AIDS Resource Center Ohio receives Better Business Bureau Eclipse Integrity Award

DAYTON, OHIO, May 13, 2008 - Your Better Business Bureau hosted the fifteenth annual Eclipse Integrity Awards dinner. More than 550 people joined your BBB at the Schuster Performing Arts Center to honor five organizations with the prestigious Eclipse Integrity Awards and five Students of Integrity Award winners.

Your BBB’s Eclipse Integrity Awards, sponsored by The Dayton Power and Light Company, Cincinnati Bell, Serco, Inc., WesBanco Bank, WDTN-TV, Dayton B2B and LITE 99.9, are about ethics, honesty and integrity. They’re Dayton’s Oscars. The competition was tough. Your BBB received 220 nominations recognizing the outstanding performance of Miami Valley businesses and nonprofits.

Students of Integrity, sponsored by McAfee Air Repair, recognizes five high school seniors for their high moral character and outstanding ethics. The winners were selected from about 25 excellent nominations from over 80 Miami Valley high schools. Each of the winners is recognized as a BBB Student of Integrity and will receive a $1,000 scholarship to a college of his/her choice.

Eclipse Integrity Award Winners

The Eclipse Integrity Awards 100+ employees category went to Kettering Network Home Care (Miamisburg). Messer Construction Co. (Kettering) was honored in the 51-100 employees category. Grunder Landscaping Company (Miamisburg) was the winner in the 21-50 employees size and McAfee Air Repair (Kettering) was the winner in the 1-20 employees category. The Nonprofit Integrity Award went to AIDS Resource Center Ohio (Dayton).

The Eclipse Integrity Awards are presented to businesses demonstrating significant, unique and continuous commitment to exceptional customer service, trust and fair play in the marketplace and in day-to-day living. The award winners perform during moments of truth, as well as demonstrate high ethical standards through policies, training and/or staff. They exercise outstanding internal business practices, practice honest competition and have a reputation in the community for sound ethics, service/products and community service. They also promote truth in advertising, exercise fair play, exceed customer expectations and support the ideals of your Better Business Bureau.

Kettering Network Home Care, the Eclipse Integrity Award winner in the 100+ employees category, exemplifies integrity on each level of the organization, starting with staff members. By offering modern medical treatment complimented by compassion and respect, Kettering Network Home Care differentiates itself. One client says, "I wanted to express gratitude…for the excellent health education and screening program that was developed to serve low income senior housing residents." In addition to serving senior citizens in the local community, the Kettering Network Home Care team involves themselves in volunteer efforts around the world, ranging from Hurricane Katrina relief efforts to mission trips to third world countries. Kettering Network Home Care has a long history of exceptional service to customers and the community.

"We Are Building," is a reflection of everything the winner in the 51-100 employees category does - Messer Construction Company. This employee-owned, general contracting company not only builds structures, but develops people through the staff’s support of each other and company’s commitment to growing individuals. In the giving back spirit, Messer’s Dayton employees supported over 25 local organizations with gifts of time, talent and treasures in 2007. Nearly 75 percent of Messer’s business is performed for repeat clients. This is attributed not only to its outstanding work, but the ethical way it conducts business. Messer’s integrity is a mindset that permeates throughout the company. By sticking to its values, Messer Construction Co. has not only grown, but flourished locally for nearly 70 years.

Grunder Landscaping Company, the Eclipse Integrity Award winner in the 21-50 employees category, is known for its devotion to quality work and customer satisfaction. Knowing the importance of integrity and hard work, Martin Grunder, Jr. says, "Our reputation speaks for itself and our team will tell you that integrity is what keeps our team together and it’s what enables us to continue to grow." Doubling as both a client and employee, Beverly Steinbicker says, "A professional tenet of my own is to work for someone that I can learn from—and someone that I respect. That could not be more descriptive of Marty Grunder and my association with Grunder Landscaping Co." Not only does the company give to the community, but team members are encouraged to get involved in activities, ranging from serving on community boards to maintaining a city boulevard.

When Greg McAfee founded McAfee Air Repair, the 1-20 employees Eclipse Integrity Award winner, he had one goal, to create a company that maintained the same admirable traits he learned as a US Marine - integrity, promptness and effectiveness. Ensuring quality service for each customer is always at the forefront. Each McAfee employee has a "Success Manual," which emphasizes 15 key ingredients to the company’s success, such as Attitude, Caring, Class, Discipline, Enthusiasm, Excellence and Integrity. Greg has provided quality heating, air conditioning and ventilating solutions to homes and businesses throughout the Miami Valley. With more than eighteen years of history, the company believes you need to listen to the customer; empower the employees; trust vendors and suppliers; and be proactive in community affairs.

The Nonprofit Integrity Award is presented to a nonprofit or charity demonstrating outstanding community service through its mission and commitment. The nominees practice ethical and responsible fund raising and demonstrate strong fiscal responsibility and board oversight. They have measurable results reported honestly and promote the vitality and overall health of our community. They also demonstrate regular and effective communication with constituencies and clients. Additionally, they support the ideals of your BBB and meet your BBB’s standards for charitable accountability.

Unwavering in its mission to be the client-focused provider of the highest quality HIV prevention and support services, AIDS Resource Center Ohio, the nonprofit category winner, seeks to stabilize lives and prevent additional transmissions through the power of knowing. Passion and vision drive the staff, volunteers and constituents towards its Nobility of Purpose. With help from a variety of organizations, this organization provides comprehensive services throughout 35 Ohio counties. This year, it’ll assist 2,200 persons with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones, with thousands more reached through testing, counseling, referrals and prevention education activities. AIDS Resource Center Ohio has an exemplary reputation, outstanding commitment to the community and provides exceptional service to clients and staff.

Students of Integrity Winners

Lane Hart’s dedication to integrity is reflected in all aspects of his life. He gives nothing less than 110 percent represented by his academic and extracurricular successes. This exceptional Tri-County North student is an active volunteer, coordinating and participating in various community programs, including the Ohio Reads Volunteer Tutoring Program, CARTeens and the Greene County Family Violence Prevention Center. Lane’s honesty and perseverance inspire others to follow. He’s held leadership positions in the National Honor Society, Student Council, high school newspaper, as well as cross country and track and field teams. From his outstanding academic achievements to running his own IT business, Lane Hart’s passion and commitment enrich the lives of others.

Lilian Hartzell is relentless in the pursuit of excellence. Her hard work, leadership and compassion earn her respect from others. Intelligence, commitment and focus are clear in this Oakwood High School student’s drive to excel. Lilian’s a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society and received the rare honor of being chosen twice by the school faculty as its outstanding citizen. Her compassion to help others is evident in her community involvement with groups, such as Camp Silver Lake, the Clubhouse, House of Bread and Sunrise Assisted Living. Crediting her parents for being her ethical role models, Lilian Hartzell believes she needs to lead by example.

Elizabeth Heitkamp has made an impact through academics, leadership and service. This Versailles High School valedictorian is a highly-respected school leader, as class secretary and a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Future Teachers of America and SADD. This young woman participates in show choir, drama club and pageants. Elizabeth volunteers at nursing homes, food pantries, Toys for Tots and homeless shelters. She’s received countless Future Farmers of America awards and 4-H Senior Award twice. Elizabeth also manages to work on her family farm and as a farm news broadcaster and studio engineer at WTGR, where she’s developed a strong work ethic and time management skills.

Krishna Vellanki is academically gifted, self-disciplined and has an excellent work ethic. This Springfield North High School senior’s leadership extends from captain of the Varsity Academic, Hi-Q and Varsity Tennis teams to student government officer, just to name a few. Krishna’s hard work and dedication has earned him many honors and awards, including National Merit finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, Springfield Community Award of Excellence and multiple Math Team, Outstanding Student and science awards. Researching pituitary and pancreatic tumors, Krishna’s many accomplishments and strong moral character will serve him well as he pursues a career in medicine.

Bristen Wells has an exceptional work ethic and is driven to do her best. This senior from Tecumseh High School is rooted in values, commitment and giving back. Bristen is president of both 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) and a member of the National Honor Society. Through her diverse involvement, she recognizes the integrity of each participant brings them together as valued citizens. Well-rounded and accomplished, Bristen is captain of the FFA Horse judging team and has received many FFA honors. She also finds time to participate in the Fellowship of Christian athletes and work at her high school and a local farm. An aspiring veterinarian, she’ll continue to be a leader, influencer and person of high moral character.

John North, BBB president/CEO says, "Your BBB applauds these businesses, nonprofit and students. They set the benchmark for integrity for all of us. We should all strive to live our lives with the highest integrity as they do."

An independent panel of judges selected the Eclipse Integrity Award winners. The Eclipse Integrity Awards judges included Dan Davis, National City Bank; Michael Goldshot, Goldshot, Lamb & Hobbs; Carmen Guerrero-Urbieta, Urbieta Construction, Inc.; Bill Kasch, Everybody’s Workplace Solutions; Marilyn Kinne, Accurate Lubricants & Metal Working Fluids, Inc.; Jan Lepore-Jentleson, East End Community Services Corp.; Amy Meeks, Ohio Eyecare Specialists; Maureen Patterson, Dayton Development Coalition; and Toni Perry-Gillispie, A T & T.

Another independent panel of judges selected the Students of Integrity Award winners. The judges were Susan Bodary, EDVention; Todd Kozarec, Farmersville Elementary School; Catherine Rauch, Montgomery County Office of Children and Family First; Willis Serr, Graceworks Lutheran Services; Michael Shane, Lastar, Inc.; and Charles Shoemaker, Five Rivers Metro Parks.

Your Better Business Bureau is a private, nonprofit association that has been promoting integrity in the marketplace for more than 80 years. It services the Miami Valley, including Montgomery, Greene, Clark, Darke, Miami, Preble, Shelby and northern Warren counties.