DAYTON, OHIO, May 12, 2010 - Your Better Business Bureau hosted its annual Eclipse Integrity Awards dinner last night. About 500 people joined your BBB at the David H. Ponitz Sinclair Center to honor five organizations with the prestigious Eclipse Integrity Awards, five Students of Integrity Award winners and its inaugural Torch Award winner.
Your BBB’s Eclipse Integrity Awards, sponsored by The Dayton Power and Light Company, Cincinnati Bell, Serco, Inc., WesBanco Bank, Inc., WDTN-TV, Dayton B2B and LITE 99.9, are about ethics, honesty and integrity. The competition was tough. Your BBB received nearly 270 nominations recognizing the outstanding performance of Miami Valley businesses and nonprofits.
Students of Integrity, sponsored by McAfee Air Repair, recognizes five high school seniors for their high moral character and outstanding ethics. The winners were selected from more than 70 excellent nominations from over 80 Miami Valley high schools. Each of the winners is recognized as a BBB Student of Integrity and will receive a $1,000 scholarship to a college of his/her choice.
The local Torch Award was established this year in honor of the 85th anniversary of your local Better Business Bureau and dedicated to the legacy of great Miami Valley business pioneers, such as John Patterson, Wilbur and Orville Wright, Charles Kettering, Colonel Edward Deeds and most recently Clay Mathile. It was through their ingenuity, leadership, generosity and mentorship to others that the Miami Valley has stood the test of time and recreated itself again and again. This new award honors businesses that have inspired, mentored and provided valuable support, education and guidance to businesses and community leaders that have went on to make their successes in the Miami Valley.
Eclipse Integrity Award Winners
The Eclipse Integrity Awards 100+ employees category went to BrookHaven Retirement Community (Brookville). The Greentree Group (Beavercreek) was honored in the 31-99 employees category. WBDT-TV, Dayton’s CW (Miamisburg) was the winner in the 16-30 employees size and Environmental Doctor (Centerville) was the winner in the 1-15 employees category. The Nonprofit Integrity Award went to Agape For Youth, Inc. (Moraine).
The Eclipse Integrity Awards are presented to businesses demonstrating significant, unique and continuous commitment to exceptional customer service, trust and fair play in the marketplace and day-to-day living. The award winners perform during moments of truth, as well as demonstrate high ethical standards through policies, training and/or staff. They exercise outstanding internal business practices, practice honest competition and have a reputation in the community for sound ethics, service/products and community service. They also promote truth in advertising, exceed customer expectations and support the ideals of your Better Business Bureau.
At BrookHaven Retirement Community, the Eclipse Integrity Award winner in the 100+ employees category, trust and integrity aren’t just the standard, they’re the way of life. This full-service retirement living community believes operating with integrity creates an environment built on trust. Beginning as a 100-bed nursing center, BrookHaven has expanded into a 116-acre community fulfilling its mission to provide a premier wellness environment. BrookHaven doesn’t just provide a service or product to customers who come and go, but serves residents of its Brookville community. The team is constantly improving the way of life for its residents, their families and staff. Along with improving residents’ lives, community involvement is important to BrookHaven. Many employees serve on community-based committees and the organization financially supports local causes like the Alzheimer’s Association, HandiVan Ministries, Hospice of Dayton and Brookville Fire Department.
Integrity drives everything the winner in the 31-99 employees category does – its decisions and actions. The Greentree Group believes integrity not only steers an organization into doing the right thing for customers, it’s an essential ingredient in making a company successful. Owned by three generations of the Greenwood family, Greentree is a leader in comprehensive business solutions for public and private clients. Its work has grown from performing market consulting for large clients to multi-million dollar programs with governments and commercial customers. Greentree rarely seeks publicity about the good deeds and community service it performs. The group believes the greatest fulfillment rests with the team’s deep desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Believing solid communities make for a better business climate, Greentree has supported a variety of causes, including Fisher-Nightingale House, Make-A-Wish, TAC Industries and Hometown Heroes.
“Passion Powers our Momentum” is WBDT-TV, Dayton’s CW’s vision statement and rightfully so. For the last three years, the CW network named this Eclipse Integrity Award winner in the 16-30 employees category the #1 rated CW affiliate among 206 CW affiliated stations nationwide. Employees are the driving force for the station’s success. In recognition of this, leadership goes to great lengths to maintain a happy and stress-free work environment, knowing contented employees produce better work. Dayton’s CW always looks for opportunities to give back. For instance, it awards a four-year scholarship through a partnership with Wright State University annually, sponsors Reality Check, a financial wake up call for high school students and partners with the Dayton Dragons’ MVP program in support of area school children.
Environmental Doctor, the 1-15 employees Eclipse Integrity Award winner, was founded with the mission of improving people’s lives by making the air they breathe cleaner and water they drink safer. In its 21st year, the company remains unwilling to compromise ethics, honesty or integrity as it strives to effectively help protect people from environmental health risks. Environmental Doctor’s culture is fast-paced and open. The team’s ability to laugh with each other while working together to find solutions has contributed greatly to its success. In an effort to keep schools healthier and kids safer, the organization designed and implemented a large-scale indoor air quality testing program for area schools and has tested over 5,000 classrooms in 30 school districts for common indoor contaminants. Environmental Doctor supports various community activities, such as the Kettering Health Network Women’s Wellness Walk and Greater Dayton RTA’s Live Green Fest.
The Nonprofit Integrity Award is presented to a nonprofit or charity demonstrating outstanding community service through its mission and commitment. The nominees practice ethical and responsible fund raising and demonstrate strong fiscal responsibility and board oversight. They have measurable results reported honestly and promote the vitality and overall health of our community. They also demonstrate regular and effective communication with constituencies and clients. Additionally, they support the ideals of your BBB and meet your BBB’s standards for charitable accountability.
Integrity is the cornerstone on which the nonprofit category winner - Agape for Youth, Inc. - was built. An innovative leader in foster care, adoption and reunification services, Agape recognizes standing up for what’s right isn’t always easy, yet in the end, makes a positive difference in the lives of those entrusted to its care. A quest to provide stability, love and make a difference in children’s lives was the catalyst for Agape’s founders. The organization believes a successful community is built one child at a time and the care a youth receives has a lasting effect on the kind of adult he or she will become. Believing the more they serve, the more opportunities they’ll be given to serve, Agape for Youth works hard to build community relationships. Through its annual fundraising event, Agape’s provided the Advanced Education Stipend, hosted an annual Christmas Celebration and sent children to Joy Outdoor Education Center.
Students of Integrity Winners
James “Matthew” Gibbins is a leader among his peers whose ethical values are obvious in all areas of his life. This National Trail High School senior has demonstrated his leadership through his sense of honesty and integrity. In addition to taking college preparatory classes, Matthew is co-president of the Renaissance Club and president of his senior class, the National Honor Society and Future Farmers of America. He’s been a varsity member of the track, basketball and soccer teams and is highly respected among his teammates. Matthew’s ability to exhibit great efficiency and time management skills has earned him many awards, including Who’s Who in American High School Students, All-Conference Academic and a nomination for National Young Leaders. Matthew gives back to his community through his participation in 4-H, Future Farmers of America and National Trail basketball tournaments and camps. Whether it’s helping on the family farm, taking on school projects or participating in athletics, it’s clear he knows the value of hard work and a positive attitude.
Patrick Mescher embodies a unique combination of maturity, service and humility. He never seems to tire in his quest for knowledge and self improvement. This Versailles High School student ranks first in his class and has received numerous honors and awards. A member of the National Honor Society, Future Teachers of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions and YMCA Leader’s Club President, Patrick is sought after as a respected leader in many student organizations. Patrick’s belief of paying it forward is evident in his community involvement. He volunteers at a medical clinic that provides care for those without insurance, is a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters and serves as a second year youth leader, mentoring to youth at St. Dennis Catholic Church. He’s also a gifted baseball and basketball player. Raised to lead by example, Patrick Mescher demonstrates exceptional character and will leave a lasting impact on generations to come.
A quiet leader with strong values, Erin O’Connell exemplifies leadership in her personal integrity and work ethic. This Archbishop Alter High School senior has excelled academically earning awards, such as First Honors and the Taylor Family Scholarship, being selected to participate in the University of Dayton Women in Engineering Camp and awarded the University of Dayton Trustee’s Merit and Xavier University Presidential Scholarships. Erin’s Key Club president and a member of cross country, French club, Knights for Life, dance team, National Honor Society and serves as her school’s student ambassador. Erin’s faith drives her to live beyond herself to help others. She’s dedicated over 150 hours of community service, including volunteering at Incarnation Parish as a tutor to children with English as their second language. Erin O’Connell’s leadership, positive attitude and strong principles serve as a model for others.
Valedictorian of her Franklin Monroe High School senior class, Brittasha Oswalt possesses diverse gifts and tremendous moral integrity. She’s genuine in her work and ambitious in her learning. Brittasha is one of the most active members of her student body. She serves as president for Student Council and SADD, vice president of the drama club and National Honor Society and treasurer for Student Tutors and Friends. She’s received multiple honors in extracurricular activities. As volleyball captain, Brittasha was presented the Coach’s Award. She was Field Event Athlete of the Year in track and field. She also earned Outstanding Choir Member and Sing and Serve Award. She’s committed to helping the community through mission trips and does volunteer work for Special Olympics, community blood drives and Pleasant View Children’s Church and Nursery. To Brittasha Oswalt, integrity is like a wildfire – it starts with one person, one small flame and before you know it, the entire community is ablaze.
Amy Young possesses tremendous depth, purpose and a passion for success and helping her community. Voted most involved by her Milton-Union High School classmates, she’s a proven leader in and out of the classroom. She’s National Honor Society president, class secretary and a member of the Academic Quiz and Science Olympiad teams. Amy was named to Milton-Union’s President’s List and Edison State Community College’s Dean’s List where she’s completed 26 hours of college credit. Amy also demonstrates values and work ethic in her participation in 4-H as club president, Miami County 4-H Carteens program youth facilitator and Youth Development Program member. In addition, Amy volunteers with many community organizations, including Target Dayton, Dayton Children’s Medical Center Volunteen Program and Operation: Military Kid’s Hero Camp where she received the Ohio National Guard Certificate of Appreciation. She’s taken many risks and has proven herself successful in her endeavors.
Torch Award Winner
Aileron helps private business owners understand where they want to go and apply sound business practices to help them get there. Clients learn from successful business owners and a community of peers who exchange ideas and help each other. Through professional management, business owners find direction, control and time to work on their businesses and achieve their desired results. Aileron is an operating foundation that invests in the development of business owners as a way to raise the quality of life for many across the country. For more than a decade, Aileron has significantly contributed to the success of businesses in the Miami Valley. It’s a strong supporter of community causes that impact all of our lives in this community. It’s empowered regional entrepreneurs, building a stronger and more ethical marketplace.
John North, BBB president/CEO says, “These are some outstanding businesses, nonprofit and students. They model the way for all of us. We should strive to operate day in and day out with integrity as they do. Your Better Business Bureau is honored to have the privilege to recognize them.”
An independent panel of judges selected the Eclipse Integrity Award winners. The Eclipse Integrity Awards judges included Allen Begley, Messer Construction Co.; Dan Davis, PNC Bank; Michael Goldshot, Goldshot, Lamb & Hobbs; Barbara Hayde, The Entrepreneurs Center; Marilyn Kinne, Accurate Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids, Inc.; Dr. Joe Petrick, Ph.D., SPHR, Institute For Business Integrity; Jenell Ross, Bob Ross Buick, Inc.; Yvonne Bravo Wathen, Bravo Sales; and Nora Vondrell, AIDS Resource Center Ohio, Inc.
Another independent panel of judges selected the Students of Integrity Award winners. The judges were Jim Bowers, City of West Carrollton; Dr. Glenn Faircloth, Ponitz Career Technology Center; John Jones, Ohio Treasurer of State; Catherine Rauch, Montgomery County Office of Children and Family First; Willis Serr, Graceworks Lutheran Services; and Charles Shoemaker, Five Rivers Metro Parks.
About Your BBB
Your BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Your BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about your BBB.
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