BBB Shred It Day Hits Grand Slam With Huge Turn Out
The dedicated staff of the BBB were already on the job during predawn hours on Saturday October 17, 2009. By 7 a.m. they were completely inundated with car loads of folks turning over their valuable personal papers for shredding. We saw it all. There were the meticulously organized and then the not so prepared. Some brought boxes, some brought clothes baskets and suitcases, some had plastic sacks and others walked up and wanted to directly hand over their papers and watch their things be placed right into the shredder. Business was brisk all morning and our team filled nearly 3 1/2 trucks equaling about 19,200 pounds of shredded paper. Our individual vehicle tally was in excess of 550. This means lots of identities were protected, not to mention cleaner basements, attics and storage closets around the metro!
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President's Column:
Cedar Rapids Here We Come
It is with great pride that I report your BBB is expanding! Even in the face of tough economic times, we are growing in the Cedar Rapids/ Iowa City Corridor. Since Spring, the Board has been working to develop a stronger state-wide footprint and presence. Much of the credit goes to Greg LaMair, Board Chair, for challenging the organization to be assertive in tough times. It is in times like this, the BBB is more necessary than ever. Plus, Madeline Storey, our Vice President always reminds me that "when the going gets tough, the tough get going".
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BBB Alert:
Questions to Ask Before Donating to a Charity
Most charities rely heavily on the goodwill of individual donors during the holiday season to fund their activities throughout the coming year. Last year, charity contributions totaled $307.65 billion: 75 percent of this total came from individuals, according to the Giving USA Foundation. BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises donors to research a charity prior to giving and provides five questions to ask when vetting where to contribute this holiday season. "The holidays are all about giving, not only to friends and family, but also to those in need," said H. Art Taylor, President & CEO, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, "When donating to a charity, give wisely by vetting the organization fully; this will ensure your dollar goes as far as it can to help those less fortunate."
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Don't Fall Prey to Identity Thieves over the Holidays
Identity theft claimed 10 million victims in 2008, a 22 percent increase over 2007, according to a report from Javelin Strategy and Research. BBB warns that the holiday season provides many new opportunities for identity thieves to ply their trade and offers the following advice on how to keep your identity safe and secure both online and off.
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Ad Reviews
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New Members
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Anniversaries
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Last Call for BBB Integrity Awards Nominations
The BBB is in the final days of accepting nominations for the Integrity Awards. The Integrity Awards were established to recognize companies and organizations whose business practices and related activities in the community exemplify the BBB's mission. To nominate a company, please complete the NOMINATION FORM and mail, email or fax it to the BBB. Awards will be presented in April 2010. Nomination deadline is December 21, 2009. All companies nominated will be required to complete a formal application. You may nominate your own company. Nomination forms are available at www.iowa.bbb.org