Hawaii Self Storage and ING Direct tied for first place as the top small businesses in this year's Torch Awards presented by Hawaii's Better Business Bureau.

The annual award recognizes businesses and public charities for "their commitment to fair, honest and ethical marketplace practices," the BBB said in a news release.

Winners in other categories were: Medium-sized business, Costal Windows; large business, Atlas Insurance; and public charity, Aloha United Way. The BBB also recognized Mark Recktenwald, former director of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. He was presented with the first BBB Ka Mea o Kako'o Award in recognition of his work in consumer advocacy, protection and education.

The awards were presented today at a luncheon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom.