BUSINESS MEMO: CPA FIRM EVALUATED

Schott & Van de Ven, Certified Public Accountants has received the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' (AICPA) highest evaluation in peer review.

The report indicates the firm is conforming to professional standards in all material respects. The on-site review evaluated the firm's system of quality control against standards and comprehensive guidelines established by the AICPA.

The firm was judged on five elements: independence, integrity and objectivity; personnel management; acceptance and continuance of clients and engagements; engagement performance; and, monitoring.

"Peer review is a serious, rigorous and independent test of a firm's quality controls," said William R. "Bill" Schott, a partner in the firm. "This means that we provide quality work. Work that can be relied upon in making business, personal and financial decisions."

The AICPA is the national professional association for certified public accountants.

Schott and Melvin J. Van de Ven are partners of the firm. Twelve certified public accountants provide full-service public accounting to the region. The firm is at 1020 N. Kingshighway, Suite D, Cape Girardeau and has satellite offices in Marble Hill and Marion, Ill.