Comerica becomes 16th business to reach 100 Years of BBB accreditation
The Better Business Bureau of Michigan proudly honored the state’s most ethical businesses during the 2025 Torch Awards for Ethics Luncheon, held November 10 at Schoolcraft College’s VisTaTech Center in Livonia.
The awards ceremony drew business leaders from across Michigan to celebrate companies that exemplify integrity, trust, and excellence in their communities. Attendees enjoyed a keynote address from Mark S. Lee, founder of The Lee Group and respected marketing strategist, and an engaging program emceed by Rob Wolchek, award-winning FOX 2 Detroit investigative reporter.
Finalists represented businesses from every corner of the state—from Escanaba in the Upper Peninsula to Traverse City and communities throughout lower Michigan—highlighting the strength and diversity of Michigan’s business community. After careful review by an independent panel of judges, the following companies were named winners of the 2025 Torch Awards for Ethics:
- Category 1 (1–3 Employees): Active Training Consultants — Newaygo
- Category 2 (4–15 Employees): Kerner’s Auto Service — Shelby Township
- Category 3 (16–35 Employees): Midwest Truck Driving School — Escanaba
- Category 4 (36–60 Employees): Hydro-Chem Systems — Caledonia
- Category 5 (61–100 Employees): Precision Plumbing & Heating — Traverse City
- Category 6 (100+ Employees): Centered Care of Michigan — Lansing
In total, 18 finalists were recognized across six categories.
Comerica Bank Reaches 100 Years of Accreditation With BBB of Michigan
The luncheon also celebrated milestone achievements for two long-standing BBB Accredited Businesses: McNaughton-McKay Electric Company, marking 75 years of accreditation, and Comerica Bank, celebrating an extraordinary 100 years—one of only 16 businesses nationwide to reach this milestone.
Accepting on behalf of Comerica Bank was Alicia Stephens, Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Quality.
“I look at BBB as the seal of approval. When you have been aligned with an organization like that for 100 years it means that it is part of your culture and part of your DNA.” said Steve Davis, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President, in recorded comments to the gathered audience.
Gaining that accreditation from the BBB of Michigan is based on making customers’ satisfaction the highest of priority and weaving that into the bank’s core values.
“It tells our customers we are going to put them first,” said Davis. “In fact, one of our core values at Comerica is the customer always comes first, so it tells you it is just now how we say things but how we do things, which for many of our customers is way more important. You know when a business is BBB accredited, they are going to do things the right way, they have a commitment to their customers, they have a commitment to integrity to doing things the right way. It’s not one person, it’s the whole organization that believe in that for us to get this far.”
Comerica’s service to its customers for 176 years has been based on critical factors that focus on establishing trust, ethical behaviors and integrity, all qualities valued by BBB.
“In our industry, trust and ethics and integrity is everything,” said Davis. “Money is the purest of commodities. If we don’t have trust and integrity, we don’t have anything. The most important thing that we have with our customers is they are trusting us to help be a partner for their success. They’re trusting us to with their money, they’re trusting us with the future of their businesses, and we take that very seriously.”
BBB of Michigan Inspires Integrity and Looks to Future
During the program, Lisa Frohnapfel, President and Chief Executive Officer of BBB of Michigan, shared inspiring remarks about integrity, community, and the organization’s future. “Today, as we honor those who embody integrity and dedication, let’s remember that it’s not just about winning awards, but about showing up, believing in each other, and putting heart into everything we do,” said Frohnapfel.
Before closing, Frohnapfel announced BBB’s new AI-driven training sessions and resources, designed to help Michigan businesses stay ahead in a fast-changing marketplace. She also revealed plans for the first-ever BBB AI Summit, coming next year, where business leaders will learn, connect, and lead with trust. The announcement of BBB’s AI Initiative, launching next month, generated excitement among attendees eager to navigate emerging technologies with confidence and clarity.
For more information about the Torch Awards for Ethics or BBB’s initiatives, visit bbb.org/miprograms.
