46 Years of Making Business Better

Fall 2007—Issue XXXXVI Vol. IV

Executive Committee
John Dewees • Chair
Tony Peldunas • Treasurer
Russell McAlonie •
    Secretary
John Abel • Past Chair
William Williams • Legal
    Counsel
Michael Paris • President
Tracy Stevens • Dominion
Dick Kress • Huntington
Steve Kristan • AT & T
Gary Zink • Sure-Fit Auto
Larry Pitts • Emeritus
   Board Member

Directors
Kim Bergman • Repository
Debbie Bonk • First
    Merit Bank
Tom Nikolaidis • Windows
   & More
Greg Foxx • Copeco
Jim Kling • SCADA
Jon Mason • Mancan
Scott Reed • Reed
   Funeral Home
Chris Remark • Aultman
Nancy Sampson • Bond
   Exterminating
Katherine Sander •
   Sander Electric
Pattie Streb • United
   Floral Wholesale
Marie Byham • NARI
Dan Matthews • Lincoln
   Business Consulting
Bob Bowers • Absolute
   Post Productions

WV Advisory Board
Robert Coleman • Coastal
    Home Improvement
Bryan Johnson • Mountain
   State Computer &
   Network Solutions
Martin Maness • Maness
   Contracting
Larry McClung • Benefit
   Plans Services
Shawn Moran • Elder
   Advisors Group
Sara Sable-Antry •
   Tri-State Audiology
Mark Snapp • Mark E. Snapp
   & Associates

Michael Paris
President
Joy Bender
VP of Operations
Michelle Guidone
CFO/VP Business Accreditation
Amanda Tietze
VP of PR & WV Division
Lori Thompson
Accreditation & Finance Specialist
Cathy Langreder
Accreditation & Finance Specialist
Mary Gagnon
Dir. Of WV Arbitration/Mediation
Carolyn Andrews
Customer Service Rep WV Office
Dr. Edward Peirce
Dir. Of Dispute Resolution Services
Diana Hickle
Manager of Dispute Resolution/Arbitration
Terry Corzine
Dispute Resolution
Cheri Bryan
Director of Inquiries
Erica Phelps
Charity & Ad Review Specialist
Ray Miller
Executive Field Rep

BBB Changes Longstanding Business "Member" Status to "BBB Accredited Business"

BBB Remains on the Front Lines for Consumers with
New Products, New Resources and a New Look

On October 1, 2007 the Better Business Bureau (BBB) announced it has changed the way businesses affiliated with the organization are designated, from "BBB Member" to "BBB Accredited Business." This change is part of a larger public outreach campaign highlighting the valuable information, resources and services BBB offers the public to help them make informed pre-purchase decisions.

The new "Accredited" designation highlights the fact that businesses affiliated with BBB contractually agree to meet and uphold BBB's high standards for integrity and reliability when dealing with consumers. BBB reviews each potential accredited business and strictly enforces its standards, rewarding only those meeting and upholding BBB Standards For Trust.

"Accreditation clearly defines what a business has achieved, stands for and promises to consumers, said Michael Paris, CEO for the BBB in Canton. "BBB Accredited Businesses pledge to follow through on their commitments, deliver on their promises and right any wrongs if an honest mistake has been made."

In a recent survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International on behalf of BBB, two-thirds of consumers "say they think the term BBB Accredited Business is a better way to identify a company affiliated with the BBB." The survey also showed that seven in 10 consumers (69 percent) "say they would be more likely to buy from a BBB Accredited Business."

Other visible changes at BBB include a new logo, a redesigned Web site and a new tagline: "Start With Trust SM". This new tagline describes the vision and spirit of BBB to work with businesses and consumers to create a strong marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.

"Consumers should always Start With Trust with their BBB for reliable, objective advice, including which businesses they can trust and which businesses they need to avoid," added Paris . "BBB is, and always has been, the standard for trust in business. We want to make sure the public doesn't lose out on all the information and services that are available to them."

To further BBB's goal to cultivate and encourage trust between consumers and businesses, BBB has introduced a series of how-to books on buying a home, buying a franchise business and starting a business on eBay. "BBB Insiders' Guides" include information on how to navigate each process successfully while avoiding common pitfalls and mistakes. The books are available now at major retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Borders and Books-A-Million and also are available for purchase on the BBB Web site at www.bbb.org.

In addition, BBB continues to offer the same services that consumers always have relied upon for help in every stage of the buying process, including:

• BBB tips and alerts – BBB provides pre-purchase advice for consumers on a wide range of issues, and also posts alerts on the latest consumer scams and fraud incidences and tips on how to avoid them.
• BBB reports on businesses and charities – BBB Reliability Reports TM on businesses and BBB Wise Giving Reports TM on charities help consumers make informed decisions and find trustworthy businesses and charities with factual and objective information gathered by BBB.
• Complaint and dispute resolution services – Consumers can contact their BBB to help them resolve disputes with any type of business, and for specific automobile manufacturer issues, they can get help from BBB AUTO LINE^®.

BBB also promotes fairness and accuracy in advertising through the National Advertising Review Council, which reviews advertising for truth and accuracy. Additionally, BBB administers the Children's Advertising Review Unit, which works in voluntary cooperation with children's advertisers to ensure that advertising messages directed at children are truthful, accurate and sensitive to that audience.

Most recently, BBB launched the Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative to facilitate responsible marketing and advertising of healthy food and beverages for America's children. The initiative already has pledges from 12 top companies that accounted for an estimated two-thirds of children's food and beverage television advertising expenditures in 2004.

For more information about BBB and to see and access new products and resources, visit www.bbb.org.

NEW BBB WEB SITE IS MORE E-NABLED

New Features Make Finding Information
You Need Faster and Easier

The Better Business Bureau Web site has a new look, but more importantly, expanded content and advanced technology to take users directly to the information they want quickly and easily.

One log-in address, www.bbb.org, directs first-time users to a landing page, where they have the opportunity to enter their zip code and/or city, state or province. Once this information is entered, on all subsequent visits, users are automatically directed to the BBB Web site serving their community.

The user-friendly home page features a "fast find" tool enabling users to select from a menu of site "favorites" to locate information of specific interest. The new site format can accommodate video clips, as well as log-ins to limited-access pages such as members-only information, Web-based training for businesses and services for consumer subscribers. Upcoming events, calendars, program announcements, pictures of BBB activities, surveys, poll results and seasonal tips will continue to be featured on the home page.

Navigation tools on every page take users directly to their page(s) of interest within the site, or to other BBB Web sites containing their requested information. Immediate e-mail connection with a local BBB office is available from each site page. "Breadcrumb navigation" helps users track their way through the Web site by showing users where they are in the site hierarchy, and providing links to other pages, as well as other sites.

Click here for further details

BBB Announces First-Ever Series of BBB“How-To” Books

"BBB Insiders' Guides" provide trustworthy advice on how to buy a home, launch an eBay business and start up a franchise

The Better Business Bureau is launching the first-ever line of books to carry the trusted Better Business Bureau name. "BBB Insiders' Guides" are easy to follow – packed with checklists, worksheets, and "Quick Tips" – and provide the same reliable advice the public has come to expect from BBB for nearly a century.

For the first three books of the series, BBB experts provide information, advice and insights based on real-world experience on how to buy a home, launch an eBay business, or open your own franchise. "BBB Insiders' Guides," published by The Planning Shop, de-mystify often intimidating topics and provide readers with step-by-step guidance.

"BBB has been a leader in consumer education for decades and this book series builds on our tradition of providing trustworthy and reliable advice that people can use in everyday life," said Michael Paris, CEO of the BBB in Canton. "Each book is designed to help consumers and entrepreneurs make informed choices and feel confident in making the many important financial decisions they face."

"BBB Insiders' Guides" are available in bookstores including Barnes & Noble, Borders Books, Books-A-Million, and airport bookstores nationwide. The books also are available online at Amazon.com and through your BBB at www.bbb.org.

The first three "BBB Insiders' Guides" are titled:

Better Business Bureau Buying a Home: Insider's Guide to Success

Purchasing a home is the single biggest investment most people make in their lives. This thorough guide helps readers successfully navigate the world of agents, home selection, contracts, inspections and mortgages, as well as how to time a home purchase to take advantage of down markets and a special section on purchasing investment property.

Better Business Bureau Starting an eBay Business: Insider's Guide to Success

Every day, more than 36 million items are up for auction on eBay. This book provides step-by-step guidance on all aspects of starting, running and growing an eBay business. Whether a reader wants to start a spare-time business, develop an online enterprise, or add an eBay presence to an existing company, this thorough guide provides entrepreneurs with the keys to success in the eBay world.

Better Business Bureau Buying a Franchise: Insider's Guide to Success

Fifty percent of all retail sales come from franchises. Franchising is booming, but buying a franchise is a major investment, often exceeding more than $100,000. This guide helps people investigate and choose the right franchise, negotiate the contract process, understand all fees and start-up costs, and learn about financing options, as well as proven techniques for running a successful franchise.

"BBB Insiders' Guides" are part of a larger, national campaign by BBB to enhance consumer trust in the marketplace. Consumers are encouraged to always "Start With Trust SM " and start with BBB for objective advice on marketplace issues. "BBB Insiders' Guides" serve not only as reliable advice to consumers, but also encourage entrepreneurs to meet the high standards of BBB for marketplace trust issues.

If you would like to order these books either individually
or as a set please contact the BBB at 1-800-362-0494.

New Resources and a New Look... Read More

Welcome, New BBB Accredited Businesses!

The following firms have joined us during July, August & September in our fight for an honest marketplace. Accreditation is by invitation only and we must refuse a number of firms which don't meet our standards. Those listed below have been accepted because they believe in fair play and ethical conduct for their customers or clients. They join over 2,300 other manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and professionals to support our crusade for integrity in business dealings. We welcome them and thank them.

New Accredited Business Profiles
Adrian's of West Virginia

Located at HC 68 Box 17B in West Union West Virginia, Adrian's of West Virginia began business in 2003. George W. Adrian, Broker; along with his wife Barbara, Sales Associate, formed Adrian's of WV. George started his real estate career in 1972 in Virginia. In 1975 he obtained his WV license. First with two nationwide companies: Stout Realty and later became a broker with United Farm Agency now known as United Country. In 2003 George formed Adrian's of WV to continue serving seller and buyers of West Virginia property in a professional manner from contract to closing and thereafter. George W. Adrian is the owner. The number is 304-873-3736.

Blake's Tire Service
Located at 2900 Bluefield Ave in Bluefield West Virginia, Blake's Tire Service began business in 1982. They are a small business with employees that have worked there at least 14 years. The business was originally started by founder Alonzo Welch Blake in 1949 in North Carolina. Blake's Tire concentrates only on tires specializing in the one thing they know best... tires! They appreciate their customers who in return appreciate the hard work and dedication of their work. David J. Blake is the Owner. The number is 304-325-8718.

Central Sharpening Supply
Located in Craigsville West Virginia, Central Sharpening & Supply began business in 1993. They are a sales and service company serving the hair salon world specializing in complete shear restoration. They also sell professional shears to their customers. All sales and service are with the highest integrity and honesty. They back this with an absolute 100% guarantee. Prices in their service department cover the most complete and accurate restoration possible under one price, keeping the cost moderate so they are able to pass along the savings to their customers by offering excellent warranties and service. Central Sharpening Supply keeps a sharp eagle eye out...for complete customer satisfaction. Frank Dillon is the Owner. The number is 304-742-3244 or toll free 1-866-774-2773.

Clendening Marina Inc
Located at 79100 Bose Rd in Freeport Ohio, Clendening Marina began in 1988. The are a full service marina selling pontoons, boats, motors, trailers and boating accessories. They also service motors, provide docking, camping, log cabins and boat rentals. Robert Ryser is the Owner. The number is 740-658-3691.

G & L Heating & Air
Located at 288 Smithfield Street in Dillonvale Ohio, G & L Heating & Air began business in 1994. They service and install HVAC equipment, clean duct work. They are on call 24/7 by answering service. George Lollathin Jr. is the Owner. The number is 740-769-7709.

In-State Builders
Located at HC 79 Box 19L in Romney West Virginia, In-State Builders began business in 2004. In-State Builders are dedicated to the home-owner and their project. No detail is too small for consideration. Using only quality material, professional craftsmen and completing the project in a timely manner has earned In-State Builders a place among the good guys in construction. In-State's prices are competitive, fair and negotiable. Roger Twigg is the Owner. The number is 304-822-5040.

John P Kuehn Fine Jewelers
Located at 320 High Street in Morgantown West Virginia, John P Kuehn Fine Jewelers began business in 1976. When it has to be unique... John P Kuehn Fine Jewelers is a full service fine jewelry store with an in-house gemologist & jeweler. All design work, repair, remounts and new jewelry are done on the premises. Their business is founded on the promise that their creations are unique and not found at the malls or department stores. John P Kuehn is the Owner. The number is 304-296-9669 or 1-800-994-9980.

Oakwood Furniture
Located at 10105 SR 60 in Lowell Ohio, Oakwood Furniture began business in 1986. They specialize in custom-built kitchen and bath cabinetry, entertainment centers, wall units, and other furniture built to your specifications; fitting your home. They have several different door designs, wood samples and counter tops on display in their showroom. Showroom hours are Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm or other times by appointment. Robert Huck is the Owner. The number is 740-896-3162.

Raze International
Located at 4295 Central Ave in Shadyside Ohio. Raze International began business in 2000. They are a full service demolition company that specializes in industrial and commercial demolition as well as salvaging ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The also offer full asbestos abatement and inspection services for industrial, commercial and residential properties. Their focus is safety and quality in all job performance. Louis Aulenbacher and M. Thomas Brown are the co-owners. The number is 740-671-0077.

Royal Water Treatment
Located at RR 1 Box 238 in Farmington West Virginia, Royal Water Treatment began business in 1998. They are a quality driven company that specializes in advanced water treatment. As an independent dealer they have the freedom to handpick from the water treatment industry the products that they feel are the best quality and will suit the specific needs of their customers. They provide a complete line of water treatment equipment, supplies and service. They believe in educating the customer with honest and accurate information so they make an informed and cost effective decision. They offer payment plans and rentals on all equipment. They operate Royal Water Treatment with the goal to treat their customers the way they would like to be treated, because they care about their customers and the quality of their water. Holly Wright is the Owner. The number is 304-825-6000.

Shanholtzer's Collision Inc
Conveniently located on Route 50 East of Romney Shanholtzer's Collision is working on their 10th year of service to the residents of Hampshire County and surrounding areas. Certified technicians offer over 70 years combined experience in the auto body repair industry. Providing a clean and pleasant atmosphere, computerized estimate, digital damage photos, down-draft paint booth (providing factory-like finish) and computerized frame alignment. Shanholtzer's is proud to announce being the recipient of the 2006 AutoChex Award for Outstanding Customer Service. This award was only presented to 400 shops in North America. Jimmy and Angie Shanholtzer are the Owners. The number is 304-822-2630.

Stoney Hollow Tire
Located at 7 N. First Street in Martins Ferry Ohio, Stoney Hollow Tire began business in 1987. They are a tire distributor that wholesales tires to independent tire dealers in five states (OH, WV, PA, NY and MD) Stoney Hollow carries over 20 major and private brand tires that include passenger, light truck, medium truck, industrial, farm, lawn & garden, ATV, and boat trailer. They also sell tire accessories, equipment and auto parts. They operate three retail locations that are also full-service automotive centers. John Seckman and Earl Bhono are the Owners. The numbers are 740-635-5200 (wholesale office), 740-633-5100 (retail store in Martins Ferry, OH) 724-225-1827 (retail store in Washington PA), and 814-362-7207 (retail store in Bradford PA).

The All-American Pre owned AutoCenter
Located at 621 Beverly Pike in Elkins West Virginia, The All-American Pre owned Auto Center began business in 2001. The All-American owned Auto Center is proud of the way they do business. The automobile business has been a tough business for many years because of the way it has been stereotyped, being in a small town it is very important that we do things right. If they continue to do business the right way they think they can make a difference. David Whittaker is the Owner. The number is 304-636-7000.

Thomas Collection
Located in South Charleston West Virginia, Thomas Collection began business in 2004. Their clothing line was founded by entrepreneur and CEO Jabbar Thomas. Representing a sophisticated urban style. The Thomas Collection released its first signature line in 2004. Currently, the clothing line is expanding into women's fashion. Their company concentrates on providing clothing with a unique fabrication, application and design which targets every age group and fashion market. Their goal is to provide quality clothing at competitive prices. Jabbar K Thomas is the Owner. The number is 304-415-6542 or 304-415-6541.

West 40 Auto Sales
Located at 250 Glenn Hwy in Cambridge Ohio, West 40 Auto Sales began business in 1990. They sell pre-owned cars in the $1,000 - $10,000 range. The offer guaranteed financing which means if you can prove your income and your address they can get you a loan and it will be reported to the credit bureau so it will help establish and build your credit. They sell all makes and models of cars, truck and vans. They offer warranties on most vehicles. George Shehadeh is the Owner. The numbers are 740-439-5504 or 1-888-518-6164.

Happy Anniversary!
The Bureau has received renewal payment from the following companies during the months of July, August, & September* Entire list of Aaccredited Businesses are not listed. Businesses are listed as they renew.*

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