History:
In 2012, BBB celebrates its 100th anniversary. Throughout the last century, we have become an internationally recognized champion for trust and our torch has become a symbol people believe in. We’ve grown a great deal since our founding in 1912, but our core mission remains the same – to help consumers find trustworthy businesses.
We are proud of our history. But, this celebration is as much about our future as it is about our past. During our centennial year, we’ll continue to launch new programs and services. Working together to advance trust, we’ll identify solutions to consumers’ most pressing issues, launch new products to protect consumers and businesses, and introduce ideas and initiatives to help the marketplace flourish by furthering trust between businesses and consumers. Additionally, we’ll announce exciting new programs and services in support of our organizational mission.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) system was established in 1912. Better Business Bureau of Tacoma, founded in 1918, and Better Business of Seattle, founded in 1950, merged in 1996 to become Better Business Bureau of Western Washington. In June 1997, BBB consolidated operations with Better Business Bureau of Oregon to become Better Business Bureau serving Oregon and Western Washington. In 2005, Better Business Bureau serving Alaska and BBB serving Oregon and Western Washington merged to create Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon, & Western Washington.
Your local Better Business Bureau is one of 113 BBBs located throughout the United States and Canada. BBB is a member of the Council of Better Business Bureaus located in Arlington, Virginia.
Better Business Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization that aids consumers and businesses by supplying reports on the reliability of companies and charities. BBB provides dispute resolution services and consumer education materials to the public, and promotes honest advertising and selling practices and self-regulation within the business community. BBB also informs the public about consumer scams and fraudulent business behavior.
To learn more about BBB’s past, present and future, visit: http://www.bbb.org/100-year/
