GRAND RAPIDS, MICH – Beene Garter, the region’s largest independently owned accounting and consulting firm announces that Eric Smith, CPA, MST and Brian LaFrenier, CPA, were both recently promoted to partners of the firm.  With the addition of Smith and LaFrenier, Beene Garter now boasts 16 partners and 65 employees.

Smith, a tax partner, has over 14 years of experience with extensive experience managing tax planning and compliance for a variety of corporate clients. His management focus is most often directed toward the manufacturing and wholesale industries as well as the construction industry.  Eric’s expertise includes assisting clients with the preparation of financial reporting and analysis, R&D tax credits, tax planning and compliance, Section 529-Plans, budgeting, cash flow, start-up projections and tax research.

Eric is a graduate of both Aquinas College and Grand Valley State University. He is an active member of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, the West Michigan Trade Association and the Michigan Manufacturers Association.  In addition, Eric serves as an adjunct professor for Grand Valley State University.

LaFrenier, an audit partner, has over 14 years of experience in public accounting with extensive experience in providing traditional accounting as well as a wide range of specialty services including personal and corporate income tax, monthly bookkeeping and payroll services, financial statement preparation and cash flow analysis, audit procedures and consulting, and mergers and acquisitions.

Brian graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.  He is actively involved with the American Subcontractors Association of Michigan (ASAM), the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), the Alliance for Health, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). Brian also currently serves as President for Indian Trails Camp.