BBB ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS CELEBRATION

On Wednesday, October 5, BBB hosted approximately 250 guests, BBB Accredited Businesses and partners at the 2022 Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration at Truist Park. The evening included stadium tours, the World Series Trophy, networking, live entertainment, dinner and words of wisdom by outstanding guest speakers. Attendees were wowed when local business leaders were awarded with BBB’s Torch Awards for Ethics and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Impact Award.

Candace McCowan, WSB-TV anchor, was the master of ceremony and Atlanta City Mayor Andre Dickens, opened the evening with welcome remarks and comments on the vision and future of the city. City of Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz presented a report on the city of Athens and outlined why ethics and integrity are core to our communities’ growth.

The featured guest speaker for the evening was John Smoltz, a former Atlanta Braves Pitcher and MLB Hall of Fame Member. Smoltz encouraged attendees to “not be afraid to fail and surround yourself with others who mirror your ethical beliefs.”

“We’re pleased to live and work in a region [that’s] home to so many companies committed to trusted and ethical business practices,” said BBB CEO and President Brian Catania. “We’re excited to report on the state of the BBB and celebrate this year’s winners and finalists for their commitment to improving the lives of employees, customers, and the community.”

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is the most prestigious honor BBB can present. Our BBB has recognized trustworthy businesses since 2006 and has presented numerous organizations with this respected award.

The Torch Award for Ethics embodies BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust. This annual award publicly recognizes organizations that focus on trust and ethics in the areas of the “four C’s: Character, Culture, Customers, Community.” The application outlines the character of the organization’s leadership, how an authentic culture is fostered, how the company prioritizes its relationship with customers and the impact the organization is making in its community. The Torch Awards for Ethics is designed to promote the importance of building trust and the willingness and efforts made by outstanding organizations to help contribute to an honorable marketplace.

The winner of our 2022 Torch Award for Ethics was ’58 Foundations. Kevin Coppersmith and the entire team at ’58 Foundation & Waterproofing believe that “Integrity and ethics must start with ownership and be communicated intentionally through the organization” and is paramount to how the business performs and develops.

Finalists for the 2022 Torch Awards for Ethics: Coolray Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical | Harmon Solutions