RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Better Business Bureau Serving Middle TN and Southern KY recently hosted its Inaugural Big Blue Bash celebration with over 200 business leaders in attendance. During the event, several businesses were recognized for exemplifying the highest standards of ethics. Additionally, eleven high school seniors, 2 of which live in Murfreesboro, were named Students of Integrity recipients. Meteorologist Danielle Breezy was the Mistress of Ceremonies, and Dave Delaney's keynote spoke on the importance of effective communication in the business environment. 

"The purpose of this event was to highlight businesses making a difference and students who personify ethical behavior, and we did just that. We have experienced many highs and lows over the past three years, and this event reminded us of the unwavering strength and tenacity of businesses in our community," said Robyn Householder, President & CEO of Better Business Bureau Middle TN and Southern KY. 

During the event, several businesses were recognized for being Marketplace Role models. United Communication, located in Franklin, and Rackley Roofing, located in Carthage, were both winners of the Torch Awards. The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honors organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character, ensure that the organization's practices meet the highest standards of ethics, and consequently generate trust with its customers and the community. 

SMNutrition, located in Nashville, was named the 2023 Spark Award winner. The Spark Award for Entrepreneurship has celebrated emerging entrepreneurial businesses whose leaders demonstrate a high level of character, generate a culture that is authentic about its mission, and genuinely connect with their community.

Students of Integrity scholarship recipients were recognized for personifying high character through leadership, community service, personal integrity, and academic accomplishments.

Recipients represent 11 high schools in Middle TN: 

• Sierra Arguello, Fayetteville High School

• Sophia Blockley, Oakland High School

• Tyler Cadle, Upperman High School

• Lilli Cobb, Clarksville High School

• Jenna Coles, Logan County (KY) High School

• Eden Daniel, Smith County High School

• Kenlee Hall, Richland High School

• Samantha Hong, Nolensville High School

• Paxton Rigdon, Providence Christian Academy

• Miles Wine, Forrest School

• Chandler Wood, Todd County (KY) Central High School

For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. Millions of people visit BBB.org annually to view BBB Business Profiles and Charity Reports.