As the largest trade association in Arizona, Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB) has emerged as a leader in advancing integrity in the community through education, resources, and BBB Accreditation. To celebrate its 85th anniversary, the organization is hosting a celebration and ribbon cutting with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and some of its longest standing BBB Accredited Businesses at their newly renovated Business and Community Center on October 17 in Phoenix. 

BBB is well-respected for its work promoting ethical business practices, and expanding locally to build a foundation that exceeds the needs of a rapidly changing business and consumer landscape. 

“To remain status quo would have been a disservice to our businesses. We saw the opportunity to serve as an epicenter to foster growth by making ethics central,” says Matthew Fehling, President/CEO of BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest. 

“By partnering with industry experts, we reimagined how ethics could take center stage in an inclusive environment where community members were welcome to collaborate and access business support. We will continue to evolve to meet the needs of a modern economy with trust at our core.” 

In the spirit of advancement, the celebration will include the announcement of the BBB’s new Foundation for Education and Entrepreneur Leadership (FEEL). The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization will provide tools for businesses to grow and scale ethically through priorities on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, volunteerism and charitable work.  

BBB takes pride in its innovative strides forward while remaining steadfast in honoring its cherished legacy—a sentiment deeply ingrained in long-standing BBB Accredited Businesses.

"While the Camelback corridor where Berridge Nurseries resides has changed immensely since we became a BBB Accredited business back in 1957, the morals, vision and leadership of BBB has remained a constant,” said Christine Fortman, owner of Berridge Nurseries. 

“We are honored to celebrate this milestone anniversary with BBB and are looking forward to sharing many more years of fostering trust with the Better Business Bureau by our side."

In addition to accreditation, BBB offers a variety of programs and resources available to startups, entrepreneurs, businesses, and community members. 

Main St. Accelerator:  

• Empower by GoDaddy, in partnership with ignite sparked by BBB, is a premier 8-week small business Main St. Accelerator aimed at increasing revenue, improving online presence and growing ethically.  

BBB4Good

• BBB4Good verifies a company’s commitment to incorporating social or environmental impact into their business model. 

BBB Torch Awards for Ethics:  

• BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honors businesses that generate a high level of trust among their employees, customers and communities. 

Student Scholarships: 

• BBB high school student scholarships recognize future leaders for ethical actions in academics, athletics and service.  

BBB Spaces:  

• BBB spaces, coworking locations and outreach efforts provide opportunities to gather and collaborate to foster an ethical community. 

BBB is located at 1010 E. Missouri Ave in Phoenix. For more information on the event, visit events.bbbcommunity.org.