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The University of West Florida College of Business, in partnership with the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola, is accepting nominations for the 2016 Combined Rotary of Pensacola Ethics in Business Award.

"We are proud that this will be the 14th year that the Rotary Clubs of Pensacola and the UWF College of Business have recognized Pensacola business leaders who adhere to high ethical standards in their business and professional practices," said Dr. Ed Ranelli, professor and dean emeritus of the UWF College of Business.

Criteria for the award are based on adherence to the high ethical standards of honesty, integrity and consistency in dealing with employees, contractors and customers, while enhancing the economic well-being of their organization’s stakeholders and providing jobs, opportunities and profits.

Additional criteria are based on participation in activities that are beneficial to the community beyond the provision of economic benefits and service as a leader or innovator in the firm’s business sector.

This award is given annually each spring to one individual from the small business sector - less than 50 employees - and one individual from the large business sector - 50 or more employees.

The award recognizes those who exemplify the concept of "service above self" and who work to build a positive sense of worth within both the business community and the broader community as a whole.

Last year’s award winners were Heidi Blair and Michael Murdoch.

Murdoch will speak on the importance of business ethics to business and professional success at the 2016 Combined Rotary Luncheon, set for noon on May 2 at New World Landing.

Nominations must be received by April 1, 2016, and should include a description of the nominee’s ethical activities and address the criteria outlined on the nomination form. Nomination forms may be picked up at any Pensacola area Rotary Club or downloaded from the College of Business website.

Completed nomination forms should be sent to Dr. Ed Ranelli, UWF College of Business, 11000 University Parkway, Building 76A, Room 339, Pensacola, FL 32514 or emailed to [email protected].

The award is sponsored by the Combined Rotary of Pensacola and the University of West Florida College of Business. For more information, visit uwf.edu/cob/ethics-in-business-award.