The Forum for Ethics in the Workplace has announced the finalists for the 2012-2013 Societas Award for Responsible Corporate Conduct. The winner of the competition will be presented with the award at a luncheon, noon Jan. 31, University Center, DeSales University, Center Valley.

Three well-known regional companies made the list after completing a rigorous application process. They are: Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C.; Jaindl Companies; and Prudential Patt, White Real Estate.

The Societas Award competition is open to for-profit companies headquartered in Eastern Pennsylvania.

To be considered for the award, companies submit information about their business that addresses recognized elements of ethical business practices such as accountability in all levels of the organization, strong compliance systems, and corporate citizenship.

The competition was introduced in 2011 as a method for demonstrating how real companies apply ethical business practices in the course of their daily operations. The winner of the inaugural Societas Award was Lafayette Ambassador Bank.

Kevin Flemming, President of Integrity Personnel and Chairman of the award committee congratulated this year's finalists: "All three companies provide a model for best practices. We're eager to share their stories with the local business community because each of them provides an excellent example of how to maintain strong values while achieving business success."

The winner is chosen by an independent panel of judges using an objective, numerical scoring method developed by DeSales' MBA Program Director, Dr. David Gilfoil. The company that is ultimately selected for the award is not informed of its achievement prior to the award ceremony.

"We put on a good show that highlights all of the finalists' business models and provides a wonderful teaching moment for our business and university audience," said Flemming. The multimedia presentation includes DeSales business students and features elements from each company's application.

The Forum for Ethics in the Workplace is a not-for-profit, wholly-owned subsidiary of DeSales University. The Forum seeks to provide opportunities for people to come together for study, reflection, conversation, and action on ethical issues in the workplace.

The Forum hosts a quarterly breakfast series at DeSales that feature guest lecturers on topics of controversy or interests that have real-world ethical implications.

Luncheon information: ethicsforum.org, 610-282-1100, ext. 1244.