FDIC Chair, Consumers Union Leader, Amazon.com, Verizon And Villa Springfield Recognized By Better Business Bureau

ARLINGTON, VA — Better Business Bureau honored FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair, Consumers Union leader James Guest, Amazon.com, Verizon and Villa Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center this evening at the BBB International Torch Awards in Washington, DC. The Torch Awards are given by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to recognize businesses and executives exhibiting integrity in the marketplace and exemplary dedication to advancing trust between businesses and consumers.

“For several years, we have experienced an unmistakable crisis of trust in the marketplace but there are still many businesses and leaders who continue to carry the torch for ethics, honesty and respect for the consumer,” said Steve Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “By recognizing today the exemplary commitment of this select group, we hope to encourage all businesses and leaders to follow the examples set by our honorees.”

Sheila C. Bair, Chairman of the FDIC, was presented the President’s Award by Steve Cox. “From restructuring federal oversight of the financial industry, to raising consumer awareness of subprime lending and foreclosure scams, to educating children on money and finance, Ms. Bair has charted an amazing course,” said Cox.

The Torch Award for Consumer Leadership went to James A. Guest, CEO of Consumers Union – publisher of Consumer Reports. His award was presented by Robert Adler, a Commissioner with the Consumer Product and Safety Commission. “Throughout his career, Mr. Guest has been a tireless advocate for the consumer’s right to know about, and to be protected from, unsafe and misleading products and services,” said Mr. Adler.

Amazon.com, Inc. received the Torch Award for Advancing Marketplace Trust, which recognizes businesses that set high standards of excellence for trust through innovative voluntary actions, programs or sustainment activities. Amazon.com was recognized for being a global leader in e-commerce and creating the highest standards for the online purchasing experience.

Two companies – Verizon and Villa Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center – received the Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence.

Verizon commits to putting its more than 100 million customers first by providing excellent service and great communications experiences. Their goal is to operate at the highest level of integrity and accountability – from the way they serve their customers and shareowners to the way they impact their communities and the environment. Villa Springfield has embodied the commitment and best practices of an ethical company with its mission to offer a superior level of care, treat every person with dignity, adopt innovative and progressive strategies, focus on residents’ well-being and provide impeccable customer service.

The BBB International Torch Awards was held this evening at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in downtown Washington, D.C. David Plouffe, political strategist and author of The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama’s Historic Victory delivered the keynote address and ABC 7/WJLA-TV co-anchor Horace Holmes served as Master of Ceremonies.

BBB would like to thank Hewlett Packard Company and Visa, Inc. as “Integrity Circle” sponsors of the event.

Presented annually since 1996, the BBB International Torch Awards recognize businesses and individuals that maintain outstanding dedication to upholding ethical business standards and promoting trust in the marketplace. BBB Torch Awards are awarded locally by more than 80 BBBs across the U.S. and Canada and on the international stage by the Council of Better Business Bureaus – the national organization representing the BBB system.

About BBB
BBB, the leader in advancing marketplace trust, is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability Reports® and charity BBB Wise Giving Reports®, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. The organization is also a recognized leader in developing and administering self-regulation programs for the business community, and, with respect to the advertising industry, does that through a joint venture in conjunction with National Advertising Review Council partners. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 123 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities. Visit www.bbb.org for more information.

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