Your Better Business Bureau Foundation of Northwest Florida is pleased to announce the winners of the fourth annual Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics, Customer Service Excellence Award and Student Ethics Scholarship from its District I area which covers Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
While many fly-by-night and unethical businesses work within the industry,
Pro Clean Fine Rug, Carpet & Tile Care, this year’s Torch Award winner in the 1-10 employees category, stands out by meeting or exceeding all requirements of standards-setting organizations within the industry.
In an industry notorious for poor customer service and a refusal to stand behind products sold,
Butler Auto Recycling, this year’s Torch Award winner in the 11-49 employees category, is careful to test all their products and offer a 90-day warranty on all products.
And in a rapidly-changing industry facing issues with public perception,
Coastal Bank and Trust of Florida, this year’s Torch Award winner in the 50+ employees category, continues to operate ethically and profitably.
Gulf Coast Air Care and
Shell, Fleming, Davis & Menge both received honorable mentions for the Torch Award.
The Torch Award was created to publicly recognize businesses and charities that insist on exceptionally high standards of behavior in dealing with customers, vendors and employees.
“These winners exemplify what your BBB stands for: trust, integrity, performance and ethics,” said Norman Wright, president and CEO of your BBB serving northwest Florida. “Organizations like Pro Clean Fine Rug, Carpet & Tile Care, Butler Auto Recycling and Coastal Bank and Trust of Florida really stand out in the marketplace against those who don’t always do the right thing.”
New this year was the Customer Service Excellence Award, which recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in their customer service activities.
Brenda Dukes, Receptionist at WEAR TV 3, was the recipient of the inaugural award because she treats everyone with respect and takes a personal interest in customers and co-workers alike and is recognized as the glue that keeps the daily operations together.
In addition to recognizing ethical businesses, your BBB also awarded three, $1,000 Student Ethics Scholarships to local students.
Melanie Dufva, (click here for essay) from Escambia High School,
Daniel Goff, (click here for essay) from Pensacola High School and
Angelina Malamo, (click here for essay) from Booker T. Washington High School, were this year’s recipients from your BBB’s District I area. Daniel and Angelina read their essay on character building, required as part of the application process for the scholarship. Melanie was taking an exam and was unable to read her essay; however, her father, Mark Dufva, read her essay for her.
Eric Schurger was recognized as BBB’s Arbitrator of the Year for his long-standing commitment to BBB’s voluntary arbitration program.
For additional information about the Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics, Customer Service Excellence Award and Student Ethics Scholarship, start with bbb.org.
###