About the ETHIE Award

The ETHIE Award is an annual program that recognizes the Rochester region’s organizations that exemplify high standards of ethical behavior in their everyday business practices, and in response to crises or challenges.

The ETHIE has grown to be one of the premier awards in the region, and is an invaluable tool to recognize companies that strive to implement ethical principles in business. Elevate Rochester established the ETHIE Award in 2003, and to date, more than 150 companies have participated in the application process, leading to the recognition of 86 organizations.

The ETHIE is modeled on the American Business Ethics Award (ABEA), which was founded in 1994 by the National Society of Financial Service Professionals. In fact, several of Rochester’s award recipients have gone on to participate and win national recognition in the ABEA competition.

Public business, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations with a minimum of 15 employees are eligible for nomination.

The benefits of ethical principles in business

Building ethical business cultures has many benefits, only one of which is winning The ETHIE Award. Through participation, business owners continually identify better ways to do business, which adds value to their company. The experience of completing the ETHIE entry process edifies the company. A landmark Harvard Business School study of 207 large firms over an 11-year period showed that a strong corporate and ethical culture:

  • Increased revenues by 400%
  • Increased the workforce by 800%
  • Increased the stock price by 1200%
  • Increased net income by 7500%

Consider this: what will your customers, vendors, and potential new hires think about your company when they learn that you were an ETHIE finalist or recipient?

Applying for an ETHIE award

Organizations can apply for The ETHIE Award for free, and The process is an invaluable tool for Rochester businesses organizations. Complete an ETHIE Award Application form to begin the process of setting up and deploying an EthicsPoll diagnostic assessment for your organization. An Elevate Rochester team member will assist you every step of the way! The exercise of completing an EthicsPoll engages all employees in improving your organizational culture.

A completed EthicsPoll also has a positive impact on employee recruitment, retention, and morale. Even if you are not selected for the ETHIE Award, a summary report will be provided to your organization detailing your employees’ perception of the culture. This knowledge about your company is a powerful asset in your relationships with vendors, suppliers, professional advisors, customers, clients, and potential merger and acquisition candidates.

The ETHIE Award Process

An independent panel of judges carefully and impartially analyzes the completed EthicsPoll survey results to determine the finalists. Finalists  hen  receive a site visit made by a member of our judging committee. The site visit report is added to the EthicsPoll results to determine which organizations qualify for that years ETHIE award.

The judging criteria are thorough and detailed. Our judges treat the process and their role in it with considerable care … and ethics!

The ETHIE is a coveted award and our way of promoting, supporting and celebrating ethical principles in business within the Rochester community.