Cotton + Allen, a full-service accounting and advisory firm serving the region since 1921, celebrated its "85th Anniversary: The Legacy Continues" on Thursday, September 28, 2006, at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs.
The cocktail reception included two check presentations, both in the amount of $25,000 each. The first, made to the Olmsted Parks Conservancy for the Woodlands Restoration in Cherokee Park, was accepted by Cindi Sullivan, Woodlands Restoration campaign chair. The second was for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana and was accepted by Jeri Swinton, executive director.
"We are especially proud of our contribution to our community over the generations," said C. Robert Montgomery, CPA, president of the firm. "The Cotton + Allen staff has always taken great pleasure and pride in not only serving our clients, but community causes which impact our hometown. It is extremely rewarding to recognize a few of the many local groups we have had the pleasure of supporting as they continue their own legacy of service."
COTTON + ALLEN FACTOIDS
In 1921, when Cotton + Allen's entrepreneur William Cotton established the firm, significant history was recorded. A quick review of the times include the postage stamp at 2 cents, gasoline for the Ford Model T was a mere 26 cents a gallon. The band-aid made its first appearance, Warren Harding was president of the United States, George Smith was mayor of Louisville and the city's population was 234,891, according to the 1920 census. The tradition of playing Stephen Foster's ballad My Old Kentucky Home on Derby Day is believed to have had its origin in 1921 as well.
The firm prospered through time, and in 1952 gained the second part of its name when Nolen Allen joined the firm. In 1960 the firm's name was changed from William Cotton & Company to Cotton + Allen. In 1963, Allen became the firm's managing partner and then president, a role he held until 1994 when C. Robert Montgomery was named president. Throughout the firm's 85 years, Cotton + Allen has proudly carried the professional torch with five presidents of the Kentucky Society of CPAs, more than any other firm in the state of Kentucky. They include Sam Eskew, Cotton, Allen, David Chervenak and Gwen Tilton.
Cotton + Allen is proud of the legacy involving its clients, community, team members and profession. The firm is now comprised of seven owners and 43 additional professionals and administrative staff. Ten years ago, Cotton + Allen joined the McGladrey and Pullen CPA Network. This affiliation with the fifth largest certified public accounting firm in the United States expanded the firm's capabilities and resources to a national and international level, while retaining the firm's autonomy. In addition, Cotton + Allen has been honored to win multiple Work/Life Alliance Awards from Greater Louisville Inc. - The Metro Chamber of Commerce, which recognizes the firm as one of the most family friendly places to work.
Today, Cotton + Allen is a full-service accounting and advisory firm and its growth has provided both opportunities and challenges: while its founders worked with paper and pencils, typewriters and adding machines, today the firm utilizes cutting-edge technology and is in the process of transitioning to a paperless office.
