The Better Business Bureau (BBB) today announced the 2009 Torch Award winners for Marketplace Excellence:
- Waste Management of Upstate New York;
- Doyle Security of Rochester, NY; and
- Ferri Formals and Bridals of Schenectady, NY.
The BBB Torch Award is the highest recognition given to area businesses by the organization and honors them for their ability to demonstrate the highest standards of customer service, community involvement, adherence to truthful and honorable business practices and outstanding reliability. “These businesses represent the best of the best,” said David Polino, BBB President. All businesses operating in the Upstate New York area are eligible to enter the annual awards program. Applications are reviewed and selected by independent judges.
Torch Awards are given in three categories. Waste Management won the large category (100-999 employees), Doyle Security won the medium (11 - 99 employees), and Ferri Formals won the small business category (1 - 10 employees). “It’s an honor for Waste Management to be ranked so highly by the Better Business Bureau,” said Dave Balbierz of WM. “We’re committed to helping New Yorkers by providing a variety of recycling and waste management services to increase the use of renewable energy, conserve natural resources and improve the quality of life in the cities and towns that we serve.”
“Consumers recognize trust in these companies and others when they have a positive experience with them again and again. In today’s economy consumer trust is something every business can benefit from. Research shows that trust speeds business communication, and transactions. Consumers buy more and refer more to the business. The BBB is committed to building trust in the marketplace and the Torch Awards are a very important way for us to demonstrate best practices which these companies clearly represent,” added Polino.
Independent celebrations are held for Upstate New York Torch Award winners. They join hundreds of BBB Torch Award winners across the country that are being recognized for their excellence in ethical business practices as well as their efforts to ensure that our country's marketplace remains fair and honorable. BBB 2010 Torch Award call for entries will occur in the Fall.
About 2009 BBB Torch Award Winners:
Large Category Winner – Waste Management, Upstate NY:
Waste Management, Inc. is its industry’s leading provider of comprehensive waste management, recycling and environmental services. Based in Houston, Texas, the company serves municipal, commercial, industrial, and residential customers throughout North America. Waste Management has facilities in areas of Western New York, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany.
Waste Management is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Subsidiaries provide collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. The company is a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. Customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com.
Medium Category Winner – Doyle Security, Rochester, NY:
Doyle Security Systems is a family owned and operated since its founding in 1919 by John A. Doyle. Today, four generations later, John G. Doyle, Jr., the company’s President & CEO oversees operations in Rochester as well as Buffalo, Syracuse and Erie, PA. Doyle Security provides residential and commercial electronic security including burglary, fire, life safety and medical monitoring as well as CCTV and access control. The company also owns and operates a Five Diamond Certified, U.L. Listed Emergency Response Center in Rochester which operates around the clock 24/7/365 monitoring customers’ systems. Doyle Security Systems is and always has been “Security for your life”. More information is available online at www.godoyle.com.
Small Category Winner – Ferri Formals and Bridals, Schenectady, NY:
Ferri Formals and Bridals began in 1988 as a small mother and daughter shop specializing in custom designed gowns and bridal head pieces. Designs were created by daughter Marylu and then brought to life by her and mother, Pasqualina Ferri, otherwise known as Lina.
Lina, an Italian seamstress, worked for 25 years with Ursula of Switzerland and other local sewing manufactures. Marylu sought specialized training in Paris with the Parsons School of Design. Their first sewing room was in their home where they were able to translate a client’s vision into stunning designs. Their small loyal following of clientele who sought designs different from the standard off the rack fare in the early days has grown, resulting in thousands of gowns being sold and an expansion of their business, to include ready-made lines to their inventory of Couture wedding gowns, adding bridesmaid gowns, prom dresses, tuxedos and special event/eveningwear.
The business moved to a new salon location in the upper Union Street district in 1997. In 2001, an investment was made to add a Salon de Couture with an exclusive collection to their salon. In 2004, they were chosen by design icon Vera Wang to showcase her wedding collection. Now in 2009, Ferri Formals and Bridals thrives with a reputation in the community as a place where brides feel embraced, understood and respected. Learn more at www.ferriformals.com.