If you work in a corporate accounting, finance or operations department, you certainly have had to deal with the dreaded rollup process. You know the drill - someone (probably you!) creates an Excel worksheet. These worksheets get sent out to dozens of regions for completion by the regional managers. You then collect the sheets, try to do a rollup, only to discover that Joe in Chicago added 3 rows and two columns, totally screwing up the analysis....

I have found a solution to the rollup issue. Check out my article on the new rollup software from Balenz. This is a great product that every company should not be without.

During the 2002 holiday season, I encouraged readers to donate $3 to light a candle for FISH. The candles hung in our virtual store window during the holiday. Donations came in from Turkey to Japan. The donation total was $105. MrExcel Consulting matched this amount and I sent $210 to the local FISH office. Today, I received this note from Tom Besenyodi. Thanks to everyone who supported this effort!

Dear Bill,

Thank you for supporting Lake Township FISH during this holiday season. Your donation of $210.00 permits us to provide necessary assistance and will help make Christmas brighter for our neighbors in need.

We at Lake FISH have always felt that we are blessed to live in such a caring and giving community. Today when I opened your envelope I was reminded that generosity and goodness recognizes no race, nationality or boundaries. Through your efforts our "community" has been extended beyond anything we had imagined. Please extend to your readers a very special thank you for their generous donation to Lake Township FISH.

May God bless you for your kindness and sensitivity to the needs of others.

Sincerely,

Tom Besenyodi