Better Business Bureau marks its centennial, shares bold vision for the next 100 years
For nearly four decades with the Better Business Bureau, I’ve had a front-row seat to something truly special.
But I can say this without hesitation: I have never felt more honored than I do right now standing on the front lines of protecting consumers and championing trustworthy businesses at such a historic moment in our organization’s journey.
This year, the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois celebrated its 100th anniversary, and what a celebration it was. At Navy Pier, surrounded by business leaders, community partners, and friends, we marked a full century of trust, integrity, and service to the Chicago marketplace. It was a night filled with pride, reflection, and, above all, gratitude.
We were privileged to welcome NBC News legend Lester Holt as our featured speaker, someone many consider the most trusted voice in television news. His presence underscored the very essence of what the BBB has stood for since day one: trust.
The evening began with a powerful and moving performance by the 21-member Leo High School Choir. Fresh off capturing the nation’s attention as finalists on “America’s Got Talent,” these young men delivered a stirring rendition of the song “Centuries,” honoring not only the BBB’s 100 years but also Leo High School’s own remarkable centennial. It was a fitting tribute — two institutions, deeply rooted in Chicago, each dedicated to building stronger futures.
As I looked around the room that evening, I couldn’t help but reflect on how it all began.
On April 22, 1926, the Better Business Bureau of Chicago was founded by visionary leaders who believed that ethical business practices and self-regulation were essential to restoring public confidence in the marketplace. At a time when consumers were increasingly skeptical of advertising claims, these pioneers stepped forward with a bold idea: that trust could and should be the foundation of commerce.
Among those early champions were some of Chicago’s most respected business figures, including advertising pioneer Leo Burnett. Alongside countless other leaders, they committed themselves to principles that still guide us today — honesty, transparency and accountability.
In fact, the BBB’s roots go back even further. The first BBB opened in 1912, placing it among the earliest consumer protection organizations in the United States — just four years after the founding of the FBI. That timing speaks volumes. Long before modern regulations and oversight became commonplace, business leaders recognized that trust wasn’t optional; it was essential.
Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand just how powerful that trust can be. The BBB was never simply about resolving complaints — it has always been about building confidence. Our mission has been to bring businesses and consumers together, to raise standards, and to educate the public across this great region.
From humble beginnings with a small office and a dedicated staff, the BBB has grown into a trusted civic institution. We’ve evolved with the times, moving from the era of the Yellow Pages to the digital age, and now into a world shaped by artificial intelligence. Yet through every transformation, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to people.
Even as technology advances, we believe trust is built through real human connection. When someone reaches out to the BBB, they deserve to speak not with an artificial agent, but with a real person who listens, understands, and is ready to help.
As we celebrate this extraordinary milestone, we do so with deep gratitude for the leaders who built this organization and for the businesses who uphold its standards, and for the consumers who place their trust in us every day.
And as we begin our second century, we recommit ourselves to the same values that defined our first: integrity, accountability, and trust. Because in Chicago, and in every community we serve, trust isn’t just part of our history, it’s the foundation of our future.
• Steve J. Bernas is president and CEO of the BBB and can be reached at sbernas@chicago.bbb.org.