Daily Herald receives Better Business award
The Daily Herald has received a special award from the Better Business Bureau for 50 years of accreditation with the consumer-rights organization.
“A good newspaper plays a role similar to that of the Better Business Bureau, in ways large and small, helping to make the community a better place,” said Doug Ray, Chairman and CEO of Paddock Publications, who accepted the award Tuesday during a ceremony at the Hilton Chicago Hotel.
Ray pointed out that during Paddock Publications’ 50-year membership in the Better Business Bureau, the newspaper has grown from a small weekly to a major newspaper.
“The Daily Herald is the third largest in the state and the fourth fastest-growing newspaper and website combination in the United States. In part, I know the reason for that dramatic growth has been the commitment through our journalism to make the community a better place,” Ray said.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and ABC 7 anchor Hosea Sanders also were honored at the Chicago & Northern Illinois chapter’s 84th Annual Dinner Meeting Tuesday in Chicago.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart was the keynote speaker, speaking about ethical hiring choices and the organization’s mission. Dart is a former prosecutor and state legislator. Combined with his service as sheriff, chapter CEO Steve Bernas said, that makes Dart “uniquely suited to speak on the topic of business operations and ethics.”
Sanders received the Diogenes Award for Excellence in Media for his efforts to educate consumers in a variety of reports throughout his career, Bernas said.
Madigan received the Torchbearer of the Year Award, which recognizes individuals the Better Business Bureau believes are business leaders. Bernas said Madigan was selected not only for her work with the organization, but her “ongoing efforts regarding consumer protection.”
Gary Hicks was awarded the organization’s Daniel D. Calibaro Arbitrator of the Year Award. It is the second time the volunteer Better Business Bureau arbitrator has received the award.