CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – For the second consecutive year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute, a leading international ethics think-tank.
 
In selecting the World’s Most Ethical Companies, Ethisphere looked at codes of ethics;  investments in innovation and sustainable business practices; activities of corporate citizenship; and nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.
 
“Our employees are challenged every day to improve health care for North Carolinians,” said Brad Wilson, CEO and president of BCBSNC. “It is a tribute to their dedication to be recognized on a global platform for the care, compassion and moral principles they put into serving those who depend on us and positioning BCBSNC as a health care leader in North Carolina and the nation.”
 
The 2013 list is the largest list since the award began in 2007. Ethisphere reviewed nominations from companies in more than 100 countries and 36 industries. Other renowned companies honored on this year’s list include: American Express, General Electric and Starbucks.
 
“Not only did more companies apply for the World's Most Ethical Companies recognition this year than any year in the past, which demonstrates that ethical activity is an important part of many of these companies' business models, but we are also seeing more companies be proactive and create new initiatives that expand ethics programs and cultures across entire industries, such as industry-based ethics associations and other activities,” said Alex Brigham, executive director of Ethisphere.“We are excited to see the 2013 World's Most Ethical Companies take these leadership positions, and embrace the correlation between ethical behavior and improved financial performance.”
 
Read about the award’s methodology and view the complete list of the 2013 World’s Most Ethical Companies at http://ethisphere.com/wme.  
 
About BCBSNC:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.6 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 78 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute in 2012. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com.
 
About Ethisphere Institute:
The research-based Ethisphere® Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the globally recognized World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking™, is the quarterly publication of the Institute. Ethisphere provides the only third-party verifications of compliance programs and ethical cultures that include: Ethics Inside® Certification, Compliance Leader Verification™ and Anti-Corruption Program Verification. More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, can be found at http://www.ethisphere.com.