The LBMC Family of Companies recently announced the formation of its newest company, LBMC Managed Security Services, LLC. LBMC Managed Security Services will work with clients to provide a highly effective layer of security protection from unauthorized access and sensitive information disclosure through intrusion prevention and detection services.According to LBMC, now more than ever before, clients need peace of mind that their technology infrastructure is secure and safeguarded against would be hackers. Companies often do not have the ability or resources to monitor their systems 24/7.

The Fort Smith, AR-based CPA and wealth management advisory firm of Beall Barclay recently announced the promotions of Brian Hall, CPA, Joshua Parker, and Kartika Hopper, CPA.Hall joined Beall Barclay in 2005 as an in-charge tax accountant. In his new role as a tax manager, he is responsible for providing cost segregation studies, tax planning, research and consulting, and tax return preparation and reviews to the firm’s clients.

It has recently been called to my attention that some dear readers have expressed shock and horror at the amount of alcohol use alluded to in my column. This has caused me to pause and reflect, to reconsider my current alcohol intake. It occurred to me that these readers are correct. I don't drink nearly often enough.After all, without alcoholics like myself, Jesus would not have been nearly as big a hit at parties in Canaan.Now let's turn our attention to today's topic: The Initial Public Offering.

Two of Rochester's major accounting firms, Eldredge, Fox & Porretti, LLP (which does business as EFP Group) and Rotenberg & Co. LLP, have signed a letter of intent to merge. When the merger is finalized, after the accounting industry's busiest season, the combined firm will become the area's second-largest locally owned accounting and business consulting firm, with 67 certified public accountants (CPAs) and 150 employees.

J.H. Cohn LLP, one of the top 20 accounting and consulting firms in the United States, has named Wade McKnight, CPA, office managing partner of its San Diego office. Former office managing partner, Michael Stewart, assumed a senior partner role effective February 1. "Wade's extensive experience serving public and private companies and non-profit organizations, as well as his technical audit expertise, makes him a perfect choice to oversee our San Diego office," said Tom Marino, J.H. Cohn's chief executive officer.

KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, has announced that Kenneth Harvey has joined its International Corporate Services practice as a partner. He will be based in Hong Kong for a three-year assignment.In his new position at KPMG, Harvey will play an important role in strengthening ties between the firm’s U.S. professionals and colleagues with KPMG International's member firms throughout the Asia-Pacific region. "There have been growing opportunities to provide multinational corporations and other inbound U.S.

Jackson, Rolfes, Spurgeon & Co., (JCS) a Cincinnati firm with 50 employees, is expanding its marketing support of the University of Cincinnati Athletics with an interactive clutch performance contest honoring the Bearcat who performs best under pressure."We've been a longtime supporter of UC Athletics and with this contest, we are taking that support to the next level," said Laura B. Turner, the firm's marketing director.The contest is being held in conjunction with radio advertisements on WLW AM 700.

The wealth management team of IGAF Worldwide independent member firm Schneider Downs (Pittsburgh, PA) discovered a fascinating statistic when researching Super Bowl trends and the economy: since the Super Bowl's inception in 1967, the S&P 500 has had an average annual return of nine percent in the years that a team other than the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl.

Joshua Horn has successfully completed the certification process with the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA®) to earn his designation of Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). Josh is employed with Kemper CPA Group, LLP in Champaign, Illinois.