The University of West Florida College of Business honored 2022, 2021 and 2020 Ethics in Business award recipients at the 20th Combined Rotary Luncheon on April 21, 2022 at the Pensacola Yacht Club. The luncheon returned to in-person for the first time since 2019, due to COVID-19.
The Ethics in Business Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the concept of “service above self†and work to build a positive sense of self-worth within both the business community and the broader community as a whole. Criteria for the award is based on adherence to the high ethical standards of honesty, integrity and consistency in dealing with employees, contractors and customers, while positively enhancing the economic well-being of the firm’s stakeholders and providing jobs, opportunities and profits.
Each year, a “Combined Rotary of Pensacola Ethics in Business Award” is given to one individual from the small business sector (49 or fewer employees) and one individual from the large business sector (50 or more employees) to recognize 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.
The 2022 big business award winner was Dr. Ed Ranelli. Ranelli is associate vice president for external affairs at UWF and professor and Dean Emeritus of UWF’s College of Business.
Ranelli has served for 30 years as a UWF professor, administrator, and leader. In these roles, he has contributed significantly to the advancement and encouragement of thousands of students, many of whom are community and business leaders in Pensacola. Ranelli was among those who spearheaded the establishment of the Ethics in Business Award.
“I am honored to be a Rotarian and to live by the motto, ‘service above self,’†Ranelli said. “It is a privilege to be selected to be among the 40-plus Ethics in Business Award recipients. These individuals have set the standard for excellence in our community.â€
The 2022 small business co-winners were Rodney Rich & Kerry Anne Schultz. Schultz is a successful lawyer and the principal of her own practice, Schultz Law Group, P.L.L.C. She is very involved in the community, serving on several boards in Northwest Florida.
“I am honored and humbled to accept this award and to join past recipients who I have long admired and respected,†Schultz said. “An enormous salute to all of this year’s nominees each of whom serve above self and make incredible contributions to our community. I am happy to give tirelessly to my employees, clients and community. It is an honor to serve with each of you.â€
Rodney Rich is the owner of Rodney Rich and Co., Inc. He established the investment and consulting firm in 1976. Rich is passionate about historical preservation contributing to renovations in downtown Pensacola including the Seville Square area, Temple Beth El and Saenger Theater. He has been active in the community, chairing and serving several organizations.
“I was taught early in life, do justly, walk humbly,†Rich said. “I am truly humbled to be honored by UWF and the Rotary clubs for doing what I love—preserving Pensacola’s rich history, promoting civic service and supporting professionals in the education of our children. This honor has been bestowed on many great Pensacolian’s who have helped make our community a better place to live, work and play.â€
The following Ethics in Business Award winners were also recognized at the luncheon:
2021
Large Business: Sally Fox
Small Business: Steve Moorhead
2020
Large Business: Dale Duce
Small Business: Gerald Adcox
For more information about the Ethics in Business Award, visit uwf.edu/cob/ethics-in-business-award.
For more information about the UWF College of Business, visit uwf.edu/cob.