(BBB)
In a landmark move aimed at bolstering support for businesses and consumers, two prominent Better Business Bureau (BBB) chapters have announced their merger. The strategic move between BBB Central California & Inland Empire Counties (BBB CCIE) and BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB PSW) is driven by the shared goal to amplify community impact, share programming, and expand resources to the businesses and the consumers they engage with in a more integrated manner.
Now, as BBB Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California, the non-profit empowers people to find businesses and charities they can trust. It will serve nearly 20 million residents and be supported by more than 23,700 BBB Accredited Businesses committed to operating with integrity. Combining the organizations' resources and unique programming will foster a future where innovation, ethical practices, and business success are inextricably linked. Military, consumer, and accredited business support will be expanded throughout Southern California and Greater Arizona. Business forward programming including the BBB Blueprint incubator, BBB + Empower by GoDaddy Main St. Accelerator, ignite sparked by BBB coworking spaces, access to capital with KIVA loans, educational summits, BBB4Good social-responsibility trustmark, and more will broaden across central California.
Following the campus-based model created by BBB PSW, the community is set to embrace BBB as their go-to destination for business education, events, and everyday workspaces. Currently operating in Lake Havasu City, Phoenix, Prescott, and Yuma in Arizona, these dynamic hubs will grow to include Bakersfield and Fresno, adding to Newport Beach and San Diego, California locations.
The merger comes at the heels of BBB CCIE President/CEO Blair Looney's retirement after 13 years. Under Blair’s exceptional leadership, BBB of Central California & Inland Empire achieved significant regional success, leaving a profound and enduring impact on the organization and the community.
“Our companies have grown from similar foundations and are culturally compatible,” Looney said. “We are incredibly excited to bring our two BBB teams together.”
“BBB PSW is highly respected for being innovative and progressive by not only excelling at traditional BBB services but also offering forward-thinking programming to help businesses ethically launch and thrive. We’re excited to bring these new resources to enhance the Central California business community,” Looney continues.
Matthew Fehling, the current BBB PSW President/CEO, has dedicated 28 years of his career to ensuring BBB remains a relevant and trusted source and will advance to serve the combined BBB Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California as such.
"This decision follows a proven model of success, evidenced by over 30 successful BBB mergers in the past two decades,” Fehling said. “We are excited to welcome the talented BBB CCIE team and look forward to what this represents as an exciting next chapter of strategic growth for our company.”
"The diligence and dedication of our combined 46 BBB board members and 155 staff were instrumental in bringing the vision forward, ensuring its relevance for BBB Accredited Businesses and infusing innovation into the 110-year-old brand. With BBB CCIE's impressive track record in consumer education, mediation resources, military support, and accredited business benefits, upheld by an exceptional team, we are poised to bring tremendous value to the combined service area."
BBB Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California will continue its crucial engagement with businesses, consumers, community members, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, future workforce, and purpose-driven companies and consumers. Learn more at strongertogether.bbbcommunity.org.