I had the esteemed privilege of attending the 8th annual BBB Business Ethics Awards last night. The event was held in the ballroom at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix, with cocktails and networking at 6pm and the dinner and program beginning at 7pm. There were five categories in which businesses were nominated, based on company employee size, ranging from less than 10 employees to over 151 employees.
Pat McMahon, long time host on KTAR, was the master of ceremonies, introducing each part of the evening, while poking fun here and there. Each of the business ethics finalists were announced on stage to accept their “finalist” award before dinner began. The Arizona Biltmore staff provided impeccable service throughout the evening; dinner and dessert were equally delicious.
Keynote speaker
Ken Blanchard, author of several books including The One Minute Manager, served as the keynote speaker, delivering a speech relevant to business ethics in the marketplace today. Mr. Blanchard is the namesake to the Ken Blanchard School of Business at the only private university in the state of Arizona - Grand Canyon University - and possesses an entrepreneurial spirit that has led him through a number of ventures over the years. He now owns businesses in three countries and is a sought after speaker and author.
Ken reminded business owners that it is imperative to respect your employees to gain their trust. Without respect, they will not trust you. And without trust, the energy in the room turns negative. There are three things that Ken and his colleagues ask themselves before making any business decision:
- Is it legal?
- Is it fair to all involved?
- Would you want to be recognized for it? Would you want it printed in tomorrow’s newspaper?
“It all goes back in the box”
Ken told an endearing story about playing Monopoly with his ultra-competitive grandmother as a child, who often won the game without leaving a thing for Ken. Ken met a kid in his new neighborhood who was excellent at Monopoly strategy, and agreed to teach Ken. He then went head to head with his grandmother, winning the game! But at the end, his grandmother said “Ken, what you need to remember is this: at the end, it all goes back in the box”.
Ken was kind enough to give each attendee a copy of his new book: The One Minute Entrepreneur, and he signed copies in the lobby at the end of the night.
Wells Fargo has been the corporate sponsor since the event began 8 years ago, and provided the table prizes - a Wells Fargo stage coach cookie jar. Our own president, Elaine Ralls, won the prize at our table!
AIR Marketing was honored to be a winner of the 2006 BBB Business Ethics Awards, and last year Elaine Ralls served as Chairman of the Board of Better Business Bureau.
Tags: arizona, BBB, Ethics Award
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