Business Ethics magazine has just released the names of the 2001 Business Ethics Awards for social responsibility. Oregon-based Collins Companies was selected for its sustainable-harvested timber. California-based Chatsworth Products, a computer equipment firm, was recognized for leadership in promoting employee leadership. On the East Coast, New Hampshire's Timberland, manufacturer of shoes and outdoor apparel, made it into the winners' circle for its community-service partnerships and volunteerism.

So how is your organization doing? Maybe it would be worth your while to promote some discussion of the following six awards criteria, borrowed here from the November/December 2001 issue of Business Ethics:

1. Be a leader in ethical decision-making.

2. Have fully supported programs in social responsibility as part of the organization's core mission.

3. Be US-based with a significant ethical presence, nationally or internationally.

4. Stand out in at least one area of social responsibility (such as environmental sustainability, employee ownership, people-based leadership, equal opportunity, public service, etc.).

5. Have faced recent challenge and overcome it with integrity.

6. Be profitable.