The Business Ethics Awards were launched in 1987, when three companies – Johnson & Johnson, Herman Miller and H.B. Fuller – were cited. Every year since then, the awards have honored companies for their contributions to the field of corporate responsibility.

Click here for a complete list of Business Ethics Award winners for the past 19 years.

Nominations for the Business Ethics Awards traditionally come from a variety of sources, including companies themselves. Winners are chosen by a panel of judges with strong academic and professional credentials, well-versed in traditional and emerging models of corporate responsibility.

Business Ethics Awards for 2007 will be announced in November. Nominations will be accepted through September 1. Awards will be given in four categories:

• Corporate Responsibility Management
• Environmental Sustainability
• Stakeholder Accountability
• General Excellence

Awards Criteria Award winners should meet many (though not necessarily all) of the following criteria:

1. Small, medium, and large companies with U.S. headquarters (or the U.S. operations only of a multinational company) -- publicly or privately-held -- are eligible.
2. Be a leader in their field, out ahead of the pack, showing the way ethically.
3. Have programs or initiatives in social responsibility that demonstrate sincerity and ongoing vibrancy, and that reach deep into the company.
4. Have a significant presence on the national or world scene, so their ethical behavior sends a loud signal.
5. Be a stand-out in at least one area of social responsibility, though recipients need not be exemplary in all areas.
6. Have faced a recent challenge and overcome it with integrity, or taken other recent steps to show their commitment is currently active.
7. Be profitable in the most recent year, or show a strong history of healthy profitability.

To nominate your own company or another company, please send us the information outlined below prior to the September 1 deadline.

You can submit information either by email (Awards@business-ethics.com) or mail (119 West 72 Street #302, New York, N.Y. 10023).