Winston-Salem Business Magazine - April 2008 - (Page 17)

WINSTON-SALEM Business Better Business Bureau Education Alliance by Carol Beckett With the BBB’s experience with dispute resolution between consumers and businesses, the Education Alliance intends to provide consumers with the tools to work out their problems with other individuals. The BBB sees this as a way for individuals to resolve disputes amicably. In addition, the Education Alliance intends to establish a Student of Integrity Awards program. The Education Alliance is planning to establish 28 scholarships - that’s two for each of the 14 counties it serves. Each scholarship will be about $1,000. The scholarships will go to students of high integrity, who are involved in their community. While academics is valued, integrity will be stressed. The Education Alliance will work with various groups such as local school systems, Crosby Scholars and area foundations to identify the students to be honored. With the Education Alliance being set up as a non-profit foundation and capable of receiving charitable donations, the scholarships will be funded by corporations, businesses and individuals. The Education Alliance is an expansion of the BBB’s current activities. Both Dalrymple and Van Pelt are excited to bring more services to consumers. The BBB’s motto is “Start with Trust” and the new Education Alliance is another way to ensure that consumers have the tools to establish that trust. Most people know that the Better Business Bureau is a great place to check before you hire a contractor, use an auto mechanic or make a purchase. The BBB has reports on thousands of local businesses - from accountants to welders. And maybe you know that the BBB also helps consumers resolve disputes with member businesses. Well, the BBB Serving Northwest North Carolina is now expanding its services to help consumers even more. Our local BBB has established a new program called the Education Alliance. David Dalrymple, the president and CEO of the NWNC BBB, organized the Education Alliance to be separate from, but connected to, the BBB. About a month ago, Dave Van Pelt was re-assigned from business development for the BBB to become the Education Alliance’s new executive director. Van Pelt has his work cut out for him. The Education Alliance has very ambitious plans. One of the goals of the Education Alliance is to establish a charity review function. The national BBB provides a review of charitable organizations through its Wise Giving Alliance. But the Wise Giving Alliance can only review charitable organizations on a national level. The NWNC BBB Education Alliance intends to review local charitable organizations, much like it does local businesses. Being able to obtain a report on a charity should give consumers more confidence when making donations or reaching out for services. Another of the goals of the Education Alliance is to create an educational center for consumers and businesses on such subjects as identity theft, consumer fraud and scams. It plans to get the word out through brochures, seminars, newsletters and its website. WINSTON-SALEM BUSINESS | 17

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Winston-Salem Business Magazine - April 2008

Winston-Salem Business Magazine - April 2008 Contents Wake Forest University Smitty's Notes BBB Marketplace Ethics Awards Better Business Bureau A Winning Market Strategy ENFO Solutions Serving Winston-Salem for 80 Years Business Bites Money Matters Intelligent Communities Smart Marketing Local Business Calendar

Winston-Salem Business Magazine - April 2008

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