This June, we received a regional Torch Award from the Midwest Plains Better Business Bureau. Now, the International Better Business Bureau has recognized us as one of four businesses in the United States to receive an International Torch Award.
Back in June, BBB organizations across the country awarded regional Torch Awards to businesses that demonstrated ethical business practices. BBB Midwest Plains named Core Bank a Torch Award recipient, advancing the bank to compete for international recognition. More than 130 businesses applied for the International Torch Awards this year, and judges selected just four businesses across the country to receive the honor. The businesses were split among four employee-size categories: 1-10, 11-99, 100-499 and 500+.
Judges selected Core Bank as one of just two businesses in the BBB Midwest Plains region to receive a 2026 International Torch Award. Core earned the honor in the 100–499 employee category. We’re also proud to continue a strong local tradition, as this marks the third consecutive year an Omaha-area BBB Accredited Business has received the international recognition.
Judges also honored Roxi & Co. of Sioux Falls, S.D., receiving the award in the 11–99 employee category and becoming South Dakota’s first-ever International Torch Award recipient.
The IABBB will honor international winners at the Trust Summit in Denver in mid-September. BBB Midwest Plains will celebrate its full slate of Torch Award winners at the 2026 Torch Awards Luncheon on September 22 in Waterloo, Neb.
It isn’t a coincidence that this region has produced international winners in three consecutive years. 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.
The Qualities Behind Core Bank’s Recognition
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. 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.
About BBB Midwest Plains & Torch Awards
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.
Better Business Bureau of the Midwest Plains is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization, dedicated to serving over 300 counties across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. Headquartered in Omaha, it also has offices in Kansas City, MO, and Sioux Falls, SD. BBB sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. They offer consumer services at no cost, providing objective advice through a comprehensive directory of over 5.3 million companies and 11,000 charity reviews. BBB also offers dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit bbb.org for more information.
