2009 BBB Integrity Awards ceremony presented by Best Buy

NEWS RELEASE

Saint Paul, MN — The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) announced the recipients of the 2009 BBB Integrity Awards, presented by Best Buy, at a ceremony held at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul Wednesday night.

Best-selling author Bill George was the keynote speaker at the event.

The BBB Integrity Awards are presented to businesses in Minnesota and North Dakota that have demonstrated a commitment to conducting their business practices in an ethical manner. Companies must uphold BBB standards and display integrity in all aspects of their daily operations. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges.

"We salute the recipients of this year´s Awards and all of this year´s Finalists," said Dana Badgerow, President and CEO of the BBB. "There are only winners here tonight. This is a celebration of companies in our service area, both small and large, who truly embody integrity."

The 2009 Integrity Award winners are:

  • Category I (1 to 10 employees): Green Clean. Green Clean in Minneapolis has established a reputation for delivering quality, eco-friendly cleaning and restoration services to the Twin Cities.
  • Category II (11 to 50 employees): Twin Cities Siding Professionals. Twin Cities Siding Professionals in Saint Paul is an exterior remodeling company that specializes in the installation of James Hardie siding, GAF/ELK roofing, Marvin windows and Boulder Creek stone.
  • Category III (51-99 employees): Certes Financial Pros. Certes Financial Pros, based in Golden Valley, is a provider of senior level financial staffing to Twin Cities companies needing interim, project, and permanent placement support.
  • Category IV (100+ employees): Rochester Athletic Club. Rochester Athletic Club is one of the largest multipurpose athletic clubs in the nation. They serve the social, recreational, educational and health needs of their diverse membership.

Businesses that were chosen as finalists were: Right at Home, Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, Lehman´s Garage, Garlock-French Roofing, TMA E-Marketing, Schmit Towing, Bever Landscaping, EDS Builders, JL Olson & Associates, Skyline Consultants & Building Services.

"The BBB Integrity Awards were created to honor those companies who go the extra mile, companies whose commitment to service and fair play extends not just to their customers but also to their employees and vendors," said Sarah Hilliker, Director of Accredited Business Services and coordinator of the Integrity Awards. "These organizations show that ethical behavior is the bedrock of a sound business plan, as well as a springboard to success."

Another component of the event is the Student of Integrity Scholarships, sponsored by TruStone Financial. Two scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate, through essay, their understanding of integrity and how they apply it to their lives. Judges decisions are based more on the students´ commitment to ethics and integrity than on grade point average. "Like always, the essays we received were very reassuring," said Barb Grieman, vice president of the BBB and coordinator of the scholarship awards.

"They show that today´s students, when faced with adversity, are able to remain true to themselves and are also capable of rising to meet those challenges." Winners of this year´s Student of Integrity Scholarships are:

  • Andrew Hatling, Watertown-Mayer High School, Watertown, MN -- $10,000
  • Ilan Gordon, Armstrong High School, Plymouth, MN -- $5,000

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2010 BBB Integrity Awards and can be made by customers, vendors, or even the company itself. Visit http://minnesota.bbb.org for more information or call Sarah Hilliker at 651-695-2417.

The mission of the Better Business Bureau is to promote through self-regulation, the highest standards of business ethics and conduct; and to instill public confidence in responsible businesses through programs of education and action that inform, protect and assist the general public. Contact the BBB at http://minnesota.bbb.org or 651-699-1111, toll-free at 1-800-646-6222.