This past 2024 has been really exciting! Thank you for your support in driving our mission forward and creating a marketplace where trust thrives.
After 13 years of dedicated service to local businesses, the retirement of former President/CEO Blair Looney last October presented an opportunity to bring two outstanding Better Business Bureau organizations together to strengthen their impact—creating BBB -in the new serving Pacific Southwest, Central and Interior California (BBB). This strategic move reflects a shared commitment to amplify community impact by increasing programming and expanding resources for the businesses and communities they serve in a more integrated way.
BBB is dedicated to fostering an ethical business community and helping build better businesses. In the coming year, entrepreneurs, BBB-accredited businesses and community members in Central California can look forward to new tools designed to ignite success, including mentorship, meeting and event spaces, a podcast studio, resources on internet and access to capital. These resources and education from leading industry experts will support diverse businesses and entrepreneurs in their ethical growth while strengthening connections with their customers.
As a resource for consumers, BBB remains a trusted platform to research businesses, read reviews and gain support for post-purchase discrepancies, ensuring they can confidently make informed decisions about where to spend. their money.
Celebrating ethical leadership
In September, BBB hosted its annual Ethical Leadership Awards Festival—a spectacular event in partnership with Fresno State’s Craig School of Business and KSEE24. Together, they recognized exceptional leaders and televised the event in support of ethical businesses in our community. Congratulations to each of this year’s award recipients:
- Small Business Category – SPCDL Truck Driving School, San Bernardino
- Medium Business Category – DTLA Insurance Solutions, Inc., Riverside
- Large Business Category – Quality Home Services, Inc., Fresno
- Distinction for Ethical Leadership – San Mar Properties, Inc., Fresno
Smarter living, stretch
The BBB Scam Tracker is a free tool for consumers to report suspected scams and a way for the community to warn others so they can avoid similar scams. Its annual risk report highlights current fraud trends to keep the community alert and informed. Investment fraud, especially related to cryptocurrencies, was the most dangerous in 2023, with over 80% of victims reporting losses and an average loss of $3,800. Employment fraud increased by 54.2%, with an average loss of $1,995, while online shopping accounted for 41.9% of reports, with more than 82% involving financial loss.
In 2023, BBB helped consumers avoid an estimated $24.3 million in losses from more than 1.7 million people who visited the platform and by targeting its reach to vulnerable groups such as youth (18-24) and seniors. Collaborating with community partners like Community West Bank, BBB educated Central Valley students on fraud prevention and financial literacy. For seniors (55-plus), BBB launched its first bilingual courses, tackling sensitive topics like romance and investment scams, encouraging open discussions and offering on-site support.
Through its Military and Veterans Initiative, BBB offered fraud prevention and financial seminars tailored to active duty service members, veterans and their families. These efforts underscore BBB’s commitment to equipping diverse communities with tools to identify and avoid fraudulent practices.
Events of community fragmentation
For 17 years, ShredFest has championed identity protection through free and secure document shredding, and this year’s event was a record breaker! In partnership with the City of Clovis and Iron Mountain, Inc., we shredded an incredible 125,000 pounds of material. Plus, $2,000 in community donations helped provide new jerseys and uniforms for the Clovis West Football and Clovis East Boys’ Soccer teams, making it a win for local safety and sports. Go team!
Auto Line
BBB Auto Line is a no-cost service to help consumers of participating manufacturers resolve problems with their car – such as a lemon law dispute, recurring mechanical problems, warranty disputes or a product quality concern. Since the program’s inception in 1982, their Dispute Resolution Specialists have helped more than two million consumers resolve vehicle-related issues. The Better Business Bureau Hotline can be reached by calling (800) 955-5100.
Mediation services
The BBB Mediation Foundation, California’s longest-running mediation program since 1990, serves as a not-for-profit fiduciary that handles both judicial and non-judicial matters. These include small claims, civil harassment, unlawful detainer, limited civil cases, family disputes and neighborhood disputes. The foundation also provides advisory services, guiding litigants and the community with court-related information and assistance.
In 2024, BBB conducted more than 1,100 mediations with an average settlement rate of 80% and assisted nearly 13,000 litigants through its advisory services. Its mission remains to provide impartial dispute resolution and empower community access to justice through mediation.
The future is bright for 2025! With over 28 years of service, new BBB President/CEO Matthew Fehling is leading the future of BBB by advancing its mission to support ethical businesses and ensure it remains a trusted and top-of-mind brand. We are excited about what lies ahead and invite you to connect with us to learn more about how we can grow together. Visit BBB.org, our go-to platform for consumers and businesses alike.
Nathan Gilbert is Regional Director of BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California. He can be reached by email or phone at (559) 222-8111 for your local BBB.
