On April 7, 2006 the Better Business Bureau hosted the annual Integrity Awards event at the downtown Des Moines Marriott Hotel.  Keynote speaker, Art Taylor, CEO of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance spoke on charitable giving and oversight. With over 350 in attendance, it was an exciting celebration of ethics, honesty and integrity. Awards were presented to four outstanding business organizations and five inspiring high school seniors.

Integrity Award winners are selected from four categories—under 50 employees; 51-250 employees; over 250 employees and one non-profit organization. The winner in the category with 50 or fewer employees was Able Homebuilders of Sioux City, Iowa.  In the remodeling and construction business for over 20 years, Able’s mission statement reads, “Able Homebuilders is committed to being Siouxlands premier provider of superior value and service in all components of new construction and remodeling services.” The company describes "integrity" and "honest" as being criteria for the attainment of their success.  They strive each day to surpass the achievements of yesterday.

Homesteaders Life Company of  West Des Moines was the winner for businesses with 51-250 employees.  The company recently celebrated its centennial anniversary.  In the business of providing funeral related products, they state, “Homesteaders has a singular commitment to the success of our funeral home customers and to preserving the value of funeral service.” They believe integrity is consistently doing what one says they will do. Over 3000 funeral homes entrust Homesteaders to help preserve what is most precious to them.  Homesteaders has sustained its success by their continuing commitment to keeping promises made to its policy owners, customers and employees. 

The Weitz Company was the winner for businesses with 250 or more employees. The company has built a reputation of integrity by dealing honestly with clients and employees and has always set a high standard of performance. They deeply respect the legacy established by four generations of the Weitz family. In 2005 they celebrated 150 years in business. The company is involved with numerous industry, trade groups and community organizations relating to business integrity and ethics.  Their mission statement is, “Weitz will be a recognized leader in our markets, providing quality construction and related services and known for long-term relationships based on mutual trust with its employees, clients and partners.”

Mercy Medical Center was the winner in the not-for-profit category.  Since their founding by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, Mercy has worked diligently to provide quality and compassionate medical care while protecting and preserving the rights and needs of the individuals. Their mission statement reads, in part, “The Mission of the Catholic Health Initiatives is to nurture the healing ministry of the church by bringing in new life, energy and viability in the 21st century.” Their values include reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence. They incorporate these attributes into their operational framework, developing into the nationally recognized regional healthcare center that thrives today.

The five student winners were selected for their leadership, accomplishment and integrity. In order to be considered for the award the students must be selected as the single best example of integrity in their school. After a nominating and application process involving over 130 schools, finalists are selected for careful review.  Any one of the nominated students would make an outstanding recipient so the judge’s job was very difficult. It was an exciting day for the young people and their parents as they were each honored with a plaque and $1000 college scholarship from the sponsors and the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation.  The winners were Mallory Beyer of Lynnville-Sully High School, Nicole Cortum of Norwalk High School, Caitlin Miller of Regina High School in Iowa City, Don Pham of North High in Sioux City and Amanda Van Dyk of Aplington-Parkersburg High School.  It was an honor to recognize these young leaders and the contributions that they have already made to society and our communities.