Better Business Bureau
In a growing consumer-conscious society, more tools are at our finger tips than ever before to be able to make wise purchases and embark on trustworthy business ventures. One of these tools is the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in Chicago which provides free services to help consumers and businesses alike achieve long lasting success.
Started in 1926, the not-for-profit BBB branch in Chicago has served the city and northern suburbs as a leader in advancing marketplace trust. Their mission statement focuses on rewarding trustworthy businesses through their integrity (ethics, intent) and overall performance.
As a promoter of business reliability and company success, BBB comes out on top. Over the past few years, President and CEO Steve Bernas has pushed BBB to increase their brand awareness. At an all-time high of 7,300 members accredited, the BBB outreach efforts have paid off.
“We strive to become a more vibrant organization in consumers’ eyes,” said Bernas.
Yet the increase in businesses has not been a result of lax standards. Quite the contrary, prospective business have an in-depth evaluation process lasting an average of five to ten days. The standards of which they are evaluated from include the ability to build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor promises, be responsive, safeguard privacy, and embody integrity.
BBB reviews accredited businesses on a daily basis, remaining loyal to their mission statement to provide an up- to-date source of ethical businesses.
Consumers can utilize this information through a database of accredited and non-accredited businesses. The BBB encourages consumers to employ this resource or call the BBB before becoming a consumer of a business that the BBB knows has previously undertaken bad business practices.
Also maintaining their mission, the BBB has enacted a training program called the Ethics for Business Success. Began three years ago, the BBB saw that ethics in business was a key to success. “It is of paramount importance that both consumer and business have a trusting relationship,” said Bernas. “Once everyone loses trust, there is nothing to work with.”
The BBB reports that several aspects of a business can benefit from ethics training including improved productivity and company morale, enhanced recruitment and retention of employees, better company reputation, and long-term success.
For access to BBB’s resources including the aforementioned database, military-focused consumer news, safe- consumer tips, and accreditation applications, visit their website at chicago.bbb.org.
