VICENTI, LLOYD & STUTZMAN – TO LIVE AND GIVE IN L.A.
Looking back on it, it was almost a natural progression. Beginning with the onset of the economic crisis in 2008, Los Angeles accounting firm Vicenti, Lloyd & Stutzman significantly increased their involvement in community service.
Linda Saddlemire is their Co-Managing Partner. She tells us they got involved with B1G1 “…because our purpose is to make a positive difference in the world. As a result of VLS’ public service, we recently received local and state-wide awards from the California Society of CPAs for our efforts, and our enthusiasm and dedication to making a positive difference has continued to grow.”
After learning about B1G1, the company partners jumped at the opportunity to make an impact on a truly global level, and in a way that closely involves their clients. “Vicenti, Lloyd & Stutzman felt that B1G1 was a great fit,” Linda says.
“BY TYING OUR EVERYDAY WORK EFFORTS INTO GIVING, WE’RE MEETING OUR MISSION TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN OUR WORLD.”
The company is located in Glendora, in the mountain foothills just northeast of Los Angeles. Their geographic location plays an important role in their giving, too. “As VLS is based out of Southern California, where water is in high demand,” Linda points out, “we really connected with the non-profits that provide fresh water to those who need it most. Our first large-scale giving initiative will begin this tax season, and include one of these non-profits. For every tax return VLS prepares for a client, the firm will provide pure, clean water to 100 people for a day. We are thrilled about this, our first major initiative, and we’re looking forward to experiencing the joy of giving with our clients.”
The firm also provides audit services to local education agencies, so VLS was naturally drawn to B1G1 non-profits that provide education. They’ve already donated several times to different education causes, and will continue to do so.
In addition, many of their employees make presentations at speaking engagements in the region, and the partners have donated to various charitable groups in honour of each attendee of these events. It’s been such a success that the VLS team has decided to continue it indefinitely.
It was when Linda talked about the early days of their involvement with B1G1 that we got a real sense of how important it is to the team. “We first introduced B1G1 to our firm as a whole at a large company meeting. We showed a few videos about the organization and gave each employee a Certificate of Appreciation indicating our donation to one of three causes, in honour of our valued employees.”
The excitement in the room was truly tangible, Linda Continued, "Everyone seemed almost in disbelief that we were going to be partnered with this organisation that makes such wonderful things possible. We are now sharing our excitement with our clients and colleagues."