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A group of men in suits sits at a formal event with a speaker at a podium labeled "BBB Chicago" and marked with the Better Business Bureau logo.

Chicago and Northern Illinois

100 years of BBB in Chicago

Step into a century of trust, service, and community impact. Since 1926, BBB has been connecting Chicagoans with trustworthy businesses and championing ethical practices.

Newspaper article from 1927 titled "Honesty In Advertising Is Aim of Business Bureau," discussing consumer protection and advertising ethics.

1926

Founded in April with pledges from 75 Chicago businesses, BBB/Chicago became a nonprofit dedicated to integrity in advertising and business practices. Its mission centered on building trust between businesses and consumers and promoting marketplace accountability.

Chicago skyline illustration with "Chicago Through the Eyes of Business" text and Chicago Better Business Bureau logo.

1930

BBB Chicago published Chicago – Through the Eyes of Business, capturing the city through the perspectives of business and civic leaders. It celebrated Chicago’s growth as a center of commerce and industry while highlighting business’s role in building an ethical marketplace.

Vintage BBB booklet cover titled "Facts You Should Know About Schemes" with illustrations discussing get-rich-quick scams.

1940

FACT booklets were introduced as a public educational resource, providing reliable information to help consumers make informed marketplace decisions and reinforcing BBB Chicago’s role in consumer education.

Vintage poster titled "Hello Sucker!" with WMAQ and BBB logos, featuring a surprised couple and a microphone on a yellow background.

1952

“Hello Sucker,” a weekly half-hour WMAQ television show based on Bureau case files, brought consumer protection issues into Chicago homes. It pioneered broadcasting as a tool to educate the public about fraud and deceptive practices.

Aerial view of a Chicago skyline with tall buildings and a vast body of water in the background during sunset.

1964

The organization became The Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Chicago, Inc., reflecting its expanding geographic reach and broader service area. The change underscored its growing regional presence and influence.

Four people stand beside a van marked "Operation Marketour," sponsored by the Women's Advertising Club of Chicago and the Better Business Bureau.

1968

“Operation Marketour” launched a mobile classroom for community education, teaching Spanish-speaking Chicagoans how advertising could help them shop effectively. The program expanded consumer education to underserved communities.

BBB employees seated around a long conference table with "BBB" and consumer-related posters in the background.

1975

The arbitration program became fully operational, with 32 trained arbitrators helping resolve disputes. Streamlined complaint procedures sped resolution, strengthening BBB Chicago’s role as a fair and efficient mediator.

BBB Tel-Tips brochure providing consumer information on real estate and contact details for the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois.

1985

BBB Chicago installed a 24-hour Tel-Tips service, giving consumers round-the-clock access to information. The service improved accessibility and responsiveness while reflecting the Bureau’s commitment to using new tools to build consumer trust.

Retro computer displaying the Better Business Bureau website homepage.

1995

BBB.org launched, marking a major digital milestone. BBBOnline helped consumers identify responsible internet businesses, expanding BBB’s consumer protection efforts into the emerging online marketplace.

Three golden trophies with ribbons displayed on a table near a window with a city view.

1998

BBB Chicago held its first Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics, recognizing businesses that demonstrated integrity and ethical practices. The program became a visible way to celebrate trust in the marketplace.

A group of six people posing with a trophy beside a BBB sign in a decorated room.

2000

BBB Chicago expanded outreach through networking events, scam education, quarterly public service announcements, and webinars. These efforts strengthened proactive education and engagement with consumers and businesses.

Blue BBB Accredited Business Seal with a torch symbol.

2007

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.

BBB "Tip-Off to the Rip-Off" radio segment on WBBM Newsradio.

2023

BBB Chicago launched a weekly WBBM Newsradio segment, “Tip-Off to the Rip-Off,” raising awareness of scams and consumer risks. It continues the Bureau’s tradition of using media to educate the public.

A group of young professionals smiling in front of a screen displaying "BBB Young Professionals Network" and a QR code.

2025

BBB Chicago launched the Young Professionals Network. The initiative was designed to engage emerging leaders and foster the next generation of ethical business professionals. It reflects the organization’s ongoing investment in the future of trust and integrity.

Notable Guests

The Chicago BBB has hosted Annual Dinners since 1926, which have featured a variety of special guests over the years.

Three men in suits having a conversation in a formal setting with a curtain backdrop.

Gerald Ford at BBB Annual Dinner

On February 20, 1967, Congressman Gerald R. Ford of Michigan, then minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, was the principal speaker at the Chicago BBB’s Annual Dinner. The event, held in the grand ballroom of the Conrad Hilton Hotel, drew more than 1,000 attendees. He is pictured speaking with John J. Stamos, Cook County State’s Attorney, and Patrick L. O’Malley, president of the Canteen Corporation and chairman of the BBB.

Gerald Ford conversing at BBB annual dinner, standing near a table with floral arrangements and a microphone.

Gerald Ford

Earl R. Lind smiling and posing together at an event, each holding a drink.

Earl R. Lind, Mr. BBB

Black and white portrait of Leo Burnett wearing glasses and a suit.

Leo Burnett

Patrick O'Malley speaks at a podium with a "BBB Chicago" sign; a woman sits at a table with flowers.

Chairman of the Board: Patrick O'Malley

James Baumhart holding a Better Business Bureau award plaque, smiling at the camera.

James E. Baumhart, BBB CEO

A black and white image of a jazz band performing at BBB Annual Dinner Chicago

Annual Dinner Musicians 1996

Paul Logli in formal attire engaged in a conversation at an event.

Annual Dinner 1996 - Paul A. Logli

BBB Annual Dinner 1971

Annual Dinner 1971

Three men in tuxedos laughing at a formal dinner, seated at a table with glassware and ornate decor in the background.

Earl Lind at Annual Dinner

BBB throwback

The BBB has been protecting Chicago consumers for nearly 100 years. This 1952 radio segment, Hello Sucker, aired on WMAQ and was produced in cooperation with the Better Business Bureau of Chicago to warn the public about scams, schemes, and rip-offs.

Three men in suits share a Consumer's Buying Guide, smiling in a library setting.

Consumers Buying Guide - Promotional Picture

Sylvia Porter speaking at a podium with a BBB Chicago sign, surrounded by flowers.

Sylvia Porter

Large formal banquet with attendees seated at round tables in an elegant hall, American flags and chandeliers overhead.

Annual Meeting

Group of people dressed formally, some seated at a table, others standing behind, one holding a plaque, in a room with striped walls.

Annual Meeting

Two men in suits at an event, one reading at a podium, the other standing beside him attentively.

Annual Meeting

A group of four people stand beside a van labeled "Operation Marketour" sponsored by the Women's Advertising Club and Better Business Bureau.

Women's Advertising Club + BBB

Torch Award Rewind - 1990s

A look back at the BBB Torch Awards, Winners, and Materials from the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics from almost 30 years ago.

People at a BBB event with a podium and U.S. flag, exchanging an award or certificate, decorated with poinsettias.

Torch Award presenters

Group of six people posed with a trophy, next to a Better Business Bureau logo sign indoors.

Torch Award winners

Indoor event setup with BBB logo, "The Mark of Integrity" sign, podium, and American flag.

Torch Award stage

Three trophies with gold flame designs on a table, overlooking a cityscape through large windows.

Torch Awards

Various BBB promotional materials displayed on a table, highlighting programs on reliability and privacy.

BBB materials

Now and then

The Chicago Hilton proudly hosted the BBB’s Annual Dinner in 1996 - and again in 2025 for their 99th Anniversary celebration.

A grand ballroom filled with people attending a formal banquet under ornate chandeliers, with a speaker at a podium and banners displayed.
A speaker addresses a formal gathering from a podium with a Better Business Bureau sign, attended by seated officials and guests.

Honoring a century of integrity

On April 22, 2026, at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier, we marked a historic milestone: 100 years of advancing business trust. This special day honored a century‑long commitment to integrity, accountability and confidence in the marketplace.