RALEIGH — Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina is now accepting entries for the 2014 Torch Awards. These awards recognize companies and charities that maintain a solid commitment to ethical business practices.

BBB Torch Awards are open to all for-profit and non-profit organizations within BBB of Eastern North Carolina’s 33-county service area that have at least a “B” rating with BBB and have been in business at least three years. Entries will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges comprised of volunteer business and community leaders.

BBB is looking for businesses and charities that others will want to emulate. Candidates must show creativity in their ability to manage customer expectations, provide excellent customer service and resolve disputes. They must demonstrate the ways they inspire their workforce to adopt and communicate their ethics and further their mission.

In addition to naming winners, BBB will also recognize finalists in an ongoing campaign throughout the year.

Benefits for winners include:

Free Press and Publicity

News release spotlighting the winners sent to area media

Feature story in BBB’s newsletter

Special promotion on BBB’s website

Inclusion on BBB’s Voice Response System

Presentation of Crystal Torch Award for permanent display

Use of Torch Award Logo

Recognized at BBB’s Annual Meeting Luncheon

To be considered, an organization must submit an application, along with all supporting documents, before 5 pm on Monday, December 1, 2014. For assistance with applying for the Torch Awards or to nominate a business, please contactmwojciechowski@raleigh.bbb.org.

Visit torchaward.org for more information.

About BBB serving Eastern North Carolina

Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from more than 3,000 local businesses and professional firms. BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by BBB include reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, consumer/business education programs and dispute resolution services. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit bbb.org.