The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Mainland BC and Yukon Territory, is all about recognizing, celebrating and promoting better businesses.
This year in particular we've done that in a few ways, including awards and long-term standing recognitions. In the fall, the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) was recognized for 65 years of BBB Accreditation, the longest-standing Accredited Business to date in Mainland BC and Yukon Territory. The PNE is a shining beacon to small business owners and entrepreneurs alike that being a trustworthy, ethical and honest business is important to consumers.
"We're always going to try and do the right thing," says Shelley Frost, President and CEO of Pacific National Exhibition (PNE). "Whenever I see the different generations of BBB Accreditation on the main floors of our admin building, it makes think about all those people [...] that know there's a place they can go that is trusted in the community. Thank you for honouring us."
Torch Award coming to New West
BBB is thrilled to announce the sponsorship of another Torch Award for Ethics, in partnership with New West Chamber of Commerce next year.
In order to be eligible for this award, the winning business must be operating for at least three years with the same ownership, have a B rating with BBB Business profiles, and have not received the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics in the past five years. Notably, Accreditation with BBB is not required.
As welll, just recently, in partnership with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, the BBB awarded Manchester Signs, Printing and Graphics as the winner of the BBB Torch Award for Ethics 2023. "This award truly shows what Manchester Signs is all about and that is ethics," said Tina Bisson, recounting her Excellence in Ethics win during Kelowna Chamber of Commerce's Business Excellence Awards in November. "Winning this award, to me, means a lot more than a Small Business of the Year Award. You see, after purchasing this company in September 2022, and now being given this award, it just goes to show that I for sure am doing something right!" This prestigious award sponsored by the BBB honours organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character; ensure that the organization’s practices meet the highest standards of ethics; and consequently generate trust with its customers and the community. The Torch Award for Ethics embodies BBB’s mission of advancing business trust. Manchester Signs, Printing and Graphics has been serving their Okanagan community since they first opened their doors in 2009. Their biggest commitment to their customers is: "If you’re not happy, we’re not happy." With a bevy of in-house designers, Manchester Signs is able to streamline the creative process, from consultation and design to installation.
"We commend Manchester Signs for their exceptional dedication to cultivating trust within the industry," said BBB spokesperson Neesha Hothi. "Manchester Signs continues to foster valuable relationships with both customers and stakeholders, and consistently surpasses all expectations with unwavering excellence. We are proud that they are contributing to the Okanagan community."
BBB Torch Awards was established in 1998 as a way to celebrate local businesses dedicated to building trust through ethical practices with their staff, the community, their approach to marketing, and within their industry. But it’s more than just recognition for those that deserve it. It is a way to raise the bar of ethics and trust-building in the marketplace.
Educational initiatives with accredited businesses
This year, BBB has partnered with select Accredited Business owners to provide helpful webinars and workshops to the public. "I decided to become an Accredited Business because I [...] love the work that they do in protecting consumers," said Brenda Benham, founder of Memorable Presenter Consulting. Her company, which teaches individuals how to improve their presentation skills and confidence, has held two consumer presentations (both in-person and online) since the BBB Engagement Centre opened its doors to the public in September 2022. "The BBB team was extremely helpful in making sure that both the in-person presentation and the webinar both went very smoothly. I would be thrilled to be able to host another presentation or webinar with the BBB in the future."
