FIRMS IN THE NEWS Collin M. Phelps, CPA has been promoted to senior manager at Labenz & Associates LLC. He joined the firm in 2017, after graduating from Lipscomb University in Tennessee, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Accountancy. Phelps focuses on individual and business tax consulting, preparation and review of tax returns, planning and compliance, as well as financial statement compilation and review services. In addition to being a member of the AICPA and Nebraska Society of CPAs, he is actively involved in the community and is a member of the finance team at his church. Eric S. Schiermeyer, CPA began as a senior associate of Labenz & Associates LLC in October 2023, after gaining two years’ experience in tax and audit with another firm. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Professional Accountancy in 2021. Schiermeyer assists with preparation of federal and state income tax returns, business valuation services, as well as providing compilation and review services. He is a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs. Jeffrey W. “Jeff” Sheets, CPA was promoted to director of Labenz & Associates LLC. After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Professional Accountancy, Sheets began his career with the firm in 2013. He assists with preparation and review of federal and state income tax returns, compilation and review of financial statements, and valuation services. In addition to being a member of the AICPA and the Nebraska Society of CPAs, Sheets serves as treasurer of the Friends of Nebraska Dyslexia Association and as a board member with both the Lincoln Children’s Museum and UNL School of Accountancy Junior Advisory Board. John Smolsky retired on June 30 as a long-time partner of HBE LLP, after a successful career in public accounting spanning more than 40 years. Smolsky was one of the original partners of Fuhrman Smolsky & Furey PC in Omaha. Following the firm’s merger with HBE in 2018, his leadership in the integration of office locations, community outreach, and staff development greatly contributed to the continued growth and success of HBE. Most recently, Smolsky helped spearhead the implementation of HBE’s formal staff coaching program to ensure future generations of HBE leaders are equipped to reach their greatest potential. He was a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs for 41 years. John P. Stinner was the commencement speaker at Chadron State College’s May commencement. Stinner is a retired CPA, past bank CEO, and a former state senator, representing District 48 in the Nebraska Legislature from 2014-2022. FORVIS, the eighth largest public accounting firm in the United States, and Mazars, a leading international audit, tax, and advisory firm, merged on June 1 to create a new, top 10 global network. The network will operate under a single brand worldwide, Forvis Mazars. With approximately $5 billion in revenue, Forvis Mazars will be a new entrant in the top 10 global network rankings. Uniquely formed of just two members, the network is designed to be agile, deliver consistency, and have the global scale to meet clients’ needs. Both network members will remain owned by their current respective partnerships. Skiles Loop Bremer & White CPAs PC, with offices in McCook, North Platte, Benkelman, Oberlin, and Grant, was one of four sponsors of the Arbor Day celebration in Grant. Fourth grade students from Perkins County Elementary School planted two Emerald Queen Maple trees provided by the City of Grant Tree Board and the Grant Lion’s Club as part of the celebration. 33 nescpa.org
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