Chattanooga area Better Business Bureau president and CEO Jim Winsett is retiring after 18 years of service.
During Winsett’s tenure, the BBB has grown dramatically in the 11 counties in Southeast Tennessee and 10 counties in Northwest Georgia the local BBB serves, the organization says.
Also, demand from consumers and requests for information on businesses has grown from 14,523 in 2003 to 978,628 in 2020. Due to the increase, the BBB opened a Cleveland office in 2016.
Early in Winsett’s career, he spearheaded the development of a business recognition and student scholarship program. The Annual BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics awards companies in the service area that exhibit the highest levels of integrity and service.
Nominations are taken throughout the year from consumers. A panel of community leaders judges the competition.
The BBB’s Student of Integrity scholarship program partners with community businesses for the scholarships and has awarded $171,000 over the last 17 years.
Additionally, the local BBB has hosted an annual Protect Your ID shred event for the last 15 years.
Current board of directors chairman Mike Webb of Webb Financial Consultants says, “Jim has been the flagbearer of honesty and integrity in our regional marketplace. With his retirement, he will be leaving an exceptional legacy that will challenge all of us to strive for high standards in our lives and businesses.”
While continuing to live in Chattanooga, Winsett says he plans to volunteer, support other nonprofits and travel with his wife, Kathryn.
Source: BBB