In the Spotlight: BKD LLP, Decatur

Today, BKD LLP ranks as one of the 10 largest CPA and advisory firms in the United States, with net revenues of $318 million and about 1,900 employees, based in 27 offices in 11 states, including Decatur.

It wasn't always that way.

The firm traces its roots to 1914, when Philadelphia CPA Clinton H. Montgomery arrived in Wichita to audit a bankrupt company. He liked Wichita and decided to stay, forming Clinton H. Montgomery & Co., the first public accounting firm in Kansas.

Four years later, he hired another Pennsylvanian, Wade Kurtz, and almost immediately sent him to Kansas City. During the next five years, Kurtz recruited William Baird to help out in Kansas City and transferred another Montgomery employee, Claire Dobson, from Wichita to help with the new Joplin office.

On Jan. 2, 1923, following breakup of the Montgomery firm, the Kansas City and Joplin offices become those of the new firm Baird, Kurtz & Dobson. The firm opened for business with just $1,700 in the bank.

BKD LLP was.;formed in June 2002 when Baird, Kurtz & Dobson and Olive LLP merged. Olive was one of the top 15 accounting firms in the United States at the time and had an office in Decatur. The roots of the Decatur connection go back to 1924 and the firm of Joseph F. Gauger.

BKD remains the largest public accounting firm in Decatur with more than 30 employees and four local partners, who remain active in the community. The BKD Foundation has provided financial support and volunteers for such local groups as Habitat for Humanity, Decatur Area Arts Council, Komen Decatur Race for the Cure, Children's Museum of Illinois, Boy's and Girl's Club of Decatur, Community Foundation of Decatur and the Salvation Army.

55 years

Creek's Florist, 1015 Illinois 121, Mount Zion. Complete floral services.

20 years

Sandra J. Ware CPA, 132 S. Water St. Accounting services.

10 year

Long Creek Timber Framers, 740 Eric Court, Mount Zion. General contractor.

5 years

Curves, 1582 Illinois 121, Mount Zion. Women's fitness.

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Best Trips Ever, 734 Antler Dr., Mount Zion. Travel consultant.

1 year

Cartridge World, 215 E. Ash Ave. Printer cartridge refill, remanufacture service.

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All addresses are Decatur unless otherwise noted.

Is your Macon County business celebrating a Milestone? Let us know. Send your information by e-mail to sperry@herald-review.com, by fax to 421-7965 or by mail to Milestones, c/o Scott Perry, Box 311, Decatur, IL 62521.