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With so many associations seeking to expand their corporate partnerships or to embrace more for-profit stakeholders in their coalitions, the Ethisphere Institute’s 2009 list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies may be a great place to trawl for possibilities.

The list, which contains 99 honorees and cuts across 35 industries, recognizes “organizations that promote ethical business standards and practices by going beyond legal minimums, introducing innovative ideas benefiting the public, and forcing their competitors to follow suit.”

“Operating as an ethical leader requires a significant commitment from companies that goes beyond lip service and demands real action and change,” says Ethisphere Institute Executive Director Alex Brigham, adding that the companies “have demonstrated an understanding that ethical practices are not only necessary but can support a stronger and more solid business overall.”

Honorees, chosen from a record number of applications, include 22 newcomers such as Dell and Best Buy, as well as three-time winners such as Starbucks, IDEA, American Express, and PepsiCo. Special congratulations go to Marriott International (a longtime partner and the major sponsor of ASAE & The Center’s Social Responsibility Initiative) and to Stoneyfield Farm, whose “CE-Yo” Gary Hirshberg is speaking this Thursday, April 16, at ASAE & The Center’s Springtime expo.

The institute settles on an “Ethics Quotient” (EQ) for each applicant after its analysts evaluate the company on seven categories. The process involved reviewing “over 10,000 companies’ codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers, and customers; and feedback from consumer action groups.”