This past 2024 has been truly exciting! Thank you for your support in driving our mission forward and creating a marketplace where trust thrives.

After 13 years of dedicated service to local businesses, the retirement this past October of former President/CEO Blair Looney presented an opportunity to merge two prominent Better Business Bureau organizations to strengthen their impact — creating the new BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California (BBB). This strategic move reflects a shared commitment to amplifying community impact, enhancing programming and expanding resources for businesses and the communities they serve in a more integrated manner.

BBB is committed to fostering an ethical business community and helping to build better businesses. In the coming year, entrepreneurs, BBB accredited businesses and community members in Central California can look forward to new tools designed to ignite success, including mentorship, meeting and event spaces, a podcast studio, online resources and access to capital. These resources and education from industry-leading experts will support diverse businesses and entrepreneurs in their ethical growth while strengthening connections with their customers.

As a resource for consumers, BBB remains a trusted platform to research businesses, read reviews, and gain support for post-purchase discrepancies, ensuring they can confidently make informed decisions on where to spend their money.

Celebration of ethical leadership

In September, BBB hosted its annual Celebration of Ethical Leadership Awards — a spectacular event in partnership with Fresno State’s Craig School of Business and KSEE24. Together, they recognized exceptional leaders and televised the event in support of ethical businesses in our community. Congratulations to each of this year’s award recipients:

• Small Business Category – SPCDL Truck Driving School, San Bernardino
•  
• Medium Business Category – DTLA Insurance Solutions, Inc., Riverside
•  
• Large Business Category – Quality Home Services, Inc., Fresno
•  
• Distinction for Ethical Leadership – San Mar Properties, Inc., Fresno
•  

Smarter living, outreach

The BBB Scam Tracker is a free tool for consumers to report suspected scams and a way for the community to warn others so they can avoid similar cons. Its annual Risk Report highlights current scam trends to keep the community vigilant and informed. Investment fraud, particularly cryptocurrency-related, was the riskiest in 2023, with over 80% of victims reporting losses and a median loss of $3,800. Employment scams rose by 54.2%, with a median loss of $1,995, while online purchases made up 41.9% of reports, with more than 82% involving financial loss.

In 2023, BBB helped consumers avoid an estimated $24.3 million in losses from more than 1.7 million people visiting the platform, and by targeting its outreach to vulnerable groups like young adults (18–24) and seniors. Collaborating with community partners like Community West Bank, BBB educated Central Valley students on fraud prevention and financial literacy. For seniors (55-plus), BBB launched its first bilingual courses, addressing sensitive topics like romance and investment fraud, encouraging open discussions and providing on-site support.

Through its Military and Veteran Initiative, BBB offered tailored fraud prevention and financial workshops for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. These efforts underscore BBB’s commitment to equipping diverse communities with tools to identify and avoid deceptive practices.

Community shred events

For 17 years, ShredFest has championed identity protection through free, secure document shredding, and this year’s event was a record-breaker! In partnership with the City of Clovis and Iron Mountain, Inc., we shredded an incredible 125,000 pounds of material. Plus, $2,000 in community donations helped provide new cleats and uniforms for the Clovis West Football and Clovis East Boys’ Soccer teams, making it a win for security and local sports. Go team!

Auto Line

BBB Auto Line is a no-cost service to help consumers of participating manufacturers resolve issues with their car — such as lemon law dispute, recurring mechanical problems, warranty disputes or a product quality concern. Since the program’s inception in 1982, their Dispute Resolution Specialists have helped more than two million consumers resolve vehicle-related issues. The Better Business Bureau Auto Line can be reached by calling (800) 955-5100.

Mediation services

The BBB Mediation Foundation, California’s longest-running mediation program since 1990, serves as a trusted nonprofit handling both judicial and non-judicial cases. These include small claims, civil harassment, unlawful detainer, limited civil matters, family law disputes and neighbor conflicts. The foundation also offers advisory services, guiding litigants and the community with court-related information and form assistance.

In 2024, the BBB conducted more than 1,100 mediations with the average of 80% agreement rate and assisted nearly 13,000 litigants through its advisory services. Its mission remains to provide unbiased dispute resolution and empower community access to justice through mediation.

The future is bright for 2025! With over 28 years of service, new BBB President/CEO Matthew Fehling is driving the future of BBB by advancing its mission to support ethical businesses and ensure it remains a trusted, top-of-mind brand. We’re excited for what’s ahead and invite you to connect with us to learn more about how we can grow together. Visit BBB.org, our go-to platform for consumers and businesses alike.

---

Nathan Gilbert is the regional director of the BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California. He can be reached by email or phone at (559) 222-8111 for your local BBB.