MarketMonitorthe News for Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses

G. “Vince” DiVincenzo and Louis Aloi were recognized as the first “Champions of Integrity” at the BBB Celebration of Integrity event on December 4th. BBB established the honor this year to recognize individuals who have consistently demonstrated an aggressive commitment to ethical, honest and fair business practices in the conduct of their business careers in the Greater Cleveland area, as demonstrated through leadership in efforts or organizations promoting business self-regulation, ethical business practices, consumer education and/or advancing consumer/business trust and confidence in the integrity of the marketplace.

DiVincenzo, former co-owner of Fred-Vincent VW/Mazda, served on the Boards of BBB and the Greater Cleveland Auto Dealers’ Association. He was instrumental in leading industry advertising compliance, stressing compliance with consumer protection laws, including the Ohio AG’s automotive advertising guidelines. He also played a significant role the establishment of the local Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP)

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BBB Serving Greater Cleveland December 2014

INSIDE: BBB Scholarship Competition Winner Announced New Officers Elected Businesses Lose Accreditation

Flash Webinar Schedule Dream Expo Discount ◊

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BBB Names First “Champions of Integrity”

We began a campaign in 2014 to inform consumers of the meaning and value of BBB accreditation – the strong commitment to ethical standards common to all of the BBB Accredited Businesses who form the backbone of our organization. And in 2015, we will turn it up a notch with a “Look for the Seal” campaign to position the BBB Accredited Business seal as the “sign of good business.”

The focus of print and broadcast ads will emphasize the wisdom of choosing BBB Accredited Businesses. So here’s a tip. If you haven’t already loaded the BBB’s online seal onto your homepage, or integrated the BBB Accredited Business seal into your promotional plans, now’s the time.

BBB to Launch “Look for the Seal” Campaign in 2015

Vince DiVincenzo accepting award from David Weiss and Ella Fong.

Service to the Community

Greater Cleveland BBB Activity Report From

January - November 2014Reports issued on

companies/charities..................1,147,828

Customer complaints filed.................8,281

Online Accredited Business Directory listings viewed..........................10,602,795

bbb.org/cleveland visits...............1,054,491

Advertising review cases initiated .........331

The Short List 5 Things Successful Companies

Do To Retain Top Talent: from Select International, by

Amber Thomas.

Create an environment that makes your employees feel like an asset to your company. Make expectations and goals of the company clear. Create an open and honest work environment.

Provide opportunities to grow and learn, and let your employees know there is room for advancement in your company.

Recognize and reward good work.

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New Officers Elected to BBB Board

The membership of BBB Serving Greater Cleveland elected several new directors and officers at its annual meeting today. Elected to serve as officers for the 2015 BBB Board of Directors were: Chairman Ella Fong, WVIZ/WCPN Ideastream

Vice Chairmen Moreen Bailey-Frater, NewsChannel 5 Cary Root, Root-Info Tech

Secretary Jim Drozdowski, North Coast Container

Treasurer Jim Lineweaver, Lineweaver Financial Group

Ella Fong

Anthony Price

Lou Aloi

December 2014

Improve your business in just 30 minutes with BBB Flash Webinars

You and your employees are invited to tune in to these FREE, 30 minute

webinars that get straight to the point and cover important details about topics that concern all of our Accredited Businesses. So grab your computer and let your BBB advance your business while you enjoy your morning coffee!

Upcoming BBB Flash Webinars:

January 8th - Social Media: Networking or Not Working! Join us for the third part in this series presented by Hey Now! Media. If you missed

the first two (Why Do I Need A Website? 12/11 and How Does Branding Make Me Money? 12/18) you can watch the recording at

http://bbbtoolbox.groupsite.com. January 22nd – SEO Benefits of the BBB Dynamic Logo on your website.

Jennifer LaRose of YPC Media explains the impact of loading the BBB Seal properly on your website and how you could be missing potential customers without it.

Watch your email for registration information, or find it in the events listings on bbb.org/Cleveland. Interested in presenting a BBB Flash Webinar? Have questions? Contact Brigid at 216-623-8964 x 206 or brigid@cleveland.bbb.org

Aloi, owner and operator of Capital Builders & Supply in Macedonia, was instrumental in the establishment in 1965 of the Cleveland Home Improvement Council, the predecessor to the Greater Cleveland NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). A staunch advocate of industry professionalism, Aloi was the first NARI certified remodeler in the State of Ohio. He also served six years on BBB’s Board of Directors, including two years as Vice-Chairman.

Shaw High School Junior wins Top Prize in BBB Scholarship Competition

The 2014 Students of Integrity winners were recognized at BBB’s “Celebration of Integrity” on December 4th.

Anthony Price, a Shaw High School junior, was awarded a $2500 scholarship. As a 10th grader, Price was elected President of Student Council. He is constantly sought out for programs encouraging youth to succeed – to speak at church groups, to represent Shaw at community functions, and to participate in regional initiatives such as The East Cleveland Teen Collaborative, and The Cuyahoga County Youth Priorities Summit Committee. He’s an officer of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of Young Black Democrats and accompanied Congresswoman Fudge’s first student delegation to China. As his guidance counselor noted, “(Anthony)..epitomizes leadership..Anthony’s grades have always been exceptional. He is a hard working student, who is respected by his peers and his teachers.”

A total of 52 public and private high schools within the BBB’s five county service area participated by selecting their own Student of Integrity who in turn submitted an essay to the BBB.

Three other students were awarded $1,000 scholarships:Skylar Luke, Hathaway Brown SchoolJordan Martin, Beaumont SchoolAnastasia Soulas, Avon High School

“Champions of Integrity”- Continued From Front

Four Local Businesses Lose Accreditation

At its October 13th meeting, the Accreditation Committee of the BBB Board of Directors voted to revoke the BBB accreditation of the following businesses: Dream Works Home Improvement of Cleveland was revoked for failing to resolve one dispute and leaving a second unanswered. Both disputes involved bathroom remodeling jobs. Two additional unanswered complaints have been registered against this business.

Precision Home Pro, LLC of Mayfield Village was revoked due to not responding to two complaints and failing to resolve a third dispute. The disputes involved various services including the installation of flooring and driveway repairs.

Thermal Construction of Eastlake was revoked for failing to eliminate the underlying cause of a pattern of complaints. The pattern concerned delays in repairs and poor customer service. Thermal Construction appealed the revocation to the Accreditation Committee of the BBB’s Board of Directors. The committee upheld the revocation decision and encouraged the business to seek customer service training.

Gary Cloonan Excavating of Chesterland was revoked for failing to resolve a complaint involving the repair of a pond. When the parties could not get the matter settled with BBB assistance, Gary Cloonan Excavating was asked to submit it to BBB arbitration. The business’s refusal to arbitrate led to the revocation.

A small increase in BBB accreditation fees will help finance a national BBB effort that will dramatically increase benefits of accreditation. The Board of Directors approved an immediate 6% increase in accreditation fees, the first increase in six years. Funds will be used to support an IT initiative that will make it far easier and more convenient for consumers to identify and engage accredited businesses.

The initiative will also enable BBB to share accreditation status in real time with outside services promoting trustworthy businesses, thus increasing exposure of your accreditation and elevating consumer perception on numerous highly-viewed platforms.

To find out more about our Group Rating Program email...laura@cleveland.bbb.org

Small Increase = Increased Exposure for ABs

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Some member discount programs generate revenue which BBB reinvests into the organization’s operations. ..........................

BBB Accredited Businesses Offered Discount at New Event

The first annual Home Expo will take place at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Painesville May 22-25, 2015. The show organizer, VIP Events, Inc. is offering BBB Accredited Businesses a $100 discount for each space. Visit vipeventsinc.com or contact Mike Pattison at 440-974-1670.

Improve your business in just 30 minutes with BBB Flash Webinars

You and your employees are invited to tune in to these FREE, 30 minute

webinars that get straight to the point and cover important details about topics that concern all of our Accredited Businesses. So grab your computer and let your BBB advance your business while you enjoy your morning coffee!

Upcoming BBB Flash Webinars:

January 8th - Social Media: Networking or Not Working! Join us for the third part in this series presented by Hey Now! Media. If you missed

the first two (Why Do I Need A Website? 12/11 and How Does Branding Make Me Money? 12/18) you can watch the recording at

http://bbbtoolbox.groupsite.com. January 22nd – SEO Benefits of the BBB Dynamic Logo on your website.

Jennifer LaRose of YPC Media explains the impact of loading the BBB Seal properly on your website and how you could be missing potential customers without it.

Watch your email for registration information, or find it in the events listings on bbb.org/Cleveland. Interested in presenting a BBB Flash Webinar? Have questions? Contact Brigid at 216-623-8964 x 206 or brigid@cleveland.bbb.org

Four Local Businesses Lose Accreditation

At its October 13th meeting, the Accreditation Committee of the BBB Board of Directors voted to revoke the BBB accreditation of the following businesses: Dream Works Home Improvement of Cleveland was revoked for failing to resolve one dispute and leaving a second unanswered. Both disputes involved bathroom remodeling jobs. Two additional unanswered complaints have been registered against this business.

Precision Home Pro, LLC of Mayfield Village was revoked due to not responding to two complaints and failing to resolve a third dispute. The disputes involved various services including the installation of flooring and driveway repairs.

Thermal Construction of Eastlake was revoked for failing to eliminate the underlying cause of a pattern of complaints. The pattern concerned delays in repairs and poor customer service. Thermal Construction appealed the revocation to the Accreditation Committee of the BBB’s Board of Directors. The committee upheld the revocation decision and encouraged the business to seek customer service training.

Gary Cloonan Excavating of Chesterland was revoked for failing to resolve a complaint involving the repair of a pond. When the parties could not get the matter settled with BBB assistance, Gary Cloonan Excavating was asked to submit it to BBB arbitration. The business’s refusal to arbitrate led to the revocation.

B2B Discounts for BBB Accredited Businesses

The Market MonitorBetter Business Bureau2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Fl.Cleveland, OH 44115-2408

The Market Monitor (ISSN 1085-5122). December 2014. Volume 10 No. 6. Published bimonthly in February, April, June, August, October and December by the Better Business Bureau, Inc. 2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44115-2408, Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Market Monitor, 2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Fl, Cleveland, OH 44115-2408.

Periodicals Postage Paid

December 2014