RONKONKOMA, N.Y.Global dietary supplement manufacturer and supplier NBTY Inc. received a silver level Most Socially Responsible Company of the Year" honor from the Best in Biz Awards. NBTY's social contributions are wide-reaching. By working with non-profit organization Vitamin Angels, the company manufactures, labels and distributes vitamins to millions of children across the world. In 2012, the company's 501(c)(3) non-profit affiliate, NBTY Helping Hands, donated substantial sums to various charitable organizations for children, the hungry, the homeless and veterans.

Were honored by this recognition and value our role in being a good corporate citizen in the global community," said NBTY CEO Jeff Nagel.  We recognize the importance of thinking beyond the workplace and lending a hand to our home communities. It is part of our culture here at NBTY to focus on every aspect of wellness, and that includes corporate social responsibility. Our associates have a tremendous social conscience that makes a real, tangible difference in the lives of people worldwide."

For the 2013 awards, Best in Biz received more than 500 entries from companies across the United States and China. An independent panel of 50 judges from publications and firms such as Fast Company, Bloomberg and USA TODAY determined the winners.

I was impressed by the social conscience shown in several of the entries," said Kat Bryant, associate editor at Phoenix Business Journal and Best in Biz Awards 2013 judge. Not all big businesses are just out to make money these days; an increasing number are looking to make a differencewithin their own ranks, in the communities they serve directly, and even worldwide. It does my heart good."