San Angelo’s Better Business Bureau Remains With International BBB After Lawsuit

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Better Business Bureau of San Angelo remains a member in good standing of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus after the international organization rescinded its attempted expulsion following a court-issued temporary restraining order this week.

The Better Business Bureau of San Angelo announced July 9 that the International Association of Better Business Bureaus withdrew the expulsion after the local organization filed a lawsuit alleging the action violated the association's bylaws and membership agreement.

"We're sorry it took a lawsuit, but we're glad the IABBB has agreed that the San Angelo Better Business Bureau can continue to serve our members and the local community," Executive Director Becky Kuykendall said in a statement.

The lawsuit, filed May 22 in Tom Green County District Court, alleged the international association failed to follow required procedures before attempting to expel the San Angelo bureau.

According to the petition, the international association notified the San Angelo bureau of its expulsion in an April 6 letter. The lawsuit contended the organization did not comply with mandatory procedures outlined in its bylaws and licensing agreement, including providing proper notice, an opportunity to address concerns, an investigation by a special committee, a hearing and a meaningful appeal before finalizing the decision.

The San Angelo bureau said it appealed the expulsion April 20, but the appeal was rejected May 4. The lawsuit also alleges the international association exceeded its contractual authority by seeking to take control of the local organization and imposing restrictions beyond the terms of the agreement.

The local bureau argued it would suffer irreparable harm if expelled because it would lose the ability to use the Better Business Bureau name while serving businesses and consumers in the Concho Valley.

Following the court's temporary restraining order, the international association rescinded the expulsion, according to the San Angelo bureau.

The Better Business Bureau of San Angelo said it continued serving consumers and accredited businesses throughout the dispute and will continue its operations. The nonprofit, which has operated for 46 years, says it serves 649 dues-paying members in the Concho Valley.