11 nominated for BBB Torch Awards

One hundred years ago, against a backdrop of misleading advertising, questionable products and yes, even rampant chicanery, the organization now known as the Better Business Bureau was born.

Samuel Dobbs, who would later become president of The Coca-Cola Co., started a campaign in 1909 on behalf of higher ethical standards in advertising. By 1911, his campaign had become a crusade for the Associated Advertising Clubs of America, the forerunner to the American Advertising Federation. In 1912, a National Vigilance Committee was formed to focus on regional and national advertising and became known as the National Better Business Bureau of the Associated…