Austin, Texas (June 14, 2002) - "At a time when the phrase "business ethics" seems to be an oxymoron, Austin's Samaritan Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care -- in partnership with St. Edward's University -- is focusing on what's right and good about Central Texas businesses, leaders and nonprofit organizations." This statement from Awards co-chairs Mary Scott Nabers and Max Sherman summarizes the primary purpose of the new Samaritan Center Ethics in Business Awards.

Nominations of businesses (with at least 25 employees), nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, and individuals in Central Texas that exemplify the highest ethical standards and practices are due by Friday July 26. In addition to honoring those who set the highest standards, the awards program will generate ongoing dialogue about the importance of ethics in business through workshops conducted by the organizations honored, increased media coverage and other educational activities.

Nomination Process
Nomination forms are available from the Samaritan Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care at 5425-A Burnet Road, 512/451-7337 or may be downloaded from the Samaritan Center web site beginning June 24 at www.samaritan-center.org. The site also will provide examples of successful nominees in the highly successful Ethics in Business programs in Colorado and New Mexico. Organizations may self-nominate. Finalists will be announced October 1 and the Award winners will be named at the 2002 Ethics in Business Awards dinner involving 400 business and community leaders set for November 12.

Selection Criteria
Individuals, businesses, and non-profits in Central Texas nominated for the Samaritan Center Ethics in Business Awards should demonstrate the highest ethical policies and practices in relationship with employees, clients, suppliers and the community.

Selection Process
Once nominations are received, a diverse and distinguished Selection Committee - chaired by Dr. Phillip Thompson, director of the St. Edward's Center for Ethics and Leadership - will determine the nominees for final consideration. St. Edward's graduate students in the Organizational Leadership and Ethics program will conduct research and interviews during August and September and provide written evaluations to the Selection Committee. Finalists will be announced in October and the Ethics in Business Awards will be presented at the November 12 Awards dinner.

About The Samaritan Center
Created in 1975, the Samaritan Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care provides individual, couples and family counseling, pastoral care and educational services to people who pay the normal fee and those who cannot through scholarships supported by area businesses, churches, foundations and individuals. The Samaritan Center is headquartered in Austin with satellite offices in Round Rock and San Marcos. The Austin Center is one of more than 100 centers in the U.S. (including 11 others in Texas) licensed by the Samaritan Institute. The Center has a highly experienced staff of licensed counselors and ministers trained in pastoral care. The Samaritan centers affirm the spiritual dimension of life but are not aligned with or promote a particular religious denominations or philosophy.

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Contact:

Richard Holcomb, Executive Director
Samaritan Center of Austin
512.423.8009

Jacque Chrisman
512.345.8969

Stephanie H. Elsea, APR
Communications Director, St. Edward's University
512.448.8404