Updates
ASLRRA Honors James A. Bowers for Decades of Service to the Railroad Industry
February 28, 2024
In a resounding acknowledgment of a distinguished career, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) announces James A. "Jim" Bowers, co-founder of Bowers CPAs & Advisors, as the esteemed recipient of the 2024 Schlosser Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes Jim's unparalleled commitment to the short-line railroad industry, spanning decades of dedicated service and exceptional contributions.
"Jim has followed the path of many a small railroader, persistently applying his talent, building a one-man shop into a sustainable enterprise that creates value for many," said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker. "Jim has been a willing partner to many in the industry, and most especially to our Association, where his measured counsel has been instrumental in many successful initiatives such as the 45G Tax Credit, to helping our members understand the tax impacts of their actions, particularly during COVID, and to the Finance & Administration Committee."
A Lifetime of Dedication to Railways
Jim, a certified public accountant (CPA), embarked on his journey with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from St. John Fisher University. Early in his career, he honed his skills at Deloitte, where he ascended to the position of manager in charge, simultaneously serving as an adjunct professor of accounting at St. John Fisher.
In 1980, Jim embraced a new frontier, co-founding Bowers CPAs, which later evolved into Bowers CPAs & Advisors. Over the past 44 years, the firm has flourished, expanding to three office locations in New York, boasting a dedicated staff of over 130 professionals.
Bowers' railroad arm provides invaluable assistance to short lines, covering financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions, grant administration, tax compliance, and payroll services.
A Visionary Advocate for Short Lines
Jim has consistently advocated for short-line railroads, playing a pivotal role in creating and passing the 45G tax credit. His active engagement within ASLRRA's Legislative Policy Committee and Finance and Administration (F&A) Committee, where he once served as chair, showcases his commitment to industry betterment.
As a frequent speaker at ASLRRA events, Jim generously shares his extensive knowledge, contributing to the professional development of fellow railroad enthusiasts.
Beyond ASLRRA, Jim extends his influence to other railroad organizations, including the Railroads of New York (RONY), where he serves as an associate member on the Board of Directors. His affiliations with esteemed professional organizations such as the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) underscore his commitment to excellence.
A Legacy of Community Service
Jim's commitment extends beyond the professional realm, as evidenced by his active involvement in community service organizations like InterFaith Works, Transitional Living Services, Dunbar Association, St. Joseph the Worker Church, and the Faith Hope Community Center. His exceptional dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including the Urbach CPA Community Builders Award in 2016, the Immaculata Award for Service from the Diocese of Syracuse in 2018, and the title of Accounting Alumnus of the Year by St. John Fisher University in 2023.
The Schlosser Distinguished Service Award is the highest individual honor the ASLRRA bestows. Jim will be honored as the award recipient at the ASLRRA Annual Conference and Exhibition on March 25, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. This celebration marks not only a personal achievement for Jim but also a testament to his profound impact on the short-line railroad industry throughout his distinguished career.
About Bowers CPAs & Advisors
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Bowers CPAs & Advisors has served private and closely held businesses with strategic financial advice for over 40 years. Whether traditional Tax and Audit, Business Valuation, Accounting/Bookkeeping, Forensic Accounting, or Financial Planning services, our approach is the same:
"Master an in-depth knowledge of our clients and their industry to provide proactive, innovative analysis and recommendations to build and maintain net worth."
At Bowers CPAs & Advisors, we set the tone by being readily available to our clients and maintaining close relationships built on integrity and trust. With 31 Partners and a staff of over 130 professionals, Bowers CPAs & Advisors has offices in Syracuse, Rochester, and Watertown, New York.
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