Ethics in Business Awards - Award Recipients
2010 Award Recipients
Wisconsin Public Radio Winner Vignettes - Hear from the 2010 winners as well as Jim and John Kress, son and grandson of AFCS co-founder George Kress.
Not-For-Profit Recipient
Wisconsin Public Radio (finalists were: Harmony Cafe, Junior Achievement, NEW Curative Rehabilitation, Salvation Army, Unity Hospice)
In 1986, Wisconsin Public Radio opened a regional bureau in the greater Green Bay area in an effort to better serve the listeners, partners and donors in the community. Its mission involves a commitment to producing, acquiring and delivering high-quality programming - programming that serves the public's need to discuss opinions and ideas, and also provides intelligent stimulation, cultural enrichment and enlightening entertainment.
The agency believes that it must stand apart from pressures of commerce and politics as they engage and inform their listeners. WPR is committed to independence and integrity, which are the foundations of their service. They maintain these standards by adhering to the following principles: truth, fairness and integrity.
To avoid potential conflicts of interest, WPR always starts with the editorial process and then seeks funding. However, they have, at times walked away from funding when it would compromise their ethics. They pride themselves on providing fact-based journalism and telling two sides - or more - of every issue. This is tracked by both the News Director and the Producer, and they also publish a grid for the public to see.
WPR states that the content of its programming is the heart of what they do, and they do their best to live out their values and to be transparent.
Business Recipient
MCL Industries (finalists were: Johnson Insurance, Schneider National)
MCL Industries (MCL) is located in Pulaski and is a manufacturer of electrical control systems and mechanical assemblies for heavy duty vehicle manufacturers. Established in 1979, MCL has shown continual growth and has developed an approach for uninterrupted delivery to its customers.
MCL and its employees truly care about their community. They consistently donate 10% of every dollar of pre-tax profit to projects and organizations in the area. This in itself is very generous, but the company also prides itself on employee involvement in the community. They believe this is how the "soul" of the company is brought to the community. MCL values it employees and provides leadership training to all employees in an effort to recognize the talents of each.
In addition to their employees, they strongly believe that to be successful there must be an effective partnership between customers, suppliers and itself. They have strong, long-term relationships with their customers and partners and have consistently worked with them in an ethical manner. To accomplish this, MCL has frank conversations with customers around their value system. They consider employees, the community and long-term benefits to the community as more important than dollars if a problem arises.
Five years ago, MCL embarked upon an effort to be known for "who they are," not just "what they do." This belief stemmed from the desire to do the right thing and has become a great influence on how they do business.
Individual Recipient
Bill Jartz (finalists were: John Bloor, Lisa Gammeltoft, Jason Helgeson, Audrey McCarey, Brad Nagel, Kramer Rock))
Bill is the evening news anchor for WBAY-TV2. Although he may be best known for his role as anchor, many non-profit organizations in Northeast Wisconsin know him as an auctioneer - and a successful one at that! For many years, Bill has helped numerous, worthy causes raise countless dollars. He doesn't charge for his services and thinks that giving his time to help is the least he can do. Last year, he made over 75 public appearances - many on his own time.
As a news anchor, Bill doesn't decide what to say, however, he does decide how to say it. He makes sure to pronounce names correctly, especially with soldiers killed in the war and other victims. He has said, "this young person volunteered to fight for my freedom. The least I can do is pronounce his or her name right on the air." In addition, he takes his job seriously and knows his facts and takes responsibility for the facts that he presents. Individuals have stated that they cannot detect any bias from Bill when he reports a story - political or other.
A big influence on Bill's life was his father, who died when he was 12 years old. Bill saw how his dad helped neighbors in need and witnessed his generosity. He knew he wanted to be like him and found the means by which he, himself, could help others. He has fond memories of his childhood on the farm and assists at a friend's dairy farm when the opportunity arises. "It takes be back to my roots," Bill explains. Roots that have had a strong, positive influence on who he is, and on his perspective and sense of responsibility.
Married since 1984, Bill and his wife own two dogs and enjoy relaxing with friends at home. Bill's other interests include hunting, fishing, physical fitness and John Deere tractors - of which he owns several!