2012 BBB TORCHAWARDS HONORS BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR TRUSTWORTHY PRACTICES
**Jackie Choy and Theresa Kong Kee Recognized for their Local ConsumerAdvocacy Efforts**
HONOLULU (May 3, 2012) – Hawaii’s Better Business Bureau® (BBB) has announced the recipients of the 2012 BBB Torch Awards before a large crowd of business, civic and nonprofit leaders. Alaka’i Mechanical, Hawaii Human Resources (HiHR), Schweitzer Consulting LLC, and the Institute of Human Services (IHS) were named winners by this year’s judges. Jackie Choy and Theresa Kong Kee were also honored for their commitment towards consumer advocacy.
“Businesses who are doing right by their consumers, employees, vendors and, in the case of public charities, donors, need to be honored and celebrated; the BBB Torch Awards allows us to Illuminate the importance of corporate conscience and responsibility in fulfilling an organizations obligation to themarketplace” said Dwight Kealoha, CEO of Hawaii’s BBB. “Trustworthy and ethical business practices are a win-win for everyone. This year’s BBB Torch Awards finalists and recipients demonstrate that upholding the BBB’s ethical standards is a hallmark of successful companies and organizations.”
2012 BBB Torch Award recipients in each category are;
Public Charity – Institute of Human Services (IHS).
The organization was cited for its clear understanding of its mission and integration into the community. The judges were impressed with their implementation of meaningful, systemic solutions to homelessness and that they actively align with others in the community to advocate for improved polices and services that help local individuals and families.
Other finalists included Hospice Hawaii and People Attentive to Children.
Small Business – Schweitzer Consulting, LLC
Schweitzer Consulting was honored for their loyalty and ability to not only help their clients achieve their unique and individual needs but help them face adversity and get through it in a fair, honest and ethical manner. The Judges were impressed by the commitment to their business philosophy and community involvement.
Other finalists in the Small Business category were Hi Employment and Renewable Energy Technologies, LLC.
Medium Business – Hawaii Human Resources (HIHR)
HiHR impressed the judges with their commitment to making other organizations successful. The lengths they go through to be fair and honest with not onlytheir clients, but their staff speaks volumes for their corporate culture.
Kahala Associates, PacRim Marketing Group Inc. and RevoluSun were the other category finalists.
Large Business – Alaka’i Mechanical Corporation
The judges applauded Alaka’i Mechanical’s commitment to instill company values in employees at all levels, which helps foster trust with all they serve. Assessments from their clients and other third parties of its ethical standards and performance speak volumes about their organizations values.
Other finalists in the Large Business category were Farmers Insurance and the NewYork Life Insurance Company.
Jackie Choy and Theresa Kong Kee of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs received the BBB Ka Mea o Kako‘o award. The award honors individuals who have significantly advanced marketplace trust by their demonstrated commitment to consumer advocacy, protection or education.
Both Jackie and Theresa were recognized for their community work and their unwavering commitment to help consumers of all ages throughout the state. Their efforts to create and participate in a wide variety of educational programs and events have helped hundreds of thousands become more informed consumers over the years.
Established in 1945, the Better Business Bureau® of Hawaii (BBB) is a nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest marketplace behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business and charity reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses.
