GOOD GUY AWARDS FOR CEOS – HOPING ‘OSCARS’ WILL KEEP THEM IN LINE

CEOs will get a new chance to clean up their image with the launch of the business world’s own Oscar awards.

Since “CEO” is almost a dirty word because of corruption being uncovered in numerous corporate suites, public demand is on the rise for ways to distinguish the good guys from the scoundrels.

Several leading business figures who’ve organized the American Business Awards say they hope their gala event will encourage reforms in the business world and underscore that honesty prevails in the workplace.

“This kind of service is vital now more than ever,” said Michael Gallagher, president of the parent organization of the awards.

“There are executives and gifted people running 5 million businesses here, but just a few bad managers are giving all of the business world a bad name,” he said.

“During this time of intense corporate scrutiny and economic uncertainty, we believe the awards will help restore public confidence and investor trust by honoring some of the unsung heroes of American business.”

The black tie event, to be held here in April, will award scores of statuettes created by the makers of Hollywood’s Oscar statues.

The business awards are named “Stevies,” derived from Greek word for “crowned” – Stefanos.

The event will roll out the red carpets for the superstars and elite of the city’s major industries, from fashion and music to Wall Street and the media.

Among backers are the publisher of Forbes, Rich Karlgaard, developer Donald Trump, Office Depot CEO Bruce Nelson and Drew Schutte, publisher of Wired.

“We want New York to see this as their own Oscars event,” Gallagher told The Post.

“This is the world capital for business, and we want to create the same kind of excitement for these awards that Hollywood does for its Oscars.”

The American Business Awards, billed as the first national awards event across the full business spectrum, will formally launch Tuesday when it begins accepting nominations.

Judges are drawn from various industries and the media.

“No one knows better than my colleagues in media that there are countless stories of integrity, leadership and creativity in the business world that are never heard,” said Karlgaard, publisher of Forbes.

“We are looking forward to finding the true heroes of American business and giving them the recognition they deserve.” Awards are based on leadership, innovation, perseverance, creativity, teamwork and integrity in more than 40 categories, from best CEO to most innovative company to best support staffer.

Additional information is available at http://www.americanbusinessawards.com.