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MarketMonitorthe News for Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses

Fun runs have become very popular in recent years. Wikipedia defines a fun run as “a friendly race that involves either road running or cross country running with participants taking part for their own enjoyment rather than competition.” They often benefit charities and participants pay advance registration fees. Despite their popularity, two 5K races run by out-of-state businesses have abruptly gone out of business

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leaving consumers with little recourse.

A “Dirty Girl Mud Run” scheduled for August 9 at the Southington Offroard Park in Garrettsville, Ohio, canceled its event in late July and announced it was going out of business. This Wisconsin-based business received dozens of complaints from registrants who were dissatisfied when previous races were relocated long distances from the original venue. Human Movement, a Colorado business, has taken over the assets and will be operating future runs. Registrants for the Ohio event have been promised refunds.

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BBB Serving Greater Cleveland August 2014

INSIDE: B2B Discounts for BBB Accredited BusinessesPopular Ads Questioned By BBB Get Your Ad Seen BBB’s Celebration Of Integrity Bogus Bill Alert◊

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Local “Fun Run” Organizers Abruptly Cease Operations

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Greater Cleveland BBB Activity Report From January - July 2014

Reports issued on companies/charities.................. 726,043

Customer complaints filed...............4,881

Online Accredited Business Directory listings viewed......................... 5,858,607

bbb.org/cleveland visits............... 699,151

Advertising review cases initiated....... 213

The Short ListMost customers never complain - but when they do, make it an

opportunity!

Listen carefully and let them finish.

Ask questions in a caring and concerned manner.

Put yourself in their

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Apologize without blaming.

Ask “What would be an acceptable solution to

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Turn challenges into something constructive!

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August 2014

A “5K Foam Fest” event scheduled for July 19 at the same park was also canceled abruptly by its organizer four days before the event. Participants told Better Business Bureau they paid advance registration fees to Round House Racing Team ranging from $45 - $75 and cannot get refunds. Round House Racing Team (Round House) is based in Utah and has an “F” rating with BBB. Another event scheduled for July 19 in California was also been canceled. Round House subsequently ceased operations. If you are considering participating in an event of this nature, BBB advises:

- Check the organizer’s rating at bbb.org and research them online.

- Contact the event venue to confirm the event is scheduled.

- Understand all terms and conditions - especially refund policies.

- Pay fees by credit card in case you need to dispute the charge at a later date.

- If the event is promoted as a charitable fundraiser, determine if any part of registration fees are considered a charitable donation for tax purposes.

Also, check out the charity at bbb.org to make sure your donation is going to a trustworthy organiza-tion.

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for the “BBB’s Celebration of Integrity”. The event will take place Thursday, December 4th at the Ariel International Center, a historical building with magnificent views of the Cleveland skyline and Lake Erie. Keynote speaker will be Stephen Anthony, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Division. The breakfast event will honor the BBB Students of Integrity winners and recognize local business leaders who have championed integrity in the marketplace. Watch your email and this publication for more details soon!

Local “Fun Run” - Continued From Front

The Beachwood Chamber of Commerce Business-to-Business (B2B) Show on Monday, Septem-ber 29, at the Marri-ott Cleveland East.

Rocky River Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on Thursday, October 9th at the Don Umerley Civic Center.

If you are part of those cham-bers or just attending the shows, stop by and see us!

BBB extends its condolences to the family and friends of Jim Brennan, owner of Brennan’s Colony, a BBB Accredited Business since 2004.

Your BBB Will Be At Two Business Shows This

Fall.

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Bogus Bill Alert!

BBB Accredited Business, MetroPet Veterinary Clinic, received an invoice from American Yellow Corporation for $496 with the notice “LAST CHANCE TO PROTECT YOUR CREDIT SCORE IN GOOD STANDING.” The fee was for a listing in an online yellow pages directory at http://american-yellow-corporation.com. American Yellow Corporation is located in New York City and has earned an “F” BBB rating as a result of over 70 complaints from businesses who claim to have never ordered the listing. Its website was created in September, 2013, and it claims to be the “Only Publication in the Field of Medical Care.” Hmmm. American Yellow Corporation has responded to most complaints by agreeing to remove businesses from its list and dropping all fees. (see graphic). (This business has no affiliation with YPC Media of Rochester, NY, a BBB supplier).

Popular Ads Questioned by BBB Claims made by Blue Brand Pet Food Products (Blue) maker of Blue Buffalo dog food were challenged by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, including TV ads that implied big-name dog food companies were misleading “pet parents” about ingredients in their products. NAD recommended that the advertiser modify the challenged ads to avoid any express or implied references to competing manufacturers “fooling” or otherwise misleading consumers because their products include meat or chicken by-product meals, stating in part, “...the advertiser did not provide any evidence that “big name” pet food manufacturers are actively concealing the truth about the ingredients in their products.”

Living Essentials Company, the maker of 5-Hour Energy Drink, is being sued by Oregon, Washington and Vermont for alleged deceptive and misleading advertising. One of the disputed claims says that the drink provides “hours of energy now, no crash later.” In 2009, NAD recommended Living Essentials Company drop that claim since the company’s own research showed that 24% of consumers did experience a crash. The recommendation was issued as part of a challenge filed with NAD by Hansen Beverage Company, the manufacturer of Monster Energy drinks.

A “5K Foam Fest” event scheduled for July 19 at the same park was also canceled abruptly by its organizer four days before the event. Participants told Better Business Bureau they paid advance registration fees to Round House Racing Team ranging from $45 - $75 and cannot get refunds. Round House Racing Team (Round House) is based in Utah and has an “F” rating with BBB. Another event scheduled for July 19 in California was also been canceled. Round House subsequently ceased operations. If you are considering participating in an event of this nature, BBB advises:

- Check the organizer’s rating at bbb.org and research them online.

- Contact the event venue to confirm the event is scheduled.

- Understand all terms and conditions - especially refund policies.

- Pay fees by credit card in case you need to dispute the charge at a later date.

- If the event is promoted as a charitable fundraiser, determine if any part of registration fees are considered a charitable donation for tax purposes.

Also, check out the charity at bbb.org to make sure your donation is going to a trustworthy organiza-tion.

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for the “BBB’s Celebration of Integrity”. The event will take place Thursday, December 4th at the Ariel International Center, a historical building with magnificent views of the Cleveland skyline and Lake Erie. Keynote speaker will be Stephen Anthony, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Division. The breakfast event will honor the BBB Students of Integrity winners and recognize local business leaders who have championed integrity in the marketplace. Watch your email and this publication for more details soon!

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The Market MonitorBetter Business Bureau2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Fl.Cleveland, OH 44115-2408

The Market Monitor (ISSN 1085-5122). August 2014. Volume 9 No. 4. Published bimonthly in February, April, June, August, October and December by the Better Business Bureau, Inc. 2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44115-2408, Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Market Monitor, 2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Fl, Cleveland, OH 44115-2408.

Periodicals Postage Paid

August 2014

BBB Meets With Local Charities

Upcoming BBB Flash Webinars:

Business Advice In A FlashYou can improve your business in just 30 minutes with BBB Flash Webinars. These FREE webinars succinctly provide valuable ad-vice on a variety of topics.

BBB invited local charities to a “Happy Hour” event last month to provide insights into BBB’s Charity Accreditation program. BBB Board member and VP of Advancement at OhioGuidestone, Alex Petrus (pictured above), hosted the meeting. David Weiss, BBB President & CEO (pictured below)spoke to the group.

Last year, BBB received over 5 million requests for reports on charities from potential donors. Before you donate - be sure to go to bbb.org/cleveland to see if the organization meets our Standards for Charity Accountability.

August 21st @ 9:00 amAvoid the IT Trap – 3 ways to keep IT from becoming a distraction to your business’ successPresented By Cary Root, Root-InfoTech

September 4th @ 9:00 amThe 5 things you need to know before using an employment agency. Presented By Sherall Hardy, Quick Employment, LLC.

September 25th @ 9:00 am10 minutes that could save your business - Why your backups are inadequate and easy tips to improve them.Presented By Cary Root, Root-InfoTech

Watch your email for registration information, or go to the events listings on bbb.org/Cleveland. Missed a webinar? Past webinars are recorded and available to view at http://bbbtoolbox.groupsite.com.

Interested in presenting a BBB Flash Webinar? Have questions? Contact Brigid at 216-623-8964 x 206 or brigid@cleveland.bbb.org.