SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — [NOV. 13, 2025] – The Better Business Bureau® of Michigan proudly honored the state’s most ethical businesses during the 2025 Torch Awards for Ethics Luncheon, held earlier this week at Schoolcraft College’s VisTaTech Center in Livonia.
The awards ceremony drew business leaders from across Michigan to celebrate companies that exemplify integrity, trust, and excellence in their communities. Attendees enjoyed a keynote address from Mark S. Lee, founder of The Lee Group and respected marketing strategist, and an engaging program emceed by Rob Wolchek, award-winning FOX 2 Detroit investigative reporter.
Finalists represented businesses from every corner of the state—from Escanaba in the Upper Peninsula to Traverse City and communities throughout lower Michigan—highlighting the strength and diversity of Michigan’s business community. After careful review by an independent panel of judges, the following companies were named winners of the 2025 Torch Awards for Ethics:
- Category 1 (1–3 Employees): Active Training Consultants — Newaygo
- Category 2 (4–15 Employees): Kerner’s Auto Service — Shelby Township
- Category 3 (16–35 Employees): Midwest Truck Driving School — Escanaba
- Category 4 (36–60 Employees): Hydro-Chem Systems — Caledonia
- Category 5 (61–100 Employees): Precision Plumbing & Heating — Traverse City
- Category 6 (100+ Employees): Centered Care of Michigan — Lansing
In total, 18 finalists were recognized across six categories.
The luncheon also celebrated milestone achievements for two long-standing BBB Accredited Businesses: McNaughton-McKay Electric Company, marking 75 years of accreditation, and Comerica Bank, celebrating an extraordinary 100 years—one of only 16 businesses nationwide to reach this milestone. Accepting on behalf of Comerica Bank was Alicia Stephens, Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Quality, who reflected on the enduring partnership with BBB as Comerica merges with Fifth Third Bank, another BBB Accredited Business.
During the program, Lisa Frohnapfel, President & CEO of BBB of Michigan, shared inspiring remarks about integrity, community, and the organization’s future. “Today, as we honor those who embody integrity and dedication, let’s remember that it’s not just about winning awards, but about showing up, believing in each other, and putting heart into everything we do,” said Frohnapfel.
Before closing, Frohnapfel announced BBB’s new AI-driven training sessions and resources, designed to help Michigan businesses stay ahead in a fast-changing marketplace. She also revealed plans for the first-ever BBB AI Summit, coming next year, where business leaders will learn, connect, and lead with trust. The announcement of BBB’s AI Initiative, launching next month, generated excitement among attendees eager to navigate emerging technologies with confidence and clarity.
For more information about the Torch Awards for Ethics or BBB’s initiatives, visit bbb.org/miprograms.
The 2025 BBB of Michigan Torch Awards for Ethics was sponsored by Amway, Ayers Basement Systems, BHS Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Centennial Securities, Fox Motors, Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU), Meijer, Mercantile Bank, and WOOD TV8.
ABOUT BBB®: The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for over 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.3 million businesses, for free at BBB.org. Regional, independent BBBs can be found across the United States and Canada, including the BBB of Michigan, which serves the entire state except for Hillsdale, Monroe, and Lenawee counties (BBB Serving Northwest/West Central Ohio and Southeast Michigan operates in these counties). Visit www.bbb.org/mi or call 517-837-2162 for more information. |
Leading up to this week’s event MB had a conversation with BBB’s Nakia Mills!
Watch Nakia and Chris discuss uniting the state under one BBB and celebrating ethics at the 2025 Torch Awards. in the YouTube video shared below:
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