The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) announced the recipients of the 2012 BBB Integrity Awards at a ceremony held at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul on October 29. This year's keynote speaker was Holly Petraeus, head of the Office of Servicemember Affairs, part of the recently created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in Washington DC. KOOL 108's Lee Valsvik served as emcee of the event and Best Buy was the presenting sponsor.
The Integrity Awards were held as part of the BBB’s Centennial Gala. This year’s theme was “Lighting the Way,” in honor of the founding of the BBB in the Twin Cities back in 1912. The BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota is proud to be known as “the first BBB.”
“This year’s Integrity Awards were especially memorable, as we celebrated our organization’s 100th anniversary,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “It was therefore fitting that history was made: for the first time, two outstanding businesses were named winners in the same category.”
The 2012 Integrity Award winners are:
Category I:
- Mark O. Finney, DDS
- White Bear Animal Hospital
Category II:
- Twin Cities Siding Professionals
Category III:
- Handi Medical Supply, Inc
Category IV:
- Discovery Benefits, Inc.
Businesses that were chosen as finalists were: Brett Dorrian Artistry Studios; Pet Buddy Plus; Lakeside Cabinets and Woodworking; Raymond Auto Body; Labrador LifeScience; Master Collision Group; CenterPoint Energy and Park Dental.
Winners of the Student of Integrity Scholarships - which are awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate, through essay, their understanding of integrity and how they have implemented that in their lives - were also announced.
"These scholarships are a little different because they focus not so much on grades but on students' application of ethics. They reward tough choices these young adults have made," said Lisa Jemtrud, Director of the BBB Institute for Marketplace Ethics. "This year's scholarship winners and applicants clearly understand the importance of high character."
Winners of this year's Student of Integrity Scholarships are:
- Alex Savitt, Chaska, MN: $5,000
- Stephanie Olson, Bemidji, MN: $1,500
- Lexie Anderson, Richfield, MN: $1,500
The BBB Integrity Awards are presented each year to companies who exemplify ethical behavior and display integrity in all aspects of their operations; toward their employees, vendors, customers, and within their community. Companies must also uphold BBB standards. BBB Accreditation is not required. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges. Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2013 BBB Integrity Awards and may be made by customers, vendors, or even the company itself. Visit www.thefirstbbb.org for more information.
Best Buy is the 2012 Integrity Awards presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors for the event are: CenterPoint Energy, Think Mutual Bank, Gray Plant Mooty, ABRA Auto Body, Financial Concepts, Inc., Northland Group, Clear Channel Radio, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Pioneer Press, Clear Channel Outdoor, Del Monte Agency, Prairie Business Magazine, Memory Vision, and Rippe Print. 2012 Student of Integrity Scholarship sponsors are: Hubbard Broadcasting, Cedar Valley Exteriors, Diversified Exteriors, Globe University, and Multiventure Properties.
