Business Solutions for Winter 2021

4 W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 BUSINESS spotlight Meeting Changing Needs The Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern and Southwest Missouri and Southern Illinois is headquartered in St. Louis with additional Missouri offices in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, and Springfield as well as an office in Quincy, Illinois. It works hard to serve both consumers and businesses in this region. Consumers have access to resources including BBB Business Profiles, charity reviews, dispute resolution services, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust (such as scams). Businesses benefit from a variety of opportunities, particularly BBB Accreditation. How has COVID-19 impacted BBB activities? Christopher L. Thetford, Vice President Communications & Marketing, replied, “BBB Accredited Businesses acted ethically despite the many pandemic-related challenges to the marketplace facing them during these trying times. Our BBB has brought crucial information to these business to help them navigate all of the changes. During the pandemic, BBB also remains a place where consumers can turn for information when fac- ing issues—all because of the support of our BBB Accredited Businesses.” Have You Applied for BBB Accreditation? Maybe you’ve wanted to apply for BBB Accreditation but just haven’t made the time yet. Well, there’s no time like the present. Your business will want to be well positioned to take advantage of the increased business activity expected to come later this year after the pandemic’s restrictions subside. Thetford said, “BBB Accreditation is an opportunity for your business to differentiate itself from competitors. It says that Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern and Southwest Missouri and Southern Illinois The vision of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is this: An ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other. This nonprofit, business-supported organization has offices throughout North America and sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior.