There’s something inspiring happening at A View West Shores on Wednesday, September 24. The 28th Annual BBB (bbb.org/us/ne) Torch Awards Luncheon represents more than recognition; it’s a celebration of what makes our regional business community truly exceptional: the commitment to doing what’s right — even when no one is watching.
This year’s honorees tell a powerful story about our region. Eighteen businesses and nonprofits from Nebraska and Southwest Iowa are being recognized alongside winners from Kansas, Missouri and South Dakota, creating a tapestry of organizations that have made integrity the cornerstone of their operations. These aren’t companies that stumbled into ethical practices; they’ve deliberately chosen to build their foundations on trust, transparency and community responsibility.
The addition of a new Veteran-Owned Business category reflects something special about our entrepreneurial landscape. Our veteran business owners bring more than military experience to their enterprises; they carry forward values of service, accountability and commitment to something greater than themselves. Their success stories remind us that business leadership and community leadership often spring from the same source.
What’s remarkable about these Torch Award recipients is how they’ve proven that ethical leadership isn’t a luxury; it’s a practical approach that strengthens every aspect of business operations.
When you treat employees with respect, they stay longer and contribute more. When you’re transparent with customers, they become advocates. When you operate with integrity, regulatory compliance becomes second nature rather than a burden.
Each of these organizations will advance to compete for the International Torch Awards for Ethics, carrying our region’s reputation for principled business practices to a global stage. That’s something worth celebrating, not just for the winners, but for all of us who call this region home.
The ripple effects extend far beyond individual companies. When ethical businesses thrive, they raise the bar for everyone. They create environments where fair dealing becomes the norm, where community investment is expected, and where success is measured not just in profit margins but in positive impact.
This luncheon brings together leaders who understand that business success and community well-being aren’t separate goals; they’re interconnected outcomes of the same principled approach. It’s an opportunity to celebrate what’s already working well in our region and to learn from organizations that have found sustainable ways to put values into practice.
The concentration of purpose-driven leaders in one room creates something rare: a chance to see what’s possible when integrity guides decision-making. These conversations matter because they remind us that our best business practices often emerge from our deepest community values.
Information about tickets and sponsorships is available at (bbb.org/omahatorch). This event isn’t just about celebrating success; it’s about recognizing the character of our regional business community and the leaders who continue to prove that doing good and doing well aren’t mutually exclusive.