2004 Recipients

California Superama, Inc.

California Superama, Inc. is one of Gallup’s largest employers in this small New Mexico town. They have been in business as a grocer in Gallup for 65 years, never having a layoff and employing much of their staff for over 20 years.

California Superama, Inc. has made a broad impact on their community. Their philosophy, designed and supported by owner Joe DiGregorio, is one of community before business. It is seen in their commitment to battling DWI in Gallup. Long before the state shut down drive-up liquor sales, California Superama, Inc. voluntarily shut down their window despite the impact on their liquor sales.

While this grocery store cannot pay its employees at the rate of the national chain stores, employees say the benefits of working there far outweigh their desire for a bigger paycheck. As an example, employees are offered help to become citizens of the United States and opportunities to learn to speak English as a second language – all at no cost to the employees.

Vendors like dealing with California Superama, Inc. because the grocery chain is honest and fair. Jackie Baca of Bueno Foods said, “California Superama is not only concerned with their own profit but he also works at making a profit for his suppliers.” It is best stated in the company’s associate handbook: “We will sell groceries at a profit if we can; at a loss, if we must, but we will always sell groceries.”

California Superama, Inc. is an honest and fair business that always reflects the “pursuit of excellence” ethical principle.

Britton Construction

Britton Construction concentrates most of their business in the faith community. As a founder of the National Association of Church Design Builders, Britton Constructions is a company that exhibits honesty and cooperation in their relationships with clients, sub-contractors, employees and vendors.

Rick Britton says, “Britton Construction does the best it can for everybody. We don’t really feel the need to be creative or innovative in regard to ethical business practices. It’s a matter of being fair, honest and doing the right thing for clients, employees and their families, business associates, and our community.” A reflection of this was noted when an employee of Britton Construction suffered a house fire during the winter months. Britton Construction immediately sent workers to the site to secure what was left of the home and a new winter coat was waiting for the employee at his desk upon returning to work. This is one of many examples of honesty, pursuit of excellence, integrity and fairness that Britton Construction displays regularly.

Britton Construction has been in business for over two decades in Albuquerque. Many of their vendors and sub-contractors appreciate the loyalty and dedication Britton Construction displays. One vendor sought Britton Construction as a client when his own company was just getting started. When many other companies wouldn’t work with him because he lacked experience, Britton Construction gave him a chance because they were once in the same position. Britton Construction believes strongly in the golden rule and makes daily choices which demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practice.

Sandia Paper Company

For a business of its size, Sandia Paper Company offers that extra “something” to its employees. Their flexibility for family leave and education is well-above the standard. Sandia Paper Company also offers tuition assistance and promotions based on learning new skills which are often paid for by the company.

More important, it is the corporate culture of Sandia Paper Company that makes them stand out as an ethical business. They are a small business without formal ethics codes or written policies but rather a climate which exists as a result of owner Jeannie Cao’s example. Providing clear guidelines to employees when hired and continually communicating the importance of treating each other and the customers with respect has earned Sandia Paper Company a fine reputation.

The business is horizontally structured. Each and every employee is encouraged to share experiences, problems and suggestions with the owner of the company rather than through a top-down structure.

Sandia Paper Company is supportive of and fair with their vendors. The owner of the company has given her home phone number in case of paper emergencies. When a printer has a mistake that requires the job to be reprinted, Sandia Paper Company often sells new paper at cost so the printer can maintain a profit. This example of the Golden Rule is a reflection of the culture, fairness and honesty exhibited by this company.

ARCA

ARCA has been a strong and credible advocate for people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities in our community since 1957. This organization is known for their great efforts to give the utmost respect and care to their clients.

ARCA’s commitment to ethical business practices is noted in their strict checks and balances system. New staff are required to engage in a 100-hour, 4-week training program after completing an extremely selective screening process including thorough criminal background and reference checks. In addition, staff are expected to complete refresher training programs that highlight, among other things, safety, care and ethical responsibility.

Governed by a volunteer board of directors, ARCA has instituted several volunteer committee groups to study the day-to-day operations of ARCA. The Consumer Council, Administrative Review Team, Human Resource Leadership Advisory Council and Safety Committee are made up of employees, parents/guardians, people receiving services, administration and donors to ensure proper care, efficiency and appropriateness of the services provided by ARCA.

ARCA operates more than 100 community living residences in greater Albuquerque and serves more than 400 individuals each year. ARCA provides supported living, assisted living, inter care, career enhancement and job placement, adoption for special needs children and nutritional education to their clients. Care is provided by a staff of highly trained individuals. Their attention and detail to procedural systems and training make ARCA a leader in ethical business practice.

PNM Award for Individual Excellence in Ethical Business Practice,
in Honor of John Ackerman
Nadine Milford

Nadine Milford has made her life’s work reforming DWI in the state of New Mexico. Nadine is noted for her social responsibility but her ethical business practice affords her a reputation for being an honest leader who applies the golden rule to achieving change in our state.

Since 1993, Nadine has been credited with many DWI reform efforts including the formation of a DWI Task Force, lowering the legal blood alcohol limit in New Mexico, closing drive up liquor windows and organizing the DWI/Drug Court in Albuquerque. Her personal values and characteristics are instrumental in both her drive to make a difference and the methods she uses. Nadine says, “I was raised with Christian values….never to embarrass my Lord.” She doesn’t believe that accosting or slandering people is proper or productive. Nicholas Bakas, Chief Public Safety Officer for the city of Albuquerque, says “She’s not going to sling mud.”

Nadine has learned how to marshal resources over the years. She has worked with governors, mayors, councilors, judges, police, liquor industry officials, advocacy groups and individual victims to bring DWI reform to the forefront. Her character is based on values and results not pride; this allows her to adapt her approach to obtain her goals. Many years ago, she was confronted by the daughter of a legislator who explained that her strategy was not working. Instead of taking offense to this comment, she took the advice and found alternate ways of making her goals clear.

Judge Michael Cavanaugh has said that before Nadine made DWI reform her business it was not even on the agenda in New Mexico. Since her involvement, alcohol related deaths in New Mexico have declined and she has proven that ethical behavior and persistence can bring great change. New Mexico’s climate for business and quality of life have benefited enormously from Nadine’s courageous leadership.