Press Releases

Messer Honored Nationally with Torch Award from Better Business Bureau

(February 04, 2009)  Arlington, Virginia – Four companies and two individuals will be honored at the BBB International Torch Awards ceremony on March 31 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. The Torch Awards are given by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to recognize businesses and executives exhibiting integrity in the marketplace and exemplary dedication to fostering trust between businesses and consumers.

American Honda Motor Company and Target Corporation – will receive the BBB Torch Award for Advancing Marketplace Trust, which recognizes organizations that set high standards of excellence for trust through innovative voluntary actions, programs, or sustainment activities.

“Honda has developed and produced some of the industry’s most innovative and fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Steven J. Cole, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, “while balancing production, environmental, safety and social responsibility concerns.” He also noted that Honda has been a longstanding participant in the BBB AUTO LINE program, “clearly demonstrating the company’s commitment to customer service and satisfaction.”

Cole also had praise for Target, citing the company’s educational and environmental programs, as well as its commitment to customer service and satisfaction. “Target consistently ranks as one of the most philanthropic companies in the country,” Cole noted, “and demonstrates a strong commitment to the social, environmental and economic health of communities across the U.S.”

The BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence, which recognizes superior commitment to exceptional standards that benefit customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and surrounding communities, is being awarded to Freescale Semiconductor located in Austin, TX, and Messer Construction Company located in Cincinnati, OH.

“Freescale is known globally for its commitment to ethical standards,” said Cole. “After divesting from Motorola in 2004, the company defined seven core values, including what it calls ‘impeccable ethics,’ to guide every aspect of its operation. They have developed an incredible level of trust with their shareholders, customers, suppliers and employees, as well as the communities in which they operate.”

“Messer Construction Co. is a 100 percent employee-owned corporation,” said Cole. “They are guided by 13 key values that provide employee/owners with a framework for enhancing clients’ success, creating exceptional building experiences and relationships and doing the right thing.”

The BBB Torch Award for Consumer Leadership is going to William D. Novelli, chief executive officer of AARP and the founder of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “From health issues to relief and development, and from social marketing to social change, Mr. Novelli has charted an amazing course and built a legacy of extensive contributions benefiting Americans of all ages through a career dedicated to consumer advocacy, protection and education,” said Cole.

The BBB President’s Award will be given to Cass Wheeler, retired CEO of the American Heart Association who advised the BBB Wise Giving Alliance on the establishment of a charity seal. “Mr. Wheeler has championed good health practices for all Americans and good fiscal health for the nonprofit sector,” noted Cole. “His superior leadership and wise counsel have enlightened business and government leaders for years, and he has shaped the way charitable and philanthropic organizations operate in the American marketplace.”

The BBB International Torch Awards Gala will be held on Tuesday, March 31, at the
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in downtown Washington, D.C.
Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s “Hardball” and NBC’s “The Chris Matthews Show,” will deliver the keynote address. Elisabeth Leamy, Consumer Correspondent with ABC’s “Good Morning America” will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. Entertainment will be provided by the renowned political satire group, The Capitol Steps.

Presented annually since 1996, the BBB International Torch Awards recognize companies in North America that maintain outstanding dedication to upholding ethical business standards and promoting trust in the marketplace. BBB Torch Awards are awarded locally by more than 80 BBBs across the U.S. and Canada and on the international stage by the Council of Better Business Bureaus – the national organization representing the BBB system. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information.

-0-

About BBB: BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring 4 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.

Back to Press Releases