ARCC 2008 Professional Business of the Year Award:
Whittemore, Dowen & Ricciardelli LLP
Commitment to the Region:
The firm is supportive of local community organizations by providing much time each year for partners and staff to volunteer, fund raise and serve on boards of directors for Crandall Public Library, Rotary, Lions Club, World Awareness Children’s Museum, Kiwanis and U.S.A. Dance.
Staying Power:
WDR formed in April 2006 as the result of the merger of two long-standing CPA firms: Edwards, Williams, McManus & Ricciardelli, PC (established 1968); and Whittemore, Dowen & Kilburn, LLP (founded 1994).
Their approach to diversity involves hiring and promoting staff from various backgrounds. They are one of the few, and first, CPA firms in the area to welcome a woman partner in 1979. WDR currently boasts 30 staff, including five partners and 19 CPAs, and 2,000 clients. Future plans call for expanding into Saratoga.
Work Place Innovation:
Staff enjoys flexible work schedules due to their web-based technology. The firm provides all continuing education costs within the accounting profession.
WDR believe strongly in the environment and technology. They recycle and use paperless computer programs for both audits and taxes, plus additional services wherever possible.
Chamber Involvement:
A staff person recently graduated from the Leadership Adirondack Program, and partner Phil Whittemore served on the ARCC Board of Directors and as Treasurer for many years.
