The Minnesota Business Ethics Award recognizes Minnesota businesses that have exemplified and promoted ethical conduct for the benefit of the workplace, the marketplace, the environment and the community. It was founded in 1999 by the Center for Ethical Business Cultures and the Minnesota Chapters of the Society of Financial Service Professionals.
Each year a call for nominations is issued. A business may be nominated for an award by a customer, client, employee, vendor or a private citizen who is impressed with a company’s demonstration of ethical business conduct. Business people and organizations from throughout the state are encouraged to participate in the nomination process by completing a Nomination Form.
Nominated companies are required to complete an official Entry Form and provide documentation of “ethics-in-action” at their company. The MBEA is presented in three categories: large companies with over 500 employees, medium size companies of 100-500 employees and small companies of under 100 employees.
The entries are judged by a preliminary and a Blue Ribbon independent panel of judges representing business and academia. Award recipients are recognized at an awards luncheon banquet.
Local finalists may also enter a national competition that culminates in the American Business Ethics Awards.