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
