ADDRESS: 316 SW Washington St, Corvallis, OR 97333
PHONE: 541-757-1945
WEBSITE: www.asaccounting.com
OWNERS: Ilene Anderton
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 39
WHAT THEY SELL: Accounting services
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Competitive prices for professional services
This locally owned and operated business is run by Ilene Anderton and a staff of professionals who pride themselves on the fact that “No job is too big or too small” for A & S Accounting. They are option-oriented and pleased to greet everyone with a smile.
How did you get started? In 1973 my then next door neighbor wanted to join forces with me to start our own accounting business. Our last names started with an A and an S, but the placement in the phone book was our true motivation for the name of our business.
What are your specialties? We offer a variety of accounting opportunities: full accounting, payroll, taxes, money management for disadvantaged individuals, contracts for companies, and forensic work, just to name a few.
What do you do better than the other accounting companies? A & S tries to keep the costs reasonable, we offer great customer service, and we all really enjoy our work.
How do local independents impact our community? In the past with HP layoffs, those individuals started their own companies in order to stay in the community. A & S played a key part in many of these companies’ ability to focus on their products and services while A & S focused on their accounting needs.
How many people do you employ? We have 8 employees, including 5 licensed tax professionals.
What inspires you about your work? Accuracy. Doing things correctly is a passion for me. I truly enjoy people, talking with people and helping them. That’s why I started the business in the first place.
What has your business done to model sustainability? We’ve replaced all the light fixtures in our office with energy efficient bulbs. Electronic filing saves on paper, and recycling our shredded paper is another sustainable practice.
Are there other ways you contribute to the community? I have been a member of CIBA (Corvallis Independent Business Alliance) from the beginning. I also am an original member of PEERS (Professional, Education, Enhancement, Referral and Support), an all women in business group. My entire family has volunteered to make the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo an annual destination for hundreds of families.
(Interview and article by Debra Hascall – August 12, 2012)
The Local Business of the Week program is designed to help the Corvallis community identify our locally owned independent businesses by featuring one business each week. The program is part of the Buy Local First campaign co-sponsored by the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition and the Community Independent Business Alliance (CIBA).