WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE - SPECIALIZATION At EBS we believe in mastering core competencies and leveraging the knowledge and best practices that experience brings.  Thus, we cater to the niche industries that represent our diverse backgrounds.  These industries are franchising, manufacturing, professional services and consulting, real estate investment and development, and retail.  Both of the principals have developed extensive knowledge and experience working for the world’s largest franchiser (McDonald’s Corporation), one of the world’s largest manufacturers (Corn Products International), and one of the world’s largest retailers (Sears Roebuck & Company).  Additionally, they have performed various consulting engagements for automotive suppliers, consulting firms, and real estate investment groups and developers.   One of our newest industry specializations is film production accounting and consulting.  In an effort to entice more production companies to film projects in Illinois, the state passed legislation allowing these companies to receive tax credits based on revenue spent in Illinois in connection with the production of films.  The law mandates that the records of these production companies be reviewed and certified by independent, licensed CPAs.  In 2007, EBS was selected to perform the certification for season one of the Fox Television series “Prison Break” and most recently completed the audit for "Public Enemies", which are two of the largest film tax credits issued to date by the State of Illinois.  In addition to tax credit work, we also provide production accounting and business advisory services.   Industry specialization not only allows EBS to leverage our business knowledge and experience, it also allows us to develop and share best practices, processes, and tools across our client base.  The end result is that our clients receive a higher quality of service through our developed and honed expertise.   Following is a sampling of our client base representing our various niche markets.     Client                                                                          Industry Jebroa I Enterprises Inc. – Washington, DC                    McDonald’s Franchisee Ram Foods Inc. – Oxon Hill, MD                                    McDonald’s Franchisee Corn Products International Inc.–Westchester, IL             Manufacturing Diamond Mgmt. & Technology Consultants–Chgo, IL       Consulting Kaleidoscope Group LLC – Chicago, IL                           Consulting Universal Studios - Los Angeles, CA                               Film Production Illinois Film Office – Chicago, IL                                      Film Production The Vision Salon – Blue Island, IL                                   Health Care Kwame Nkrumah Academy - Chgo, IL                             Education                Perfect Peace Cafe & Bakery – Chicago, IL                     Retail Honey Baked Ham Co. – Chicago, IL                              Retail     WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE - CUSTOMIZATION “Small firms are not ‘little big firms’. They have unique organizational and operational and economic characteristics that create both advantages and disadvantages – usually a lack of economies of scale balanced by the ability to respond quickly to the needs of specific customers.”                                         -Illinois Institute of Technology Professor & Guest                                              Professor at Kellogg of Management School August 8, 2006                      The principals and staff of EBS know that small and mid size businesses face unique challenges different than those of larger companies. We also know that while the use of best practices and shared learning are empowering, the use of “one size fits all” cookie cutter models is not. We understand that businesses and business owners are unique in their missions, goals, beliefs, and cultures.  Business Solutions must uniquely represent and support the businesses for which they are designed.  Acknowledging these facts, we customize our business models and methods to meet clients “where they stand”. We help clients develop and execute plans based on their mission, goals, and current position in the business cycle. Thus, whether your business is in the start-up, emerging, growth, or maturity stage of the business cycle, EBS can assist you.     WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE - INNOVATION   Finally, what makes EBS unique among certified public accounting firms is our steadfast belief in innovation. We believe in continuous improvement and innovative thinking in business models, methods, and practices. We also believe in leveraging technology to enhance productivity and efficiency. Our firm uses state of the art accounting, tax, data analysis, and data management applications to deliver top quality service to our clients. In December 2005, EBS was featured in the industry trade magazine for Thomson – one of the largest producers of accounting software systems in the world. The article focused on how our firm leverages the Thomson software to better serve our clients. To read the article in its entirety please visit the "Our Firm" tab on our website.   At EBS the leveraging of technology does not stop with our firm. We extend capabilities to our clients in a variety of ways. One way is through private information portals called Net Client.  Net Client is a service which allows us to offer our clients an ultra-convenient and secure means to access documents and software, transfer data and convey information via private portals on our website.  Net Client portals are private and secure extensions of our website where we can provide clients with 24/7 access to their personal financial documents, to software and to a number of convenient online communication tools.  Net Client offers continuous connectivity to EBS and the services we offer using the speed of the Internet and set within a secured server environment. For a free demonstration of this application, visit the "Net Client" tab on our website.