BBB | Greater Maryland presented two local businesses with its Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at the American Visionary Art Museum. The two companies, Hague Quality Water of Maryland, Inc. and Empire Today were each recognized for their dedication and commitment to BBB's Standards for Trust in all aspects of their businesses.
A panel of independent judges, including previous winners, evaluated nominees on common criteria. The businesses were to have demonstrated exceedingly high standards of behavior toward customers, employees, shareholders and their communities; adhered to truthful and honorable advertising and sales practices; and, earned a reputation for noteworthy contributions to their industries and the communities in which they do business.
The winners of this year's Torch Award have shown a strong commitment to both their employees and their customers. It is not always easy to appease both, but with diligence and dedication they were able to have successful outcomes." said Angie Barnett, president and CEO of BBB | Greater Maryland.
Holly K. Petraeus, BBB | Greater Maryland's keynote speaker from the Council of Better Business Bureaus, shared with guests her role as the Director of BBB Military Line, a program that provides consumer education and advocacy for servicemembers and their families.
About the 2010 Torch Award winners:
Hague Quality Water of Maryland, Inc.
Lt. Col. Ronald Edwards founded Hague Quality Water after retiring from the United States Air Force. What started in a shopping center has expanded into a large showroom, now serving a larger population including residential and commercial customers. For the past three years, Hague Quality Water has been named a Top Ten Dealer by Hague Quality Water International and has been recognized by many community organizations for their business practices and ethics.
Kathleen Edwards & Lt. Col. Ronald Edwards
Empire Today
Since 1959, Empire Today has been working not only to make great first impressions with their floor coverings, but lasting ones with customer satisfaction. Their 24-hour phone line accommodates inquiries everyday of the year, no matter what time of day. To date, the company has served over 1 million customers. Currently, Empire Today is located in 35 major markets nationwide including Maryland.
Dave Finan & Bridget Moscatello
Sponsors for the Torch Awards include AES Builder and Home Improvements, Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union, AT&T Mobility, Brothers Services Company, CarChex, IWIF Workers' Compensation Insurance, McCormick & Co., Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing, Mr. Basement, SmartCEO Magazine, Travel Advantage Network and Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP.