Accounting
CLA to Open Two New ‘Connection Centers’ For Training and Team Building
The new training and development spaces will be located in Phoenix and Charlotte, NC, in addition to one opening near Minneapolis.
Oct. 02, 2024
Top 10 accounting firm CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) announced plans on Oct. 1 to open new “connection centers” and office spaces in Phoenix and Charlotte, NC.
Earlier this year, CLA said it planned to invest $10 million in its new connection center in the Minneapolis suburb of Eagan, MN.
The connection centers are dedicated spaces for learning and development, leadership training, team building, events, client meetings, and more, according to CLA. With roughly 9,000 employees and more than 130 office locations across the U.S., CLA selected these three locations to bring its professionals together at various times throughout the year.
“Our people are at the heart of our firm’s future and these new connection centers are just one of the many commitments we are making to them,” CLA CEO Jen Leary said in a statement. “Our goal is to empower our teams to learn, grow, and connect with each other in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Along with our Minneapolis location, Phoenix and Charlotte provide the perfect backdrop for these centers, offering vibrant communities and state-of-the-art facilities that will help us continue to attract and retain top talent.”
All three locations will be designed to encourage CLA’s accounting and tax professionals to leverage generative artificial intelligence tools and solutions. They are:
- A 50,000-square-foot combined connection center and office space in Charlotte, located in Ballantyne Village—a corporate park and shopping center with more than 30 restaurants and retail stores. CLA expects to move in by December 2025.
- The Hayden Ferry development in Phoenix, a 55,000-square-foot complex with office space and connection center. Adjacent to Arizona State University, the complex boasts access to hotels, restaurants, and fitness centers.
- The 38,500-square-foot connection center at Viking Lakes campus in Eagan is currently under construction and is expected to open in spring 2025.
“Our investment in these three locations is not only a reflection of our deep commitment to our people but also to the communities we serve,” said Cathy Clarke, CLA’s chief culture officer. “Not only will current and future clients use this space, but these centers are set to revolutionize the way our teams work together. These strategically located hubs are designed to bring employees together from various parts of the country, closer to their homes, reducing their time away from families.”
In line with the firm’s commitment to sustainability, the three connection centers will significantly reduce its carbon footprint by minimizing the need for cross-country travel, CLA said. The firm also said it’s also incorporating eco-friendly practices, such as reusable water bottles and refill stations, portion-controlled meal options, and utilizing biodegradable single-use items.