in your industry and community as an ethical business.
- Awards, recognition and/or complimentary letters from others within your industry or trade group.
- Recognition for charitable and/or community service projects.