TUCSON, AZ - Better Business Bureau Serving Southern Arizona (BBB) recognized Judy McDermott as the first recipient of the Ellen Kirton "You Too Can Make A Difference" Award and six organizations with a 2022 Torch Award last Friday evening at its annual ceremony presented by South32 and held at Casino Del Sol.
The Southern Arizona BBB Torch Awards celebrates businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs whose business practices and related activities exemplify BBB’s mission and principles to ensure the marketplace remains fair and honorable. The awards focused on three categories: Business Ethics, Nonprofit Ethics, and the Spark Award for millennial entrepreneurs.
Southern Arizona 2022 BBB Torch Awards Winners Revealed
- The Earnest House LLC. - The Earnest House LLC's goal is to provide a housing in a safe and clean environment to help individuals transition from one life situation to the next. Category I (1 to 7 Employees)
- CS Design Studios - Tucson's leading Digital Marketing Agency & Web Development Company. With over 55,000 leads generated for local businesses since 2015, CS Design Studios can help you begin your success story today. Category II (8 to 17 Employees)
- Al Coronado Plumbing - Al Coronado is a family owned and operated plumbers company which has serviced Arizona since 1981. They take great pride in offering quality plumbing at an affordable rate along with professional and courteous customer service. Category III (18 + Employees)
- Grace Hearing Center - The mission of Grace Hearing Center is to build the self-worth of individuals by restoring their hearing potential and providing them with opportunities to engage with their communities through service to others. Category I (Below 1.5 Million in Revenue)
- Beacon Group - Beacon Group creates opportunities for people with disabilities. Since 1952, Beacon has been a leader in providing real jobs and employment-related services to people with disabilities in Arizona, serving over 2,100 people with disabilities each year. Category II (Above 1.5 Million in Revenue)
- Luis Redondo Mochomo's Landscaping - Luis and his company have served the Tucson/Sahuarita community for over 15 years. "Work hard in silence and let success make the noise" is his motto. Spark Award – Entrepreneur
- Judy McDermott - Ellen Kirton’s “You Too Can Make A Difference” Award recipient
BBB also honored the following thirteen 2022 BBB Torch Awards Finalists for their commitment to ethical practices:
- A-Authentic Garage Door Service Co. - Tucson
- S.W.A.T. Glass LLC
- Schumer Dental, PC
- Ronnie's Handyman and Home Services LLC
- Alex Tire Pros
- Caring Transitions of Southern Arizona
- Grace Retreat Foster Care and Adoption Services
- Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona
- Literacy Connects
- Jessica Kaiser - JKaiser Workspaces
- Alejando Vidal - Wildcat Painting LLC
- Vanessa Larios- Skyland Roofing & Restoration
Highlights of the presentation included an inspiring keynote address from Emmy-award winning journalist, Ryan Avery, who at the age of 25 became THE® youngest World Champion of Public Speaking. Cristie Street, served as the master of ceremonies. Cristie is the co-founder and served as the managing partner for Nextrio. She was previously named “Woman of the Year” by Greater Tucson Leadership for her community involvement.
For more information on the winners and finalists contact Denisse Alvarez, dalvarez@tucson.bbb.org, or to nominate a deserving business, nonprofit or entrepreneur, go to the 2023 Torch Award Nominations.