The World's First Better Business
Bureau "Lighting the Way" Forward
December 14, 2011 - St. Paul, MN - As the very first
Better Business Bureau (BBB) in the world, the BBB of Minnesota and
North Dakota is excited to announce plans for their Centennial
Celebration in 2012. The theme is "Lighting the Way," which is a
nod to their roots -- the BBB logo is a torch -- but also points
the way forward, as they look ahead to another century of promoting
the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public,
and building marketplace trust. A series of special events
throughout the coming year is planned to celebrate this milestone.
Their goal for 2012 and beyond is to issue a call to all
businesses, consumers and the media to champion business ethics and
continue to work together to maintain a marketplace where buyers
and sellers can trust each other.
"As we approach our Centennial, we look forward to continuing to
do all the things we've done for nearly 100 years to encourage
ethical behavior in the marketplace -- and even more," said Dana
Badgerow, President and CEO of the BBB. "We're looking at this as
an opportunity to raise our torch high, re-introduce ourselves to
the world and reaffirm our status as the national leader when it
comes to nurturing integrity in the marketplace through voluntary
self-regulation."
Here are just a few of the upcoming Centennial events and programs scheduled for
next year:
- BBB
documentary - Twin Cities Public Television is
producing a 30-minute educational documentary called 'Decoding Truth and
Trust in Advertising' about the Minnesota origins of the
BBB and its efforts in the truth in advertising movement. It will
debut January 22 on TPT's Minnesota Channel.
- Scam-a-Thon - In March, during National
Consumer Protection Week, the BBB will host several "call in" media
events and interviews to educate consumers about fraud in the
marketplace.
- Ethics
Summit - On April 17, in partnership with the
University of St. Thomas Opus Business School, the BBB, business
owners, community leaders, students and professors will engage in
timely discussions about the critical role ethics play in today's
marketplace. Students and business leaders throughout Minnesota and
North Dakota will also be invited to participate through a special
Summit Tweet Wall and Virtual Classroom/Online Exhibit Hall.
- "Everyday Ethics"
Student Video Showcase - In early 2012, high school
and college students will have the opportunity to create short
videos about ethics; their importance and what they mean to
students today. Entries will be judged and a variety of exciting
prizes will be awarded.
- Centennial Luncheons - Celebratory networking
events will be held next summer in Fargo (June 21), St. Cloud (July
12) and Rochester (Aug. 1) for the business community, recognizing
long-standing BBB Accredited Businesses and Minnesota and North
Dakota companies who have been in business for 100 years or
more.
- Lighting the Way Reception at the Governor's Residence
(MN) - In partnership with the Governor's Residence
Council and 1006 Society, this July event will bring together
business owners, community leaders, and policy makers to celebrate
our area's strong business culture and honor the BBB's Centennial,
as well as the centennial of the Governor's Residence.
- BBB Night with the Saints - On July 30, the
BBB and St. Paul Saints will partner for an evening of fun and
baseball! Before and during the game (against the Fargo-Moorhead
RedHawks), fans will 'catch up' on ways they can avoid fraud.
- North Dakota and Minnesota State Fairs - The
BBB will host the "Jukebox Junkie" free stage at the North Dakota
State Fair in July, and have a fun, informative booth at the
Minnesota State Fair's Education Building. (August/September)
- Centennial Gala/Integrity Awards - In October,
the BBB will celebrate 100 years of building marketplace trust with
hundreds of business leaders by recognizing the area's premier
ethical companies at the annual BBB Integrity Awards.
"This is a special milestone, one that deserves to be celebrated
the year through," said Badgerow. "And though it's certainly a time
to look back at our proud legacy, our focus is very much on the
future and finding ways we can better serve the public and the
business community."
The Better Business Bureau was founded in the Twin Cities in
1912. It was started by ethical business owners frustrated by
having to compete with companies that were using misleading
advertising to attract customers. These business owners banded
together to form a "Vigilance Committee," which challenged these
unethical companies and made their findings public. In 1916, the
Better Business Bureau name was formally adopted and there are now
116 BBBs throughout the United States and Canada.
For more information and news about the BBB's Centennial
Celebration visit bbbis100.org
The
mission of the Better Business Bureau is to be the leader in
building marketplace trust by promoting, through self-regulation,
the highest standards of business ethics and conduct, and to
instill confidence in responsible businesses through programs of
education and action that inform, assist and protect the general
public. Our hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday. Contact the BBB at www.bbb.org or 651-699-1111,
toll-free at 1-800-646-6222.
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