By Melissa Ames
President and CEO
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – In 1974, local business leaders who believed in the importance of operating with ethics and integrity chartered the Better Business Bureau of the Mahoning Valley.
The local BBB celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.
Although the marketplace has changed over the past 50 years, operating with integrity has always been a key ingredient to a successful business.
Research shows that BBB accreditation is more valuable than ever.
A 2024 survey of accredited businesses found that reputation, trust and integrity are the keys to success, with 90% of respondents saying their accreditation helps them gain credibility with customers.
Businesses recognize the importance of bearing the BBB torch symbol; the Mahoning Valley branch has a 91% retention rate.
The buying public uses BBB.org to vet businesses before hiring one. The local branch has given out over 327,000 business profiles.
To honor businesses committed to excellent practices, the BBB recognized companies and organizations at the 2024 Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust. Receiving honors were Compco Industries, Soft Touch Furniture and Rick’s Ranchwear. Second Harvest Food Bank was honored for nonprofit excellence and Germaine Bennett for her civic leadership.
The awards ceremony, which took place at The Lake Club in Poland, was sponsored by the BBB TrustBuilders, Premier Bank, PNC, Huntington Bank and Farmers National Bank.
The BBB in 2024 again awarded its Ethics and Integrity scholarship to several high school seniors who were affiliated with accredited businesses.
It assisted over 1,900 consumers with dispute resolution services and spoke to over 5,000 businesses and consumers over the phone, counseling them on issues related to finding a business or a scam experience.
The BBB was named to Fast Company’s Brands that Matter list in 2024 in the heritage brands category. The honor recognizes brands that resonate with individuals and communities in a profound way.