It’s always wise to accept invitations to hear what people have to say to each other behind closed doors. So earlier this week over lunch there was a fly on the back wall as a panel of Baker Tilly partners sat in front of about three dozen younger managers, sharing their wisdom about building networks of friends, clients and referral sources. Baker Tilly, a consulting and accounting firm, took a risk even extending this invitation. On the other hand, five minutes in and it was obvious this wasn’t going to be the big reveal of some new strategy. Like a lot of other good business wisdom, much of what the partners had to say was so grounded and practical that it seemed like a close cousin of common sense. The trick to putting this into daily practice, of course, is having the discipline to do it. The Baker Tilly network has a global reach, with about 300 Baker Tilly staffers in the Twin Cities, not quite 250 of them in Minneapolis. That’s big enough for a broadly … [Read more...] about Some ideas to become more successful at networking
Narmin hajiyeva baker tilly
Schafer: Some ideas to become more successful at networking
It's always wise to accept invitations to hear what people have to say to each other behind closed doors. So earlier this week over lunch there was a fly on the back wall as a panel of Baker Tilly partners sat in front of about three dozen younger managers, sharing their wisdom about building networks of friends, clients and referral sources. Baker Tilly, an accounting firm, took a risk even extending this invitation. On the other hand, five minutes in and it was obvious this wasn't going to be the big reveal of some new strategy. Like a lot of other good business wisdom, much of what the partners had to say was so grounded and practical that it seemed like a close cousin of common sense. The trick to putting this into daily practice, of course, is having the discipline to do it. The Baker Tilly network has a global reach, with about 300 Baker Tilly staffers in the Twin Cities, not quite 250 of them in Minneapolis. That's big enough for a broadly diversified practice of accounting and … [Read more...] about Schafer: Some ideas to become more successful at networking
New head of Minn. CPA trade group looks to bolster participation
Rachel Polson, a partner at accounting firm Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, is seeking to rev up participation and membership as the new board chairwoman of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA). Polson, Baker Tilly's software and technology practice leader, said a particular concern is attracting members to MNCPA's Young Professionals Group, for those with less than 10 years as a CPA, and younger people in accounting. MNCPA has some 9,000 members. "There are a lot of committees where they can give back and challenge themselves," Polson said. "That's one part where they would feel valued." Acknowledging the long hours that busy tax seasons mean for public and corporate accountants, Polson issued a call for work-life balance in an article she wrote for the society's magazine. An avid snowmobiler, Polson is pictured on the publication's cover snowmobiling down a wooded trail, enjoying a sport she pursues with her husband and their sons. Polson previously cofounded … [Read more...] about New head of Minn. CPA trade group looks to bolster participation
Business People: Baker Tilly merging with St. Paul’s Springsted
Financial advisory firm Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, with offices in Minneapolis, announced it is merging with Springsted Inc. of St. Paul, which provides public sector financial guidance. The move will add some 200 Springsted employees to Baker Tilly after a transition period. The combined firm’s presence in St. Paul will be maintained. Also involved in the deal is Indianapolis-based accounting firm H.J. Umbaugh and Associates. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. APPAREL Menswear brand Fisher + Baker, Minneapolis, has hired Monica Allen as product developer. ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING HGA announced the following Minneapolis promotions: vice presidents: Krista Biason, Alanna Carter, Rebecca Celis, Erika Eklund and Johanna Harris; associate vice presidents: Amy Braford Whittey, Greg Freeman, Michelle Hammer, Laura Lusson, Nat Madson, Stephanie Nordstrom and Jon Weaver. HGA is based in Minneapolis. … WSB, Golden … [Read more...] about Business People: Baker Tilly merging with St. Paul’s Springsted
Baker Tilly acquiring St. Paul-based Springsted Inc.
Accounting firm Baker Tilly Virchow Krause is acquiring two companies, including St. Paul-based Springsted Inc., to build one of the largest municipal finance advisory firms in the United States. Baker Tilly is a Chicago-based network of accounting firms with 45 offices in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia and more than 3,000 employees. Its Minneapolis office employs 240 people. The firm plans to combine its existing public-service practice with those of Springsted and H.J. Umbaugh and Associates, an Indianapolis firm that Baker Tilly also is acquiring. Terms of the deals were not disclosed. Baker Tilly’s existing public-sector practice group employs 220 associates, primarily in the Midwest, and has about 1,000 government clients nationwide. “The combination will provide an extension of services and talents,” said Vicki Hellenbrand, Baker Tilly partner and public-sector practice leader. “All three firms are in fine financial shape,” … [Read more...] about Baker Tilly acquiring St. Paul-based Springsted Inc.