As the first-ever Better Business Bureau, established in 1912 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we are excited to be "Lighting the Way" for another century of building marketplace trust. We thank the hundreds of business leaders and guests who joined us at the 2011 Integrity Awards last month and helped us to "kick off" our Centennial Celebration. To celebrate this 100-year milestone, our goal is to engage businesses, consumers and media to champion business ethics and support our vision of a marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.
Here are just a few of the upcoming educational events, programs and networking opportunities are that underway for next year:
- TPT/BBB documentary - Enjoy a 30-minute educational documentary about the Minnesota origins of the BBB and the "fight for the truth in advertising." (January - and at least 3x in 2012 on the Minnesota Channel)
- Scam-a-Thon - During National Consumer Protection Week, the BBB will host several "call in" media events and interviews to educate consumers about fraud in the marketplace (March)
- Minneapolis Home & Garden Show - The BBB is excited to reach hundreds of thousands of consumers as a sponsor of the Home & Garden Show. We will be featured in the program guide as well as host several informative presentations on the Lifestyles Stage. All Accredited Businesses exhibitors will receive 10 VIP passes. (March)
- Ethics Summit - "Into the Light: Illuminating Business Ethics Today" - 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 plays in today's marketplace. Students and business leaders throughout Minnesota and North Dakota can participate through a special Summit Tweet Wall and Virtual Classroom/Online Exhibit Hall. (April 17)
- "Everyday Ethics" Student Video Showcase - High school and college students will be able to create short videos about how they make ethical decisions on a daily basis. Video entries will be judged and a variety of fun prizes will be awarded. (Spring)
- Centennial Luncheons - These celebratory networking events will be held in Fargo, Rochester and St. Cloud for the business community, recognizing long-standing Accredited Businesses and Century Club members. (Summer)
- Lighting the Way Reception at the Governor's Residence (MN) - In partnership with the Governor's Residence Council and 1006 Society, this summer event will bring together business owners, community leaders, and policy makers to celebrate our area's strong business culture and honor the Governor's Residence and BBB’s centennial year. (July)
- North Dakota and Minnesota State Fairs - Stop by and visit your BBB this summer! The BBB will host the "Jukebox Junkie" free stage at the North Dakota State Fair, and have a fun, informative booth at the Minnesota State Fair's Education Building. (July and August/September)
- Centennial Gala/Integrity Awards - Celebrate 100 years of building marketplace trust with hundreds of business leaders by recognizing some of the area's top ethical companies with the annual BBB Integrity Awards. (October)
For more information and news about the BBB’s Centennial Celebration visit bbbis100.org
Special "Thank You" to our generous Centennial Sponsors: Lighting the Way: Best Buy along with CenterPoint Energy, Think Mutual Bank, Clear Channel Radio, TMA EMarketing, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, Prairie Business, Rochester Post Bulletin, Gray Plant Mooty, and University of St. Thomas.
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