Better Business Bureau serving Greater Maryland recently announced the 2017 recipients of its Torch Awards for Ethics during the organization’s 100 ^th anniversary celebration at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

Winners of the Torch Awards for Ethics include the following Maryland companies: Comfort Plus Services , Federalsburg; Hague Quality Water of Maryland , Annapolis and Ocean City; ProMD Health , with local offices Timonium and Annapolis, and Brothers Services Company , with headquarters in Hampstead and showrooms in Timonium and Columbia. The finalist for the prestigious award was Next Step Baltimore .

“Recognizing these remarkable businesses, while celebrating BBB’s 100 years of service in Maryland, made for a truly inspirational evening,” said Angie Barnett, president and CEO, BBB. “Each Torch Award honoree demonstrates a conviction to make strategic, ethical decisions that cement their relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and their community.”

A Video Conversation with Angie Barnett, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland

Nearly 200 business leaders, including members of BBB’s board of directors, attended the harborside event. Secretary, Maryland Department of Commerce, Mike Gill, presented BBB’s leadership with a Citation from Governor Larry Hogan marking its 100 years of helping Maryland businesses and those who buy from them.

The centennial celebration guests boarded The Pride of Baltimore II for tours and photographs, dined on oysters on the half shell and other fine Maryland fare. ABC2 Anchor, Jamie Costello, emceed a program highlighting the past, present and future of BBB. The celebration included a champagne toast, and cutting of a BBB-themed cake created by the nationally acclaimed Charm City Cakes. Startup Maryland, brought their STRT1UP Roadshow, a state-wide tour in recognition of entrepreneurship and high-growth innovative startup ventures, to the centennial celebration and giving BBB Accredited Businesses an opportunity to pitch plans for growth.

BBB’s Torch Awards for Ethics program is the non-profit organization’s premier, public recognition of businesses that intentionally pursue the six TRUST! Principles. The annual award embodies BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust.