PACKER THOMAS Firm opens office in Pa. and adds accreditation

YOUNGSTOWN -- Packer Thomas expanded into western Pennsylvania last year with a new office in New Castle.
Rick Schafer, a principal with Packer Thomas, recently became accredited in business valuation.
The certification will provide clients with the highest level of assurance when trying to determine the value of their businesses, Packer Thomas said.
Bill Bennett, a principal, and Jerry Ricciardi, a supervisor, have passed all four sections of the Certified Fraud Examiner Exam.
Certified fraud examiners gather evidence, take statements, write reports and assist in investigating fraud in its varied forms.
The firm said it will continue to stay on the leading edge of technology.
Communication with clients through the Internet will be more widespread, providing continuous analysis and monitoring of clients' financial information.
k EMPLOYEES: 62, compared with 76 a year ago.