What's the difference between the CBCB and the BBB...? From a public perspective, very little. We process complaints as we always have. We develop files on companies in our community, as we always have. This information, whether gathered from complaints, legal sources, the media, or compiled by our field and office staff directly, can be used to help guide you in your purchase decisions. And, those files represent our 73 years experience in this community.

Our staff haven't changed. Our address and phone numbers haven't changed. The same Board of Directors, drawn from our local community, still review the Bureau's performance on a regular basis.

Importantly, it is the Member Businesses of this community, that make our services possible. By striving for higher ethical practices, better customer service, honest dealings, and by supporting your local office, all the good that they make possible is provided to you by our Members, free of charge.

What has changed, is our governance. Where before, Canadian BBBs were governed by a Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus, Canadians will now be governed directly by Washington. This office had no choice, but to adopt a new name. So while the name has changed, none of our services have. In fact, with new beginnings comes an opportunity to strive for even higher ideals.

Can I still complain to the BBB...? Washington has reassigned this area to the Toronto BBB. (The Toronto BBB was in favour of the American take-over). It may be some time before they will have developed the extensive files and experience we have in this community. And if you believe that your complaint is better handled by someone in another city; working with less developed files; and with no staff employed locally to engage the local business, that option is always available. The Toronto BBB phone number is: (416) 323-9946. However, we'd be happy to help here - just as we always have.

What if the Business is outside our area...? We will help with any business related problem, no matter how big or small, no matter where the company is located. That's what we do. In fact, since we live here, we want to help in any way we can. Remember, we shop at all the same places you do, volunteer locally... we are your neighbours (note to Washington, the proper spelling of the word neighbour). The Member Businesses in this community keep us employed, specifically to help their local customers.

Why deal with a local office...?

There are distinct advantages to supporting a local office. Remember, this office, or any such office, has no legal authority over any business. Our ability to effect a resolution to any complaint rests exclusively on moral persuasion.

Will a business be more inclined to listen to the gentle suggestions of their neighbour, a fellow local business, a concerned colleague; or a voice on the phone from Toronto. We believe, quite strongly, that the strength of our service comes directly from our local presence. Sadly, someone in Washington has a different opinion.

However, we can't do this without your help. We are only as strong as the community that supports us. Our future is yours to determine. We have always recommended the advantages of dealing with a local business. We'd like to specifically suggest our Members, but local companies nevertheless.

Whether that local company is in the business of home repair, retail, manufacturing; or in the business of solving complaints - we are all in this together. Either a sense of community is important, or it is not.

If I am a business, should I be a BBB or CBCB Member? Here, locally, we hope to continue to earn your trust. Respect is earned - and easily lost. While we can't speak for "the other guys", we know that the community's respect for our efforts depends directly on the standards we set for ourselves. It's too early to know how well the Toronto BBB plans to service this area. There may even be a day when we'd suggest both memberships should be considered. However, after 73 years here, we do have a certain advantage. As in sports, the local team often has the home field advantage.