I had an opportunity to go on Small Business Advice radio with Caz Taylor and Ruben Garcia, District Director of the Small Business Administration. We talked about the business trends we’ve seen this past year and what we felt businesses could expect in 2011. It was interesting that there are some correlations between the BBB and the SBA that are leading us to the same conclusions.

These conversations always remind me of the importance of trust in the relationship between the buyer and the seller. The breakdown of trust in major industry in the past few years has certainly brought an unprecedented level of visibility to the work of the BBB. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve our community with a mission to connect consumers to trustworthy businesses, and shine a blinding spotlight on those bad apples who care more about taking your money than taking care of you. When spending your money this holiday season, be ever vigilant.