Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/887010
he Better Business Bureau (BBB) symbol on a business website or storefront window is a mark of trust, a well-known sign that inspires consumer confidence. Despite the proliferation of readily available online reviews, consumers still turn to the BBB for reliable, honest ratings. "Our review process gives our ratings credibility," says Len Andrusiak, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario. "You just don't get that from the reviews of anonymous strangers on the Internet." The BBB of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario has been working to build and enhance trust in the marketplace since 1930, ensuring that accredited businesses operate with honesty and integrity. The BBB conducts investigations and verifies licenses are up to date. Reviews and business ratings are posted on the BBB website. Accredited businesses agree to operate according to a Code of Business Practices that includes assurances they will adhere to ethical standards of trust and honesty, and promise to respond to any complaints in a timely fashion. When disputes do arise, BBB provides objective adjudication and conciliation services to help businesses and customers resolve issues. The process can be challenging, but ultimately worthwhile. "We know that everyone isn't always going to be happy with every outcome, but we don't apologize for that, because that's what happens when you're completely fair and impartial," says Andrusiak. "Our processes are proven, honest, and trustworthy, and they work." Andrusiak is a successful entrepreneur who learned the value of the BBB first hand, but his commitment to the organization today reaches further than ensuring business transactions represent good value for both buyers and sellers. "Successful, ethical businesses are the cornerstone of good communities," he says. "They provide good jobs. They sponsor teams and support local charities. Most importantly, they stay in business, and then we, as consumers, can rely on them the next time we're making a purchasing decision. It's good for everyone." The BBB of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario works with some 1,200 accredited businesses in the region. Meet a few of them on the following pages. ❙ Learn more about services for consumers and businesses at bbb.org/manitoba. T Building Trust in the Marketplace BUILDING TRUST BEGINS WITH ETHICS PUBLISHER Bob Cox MANAGER OF NICHE PRODUCTS Barb Borden Barb.Borden@freepress.mb.ca EDITOR Pat St. Germain pstgermain@mail.com WRITERS Bob Armstrong Sharon Chisvin Andrea Geary Wendy King Geoff Kirbyson Sherry Kaniuga Janine LeGal Todd Lewys Jennifer McFee Pat St. Germain PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley DESIGN Jane Chartrand View online at winnipegfreepress.com/ publications * *Trade-mark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus used under license