Conner Ash’s annual community service day was held on June 8th at St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis. SJID is an international leader in listening and spoken language therapy, hearing aid and cochlear impact services. The specialists at SJID work together with families and schools to develop strategies that meet the unique needs of each child. Conner Ash employees spent their afternoon at the school assisting in various essential projects around the campus, ranging from gardening, painting and general office work.
The Raving Fans Committee just rolled out the Conner Ash tote bags which serve as a small “thank you” to our clients. Shawna Harris, Raving Fans Committee chair has been coordinating brown bag lunches to serve as an opportunity to casually talk about opportunities to improve client service by promoting the Raving Fans program. The first brown bag lunch, held June 14th, was a recap of tax season Raving Fans stories, as well as a discussion on gaining efficiencies to meet and exceed client expectation to create Raving Fans. The second brown bag lunch, held July 31st, focused on additional service and cross selling opportunities to assist clients in achieving their overall business and personal financial goals. The committee is also in the process of planning a fall workshop.
Michelle Dowell, Business Services, has resumed the organization of social networking happy hours with law firms Lathrop & Gage LLP and Dana McKitrick PC. These events are focused on helping younger professionals develop relationships that will grow as their careers advance.
After five years as the chair of the social committee, Alicia Drouant will be passing the torch to Emily Joseph. Shawna Harris will also be retiring from the committee. With these changes brings opportunity for new members and new ideas. Alana Bacquette and Dawn Altenthal will be joining the committee.
Conner Ash is pleased to announce Theresa Smith has joined the firm as Firm Administrator. Theresa has over 9 years experience working in public accounting.
Conner Ash is proud to announce three promotions. Alicia Drouant, CPA, ABV has been promoted to principal in the Assurance Services Department. Alicia joined the firm in 2001 and focuses on insurance entities and risk retention pools. In addition Alicia, a recent graduate of the BKR Leadership Institute, uses her skills as a business valuation professional in litigation support, mergers and acquisitions as well as estate and gift tax planning. As part of her new role Alicia will also assume the duties of Chair of the Assurance Services Department.
Shawna Harris Colbert, CPA, CFE is being promoted to manager in the Assurance Services Department. Shawna joined Conner Ash in 2004 and has focused on Not for Profit entities, affordable housing programs and retirement plans. Shawna also is a forensic accountant and uses her niche skills in fraud prevention and detection.
Leilah Shabazaz, CPA is the newest in-charge in the Business Services Department. Leilah interned at Conner Ash starting in 2010 and became full time in 2011. Leilah is becoming the go to person for small business accounting and tax, tax research and payroll reporting.
