BBB TORCH AWARDS FOR ETHICS
Honoring The Businesses That Earn
Trust Everyday.
Every day, Central Illinois businesses make choices that either build trust or break it. The Torch Awards celebrate the ones who choose trust — and show the rest of us what ethical business looks like. Join us Thursday, October 15, 2026 at the Gateway Building, Peoria.
Celebrating 27 Years · 100+ Businesses Honored · Presented by BBB of Central Illinois
Critical Milestones
NOMINATIONS OPEN
JULY 15, 2026
NOMINATIONS CLOSE
September 15, 2026
APPLICATIONS DUE
September 15, 2026
Big blue bash
OCTOBER 15, 2026
ABOUT THE AWARDS
Recognizing Ethics.
Celebrating Excellence.
Since 1999, the BBB Torch Awards have recognized Central Illinois businesses that don't just talk about ethics — they live it. Over 100 businesses have been honored, including Caterpillar, CEFCU, Maui Jim, Helitech, Blunier Builders, and many more.
These aren't the biggest or loudest companies. They're the ones who do the right thing when no one's watching, treat customers like neighbors instead of transactions, and build cultures where integrity is the default. The Torch Awards exist because trust is earned, not given — and every year we get to celebrate the businesses that prove it.
Judging Criteria: The Four C's
Character
Ethical leadership and personal integrity
Culture
Internal values that support ethical behavior
Customers
How you prioritize relationships and trust
Community
Your broader impact and responsibility
More Than an Awards Night
The Torch Awards are a celebration — and it shows. Between the recognition and the applause, there's a photo booth, props, and a room full of Central Illinois business owners letting loose with the people they spend all year working alongside. Bring your team, grab a prop, and make a few memories worth framing.
Recognition Meets Celebration
It's the Big Blue Bash, not a lecture. Expect plenty of smiles, laughs, and photo-booth moments with the best businesses in the region.
"The trophies are serious. The night isn't. Come ready to celebrate."
STEP ONE
Know an Exceptional Business?
Nominate Them.
Anyone can nominate - customers, employees, partners, and self nominations. Nominations are confidential and take less than 2 minutes. BBB reviews each nomination, invites eligible businesses to apply, and recognizes you as the nominator at the ceremony. Only 1 nomination per businesses is needed for consideration.
BBB Torch award winners 2025
Meet the Businesses Who've Earned the Torch.
Celebrating ethical leadership across Central Illinois.
TORCH WINNER 2025
Big Papa Jakes
Excellence in food truck service
TORCH WINNER 2025
Pearl Technologies
Leading the technology sector with profound integrity.
TORCH WINNER 2025
Platinum Plumbing
Community service and ethical standards.
TORCH WINNER 2025
C.T. Gabbert
Reliability and honesty when our community matters most.
Past Winners: Caterpillar • CEFCU • Maui Jim • Helitech • Blunier Builders • Woods Basement Systems • Sherman's • Avanti's • and 90+ more
STEP TWO
Nominated?
Here's How to Apply.
The Torch Awards application is an opportunity to showcase how your business lives its values. Here is what applicants should prepare:
1. Confirmation of Nomination
Include the formal nomination email received from the BBB to verify eligibility.
2. Business Overview
A brief summary of your company's history, core mission, and leadership structure.
3. Responses to the Four Pillars
Detailed narratives on how your business demonstrates Character, Culture, Customers, and Community.
4. Supporting Documentation
Evidence of community involvement, previous awards, and customer or employee testimonials.
5. Visual Assets
High-resolution business logo and candid team or workplace photos.
Ready to Apply?
Applications are open to nominated BBB Accredited Businesses in good standing. Average completion time: 45–60 minutes. You can save and return.
What you get as a winner: Public recognition at the October 15 ceremony, the BBB Torch Award winner seal for your marketing, a feature in the BBB yearbook and press coverage, and validation that sets you apart from competitors.
To apply, a business must have 3+ years in operation, headquarters within the BBB Central Illinois service area, a BBB rating of 'B' or higher, no unresolved complaints, and be a BBB Accredited Business in good standing. Applications close September 15, 2026 — the best businesses apply early.
PARTNER WITH US
Sponsor the Awards
Put your brand in front of Central Illinois' most trusted businesses. Align with ethics, integrity, and the best companies in the region. Packages include event recognition, marketing exposure, and reserved seating.
PRESENTING
Torch Light
$3,500
- 16 tickets
- 2 reserved tables
- Opening address
- Logo everywhere
Integrity
$1,000
- 8 tickets
- 1 reserved table
- Logo in pre- and post-event marketing
Trust
$500
- 4 tickets
- Logo on website
- Event recognition
Teamwork
$100
- Name on website
- Social media mentions
Custom Sponsorship Packages Available
JOIN US AT October 15th 2026
Reserve Your Seat at this Year's Big Blue Bash.
Thursday, October 15, 2026 · Gateway Building · Peoria, IL · 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Attire: Business Formal
Select Tickets
Attendee Details
Attendee 1
EVENT INFO
What to Expect.
THE EVENING
Cocktail reception with Central Illinois' most trusted business leaders, plated dinner, recognition of the 2026 Torch Award finalists and winners, the Customer Service Award presentation, and networking with 200+ accredited business owners.
THE DETAILS
Thursday, October 15, 2026
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Gateway Building, Peoria, IL
Business Formal attire
$50 per person.
GETTING THERE
Parking and directions will be provided prior to the event. The venue is fully ADA accessible; please note any special accommodation needs during your ticket checkout.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE September 15, 2026
The Best Businesses Apply Early.
Questions? Contact Andrew Smith at BBB Central Illinois - [email protected]| (309) 688-3741
Questions? Contact Andrew Smith at BBB Central Illinois
[email protected] : (309) 688-3741
© 2026 BBB Central Illinois. All rights reserved.