The judging selection teams have released the names of the finalists for the 2013 Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust presented by the Better Business Bureau in Southeast. Following in-depth studies of applications, supporting documentation, and on-site interviews, the finalists are:
For-Profit category, Large Business
Newtron Beaumont LLC of Nederland
Philpott Motors in Nederland
A Pizza My Heart, Inc. DBA Papa John’s Pizza of Nederland
For-Profit category, Small Business
American Steam-A-Way & Summer’s Flooring of Port Neches
PRIMCO in Beaumont
The Chef’s House of Cleveland
Non-Profit category
Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County in Beaumont
Industrial Safety Training Council of Nederland
Spindletop Center in Beaumont
The three winners will be announced at the 16th annual Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust Presentation Banquet on Tuesday, May 7 at the Beaumont Civic Center. The gathering, which will draw more than 600 business, civic and community leaders from across Southeast Texas, will also give recognition to the 2013 recipients of the “Friend of the BBB” Award.
The BBB will mark the occasion with two videos that feature business leaders who have made an impact on our community since 1963. The following thirteen businesses that have been BBB Accredited for the past 50 years will be recognized:
Alter’s Gem Jewelry
Automatic Pump & Equipment
Bill Clark Pest Control, Inc.
Broussard’s Mortuary
Burris Transfer & Storage
Coastal Pools, Inc.
Coburn Supply Company
Conn’s HomePlus
Howell Furniture
KBMT-TV Channel 12
KFDM-TV Channel 6
R.O. Williams & Co., Inc.-Insurance
Southeast Texas Water Conditioning, Inc.
The event will also feature key business leaders, along with historical presentations and special guests. Broadcast Legend Larry Beaulieu will serve as the master of ceremonies.
“The purpose of the Torch Awards is to recognize annually those for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations in our eight and a half county region committed to maintaining exceptionally high standards of ethical behavior in marketplace relationships,” said John Paschall, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau in Southeast Texas.
Two prestigious Selection Teams judged the entries and conducted on-site visits to select the finalists and the winners from companies and organizations that entered the competition. For-profit accredited and non-accredited businesses of the Better Business Bureau from across the eight-counties of Southeast Texas were eligible to enter. The judging selection team for the for-profit businesses include: Dr. Cynthia C. Barnes, Professor Lamar University College of Business; Veda Butler, Supervisor at Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas; Cindy Cherry, Jefferson County Adult Probation Supervisor; Dawn Fournier, Business Development Officer, Neches Federal Credit Union; Michael Perez, Executive Director of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club; and Marcia Stevens, Superintendent from the Beaumont Diocese Schools. The judging selection team for the non-profit businesses include: Steve Cooper, Broussard’s Mortuary Funeral Director; Tommy Patrizi, Owner of Apex Payroll; Michael Sculley, Sales Manager at Kirksey’s Sprint Printing; Laura Miller, Owner, Beaumont Dealers Auction, Inc.; and Marleen Swerdlow, Director of General Business Programs and Professor of Business at Lamar University.
All are encouraged to attend the May 7 Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust Presentation Banquet at the Beaumont Civic Center. A Silent Auction, with more than 100 items, and an open reception will get underway at 5:30 PM. The banquet, program and presentations will begin at 7:00 PM. Revenues from the Banquet and Auctions benefit a major expansion of BBB scholarship contributions to Lamar University College of Business, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College Orange, and Lamar State College Port Arthur through the BBB Consumer Education Foundation, Inc. Robert Zoschke, Owner of The Piano Center, will provide entertainment before and during the banquet.
Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze corporate tables, as well as individual seats are available through Thursday, May 2, and may be secured by contacting Debbie Bridgeman at the Better Business Bureau. Call (409) 835-5951, ext. 117 or e-mail debbiebridgeman@bbbsetexas.org for complete information and reservations.
Additional tax-deductible contributions to this worthwhile effort are also accepted by the BBB Consumer Education Foundation, as well as donations for the Silent Auction.
