This is a special edition of Down to Earth. In it we will share with you the criteria submitted to the Better Business Bureau for the 2000 Torch Award. We are particularly proud to have earned this honor. It is not based on sales, size, or length of time in business, but on our business practices — specifically, our commitment to ethics in our business relationships.

An Award Worthy of Honorable Mention

Miramar Wholesale Nurseries (MWN) is proud to announce we have won a 2000 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics, presented by the Better Business Bureau. The Torch Award is a reflection of our commitment to fair and honest conduct in business relationships.

“Winning this award is a great compliment to our entire staff,” said Suzie Wiest, MWN branch manager. “It is also a validation of the way we do business. In a world where usually all that counts is the bottom line, it is inspiring to be recognized for things as fundamental as honesty and fairness.”

Though the Torch Awards are four years old, this is the first year MWN participated in the competition. Applicants were judged on seven specific criteria that required documentation and references from clients, vendors, and suppliers.

All for-profit businesses in San Diego were eligible to submit an application. Finalists and winners were chosen from seven categories based on the number of employees in the business. MWN took home the award in the 100 to 249 employees category. The awards ceremony was held November 14 at the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel. More than 600 attended. As a local winner, we are entered into the national Better Business Bureau competition.

In a statement to the San Diego Business Journal, local Better Business Bureau President and CEO Gerry Wilson said, “each honoree exemplifies that adhering to ethical business practices gives a company a competitive advantage, while helping to uphold a marketplace that is fair for all Americans.”

Suzie concurred. “Miramar Wholesale Nurseries believes that the marketplace encompasses not only external customers, suppliers and vendors, but also those internal relationships between employees,” she said. “As a result, respect and appreciation moves outward from management, to employee, to customer, to vendor and back again. We pledge to continue meeting the standards, values and principles outlined by our parent company, ServiceMaster, and by the Better Business Bureau.”

MWN employs more than 200 associates. Pictured here are representatives of each department. Left to right, front row: Sam Banuelos, Leonard Vargas, Robin Lelevier, Gaylyn Grant, Kristen Loucks, Kelly Smagacz, Christine MacGregor, Ron Forkner. Center row, left to right: Max Steen, Donna Johnson, Eligio Gonzales, Mike Kachelein, Bob Everett. Left to right back row: Josh Dake, Moises Barroso, Karen Hill, Suzie Wiest, Keith Lazenby, Pete Bats, Jacinto Munoz, Ken Danzer, Alan Stockton.