1-15-2007 Cannon Wright Blount Named Among Top CPA Firms in Memphis

Memphis-based accounting firm Cannon Wright Blount recently was ranked No. 9 on the list of top CPA firms in the region. The list, published by the Memphis Business Journal, was based on the number of local full-time certified public accountants. Cannon Wright Blount, led by CEO Jud Cannon, now has a total of 26 CPAs, as well as 44 local professional staff members. In a sidebar list, Cannon Wright Blount was ranked No. 8 in terms of local professional staff. A growth-oriented company, Cannon Wright Blount acquired both The Poulin Group and Balton & Associates in recent months to expand the company's footprint in the local marketplace. Founded in 1994, Cannon Wright Blount offers services through its four business units - accounting, consulting, software and staffing. With 50 colleagues on staff, the firm's roster now boasts more than 2,500 clients. To learn more about Cannon Wright Blount, visit www.cannonwrightblount.com.


12-1-2006 Cannon Wright Blount To Aquire The Poulin Group

Memphis-based accounting firm Cannon Wright Blount announced today the acquisition of The Poulin Group, with full team integration effective immediately.

This is the firm's second acquisition in recent months and the third since the company was founded. Cannon Wright Blount acquired Balton & Associates on Sept. 1, 2006. According to Jud Cannon, CEO at Cannon Wright Blount, this series of acquisitions is a strategic move to expand the company's footprint in the marketplace.

"We are certainly a growth-oriented company, as this acquisition represents," Cannon said. "This merger of talent will mutually benefit our teams, which means enhanced service for our combined client roster."

Poulin Group colleagues, including partners Jon Poulin and Christine Ford, are now operating out of Cannon Wright Blount's office at 756 Ridge Lake Boulevard, which happens to be the office building that housed The Poulin Group when it opened in 1988.

"This decision was reached after a great deal of consideration," Poulin said. "And we know this is the right choice. Cannon Wright Blount has a culture and a client service approach that mirror ours here at The Poulin Group. It's a perfect fit."

Poulin, who will primarily work in the tax group at Cannon Wright Blount, said that while the transition will allow his team to take their business to the next level, it also will personally give him a chance to focus on the aspects of the business that he loves the most - including practice development.

In late 2005, Cannon Wright Blount changed its name from Cannon Ivy PLLC and launched a successful re-branding campaign to communicate the company's non-traditional culture and philosophy - "We're not your ordinary pencil pushers." - that has existed within the company for years. And more recently, the firm has begun to implement an aggressive business plan to grow its customer base, expand market reach and enhance client services.

Founded in 1994, Cannon Wright Blount offers services through its four business units- accounting, consulting, software and staffing. Post-merger, the firm will have approximately 50 colleagues on staff. The combined firm roster will boast more than 2,500 clients. To learn more about Cannon Wright Blount, visit www.cannonwrightblount.com.


08-18-2006 Cannon Wright Blount Announces Plans To Acquire Local CPA Firm

Memphis-based accounting firm Cannon Wright Blount announced today its plans to acquire Balton & Associates, with full team integration set for Sept, 1, 2006.

According to Jud Cannon, partner and CEO at Cannon Wright Blount, this move represents the firm's progressive, future-oriented business strategies focused on growing the company and enhancing client services. This is the firm's second acquisition.

"Steve Balton is as good as they come, and bringing him and his colleagues on board strengthens our team that much more," Cannon said. "Our corporate strategy calls for significant growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions like this one. Adding Steve and his group will definitely help us achieve our long-term business goals."

Balton & Associates employees, including partners Steve Balton, Tracy DeBacco and Bill Hunter, will make the move to Cannon Wright Blount's new office at 756 Ridge Lake Boulevard.

This acquisition will expand the firm's services, particularly in the tax division, and will double the staff's tax capacity. And this move will enhance Cannon Wright Blount's position as a trusted tax strategist, Cannon added.

"It's simple - this was just the right decision on many levels," said Steve Balton, founder and partner of Balton & Associates. "For one, our team brings a great deal of talent that complements Cannon Wright Blount's core offerings. And this merger will enable us to service our clients more efficiently. When you unite two robust teams like this, the opportunities are limitless."

In late 2005, Cannon Wright Blount changed its name from Cannon Ivy PLLC and launched a successful re-branding campaign to communicate the company's non-traditional culture and philosophy - "We're not your ordinary pencil pushers." - that has existed within the company for years. And more recently, the firm has begun to implement an aggressive business plan to grow its customer base, expand market reach and enhance client services.

Founded in 1994, Cannon Wright Blount offers services in the following divisions - accounting, consulting, software and staffing. Post-merger, the firm will have 35 colleagues on staff. The combined firm roster will boast more than 2,000 clients. To learn more about Cannon Wright Blount, visit www.cannonwrightblount.com.

06-06-2006 Cannon Wright Blount Moves to More Innovative Space at Ridge Lake

Cannon Wright Blount has moved into its new office space at 756 Ridge Lake Blvd in Memphis. The new, more innovative space was another step in Cannon Wright Blount's re-branding campaign, which has provided the firm a new identity in the Mid-South marketplace.

The new Ridge Lake space of 8,500 square feet is an increase of over 40% from the previous space Cannon Wright Blount occupied at their previous location at 5350 Poplar Avenue. The design of the new space was crafted to fit the firm's culture and image. The office is laid out with a lot of open space and discussion areas, or teaming rooms. The walls of the teaming rooms are lined with dry erase boards.

The new office space clearly makes a statement on Cannon Wright Blount's focus on innovation and strategic thinking.