March 2010
BBB Integrity Awards Ceremony Program Speakers Announced:
Plan to Celebrate with Us
On April 15, 2010 we will be celebrating the 70 year anniversary of our BBB at the annual Integrity Awards luncheon at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott. It is with great pleasure that we announce a special 70th year anniversary program featuring renowned NASCAR legend, Rusty Wallace. Mr. Wallace, a household name throughout the racing community, has been in the business for over 25 years and boasts 55 NASCAR wins. He now serves as an anchor and racing analyst for ESPN and ABC Sports.
Wallace has significant Iowa ties with the Iowa Speedway, a state-of-the-art 7/8 mile race track and motorsports facility located in Newton. The track is owned and operated by U.S. Motorsport Corporation and was designed by Rusty Wallace. It was designed as the first track in the world to protect fans and drivers through the use of barrier technology surrounding the perimeter of the track.
April 22, 2010 is the date of the Integrity Awards celebration in Quad Cities. The luncheon will take place at the Outing Club in Davenport. The keynote speaker will be Ronald Graham, the former President and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. Graham currently owns and operates RJG Consulting and offers Management and Operations consulting to Better Business Bureaus. He is the National Director of BBBUniversity an online professional training source for the BBB system. He has served extensively on many Boards and is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Better Business Bureaus in Arlington, VA and was inducted into the BBB Hall of Fame last year.
Both of the ceremonies will honor the winners of our Business of Integrity and Student of Integrity competitions. We urge all of our Accredited Businesses to join in and participate in these exciting 70th Anniversary events. It will be a day to remember that you will not want to miss!
The evening of April 14th we are also hosting an exclusive evening with Rusty Wallace. This special VIP event, at the property of Albaugh, Inc. in Ankeny, will feature Rusty Wallace and include cocktails, dinner and a tour of Mr. Albaugh’s well known personal car collection. Limited spaces at $200 per person, with funds supporting the BBB Education Foundation, are available. Contact Madeline for information and reservations at 515-243-8137 ext.305.
The Integrity Awards are made possible by the generous sponsorships of the following businesses: EMC Insurance Companies, FBL Financial Group, Flynn Wright, ITAGroup, MidAmerican Energy Company, Willis Auto Campus and Wells Fargo Bank. Sponsors in the Quad Cities are: Blaze/Service Master, Brus Construction, General Asphalt Construction, Iowa American Water, Longley Systems, McCleary Excavating, Mediacom, MidAmerican Energy, Modern Woodmen, Molyneaux Insurance, Thompson Family RV and Tri-City Electric. We sincerely thank our sponsors for their support.
President’s Column: Two good reasons to celebrate our 70th Anniversary – Our Integrity Awards and our Charter BBB Members
March and April are exciting months for our BBB staff. We know something no one else knows yet – the winners of the 2010 Integrity Awards. You can sense the excitement we have for our annual events.
You won’t want to miss our BBB’s 70th Anniversary Celebration at the 2010 Integrity Awards luncheon on April 15th at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott. If you ever contemplated attending a BBB event, join us for this memorable awards celebration.
Read the accompanying article regarding our speaker, renowned racer, Rusty Wallace. We anticipate a huge crowd and lots of fun. Plus, our 2010 winners are really something. They come from every corner of the state and represent the best of our Midwestern values – and have a special commitment to customers that is the trademark of a BBB business.
I want to give special thanks to our friends at Flynn Wright, the area’s premier, full service marketing, public relations, research and interactive media advertising agency located in Des Moines. Aaron Kennedy, Mara White and Andy Flynn have unleashed some creative energy so our program will be fresh and energizing. It will be an event to remember.
If you can’t make it to Des Moines on April 15th, we have an accompanying event in the Quad Cities on Thursday April 22nd at the Outing Club. This function will showcase four local companies and three outstanding students who embody integrity. If you are in Eastern Iowa or Western Illinois, please join us.
I mentioned our 70th Anniversary earlier. What a testament to the values and mission of the BBB! No organization grows like we have without strong leadership and a commitment to core beliefs. This commitment is demonstrated by the positive impact our charter members have had on our state and economy. The 22 small businesses that formed the BBB in the 1940’s and shaped our history each have their own unique story. Together they have created a heritage of success we now enjoy as a BBB. Remarkably, each of the 22 businesses – some not so small anymore – have all earned and maintained an A+ BBB Rating.
Help me thank and recognize those 22 Charter BBB Accredited Businesses:
Allied Insurance / Kim AustenBank of America / Paul Johnson
Bankers Trust / Suku Radia
Biermann Electric Company / Gary Cornelius
Boesen The Florist / Tom Boesen
Electrical Engineering & Equipment Company / Jeff Stroud
EMC Insurance Group / Bruce Kelley
Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company / Sumner Worth
Hamilton's Funeral and After Life Services / Scott McVey
Homesteaders Life Company / Graham Cook
Iles Funeral Homes / Mark Iles
IMT Insurance / Richard Keith
Josephs Jewelers / Toby and Jake Joseph
K P M G LLP / Thomas Garton
LaMair Mulock Condon / Greg LaMair
Leachman Lumber Company / James Kahler
Meredith Corporation / Steve Lacy
MidAmerican Energy Company / Maureen Sammon
Principal Financial Group / Larry Zimpleman
Qwest / Michael Sadler
Wells Fargo Bank N A / Dave Mackaman and Bob Lawler
Willis Auto Campus / Rich and Jason Willis
When you see this list, it is easy to understand why we are excited to celebrate the 70 years of the BBB helping good businesses grow. See you on April 15th or April 22nd at our Integrity Awards celebrations.
- Chris Coleman, President
BBB Alert: New Lottery Scam Fraudulently Claims to be from Better Business Bureau
The Council of Better Business Bureaus warns that a new scam is fraudulently using the organization’s name in order to steal from victims who are led to believe they have won a lottery. So far, one victim has lost $80,000 to scammers posing as BBB employees. Several individuals have reported to BBB that they were contacted over the phone or via e-mail by someone claiming they were with the Bureau. They were told that they had won a lottery and that, in order to receive the prize, they must first wire money back to the scammers.In some cases, the scammers used the names of real BBB employees—directing victims to legitimate bios and profiles on BBB’s Web site—in order to bolster their ruse.
“Many people are struggling in the current economy and when someone tells you that you’ve won millions in a lottery, it can seem like an answer to prayer,” said Steve Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Every year, tens of thousands of people contact BBB about a suspicious lottery and instead of cashing in, many lose thousands of dollars they don’t have.” BBB reminds consumers that the organization does not run a lottery nor award prizes to consumers. Anyone who receives a call, letter or e-mail about winning the lottery should consult the following checklist in order to avoid falling victim to a lottery scam:
1. Make sure the story checks out. Always confirm the facts directly with the organization the representative claims to be from—whether it’s Better Business Bureau or any other organization. Use contact information that you found on your own from the organization’s Web site; don’t rely on phone numbers or Web links provided by the representative. Scammers often pretend to be from legitimate businesses and a quick call directly to the organization can help set the record straight.
2. Never pay money to get money. Lottery scammers make their money by convincing victims that they have to pay money up front—to cover such costs as taxes or fees—in order to receive their winnings. Because it is extremely difficult to track or retrieve money sent by wire transfer, scammers often use this as their payment method of choice.
3. Don’t fall for the phony check. Scammers will often send a check in the mail to the victim with the instructions that—in order to receive the full prize—he or she must deposit the check and wire back a portion of the funds to cover fees or taxes. This gives the victim a false sense of security because the check will clear initially, but eventually be discovered as a fake. The money is then taken out of the victim’s account and he or she is out the funds sent to the scammer.
TO ACCREDITED BUSINESSES
AND NEWSLINE SUBSCRIBERS
The BBB newsletter, Newsline is published 10 times a year. Henceforth, the April/May issue will be a combination issue delivered in May. November and December will continue to be a combined issue.
If you have any problems or concerns about your Newsline delivery or have suggestions to help us improve, please contact Barbara Carson at
(515) 243-5027.
BBB Small Business Advice: Reduce the Damage Done by a Data Breach
While the volume of data breaches declined in 2009, data breaches at businesses—as opposed to the government or non-profit sector—are on the rise. BBB recommends that business owners take steps to protect their data and also develop a plan of action in order to react quickly and reduce the damage if a data breach does occur.
There were more than 498 reported data breaches in 2009, according to the IdentityTheftResourceCenter. While this is an improvement from the 657 breaches in 2008, unfortunately, the share of data breaches occurring in the business sector, specifically, increased to 41 percent.
Resolving a data breach can be costly, not only because of the time and energy spent resolving the issue, but also due to the number of customers whose trust in the business is impacted. According to U.S. Cost of a Data Breach Study released by PGP Corporation and the Ponemon Institute, data breaches cost U.S. companies $204 per compromised customer record.
BBB recommends that small business owners take the following steps to prepare the business and reduce the damage in the event of a data breach:
- Create a Data Breach Notification Policy.
A data breach notification policy tells consumers how your business will notify customers if a data breach occurs. There are state-specific laws on the notification delivery method. - Train Your Employees to Identify Breaches.
Employees need to know how to spot a potential breach and how to report this type of event. - Immediately Gather the Facts of an Alleged Breach.
How and when did this occur? Was it an internal error or the result of a malicious attack? Determining the source of the breach quickly enables you to take immediate steps to reduce any further damage. - Notify Financial Institutions.
If financial information, such as credit card numbers, were compromised, contact the bank or company that manages your card processing. - Seek Outside Counsel.
Seek attorney assistance or guidance from a risk consulting company as soon as you become aware of an incident that might constitute a data security breach. Your attorney can help you identify which laws might be involved and whether you need to alert consumers or the government of the incident. - Notify Affected Customers.
Notify them in the manner you said you would in your Data Security Policy. Explain what occurred, when it occurred and the specific steps you are taking to address the event.
BBB and partners Symantec Corporation, Visa Inc., Kroll’s Fraud Solutions and NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association created Data Security–Made Simpler, an online resource to help small businesses implement key data security policies and practices. Business owners can get additional free advice and tips on improving data security from BBB at
Ad Reviews
Advertising Review promotes truth in advertising to enhance consumer confidence in businesses that advertise. Following are cases that represent recent advertising review matters your BBB pursued. Challenges made by the BBB, using the BBB Code of Advertising, result from information given by consumers, competitors and through the BBB’s own monitoring efforts. The fact that a particular business responds to a BBB challenge is a compliment to their willingness to cooperate with the BBB’s self-regulatory process and not to be taken as an admission of impropriety on any advertiser’s part. We would be happy to review your ad. Call the BBB at 515-243-5027 or 1-800-222-1600 for this service.
Dent Relief, Davenport, IAChallenge: “Highest Quality Service in the Quad Cities”
Response: Company agreed to modify future advertising
Derby’s Furniture, West Burlington, IA
Challenge: “The Only Mattress Recognized by NASA”
Response: Company substantiated ad
Pleasure Pools, Davenport, IA
Challenge: “Up to 60% Off Anything”
Response: Company agreed to modify future advertising / Precieux Art Jeweler, Cedar Falls, IA
Challenge: “We’ll Beat Anyone’s Prices-even Internet sites.”
Response: Company agreed to modify future advertising
World of Window Siding Blinds and Doors, Des Moines, IA
Challenge: “Lowest Price of the Year!”
Response: Company agreed to modify future advertising
6 Day Discount Furniture, Decorah, IA
Challenge: “60% savings on OVERSTOCKS/You will not find better prices on home furnishings…ANYWHERE!”
Response: Company did not respond to BBB
New Members
ADAIR
Corner Stone Landscaping
Landscape Contractors
Jensen & Son Construction
Home Builders
AMES
R Friedrich & Sons
Real Estate
SC Construction
Excavating Contractors
Vincent Construction
Roofing Contractors
ANKENY
EncoreDanceAcademy
Dance Companies
Fast-Teks On Site Computer Services of Central Iowa
Information Technology Services
Midwest Court Reporting
Reporters - Court & Convention
CASEY
Artistic Concrete
Concrete - Stamped & Decorative
CEDAR RAPIDS
Pioneer Workspace Solutions
Office Furniture & Equipment
CENTERVILLE
D and V Audio
Sound Systems & Equipment
CLINTON
Clinton Alignment
Auto Repair & Service
Hoover Lawn & Snow Service
Lawn Maintenance
Johns Tree Service
Tree Service
COLFAX
B K Electric
Contractors - Electrical
DES MOINES
AMC Plumbing
Plumbing Contractors
Bonnie's Barricades
Barricades
Fresh Cut Lawncare & Landscapes
Landscape Contractors
DONNELLSON
Waggoner Solutions
Truck Washing & Cleaning
MEDIAPOLIS
Rhodes Jewelry
Jewelers - Retail
MENLO
Kirkpatrick Lawn Care
Lawn Maintenance
MITCHELLVILLE
Craig Carriers
Trucking-Freight
MONTEZUMA
Quality Construction
Construction & Remodeling Services
MOUNT PLEASANT
Amy Becker Photography
Photographers - Portrait
Duwa Blackjacking
Waterproofing Materials
East End Automotive
Auto Repair & Service
NORASPRINGS
Swanson Electric
Contractors - Electrical / DOWS
Muhlenbruch Insurance Agency
Insurance Agency
ELY
Outdoor Creations
Landscape Contractors
FLOYD
Dennis Kreger Construction
Contractors - General
FORTMADISON
Hoenig Lawn Service
Lawn Maintenance
GILBERT
J Mark Service
Parking Area Maintenance & Marking
GRINNELL
Bohstedt Construction
Building Contractors
HANLONTOWN
Ouverson Insurance & Group Benefit Services
Insurance Services
HIAWATHA
Midwest Computer Forensic Lab
Computer Consultant
INDIANOLA
Mary Donaghy Insurance
Insurance Agency
Northern Star Technologies
Contractors - Electrical
JEFFERSON
Ron's
Auto Repair & Service
KANAWHA
Eliason Trucking
Trucking
KEOKUK
Palmer Construction & Roofing
Roofing Contractors
KESWICK
Snakenberg
Excavating Contractors
MARION
CarHop
Auto Dealers - Used Cars
MAXWELL
J K T Construction
Concrete Contractors
PLEASANT HILL
Lane Enterprises
Computers - Supplies & Parts
SALEM
Mike's Automotive
Auto Repair & Service
SIOUX CITY
Time Management Systems
Time Stamps
URBANDALE
Urbandale Chamber of Commerce
Chambers Of Commerce
VERMILLION, S.D.
Knutson Family Dentistry
Dentists
WINTERSET
AllSeason Outdoors
Construction & Remodeling Services
Dream Catchers Real Estate Investment
Real Estate Investors
Happy Anniversary
The following businesses reaffirmed their dedication and pride in their communities and dedication to fair, honest and good business practices by recently renewing as an Accredited Business of the BBB. The BBB appreciates their generous and vital support.
50+ Years
Bell Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning
25 - 49 Years
AAMCO Transmissions
Boesch Construction
Dickinson Mackaman Tyler & Hagen
Farm & Home Builders
Kaldenberg’s PBS Landscaping and Lawn Care
MemorialParkCemetery
Quality Plumbing
10 – 24 Years
72 Degrees Heating & Cooling
Acri Company
Ashworth Road Animal Clinic PC
B & W Home Improvement & Construction
Blue Line Moving & Storage
Carmen’s Jewelry
Chappell Studio
Consumer Credit of the Quad Cities
Davenport Audiology/HAC
Denny Staebell Home Improvements
Dolan Development
Duerson
Expressions Ltd
Fluent Chiropractic Clinic
Hahn Roofing
(5 – 9 Years Continued)
F & M Body Shop
Hershey’s Stained Glass Studio
Homemakers Furniture
Iowa Diamond
Jason Smith Concrete Construction
Jerry D Lohner Sr
Krist Insurance Group of Iowa
M & R Construction
Mainstream Home Improvement
McCleary Excavating
Oden and Thielking CPA’s
Preston Telephone
QuadCity Windows Siding & Doors
R E W Services
Steines & Griebel Logging