Award Submission Requirements 

(This is the information that will be required of the Nominee after the Request for an Application has been submitted)

Executive Commitment to Business Ethics

• Include a letter from your CEO, briefly outlining the company's commitment to business ethics. Tell your company's story as it relates to a culture of strong business ethics and why your company is deserving of recognition for ethical business practices. This letter should serve as an executive summary of your entry.
• Provide an explanation of any recent litigation or complaints and your company's response to them.
• Include an example of executive commitment to business ethics, such as a speech and/or presentation.
• Tell how the CEO's commitment to business ethics is passed down to the employees so that an ethical culture permeates the company.

Company Ethics Program

• Include a copy of your company's code of ethics, credo, code of conduct or mission statement.
• Explain how your code or credo is exceptional.
• Show how your company's code of ethics relates to the company's mission/vision.
• Provide examples of how your company's ethics program is communicated to employees and other company constituents.
• Demonstrate that employees throughout the organization understand and accept the company's ethical standard as indicated by survey results, internal audit, or a practical example.
• Describe how ethical behavior of employees is measured and compensated at your company.
• Describe your company's mechanism for the resolution of ethical issues and challenges.
• Provide practical examples of ethical issues that have been resolved at your company through the use of this mechanism or through any other company policies and procedures.

Note: Your company need not have a formal ethics program to be considered for the award, but it is important to provide examples that demonstrate to the judges the company's commitment to ethics as part of its culture and business philosophy.

Demonstration of Sound Ethical Business Practices

• Provide practical examples of your company ethics program in action. Tell the story of how your company ethics program lives and breathes in your day-to-day business activities. For instance, has your company exceeded industry norms, raised industry standards or developed an ethical way of providing goods and services to its customers?
• Describe what has been your company's biggest ethical challenge and how it is being addressed. Ethical challenges may relate to employment issues, customer service, finances, the environment, government regulation or litigation.
• Demonstration of Commitment to Stakeholders
• Provide examples that show that your work environment is safe and free from inappropriate discriminatory behavior.
• Are your employees treated fairly and with respect? How have you provided opportunities for employees to grow professionally?
• Provide examples of high-quality products, services, and business and production practices. Provide documentation of customer satisfaction.
• Include examples of your corporate commitment to community, such as support of civic and charitable endeavors through gifts of time, materials or money.