2023 Year in ReviewTable of Contents 4 5 6 7 MESSAGE FROM KEN WOLFE OUR REBRAND CLIENT SERVICE OUR AWARDS HONORING OUR RETIREES TEAM MEMBER PROMOTIONS IN THE COMMUNITY BROWN PLUS CHARITABLE FUND 10 12 15 18From all of us here at Brown Plus, we wish you a happy, healthy and successful 2024! 4 WWW.BROWNPLUS.COM Retirements A Message from Ken Wolfe Ken Wolfe, CPA, CGMA President and Managing Principal Brown Plus Our Year in Review has always been about reflecting on all that came to pass in the prior year and everything to come in the future. Last year, as I looked forward to 2023, “change” was the word that I used to describe the state of our Firm. As I complete that same reflection for 2024, I naturally think of one of the more significant changes that we’ve made to date: rebranding to Brown Plus. But now, instead of “change,” the word that comes to mind is “possibilities.” Going through the process of our rebrand, we spent a lot of time ensuring that our new brand would truly reflect who we are as a Firm today, as well as encompass our aspirations for the future. That includes our tagline: See What’s Possible. At its roots, See What’s Possible is about helping people, much like our mission. Our mission is to help people achieve extraordinary outcomes, and our new tagline tells you how: by helping people see what’s possible to attain their version of success. We are here to help our clients see what’s possible by providing the clarity they need to make decisions and sharing our knowledge to help find solutions and opportunities. Beyond our clients, we want to help our team members see what’s possible in their careers and in the accounting profession; and help our communities see what’s possible through our philanthropic support and volunteerism. At the end of the day, we want to help. Brown Plus has always been about helping people, and that is something that has not changed and will not change, regardless of external changes. So, as I look to the future, I see the possibilities that lie ahead for us to continue helping our clients, team members and communities. Because Brown Plus means inviting everyone into the equation and collaborating towards the best outcome, and I look forward to what that will bring. WWW.BROWNPLUS.COM 5 Brown Plus: See What’s Possible Effective January 1, 2024, Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz became Brown Plus. As the Firm’s leadership reflected on who we are as a Firm today and our future, a decision was made that we needed to explore a change, something more true to our current state. While foundationally the same, the Firm has changed since our founding in 1990, and we wanted our brand to reflect the progression of the Firm. See What’s Possible CONTINUED FOCUS ON OUR CORE AUDIT AND TAX SERVICES ADVISORY SERVICES AND INFINITE POSSIBILITES After a period of research, involving meeting with clients, team members and community partners to provide feedback integral to the development of the new brand, the name Brown Plus was chosen: “Brown” to honor the roots of the Firm’s founding and speak to the core audit and tax services the Firm provides, “Plus” to represent the Firm’s continued growth to meet the demands of professional services needed by our clients and the region. We look forward to the next chapter and helping people see what’s possible for their success. 6 WWW.BROWNPLUS.COM Dedicated to Service: Our Clients “Hi Lo Auto Sales has been with Brown Plus through several ups and downs in our business. I have total confidence that Ryan Harshman and Wanda Lynn know and care about my business. Their high level of care has allowed us to build a strong client/advisor relationship.” -Bo Cavell, President -Hi Lo Auto Sales “We started with Brown Plus many years ago, and the Firm has been by our side through both our good times and bad times, always guiding us through our next steps. We have developed a great relationship with the Brown Plus team, and I highly recommend them.” -Tammy Arentz, Office Manager -Arentz Hay & Grain Inc. “I cannot speak highly enough about our experience with Brown Plus. We engaged their services to assist us with preparing and delivering over 1,500 K1s for our investors and K1s for multiple funds. They not only ensured that all our K1s were prepared accurately and in a timely manner, but they also provided valuable guidance throughout the process.” -Matt Eby, Chief Financial Officer -Prestige Investment GroupAccounting Firm Awards Employer Awards WWW.BROWNPLUS.COM 7 Celebrating Our Team: Awards & Accomplishments #4 2023 Best Accounting Firm to Work For in the mid-sized category by Accounting Today Named one of the Best HR Teams in America in 2023 by Best Companies Group Named a 2023 Employer of Choice in Maryland by Best Companies Group Brown Plus was ranked the #1 Best Place to Work in PA in the medium-sized company category in 2023 by Central Penn Business Journal. Brown Plus is proud to have been ranked #1 for the past four consecutive years! #1 2023 •Named one of Inside Public Accounting’s Top 300 Firms in 2023 •Ranked one of the largest audit firms of property and casualty insurance clients in the U.S. on AM Best’s list of the Top Audit and Actuarial Firms – 2022 Edition •#3 CPA firm, Central Penn Business Journal, Book of Lists, 2023 •Ranked a top Family-Business Advisor, Central Penn Business Journal, Book of Lists 2023 •Named a Top Regional Firm in the Mid-Atlantic on Accounting Today’s Top 100 Firms and Regional Leaders list in 20238 WWW.BROWNPLUS.COM Celebrating Our Team: Awards & Accomplishments Lauren Fenner, CPA, Audit Principal, was named the winner of the 2023 Shining Star Luminary Award by the West Shore Chamber of Commerce. Scott Henry, CPA, MBA, Audit Senior Manager, was named one of CPBJ’s 2023 Forty Under 40 award recipients. Ken Wolfe, CPA, CGMA, President and Managing Principal, was selected by CPBJ as one of Central Pennsylvania’s power players on its 2023 Power List for Banking, Finance, Accounting and Wealth Management. The individuals selected for the annual Power List are considered among the area’s most significant, influential and respected leaders in their fields, shaping our communities and influencing the quality of life in our region.WWW.BROWNPLUS.COM 9 Celebrating Our Team: Awards & Accomplishments Ashley Hershey, CPA, CITP, MBA, Audit Senior Manager, graduated from the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Hanover program. Leadership Hanover is a six-month leadership program focused on developing connections in the Hanover, Pennsylvania, community. Cami Grimm, CPA, Audit Manager, graduated from Leadership Harrisburg Area’s (LHA) 2023 Community Leadership Series (CLS) program. Eric Wendler, Director of Business Development, graduated from LHA’s 2023 Executive Leadership Series (ELS) program. Susan Yohn, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Director of Human Resources, was recognized as one of Central Penn Business Journal’s 2023 Women of Influence program. The Women of Influence award honors high-achieving women for their tremendous career accomplishments. Winners are selected based on professional experiences, community involvement and a commitment to mentoring.Next >