Serving 14 counties in northwest Florida February 2009

Published for BBB® Accredited Businesses

LIGHTHOUSE

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®

Torch award For markeTplace eThicS .................................1ABOUT YOUR BBB .........................................................................2lighTing The way ...................................................................................2JuST For Fun..............................................................................................2BBB NEwS .......................................................................................3BBB adverTiSing review reporT ................................................3cuSTomer Service excellence ....................................................3STudenT eThicS ScholarShip..........................................................3FacT or FicTion .......................................................................................3FOUNdATION FOcUS ................................................................... 4ouT and aBouT ....................................................................................... 4Torch award SponSorShipS ........................................................ 4

AccREdITATION RENEwALS .......................................................5AccREdITATION NEwS ............................................................... 6new accrediTed BuSineSSeS ......................................................... 6FOR THE REcORd ..........................................................................7giving BuSineSS a Bad name ..........................................................7unSaTiSFacTory reporTS .................................................................7reFund anTicipaTion loanS ...........................................................7BBB NEwS .......................................................................................8accrediTaTion renewalS ................................................................8

IN THIS ISSUE

Torch award

entries The fourth annual Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics entry information and guidelineyour BBB Foundation serving northwest Florida is calling you!

we are looking for businesses and charities that maintain a solid commitment to conducting business practices in an ethical manner.

The deadline to enter is march 27, 2009.

The Torch award for marketplace ethics was created to recognize businesses and charities that insist on exceptionally high standards of behavior in dealing with customers, vendors and employees.

To enter, please submit the following materials:

• a completed entry form (photocopies accepted)

• a brief, typed response, explaining why the business/charity deserves the Torch award

• work with BBB representatives to schedule an on-site visit and interview.

in conjunction with the Torch award, the customer Service excellence award and the Student ethics Scholarship award will be given.

entry forms for the Torch award were sent out in January. if you did not receive an entry form please contact us at at 850.429.0026 or toll-free at 800.729.9226 or see www.nwfl.bbb.org/Torchaward

For more information on the Torch award for marketplace ethics, the customer Service excellence award or the Student ethics Scholarship, please see page 3 or check out our web site.

aBouT your BBB

Main Office912 e. gadsden St.

pensacola, Fl 32501850.429.0026 member line

850.429.0006 fax 800.729.9226 toll free

info@nwfl.bbb.org | bbb.org

Branch Office2012 lisenby ave. Suite B panama city, Fl 32405

850.784.1215 tel. 850.784.8121 fax

Editorial Staff:

norman wright, BBB president/ceo

mike cook and Tammy Fowler, advertising review

karen Szulczewski, communications director

robin pittman, communications intern

your Better Business Bureau of northwest Florida encourages you to contact BBB with any follow-up material concerning the reports in this bulletin or any other matter to assist the BBB in fulfilling its function of improving our economic system through informed decision making. Lighthouse is a monthly publication produced by The Better Business Bureau of northwest Florida, inc. and the Better Business Bureau Foundation of northwest Florida, inc., 912 e. gadsden Street, pensacola, Fl 32501.

what we Stand FordirectorsExecutive committee

chairperson Ted kirchharr

landrum companies

Vice chair Bill moats

regions Bank

Secretary calvin wilson

gulf power

Treasurer will clause

Southern Breeze one hour a/c & heating

Legal counsel robert Beasley

litvak, Beasley & wilson llc

Past chair mike grossman

cox communications

directors

Fran crumpton gulf coast Trade exchange

david delgallo advanced construction Services

Steve Fifer State Farm insurance

Sparkie Folkers retired

alan moore Fisher-Brown insurance

randy o’connor Fresh creative

robert richardson century 21, richardson agency

don Schroeder wpnn am 790

gary Sluder gene’s Floor covering

Jeff vannoy vannoy’s Tires

Belie williams The villas at gulf Breeze

John williams John williams construction

greg yordon Beltone hearing center -

panama city

lighting the wayBy: norman wright

The new year is in full swing. our new BBB ratings system, which rates businesses on an a+ to F scale has been around for a month now. we are receiving possitive feedback from our businesses and consumers. To check out a business’ letter grade, start with bbb.org.

plans for this year's Torch award for marketplace ethics are coming along. we are accepting entries for the Torch award, the Student ethics Scholarship, and new this year, the customer Service excellence

award. The deadline for entries is march 27, 2009. For more information or guidelines on the awards please see page 3 in this issue of the Lighthouse or see nwfl.bbb.org/Torchaward.

we are still looking for sponsors for this year’s Torch awards. in return for your support, you will receive a package of benefits and recognition. To see the benefits and sponsorship levels, please see page 4 in this Lighthouse.

during these tough economic times, it is important that you get the most out of your accreditation. now more than ever, consumers aren’t just being cautious about what they buy, they’re also being cautious about where they shop. Tell consumers they can feel confident doing business with you. advertise your accreditation. display your accreditation certificate prominently. it's an honor to be accrediated; not every business is eligible. make sure your consumers know you’re BBB accredited.

is your business promoting your accreditation uniquely? do you have a success story of how your accreditation helped your business? help us help our other accredited Businesses—share your story and help we’ll include it in the next issue of the Lighthouse.

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we do this by:• creating a community of trustworthy businesses

• Setting standards for marketplace trust

• encouraging and supporting best practices

• recognizing marketplace role models

• denouncing substandard marketplace behavior

Just for funFrom actual calls to BBB

“I want to check out this ‘work-at-home company. Are they legit?” we confirmed that it was just another scam like most all ‘work-at-home deals. ”Well, I knew that. I just can’t believe people fall for those offers!”

“I want to file a complaint . Can you send me a form?” we explained that she could file it faster if she had access to the internet. “Heavens no; don’t you know they cause cancer?”

“I received a check and a notice that my wife won a sweepstakes. I wanted to make sure the check was good.” he later informed our representative that his wife had been dead for 2 years.

our missionTo be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.

our visionan ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.

BBB advertising review reportadvertising review promotes truth in advertising. an “ad challenge” is made through your BBB’s regular monitoring efforts, while an “ad complaint” is the result of information provided by consumers or competitors. here are brief summaries of the ad review challenges and complaints we handled in January. we sincerely thank those businesses that cooperate with our self-regulation efforts. if you see a problem Tv, radio or print ad, let us know about it at 850.429.0026 or toll-free at 800.729.9226.

BBB newS

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Fact or FictionOnline dating

For those looking for the man or woman of their dreams, your BBB warns that complaints against online dating services are on the rise.

most online dating web sites allow users to post information about themselves and search the site for other singles. online dating services normally charge a monthly fee and require a contracted membership which is typically renewed automatically when it expires. as a result, about two-thirds of the complaints against online dating sites involve accounts being automatically renewed following the end of a contract or trial period.

other common complaints for online dating services include the inability to immediately cancel after signing up, general dissatisfaction with the company and its process and the practice of the company contacting other singles on behalf of the complainant.

BBB offers the following tips on online dating services:

• don’t fall in love with the advertising. Beware of claims such as “an exclusive network of people” or “beautiful singles just like you.”

• do your homework. checkout the company with BBB (bbb.org) to make sure it has a history of satisfying customers and resolving complaints.

• don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics. consumers should take the contract home and read it carefully.

• Know how to break up. consumers shouldn’t assume that they will stop being billed once the contract runs out.

For additional trustworthy information about online dating services, start with bbb.org.

customer Service excellenceyour BBB Foundation’s customer Service excellence award recognizes employees who go above and beyond in their customer service activities.

any business, charity or customer may nominate individuals who have made a measurable impact on the organization for the customer Service excellence award.

The application deadline is march 27, 2009. award recipients will be recognized at a series of luncheons to be held in may. For guidelines and suggestions for completing an entry, visit nwfl.bbb.org/Torchaward.

Student ethics Scholarshipyour BBB Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2009 Student ethics Scholarship.

The Student ethics Scholarship award program recognizes college-bound students who personify high ethics as demonstrated through leadership, community service, overall personal integrity and academic history. nine $1,000 scholarships will be awarded on behalf of the scholarship recipients to an accredited college or university.

entries must be postmarked or delivered no later than 2 p.m. on Friday, march 27 to your BBB Foundation serving northwest Florida.

For official guidelines, entry form and essay question, please start with www.nwfl.bbb.org/Torchaward.

complaint or challenge?

Business claim/complaint Outcome

challenge rug company BBB accredited Business seal violation: web site stated BBB accreditation;

business is not BBB accredited

Business applied for BBB accreditation

challenge chiropractor BBB accredited Business seal violation: phone Book ad included BBB accreditation seal; business is not BBB

accredited

Business agreed to remove seal in next publication

challenge restoration & construction

BBB accredited Business seal violation: phone Book ad included BBB accreditation seal; business is not BBB

accredited

Business applied for BBB accreditation

challenge roofing company BBB accredited Business seal violation: phone Book ad included BBB accreditation Seal; business is not BBB

accredited

Business failed to respond; BBB reliability reportTm updated to reflect unanswered

challenge

challenge roofing company BBB accredited Business seal violation: web site stated business had been “a member of the local Better Business

Bureau;” business is not BBB accredited.

Business removed statement from web site

challenge Transmission company

BBB accredited Business seal violation: phone Book ad included BBB accreditation Seal; business is not BBB

accredited

Business applied for BBB accreditation

challenge construction BBB accredited Business seal violation: web site stated “maintains membership

in the Better Business Bureau of northwest Florida;” business is not BBB

accredited

Business failed to respond; BBB reliability reportTm updated to reflect unanswered

challenge

FoundaTion FocuSabout your BBB Foundation our missionTo support your BBB’s vision of an ethical marketplace through community education and recognition programs.

BBB Foundation Trusteeschairman Jim cox

JlSc properties, llc

Vice chairman lori clause

The Studer group

Secretary/Treasurer will clause

Southern Breeze one hour a/c & heating

counsel robert Beasley

litvak, Beasley & wilson llp

Past chairman gail Thompson

Fireman Termite & pest control

Trustees gary Barnes

wal-mart, creighton rd

mike grossman cox communications

Ted kircharr landrum companies

randy o’connor Fresh creative

Bill r. moats, Jr. regions Bank

dr. ed ranelli university of west

Florida

Bobby Taylor all pro Sound

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$5000 Presenting Sponsor:> Full page ad in Torch award call for applicants/nominees, distributed

to BBB accredited Businesses, media, chambers of commerce, civic organizations and individuals (must be received by Jan. 14 for inclusion)

> Five-minute opportunity to address audience as keynote speaker

> logo recognition on Torch award web page on BBB | northwest Florida web site

> logo recognition in all Torch award printed materials, programs, invitations and event signage

> premier recognition in all Torch award advertising, marketing and promotional material

> premier recognition in the lighthouse, circulation 2,600

> premier recognition in all media and press releases

> one complimentary table (eight people) reserved seating at Torch award luncheon of your choice (pensacola, destin or panama city)

> verbal recognition of your sponsorship at Torch award luncheons

$2500 Gold Sponsor:> ½ page ad in Torch award call for applicants/nominees, distributed

to BBB accredited Businesses, media, chambers of commerce, civic organizations and individuals (must be received by Jan. 14 for inclusion)

> recognition on Torch award web page on BBB | northwest Florida web site

> recognition in all Torch award printed materials, programs, invitations and event signage

> recognition in all Torch award advertising, marketing and promotional material

> recognition in the lighthouse, circulation 2,600

> recognition in all media and press releases

> Four complimentary passes and reserved seating at Torch award luncheon of your choice

> verbal recognition of your sponsorship at Torch award luncheons

$1000 Silver Sponsor:> recognition on Torch award web page on BBB | northwest Florida web

site

> recognition in the lighthouse, circulation 2,600

> recognition on Torch award event program and signage

> Two complimentary passes to Torch award luncheon of your choice

> verbal recognition of your sponsorship at Torch award luncheons

$500 Bronze Sponsor:> recognition on Torch award web page on BBB | northwest Florida web

site

> recognition in the lighthouse, circulation 2,600

> recognition on Torch award event program

> Two complimentary passes to Torch award luncheon of your choice

> verbal recognition of your sponsorship at Torch award luncheon

BBB Foundation thanks our current Education Sponsor:

Torch award Sponsorship

BBB FoundaTion oF norThweST Florida #ch15989

a copy oF The oFFicial regiSTraTion and Financial inFormaTion may Be oBTained From The diviSion oF conSumer ServiceS By calling Toll-Free (800-435-7352) wiThin The STaTe. regiSTraTion doeS noT imply endorSemenT, approval, or recommendaTion By The STaTe.

your BBB out and about

Tammy Fowler answers questions at the eglin aFB financial fair.

BBB Foundation table at the navarre health Fair.

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accrediTaTion renewalSaccreditation renewals from november 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009.

APALAcHIcOLAmediacom communications corporation

BLOUNTSTOwNlive oak production group

BONIFAYcurt miller oil company, inc

cANTONMENTcharles Shiver, llcparker custom homespensacola ready mix uSarex crews Flooring co. inc

cENTURYBondurant lumber &

hardware, inc.pen air Federal credit union

cHIPLEYBusiness evaluation and

appraisal, inc

cRAwFORdVILLEwakulla appraisal Services

cRESTVIEwcedar pearl dental office dr.roy nakaiye, ddS paJerry’s concrete and Site contractors llc ladies riviera Fitness center wise equipment Sales and

Service

dEFUNIAK SPRINGSglmco memorials &

mausoleumsholley-king lakes resort

dESTINdestin days vacation rentalsdestin locksmithing inc. destin magazine dr. michael hennessey, mdgreat american products, inc. physician’s choice, incprofessional inspections

enterprisesS & r Sprinkler Systems &

landscaping, inc.The vein center of FloridaTransaction one, llc

EASTPOINTcontractors depot

FORT wALTON BEAcHBarlovento, llc Bathcrest of northwest

Florida inc.Beal paint & Body, inc.climate makers of nw

Florida,inc.clock cornercoastal video Security, inc.

dr. michael hennessey, mdinterventional pain centerkenwood realty of FwB, inc.ladies riviera Fitness centernicholson, reeder &

reynolds, p.a.pensacola open mriplayground Shell Service inc.Tech advanced computersThomas J manski, md, paventilated awnings inc white Sands auto Sales, inc.white Sands chiropractic

clinic

FOUNTAINa-1 enterprises, llcroese Family produce &

grocery, inc.

GULF BREEzEapex Building contractor, inc. arS Service expressassist-2-SellBain’s lawn caredestination golf vacation

packagesFusion Fine wine & Spiritsgulf coast air care, inc.mediacom communications

corporationmidway Signspen air Federal credit unionpensacola ready mix uSapfeifler home inspectionsSuncoast Flooring, inc.vick’s cleaners

HAVANAnationwide lifts of Florida

LYNN HAVENcertified carpet & Tile carecoastal carpet cleanersdream weaver landscapingpanama city weddingswilliam h. hargraves, d.d.S.

MARIANNAdr. James d. campbell, ddS,

mS, paTerminix

MARY ESTHERabsolute Storm protection

Services, inc.d richardson on Site

welding, llc leisure Tyme r.v. inc. panhandle lock & SafeTom’s pool Services of nw

Florida, inc.Tri State industries, inc.

MExIcO BEAcHmediacom communications

corporation

MILTONarmor records management

assist-2-SellBill walther construction &

roofing, inc.cTg improvements, inc. dean & associates, inc.gold web pest control inc. kyser Siding & constructionladies riviera Fitness centermediacom communications

corporation owens custom homes &

construction, inc.paul patrick electric, inc pen air Federal credit unionpensacola ready mix uSaSanta rosa medical groupSessions contractors group Three Trade consultants, inc.wadkins electronicswilliams Transmission and

automotive inc.

MIRAMAR BEAcHdenture and dental Servicesdixon kazek construction

MOLINOac Service Solutions, inc.greenwell Building company

NAVARREBeach moods realty, inc.Built2code construction

company, llc crime Free u.S.a.m & m electric of n w Fl inc.mediacom communications

corporation pensacola ready mix uSavanderheyden inc.

NIcEVILLEgreat white carpet cleaningripley’s appliance repair, inc.Terminix

PAcEadvanced Tires and Service

centergreen day landscaping, inc.m l r Fine Jewelry & giftspace plumbing, inc.pen air Federal credit unionTriple J plus enterprises, inc.dBa grant drywallTristar custom homes llc

PANAMA cITYaffordable Transmissions &

parts allstates employer Servicesamerican carpet careanchor right, llcBay county chamber of

commerceBay equipment rental inc.Byrd Brothers, llcc & S well Service inc.chateau motel counter revolution

dan’s aluminum, inc.david Scott Fine Jewelrydeaton communicationsdennis hill Studiosdiscount cabinet Showroom dr. James d. campbell, ddS,

mS, pa edo corporationeurasian garages, inc. Fabulous Floors, llcFinancial planning centerFowhand’s Furniture, inc.graham’s auto repairgrasscutters lawn &

landscaping of pc inc. griffin Traffic Signalshollywood construction, inc.homevestors institute for prosthetic

advancementJack Featherstone agencyJames Barr contractors, inc.kent-Forest lawn Funeral

home & cemeteriesknology of panama city, inc.lumley plumbing & heating mediacom communications

corporationneubauer real estate, inc.panama city Toyota, inc. panama gutter and Screen panama marine, inc.paragon plastering, inc. paul harris insurance, inc.pc yacht Salespensacola open mripr employerprofessional communication Services of Bay co.professor Tax uSa a delaware corporationprudential Shimmering Sands

realty realty check real estate

Servicesritchie & associates, inc.robert mount dba/ J & r

enterprisesroyal Flush plumbing

Services of n.w. Fl, inc.Shumaker, inc.Speedy hurricane productsSuperior Septic & Sewer, incSvS, inc.Taylor’s Towing, inc.Telford reynolds electric, inc.TerminixThat Boot Store Tommy Thomas chevrolet Touch of grace embroideryTransmission experts & auto

repair Triangle construction road

Building, inc.

PANAMA cITY BEAcHBay mini Storage, inc.

Beach appliance parts and Service, llc

Beach weddings and renewals, inc.

Brannan aluminum, inc.coastal Janitorial Servicescrystal clear pools of Bay

county, inc. Florida linen outletgina’s gardens & homes, inc.head real estate, inc. l & S painting & wallpaperingmoonspinner condominiumneubauer real estate, inc.panama marine, inc.patio plus pool Service, inc.prudential Shimmering Sands

realty regency Towers owners

associationSpeedy hurricane productsStuart c irby co Sugar Sands motelSummer Breeze motelThe recovery room

PENSAcOLAa & a Transfer and Storagea & e associates of nw Fla Fila Fence company, llca-1 lawn Sprinkler co.aBc environmental Servicesallen Turner automotive allstates employer Services american home Base, inc.amerispec home inspection

Serviceammunition Sales co.arctic air hvac, llcassist-2-Sellatlantic industrial Fence, inc.authentic overhead garage door company, inc.auto air of pensacolaautomated Stair climb

Systems, inc.award masters inc.B & S TiresBarbizon School of modelingBath FitterBaughn alinement ServiceBill haven cars inc.Boutwell’s air masters, inc.Builder resource group, inc.Bullock welding &

Fabrication, llc cain’s dog house, inc.capps medical institutecoastal machinery companycobern machine Shopcomfort care medical group, paconnell and manziek realtycotton’s air conditioningcraftsmen Specialist of

northwest Fl, inc.creative learning academyContinued on page 8

cANTONMENT

Faith chapel Funeral homes, inc.

1000 S highway 29 850 937-8118charlie dillard

Farrington enterprise17 easton St

850 474-4766Terry Farrington

cHIPLEY

custom hardwood Floors of chipley

3103 Seminole rd 850 638-4528ronald noss

cOTTONdALE

Bruner construction company

po Box 314 850 573-1486John Bruner

cRAwFORdVILLE

c & p Towing

2741 crawfordville hwy 850 926-3399

clifford dewayne Ferguson

cRESTVIEw

integrated engineering Solutions

114 cedar ave 850 682-4269kermit george

Jw homes, inc.859 n Ferdon Blvd

850 682-0044mark Styron

dEFUNIAK SPRINGS

Scooters Fix all

1328 uS highway 90 w 850 951-4849glenn Sconiers

dESTIN

upS Store # 3742

4421 commons dr e 850 269-1086

Jim Tanner

accrediTaTion newSnew accredited Businessesa business or practice cannot just “join” the BBB by paying dues. it must have a history of ethical practices and adhere to fair advertising and selling standards. we thank our new accredited Businesses who are telling their customers and neighbors that they want to do their part to make their community a good place to do business and live, and that they believe in business self-regulation and consumer education. we urge fellow accredited Businesses to support our new “partners” whenever possible when making purchases. new accredited Businesses, thank you for your support and welcome aboard. These businesses meet BBB accreditation standards and were accepted during January 2008.

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FORT wALTON BEAcH

dale’s remodeling, llc

104 hudson dr nw 850 582-7588

dale deSimone

LYNN HAVEN

Tuffy auto Service center dba

vested motors v2406 S highway 77

850 265-0058amy Zielenbach, asst. vp

MARY ESTHER

Tuffy auto Service center dba

vested motors v141 w miracle Strip pkwy

850 243-2544vance morgan Jr., mgr

NIcEVILLE

comfort keepers

742 government ave # B 850 279-6310Tony Swaim

upS Store # 22821114 John Sims pkwy e

850 729-1285Jim Tanner

PANAMA cITY

longstreth construction co., inc.

7110 w lakeland dr 850 769-8895

paul “Bud” longstreth, Jr.

pollock well drilling, inc.7307 everest St 850 763-6057

clifford a. Taylor

PANAMA cITY BEAcH

acupuncture & holistic veterinary

Service of northwest Florida5926 S lagoon dr

850 249-4372margaret Fowler

l F restoration, inc.611 live oak ln 850 258-7001arie Fraiman

pcB embroidery2624 dorothy ave

850 236-9171cindy reynolds

PENSAcOLA

ecB Services, inc.2520 n 12th ave

850 475-1555don rider

Faith chapel Funeral homes, inc.100 Beverly pkwy

850 432-6146charlie dillard

gulf coast property management co., inc.

600 university office Blvd Ste 1d 850 465-0083don huntley

Joe morris & Son Funeral home701 n de villiers St

850 432-3436gladys J. morris

keith’s custom rugs3590 n palafox St

850 444-9080keith hoover

matt howard Bail Bonds1759 Saint mary ave

850 432-9002matthew howard

Tuffy auto Service center dba vested motors v

9350 university pkwy 850 478-8884

michael karabin, mgr

SANTA ROSA BEAcH

aJ’s plumbing, inc.998 Bay dr

850 231-1473anthony dubuisson

rock Solid construction company61 n 4th St

850 608-6025gregory catalano

royal Beach & golf resorts1394 co highway 283 S

850 534-0841Jeanne marie mcnellis

BBB looking for “best practices”How has your BBB Accreditation helped you?

your BBB is looking to help BBB accredited Businesses get the most out of their accreditation. and who better to ask than those businesses who are taking advantage of all that BBB accreditation has to offer?

how have you used your accreditation to promote your business?

how has BBB accreditation helped you in the marketplace?

Share your story with BBB and we’ll include it, along with your business’ name and contact information in future issues of the Lighthouse, distributed to over 2,600 business locations throughout northwest Florida.

e-mail your successes to info@nwfl.bbb.org, call 850.429.0026 or 800.729.9226 or write to us at BBB|northwest Florida, 912 e. gadsden St., pensacola, Fl 32501

giving business a bad nameyour BBB serving northwest Florida has received reports from local law enforcement of numerous scammers posing as magazine sales solicitors.

To date, three different businesses have been identified operating in northwest Florida: great lakes circulation, inc., llS (lonestar Subscriptions) and Flord agency. all three of these businesses have an F rating from BBB.

however, BBB warns, the name of the

business isn’t as important as the methods employed, which remain relatively consistent from one organization to the next. most use young solicitors who show up on your doorstep with stories such as how you can help them avoid inner-city troubles by buying their product. They often claim that they were hired so they can “stay off the street and avoid gangs and drugs,” or “earn a college scholarship.”

The cause sounds admirable, they appear to be hard working, so why not help out?

BBB advises you to consider the following: The national consumers league estimates that 50,000 children nationwide are involved in traveling sales crews selling consumer items door-to-door and on city street corners. youth groups are transported hundreds of miles from their homes, often across state lines. unfortunately, many of these young people are victims. The league has consistently ranked “traveling crews” among the worst jobs available for youth and indicates that they can also constitute a dangerous environment.

BBB files reflect that the organizers of these crews may falsely present themselves as charitable and civic-minded groups. in such cases the organizer is the victimizer. many are for-profit operations that keep your “donation” or “subscription money” and not pass it along to any charity, community group or publisher. The youths are taught to use high-pressure appeals and live out of vans and hotels, often making little or no money.

certainly, there are legitimate youth fundraisers. and yes, they may come knocking. however, the next time a youth sales crew appears on your doorstep, BBB suggests you ask for the name of the organization and other details. you may also want to inquire about the welfare of the young “worker.”

For additional information and advice you can trust on shopping safely start with www.bbb.org.

For The record

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unsatisfactory reportsBased on experience reflected in BBB filesin each issue of the Lighthouse, your BBB publishes the names of businesses that have been notified of unsatisfactory business performance records since our last posting. while our complaint mediation service is provided, there is no legal requirement for businesses to respond to complaints or advertising challenges that have been filed by or through the BBB. The publication of these names is not intended to imply wrongdoing on the part of any business.

Sporty memories ................................................................................................cantonment

Bedding center ........................................................................................................pensacola

gulf coast environmental Solutions ....................................................................... destin

Travelezz ............................................................................................................................ destin

waterworx car wash ..........................................................................................gulf Breeze

aa auto clinic inc. ....................................................................................................niceville

Quality cleaning Service ................................................................................ panama city

prestige Builders ..................................................................................panama city Beach

ace plumbing and drain .......................................................................................pensacola

Bath masters of pensacola ..................................................................................pensacola

lord & lady of enchantment / lady Belladonna .......................................pensacola

mmorpg-edge .......................................................................................................pensacola

rob Bacon’s Ticket 2 drive .................................................................................pensacola

Save Today Shopper ..............................................................................................pensacola

The Truth about refund anticipation loansTax season if officially here and many taxpayers are looking forward to getting a big refund check from uncle Sam. however, some people are becoming impatient and are turning to refund anticipation loans (rals), but your BBB warns they may be more costly than they appear.

rals are short-term, high-interest loans granted by some tax preparers. The loan is repaid when the consumer’s refund is received from the irS. The national consumer law center (nclc) found that the effective annualized rate for a ral can range from about 50 percent to nearly 500 percent.

Before agreeing to an “instant refund,” BBB offers the following options and advice:

•consider e-File and direct deposit: The fastest and most secure way for consumers to receive refunds, taxpayers can have their money in as little as 8 to 15 days.

•don’t fall for the “convenient” debit card: These cards are another way for tax preparers to make money. The debit card often includes hidden fees and some have limits on how much money you can access at one time.

•Finance purchase other ways: if consumers are looking to purchase specific high-priced items with their refunds, BBB encourages financing options other than rals, such as store credit promotions and offers.

•If you must, then shop around: if it’s necessary to have a refund immediately, BBB encourages consumers to shop around and look for good deals. Fees and rals vary by tax preparer. consumers can check out tax preparer’s record of integrity and performance free-of-charge with BBB reliability reports, available online at www.bbb.org.

postmaster Send address changes to:

BBB Foundation of northwest Florida

912 e. gadsden St.pensacola, Fl 32501

BBB newS

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Better Business Bureau® Foundationof northwest Florida, inc.912 e. gadsden Streetp.o. Box 1511pensacola, Fl 32591

nonproFiT orguS poSTage pdpenSacola, FlpermiT no. 681

LIGHTHOUSE

mark your calendarUPcOMING EVENTS:

FEBRUARY

February 512:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. SaFer Santa rosa partner Fair, milton community center

February 11 10:30 a.m.Scams against Seniors presentation, council on aging, deFuniak Springs

February 2310:00 a.m.research at BBB, case Studies, uwF communication arts

February 2411:00 a.m.military line: Smart consumer workshop, nSa panama city Beach

February 2611:30 a.m.Scams against Seniors presentation, council on aging, paxton

Are you interested in a presentation from your BBB Foundation? Please contact Karen Szulczewski at 850.429.0026, 800.729.9226 or karens@nwfl.bbb.org.

®

Continued from page 5crime Free u.S.a.danley & Sons electric co. dixon Screen printingdon garrett’s appliance

Servicesdonald Schmitz hauling llcdufrain constructionemerald coast Smiles by

design, paempire Builders group inc. ernest Saulsberry Tree

Service & land clearingevergreen corp. of

pensacolaFact-o-Bake of pensacola Feminine Flair, inc.Ferriss moving & Storage

company, inc.Fireman Termite & pest

controlFraming By design of

pensacola, inc.Freddie i. datu Jewelers

Sales & ServiceFrontier motors, inc.good news lawn Servicegulf coast Family dentistrygulf coast Trade exchangegulf ice Systems, inc.gutter masterhealth First networkhome Builders association

of west Floridahome instead Senior carehorizon Sunrooms & Spashuey’s worksJ chandler general

contractor, inc. J.d. Buck ingram electric

co.Jackson roofing company Jamestown estatesJansen Quality construction Johnson pools, inc.Jones carpet mart, inc. kings Sewing and knitting

center lawn master, inc.let’s play a Specialty Toy

Store licensing advantage, llclillian dental Family

dentistrydr. Steve djuric, d.d.S.lumber liquidators, inc. m c group, llc maglock, dBa katy Barmanning Brothers pools, inc.marcor remediation, inc.margie meyer, cpa, p.a.marina oyster Barnmcgilvray dentalmedi-weightloss clinicsmeg Financial, inc.modern Janitorial and

Service co., inc.nai halfordolive road animal clinic pen air Federal credit unionpensacola Bay area

chamber of commercepensacola open mripensacola photography pensacola ready mix uSapensacola ready mix uSapensacola Travel co., inc.people’s Beauty Supplypine Forest paint & Bodyprofessional automotive

repair professional collision centerprofessional landscaping prudential Florida realtyraley Brake & alignmentreeds Funeral homeroto-rooter Sewer & drainSam’s pawn ShopSams auto centerScenic hills veterinary

hospitalScott Stephens marineSherwood electric co, incSmith plumbing & heating

co. inc. of pensacolaSnellgrove construction, inc.Southeast Systems inc.Steven J. Baker, pa attorney

at lawSuncoast Flooring, inc.Tara mortgage corporationTech advanced computers Technologies for TomorrowTerminixTerry’s paint & BodyTerry’s well ServiceThe old path natural herbsThe vein center of FloridaThe wright companyTony del gallo construction

companyTop dog all Breeds

groomingventilated awnings incvick’s cleanersvirginia college at

pensacolawal-mart, creighton rd wal-mart Supercenter,

pensacola Blvdwal-mart Supercenter,

mobile hwywalmer air conditioning &

heating companywiggins lawn Spray Servicewilson Floor covering of

pensacola, inc. wpnn am 790/cnn radio

PENSAcOLA BEAcHpensacola ready mix uSa

PORT SAINT JOEdr. James d. campbell, ddS,

mS, paneubauer real estate, inc.paradise coast vacation

rentals, llcSaint george islandBlue water pools

SANTA ROSA BEAcHgen-ex Termite & pest

Technologiesmediacom communications

corporation

SHALIMARall over enterprises, inc.

SNEAdS

guaranteed discount muffler

SOUTHPORTharris marine inc.miller marine

TYNdALL AFBmediacom communications

corporation

VALPARAISOcoastal materials of

alabama