Two businesses in Better Business Bureau Midwest Plains’ (bbb.com) service area — which spans Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota — have been named 2026 International Torch Award for Ethics recipients. This marks the third consecutive year the region has produced two international winners.

To even compete for the recognition, businesses had to earn Torch Awards for Ethics at the local level. More than 130 businesses applied for the International Torch Awards this year and of that group, just four International Torch Awards were awarded across the country, split among four employee-size categories: 1-10, 11-99, 100-499 and 500+.

BBB Midwest Plains’ 2026 International Torch Award recipients are:

  • 11-99 employees: Roxi & Co. (Sioux Falls, S.D.; BBB Accredited Business since 2017) — South Dakota’s fi rst-ever International Torch Award recipient.
  • 100-499 employees: Core Bank (Omaha, Neb.; BBB Accredited Business since 2021) — the third consecutive year an Omaha-area Accredited Business has earned an International Torch Award.

International winners were honored at the IABBB Trust Summit in Denver in mid-September and BBB Midwest Plains’ full slate of Torch Award winners were celebrated at the 2026 Torch Awards Luncheon on September 22 in Waterloo, Neb.

Core Bank – Core Bank is a full-service, family-owned bank offering a comprehensive range of products and expertise — business banking, construction lending, wealth services, mortgage and personal banking.

Judges recognized Core Bank for pairing strong ethical leadership with a culture built on trust and unity, anchored by an employee reward program judges called a genuine source of cohesion. In 2025, the bank partnered with more than 60 local organizations and gave back over $130,000 to the community. Its people-first values were backed by substance: a well documented impact report, strong customer reviews reflecting dependable relationships and consistently thoughtful application responses. Judges were especially struck by the bank’s community commitment — giving generously of its time, treasure and talent, and encouraging employees to do the same.

“Receiving the International Torch Award for Ethics is an incredible honor and a reflection of who we strive to be at Core Bank,” said John Sorrell, CEO of Core Bank. “Trust is at the heart of our business, and this recognition belongs to our entire team – the people who live our values every day through the way they serve our customers, support one another and strengthen our communities.”

Roxi & Co. – Roxi & Co. is a pet services company named for owner Telly’s late mother, who taught him to do the right thing even when it’s hard or inconvenient. That lesson shapes the company culture: judges praised Roxi & Co. for empowering employees to act on their values without layers of approval, and were moved by Telly’s decision during a product recall to proactively refund customers and personally absorb the cost rather than compromise on quality.

Judges also highlighted a culture where employees are coached, heard and grown into leadership roles. The company’s community impact reinforces that reputation for heart and discipline: Roxi & Co. has donated 6,500 bags of pet food to rescues in need.

“It isn’t a coincidence that this region has produced international winners in three consecutive years,” said Josh Planos, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for BBB Midwest Plains. “Core Bank and Roxi & Co. earned this recognition by building trust into a daily operational habit, and our communities are better for it. We are proud to see South Dakota and Omaha represented on the international stage.”

Since 1996, the International Torch Awards have recognized businesses across North America that demonstrate outstanding dedication to upholding ethical business practices and promoting trust in the marketplace.

For more information, please visit bbb.com.