TORCH Award Winners

Our first BBB TORCH Awards received over 50 applications from students, businesses and charities for the various award categories. Three deserving companies, one charity, and one student were chosen as this year’s winners. Winners will be honored at a reception on Thursday, April 28, at Ray’s Plaza Banquet Center in Cape Girardeau.

The winners of the first-ever Cape Girardeau Regional Torch Awards are stellar examples of ethics and service to their communities and all their stakeholders.

The event recognizes organizations with exceptional ethics and service to customers, suppliers, employees and the community.

Awards will be presented at the event, emceed by Amanda Hanson, reporter and anchor of KFVS12 in Cape Girardeau.

Three companies and one nonprofit will be recognized for their commitments to exceptional business ethics and customer satisfaction:

• The Bank of Missouri, numerous locations across Southeast Missouri.
• Johannes Auto Sales, Jackson, Mo.
• SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
• Southeast Missouri Food Bank, Sikeston, Mo.

Businesses are evaluated for their commitment to customer service through exceptional standards for ethical business practices. The awards committee, made up of previous winners, looks at how the company benefits customers, employees and the larger community. They also must meet BBB ethical, advertising and selling standards.

Companies and charities may nominate themselves, or they may be nominated by customers or other businesses.

BBB presents winners with a crystal trophy that they can display. They may promote their status in advertising, marketing and on their websites.

Jamie Elizabeth Hodge, a senior at Delta RV High School, will receive a certificate for this year’s Cape Girardeau Regional Student of Ethics award. The $1,000 award will be applied toward college or trade school expenses. Hodge plans to study psychology and counseling at Union University in Jackson, Tenn.

The TORCH Awards event begins with networking at 5:30 p.m. at Ray’s Plaza Banquet Center, 3257 William St., Cape Girardeau. The award presentation begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25, which includes entry to the event and appetizers. There will be a cash bar.

Registration for the event is available online or by calling Joey Keys, Cape Girardeau BBB Regional Director, 573-803-3190 or jkeys@capegirardeaubbb.org.