biBerk earns the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics

October 11, 2024 | Insurance 101

This article was originally published September 04, 2024

Dictionary.com defines ethical as “being in accordance with the rules or standards for right conduct or practice, especially the standards of a profession.” 

At biBerk, being ethical in our interactions with customers and business partners is a top priority. So, we’re thrilled to say that we’ve earned a Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau of the Midwest Plains!

Ethical behavior is really important but often difficult to see. When we assess a claim honestly and pay it promptly, only the customer knows how we’ve handled their incident. So, to have a highly respected third party like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) evaluate our operations and present us with the Torch Award for Ethics (named for the organization’s iconic logo) is a huge honor that validates our ongoing efforts to “do right” by our customers.

biBerk earns the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics

The selection process for the Torch Award for Ethics

There are lots of award programs for businesses, and they don’t all have strict criteria. The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics does. It’s a rigorous selection process that involves an independent panel of judges. They evaluate nominees based on four essential criteria:

  • check
    Character
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    Culture
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    Customers
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    Community

Organizations don’t have to be BBB Accredited to be eligible for a Torch Award, but they have to be in good standing.

As BBB explains, the Torch Award for Ethics is “a symbol of excellence and integrity in business practices. This accolade reflects an organization’s collective commitment to the core values of character, culture, customer service, and community engagement.”

A long history of recognizing ethical behavior

The BBB Torch Awards were first announced in 1995. Each year since then, they’ve been given to companies that exemplify ethical behavior and display an unwavering dedication to building trust in the marketplace. 

These awards are especially meaningful, coming from an organization with a great reputation for being an advocate for and guardian of fair and honest business practices. BBB provides objective assessments of more than 5.3 million companies to consumers at no cost. 

The BBB also offers dispute resolution services and educational information on issues affecting marketplace trust.

How biBerk’s high ethical standards benefit you (and us)

Continually meeting our own high standards of business conduct benefits our customers and our company. We’ve found—like many companies do—that ethical behavior:

  • Improves communication. Ethical standards promote open and honest communication, which is essential for resolving conflicts and fostering collaboration. When all parties feel heard and respected, relationships are more likely to thrive.
  • Builds trust. When a business consistently demonstrates ethical behavior, it establishes a reputation for integrity and reliability. This builds trust among customers, suppliers, employees, and other partners, making them more likely to engage in long-term relationships.
  • Attracts top talent. Ethical businesses are more likely to attract and retain talented employees who value working for a company with strong moral principles. 
  • Enhances credibility. Ethical businesses are seen as transparent and accountable, which enhances their credibility in the marketplace. This credibility attracts new customers and strengthens existing relationships.
  • Promotes loyalty. Customers are more loyal to businesses they perceive as ethical and trustworthy. They’re more likely to recommend the company to others and continue doing business with them over time.
  • Creates a positive work environment. Ethical standards create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and respected. This leads to increased morale, motivation, and engagement, which can benefit all aspects of the business.
  • Contributes to long-term success. Ultimately, high ethical standards contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of a business and its customers by fostering strong relationships.

Today, the Midwest. Tomorrow, the world?

Our BBB Torch Award was granted in the organization’s Midwest territory. That’s Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. We’re honored to be recognized in a region where there are so many businesses with high standards for ethics and integrity. As a local Torch Award recipient, we’re also eligible and entered into the running for the International Torch Awards.

Whatever happens at that level, we’re glad that people have confirmation of what they’ve heard in biBerk reviews online—that we’re an honest, ethical company committed to providing small businesses with cost-effective insurance protection and world-class customer service.