Who can nominate a company to compete for a Rochester Business Ethics Award?

A company may be nominated for RBEA consideration by a customer, client, employee, consultant, vendor or any other person.  In addition, it is perfectly acceptable for a company to nominate itself – you’ll not be accused of crashing the party!

How can I nominate a company?

The RBEA nomination form is available on this web site and can be submitted electronically. Here it is.  

What does a nominated company have to do?

Nominated companies will be asked to complete an official entry form and to provide documentation of ethics in action at their company.

What is the value of going through the entry process?

A completed entry can serve many purposes beyond the RBEA. For example, a completed entry can serve as

• An opportunity for corporate introspection to identify and improve areas that fall short.
  
• A formal way to transmit company values and culture to current employees, be it required reading for employees or a display item in a cafeteria or lobby.
  
• A recruitment tool for prospective employees as an example of how the company does business and why one should work there.
  
• A factor in buy-sell negotiations for a company to be acquired, a comprehensive documentation of the business ethics and practices that have contributed to the acquired company’s success.
  
• A sales and marketing document to prospective clients and customers, describing the way a company behaves and conducts itself.

Can I get help as I put my company’s entry together?

Yes. Previous recipients graciously make themselves available for coaching and advice. The RBEA steering committee can facilitate this. Please don't hesitate to call any committee member or the RBEA office at 383-1060 if you need assistance with your entry.

Is the entry application too complicated and involved for a smaller company to put together?

Upon study, the application is highly specific in what it calls for, which actually makes it easier put together.  There should be no problem for a well-organized individual to lead a small group that can gather and compile what is called for. And remember, help is always available.

How are the award categories set up?

There are three categories: large companies with over 150 employees, mid-sized companies between 50 and 150 employees, and small companies with fewer than 50 employees. Recipients and finalists in all three categories are recognized at the Gala Awards Luncheon.

Who is not eligible to participate?

Financial service companies - banks, law firms, accounting firms, insurance companies, brokerage companies and financial planning firms - are not eligible for the RBEA. In addition, non-profits, past recipients, RBEA sponsors and RBEA/RABEF committee members and their companies are not  eligible.  However, individuals from firms in these categories can certainly nominate other companies. 

Who decides the award recipients?

Entries are evaluated by an independent panel of distinguished judges who represent business, academia, public service, media, consulting and the ethics community. As the judging panel is created, the members will be posted on our web site and announced to the local media.

When will the award be presented?

Recipients of the RBEA will receive their awards at a gala luncheon ceremony to be held in mid September.

What are the deadlines?

Companies may be nominated at any time during the year up through March 15. However, because the entry form takes some time to assemble, it is advised that nominations be made in the all. Completed entries are due May 16, 2011. Finalists are announced later in the summer and the 2011 recipients are announced at the Gala Awards Luncheon in September.

Who are the sponsors of this award?

The RBEA is sponsored by the Rochester chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals (SFSP), St. John Fisher College, and the Rochester Business Alliance.

Who were past finalists and recipients?

View Past Recipients