Optimal News

11/09 Optimal Networks Wins Top Ethics Award

National Capital Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals recognizes Optimal’s commitment to integrity with top honor

GAITHERSBURG, MD—Optimal Networks was selected from a group of five semi-finalists to receive the 2009 National Capital Business Ethics Award (NCBEA). The National Capital Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals recognized Optimal for employing the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct and exemplifying a strong commitment to business excellence and social responsibility. Optimal Networks received the award at a gala event held on November 12 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

More than 100 companies in three categories (large organizations, small-to-medium organizations, and not-for-profits) were considered for this prestigious honor. Optimal was selected as one of five semi-finalists in the small-to-medium category, was chosen as one of two finalists, and ultimately won the award in their group.

“I am thrilled by Optimal’s receipt of this award,” said Heinan Landa, Optimal’s President and Founder. “Optimal employees live and breathe our core values [tell the truth; do the right thing; everyone benefits] and it felt great to be nominated for this award by a client and then honored for our values-based culture and business practices.”

Contenders for the award are nominated by a customer, client, employee, consultant, vendor, or private citizen who is impressed with the company’s ethics program and the demonstration of its practices. Once nominated, the company completes an entry process that details its strong commitment to the highest level of ethical business practices in daily operations, management philosophies, and response to crises and challenges. Then, graduate students at George Mason University review entries and interview companies, a process which culminates in an evaluative report. The reports and entries are then forwarded to an independent panel of judges from a variety of industries for thorough review. Judges then conduct company site visits and contact various individuals who are currently, or have been, engaged in relationships with the organization. More than 20 such individuals were contacted in vetting Optimal for the award.

Judging criteria include: the  illustration of a company’s commitment to ethics as demonstrated by direct communication from the management team; an established corporate code of ethics; evidence of how ethics are a living part of the company’s philosophy, culture and everyday business operations; a clearly articulated means by which ethical questions, problems or conflicts are revealed and resolved; clear evidence that employees understand and agree to follow the organization’s ethical standard; the development of programs devoted to integrity that the company has communicated and deployed.

Dave Dressler, a retired executive with Martin Marietta Corporation conducted Optimal’s site visit and introduced the organization before presenting the award at the gala dinner. “I’ve been doing this for more than seven years and I was overwhelmed by Optimal’s culture, energy, sincerity, and commitment.”

Founded in 1991, Optimal Networks, Inc. provides comprehensive computer and network support services including back-up and disaster recovery to small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Optimal has helped approximately 300 clients reduce network downtime, improve system performance, and make sure their technology helps drive their organization’s success.

For more information: www.optimalnetworks.com

About The Society of Financial Service Professionals and The American Business Ethics Awards

The Society of Financial Service Professionals, with its partners, established the American Business Ethics Awards in 1994 to honor companies that demonstrate a firm commitment to ethical business practices.

Founded in 1928, the Society has more than 17,000 members in 200 chapters nationwide who provide personal, family, and business financial services. Members meet stringent educational, professional, and ethical requirements. The mission of the foundation is to foster research, education, and ethical practices among financial service professionals in order to benefit the public.

Currently in its ninth year, The National Capital Business Ethics Awards are presented annually and sponsored by the National Capital Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals.

 For more information: www.financialpro.org