RESOLUTION NO. RS2015-1390

A resolution recognizing the Better Business Bureau of Nashville.

WHEREAS, the Nashville’s Better Business Bureau is a respected organization that promotes an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other and their mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust; and

WHEREAS, in October of 1961, the Nashville Better Business Bureau opened its doors with an astounding 510 members and many remain Accredited Business Members today. Throughout the 1960’s Nashville’s Better Business Bureau handled nearly 80 thousand service requests and 9,700 complaints and over the years developed a solid reputation for helping the consumer and bringing to light any business or business practice that would harm consumers; and

WHEREAS, in the 1970’s public confidence continued to grow and service requests to BBB exploded to nearly 366,000 and complaints grew to nearly 31,000 and the Nashville office expanded to become the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee. Today, with its headquarters office still in Nashville BBB Middle Tennessee now covers 38 counties in Middle Tennessee from Clarksville to Crossville. From the Alabama border up to and including the nearby 7 southern Kentucky counties and is one of 112 local, independent BBBs across North America. They now have additional offices located in Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Murfreesboro and Franklin Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, since 2000 BBB Middle Tennessee has received over 56 million service requests and handled over 96 thousand complaints via it’s website www.gobbb.org. With assistance from BBB our Middle TN business community is quick to address customer concerns and consistently leads the nation with a 78% complaint resolution rate demonstrating a strong commitment to business self-regulation and the principles of ethical commerce; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee government and business leaders from the past to the present day have proudly acknowledged that BBB of Middle Tennessee has rightly "earned the confidence and gratitude of the American public." The Middle Tennessee BBB has worked with state and county attorneys general to shed light on unethical businesses in the area. All Nashville television stations regularly rely on this office to help notify the public of flagrant attempts of any business that tries to dupe the consumer. In 2014 BBB issued 43 media alerts warning citizens about worthless diplomas, fraudulent business investments, scam repair services and internet frauds diverting millions of consumer dollars away from the hands of fraudsters and con artists posing as legitimate businesses; and

WHEREAS, the BBB of Middle Tennessee also helps the public through some lesser known programs: Identity theft prevention workshops, Autoline dispute mediation services, BBB Military Line that provided free resources to military communities in the areas of financial literacy and consumer protection, promotes trust and confidence on the Internet by allowing businesses with Web sites to display the BBB Accredited Business seal and many other similar services; and

WHEREAS, BBB Middle TN represents over 5,400 local businesses committed to demonstrating good corporate citizenship through the BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship program awarding $10,000 annually to deserving high school students. The highly coveted Torch Award for Ethical Commerce is BBB’s highest recognition awarded annually to an outstanding businesses who consistently demonstrate their commitment to creating a marketplace of trust in Middle Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, the BBB of Middle Tennessee has also gained national recognition for its exceptional work from US Congressman Jim Cooper when he made a formal presentation to his colleagues on the floor of the US House of representatives on November 2011 that cited the many accomplishments and service initiatives to business and consumers; and

WHEREAS, through its dedication to business ethics, consumer education, dispute resolution and acknowledging ethical business leaders BBB Middle Tennessee has rightfully earned a national reputation for fostering ethical commerce in Middle Tennessee, one of the nations fastest growing marketplaces; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes the Better Business Bureau of Nashville for continued success in their future endeavors.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the Better Business Bureau of Nashville.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to the Better Business Bureau of Nashville.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Walter Hunt

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	February 24, 2015
Adopted:	February 24, 2015
Approved:	February 26, 2015
By: