Scholarship Recognizes Ethical Behaviors

Students have navigated immense change during the past year. Many work hard to stay on top of their studies in school and those who unexpectedly shifted to online learning may find it more challenging. These ethical behaviors often go unnoticed, but should be recognized to inspire others to do the right thing. The Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship does just that.

Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB) encourages integrity and ethical behavior in the community, and the BBB Ethical Torch Essay helps students recognize these actions at an early age. This scholarship honors students who have chosen ethics and integrity when faced with a dilemma.

“Ethics is doing the right thing even though no one is looking or if there are consequences for speaking up. By promoting trust and ethical conduct with students, they will be able to model that behavior when they enter the workforce,” shared Faustine Chan, Director of Business and Community Programs. The program aligns with BBB’s Annual Torch Awards for Ethics which celebrates companies for upholding outstanding integrity throughout their business operations.

Students are invited to write a 400 word essay on “The Importance of Ethics and Integrity in our Community”. The essay challenges students to dive into inner-conflict while describing resolution tactics for their unique encounters with ethics and integrity. High school students in Greater AZ are eligible to apply and five winners will each be awarded $500-$1,500 in scholarships to be used for college tuition and expenses.
To submit an application or to learn more, visit torchessay.bbbcommunity.org. Submissions are accepted now through October 10, 2021; winners will be announced at BBB’s Torch Awards for Ethics celebration in the fall and on the website.

Value

BBB encourages businesses to operate with integrity, and helps consumers make wise marketplace decisions. Our innovative approach to business growth provides the tools that companies and entrepreneurs need to build better businesses. Become BBB Accredited and join our mission to create a community of trust.

More Information

For media inquiries, contact pr@bbbcommunity. Please allow a 24 hour courtesy for interview requests. For additional news stories, visit bbb.org/us/news.

Reprinted by permission of the Better Business Bureau, © 2021.

BBB Business Tip:

5 consumer trends businesses should follow in 2021

(Phoenix, AZ – January 7, 2021) – As a new year approaches, we tend to look back at our previous year — and this one has been a doozy. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that the businesses that are able to quickly adapt to the changing times are able to thrive. It’s about taking lemons and making lemonade — despite the difficult circumstances, you need to see what you have to offer, what your customers need, and find where the two intersect. Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB) shares these 5 tips of consumer trends for businesses to take into consideration as they plan for a new year. For the full article, please visit bbb.org.

1. Focus on Health and Safety

This year, the world was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and health and safety became paramount. As consumers were allowed to return to their favorite businesses, it became increasingly important that the companies they were visiting were clear on their health and safety precautions. In order to quell any concerns your customers may have about safety, plainly publish the measures you are taking to ensure their safety.

2. Socially-Conscious

Activism has made an impact this year, and companies who don’t take a stance are left in the dust. Show your customers your values, whether it is on widespread social issues or by making a difference in your local community. Becoming Accredited with the BBB explicitly illustrate that you are a trustworthy company built on integrity, honesty and transparency. Learn more about how to get Accredited here.

3. Personalized Communications

The modern consumer expects a much more personalized experience when working with a company, whether they are online or in person. How can you make every customer feel special? Personalize your communications so that you can market to your customers based on where they are with your brand.

4. At-Home Experience

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the world have been spending more time at home. Even as businesses are starting to open their doors again, many consumers have gotten used to shopping from home and will likely continue to do so. Consumers want the experience to be as accessible and easy as an in-person shopping experience, and are looking for a way to feel just as welcome in your virtual storefront as they would in person.

5. Provide Value

Consumers are looking for brands that add value to their lives and to the world around them. Providing value goes beyond just promoting your product or service; it’s about having insightful content and conversations that push to a sale that then expands to a loyal customer base. The more you are concerned about their needs over your bottom line, the more you won’t have to worry about the latter.

Moving Ahead

If 2020 has taught business owners anything, it’s how to pivot. This year has been full of ups and downs, and business owners have taken these changes in stride. Small businesses have adapted and built a strong digital presence, which helps them to be present where their customers are. This ability to adapt will only continue to help in 2021, as you continue to improve, keeping your customers’ needs top of mind.

Value

BBB encourages businesses to operate with integrity, and helps consumers make wise marketplace decisions. Our innovative approach to business growth provides the tools that companies and entrepreneurs need to build better businesses. Become BBB Accredited and join our mission to create a community of trust.

More Information

For media inquiries, contact pr@bbbcommunity. Please allow a 24 hour courtesy for interview requests. For additional news stories, visit bbb.org/us/news.

 

 

Reprinted by permission of the Better Business Bureau, © 2021.

 

 

Crucial funds allow small businesses to survive

Vulnerable small businesses, working families, women-owned businesses and communities of color continue to be severely impacted by COVID-19. In April, the Main St. Matters Grant Program was launched by Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB) to support local businesses experiencing financial hardship. The program awarded 24 additional grants in September, totaling over 150 businesses with $145k distributed.

Nearly 1,350 applicants have applied to the Main St. Grant Program and are vetted through a three-tiered process. This includes verifying immediate need, history of upholding BBB Standards for Trust and length of time in business. Grant recipients are awarded a one-time grant of $500 or $1000 to provide support and financial relief to business owners. They have been immensely grateful and share crucial needs the funds will support.

Staying Alive

A pet sitting company who was a recipient of a grant, shared that he would use the money to “stay alive” as the pandemic has completely halted his business.

Paying Bills

“I’m going to use the grant money to pay my water bill to prevent it from being shut off this week,” shared a holistic wellness center owner.

BBB understands the hardships the pandemic has caused to Main St. businesses. The program has been made possible by company sponsors and individual donors from the community. Donations can be made directly online.

There’s Still Time to Apply

Awards will continue throughout the remainder of 2020. Small businesses that operate within BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest’s service area who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic may apply. Visit BBB’s website for application information and criteria.

For PR inquiries, please contact pr@bbbcommunity.org.

Reprinted by permission of the Better Business Bureau, © 2020.

GOOD SUNDAY: The Interviews

Jordan Killion and Russ Tamblyn

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Leitz Funeral Home Pet Cremations

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The legendary James Arness

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“Good Sunday Show” Ten Year Anniversary Show

 

Join Roger Galloway on “Good Sunday,” Sundays from 6am – 7am