Cincinnati Better Business Bureau® Centennial Celebration

The Oath of Directors marked the official beginning of Cincinnati Better Business Bureau. The principles they pledged to uphold continue to guide our mission 100 years later.

Trust was more important than ever during this time. This letter from a mother to her daughter offers a personal glimpse into the challenges families faced during a time of economic uncertainty. As consumers navigated financial hardship and businesses struggled to stay afloat, Cincinnati BBB worked to promote honest advertising and ethical business practices, helping build confidence in the marketplace when it was needed most.

As Cincinnati entered a period of growth and prosperity after World War II, consumers were met with an expanding array of new products and technologies, including television sets. Guides like this one helped families make informed purchasing decisions and understand their rights as consumers. As choices grew, Cincinnati BBB continued its role as a trusted resource, providing education that helped consumers navigate an increasingly complex marketplace.

This time brought unprecedented consumer choice, from new products and services to a growing wave of marketing and advertising. During this period, Cincinnati BBB focused on helping consumers make informed decisions and resolve concerns with individual businesses. Advertisements like these encouraged consumers to research businesses before making purchases.

This time period ushered in a new era of technology, communication, and consumer choice. Cincinnati BBB embraced these changes by introducing its first automatic call distribution system and establishing an online presence. As consumers increasingly turned to the internet to research businesses and share information, trust became harder to evaluate. In a marketplace shaped by digital communication and emerging industries, BBB continued its mission of helping consumers find trustworthy businesses while helping ethical businesses stand out.

The 'Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) allowed associations to form groups for the purpose of reduced Workers' Comp premiums. We began partnered with Sheakley to offer BBB Accredited Businesses discounted workers' comp. Back then, you could get as much as 95% off your premiums if you qualified. We still partner with Sheakley today offering this benefit. 

The official website, BBB.org, went live, marking a major digital milestone. BBBOnline was also established to help the public identify responsible businesses operating on the internet. Together, these initiatives expanded consumer protection into the emerging online marketplace. Shortly after, Cincinnati BBB launched a local website focused on local benefits and information.

Cincinnati BBB hosted the first Torch Awards for Ethics at Union Terminal to recognize ethical businesses and nonprofits in our region that stand apart in doing things right. For 25 years, the Torch Awards has honored businesses of all sizes that demonstrate character, culture, customers, and community.

The BBB Seal was introduced as a visual symbol of trust and accreditation. It allowed consumers to quickly identify businesses committed to ethical standards. The seal strengthened brand recognition and accountability in the marketplace.

As scams became increasingly sophisticated, BBB launched Scam Tracker in 2015 to help people share scam experiences and warn others. The tool strengthened BBB's consumer protection efforts by turning individual reports into a collective defense against fraud.

In the 2020s, BBB Cincinnati continued to grow its impact through programs that promote ethics, trust, and community engagement. Initiatives such as the Torch Awards for Ethics, Spark Awards, and Students of Integrity Scholarship recognize businesses, leaders, and students who exemplify integrity while helping build a more trustworthy marketplace for future generations.