YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – HBK CPAs & Consultants has not only enjoyed 75 years of growth and innovation, but the firm has also enjoyed a rich history of community engagement that has left an indelible mark on the Mahoning Valley and beyond, executives say.
“We’ve always encouraged our partners, our managers and staff to get involved in some kind of community activity,” says Philip Carlon, CPA, and Principal at HBK.
Support for Youngstown State University, United Way of Youngstown and Mahoning County, the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, Youngstown Business Incubator, Cityscape, Boys and Girls Club, Valley Economic Development Partners and the American Heart Association represent just a portion of HBK’s involvement.
Carlon, for example, served for 30 years on the Boys and Girls Club board of directors. “I’ve since retired, but I’ve found another one of our partners who has taken that over,” he says.
Jim Dascenzo, CPA and Principal, says HBK’s dedication to community involvement stems from an inherited philosophy within the firm that as HBK grows and succeeds, so too should its support for philanthropic and community ventures. He recalls a meeting with one of his colleagues early in his career in which he was “strongly encouraged” to become involved. “I remember him distinctly telling me, ‘We make money in this community. We have to give back to this community.’”
Dascenzo has since sat on various committees at YSU, as well as on the boards of the local chapter of the Red Cross, the Hearing and Speech Center, the Youngstown Symphony, and 16 years on the board of the Youngstown Business Incubator. At present, Dascenzo serves on the board of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and YSU Foundation.
“I’m from Youngstown, and I want to support the community any way I can. We encourage that,” he says.
Company employees are regularly involved in efforts such as Cityscape’s planting day, the annual event in which organizations engage in beautification initiatives in and near downtown Youngstown. In 2019, the company launched its HBK Cares program, where local offices across the country select projects or charitable causes to support. HBK’s Erie, Pa., office, for example, recently sponsored a beach cleanup effort on Presque Isle.
“It’s just being a good citizen,” says Jim Rosa, CPA and Principal. He says there are countless examples of HBK offices that are actively involved in the communities they serve.
Rosa has served on numerous boards as well, including 15 years – two terms as president – at the Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corp., today Valley Economic Development Partners. Rosa was instrumental in forming the Boardman Business Committee, an ad hoc group that engaged with township officials. Ultimately this interaction led to the development of what Rosa calls the “Boardman plan.”
“I remember being asked, ‘Who are you working for? Why are you doing this?”
“Because I live here,” he responded.
Pictured at top: HBK’s rich history of community engagement has left an indelible mark on the Valley.