San Francisco, February 1, 2017: – It’s a banner year for one of San Francisco’s leading public accounting firms, as Hood & Strong LLP marks its 100th anniversary and celebrates with other Bay Area companies who also have reached the rare centennial milestone.
On February 8, 2017, Hood & Strong will welcome more than 200 business, community and civic leaders in honoring fellow centenarians and the enduring role these companies continue to play on the thriving Bay Area business stage. Hood & Strong is holding the event at the Italian Athletic Club in North Beach—which also just reached the century mark—and promises a San Francisco-themed evening attended by a “who’s who” of local dignitaries and elected officials.
“We’ve been doing business in San Francisco since 1917, and instead of just celebrating among ourselves, we thought it would be great to honor others who share our legacy of success and sustainability,” said Robert Raffo, managing partner of the accounting and business consulting firm. Hood & Strong reached out to more than 150 other centenarian businesses to help celebrate the milestone, including organizations that have been clients of the firm for almost 100 years.
“Walter Hood and Addison Strong opened the firm’s doors at 625 Market Street in 1917 to serve the financial needs of growing San Francisco businesses and individuals,” said Raffo. “Just like today’s entrepreneurs, Walter and Addison saw a need and filled it: growing companies and individuals who were creating great wealth, but not being served by the established firms of the day. Many household names that are still thriving—Levi Strauss, Wells Fargo, Adhesive Products Inc., the Olympic Club and Guittard Chocolate—were among the firm’s very early clients. The billing rate for partners was $20 a day, and $1 per hour for staff. Yes, times have changed!”
What hasn’t changed, Raffo noted, is the firm’s and San Francisco’s focus on philanthropy and giving back to others. To further honor the firm’s legacy, Hood & Strong staff have initiated a year-long “100 Acts of Kindness” program, which will coordinate philanthropic activities throughout the year to help the underserved. The initiative kicked-off in January with a food drive for the San Francisco Food Bank, and will continue with other acts of kindness throughout the year.
Partner Darlene Hall is spearheading the 100 Acts of Kindness initiative. “Volunteer service has been a priority for the firm since its inception, and as we mark our 100th birthday we are expanding our impact and providing more coordinated opportunities for the firm and our employees to participate and give back.”
“We wouldn’t have made it to 100 if we were just about the numbers,” said Raffo. “Hood & Strong is dedicated to building on our 100-year legacy by continuing our commitment to our clients, our communities and our staff. We are grateful for this opportunity.”
About Hood & Strong LLP
Hood & Strong LLP was founded in 1917 and is one of Northern California’s oldest, largest and most respected public accounting firms, providing audit, business advisory, tax, and information technology services to nonprofit organizations and privately held businesses. Hood & Strong maintains offices in San Francisco and San Jose, but serves clients across the Bay Area, throughout the U.S. and around the globe. http://www.hoodstrong.com/
EDITOR’S NOTE: Media are welcome to attend the February 8 Centenarian event. It begins at 5:00 p.m. and concludes at 8 p.m. at the Italian Athletic Club, 1630 Stockton Street, San Francisco. Free valet parking is available. RSVP to Jen Gainza, jen@mackenziesf.com.