Recipient of 2017 Torch Award

Photos by: Sean Su @[203867963313063:0]I was thrilled to be a part of the management team that created and implemented an ethical business model, especially since it was acknowledged and rewarded by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We received Honorable Mention for businesses in the 1-9 employee category at the 2017 Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics.

The BBB received over a thousand nominations from consumers and businesses in Illinois. The awards banquet was sponsored by numerous companies serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. Present for the award presentations were WGN, ABC, and the WCIU.

Photos by: Sean Su @[203867963313063:0]ABC 7’s Hosea Sanders hosted the event and handed out the awards. Melissa Stockwell, Army war hero, mother and three-time world champion Paratriathlon medalist was the keynote speaker. The event was well attended by 400 plus Illinois business leaders.

I was given three minutes to share highlights from our ethical practices, journey and gratitude for the award. It was the first time I received an award of that magnitude on behalf of a team and I found myself extremely nervous until my foot hit the stage. Once on the platform I quickly came up with a new speech, since Sanders touched on my planned comments as he introduced me.

Photos by: Sean Su @[203867963313063:0]During the selection process I was inundated with 25-30 hours of paperwork. Our final document answering the questions of the third party counsel was just shy of 50 pages including process and event documentation for standards adhered to and lived out.

I was energized by this once in a lifetime experience because everyone in the room was passionate about raising ethical standards in Illinois. Being in a room with like minded executives was encouraging and I hoped each company effectively instills within their employees the need for and benefits of working within ethical standards.

Photos by: Sean Su @[203867963313063:0]

When Calls the Heart – Season 3 Boxset—Review

boxsetThe third season of When Calls The Heart is now available in a 10 DVD collectors edition set. The high moral fiber throughout the season and the low retail price makes this set worth collecting for both families and Hearties.

The show’s inspiration comes from the best-selling series by Janette Oke and brought to life by a great cast in Erin Krakow (Army Wives), Daniel Lissing (Eye Candy), Jack Wagner (Melrose Place), and Lori Loughlin (Full House, 90210). The on screen chemistry between the main characters suggests strong behind the scenes friendships and a deeper belief in the types of stories each character portrays.

Historical family values are given new life in this series. Each episode is produced in a way that allows parents and kids to enjoy watching the shows together. The writing of the shows also gives families great discussion points to dive into heartfelt conversations. But the bonding process doesn’t stop there, as many episodes demonstrate how to take courage in difficult situations with the support of ones faith and community.

I enjoyed the behind the scenes featurettes that demonstrate a cast and crew who heartily believe in their work of producing high moral programing. The redemptive storylines encourage and inspire viewers to use these characters as role models, bringing a new demonstrative sacrificial love into our communities.

In a year of 5,000 first run shows airing on too numerous to count networks, it’s great to find a series currently available in stores and online that will benefit the viewers and their families. And, for those who are die hard Hearties, the boxset includes footage from the Hearties Family Reunion.

Plus, a Hearties trivia game is included on the final DVD to test your Hearties IQ. All of these features and the great episodes make the boxset value much higher than the low price its currently available for in stores and online. For anyone interested in high moral programming, there isn’t a better offer in the market today.

Its time to consider who you might want to bless this holiday season by gifting the complete 10 DVD set. I’ve got mine and I’m ready for a cold January weekend when I can snuggle up with a loved one and binge watch the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hopes that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”