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Society of Financial Service Professionals Announces Recipients of 2004 American Business Ethics Award

BRYN MAWR, Pa., Oct. 26, 2004 -- The Society of Financial Service Professionals has announced the recipients of its 2004 American Business Ethics Award (ABEA). Established in 1994, the ABEA recognizes companies that exemplify high standards of ethical behavior in their everyday business conduct and in response to specific crises or challenges. The awards are presented in three categories: large companies (over 2,500 employees), midsize companies (250 - 2,500 employees), and small companies (under 250 employees). This year's recipients are:

Large company: Trammell Crow Company, Dallas, Texas. Mr. Trammell Crow, the founder of this commercial real estate company, set the company's ethical compass 56 years ago with a business philosophy that he captured in three words: TO DO GOOD. By that he meant, "good buildings, good support for our customers, good civics, good morals and having a good time." The company upholds the high standards set by Mr. Crow with an open and fair employee communications program, an ethics hotline and conflict resolution procedures. Their commitment to customers and the community are equally strong, with senior officers serving in leadership positions in charitable and civic organizations. Guided by a detailed code of ethics, employees of Trammell Crow Company have made Mr. Crow's vision a reality balancing the interests of their clients, the community and the environment on every project they undertake.

Midsize company: TD Industries, Dallas, Texas. TD Industries is a facility service and mechanical-electrical-plumbing construction company for commercial and industrial buildings. Highly successful during its first thirty years, TDI faced financial difficulties in the construction market crash of the late 80s. The partners elected to reinvest their personal retirement funds in the company and, today, with over 1,300 employees, TDI stands as a shining example of ethics and service in its industry. TDI has been cited in Fortune Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work for in America," in part because of the company's commitment to conducting business based on the philosophy of "Servant Leadership" -- making sure that other people's needs are served and helping people to grow. They share their success with their employees through an ESOP plan, profit-sharing and a well-managed employee benefits program with a strong emphasis on education and continuous learning. Their customers reap the rewards from this highly motivated workforce, and in survey after survey, TD Industries is lauded by its customers.

Small company: Wilson County Automotive, Lebanon, Tennessee. With a strong legacy of community service, this company's business conduct rests on the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Employees are encouraged to take the long view over short-term profits in making business decisions. The company's code of ethics and culture are communicated to each new employee by its founder/owner, and reinforced daily by its managers. Not surprisingly, superior customer service is the foundation of good business at this automotive dealership. A family-friendly company, Wilson County Automotive supports education in its community through programs such as its Wilson County Teacher of the Year Award.

An expert panel drawn from business, academia, public service, media, consulting and ethics communities selected this year's recipients, who were honored on October 15, 2004, at the Society's annual conference, Financial Service Forum, in Tampa, Florida. Congratulating the recipients, Society president Richard A. Bell, CLU, ChFC, CFP(R) observed that, in light of the revelations of corporate malfeasance in recent years, it is important to celebrate the many American companies that conduct business honestly and fairly. "We at the Society of Financial Service Professionals believe that good ethics is good business, and are proud to present the 2004 American Business Ethics Award to three companies who have raised the bar on translating ethical principles into everyday business practice."

This year's ABEA program is sponsored exclusively by Lincoln Financial Advisors, Philadelphia, PA. "Lincoln's shared values are very much aligned with the spirit of the American Business Ethics Award, which celebrates honesty, trustworthiness and principled behavior in business," said Robert W. Dineen, president/CEO of LFA. "One of the reasons why we agreed to sponsor the ABEA for three years was that we felt it would help us demonstrate to our clients and competitors what our organization stands for, and the caliber of professionals found at Lincoln Financial Advisors."

The Society of Financial Service Professionals, which was founded in 1928, is the standard-bearer of excellence in professionalism, advanced continuing education, and ethical guidance for the top financial advisers in the nation.

Each of the approximately 22,000 members of the Society of Financial Service Professionals holds one or more of the following recognized financial service credentials: CLU, ChFC, CFP(R), CPA, JD (licensed), RHU, REBC, CLF, CEBS(R), CFA, CTFA and two master's degrees granted by The American College, Bryn Mawr, PA -- MSFS and MSM. Active in nearly 200 Chapters nationwide, Society members help individuals, families and businesses to achieve their financial goals. For more information on the ABEA program, visit the Society online at http://www.financialpro.org/ and click on "American Business Ethics Awards."