Start With TrustSM | Page 1Page 8 | BBB of Eastern North Carolina

In This Issue:

> BBB Accredited Businesses Recognition ..................2

> Consumer Alerts .........4

> The BBB is the Marketplace Sage .......5

> BBB Displays Now Available ........................5

> The Numbers ...............6

> Buying a Foreclosed Home? ............................6

> Newly Accredited Businesses ....................7

> Accredited Busiinesses Coffees ...........................7

> Businesses Benefit by Heading back to School ............................8

Leaders In ResolveBBB DISPuTe ReSoluTIoN - START wITHTHe BBB wHeN You HAve A PRoBleM

BusinessesBenefit by Heading Back to School

A new school semester is just around the corner. This is good news for a business owner, as colleges and

universities are a superb resource for finding part-time workers, for professional development, and for networking.

The BBB has advice on how you can work together with local colleges to help build your company and expand your expertise.

Business Consulting – Many business school departments actively work with local businesses to help develop specialized plans, models and marketing campaigns. In many cases a whole class

will work together under the guidance of the professor on researching and creating a plan to help your business succeed.

Graphic Design – If you need help with creating a logo or designing a new ad or Web site, the graphic design department is a great place to start. Professors are always looking for real-life opportunities for their students to work with clients. Not only will you get many great design options, but you’ll get them much cheaper than you could from a graphic design firm.

Campus Clubs – Aside from working with professors and their classes, there are also many student clubs that focus on business issues who would be willing to partner with local businesses. While the clubs might lack the supervision of a professor, the members might have more dedication and interest in business.

Take a class – Taking a refresher college course can help you stay on top of emerging trends and business theories. Business schools offer many highly specialized classes, so peruse the course catalog for offerings that could have the most impact on how you do business. You can often pay per-credit which, in many cases, is tax deductible.

Sit in on a lecture – Colleges often have industry leaders as guest speakers on campus to share their stories of success and offer students advice for getting ahead in business. Guest lectures are often open to the public and provide you a great opportunity to glean advice and potentially meet with influential business leaders.

Give a lecture – As a local business leader, you have a lot of knowledge that you can share with students to help them become successful in their careers. Your “real world” experiences can personalize much of what their textbooks are telling them, making the information more relevant and useful.

Not only that, you’ll get to meet many students, and this exposure could provide you with a good source of interns or new employees come spring.

Job Fairs – If you’re scouting for fresh young talent, college job fairs are a good place to start. Potentially, you’ll find a lot of diamonds in the rough that could use a little polishing, but, job fairs are a quick and easy way to bring attention to your company and discover new talent.

At the BBB, we think we’re both un-intimidating and helpful. We are devoted to helping businesses feel comfortable and secure when seeking advice on handling a dispute. Our ardent staff has a pas-

sion for helping your business and serving our community.

We help you resolve customer complaints in a fair, fast and equitable manner. We are here to answer any questions you have about our dispute resolu-tion services and to help you improve your con-nection to your customers and sustain the trust that has been built.

Handling disputes is a process that really high-lights the concept of “BBB Accredited Business” as an honor and an elite circle of businesses. In most cases it’s not the volume of complaints that speak to the company’s character, but how the company handles those complaints.

Let’s face it, each and every complaint addressed by the BBB is an indicator of how a company may or may not have delivered on its promises. In effect, complaints serve as one indicator of trust – providing insight into a company’s character and competence.

For example, if a Yellow Page advertisement for

an auto service shop says “We’re Your Transmis-sion Experts” and the customer drives away with continued transmission problems, the promise may have been broken – issues of character and

competence. How the company handles any complaints further reinforces the issues of character and competence, ei-ther positively or negatively, in the mind of the consumer.

Many times, who do customers turn to for help with complaints? The BBB.

We want businesses to do the same. Don’t be shy about turning to us to deliver on our promises. The BBB is the trusted expert. The BBB will help. The BBB will bring the issues to your atten-tion in a respectful, neutral manner. The BBB will be fair.

We welcome the opportunity for you to use our dispute resolution services as

a distinct benefit for your commitment as a BBB Accredited Business. We help resolve buyer/seller disputes by using conciliation, mediation, and arbitration, as appropriate.

• Conciliation: BBB staff builds a bridge for the customer and business to communicate neutral-ly with each other so the issue can be resolved informally.

• Mediation: A professionally trained mediator meets with the parties and guides them in work-ing out their own mutually agreeable solutions.

• Arbitration: The parties state their views at an arbitration hearing, offer evidence, and let an impartial third party from the BBB’s pool of certified arbitrators make a decision to end the dispute.

The BBB draws upon the vast experience of our unbiased and objective arbitrators, mediators, and staff to resolve your disputes. We look forward to working with you to ensure customer satisfaction on many levels – not just resolution services!

PeriodicalsPostage

PaidRaleigh, NC

Businessline (USPS No. 371-230) ispublished monthly by the BBB of

Eastern North Carolina, Inc.

Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC POSTMASTER - send address changes to:

BBB of eastern North Carolina5540 Munford Rd., Ste. 130

Raleigh, NC 27612-2655

Members Line: 919-277-4208 Raleigh: 919-277-4222 Durham: 919-688-6143 Chapel Hill: 919-967-0296 Other: 800-222-0950 AutoLine: 800-955-5100 Fax: 919-277-4221 Web site: bbb.org

Beverly D. Baskin – President/EditorThérèse Wright – Design & Production

Annual subscription is $15. Reproduction only by permission and attribution.

For Accreditation Standards, Programs, and Additional Resources, go to bbb.org

A publication of The Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina December 2007

Businessline

Page 2 | BBB of Eastern North Carolina

Over 30 YEARS!Aluminum Co of NC Inc. (1974)Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. (1974)Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (1974)Durham Chamber of Commerce (1974)Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce (1974)L.D. Swain & Son, Inc. (1976)Mechanics & Farmers Bank (1975)Pioneer Exteriors (1974)Triangle Personnel Service of Raleigh, Inc. (1974)

Over 25 YEARS!Burrage Music Co, Inc. (1981)Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce (1980)Chapel Hill Printing & Graphics (1981)Chatham County United Chamber of Commerce (1980)Coastal Federal Credit Union (1981)Dickerson Fence Co., Inc. (1981)Doug Sutton Insurance Services (1980)East Franklin Car Care (1981)Fargo-Hanna LTD (1982)Garner Chamber of Commerce (1980)Granville County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (1980)Henderson Chamber of Commerce (1980)Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce (1980)Knightdale Chamber of Commerce (1980)Lighting, Inc. (1978)Morts, Inc. (1980)New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce (1980)Oak Grove Memorial Gardens (1980)Terry’s Floor Fashions, Inc. (1980)Wagners Auto Salvage, Inc. (1981)Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce (1980)Whitley Galleries (1982)Wilson’s Lawn & Garden Center (1981)

Over 20 YEARS!The American Biographical Institute Inc. (1985)Bitting Electric, Inc. (1986)Brown Brothers Body Works Inc. (1986)Carolina Pools, Inc. (1987)Charles Boyd Chevrolet Pontiac Cadillac Buick GMC, Inc. (1986)Clayton Chamber of Commerce (1984)Eastern Courier Corp. (1985)Employment Law Research, Inc. (1986)Firestone Tire & Service Centers (1987)Glover Printing, Inc. (1985)Hare Pipeline Construction, Inc. (1985)Insulating, Inc. (1986)James Finch Chevrolet, Inc. (1986)Joe Ray’s, Inc. (1986)Joseph C. Woodard Company, Inc. (1986)Kornegay Septic Tank (1986)Liverman Machine Shop, Inc. (1986)Marshall’s Locksmith Services, Inc. (1985)Morgan Motors, Inc. (1984)Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce (1984)National Scale & Equipment Co., Inc. (1985)Quickill Pest Services, Inc. (1985)Ray Price Harley Davidson, Inc. (1984)Smith Debnam Narron Wyche Saintsing & Myers, LLP (1985)Tech Electric Corporation (1985)

The Water Specialist, Inc. (1983)Tri-Arc Food Systems, Inc. (1983)Troy Wheeler Honda Car Service (1986)W.B. Porter and Company, Inc. (1986)

Over 15 YEARS!AAA Louvers, Inc. (1991)Act Electric, Inc. (1992)Al’s Garage, Inc. (1991)Anderson Homes, Inc. (1991)Archadeck of Raleigh Durham (1989)Armadale Farm Kennel, Inc. (1992)Armstrong Grocery Company (1989)B & B Paving Co, Inc. (1992)BASF Corp. (1990)Bill McDonald Insurance (1989)Brookwood Veterinary Clinic, PA (1991)Brown & Wood Jeep Mazda (1992)Brown Brothers Plumbing & Heating Co Inc. (1990)

Budget Courier Service, Inc. (1991)Bunn Communications, Inc. (1988)Busse’s Lock Service (1992)C & J Carpet Center Inc. (1992)C.R.T.S., Inc. (1992)Carolina Mudcats (1991)Carolina Windows & Doors, Inc. (1992)Carpenters, Inc. (1989)Central Chevrolet - Buick (1992)Clayton Contractors, Inc. (1990)Craige Motor Company of Durham, Inc. (1992)Crossroads European Automotive, Inc. (1992)Crossroads Ford, Inc. (1990)D & E Quality Service, Inc. (1991)David O’Neal Automotive Group (1992)Delbridge Construction Co, Inc. (1991)Don Ellington Sound Service (1989)Drucker & Falk, LLC (1990)Dunn-Benson Ford (1991)ECPI College of Technology - Raleigh (1990)Eno Animal Hospital (1988)EPM Lawn Care (1992)Ernie Lee Service Center, LLC (1989)Financial Analysts, Inc. (1992)First Class Automotive Inc. (1991)Fred Astaire Dance Studio (1989)Frye Exterminating Co, Inc. (1990)Glass Doctor (1992)Greenville Contractors, Inc. (1989)Greenville Toyota / Scion (1992)H. Stadiem, Inc. (1988)Hearne Automotive, Inc. (1989)Hilliard Construction Co Inc. (1991)Ida A. Terbet, Realtor (1990)Janko Import Cars Repair & Sale Inc. (1991)Johnny’s Auto & Marine Electric Service (1992)Jollys, Inc. (1992)Kingsford Home Improvements, Inc. (1990)Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce (1990)Krystyna’s Tailor Shop (1991)Kurtis Chevrolet, Inc. (1989)Lee Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (1991)Lennar Carolina, Inc. (1991)Lockamy Auto Sales, Inc. (1992)M & H Appliance Sales & Service (1989)Michael Jordan Nissan (1992)Mike’s Transmission Service, Inc. (1992)Mini City Auto Body, Inc. (1988)Mitchell’s Academy (1989)Modern Service (1992)Montlawn Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations (1992)Network Direct, Inc. (1992)Nu-Tech Paving Company, Inc. (1992)Overton’s, Inc. (1989)Passport Motors, Inc. (1990)Patio Enclosures Inc. of Raleigh (1989)Power Equipment Plus, Inc. (1992)Prestige Imports (1990)Professional Carpet Systems (1990)Quality Residential Inspections, Inc. (1989)Regional Waterproofing Co., Inc. (1989)Rising Sun Pools, Inc. (1991)Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce (1990)S.G. Wilkerson & Sons, Inc. (1989)Sawyer Termite & Pest Control Specialists Inc. (1992)Shuler Electric, Inc. (1992)Spring Break Travel, Inc. (1989)Tarheel Wood Treating Co (1992)The Fine Line Painting Co., Inc. (1992)The Persian Carpet, Inc. (1991)Tom Buzzard Co. (1992)Triangle Auto Sales, Inc. (1989)

The BBB would like to

honor our Accredited

Businesses who, for

over 10 years, have

continuted to renew

their commitment to

support our mission

to be the leader in

advancing marketplace

trust. Thank you!

AccreditedBusinesses

Recognition

25+ YEARS!

30+ YEARS!

15+ YEARS!

20+ YEARS!

Start With TrustSM | Page 7

we wish to recognize the following firms and express to them

our sincere appreciation for their decision to support the BBB’s

principles and activities in the interest of self-regulation and

our free enterprise system:

Adams Homes AeC, llC ....................................................................RaleighAmmons General Carpentry ............................................................RaleighAtHomeInRaleigh.com ........................................................................RaleighAvent-Permenter Group, Inc. ...........................................................ClaytonBall Construction ..................................................................................BahamaBaxter Johnson Contracting, Inc. ..................................................RaleighBBH Design, PllC .................................................................................RaleighBraxton Septic Tank Service .....................................................VanceboroCahoon Farms, Inc. .......................................................................... ArapahoeCarafe wineMakers ..............................................................................RaleighCarolina Portable Storage, llC ......................................................RaleighCenter For employment Training .................................................DurhamChapel Hill Taxi ......................................................................................DurhamChapel Hill Tire .................................................................................Chapel HillCoastal Therapeutic Services, Inc. .......................................WashingtonCremation Marketing Systems, Inc. ..............................................RaleighCustom Building & Remodeling, llC ...........................................RaleighCustom Renovations, Inc. ..................................................................RaleighDean Adams Construction, Inc. .................................................New BernDelphi Healthcare Partners, Inc. ................................................MorrisvilleDoug walters Construction, llC .............................................Chapel HillDr. 2 Shoes, Inc. ........................................................................... HillsboroughDryer vent wizard of Northeast North Carolina ....................TarboroField of Dreams Centre for the Performing Arts, Inc. ..........RaleighFor Patients, Inc. ...................................................................................DurhamFussell Salvage ................................................................................. La GrangeGlenwood village exxon ....................................................................RaleighGreat State Mortgage, llC ...............................................................RaleighHammerhead Building, llC........................................................Chapel HillHeritage Kitchen & Bath, llC ................................................Wake ForestHome Assist, llC ..................................................................................DurhamHomeTrends .................................................................................Rocky Mount

Jordan’s Heating & Cooling Services ......................................LouisburgKaye’s Beauty Supply ..........................................................................ClaytonKingston Cavaliers ................................................................................Kinstonlaw office of Stephanie J. Brown .................................................Raleighlemon Grass Thai Restaurant, llC ...............................................Raleighleuver Construction, llC ..................................................................RaleighMcCotters Marina & Boatyard, Inc. .......................................WashingtonMcKinney Painting ...............................................................................DurhamMike Hines Roofing & Construction ..................................Rocky MountMosley Construction Company..................................................GreenvilleNew Dawn Homes, Inc. ..................................................................New BernNorth Carolina Specialty Hospital, llC .....................................DurhamPrep-Rite Painting Corp. ..........................................................................CaryQuality Custom Painting, llC .........................................................RaleighQuintall Development, Inc. ..............................................................DurhamResponse Transportation Service ................................................... GarnerRiverfront Builders, llC ................................................................New BernShady wagon Farm .............................................................................New HillShearline Boatworks, llC ..................................................Morehead CitySilverCrest Homes Nur onvural, llC .................................................CarySoutheastern Mortgage Corporation ...........................................RaleighSpecial events Catering, Inc. .......................................................RichlandsState Farm Insurance .................................................................Wake ForestStrategic Sales Growth, Inc. ...................................................................CaryT & N Contractors, Inc. .....................................................................HavelockTerry’s Collision & Repair Center ...............................................BeulavilleThe Digital Cherub ...........................................................................New BernThe Home Pros of North Carolina, Inc. ...........................Holly SpringsThe Painting Xperts, Inc. .........................................................................ApexTwB enterprises, llC .........................................................................Raleighwell Built Quality Construction Company .............................Nashville

Newly ACCReDITeD BuSINeSSeS

The BBB is inviting all Accredited Businesses (especially newly

Accredited Businesses) to drop by for a cup of coffee and a tour of

the office. This will give you a chance to meet the staff, talk to other

BBB Accredited Businesses, and learn how to get the most out of your

BBB Accreditation. These informal gatherings are held monthly. The

next drop-ins are from 8-9am on the following wednesday mornings:

January 16 & February 20. All Accredited Businesses are welcome!

R.S.V.P. 919-277-4208. Please come take a tour of your BBB office!

Accredited Businesses Coffees

Buying a Foreclosed Home?Know the FactsHome prices are falling all across the country, but foreclosures are on the increase. According to Realty.com, an online marketplace for foreclosure properties, more than 1.2 million foreclosures were filed in 2006. And industry experts expect that number to continue to rise in 2007.

Losing a home to foreclosure can be devastating for any family. However, foreclosure property can provide a window of opportunity for those in the market for a house. The Better Business Bureau cautions home buyers who want to take this route to homeownership to do some research and know the facts about purchasing foreclosed homes before venturing into this type of deal.

The BBB offers the following tips:

• Know your options. Home buyers can purchase foreclosed properties through pre-foreclosure which allows you to purchase a house directly from the homeowner before it goes into bank foreclosure; at auctions where you will bid against other interested buyers; or properties that are Real Estate Owned (REO).

• Conduct a “title search.” This process can help you find out whether the property has a second mortgage or lien against it. If it does, you may be responsible for paying off the initial mortgage, any second mortgage loans and any liens on the property before you can take ownership.

• Be aware that if you purchase the house in an auction, you may not be able to look inside the home or conduct a home inspection in advance of the sale. Properties sold at auctions are usually sold “as is.” This can create problems when trying to obtain a mortgage loan.

• Obtain help if you need it. Find a real estate agent that is experienced in foreclosures and check them out with the BBB (www.bbb.org). The BBB offers free reliability reports on more than three million businesses.

• Have your agent check nearby or comparable homes to see if the asking price for a foreclosed home is, in fact, a bargain.

• Foreclosure laws vary from state to state so check the laws in your area by contacting your county clerk’s office.

Page 6 | BBB of Eastern North Carolina

THE NuMB3RS

> ACTIvITY Report General Inquiries and Company

Report Requests .......................................................42,903

Reports Accessed from Web site .........................41,907

Members Receiving eQuotes .........................................129

Complaints Opened.......................................................... 546

Complaints Closed ............................................................ 596

Complaints Resolved ................................................70.54%

> ToP 10 Inquiries Home Builders ...................................................................1,370

Real Estate ...........................................................................1,029

Home Improvements/Room Additions ....................819

Heating and Air Conditioning ...................................... 780

Mortgages ................................................................................721

Auto Dealers–New Cars ....................................................716

Plumbing Contractors .....................................................690

Roofing Contractors ......................................................... 665

Auto Dealers–Used Cars ................................................ 620

Auto Repair and Service .................................................558

> ToP 10 Complaints Cellular Telephone Service ................................................ 19

Computers-Wholesale and Manufacturers ............... 18

Auto Repair and Service .....................................................15

Auto Dealers–New Cars .......................................................13

Auto Dealers–Used Cars .....................................................13

Health Clubs ...............................................................................12

Furniture–Retail....................................................................... 10

Investment Consultants for Home Buying ................ 10

Television–Cable, CATV and Satellite .......................... 10

Apartments .................................................................................9

November 2007

Start With TrustSM | Page 3

United Restaurant Equipment Corp. (1988)W.H. Colson Securities, Inc. (1992)West German Garage, Inc. (1991)Whites Opticians, LLC (1989)Yang Enterprises Co. (1988)Young Homes, Inc. (1992)

Over 10 YEARS!A B Control, Inc. (1997)A Southern Season, Inc. (1995)A-1 House Inspectors, Inc. (1993)ABC Supply Co, Inc. (1997)Accurate Transmission Center (1994)Aldridge, Inc. (1995)Allgood Construction Co, Inc. (1997)Alliance Associates, Inc. (1993)Allied Security of Jacksonville, Inc. (1995)Amerlink Ltd. (1997)Andy Andrews Agency, Inc. (1995)ARCO Restoration, Inc. (1995)Armstrong Relocation Co., Inc. (1996)Artisan Irrigation Inc. (1997)Auto Shape Collision Center (1993)B & C Xterior Cleaning Service, Inc. (1993)B-Dry Waterproofing System Southeast (1993)Bartimac Concrete Service (1997)Basic Cable Works, Inc. (1997)Batey’s Carpets, Inc. (1993)Bayer CropScience LP (1993)BD’s Hardwood Floors, Inc. (1997)Beasley & Jones Woodworks, Inc. (1993)Beatty’s Plumbing Company, LLC (1996)Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (1993)Bell Leadership (1993)Beltline Financial Services (1997)Bill Clark Homes of Raleigh, LLC (1994)Blackstone Building Contractors, LLC (1997)Blum Services, Inc. (1995)Boyette Enterprises Inc. (1997)Brafford Tree Service, Inc. (1994)Brame Specialty Products, Inc. (1997)Braswell Construction Co, Inc. (1997)Brink’s Home Security, Inc. (1994)Broadreach, Inc. (1997)Brown’s Builders Supply, Inc. (1995)Brynn-Marr Body Shop, Inc. (1995)Camp Canine, Inc. (1997)Cardens Body & Paint Services, Inc. (1996)Carolantic Realty, Inc. (1994)Carolina Heating & AC of Pitt Cnty (1996)Carolina Home Exteriors, LLC (1997)Carolina Maids, Inc. (1997)Carteret County Chamber of Commerce (1997)Caudle Sand & Rock Co., Inc. (1994)Chamblee, Inc. (1997)Chevrolet-Cadillac of Goldsboro (1997)Cimarron Capital, Inc. (1993)Clear-Vue Glass Service of Durham, Inc. (1994)Clegg’s Termite & Pest Control, Inc. (1994)Coastal Mortgage Services, Inc. (1994)Comfort Engineers, Inc. (1993)Comfort Homes, Inc. (1997)Comfort Master, Inc. (1995)Consolidated Roofing Systems, Inc. (1993)Construction Services Contractor, Inc. (1993)Corporate Investors Mortgage Group, Inc. (1997)CPI Security Systems, Inc. (1995)Creekraft Cultured Marble Products (1995)Crew Insurance Agency (1995)Crown Automobile of Chapel Hill (1993)Crown Travel & Cruises, Inc. (1993)Cunningham Collision Center, Inc. (1996)

Cutchins Plumbing, Inc. (1993)D & J Automotive LLC (1997)Dave’s Carpet Care (1994)Davenport Exteriors (1995)David A. Lemert Construction, Inc. (1997)Deluxe Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning (1995)Diamond Builders, Inc. (1995)Diamond Contracting, Inc. (1993)DNS Construction Co., Inc. (1997)Don C. Christian Co., Inc. (1996)Donald Lowery Tree Service, Inc. (1997)Duraleigh Electric Service Co. (1997)Econ Developers, Inc. (1995)Ed Banks Flooring Contractor, Inc. (1993)Edwards Pro Clean (1997)Efficiency Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. (1995)Energy Savers Windows & Door, Inc. (1996)Facilico (1997)Fairview Greenhouses, Inc. (1993)Farmville Chamber of Commerce (1997)FarPoint Technologies, Inc. (1996)Faye’s Tree Service, Inc. (1997)G & C Plumbing & Electrical Supply (1996)G & J Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners, Inc. (1997)G.F. Ferrell & Son (1993)Gardens of The Carolinas, Inc. (1995)Garner T.V. & Appliances, Inc. (1994)Gary’s Autos (1997)Geo-Structural Engineering, Inc. (1996)Global Translation Systems, Inc. (1997)Gold Mine Jewelry Shoppes, Inc. (1995)Hicks VW Service (1994)Home Builders Association of Raleigh - Wake County (1997)Homesitters Of Raleigh (1997)Housetop Roofing & Home Improvements (1994)Huff’s Roofing Co, Inc. (1996)HWM Office Environments, Inc. (1993)Insurance Professionals, Inc. (1993)Ivey Mechanical Co. LLC (1997)James S. Wilcox (1996)Jay’s Lawn & Landscape Co, LLC (1997)Jerry Lawrence General Contractor, Inc. (1995)Jim Henry Builders, Inc. (1993)John Casablancas Modeling & Career Center (1996)John Tripps Garage (1995)Johnny Watson Builders, Inc. (1997)Kelly & West Attorneys (1994)Kiefer Landscaping, Inc. (1997)King Construction/JM Enterprises, Inc. (1997)Kittinger, Cheney & Holt CPA’s, PA (1997)Kurt A. McKissick, DDS, PA (1997)Larry Bissette, Inc. (1997)Larry Estes Body Shop, Inc. (1997)Laurdane Associates (1997)Lee Chevrolet-Pontiac-Buick (1997)Leisure Landscapes, Inc. (1997)Lejeune Honda Cars (1994)Level Construction, Inc. (1997)Linda Dickerson Interiors, Inc. (1993)Lindsley Waterproofing, Inc. (1997)Lisbon Concrete Corp. (1997)M. Hill’s Electrical Contractors, Inc. (1997)Macon M. Singletary, DDS, MS (1997)Maggies Mom Pet Care (1995)Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (1995)Matthews Motors (1995)Matthews Moving Systems, Inc. (1995)McCall Brothers, Inc. (1994)McElheney Homes, Inc. (1993)Mellott Trucking & Supply Co, Inc. (1994)Mitchell Concrete Products, Inc. (1993)Mitchell’s Car Phones, Inc. (1996)Mohamed & Lippitt Urology Center, PA (1997)

N.W. Poole Well & Pump Co. (1997)Nancy Cabe Tours (1997)Neuse Blvd. Amoco Service, Inc. (1996)New Bern Fabric Center (1996)Noah’s Ark Kennel & Cattery, Inc. (1997)North Eastern Carolina Home Services Inc. (1993)North Raleigh Law Group, PA (1997)Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (1997)Overhead Door Company of Raleigh, Inc. (1997)Paper Stock Dealers, Inc. (1997)Parker’s Furniture Store (1995)Parrish Realty Company of Zebulon, Inc. (1993)Perennial Mortgage Group, Inc. (1997)Performance Auto Mall (1995)Pest & Termite Consultants, Inc. (1997)Pete’s Auto Body Shop, Inc. (1993)Physicians Nutrition International, Inc. (1996)Pindell-Wilson Property Management Co. (1993)Piney Green Tire & Auto, Inc. (1995)Plaza Dry Cleaners, Inc. (1993)Price’s Paint & Body Shop LLC (1994)Prices Auto Parts LLC (1994)Professional Mail Services, Inc. (1997)Pulte Homes, Inc. (1997)Quality Plus Automotive Service, Inc. (1993)Raleigh Bartending School (1997)Ram Jack Foundation Repair Systems (1993)Recreational Ventures, Inc. (1993)Reece Pump Service, Inc. (1997)Retirement Plan Services, Inc. (1997)Robert Reilly (1997)S.A. Johnson Interiors (1997)Sasser Kraft Kitchen & Bath, Inc. (1997)Scott Lee Homes, Inc. (1997)Scro’s Roofing (1997)Shaw Sanitation Services, Inc. (1993)Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. (1993)Small Business Systems (1997)Smithfield Chevrolet Jeep (1997)Southern Piping Company (1993)Sparkkles Restoration (1997)Speight’s Auto Service, Inc. (1997)Stallings Septic Services (1993)Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaner (1997)State National Training Service, Inc. (1997)Steve’s Auto Repair (1994)SunTrust Banks, Inc. (1995)SyTec Business Solutions, Inc. (1997)T- Hoff, Inc. (1994)Tarheel Canine Training, Inc. (1997)Tarheel Painting & Maintenance, Inc. (1993)Taylors Carpets, Inc. (1996)The Capital Planning Group, Inc. (1997)The Original Mattress Factory (1997)Timberline Land Co. (1997)Timberlyne Animal Clinic (1996)Topside Construction, Inc. (1995)Total Comfort Heating & AC, Inc. (1995)Trans Global Communications, Inc. (1996)Triangle Collision (1995)Triangle Home Services, Inc. (1996)Triangle OB-GYN, PA (1993)Triangle Office Equipment, Inc. (1996)Triangle Spectrum Painting (1994)Trugreen/Chemlawn (1997)Vacuum Cleaner Hospital (1995)W.D. Osborne Construction Co., Inc. (1995)W.L. Brantley Plumbing, Inc. (1993)Wake Paint & Decorating, Inc. (1993)Weather Master Heating & AC Co. (1995)Wesco, Inc. (1996)Woodcrest Heating & Cooling Co., Inc. (1995)Y & J Furniture Company, Inc. (1997)Young’s Tree Service, Inc. (1997)

10+ YEARS!

The BBB is the Marketplace Sage on Matters of Trustuse other BBB Accredited Businesses for Input, Direction and Guidance

Your BBB is a sage supported by a wealth of knowledge and experience from our Accredited Businesses. What

defines a sage? Sages are experts, evaluators and advisors who deliver objectivity and truth. A sage works hard at communicating facts, not opinions, and provides the right information at the right time. A sage helps people feel confident and act decisively when making purchase or donation decisions.

These ‘sage’ characteristics make BBB stand out as a recognized expert amid noisy online and traditional marketing clutter. BBB offerings stand in contrast to the many questionable products, services and advice available to businesses and consumers in today’s dynamic marketplace.

Sages are those people in your life who you consider to be your advisors. They are the people and entities to whom you turn for guidance and expertise. These are the people and organizations that you trust. Their guidance makes you feel smart and competent.

Are you a sage in your industry? Give your own business a sage-test by considering the following:

A sage is approachable. Are all the entry points of your business user friendly? Welcoming? Sound friendly, not bureaucratic?

A sage guides and educates (not just informs). Is your workplace tone helpful, not bossy? Do you write and speak to your audiences via advertising with words and tone appropriate to them? Do you offer additional assistance with every opportunity?

A sage provides solutions (not just answers). Is your firm actively exploring new information and solution resources for your customers? Are you providing options whenever possible?

Do you respond only to the question asked or go the extra mile to provide resources to help solve the problem behind the question?

A sage can be many things to many audiences – but make no mistake, becoming and/or being considered a sage is no accident. You must create the environment you want to control – and your ability to do so will determine whether your customers feel comfortable seeking you out.

Join your BBB in being the best sage possible to your customers. You will be glad you did because we can help you build and maintain those valued trusting relationships with consumers.

What’s a good way to start or refresh this characteristic? Call or write us. We’d love to visit and share our knowledge and expertise, and discuss ways we can move forward together in the future – workshops, sponsorships, outreach efforts. As well, a sage never stops learning, and we look forward to every opportunity to learn from our BBB Accredited Businesses.

Start With TrustSM | Page 5

The old White Van Scam is still around. Usually, a man in a truck calls out to passers-by, offering speakers for sale. In one recent case, the scammer said he had a $4,895 speaker system for sale, but was willing to sell it for $800. The targeted consumer needed to get home and asked the three men in the van to follow him. Upon direction from the van crew, the consumer checked the Genesis Media Lab website. The system was indeed listed on the website with an MSRP of $4,895. The seller even showed him an ad in “Haley Wood’s Digital Home Online.” Unfortunately, both the website and magazine were fakes. The consumer paid $800 for a “system” with parts missing. It was basically worthless. Our advice? Make sure you know the company from whom you’re buying and always check them out with the BBB.

Impact 210 Worldwide engages in aggressive marketing in order to recruit “talent scouts.” The company sends emails or makes calls to “eligible” job seekers, offering benefits and salaries up to $78,000. Complainants state that the “job” is actually a commission sales position and, in many cases, consumers aren’t paid at all. Mail sent to this firm has been returned by the post office and, as of June, 2007, the company’s websites are

not operational. This New York company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB.

Mentoring of America advertises on TV, offering training programs and business opportunities. They also do business as John Beck’s Free & Clear Real Estate System. They advertise “Buy Real Estate for Pennies on the Dollar.” In 2004 the company signed a settlement agreement with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, and likewise in 2005. In 2007 there was a third agreement, including a $25,000 fine. Over 400 complaints have been filed against this Utah company, and they have an unsatisfactory record with the BBB.

Holiday Alert – Advance Fee Loan Scams have surged nationally, which is no surprise

now that the holidays are here. Here’s how a typical scam works. A consumer receives a loan offer in the mail. The consumer then calls a toll-free phone number. The person answering “takes” the consumer’s credit application over the phone. The consumer is then told that his/her loan has been approved for a loan and he/she will receive the money once they pay a “premium/processing” fee to cover the first loan payment. It’s also called

a “security and/or insurance” or “finder’s” fee. The schemers commonly use a U.S. postal box address on their advertising, but direct consumers to send the “fee” to a location in Canada. The

U.S. address is phony, and you’ve lost your money. Remember, advance fee loans are illegal in the U.S. Be sure to thoroughly check out any offers you receive, and check with the BBB.

Business Alert – Express Transaction Services, Inc. has a history of shipping and charging for unordered/unauthorized credit card machines. Thirty-five complaints have been filed against this Indianapolis company since the BBB file opened in July 2007. The company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB.

All Around Sports, LLC is accepting payments for merchandise it does not deliver. Over 35 complaints have been filed with the BBB in the past twelve months. Most complainants state they have either never received the merchandise they ordered from the company, or that there are very long delays in receiving the merchandise. Complainants also report difficulty in contacting the company once their order has been placed and their credit cards have been charged. This company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB for failure to respond to customer complaints.C

onsu

mer

Ale

rts In an effort to keep the media and public informed, the BBB of eastern North Carolina offers

monthly Consumer Alerts as potential story or interview ideas. Readers should take into

consideration the importance of the practice in question and the total performance of a company.

Information regarding business or consumer topics here can be obtained through the BBB office by contacting info@raleigh.bbb.org.

Page 4 | BBB of Eastern North Carolina

As a BBB Accredited Business, you now have more options for proudly displaying your BBB Accreditation. In addition to the window decal all BBB Accredited Businesses receive, you may also choose a plaque or framed certificate to display in your place of business. You may place your order (the cost is included in your Accreditation fee) by calling, faxing or e-mailing your contact information and choice of display item to:

e-mail: business@raleigh.bbb.orgfax: 919.277.4221

phone: 919.277.4217

Now Available!

CertificateActual size: 8 1/2” x 11”(includes a light-weight acrylic wall frame)

PlaqueActual size: 5” x 7”

(for wall or desktop)

DecalActual size: 2 3/8” x 3 3/4”

(double-sided window cling)

Proudly display yourBBB Accreditation

The BBB is the Marketplace Sage on Matters of Trustuse other BBB Accredited Businesses for Input, Direction and Guidance

Your BBB is a sage supported by a wealth of knowledge and experience from our Accredited Businesses. What

defines a sage? Sages are experts, evaluators and advisors who deliver objectivity and truth. A sage works hard at communicating facts, not opinions, and provides the right information at the right time. A sage helps people feel confident and act decisively when making purchase or donation decisions.

These ‘sage’ characteristics make BBB stand out as a recognized expert amid noisy online and traditional marketing clutter. BBB offerings stand in contrast to the many questionable products, services and advice available to businesses and consumers in today’s dynamic marketplace.

Sages are those people in your life who you consider to be your advisors. They are the people and entities to whom you turn for guidance and expertise. These are the people and organizations that you trust. Their guidance makes you feel smart and competent.

Are you a sage in your industry? Give your own business a sage-test by considering the following:

A sage is approachable. Are all the entry points of your business user friendly? Welcoming? Sound friendly, not bureaucratic?

A sage guides and educates (not just informs). Is your workplace tone helpful, not bossy? Do you write and speak to your audiences via advertising with words and tone appropriate to them? Do you offer additional assistance with every opportunity?

A sage provides solutions (not just answers). Is your firm actively exploring new information and solution resources for your customers? Are you providing options whenever possible?

Do you respond only to the question asked or go the extra mile to provide resources to help solve the problem behind the question?

A sage can be many things to many audiences – but make no mistake, becoming and/or being considered a sage is no accident. You must create the environment you want to control – and your ability to do so will determine whether your customers feel comfortable seeking you out.

Join your BBB in being the best sage possible to your customers. You will be glad you did because we can help you build and maintain those valued trusting relationships with consumers.

What’s a good way to start or refresh this characteristic? Call or write us. We’d love to visit and share our knowledge and expertise, and discuss ways we can move forward together in the future – workshops, sponsorships, outreach efforts. As well, a sage never stops learning, and we look forward to every opportunity to learn from our BBB Accredited Businesses.

Start With TrustSM | Page 5

The old White Van Scam is still around. Usually, a man in a truck calls out to passers-by, offering speakers for sale. In one recent case, the scammer said he had a $4,895 speaker system for sale, but was willing to sell it for $800. The targeted consumer needed to get home and asked the three men in the van to follow him. Upon direction from the van crew, the consumer checked the Genesis Media Lab website. The system was indeed listed on the website with an MSRP of $4,895. The seller even showed him an ad in “Haley Wood’s Digital Home Online.” Unfortunately, both the website and magazine were fakes. The consumer paid $800 for a “system” with parts missing. It was basically worthless. Our advice? Make sure you know the company from whom you’re buying and always check them out with the BBB.

Impact 210 Worldwide engages in aggressive marketing in order to recruit “talent scouts.” The company sends emails or makes calls to “eligible” job seekers, offering benefits and salaries up to $78,000. Complainants state that the “job” is actually a commission sales position and, in many cases, consumers aren’t paid at all. Mail sent to this firm has been returned by the post office and, as of June, 2007, the company’s websites are

not operational. This New York company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB.

Mentoring of America advertises on TV, offering training programs and business opportunities. They also do business as John Beck’s Free & Clear Real Estate System. They advertise “Buy Real Estate for Pennies on the Dollar.” In 2004 the company signed a settlement agreement with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, and likewise in 2005. In 2007 there was a third agreement, including a $25,000 fine. Over 400 complaints have been filed against this Utah company, and they have an unsatisfactory record with the BBB.

Holiday Alert – Advance Fee Loan Scams have surged nationally, which is no surprise

now that the holidays are here. Here’s how a typical scam works. A consumer receives a loan offer in the mail. The consumer then calls a toll-free phone number. The person answering “takes” the consumer’s credit application over the phone. The consumer is then told that his/her loan has been approved for a loan and he/she will receive the money once they pay a “premium/processing” fee to cover the first loan payment. It’s also called

a “security and/or insurance” or “finder’s” fee. The schemers commonly use a U.S. postal box address on their advertising, but direct consumers to send the “fee” to a location in Canada. The

U.S. address is phony, and you’ve lost your money. Remember, advance fee loans are illegal in the U.S. Be sure to thoroughly check out any offers you receive, and check with the BBB.

Business Alert – Express Transaction Services, Inc. has a history of shipping and charging for unordered/unauthorized credit card machines. Thirty-five complaints have been filed against this Indianapolis company since the BBB file opened in July 2007. The company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB.

All Around Sports, LLC is accepting payments for merchandise it does not deliver. Over 35 complaints have been filed with the BBB in the past twelve months. Most complainants state they have either never received the merchandise they ordered from the company, or that there are very long delays in receiving the merchandise. Complainants also report difficulty in contacting the company once their order has been placed and their credit cards have been charged. This company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB for failure to respond to customer complaints.C

onsu

mer

Ale

rts In an effort to keep the media and public informed, the BBB of eastern North Carolina offers

monthly Consumer Alerts as potential story or interview ideas. Readers should take into

consideration the importance of the practice in question and the total performance of a company.

Information regarding business or consumer topics here can be obtained through the BBB office by contacting info@raleigh.bbb.org.

Page 4 | BBB of Eastern North Carolina

As a BBB Accredited Business, you now have more options for proudly displaying your BBB Accreditation. In addition to the window decal all BBB Accredited Businesses receive, you may also choose a plaque or framed certificate to display in your place of business. You may place your order (the cost is included in your Accreditation fee) by calling, faxing or e-mailing your contact information and choice of display item to:

e-mail: business@raleigh.bbb.orgfax: 919.277.4221

phone: 919.277.4217

Now Available!

CertificateActual size: 8 1/2” x 11”(includes a light-weight acrylic wall frame)

PlaqueActual size: 5” x 7”

(for wall or desktop)

DecalActual size: 2 3/8” x 3 3/4”

(double-sided window cling)

Proudly display yourBBB Accreditation

Buying a Foreclosed Home?Know the FactsHome prices are falling all across the country, but foreclosures are on the increase. According to Realty.com, an online marketplace for foreclosure properties, more than 1.2 million foreclosures were filed in 2006. And industry experts expect that number to continue to rise in 2007.

Losing a home to foreclosure can be devastating for any family. However, foreclosure property can provide a window of opportunity for those in the market for a house. The Better Business Bureau cautions home buyers who want to take this route to homeownership to do some research and know the facts about purchasing foreclosed homes before venturing into this type of deal.

The BBB offers the following tips:

• Know your options. Home buyers can purchase foreclosed properties through pre-foreclosure which allows you to purchase a house directly from the homeowner before it goes into bank foreclosure; at auctions where you will bid against other interested buyers; or properties that are Real Estate Owned (REO).

• Conduct a “title search.” This process can help you find out whether the property has a second mortgage or lien against it. If it does, you may be responsible for paying off the initial mortgage, any second mortgage loans and any liens on the property before you can take ownership.

• Be aware that if you purchase the house in an auction, you may not be able to look inside the home or conduct a home inspection in advance of the sale. Properties sold at auctions are usually sold “as is.” This can create problems when trying to obtain a mortgage loan.

• Obtain help if you need it. Find a real estate agent that is experienced in foreclosures and check them out with the BBB (www.bbb.org). The BBB offers free reliability reports on more than three million businesses.

• Have your agent check nearby or comparable homes to see if the asking price for a foreclosed home is, in fact, a bargain.

• Foreclosure laws vary from state to state so check the laws in your area by contacting your county clerk’s office.

Page 6 | BBB of Eastern North Carolina

THE NuMB3RS

> ACTIvITY Report General Inquiries and Company

Report Requests .......................................................42,903

Reports Accessed from Web site .........................41,907

Members Receiving eQuotes .........................................129

Complaints Opened.......................................................... 546

Complaints Closed ............................................................ 596

Complaints Resolved ................................................70.54%

> ToP 10 Inquiries Home Builders ...................................................................1,370

Real Estate ...........................................................................1,029

Home Improvements/Room Additions ....................819

Heating and Air Conditioning ...................................... 780

Mortgages ................................................................................721

Auto Dealers–New Cars ....................................................716

Plumbing Contractors .....................................................690

Roofing Contractors ......................................................... 665

Auto Dealers–Used Cars ................................................ 620

Auto Repair and Service .................................................558

> ToP 10 Complaints Cellular Telephone Service ................................................ 19

Computers-Wholesale and Manufacturers ............... 18

Auto Repair and Service .....................................................15

Auto Dealers–New Cars .......................................................13

Auto Dealers–Used Cars .....................................................13

Health Clubs ...............................................................................12

Furniture–Retail....................................................................... 10

Investment Consultants for Home Buying ................ 10

Television–Cable, CATV and Satellite .......................... 10

Apartments .................................................................................9

November 2007

Start With TrustSM | Page 3

United Restaurant Equipment Corp. (1988)W.H. Colson Securities, Inc. (1992)West German Garage, Inc. (1991)Whites Opticians, LLC (1989)Yang Enterprises Co. (1988)Young Homes, Inc. (1992)

Over 10 YEARS!A B Control, Inc. (1997)A Southern Season, Inc. (1995)A-1 House Inspectors, Inc. (1993)ABC Supply Co, Inc. (1997)Accurate Transmission Center (1994)Aldridge, Inc. (1995)Allgood Construction Co, Inc. (1997)Alliance Associates, Inc. (1993)Allied Security of Jacksonville, Inc. (1995)Amerlink Ltd. (1997)Andy Andrews Agency, Inc. (1995)ARCO Restoration, Inc. (1995)Armstrong Relocation Co., Inc. (1996)Artisan Irrigation Inc. (1997)Auto Shape Collision Center (1993)B & C Xterior Cleaning Service, Inc. (1993)B-Dry Waterproofing System Southeast (1993)Bartimac Concrete Service (1997)Basic Cable Works, Inc. (1997)Batey’s Carpets, Inc. (1993)Bayer CropScience LP (1993)BD’s Hardwood Floors, Inc. (1997)Beasley & Jones Woodworks, Inc. (1993)Beatty’s Plumbing Company, LLC (1996)Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (1993)Bell Leadership (1993)Beltline Financial Services (1997)Bill Clark Homes of Raleigh, LLC (1994)Blackstone Building Contractors, LLC (1997)Blum Services, Inc. (1995)Boyette Enterprises Inc. (1997)Brafford Tree Service, Inc. (1994)Brame Specialty Products, Inc. (1997)Braswell Construction Co, Inc. (1997)Brink’s Home Security, Inc. (1994)Broadreach, Inc. (1997)Brown’s Builders Supply, Inc. (1995)Brynn-Marr Body Shop, Inc. (1995)Camp Canine, Inc. (1997)Cardens Body & Paint Services, Inc. (1996)Carolantic Realty, Inc. (1994)Carolina Heating & AC of Pitt Cnty (1996)Carolina Home Exteriors, LLC (1997)Carolina Maids, Inc. (1997)Carteret County Chamber of Commerce (1997)Caudle Sand & Rock Co., Inc. (1994)Chamblee, Inc. (1997)Chevrolet-Cadillac of Goldsboro (1997)Cimarron Capital, Inc. (1993)Clear-Vue Glass Service of Durham, Inc. (1994)Clegg’s Termite & Pest Control, Inc. (1994)Coastal Mortgage Services, Inc. (1994)Comfort Engineers, Inc. (1993)Comfort Homes, Inc. (1997)Comfort Master, Inc. (1995)Consolidated Roofing Systems, Inc. (1993)Construction Services Contractor, Inc. (1993)Corporate Investors Mortgage Group, Inc. (1997)CPI Security Systems, Inc. (1995)Creekraft Cultured Marble Products (1995)Crew Insurance Agency (1995)Crown Automobile of Chapel Hill (1993)Crown Travel & Cruises, Inc. (1993)Cunningham Collision Center, Inc. (1996)

Cutchins Plumbing, Inc. (1993)D & J Automotive LLC (1997)Dave’s Carpet Care (1994)Davenport Exteriors (1995)David A. Lemert Construction, Inc. (1997)Deluxe Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning (1995)Diamond Builders, Inc. (1995)Diamond Contracting, Inc. (1993)DNS Construction Co., Inc. (1997)Don C. Christian Co., Inc. (1996)Donald Lowery Tree Service, Inc. (1997)Duraleigh Electric Service Co. (1997)Econ Developers, Inc. (1995)Ed Banks Flooring Contractor, Inc. (1993)Edwards Pro Clean (1997)Efficiency Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. (1995)Energy Savers Windows & Door, Inc. (1996)Facilico (1997)Fairview Greenhouses, Inc. (1993)Farmville Chamber of Commerce (1997)FarPoint Technologies, Inc. (1996)Faye’s Tree Service, Inc. (1997)G & C Plumbing & Electrical Supply (1996)G & J Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners, Inc. (1997)G.F. Ferrell & Son (1993)Gardens of The Carolinas, Inc. (1995)Garner T.V. & Appliances, Inc. (1994)Gary’s Autos (1997)Geo-Structural Engineering, Inc. (1996)Global Translation Systems, Inc. (1997)Gold Mine Jewelry Shoppes, Inc. (1995)Hicks VW Service (1994)Home Builders Association of Raleigh - Wake County (1997)Homesitters Of Raleigh (1997)Housetop Roofing & Home Improvements (1994)Huff’s Roofing Co, Inc. (1996)HWM Office Environments, Inc. (1993)Insurance Professionals, Inc. (1993)Ivey Mechanical Co. LLC (1997)James S. Wilcox (1996)Jay’s Lawn & Landscape Co, LLC (1997)Jerry Lawrence General Contractor, Inc. (1995)Jim Henry Builders, Inc. (1993)John Casablancas Modeling & Career Center (1996)John Tripps Garage (1995)Johnny Watson Builders, Inc. (1997)Kelly & West Attorneys (1994)Kiefer Landscaping, Inc. (1997)King Construction/JM Enterprises, Inc. (1997)Kittinger, Cheney & Holt CPA’s, PA (1997)Kurt A. McKissick, DDS, PA (1997)Larry Bissette, Inc. (1997)Larry Estes Body Shop, Inc. (1997)Laurdane Associates (1997)Lee Chevrolet-Pontiac-Buick (1997)Leisure Landscapes, Inc. (1997)Lejeune Honda Cars (1994)Level Construction, Inc. (1997)Linda Dickerson Interiors, Inc. (1993)Lindsley Waterproofing, Inc. (1997)Lisbon Concrete Corp. (1997)M. Hill’s Electrical Contractors, Inc. (1997)Macon M. Singletary, DDS, MS (1997)Maggies Mom Pet Care (1995)Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (1995)Matthews Motors (1995)Matthews Moving Systems, Inc. (1995)McCall Brothers, Inc. (1994)McElheney Homes, Inc. (1993)Mellott Trucking & Supply Co, Inc. (1994)Mitchell Concrete Products, Inc. (1993)Mitchell’s Car Phones, Inc. (1996)Mohamed & Lippitt Urology Center, PA (1997)

N.W. Poole Well & Pump Co. (1997)Nancy Cabe Tours (1997)Neuse Blvd. Amoco Service, Inc. (1996)New Bern Fabric Center (1996)Noah’s Ark Kennel & Cattery, Inc. (1997)North Eastern Carolina Home Services Inc. (1993)North Raleigh Law Group, PA (1997)Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (1997)Overhead Door Company of Raleigh, Inc. (1997)Paper Stock Dealers, Inc. (1997)Parker’s Furniture Store (1995)Parrish Realty Company of Zebulon, Inc. (1993)Perennial Mortgage Group, Inc. (1997)Performance Auto Mall (1995)Pest & Termite Consultants, Inc. (1997)Pete’s Auto Body Shop, Inc. (1993)Physicians Nutrition International, Inc. (1996)Pindell-Wilson Property Management Co. (1993)Piney Green Tire & Auto, Inc. (1995)Plaza Dry Cleaners, Inc. (1993)Price’s Paint & Body Shop LLC (1994)Prices Auto Parts LLC (1994)Professional Mail Services, Inc. (1997)Pulte Homes, Inc. (1997)Quality Plus Automotive Service, Inc. (1993)Raleigh Bartending School (1997)Ram Jack Foundation Repair Systems (1993)Recreational Ventures, Inc. (1993)Reece Pump Service, Inc. (1997)Retirement Plan Services, Inc. (1997)Robert Reilly (1997)S.A. Johnson Interiors (1997)Sasser Kraft Kitchen & Bath, Inc. (1997)Scott Lee Homes, Inc. (1997)Scro’s Roofing (1997)Shaw Sanitation Services, Inc. (1993)Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. (1993)Small Business Systems (1997)Smithfield Chevrolet Jeep (1997)Southern Piping Company (1993)Sparkkles Restoration (1997)Speight’s Auto Service, Inc. (1997)Stallings Septic Services (1993)Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaner (1997)State National Training Service, Inc. (1997)Steve’s Auto Repair (1994)SunTrust Banks, Inc. (1995)SyTec Business Solutions, Inc. (1997)T- Hoff, Inc. (1994)Tarheel Canine Training, Inc. (1997)Tarheel Painting & Maintenance, Inc. (1993)Taylors Carpets, Inc. (1996)The Capital Planning Group, Inc. (1997)The Original Mattress Factory (1997)Timberline Land Co. (1997)Timberlyne Animal Clinic (1996)Topside Construction, Inc. (1995)Total Comfort Heating & AC, Inc. (1995)Trans Global Communications, Inc. (1996)Triangle Collision (1995)Triangle Home Services, Inc. (1996)Triangle OB-GYN, PA (1993)Triangle Office Equipment, Inc. (1996)Triangle Spectrum Painting (1994)Trugreen/Chemlawn (1997)Vacuum Cleaner Hospital (1995)W.D. Osborne Construction Co., Inc. (1995)W.L. Brantley Plumbing, Inc. (1993)Wake Paint & Decorating, Inc. (1993)Weather Master Heating & AC Co. (1995)Wesco, Inc. (1996)Woodcrest Heating & Cooling Co., Inc. (1995)Y & J Furniture Company, Inc. (1997)Young’s Tree Service, Inc. (1997)

10+ YEARS!

Page 2 | BBB of Eastern North Carolina

Over 30 YEARS!Aluminum Co of NC Inc. (1974)Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. (1974)Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (1974)Durham Chamber of Commerce (1974)Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce (1974)L.D. Swain & Son, Inc. (1976)Mechanics & Farmers Bank (1975)Pioneer Exteriors (1974)Triangle Personnel Service of Raleigh, Inc. (1974)

Over 25 YEARS!Burrage Music Co, Inc. (1981)Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce (1980)Chapel Hill Printing & Graphics (1981)Chatham County United Chamber of Commerce (1980)Coastal Federal Credit Union (1981)Dickerson Fence Co., Inc. (1981)Doug Sutton Insurance Services (1980)East Franklin Car Care (1981)Fargo-Hanna LTD (1982)Garner Chamber of Commerce (1980)Granville County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (1980)Henderson Chamber of Commerce (1980)Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce (1980)Knightdale Chamber of Commerce (1980)Lighting, Inc. (1978)Morts, Inc. (1980)New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce (1980)Oak Grove Memorial Gardens (1980)Terry’s Floor Fashions, Inc. (1980)Wagners Auto Salvage, Inc. (1981)Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce (1980)Whitley Galleries (1982)Wilson’s Lawn & Garden Center (1981)

Over 20 YEARS!The American Biographical Institute Inc. (1985)Bitting Electric, Inc. (1986)Brown Brothers Body Works Inc. (1986)Carolina Pools, Inc. (1987)Charles Boyd Chevrolet Pontiac Cadillac Buick GMC, Inc. (1986)Clayton Chamber of Commerce (1984)Eastern Courier Corp. (1985)Employment Law Research, Inc. (1986)Firestone Tire & Service Centers (1987)Glover Printing, Inc. (1985)Hare Pipeline Construction, Inc. (1985)Insulating, Inc. (1986)James Finch Chevrolet, Inc. (1986)Joe Ray’s, Inc. (1986)Joseph C. Woodard Company, Inc. (1986)Kornegay Septic Tank (1986)Liverman Machine Shop, Inc. (1986)Marshall’s Locksmith Services, Inc. (1985)Morgan Motors, Inc. (1984)Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce (1984)National Scale & Equipment Co., Inc. (1985)Quickill Pest Services, Inc. (1985)Ray Price Harley Davidson, Inc. (1984)Smith Debnam Narron Wyche Saintsing & Myers, LLP (1985)Tech Electric Corporation (1985)

The Water Specialist, Inc. (1983)Tri-Arc Food Systems, Inc. (1983)Troy Wheeler Honda Car Service (1986)W.B. Porter and Company, Inc. (1986)

Over 15 YEARS!AAA Louvers, Inc. (1991)Act Electric, Inc. (1992)Al’s Garage, Inc. (1991)Anderson Homes, Inc. (1991)Archadeck of Raleigh Durham (1989)Armadale Farm Kennel, Inc. (1992)Armstrong Grocery Company (1989)B & B Paving Co, Inc. (1992)BASF Corp. (1990)Bill McDonald Insurance (1989)Brookwood Veterinary Clinic, PA (1991)Brown & Wood Jeep Mazda (1992)Brown Brothers Plumbing & Heating Co Inc. (1990)

Budget Courier Service, Inc. (1991)Bunn Communications, Inc. (1988)Busse’s Lock Service (1992)C & J Carpet Center Inc. (1992)C.R.T.S., Inc. (1992)Carolina Mudcats (1991)Carolina Windows & Doors, Inc. (1992)Carpenters, Inc. (1989)Central Chevrolet - Buick (1992)Clayton Contractors, Inc. (1990)Craige Motor Company of Durham, Inc. (1992)Crossroads European Automotive, Inc. (1992)Crossroads Ford, Inc. (1990)D & E Quality Service, Inc. (1991)David O’Neal Automotive Group (1992)Delbridge Construction Co, Inc. (1991)Don Ellington Sound Service (1989)Drucker & Falk, LLC (1990)Dunn-Benson Ford (1991)ECPI College of Technology - Raleigh (1990)Eno Animal Hospital (1988)EPM Lawn Care (1992)Ernie Lee Service Center, LLC (1989)Financial Analysts, Inc. (1992)First Class Automotive Inc. (1991)Fred Astaire Dance Studio (1989)Frye Exterminating Co, Inc. (1990)Glass Doctor (1992)Greenville Contractors, Inc. (1989)Greenville Toyota / Scion (1992)H. Stadiem, Inc. (1988)Hearne Automotive, Inc. (1989)Hilliard Construction Co Inc. (1991)Ida A. Terbet, Realtor (1990)Janko Import Cars Repair & Sale Inc. (1991)Johnny’s Auto & Marine Electric Service (1992)Jollys, Inc. (1992)Kingsford Home Improvements, Inc. (1990)Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce (1990)Krystyna’s Tailor Shop (1991)Kurtis Chevrolet, Inc. (1989)Lee Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (1991)Lennar Carolina, Inc. (1991)Lockamy Auto Sales, Inc. (1992)M & H Appliance Sales & Service (1989)Michael Jordan Nissan (1992)Mike’s Transmission Service, Inc. (1992)Mini City Auto Body, Inc. (1988)Mitchell’s Academy (1989)Modern Service (1992)Montlawn Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations (1992)Network Direct, Inc. (1992)Nu-Tech Paving Company, Inc. (1992)Overton’s, Inc. (1989)Passport Motors, Inc. (1990)Patio Enclosures Inc. of Raleigh (1989)Power Equipment Plus, Inc. (1992)Prestige Imports (1990)Professional Carpet Systems (1990)Quality Residential Inspections, Inc. (1989)Regional Waterproofing Co., Inc. (1989)Rising Sun Pools, Inc. (1991)Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce (1990)S.G. Wilkerson & Sons, Inc. (1989)Sawyer Termite & Pest Control Specialists Inc. (1992)Shuler Electric, Inc. (1992)Spring Break Travel, Inc. (1989)Tarheel Wood Treating Co (1992)The Fine Line Painting Co., Inc. (1992)The Persian Carpet, Inc. (1991)Tom Buzzard Co. (1992)Triangle Auto Sales, Inc. (1989)

The BBB would like to

honor our Accredited

Businesses who, for

over 10 years, have

continuted to renew

their commitment to

support our mission

to be the leader in

advancing marketplace

trust. Thank you!

AccreditedBusinesses

Recognition

25+ YEARS!

30+ YEARS!

15+ YEARS!

20+ YEARS!

Start With TrustSM | Page 7

we wish to recognize the following firms and express to them

our sincere appreciation for their decision to support the BBB’s

principles and activities in the interest of self-regulation and

our free enterprise system:

Adams Homes AeC, llC ....................................................................RaleighAmmons General Carpentry ............................................................RaleighAtHomeInRaleigh.com ........................................................................RaleighAvent-Permenter Group, Inc. ...........................................................ClaytonBall Construction ..................................................................................BahamaBaxter Johnson Contracting, Inc. ..................................................RaleighBBH Design, PllC .................................................................................RaleighBraxton Septic Tank Service .....................................................VanceboroCahoon Farms, Inc. .......................................................................... ArapahoeCarafe wineMakers ..............................................................................RaleighCarolina Portable Storage, llC ......................................................RaleighCenter For employment Training .................................................DurhamChapel Hill Taxi ......................................................................................DurhamChapel Hill Tire .................................................................................Chapel HillCoastal Therapeutic Services, Inc. .......................................WashingtonCremation Marketing Systems, Inc. ..............................................RaleighCustom Building & Remodeling, llC ...........................................RaleighCustom Renovations, Inc. ..................................................................RaleighDean Adams Construction, Inc. .................................................New BernDelphi Healthcare Partners, Inc. ................................................MorrisvilleDoug walters Construction, llC .............................................Chapel HillDr. 2 Shoes, Inc. ........................................................................... HillsboroughDryer vent wizard of Northeast North Carolina ....................TarboroField of Dreams Centre for the Performing Arts, Inc. ..........RaleighFor Patients, Inc. ...................................................................................DurhamFussell Salvage ................................................................................. La GrangeGlenwood village exxon ....................................................................RaleighGreat State Mortgage, llC ...............................................................RaleighHammerhead Building, llC........................................................Chapel HillHeritage Kitchen & Bath, llC ................................................Wake ForestHome Assist, llC ..................................................................................DurhamHomeTrends .................................................................................Rocky Mount

Jordan’s Heating & Cooling Services ......................................LouisburgKaye’s Beauty Supply ..........................................................................ClaytonKingston Cavaliers ................................................................................Kinstonlaw office of Stephanie J. Brown .................................................Raleighlemon Grass Thai Restaurant, llC ...............................................Raleighleuver Construction, llC ..................................................................RaleighMcCotters Marina & Boatyard, Inc. .......................................WashingtonMcKinney Painting ...............................................................................DurhamMike Hines Roofing & Construction ..................................Rocky MountMosley Construction Company..................................................GreenvilleNew Dawn Homes, Inc. ..................................................................New BernNorth Carolina Specialty Hospital, llC .....................................DurhamPrep-Rite Painting Corp. ..........................................................................CaryQuality Custom Painting, llC .........................................................RaleighQuintall Development, Inc. ..............................................................DurhamResponse Transportation Service ................................................... GarnerRiverfront Builders, llC ................................................................New BernShady wagon Farm .............................................................................New HillShearline Boatworks, llC ..................................................Morehead CitySilverCrest Homes Nur onvural, llC .................................................CarySoutheastern Mortgage Corporation ...........................................RaleighSpecial events Catering, Inc. .......................................................RichlandsState Farm Insurance .................................................................Wake ForestStrategic Sales Growth, Inc. ...................................................................CaryT & N Contractors, Inc. .....................................................................HavelockTerry’s Collision & Repair Center ...............................................BeulavilleThe Digital Cherub ...........................................................................New BernThe Home Pros of North Carolina, Inc. ...........................Holly SpringsThe Painting Xperts, Inc. .........................................................................ApexTwB enterprises, llC .........................................................................Raleighwell Built Quality Construction Company .............................Nashville

Newly ACCReDITeD BuSINeSSeS

The BBB is inviting all Accredited Businesses (especially newly

Accredited Businesses) to drop by for a cup of coffee and a tour of

the office. This will give you a chance to meet the staff, talk to other

BBB Accredited Businesses, and learn how to get the most out of your

BBB Accreditation. These informal gatherings are held monthly. The

next drop-ins are from 8-9am on the following wednesday mornings:

January 16 & February 20. All Accredited Businesses are welcome!

R.S.V.P. 919-277-4208. Please come take a tour of your BBB office!

Accredited Businesses Coffees

Start With TrustSM | Page 1Page 8 | BBB of Eastern North Carolina

In This Issue:

> BBB Accredited Businesses Recognition ..................2

> Consumer Alerts .........4

> The BBB is the Marketplace Sage .......5

> BBB Displays Now Available ........................5

> The Numbers ...............6

> Buying a Foreclosed Home? ............................6

> Newly Accredited Businesses ....................7

> Accredited Busiinesses Coffees ...........................7

> Businesses Benefit by Heading back to School ............................8

Leaders In ResolveBBB DISPuTe ReSoluTIoN - START wITHTHe BBB wHeN You HAve A PRoBleM

BusinessesBenefit by Heading Back to School

A new school semester is just around the corner. This is good news for a business owner, as colleges and

universities are a superb resource for finding part-time workers, for professional development, and for networking.

The BBB has advice on how you can work together with local colleges to help build your company and expand your expertise.

Business Consulting – Many business school departments actively work with local businesses to help develop specialized plans, models and marketing campaigns. In many cases a whole class

will work together under the guidance of the professor on researching and creating a plan to help your business succeed.

Graphic Design – If you need help with creating a logo or designing a new ad or Web site, the graphic design department is a great place to start. Professors are always looking for real-life opportunities for their students to work with clients. Not only will you get many great design options, but you’ll get them much cheaper than you could from a graphic design firm.

Campus Clubs – Aside from working with professors and their classes, there are also many student clubs that focus on business issues who would be willing to partner with local businesses. While the clubs might lack the supervision of a professor, the members might have more dedication and interest in business.

Take a class – Taking a refresher college course can help you stay on top of emerging trends and business theories. Business schools offer many highly specialized classes, so peruse the course catalog for offerings that could have the most impact on how you do business. You can often pay per-credit which, in many cases, is tax deductible.

Sit in on a lecture – Colleges often have industry leaders as guest speakers on campus to share their stories of success and offer students advice for getting ahead in business. Guest lectures are often open to the public and provide you a great opportunity to glean advice and potentially meet with influential business leaders.

Give a lecture – As a local business leader, you have a lot of knowledge that you can share with students to help them become successful in their careers. Your “real world” experiences can personalize much of what their textbooks are telling them, making the information more relevant and useful.

Not only that, you’ll get to meet many students, and this exposure could provide you with a good source of interns or new employees come spring.

Job Fairs – If you’re scouting for fresh young talent, college job fairs are a good place to start. Potentially, you’ll find a lot of diamonds in the rough that could use a little polishing, but, job fairs are a quick and easy way to bring attention to your company and discover new talent.

At the BBB, we think we’re both un-intimidating and helpful. We are devoted to helping businesses feel comfortable and secure when seeking advice on handling a dispute. Our ardent staff has a pas-

sion for helping your business and serving our community.

We help you resolve customer complaints in a fair, fast and equitable manner. We are here to answer any questions you have about our dispute resolu-tion services and to help you improve your con-nection to your customers and sustain the trust that has been built.

Handling disputes is a process that really high-lights the concept of “BBB Accredited Business” as an honor and an elite circle of businesses. In most cases it’s not the volume of complaints that speak to the company’s character, but how the company handles those complaints.

Let’s face it, each and every complaint addressed by the BBB is an indicator of how a company may or may not have delivered on its promises. In effect, complaints serve as one indicator of trust – providing insight into a company’s character and competence.

For example, if a Yellow Page advertisement for

an auto service shop says “We’re Your Transmis-sion Experts” and the customer drives away with continued transmission problems, the promise may have been broken – issues of character and

competence. How the company handles any complaints further reinforces the issues of character and competence, ei-ther positively or negatively, in the mind of the consumer.

Many times, who do customers turn to for help with complaints? The BBB.

We want businesses to do the same. Don’t be shy about turning to us to deliver on our promises. The BBB is the trusted expert. The BBB will help. The BBB will bring the issues to your atten-tion in a respectful, neutral manner. The BBB will be fair.

We welcome the opportunity for you to use our dispute resolution services as

a distinct benefit for your commitment as a BBB Accredited Business. We help resolve buyer/seller disputes by using conciliation, mediation, and arbitration, as appropriate.

• Conciliation: BBB staff builds a bridge for the customer and business to communicate neutral-ly with each other so the issue can be resolved informally.

• Mediation: A professionally trained mediator meets with the parties and guides them in work-ing out their own mutually agreeable solutions.

• Arbitration: The parties state their views at an arbitration hearing, offer evidence, and let an impartial third party from the BBB’s pool of certified arbitrators make a decision to end the dispute.

The BBB draws upon the vast experience of our unbiased and objective arbitrators, mediators, and staff to resolve your disputes. We look forward to working with you to ensure customer satisfaction on many levels – not just resolution services!

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Businessline (USPS No. 371-230) ispublished monthly by the BBB of

Eastern North Carolina, Inc.

Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC POSTMASTER - send address changes to:

BBB of eastern North Carolina5540 Munford Rd., Ste. 130

Raleigh, NC 27612-2655

Members Line: 919-277-4208 Raleigh: 919-277-4222 Durham: 919-688-6143 Chapel Hill: 919-967-0296 Other: 800-222-0950 AutoLine: 800-955-5100 Fax: 919-277-4221 Web site: bbb.org

Beverly D. Baskin – President/EditorThérèse Wright – Design & Production

Annual subscription is $15. Reproduction only by permission and attribution.

For Accreditation Standards, Programs, and Additional Resources, go to bbb.org

A publication of The Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina December 2007

Businessline