Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Benefits of Applying for an ETHIE Award




It caused us to think through what our ethical practices are and write them down in a new 18-paragraph section in our Employee manual.  In this way, our existing employees - and new ones as they come on board – can quickly see in writing what principles are fundamental to our operation and that we adhere to.
 
We also distilled it down to two salient sentences:  Do What Is Right” (based on the Golden Rule outlined in the Book of Matthew “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”; and Keep A Good Name based on Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

It caused us to think back to ethical dilemmas and discuss how we’d solved them.  Some of these events happened before many of our present employees were with us; so we could share past company history.

A benefit of becoming a Finalist is that a professional videographer spends half a day you’re your company, capturing the flavor and dynamics of your company, resulting in 4 minute video of you company – at no charge, and which you can use without royalties for publicity purposes.  “A $2,000 value” as they say on TV.  This video is then shown at the awards luncheon ‘before the envelope is opened’ (like the Oscars).  Imagine hearing Don Alhart announce “And the winner is ……..” you company!

Winning the award has brought additional publicity to Saelig – and ‘eyeballs’ is what it’s all about!

We have met many new business contacts in Rochester because of entering the competition.

We were invited to enter the Greater Rochester Enterprise’s International Business Council competition in the Small Business category (winners will be announced on November 7th, 2013).

The D&C newspaper is writing two articles about our company, as well as a video blog entry.

On giving the acceptance speech, I was able to have a ready-made sitting audience for a few of my well-worn jokes, which went down very well I believe.