A Letter from the President and CEO
As your BBB embarked on its next 100 years of fulfilling its mission of advancing marketplace trust , it focused on remembering its roots , while taking a giant leap into the future . In 2013 , BBB services to the public increased more than ever before , showing that your BBB is not only continuing to grow in relevance , but in awareness as well .
BBB helps people find and recommend businesses , brands , and charities they can trust . In 2013 , your BBB hosted more than 2.6 million website visits and provided more than 2.5 million BBB Business Reviews on more than 108,000 local businesses . In addition , people clicked through more than 140,000 times on BBB Dynamic Seals on BBB Accredited Business websites . These are people checking to verify a business ’ BBB Accreditation status .
In 2013 , your BBB continued its focus of promoting BBB Accredited Businesses throughout its 79 county service area . BBB touched millions of people through television , print , and outdoor advertising mediums . BBB also partnered with media outlets that aired thousands of BBB PSA messages from educational tips to scam alerts and hard-hitting investigations . BBB continues to be your key advisor , most reliable evaluator , and most objective expert on the topic of trust in the marketplace .
2013 was another award-winning year . Your BBB was again recognized as a leader in the BBB system and was awarded the coveted Marshall A . Mott award . This honor is awarded to BBBs for outstanding communications in print and broadcast media , programs before groups , BBB originated material and material from other sources , cooperation with private and public consumer protection groups , and maintenance and expansion of membership support . BBB was also recognized for its efforts in outreach and social media presence .
Not only was your BBB recognized as a leader internally , your BBB earned recognition from outside organizations such as PR Daily , the International Academy of Visual Arts , the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals , the Public Relations Society of America , AVA Digital Awards , and Hermes Creative Awards for its marketing and communications efforts . These awards signify our continued commitment to expanding the BBB brand promise of delivering trust with creative and strategic communications .
The community is also supported by an award-winning staff . In 2013 , BBB was recognized as one of the 50 Best NonProfits to Work For by the NonProfit Times , as well as a top workplace by the Austin American-Statesman .
As a more than $ 6 million dollar organization with more than $ 3.5 million in assets , we are proud to serve over 12,000 Accredited Business locations throughout five area offices . More and more businesses are seeking BBB Accreditation as the standard under which businesses must operate — The Standard of Trust - and your local BBB continues to be one of the largest business associations in Texas . These accomplishments would not be possible without strong support from the business community , a forward-thinking Board of Directors , and a dedicated staff .
In closing , I want to express my gratitude to all BBB Accredited Businesses for your ongoing dedication to BBB ’ s mission of advancing marketplace trust . On behalf of the BBB Board and staff , I am honored to present this year ’ s Annual Report .
Respectfully Submitted ,
President / CEO : Carrie A . Hurt
Carrie A . Hurt , President / CEO
BBB Serving Central , Coastal , Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin