in this issue: bbb foundation honors integrity & bbb’s “decade … · 2008-11-11 · sharon...
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www.bbb.org
BBB CONTACT INFORMATION
Winners2008 Integrity Awards Pages 6-8
Health Savings Accounts — a good alternative
Page 2
Students of Integrity Awarded
Page 3
Secure Your ID Day — an incredible response!
Page 4
Identity Theft Advice
Page 5
Omaha Office:11811 P StreetOmaha NE 68137(Headquarters)
Jim Hegarty, president and CEO
Public Line – (402) 391-7612Member Line – (402) 391-7647
Lincoln Office:3633 O Street, Suite 1Lincoln, Nebraska 68510Sharon Brodhagen, Lincoln branch manager
Public Line – (402) 436-2345Member Line – (402) 476-8822
Sioux Falls Office:300 N Phillips Ave, Suite 202Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104Jim David, South Dakota state director
Public Line – (605) 271-2066Member Line – (605) 271-2067
Toll Free (800) 649-6814
Business Integrity Awarded
The Better Business Bureau
Foundation annually bestows the
prestigious BBB Integrity Awards
to those firms in the BBB’s service
area whose business practices
and related activities exemplify
the BBB’s mission and principles
which include honesty, commitment
and trust. The BBB believes that
communities, committed to ethical
business principles, coupled with an
educated and informed public, are
the keys to fairness and honesty in
the marketplace.
President and General Manager of
KETV, the “Torch Sponsor” in Omaha,
Sarah Smith explained what winning a
BBB Integrity Award means. She said,
“There are many different ways to
define trust, but there are two words
that really sum it up — integrity and
performance. Integrity means honesty,
which is not only telling the truth, but
also ‘walking the talk,’ acting humbly
and having the courage to do what’s
right — even when it’s difficult.”
“Trust is also about performance,”
she said. “Before people can have trust,
you have to prove your skills, show
results and create a strong track record.
No matter the size of your business,
people need to know that they can
count on your company to get the job
done and to get it done right.”
The companies that were selected
by the judges as winners of the
2008 BBB Integrity Awards have
earned the trust and respect of their
customers, employees, vendors and
community at-large. In addition, they
have clearly acknowledged formal
ethical practices in their mission
statements and have demonstrated
them in all aspects of their corporate
cultures. They model the way for all
businesses.
At the Integrity Awards event held
in Lincoln, Nebraska on September
3rd, attended by over 400 people,
the judges selected six companies to
receive Integrity Awards. The winners
are: KaBloom Studios, Reynolds
Design & Remodeling, Gene Lilly
Surety Bonds, Meginnis Ford Co.
Lincoln Electric System and United
Way of Lincoln and Lancaster
County. These awards were presented
by Jack Zohner, BBB Lincoln Board
chair and Sharon Brodhagen, BBB
Lincoln branch director.
This year, Lincoln’s Integrity Awards
Committee created a new award
for notable application entries by
organizations that demonstrated how
ethics and integrity are incorporated in
their business relations. “Ambassador
of Integrity” certificates were given to:
A+ Media, All Care, Capitol Heating
& Air Conditioning, Christian Record
Services for the Blind, Columbus
Physical Therapy, Downtown Lincoln
Continued on PAGE 7
Dr. Tom Osborne, keynote speaker at the Lincoln event
Sara Smith, KETV president and CEO
Jim Hegarty, BBB president
A publication of the Better Business Bureau with offices in Lincoln & Omaha, NE and Sioux Falls, SD 3rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5
BBB Foundation Honors Integrity & BBB’s “Decade Members”
In This Issue:
B e t t e r B u s i n e s s B u r e a u B u l l e t i n
PAGE 2 www.bbb.org3rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5
BBB BULLETIN (USPS 183-500) is published quarterly by:Better Business Bureau, Inc.11811 P StreetOmaha, NE 68137 Subscription Rate:$8 per year
Periodical Postage paid at:Omaha, NE POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:BBB Bulletin11811 P StreetOmaha, NE 68137
The news has been
filled with discouraging
headlines -- corporate
scandals, financial failures,
unethical government
actions and an unstable
economy. There is no
question that today’s
uncertain times have shaken consumer confidence.
Not since the Great Depression has public opinion
about business and government been so low. People
are not sure where to turn when they need help
locating reputable businesses to help with home or
personal needs.
That is why it is more important than ever for
business owners small and large to return to the
foundation of what has been behind the success of
so many American companies — business ethics.
A reputation for integrity is one of the strongest
assets a business can hold. It inspires customers
to buy a company’s products or services. It
encourages people to recommend the company
to others. It is one of the strongest attractions for
high-quality employees, and can be critical when
looking for investors.
We are fortunate that the vast majority of
businesses in our BBB’s service area have embraced
good business ethics and practices. In some parts
of the country business ethics has become a punch
line for comedians. This is surely not true in our
region, where nearly 7,000 companies have been
accredited by our BBB. Although we can never rest
on our laurels, consumers can take heart in knowing
that doing business with BBB Accredited Businesses
will be a positive and enjoyable experience.
A Message from Our President Jim Hegarty
Small Business Advice on Health Savings Accounts
Rising healthcare costs
are forcing small business
owners to decide
whether or not
they can afford
to provide health
coverage for their
employees.
Some employers are choosing to contribute
to Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for
employees as an alternative to paying for
health insurance, and BBB is providing
guidance for small business owners on
whether HASs could be a viable option
for their company.
According to a recently released Kaiser
Family Foundation study, in 2008 employer-
sponsored health insurance for a family costs
an average of $12,680—a five percent increase
from 2007—with one-fourth of that cost paid
by employers. While the cost of healthcare is
high now, there’s more bad news for business
owners in the future. Unfortunately, it appears
that employer healthcare costs are only going
to increase, according to a Hewitt Associates
study that estimates costs are expected to rise
6.4 percent in 2009.
“Employers have found that providing
health insurance is an effective way to
attract and retain a quality workforce,
however, the rising cost of healthcare is
making it harder for businesses to provide
that incentive,” said Jim Hegarty, BBB
president. “Health savings accounts are an
alternative for cash-strapped businesses to
trim healthcare costs while still providing
healthcare incentives for employees.”
According to a 2008 report from the
United States Government Accountability
Office, the number of individuals
covered by HSA-eligible plans increased
significantly between September 2004
and January 2007—from about 438,000 to
approximately 4.5 million.
Following are some guidelines and
background information from BBB on HSAs:
The Basics
HSAs were established as part of the
Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement
and
Modernization
Act of 2003. HSAs
are designed as an
account into which both
employers and employees can make
tax-free contributions. The accumulated
money is the property of the employee and
is used to pay for medical expenses.
Eligibility
In order for employees to maintain a
Health Savings Account they must also be
part of a high-deductible healthcare plan
and cannot be covered by other health
insurance (dental, vision or disability is
permissible, however).
Tax Incentives
Employee contributions to an HSA are
above-the-line tax deductions. As well,
earnings such as interest and dividends are
tax-exempt. Withdrawals from the accounts
are tax-free as long as the money is used
for medical expenses.
Contributions
The maximum contribution for an
HSA is $2,900 for single coverage and
$5,800 for families. Business owners can
contribute to their employees’ HSA at any
point and in any amount, however they
must make comparable contributions to
all participating employees. Contributions
do not have to be the same for part-time
versus full-time employees.
Administrative Costs
Another benefit for small business
owners is that there are minimal
administrative costs associated with HSAs
since the accounts are self-administered by
the employee.
Getting Started
Small business owners can learn more
about HSAs on the U.S. Small Business
Administration’s (SBA) website at www.
sba.gov/hsa. SBA also recommends small
business owners go to www.HSAfinder.
com, www.HSAInsider.com, and www.
ehealthinsurance.com for assistance in
finding qualified HSAs and determining
eligibility for coverage.
B e t t e r B u s i n e s s B u r e a u B u l l e t i n
PAGE 33rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5Start With Trust
Katie Rose Erickson
Molly Soholt
Kelsey Jo Bigando
At the Integrity Award
events, the Scott Mecham BBB
Students of Integrity were
introduced and presented with
framed certificates that formally
acknowledged their awards.
This program, sponsored by
the BBB Foundation, annually
gives $2,000 scholarships to
three students who reside in
the geographic area served by
BBB. These scholarships were
established to honor the memory
of Mr. Mecham who served as
BBB president from 1991 until
January 2006.
The student, selected by an
independent panel of judges
from Lincoln, is Katherine
Rose Erickson. She attended
Wauneta-Palisade High School
in Palisade, Nebraska, and is now
a freshman at the University
of Nebraska in Lincoln where
she is pursuing a career as an
elementary school teacher.
Marilyn Mecham, the wife of
the late Scott Mecham, and their
two sons Shane and Marc made
the presentation to Katie at the
Lincoln event. Mrs. Mecham stated,
“Katie’s essay, submitted for this
award, reflects her understanding
of what it means to have integrity.
Katie wrote that ‘integrity is one of
the most important qualities that
could mark a person’s life. When
someone is known for his or her
integrity, they are respected by
their peers, friends and families for
being honest, accountable and fair
in all that they do. I have seen this
in my parents’ lives, and I want to
be the kind of person that others
can confidently look to, knowing
they can count on me to do the
right thing in all situations’.”
The Omaha Local Board
Chairman Doug Hiemstra
presented award certificates
to the parents of the other
“Students of Integrity”. The
student chosen by the South
Dakota judges is Molly Soholt
who graduated from Washington
High School in Sioux Falls, South
Dakota. She is now a freshman
at Colorado State University
where she is a pre-med major.
Her application included
an essay that focused on
politics. She stated, “I have
heard many comments that
today’s youth do not find
politics relevant. How can
we be so easily dismissed?
My generation depends on
it —a government leading to
a secure society. How else
will our dreams be realized?
Politics will always affect
my life, and I choose the
kind of person I want
to be in relationship to
it. My desire is always
to have the courage to
choose honesty, respect
and integrity.”
The Student of Integrity
selected by the judges
from the Omaha metro
and southwest Iowa area
is Kelsey Jo Bigando.
Kelsey graduated in May
from Burke High School in Omaha.
She is currently attending Fort
Hays State University in Kansas.
She would like to have a career in
business and marketing.
Kelsey’s application essay was
about business ethics. She used
Warren Buffet as an example of
“a person that employs trust and
integrity in his business to yield
results.” She stated, “Mr. Buffett
believes and practices the idea
of focusing on a mistake made
that produced a loss… We need
to be accountable for the mistake
and learn from it. By acting
ethically and responsibly in any
situation, especially the negative
ones, we will eventually build a
stronger ‘character.’ I hope that
ethics, honesty and integrity will
continue to be a greater role in
the business world. I can only
imagine the great benefits we
would all receive from fair, moral
and ethical business practices.”
The BBB offers its
congratulations to the
Foundation’s Students of Integrity!
The 2009 application guide,
nomination and application forms
will soon be available on our
website at www.bbb.org under
“Announcements”.
Katherine Erickson, Shane, Marc and Marilyn Mecham
Deb and Mike Bigando, parents of Kelsey Bigando
Deb Soholt, mother of Molly Soholt
Students of Integrity Awarded
B e t t e r B u s i n e s s B u r e a u B u l l e t i n
PAGE 4 www.bbb.org3rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5
Secure Your ID Day
T H A N K Y O U L O C A L S P O N S O R S !
Locally, approximately 1,050 vehicles brought
documents for shredding. About 750 vehicles
came to the Omaha event. The location, at 85th
and West Dodge Rd, was donated by Methodist
Health System. KETV was Omaha’s media
sponsor that promoted the event, and Shred-It
Omaha provided the services. Over 14 tons of
materials were destroyed.
In Lincoln, the event took place at People’s
Choice Federal Credit Union at 25th & O
Street. There, 150 vehicles brought 2.5 tons
of documents. The shredding services were
donated by Paper Tiger, and KLKN-TV provided
media sponsorship. Additionally, this location
collected over $500 for the Lincoln Food Bank.
The Sioux Falls event was held at First Dakota
National Bank at 2400 S. Louise Avenue, and
Shred-It Sioux Falls enabled 2.5 more tons of
documents to be destroyed. One hundred and
fifty vehicles attended this event, and donations
to their local Food Bank were also collected.
BBB President Jim Hegarty exclaimed, “Not
only did our BBB shred 19.5 tons of credentials,
but we also gave everyone that attended
goodie bags filled with valuable information
about identity protection. We had an incredible
response from consumers. I heard the words
‘thank you’ more times in five hours than I have
heard in the 14 years that I have been with BBB.
This was the ultimate win-win for all involved.
Our media partners were blown away by the
turnout and so were the BBB staff that helped
organize and run the event. It was a gratifying
day for everyone!”
Education is one of the most important ways
BBB works toward building trust in today’s
marketplace. “Our goal was to make personal
information less accessible and empower
people to be their own first line of defense
against identity theft. With community-based
BBBs across North America collaborating
simultaneously, we had a tremendous coast-to-
coast presence that reached numerous people
and helped prevent Identity theft,” said Hegarty.
Going forward, BBB will continue providing
expert advice to protect consumers and
business owners from the ongoing threat of
ID theft throughout the year in various ways.
BBB plans to hold the next “Secure Your ID”
Day in May, 2009.
BBB “Secure Your ID” Day Shreds Over 355 Tons of Materials Across U.S. and Canada
Nearly 13,000 vehicles descended on 83 sites
across the U.S. and Canada on Saturday, September
20th, all filled with boxes and bags of sensitive
documents to be shredded free of charge during
Better Business Bureau’s “Secure Your ID” Day
community service event.
BBB and its leading national partners Shred-
It, Equifax, ProQuo and National Association for
Information Destruction (NAID) saw consumers
and small business owners from 30 states and two
provinces deliver more than 710,000 pounds (355
tons) of materials for safe, responsible destruction,
making BBB “Secure Your ID” Day the largest
single day event of its kind ever held.
Community Service Event Helps Consumers and Business Owners from
Omaha, Lincoln and Sioux Falls
B e t t e r B u s i n e s s B u r e a u B u l l e t i n
PAGE 53rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5Start With Trust
BBB Business Advice: Your Company’s Identity May Be At Risk
Everyone is aware of the threat of personal
identity theft, but identity thieves also prey
on businesses. Recent studies cite more than
eight million Americans as ID theft victims, with
nearly $50 billion in annual losses, but the most
sophisticated identity thieves are now pursuing
even bigger payoffs by targeting businesses. BBB is
offering advice on how to avoid the different forms
of business ID theft, as well as guidance for small
business owners if their company’s identity has
been compromised.
Because businesses have higher credit limits and
make larger purchases than consumers, charges by
scammers are less likely to be noticed by owners,
accountants and creditors. And whereas most
consumer ID theft costs victims less than $5,000
on average, individuals and criminal networks that
target businesses can easily haul more than 10
times that amount.
“Business identity theft is a very real concern
in today’s marketplace because, from a criminal’s
perspective, it is significantly more cost-effective to
steal business identities than consumer identities,”
said Jim Hegarty, BBB president. “Small businesses
can be especially easy targets because they may
not be as adept or well-equipped to protect
sensitive information as larger companies that can
afford to hire dedicated staff to ensure oversight
and security.”
ID theft aimed at stealing directly from a
business isn’t the only type of commercial identity
theft. Another form of business identity theft
happens when a scammer poses as the company in
order to rip off unsuspecting consumers. Following
are examples of common business identity theft
schemes identified by BBB.
Defrauding the Business
A crafty ID thief can do a lot of damage with
a company’s Employer Identification Number,
including gaining access to bank and credit card
accounts or opening up new lines of credit under
the business’s name. Business identity theft can
also be perpetrated by scammers—and sometimes
even employees—who purchase items in the
company’s name either for personal use or to resell.
Phishing E-mails
Phishing e-mails are a common example of
business ID theft, and all are designed to defraud
consumers. Phishing e-mails are spam disguised
as messages from a business or government
agency, and are used to coerce sensitive financial
information from the recipient or to install malware
and viruses on recipients’ computers. According to
a recent 2008 report by Websense Security Labs,
nearly 10 percent of spam messages are phishing
attacks, representing a 47 percent increase over
the previous six month period.
Defrauding Consumers
In many cases, criminals will hijack a company’s
name and reputation to commit consumer fraud,
such as advance fee loan or lottery scams.
Scammers use and leverage the company’s identity
and good reputation to create a trustworthy façade
behind which they operate their scam. In BBB’s
experience, business owners are usually alerted to
the identity theft by angry consumers who were
ripped off by the scammers.
Alert the Authorities
Business owners
need to immediately
contact their local police
department if they believe
the company’s identity
has been compromised.
In some cases where bank
or credit accounts have
been compromised, law
enforcement investigators
may want the accounts to
remain open in order to
track down the thieves. If
scammers are using the
company’s name on phishing
e-mails or with phony
websites, business owners
can also contact the FBI’s
Internet Crime Complaint
Center at www.ic3.gov.
Alert Bank and Credit
Card Companies
If scammers are
accessing the business’s
credit or bank accounts,
forging company checks
or opening up new lines
of credit, it’s important for
a small business owner to
notify financial institutions
involved in order to limit
any further unauthorized
transactions. Before closing
any accounts, the business
owners will want to receive
the go-ahead from law
enforcement so as not
to jeopardize ongoing
investigations.
Alert the Public
If the company’s identity
has been stolen and is being
used to rip off customers,
warning the public is a top
priority to prevent additional
people from becoming
victims. An easy first step
is to prominently post a
warning on the company’s
home page briefly explaining
the threat. Depending on the
scope of the scam, business
owners might also want to
consider alerting media or
making direct contact with
customers via phone or
e-mail. Businesses can also
contact their BBB for help
in getting information out to
consumers quickly.
Review Credit Report
If the business is a sole
proprietorship, then the
same consumer protections
apply as if an individual’s ID
were stolen—such as access
to free credit reports
and the ability to place a
fraud alert on the report.
Unfortunately for most
businesses, monitoring
their credit history is not
that easy. Business credit
reports exist; however,
they don’t typically
include the information
necessary for detecting
fraud. Small and medium-
size enterprises can,
however, increase internal
controls and monitoring of
accounts in order to better
track abuses.
Following are steps BBB recommends business owners take to mitigate harm if their business identity has been stolen.
B e t t e r B u s i n e s s B u r e a u B u l l e t i n
PAGE 6 3rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5
WINNER
OMAHAThrasher Basement SystemsGreg Thrasher, president
Thrasher Basement Systems’ team has a passion for excellence. They
are on a quest to not just provide outstanding customer service, but to
set the standard for their industry in innovation, expertise and integrity.
25-99 Employees
WINNER
Midwest Eye Care, PCDr. Michael Halsted and Dr. Peter Whitted, head practitioners
In the complex field of medicine, Midwest Eye Care strives to exhibit
leadership by promoting innovative medical procedures, quality
customer service, continuing employee development and assistance
to the disadvantaged.
100+ Employees
WINNER
Goodwill IndustriesFrank McGree, president
For 75 years Goodwill Industries has provided the community with human
service programs based on integrity and trust. By offering employment
and training, this organization gives people hope, dignity and respect.
Charity
WINNER
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NebraskaSteven Martin, president and Jack Mills, board chairman
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska takes its responsibility as
an ethical corporate leader and community partner very seriously.
Decisions are made at BCBS based on what is best for their members,
employees and the Nebraska communities they serve.
Pictured accepting the award is Jack Mills
100+ Employees
WINNER
Fat Brain ToysMark and Karen Carson, co-owners
Fat Brain Toys has earned their customers’ trust in the faceless,
nameless world of online sales by treating each order as more than
just a toy, but as a gift of one’s self to another.
6-24 Employees
WINNER
Dingman’s Collision CenterBoyd Dingman, president
Dingman’s Collision Center always stands behind their work.
This business is built on a foundation of trust. Their employees
take great pride in a job done well, and they strive to make all
customers happy.
6-24 Employees
WINNER
Teeter Auto TransporterJerry Teeter, president
A proven track record of honesty, integrity and good work ethic has
earned Teeter Auto Transporter a BBB Integrity Award. They consider
their customers, drivers and employees as the fuel which sustains
them in their highly competitive business.
1-5 Employees
B e t t e r B u s i n e s s B u r e a u B u l l e t i n
PAGE 73rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5Start With Trust
Honorable Mention Awards in OmahaThe judges selected four organizations to receive Honorable Mention Awards this year. These companies have sufficiently demonstrated that their
success is directly linked to ethical business practices and standards that are an integral part of their corporate cultures.
PayPalBrian Waldron, director of North America Consumer Protections
Wells Fargo Bank N.A.– Omaha Christina Castro-Matukewicz, community development representative
Better Business EquipmentDaron Smith, president
CAS, Inc.Drew Lungren, president
Association, General Collections Co., Latch’s,
Leadership Resources, Lincoln Laminating,
Merry Manor School of Childhood, Nebraska
Seamless, Pickering Creative Group, Quick
Connect Computer Services, Russell’s
Automotive, Sandquist Construction &
Development, Servpro of Lincoln, SolutionOne,
Talent Plus, the HOMEBIZ Inspection Team
and Waddell & Reed-Lincoln Division. The
companies are from both the metro Lincoln
area and greater Nebraska.
In addition, a special award was presented to
A+ Media/A+ Nightlife Entertainment for their
donation of time and talent to the BBB. For the
past three years they have produced, directed
and managed the videos of the Integrity Award
winners for the Lincoln event.
The winners of the metro Omaha Integrity
Awards, presented at the event in Omaha,
Nebraska, attended by almost 1,000 people on
September 17th, are: Goodwill Industries, Teeter
Auto Transport, Fat Brain Toys, Dingman’s
Collision Center, Thrasher Basement Systems,
Midwest Eye Care and Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of Nebraska.
In addition, Tom Bosch, on behalf of Better
Business Bureau’s Sioux Falls Board of Directors,
presented, for the first time, BBB Integrity Awards
to two companies from South Dakota. They are
Express Collections, Rapid City, SD and Wells
Fargo Bank N.A., Sioux Falls, SD. Mr. Bosch
explained, “The Sioux Falls branch of the BBB
does not yet have its own awards ceremony, but I
am pleased that companies throughout the state
applied for an Integrity Award. I would like to
thank the judges for considering the applicants
and recognizing deserving organizations in South
Dakota for their ethical business practices.”
Honorable Mention Awards were given
by the Omaha judges to: Better Business
Equipment, CAS, PayPal and Wells Fargo Bank
N.A.-Omaha for having demonstrated their
commitment to ethical business practices. They
have achieved significant milestones in fostering
and implementing ethics into all aspects of their
corporate culture.
Finalist Awards were also granted, at
the Omaha event, to those companies that
demonstrated recognition of the importance
of ethical business practices. The judges
determined that they have the foundation to
formally incorporate ethics into all aspects of
their corporate culture and understand that ethics
is an important aspect for success and profitability.
The Finalists are: AON Risk Services Central,
Clarklift West, McCarthy’s One Hour Heating and
Air Conditioning, MSI Systems Integrators, Monarch
Siding & Windows, National Safety Council,
Netshops and Road Warriors Auto Transporter.
BBB President Jim Hegarty remarked,
“Being recognized for integrity by the BBB
is a distinctive and prestigious honor. These
companies are to be congratulated for their
commitment to ethical business practices
with key stakeholders including customers,
employees and their communities.”
Integrity Awards Continued from PAGE 1
“Decade Members” RecognizedAlso acknowledged at the Integrity Award events were BBB Accredited Businesses that have “Decade”
anniversaries in 2008. Plaques were presented to the businesses that joined the BBB in 1998, 1988, 1978,
1968, 1958, 1948 and 1938. There were 163 companies recognized: 128 ten-year “Bronze” members, 14
twenty-year “Silver” members, 6 thirty-year “Gold” members, 4 forty-year “Platinum” members, 1 fifty year
“Diamond” member, 3 sixty-year “Ruby” members and 6 seventy-year “Emerald” members. Jim Hegarty
said, “I am grateful that this BBB has so many companies affiliated with our organization for so many
years. Their decades of support exemplify their ongoing commitment to our organization and the BBB’s
importance in the marketplace.”
70 Years
member
70 Years
member
60 Years
member
60 Years
member
50 Years
member
70 Years
member
70 Years
member
70 Years
member
70 Years
member
Journal Star Printing Company, Manosha Nair
Sartor Hamann Jewelry, Don Hamann
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., Scott Stuckey
Latsch’s, Inc., Mike Decker
US Bank, Beth Morgan
Black Hills Energy, Don Nordell
Lincoln Electric System, Terry Bundy
Windstream Communications, Cheryl Kruger
Davis Design, Wade Stange
B e t t e r B u s i n e s s B u r e a u B u l l e t i n
PAGE 8 www.bbb.org3rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5
LINCOLN
Reynolds Design & RemodelingRoger Reynolds, president
Reynolds Design & Remodeling provides a remodeling experience
that is creative rewarding and enjoyable to their clients and
employees through open communication and adhering to the highest
standards of ethical conduct in every decision and transaction.
Pictured are Jack Zohner, BBB Lincoln Board chair and Mr. Reynolds
1-5 Employees
WINNER
Meginnis Ford Co.R. James Campbell, president
Meginnis Ford Co. and its employees strive to provide excellent
customer service in a low pressure atmosphere. Their objective
is to have every customer that leaves their dealership
completely satisfied.
Pictured are Mr. Campbell and Mr. Hagerty
25-29 Employees
WINNER
Lincoln Electric SystemTerry L. Bundy, administrator
Lincoln Electric System, believes each customer has a
unique set of circumstances that must be addressed.
Its goal is to do what is in the best interest of each
customer, and to go “above and beyond” in treating
all customers in a positive and ethical manner.
100+ Employees
WINNER
United Way Of Lincoln And Lancaster CountyBrian Wachman, chief professional officer
Since 1923 United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County has
worked to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of
the Lincoln and Lancaster Communities. Its vision is to be the
organization that inspires and engages all citizens to support
and solve human service needs.
Pictured are Mr. Zohner and Mr. Wachman
Charity
WINNER
Kabloom StudiosKara Plicanic, president
Putting the client first and giving them more than they expect is
KaBloom Studio’s commitment. Through constantly researching
better ways of doing things and implementing the latest
technological developments, clients are ensured a memorable
photographic experience.
Pictured are Mr. Hagerty, BBB president and Ms. Plicanic
1-5 Employees
WINNER
Gene Lilly Surety BondsBob Cirone, president and Jim King, vice president
Gene Lilly Surety Bonds, Inc. specializes in contract surety and
commercial bonds. Its mission is to provide bonding services to its
clients and prospects with the utmost trust and confidentiality. In
addition, GLSB also assists in the development of local laws and
ordinances which benefit the surety industry and are consistent
with the public’s interest.
Pictured are Jim Hegarty, Mr. King and Mr. Cirone
6-24 Employees
WINNER
B e t t e r B u s i n e s s B u r e a u B u l l e t i n
PAGE 93rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5Start With Trust
Wells Fargo Bank — Sioux FallsDan Murphy, regional president
Wells Fargo Bank holds honesty, trust and integrity in the
highest regard, and everyone in the Wells Fargo Corporation
works hard to maintain them every day. They understand these
are the values that distinguish the Wells Fargo brand in the
community and in the banking industry.
Pictured accepting the award is Heather ZweifelWINNER
Express CollectionsTroy Anderson, owner
A key factor that enables Express Collections, Inc. to enhance the
financial well-being of businesses in Rapid City is their culture- one
of support and growth for their employees that specialize in the
ambitious task of recovering past-due accounts.
Pictured accepting the award are Jennifer Meyer and Mary Melaringo
RapidCity
Sioux Falls
WINNER
SOUTH DAKOTA
The BBB Foundation wishes to thank all
the companies and individuals listed for their
generous support of the 2008 BBB Business
and Student of Integrity Award programs. By
sponsoring these awards and/or participating in
the events, they have aligned themselves with
the BBB and helped promote ethics and trust in
the marketplace. Their contributions of service,
money and/or products are greatly appreciated!
LINCOLN EVENTTorch SponsorA+ Media/A+ Nightlife Entertainment
Trust SponsorsAssurity Life Insurance Company
Lamar Outdoor Advertising
Ethics SponsorsBailey Lauerman
Black Hills Energy
Nebraska Book Company
US Bank
Values SponsorsAmeritas Life Insurance Corp.
Commonwealth Electric Co.
Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Nebraska
Gene Lilly Surety Bonds, Inc.
John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air
Conditioning
Legacy Retirement Communities
Lincoln Financial Management
Meginnis Ford Co.
NECO Security
T.O. Haas Tire
Two Men & A Truck
U-Stop Convenience Shop
Union Bank & Trust Company
Wet Gate Bank
Pride SponsorsA to Z Printing
ABC Electric Company, Inc.
Bob Stephens & Associates, Inc.
Li-Cor, Inc.
NAI FMA Realty
Peoples Choice Federal Credit Union
Pinnacle Bank
OMAHA EVENTTorch SponsorKETV
Integrity SponsorsPayPal
SAC Federal Credit Union
Trust SponsorsCox Business Services
Lamar Outdoor Advertising
Omaha Steaks
Pinnacle Bank
United Enterprises Company
Ethics SponsorsAAA Nebraska
Bailey Lauerman
Blue Cross Blue Shield NE
Borsheim’s
Centris Federal Credit Union
Embassy Suites
General Service Bureau
Marriott Worldwide Reservations Center
McCarthy’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
Midwest Eye Care, PC
Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc.
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society
Values SponsorsAmerican Classifieds
Boys Town
Certified Transmission
Dave’s Auto Body, Inc.
Lutz & Company
Markel BMW, Land Rover Omaha
Midlands Newspapers
Millard Sprinkler
Nebraska Furniture Mart
New Cassel Retirement Center
Omaha Public Power District
PayFlex Systems USA, Inc.
Suburban Newspapers
Two Men and A Truck
Wells Fargo Bank N.A.-Omaha
Pride SponsorsAtchley Ford, Inc.
Charlie Graham Body & Service
Credit Advisors Foundation
Farmers National Company
Fuchs Machinery
Goodwill Industries, Inc.
Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
Heartland Scenic Studio
House of Mufflers and Brakes
Husker Home Foods
Husker Siding & Windows, Inc.
Integrity Staffing
Les Hays Graphic Design, Inc.
Malibu Sunrooms & Patios
Monarch Siding & Windows
Sanwick Remodeling Contractors
UnitedHealthcare/A UnitedHealth Group Co.
Mike & Brenda Kaiser of A+ Media were presented a Special Award of Thanks, at the Lincoln event, by Sharon Brodhagen, Lincoln branch manager
Thank You For Your Generous Support!
B e t t e r B u s i n e s s B u r e a u B u l l e t i n
PAGE 10 www.bbb.org3rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5
Consumers are inundated with thousands of advertising images
daily through the Internet, TV, radio and print. In such a crowded
marketplace, a business’ greatest challenge is to be seen and heard.
One way BBB Accredited Businesses can set themselves apart from
other companies and stand out as a business that values trust is
to participate in the special advertising programs that have been
arranged by your BBB.
They offer opportunities for your company to be featured in ads
that link you with the BBB’s highly recognized logo and trusted
name. They also have a consistent BBB message that helps brand the
BBB and lets consumers know that it is good to do business with a
BBB Accredited Business!
Except for the BBB Accredited Business Directory, The Solution, all
advertising programs are managed and sold by the participating media.
BBB Accredited Businesses pay for being featured in the ads.
PRINT MEDIAOmaha World-Herald — Company listings by type of business categories
and helpful consumer information run twice a year. There is a special
pull-out supplement, for BBB Accredited Businesses only that comes out
in March. In August, there are dedicated BBB pages in the Metro Guide.
These publications reach 225,000 households and have a readership of
over 400,000. Contact: Joan Miller at 402- 444-1448
Grand Island Independent — Ads run weekly Contact: Amanda Beale at
308- 381-9402
Norfolk Daily News — Ads run once a month Contact: Elaine Thelen at
402- 371-1020
Kearney Hub — Ads run two times a month Contact: Megan Crouch at
308-233-9763
Daily Nonparei — Ads run once a month Contact: Jaimi Miller at
712- 325-5702
Lincoln Journal Star — Ads run once a month Contact: Beth Corrick at
402- 473-7421
BROADCAST MEDIAKLKN-TV 8 (Lincoln metro area) — Fourteen shared 30 second messages
a month for every two non-competing Accredited Business sponsors, or
fourteen exclusive 30 second commercials per month.
Contact: Phil Maddern at 402-436-2241
KETV (Omaha metro area)
Value Package: Ongoing Program — Two Sponsors per Ad
You will be featured in twenty-five 30 second (:30) commercials per
month that include a short (:10) BBB message along with information
about the two sponsoring companies. Your business and one other non-
competing BBB Accredited Business receive:
An (:8) eight second message about your company•
Message includes: audio, video, your logo, phone number, email •
and address
No production cost for your company•
Ten commercials will air on KETV•
Fifteen commercials will air on Weather Now•
An average of 125,000 consumers will see these ads each month•
Ethics Package: New Program
You will be featured in twenty-five 30 second (:30) commercials
per month that include a short (:10) BBB message along with your
company’s message. Your business receives:
A (:20) twenty second message about your company•
You may use an existing commercial or KETV will produce a new •
spot at a 50% discount
Fifteen commercials will air on KETV •
Ten commercials will air on Weather Now•
An average of 125,000 consumers will see these ads each month•
Torch Package: New Program
You will be featured in thirty-five 30 second (:30) commercials
per month that include a short (:10) BBB message along with your
company’s message. Your business receives:
A (:20) twenty second message about your company•
KETV will produce your commercial for FREE•
KETV will design an animated Internet banner ad that rotates •
throughout www.ketv.com that will link directly to your website
and be viewed by about 50,000 people per month
Twenty commercials will air on KETV •
Fifteen commercials will air on Weather Now•
An average of 250,00 consumers will see these ads each month•
Contact: Katherine Ramirez at 402-978-8943
BBB ACCREDITED BUSINESS DIRECTORYThe Solution — A Marketplace Guide and Yellow Page Directory of
BBB Accredited Businesses (Nebraska, South Dakota and southwest
Iowa). There are many different advertising opportunities available to
all BBB Accredited Businesses. It is published by the BBB annually. The
advertising deadline for the 2008/2009 edition is May, 2009.
Contact: Pam Atz at 402-898-8538 or 800-649-6814 #8538
If you are interested in learning more about any of the BBB’s advertising
opportunities listed above, call the contacts indicated or BBB Communications
Director Margo Riekes at 402-898-8526 or 800-649-6814 #8526.
BBB Activity ReportsJune 1, 2008 — September 30, 2008
Top 10 Local InquiriesRoofing – Contractors = 17,0751. Contractors – General/Remodeling = 7,9532. Internet Marketing Services = 4,9433. Siding – Contractors = 4,1144. Insurance = 3,1605. Heating/Air Conditioning – Contractors = 3,1216. Home Builders = 3,0767. Banks = 2,9018. Painting – Contractors = 2,8219. Windows-Sales/Installation/Service = 2,71210.
Total Number of Inquiries/Contacts = 172,335Company Reliability Reports From:
Automated Voice Response System = 2,279BBB Staff = 7,652Web = 162,404
Total Number of Pages Viewed on BBB Website = 548,930
Top 10 Local CompaniesAdvertising – Direct Mail = 3891. Credit Cards & Plans = 1842. Internet Shopping Services = 763. Banks = 754. Auto Dealers – New/Used Cars = 665. Auto Dealers – Used Cars = 656. Cellular/Wireless Phones – Services/Supplies = 487. Auto & Truck Brokers = 428. Contractors – General/Remodeling = 409. Financial Services = 3110.
Total Number of Complaints Opened = 3,907Total Number of Complaints Closed = 3,961Total Dollar Amount Involved = $586,317.00
IMAgE Can Mean Everything
B e t t e r B u s i n e s s B u r e a u B u l l e t i n
PAGE 113rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5Start With Trust
IOWACouncil BluffsAce ConstructionBarb’s Best Friends, LLCCouncil Bluffs Building Trades
AssociationCouncil Bluffs DistributorsHospice With HeartLazy Mule LeathersMooney Construction Company, Inc.Professional Roofing & SalesTyten Plumbing Services, LLC
KirkmanAction Air Duct Cleaning
MindenWest Central Roofing & Guttering
Missouri ValleyBusiness Cleaning Solutions, Inc.Hillside CottagesMidwest Coatings CompanySisson Construction
PisgahAmerican Custom Carpentry, Inc
UnderwoodAdvanced Pest Management
WoodbineTriple C Roofing, Inc.
NEBRASKAAlmaMetzger Plumbing
AmherstSchake Construction, Inc.
ArcadiaSell Service, Inc.
ArcherArcher Cooperative Credit Union
ArthurSizer Well Service
AuroraA-May-Zing Construction, LLC
BellevueBumper ManLewie Krueger PhotographerM & T Stump Removal, Inc.New Life Thrift
BennetMidwest Walls & Landscape, Inc.
BenningtonBTS Custom Floors, LLCEagle RacewayVince Kunasek Design, Inc.Visiting Angels Living Assistance
Services-Omaha
BlairHicks Drywall
Blue HillBarton Pipe & Rod and Mike’s WeldingC B’s Electric Heating Air
BoelusAll Floor One
Boys TownExspurt Plumbing, Inc.Go-Dog Direct
ByronMoeller Electric, Inc.
CerescoAndy’s Automotive
ChapmanRathman-Manning Corp.
ColumbusDeWine Mechanical, Inc.Greiner’s Furniture & CarpetJay’s Body Shop
David CitySturgeon Garden Center, LLC
DawsonKEAN Seed & Fertilizer
EagleNewcastle Construction, Inc.
ElkhornPinnacle Heating-Cooling
FordyceMenford Electric, LLC
Fort CalhounBeed’s Total Repair
FremontStandard StorageSteenblock Erectors, Inc.Tactical Solutions Gear, LLCTriple J Roofing
GenevaLauber Seed Farms, LLC
GibbonRay Moffett Construction
Grand IslandOseka Homes, LLC
GretnaDostals ConstructionEarl Snider Construction, Inc.Newton Roofing
HamptonWilderness Mechanical Service
HastingsPrecision Sprinklers
HoldregeDiversified Mechanical Maintenance
KearneyJC’s Auto RepairKevins Floor Service
KenesawRon’s Roofing
KennardBennett’s Construction
La VistaDone Right Home ImprovementRotella’s Bakery
LawrenceG T Metal, LLC
LexingtonKratzer Electric, Inc.
LincolnA & S Auto Truck RepairA+ TreeworksAbove & Beyond Cleaning ServicesA-Cross Time Cleaning ServiceAdvanced Technical ServicesAuto Glass NationBrighton Construction Company, Inc.Custom Painting, Inc.D & G Construction, Inc.Diamond Sawing & Coring, Inc.Duct GuardElite Custom Technology, LLCExpress Employment ProfessionalsFlat Water Construction, Inc.Gateway Senior LivingGene Lilly Surety Bonds, Inc.Gettin Around to ItGreen Touch Grounds & Landscape, Inc.Kraftwork Design, Inc.Krayon CampusL & K ConstructionLehman Insurance, LLCLost in Fun, Inc.Lucas Wieser Construction, LLCLuckie’s Lounge & RestaurantMarketing Hawks, LTDMC PlumbingMyers ConstructionNelson Construction & DesignOutpost 12 StudiosPitter Patter PlaceQuality ConstructionR & L SidingR & M ConcreteReinick Refrigeration Heating & Air
Conditioning Service Co.Security Services, Inc.Smart1 Therapeutic Muscle & Body WorkStem GallerySwisher Handyman ServicesUnique Deck DesignWehrs Construction, LLC
Mason CityLash Wood Heating & Air
MernaT & S Signs
MindenEugene Worley Construction & Roofing
MitchellMakin Rain Irrigation
MullenCooley Well Drilling & Trenchng
NelighWerkmeister Cabinets, Inc.
North BendDvorak Well, Inc.
North LoupMid Nebraska Millwrights, Inc.
North PlatteAllied Power Systems, LLCHunt’s ConstructionPlatte Valley PaintingTaulborg Construction
OgallalaOgallala Landscape Services
OmahaA HOLE in the WallA Perfect Touch PaintingA Thousand Words Photo & Design, Inc.A+ Auto Glass And MoreAAA Dental Studio, IncAAll About TreesA-All City Glass & WindshieldAffordable ConstructionAll Wired UpAmazing Renovation ResourcesAmerican Building Supply, Inc.American National BankAndy’s Roofing CompanyArtistic IllusionsAssistant Cafe, Inc.AT&T MobilityBarnes ConstructionBBC Contracting, LLCBig Mama’s Kitchen & CateringBinswanger GlassBleak to CHICBlue SummitBraun Development and ConstructionCanopy GardensCar MaxCartagena Painting ServiceCharlie’s on the LakeCustom Image Motorsports & AutobodyDC Centre Banquet Facility & Ballroom
InstructionDent B Gone Dirt B GoneDiversity Home Improvement-Heating &
Cooling, Inc.Double D Lawn Care, Inc.DRD Home ServicesDriggers Construction, Inc.E & S Carpentry, Inc
Eagle Roofing & Construction, LLCElite Floor Covering, IncErin’s Dance StudioExclusive Formal WearFantastic Beginnings, Inc.Finance 1, LLCFONLOGIX, LLCGraphics PlusHanna Roofing & ConstructionHarding’s Mobile Home RepairHeartland ComputersHeartland One ConstructionHome Standards Inspection ServicesImmediate SolutionsING Financial AdvisorsJ.D. ConstructionJanovich RoofingJelipa PaintingJensen Service & Diagnostic CenterJES Custom FabricatingKnowledge ComputersLil Bros’ TattoosM J Design/Build, Inc.Mastercraft Exteriors, Inc.McCoy Roofing & SidingMcPherson & Jacobson, LLCMia Latte CafeMidwest Crane Service, LLCMidwest Logistic SolutionsMike Anderson RoofingMike West Painting & Wallcoverings, Inc.Millard Transmission SpecialistsMolly MaidMop & Bucket Cleaning ServicesMSM PrintingMustang Electric, Inc.New Horizons Landscape DesignNext Level Consulting, Inc.Omaha CareOne Caregivers, LLCOmaha School of Massage TherapyOmar Carpet CleanerOvatowhite’s ConstructionPaul The PlumberPawz Pet Services, LLCPlant Pros of Omaha, Inc.Premier CountertopsPremier ExteriorsPrism SignsProcess Systems Co., LLCR & A BuildersRemodeling & MoreRichard & Sons Sheet Metal, Inc.Richard C. Morford ConstructionRony’s Marble & GraniteRybin ConstructionSham’s Enterprises, LLCSmoke Pit Bar-B-QueSS LawnsStrandberg HomesTailgate Games, LLCThompson Law Office, LLCThorson Brothers Lawn CareTraditions Interiors by Patti AdamsUrban OasisVoss ConstructionWater Works PlumbingWeb Boy Design, Inc.Western WaterproofingWilliams RepairXtreme Used Cars
PalmyraAAdvanced Carpet Cleaning &
Restoration
PapillionAbsolute SecurityBAT LogisticsBlair Construction & RemodelingiGroup Studios, Inc.Papio Coin and Collectibles
PlattsmouthBuilding Cost Consultants, Inc.Loving Hands Daycare & PreschoolPondscapes
RaymondR & B Contractors, Inc.
Saint PaulSt. Paul Equipment, Inc.
ScottsbluffCalder’s Auto CenterMeister Landscaping
SheltonWeisdorfer Construction
Silver CreekB & C Electrical Services, LLC
ValleyOutdoor Living CompanyWalvoord Finish Grading, LLC
WaterlooCity Wide HVAC Systems
WayneJacob’s Room
SOUTH DAKOTAAberdeenHase Plumbing, Heating & Air
Conditioning, Inc.
BalticMeadowland Springers
Black HawkTipton & Sons Construction, Inc
BrookingsDave’s Window Cleaning, Inc.Old School Cycle Works
ChancellorBent Nail Construction
DanteK-POD’S Heating & Cooling
DeadwoodOne Way Service Pros, Inc.
ElktonLynn’s Heating and Air
EmeryPro Siding & Window Installers
Fort MeadePrivaFone, Inc
GarretsonTrim
HartfordA-1 Portable ToiletsCheckered Grafx
HurleyDakota WindmillTurkey Creek Pheasant Haven
Letcher Heritage Roofing
MartinHahn Construction, Inc.
MitchellDakota Hearing InstrumentsT K Electric
New UnderwoodSawhorse Construction
PiedmontPower Plus Electric, LLC
Rapid CityB.E.S Lighting Center, Inc.
Benson Bros PaintingChris Wells ConstructionConcrete SpecialtiesDents Plus Paintless Dent RepairDreamMaker Bath & KitchenExtreme Heating & Cooling Systems, Inc.K & K Sheet Metal Company, Inc.
SelbyWestern Winds, Inc.
Sioux FallsDakota HypnosisDale Animal HospitalEnvision Companies, Inc.Hager Construction, Inc.Hay Painting, Inc.Home CreationsHow Sweet It IsKidtopiaKilian Community CollegeKSFYPrecision Drywall, Inc.S & S Concrete, Inc.Spherion StaffingSturdevant’s Cliff Avenue Auto PartsVishnu Bunny Tattoo & PiercingY & N Cleaning Commercial Service
SturgisJerry’s Refrigeration, Heating & Cooling, LLCPeterson Automotive
WatertownDrainmanLand Logic Landscaping, LLCSouth 81 Storage
Welcome New BBB Accredited BusinessesThe following companies have joined us during June 1, 2008 – September 30, 2008. BBB Accredited Businesses must meet our high standards.
Those listed below have been accepted because they believe in fair play and ethical conduct in the marketplace.
Attention
BBB Accredited Businesses!!!Is your Information Correct?
Have you moved?•
Do you have a new phone number?•
Have you added a location?•
Do you have a website?•
Do we have your correct email address?•
Do we have the correct contact information?•
You may check your company’s public
report and information at www.nebraska.bbb.org,
www.southdakota.bbb.org or at
www.swiowa.bbb.org. Let us know if we
should update something by contacting
Communications & Membership Retention
Assistant Suzanne Hazuka at 402-898-8531,
800-649-6814 #8531 or email her at
[email protected]. We need the
correct email address of the person at
your company who should receive BBB
communications, as we have been sending
media releases and BBB news regularly to
our Accredited Businesses via the Internet.
Unfortunately, many are coming back as
undeliverable.
B e t t e r B u s i n e s s B u r e a u B u l l e t i n
PAGE 12 www.bbb.org3rd Quarter 2008 | Vol. 10 No. 5
An Element of EthicsGood Customer Service Matters
According to the latest BBB/Gallup
Trust in Business Survey, one in five people
surveyed specifically cited good customer
service as a prerequisite for building their
trust in a business.
As a pioneer in dispute resolution,
the BBB offers advice on how business
can maintain high levels of trust through
customer service and satisfaction programs.
A dissatisfied customer is not a lost
cause. According to a recent Harvard study,
an unhappy customer can be turned into a
repeat customer 80 percent of the time if the
business takes action and provides effective
customer service.
For businesses with a staff of one or
one thousand, the BBB offers the following
advice for keeping customers satisfied:
Customer service starts with a vision
The first step in providing good customer
service is a mission statement or vision
for the business that clearly states an
institutional priority for providing excellent
customer service. To emphasize that
customer service is highly important to
the company, some of businesses include
customer satisfaction as part of employee
evaluations.
Make customer service representatives accessible
A recent survey by Vocal Laboratories
found that, when asked which factors were
most important in providing good customer
service, 82 percent of respondents said,
“Make it easy for you to reach a live person
(if necessary)” — the most popular response.
Disgruntled customers need to know
that their complaint is actually being heard
and will only become angrier if they feel
they are given the runaround or can’t talk
to an actual person.
Training, training, and more training
A well-trained, knowledgeable and
courteous staff is a business’ first line of
defense against losing a customer.
The BBB recommends that customer
service representatives undergo formal
training in dispute resolution — including
how to handle irate customers.
The Vocal Laboratories survey also found
that, when asked which factors made for bad
customer service, 37 percent of respondents
answered, “The person you spoke to didn’t
have authority to help you.”
Whoever in the company has
responsibility for fielding complaints from
customers needs the power and authority
to resolve common problems without
having to talk to a supervisor.
Learn from common complaints
Learning from customer complaints
is one of the best ways to find areas for
improvement within a business. Management
should continually monitor complaints for
trends and recurring problems.
Working to resolve the underlying issues
leading to common complaints can have a
major impact on the experience of many
future customers.
Promote Your Company in the Next Edition of The Solution
Plans for the 2009/2010 Solution, your BBB’s
Marketplace Guide and Yellow Page Directory of BBB
Accredited Businesses are in motion. Two-hundred
thousand copies of the 2008/2009 edition were printed
in June, and are being distributed throughout our service
area to consumers and businesses for their use all year
long. Advertising in this publication puts your company’s
message in front of people making buying decisions. It’s
exposure you do not want to miss!
As a BBB member, your company has a free listing
in your primary Type of Business Category in the Yellow
Page section of the directory. The publication also includes
articles to help people shop smarter and avoid schemes
and scams. Placing an ad in The Solution is an ideal way to
position your company as a business with integrity and to
let consumers know that you’re part of the solution for a
healthy, thriving business community!
If you buy advertising now, your ad will be put into the
current online Solution on our website that is receiving
approximately 600,000 hits per month, giving you more than
a year’s exposure for your advertising dollars! “This extra
feature has been very attractive to past advertisers,” stated
BBB Membership Retention Director Pam Atz.
For information about the many different ad sizes and
options available, call today, 402-898-8538 or 800-649-6814
#8538. The sooner you reserve your spot in The Solution, the
sooner your ad will be online! Your participation will speak
volumes about the way you do business and you will stand
out as a company that “Starts With Trust!”
It’s great to be part of The Solution!
Start With Trust