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President's Column

Welcome to Fall! What a great time of the year. Here is hoping the change of seasons brings a positive change for the business climate! I want to use my space to highlight several things that are really important going on at the BBB.

First, you should take time to read the article regarding our effort to enhance the BBB Reliability Report.. In my time at the BBB, this is one of the best improvements we have made. It is a tangible benefit for our Accredited Businesses – YOU – and gives you a way to positively differentiate yourself from your competition. You will be hearing a lot more about it – and we'll be inviting you to post photos, logos, videos and more. Read about it today and start thinking about how to maximize it in the coming months.

Second, we are completing our first full year with a representative in the Iowa City / Cedar Rapids Corridor. At the September BBB Board meeting, we established the Corridor BBB Community Advisory Council. This group of 11 community leaders is already helping us build a strong local brand. New memberships are increasing. Publicity on the airwaves and newspapers is everywhere. Working with our Cedar Rapids friends has been one of the great professional opportunities of my career. I guess watching them pave the way from the tragic floods of 2008 and rebounding with such optimism has been energizing for me.

Third, as we conclude our 70th Anniversary year, I want you to know that we are committed to continuing some of the "extra" touches implemented this year. In particular, plans for the 2011 Iowa Integrity Awards will continue the high energy presentation and professional program that Madeline Storey and our friends at Flynn/Wright created. I was asked about how businesses can be affiliated with the award. We have limited our sponsorships to six companies – but the board is now seeking sponsorships at levels as low as $500 and as much as $5000. Please contact me at ccoleman@dm.bbb.org or 515.243.5027 for more information. I promise you, it will be the donations you will be most proud of making all year long!

Fourth, look for the BBB sponsored SHRED IT DAYS in Cedar Rapids and in the Quad Cities this Fall.This is a free benefit of your membership with the BBB – and we promote it up as an educational opportunity for residents in these communities. Thanks to our many volunteers and sponsors, these will be great and fun events.

Lastly, I want you to know that your BBB staff snuck away from the office last week and took the opportunity to join thousands of Iowan's at Meals for the Heartland. It was remarkable – four days of preparing meals to be sent around the world, resulting in over 4.4 million meals prepared. Our two hours contributed nearly 1,000! We have a super team and I am proud to work along side them.

Have a great month,

- Chris Coleman, President