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 Zinner & Co. was recently named an honoree of the 2016 Business Longevity Award by Smart Business Magazine. The firm, established in Cleveland in 1938 by Harry Zinner, is led by Managing Partner Robin Baum and partners Susan Krantz, Howard Kass, Gabe Adler and Brett Neate. 

The award will be presented at an August 4th ceremony and will recognize Zinner & Co. in addition to only 44 other regional companies with at least 50 years in business. Honorees must have demonstrated their ability to adapt and evolve with changing times.

"We are thrilled to be named an award honoree and to share the distinction with such a prestigious group of companies," said Robin Baum, CPA, Managing Partner. Our approach to business growth and sustainability mirrors the same principles that we use when advising our clients; work strategically, with integrity, while never losing sight of the clients’ needs.”

The firm has evolved over the decades, becoming a true business partner that provides services beyond tax and accounting work. Specialty niche service areas not only span a variety of industries including real estate, manufacturing, professional services and not-for-profit, but also provide operational services including management consultancy, outsourced business services and planning and preparation for companies from start-up through succession.  

This visionary method to business is part of what keeps the Beachwood-based firm on its successful track; the other part is the culture of giving, a tenet shared among all employees. Employees are active members of the region, whether serving on boards, volunteering, donating their time or talent, or spearheading a cause. “We believe growing our community is just as important as growing our business,” added Baum.

A Smart Business Magazine judging panel reviewed submitted essay's describing how companies remained viable over the decades and selected the recipients. 

As the exclusive licensed provider in Cuyahoga County, Zinner & Co. recently presented the Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) course to area professionals working in or with the not-for-profit industry. 

The program was made possible by Partner Sue Krantz, who is a member of the Executive Committee of Nonprofit CPAs through The Rainmaker Alliance, a national association management company for accounting firms. 

CNAP, the only nationally recognized certification program for nonprofit accounting professionals, earns high accolades from graduates for its comprehensive curriculum and is recognized as the gold standard training for nonprofit financial professionals. Participants attended the multi-day course followed by a comprehensive exam. Upon passing, the attendee is awarded the CNAP designation. 

Zinner & Co. has held steady to many founding principles. The integrity of the firm is supported by a long-held belief to not only to show community support through fundraising events and company sponsorships, but also from a boots-on-the-ground approach. 

Recently, employers were asked which part of the ACA they most want to see changed. And in what’s likely to be a surprise to many, the No. 1 answer wasn’t the employer mandate. 

While the logo colors of Zinner & Co. are blue and silver 51 weeks of the year, purple was the weeklong preference from March 21- 26. Purple Day is an annual international celebration to create awareness and support for epilepsy and related seizure disorders. What began as a small initiative in 2008 by a young girl in Nova Scotia is now supported annually on March 26^th by people in countries around the world.

“We are thrilled to participate in this annual event. In addition to our deep-rooted spirit of philanthropy, we also work to help others outside the firm learn about and better understand this chronic disorder,” said Partner Sue Krantz, CPA. 

Epilepsy affects about 2.3 million adults and 467,000 children 0-17 years of age in the United States, more than Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy combined. Of the major chronic medical conditions, epilepsy is among the least understood even though 1 in 3 adults knows someone with the disorder.

“Employees have been very creative with their show of support.
In addition to the office adorned with purple flowers and decorations, many made a donation to wear purple clothing throughout the week; some went as far as having purple nail polish, purple glasses and purple tennis shoes,” Krantz added.

"Our Firm  brought in lunch from California Pizza Kitchen on the day where they donated a portion of their sales back to the Epilepsy Association." The week concluded with a purple-themed basket raffle and purple snacks and treats. 

Published in OSCPA Takeaways, Mar. 10, 2016
By Jennifer Rieman, CAE, manager, public relations

During a recent year-end Firm address, Managing Partner Robin Baum announced the appointment of Brett W. Neate, CPA, M.Tax, to Partner and the promotions of several of the Firms professional staff: