When I was asked to submit an entry for the Rochester Business Ethics Award, I hesitated at first.  Why would anyone get an award for simply doing the right thing?  But as I read the rules and list of questions, I became engaged in a self-audit.  Is Martino Flynn an ethical business?

We went through the process of submitting the entry, and met with an evaluator who toured our agency and interviewed staff.  The result: Martino Flynn was recognized as a finalist for an Ethie from the Rochester Area Business Ethics Foundation. This award is given annually to companies that exemplify high standards of ethical behavior in their everyday business practices and in response to crises or challenges.

Through the application process, we took the opportunity to review our ethical policies and dig deeper into what it is that makes us an ethical company. We live by a set of five principles—Be Smart, Be Creative, Be Passionate, Be Collaborative, Be Accountable—that are critically important to our culture and provide guidelines for us to live by every day. The result is the trusting relationships that we have with our clients, some of whom have been with us for more than 15 years.

Included here is a profile video that was produced for Martino Flynn by the RABEF. It was shown at the awards luncheon on Sept. 18:

At the end of the day, I want Martino Flynn to be known for not only its great work and talented professionals, but for the ethical manner in which we operate our business as well.