Photo by Travis Pratt Shabri Moore, owner of Moore Wealth, is one of the nominees for the annual Business Ethics Award.

That's the view of Shabri Moore, president of Moore Wealth, and a nominee for the annual Frederick County Business Ethics Award, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek and The Frederick News-Post.

Moore Wealth's story is predicated on honesty, integrity and consistency, Moore said.

"Our business thrives because we are honest with our clients, our colleagues, and most of all, honest with ourselves," she said. "How one accomplishes Moore Wealth's objectives is important."

Honesty and transparency should never be compromised, especially in the financial field, Moore said.

"In a world filled with cynicism, people spot the contradictions very quickly," Moore said, "that is why honesty, no matter how painful, is always the best route."

While offering financial planning, estate planning, retirement distribution strategies, college funding plans, charitable remainder trusts and wealth management planning, and business consulting, Moore's specialty is medical practice consulting.

"Plummeting income levels, soaring malpractice costs, restrictive managed care, massive debt and lower and slower reimbursement rates have greatly impacted medical practices and hospitals." Moore said.

While these conditions have no immediate fix, Moore said positioning strategies can help medical practices take control of their small businesses.

At the core of Moore Wealth's value system is open, honest interaction, strict adherence to ethical business practice and a continuous pursuit of service excellence. The information surrounding financial discussions are often sensitive in nature and therefore, demand that every one at Moore Wealth adhere to strict confidentiality.

"The last three years, the U.S. watched in horror as stable, reputable companies choked to death in their own greed," Moore said. "Taxpayers hoped to stem the economic hemorrhaging through the federal bailout. However, as the events unfolded, the corporate culture of Wall Street became unveiled. The public was appalled at the arrogance and self-serving attitude after the bailout. Simultaneously, the largest Ponzi scheme to date came to light, marring the public's trust and confidence in the financial industry."

But companies that were ethical, well-balanced financially and put honesty and consistency first were the companies that retained a positive public image and cultivated growth, she said.