Bbb center for ethics aspires to an ethics-centered community. We proactively engage our community to effect ethical change and build trust.

Community Service Clubs

Local charities earn donor trust by undergoing an evaluation against bbb's nationally-recognized 20 standards of charity accountability. These standards assess how ethically a charity governs itself, keeps its financial records, and fundraises. On-site assistance, the development of personalized action plans, phone consultations, and website information assist charities with the evaluation process. In 2017, 703 local charities were asked to participate in our program, and 45 obtained bbb accreditation. During the same period, bbb receieved 16,619 requests for information on charities from the public. The bbb center for ethics' charity education services is the largest charity review program in the bbb system. the torch awards for marketplace ethics recognize what is good about local businesses and charities. The torch award application subjects applicants to intense scrutiny of the way their business (charity) treats its customers(donors), employees, vendors, and its community. Through the application process, businesses and charities determine if they really "walk the talk" they think they do when it comes to ethics. Honorees and recipients are selected by an indepedent panel of judges. In 2017, one business won the torch award and two businesses were named honorees. One nonoprofit entity also won a torch award and two nonprofits were named honorees during the year. In kind revenue and expenses totaling 102,379 were recognized by the torch awards during the year. in 2012, bbb center for ethics launched "in pursuit of ethics". The center trained employees to make ethical decisions through this unique, memorable, and fun course. "in pursuit of ethics" uses interactive scenarios to showcase complex real-life situations. Participants are taught how to make ethical decisions, empowering them to better serve their employers and the community. This training program is an interactive presentation that makes for a memorable training experience. "in pursuit of ethics" allows participants to discuss right and wrong conduct, choose the outcome, and then see the consequences of their choices. The topics presented deal with ethical dilemmas that anyone might encounter in a business and everyday life. 2,265 individuals from local companies and the community completed "in pursuit of ethics" program in 2017. the other program services include the students of integrity (soi) scholarship program in pursuit of ethics.