British Columbia’s marketplace is being spotlighted province wide from March 17 to 23, as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) celebrates BBB Week in acknowledgement of the international Centennial of the organization, announced Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.
“I would like to recognize the work the Better Business Bureau does to promote trust and integrity in the marketplace,” said Bell. “It greatly contributes to a healthy business environment in B.C., encouraging investment and job creation.”
Better Business Bureau Week recognizes the relationship between the business community and consumers across British Columbia and shows how the Better Business Bureau has provided free, accessible information to the public, reporting on business practice and tackling misleading advertising in the marketplace.
“We are an organization that has its humble beginnings with the business community getting together back in 1939 and deciding that British Columbia needs a Better Business Bureau to be a watchdog over the marketplace,” said Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO of Mainland B.C. “Our dispute resolution programs and reporting services help people and communities equip themselves with the tools they need to work with businesses and make educated buying decisions.”
Internationally, the Better Business Bureau was founded in 1912 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The BBB encourages business self-regulation and provides a dispute resolution process and business reporting standards that are all commonly followed by BBBs across North America.
Founded in 1939, Better Business Bureau of Mainland BC is a registered non-profit organization that is completely funded by its 3,400 member businesses, who have agreed to follow BBB Standards of Trust and are given Accreditation and a letter-grade rating based on their ability to meet BBB the guidelines.
Last year, the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland BC had over 1.3 million consumers inquire about businesses, and over 10,000 complaints filed against local businesses.
To start off BBB Week, the BBB Centennial Celebration and Exhibition tradeshow will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heritage Hall 3102 Main Street in Vancouver. This is a free public event that includes a home show and tips for consumers looking for to avoid scams and frauds and meet local Accredited Businesses.
For more information about BBB Centennial activities, visit: www.smartshoppersbc.org
