Letter to the Editor

Congrats and good luck to an old friend

Friday, June 12, 2009

To the Editor:

On Sept. 1, 1957, Ed Hammond and Norman Hammer opened an accounting firm with only one client and one adding machine to share between them. Through the years, Norman moved and opened a branch office in Sullivan, while Ed remained in Greencastle. For 52 years, Ed has been serving the people and businesses of this community, as well as volunteering with the local civic organizations.

He hired me right after I graduated from Taylor University in 1979 while I was still "wet behind the ears." Not only did he teach me about aspects of accounting that cannot be learned in college, such as how to manage an accounting practice, but more importantly, he showed me how to serve your clients and the public. Over the years, our relationship developed from that of employer/mentor and employee into that of peers. For all of what Ed Hammond has done for me and meant to me over the years, I would like to wish him enjoyment and health in his well-deserved retirement, and once again thank him for all of his support, advice and friendship these many years.

Mark N. Hammer, CPA