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By Dana Badgerow, President and
CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North
Dakota
In these trying economic times, the
resiliency of both states has been on full display. Through
agriculture and oil production, North Dakota has been able to
maintain a vital economy. Minnesota has battled a bit more to
maintain its footing, but now seems to be picking up steam. It's
this resilience that defines businesses in our region -- that and
integrity.
-- Dana Badgerow
Minnesota is a terrific marketplace, one that truly serves the
world. Many of our multinational firms not only help drive the
world economy, but also blaze a trail for others through innovation
and the examples they set. Our smaller businesses do many of the
same things, providing dependable service to their customers and
communities, and serving as engines for growth. Perhaps it's not
surprising, then, that many years ago business leaders in our area
were among the first to recognize the need for an organization to
monitor - and expose - fraudulent operators and advertising abuses;
one that would work diligently to promote the highest ethical
relationship between businesses and the public. That organization,
founded back in 1912 right here in the Twin Cities, was originally
called a 'Vigilance Committee,' and eventually came to be known as
the Better Business Bureau. Today, there are 116 BBBs throughout
the United States and Canada.
We're proud to be the very first BBB and prouder still to serve
the people of Minnesota and North Dakota. In these trying economic
times, the resiliency of both states has been on full display.
Through agriculture and oil production, North Dakota has been able
to maintain a vital economy. Minnesota has battled a bit more to
maintain its footing, but now seems to be picking up steam. It's
this resilience that defines businesses in our region -- that and
integrity.
The often-cited 'Midwest work ethic' is far from a cliché.
People in our region have long believed in the value of hard work
and the importance of doing the right thing. We at the Better
Business Bureau see this each and every day. Certainly -- and
regrettably -- we're known more for shining a spotlight on
companies that are not taking care of their customers or doing
things the wrong way. No one knows better than us, however, that
these companies are the exception. The vast majority of Minnesota
and North Dakota companies are companies that do good work, provide
quality service and stand behind both their products and their
service; companies that embody integrity. The thing about it is
this: integrity matter. Integrity must be earned.
It's easy to throw around a word like integrity, but its
importance cannot be measured. Integrity is priceless and it cannot
be bought; it must be earned. It's what every business strives for
-- or should strive for -- and something all businesses that stand
the test of time share in common. In short, integrity matters.
As we begin our Centennial Celebration, we look forward to
continuing to do all the things -- and more -- we have done for
nearly 100 years to encourage ethical behavior in the marketplace.
We're looking at this as an opportunity to raise our torch high and
reaffirm our status as a national leader when it comes to nurturing
integrity through voluntary self-regulation. We look forward to
another century of service to Minnesota, North Dakota -- and points
beyond!
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