Three local "fun run" races abruptly canceled their events in late July, leaving many participants without refunds of their registration fees. A mud run in Ohio and foam run in the same location in Ohio, organized by two different out-of-state companies, canceled just before their scheduled dates. A third run in California organized by the same company that canceled the Ohio foam run also ceased operations without providing refunds to participants who paid registration fees ranging from $45-75. The organizers of all three canceled races have poor BBB ratings or have been the subject of many complaints from unsatisfied customers.

1. MarketMonitor
the News for Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses
Fun runs have become very popular in recent
years. Wikipedia defines a fun run as “a friendly
race that involves either road running or cross
country running with participants taking part for
their own enjoyment rather than competition.”
They often benefit charities and participants
pay advance registration fees. Despite their
popularity, two 5K races run by out-of-state
businesses have abruptly gone out of business
(continued on page 2)
leaving consumers with little recourse.
A “Dirty Girl Mud Run” scheduled for August 9 at the Southington Offroard Park in Garrettsville,
Ohio, canceled its event in late July and announced it was going out of business. This Wisconsin-
based business received dozens of complaints from registrants who were dissatisfied when
previous races were relocated long distances from the original venue. Human Movement, a
Colorado business, has taken over the assets and will be operating future runs. Registrants for the
Ohio event have been promised refunds.
◊
BBB Serving Greater Cleveland August 2014
INSIDE: B2B Discounts for BBB Accredited Businesses
Popular Ads Questioned By BBB Get Your Ad Seen
BBB’s Celebration Of Integrity Bogus Bill Alert◊
◊
Local “Fun Run” Organizers Abruptly Cease Operations
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Activity Report From
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Reports issued on
companies/charities.................. 726,043
Customer complaints filed...............4,881
Online Accredited Business Directory
listings viewed......................... 5,858,607
bbb.org/cleveland visits............... 699,151
Advertising review cases initiated....... 213
The Short List
Most customers never complain
- but when they do, make it an
opportunity!
Listen carefully and let them
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Ask questions in a caring
and concerned manner.
Put yourself in their
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Apologize without
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Ask “What would be an
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Solve the problem, or
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August 2014
A “5K Foam Fest” event scheduled for July 19 at the same park was also canceled abruptly by its
organizer four days before the event. Participants told Better Business Bureau they paid advance
registration fees to Round House Racing Team ranging from $45 - $75 and cannot get refunds.
Round House Racing Team (Round House) is based in Utah and has an “F” rating with BBB. Another
event scheduled for July 19 in California was also been canceled. Round House subsequently ceased
operations. If you are considering participating in an event of this nature, BBB advises:
- Check the organizer’s rating at bbb.org and research them online.
- Contact the event venue to confirm the event is scheduled.
- Understand all terms and conditions - especially refund policies.
- Pay fees by credit card in case you need to dispute the charge at a later date.
- If the event is promoted as a charitable fundraiser, determine if any part of registration fees are
considered a charitable donation for tax purposes.
Also, check out the charity at bbb.org to make sure your donation is going to a trustworthy organiza-
tion.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the “BBB’s Celebration of Integrity”.
The event will take place Thursday, December 4th at the Ariel
International Center, a historical building with magnificent
views of the Cleveland skyline and Lake Erie. Keynote
speaker will be Stephen Anthony, special agent in charge
of the FBI’s Cleveland Division. The breakfast event will
honor the BBB Students of Integrity winners and recognize
local business leaders who have championed integrity in the
marketplace. Watch your email and this publication for more details soon!
Local “Fun Run” - Continued From Front
The Beachwood
Chamber of
Commerce
Business-to-
Business (B2B) Show
on Monday, Septem-
ber 29, at the Marri-
ott Cleveland East.
Rocky River Chamber
of Commerce
Business Expo on
Thursday, October 9th
at the Don Umerley Civic
Center.
If you are part of those cham-
bers or just attending the
shows, stop by and see us!
BBB extends its
condolences to
the family and
friends of Jim
Brennan, owner
of Brennan’s
Colony, a BBB
Accredited
Business since
2004.
Your BBB Will Be At Two
Business Shows This
Fall.
®

3. ®
Bogus Bill Alert!
BBB Accredited Business, MetroPet Veterinary Clinic, received an invoice
from American Yellow Corporation for $496 with the notice “LAST
CHANCE TO PROTECT YOUR CREDIT SCORE IN GOOD STANDING.”
The fee was for a listing in an online yellow pages directory at http://
american-yellow-corporation.com. American Yellow Corporation is
located in New York City and has earned an “F” BBB rating as a result of
over 70 complaints from businesses who claim to have never ordered
the listing. Its website was created in September, 2013, and it claims
to be the “Only Publication in the Field of Medical Care.” Hmmm.
American Yellow Corporation has responded to most complaints by
agreeing to remove businesses from its list and dropping all fees. (see
graphic). (This business has no affiliation with YPC Media of Rochester,
NY, a BBB supplier).
Popular Ads Questioned by BBB
Claims made by Blue Brand Pet Food Products (Blue) maker
of Blue Buffalo dog food were challenged by Hill’s Pet Nutrition,
including TV ads that implied big-name dog food companies were
misleading “pet parents” about ingredients in their products. NAD
recommended that the advertiser modify the challenged ads to avoid
any express or implied references to competing manufacturers
“fooling” or otherwise misleading consumers because their products
include meat or chicken by-product meals, stating in part, “...the
advertiser did not provide any evidence that “big name” pet food
manufacturers are actively concealing the truth about the ingredients
in their products.”
Living Essentials Company, the maker of 5-Hour Energy Drink, is being sued
by Oregon, Washington and Vermont for alleged deceptive and misleading
advertising. One of the disputed claims says that the drink provides “hours of
energy now, no crash later.” In 2009, NAD recommended Living Essentials
Company drop that claim since the company’s own research showed that 24% of
consumers did experience a crash. The recommendation was issued as part of a
challenge filed with NAD by Hansen Beverage Company, the manufacturer of
Monster Energy drinks.
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4. The Market Monitor
Better Business Bureau
2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Fl.
Cleveland, OH 44115-2408
The Market Monitor (ISSN 1085-5122). August 2014. Volume 9 No. 4. Published bimonthly in February, April, June, August, October and December by the Better Business Bureau, Inc. 2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Floor, Cleveland,
OH 44115-2408, Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Market Monitor, 2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Fl, Cleveland, OH 44115-2408.
Periodicals Postage Paid
August 2014
BBB Meets With Local Charities
Upcoming BBB Flash Webinars:
Business Advice In A Flash
You can improve your business in just 30 minutes with BBB Flash
Webinars. These FREE webinars succinctly provide valuable ad-
vice on a variety of topics.
BBB invited local charities to a “Happy Hour” event last
month to provide insights into BBB’s Charity Accreditation
program. BBB Board member and VP of Advancement at
OhioGuidestone, Alex Petrus (pictured above), hosted the
meeting. David Weiss, BBB President & CEO (pictured below)
spoke to the group.
Last year, BBB received over 5 million requests for reports on
charities from potential donors. Before you donate - be sure
to go to bbb.org/cleveland to see if the organization meets
our Standards for Charity Accountability.
August 21st @ 9:00 am
Avoid the IT Trap – 3 ways to keep IT from becoming a
distraction to your business’ success
Presented By Cary Root, Root-InfoTech
September 4th @ 9:00 am
The 5 things you need to know before using an employment
agency.
Presented By Sherall Hardy, Quick Employment, LLC.
September 25th @ 9:00 am
10 minutes that could save your business - Why your backups
are inadequate and easy tips to improve them.
Presented By Cary Root, Root-InfoTech
Watch your email for registration information, or go to the
events listings on bbb.org/Cleveland. Missed a webinar? Past
webinars are recorded and available to view at http://bbbtoolbox.
groupsite.com.
Interested in presenting a BBB Flash Webinar? Have questions?
Contact Brigid at 216-623-8964 x 206 or brigid@cleveland.bbb.
org.