“Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that several commercial publications marketed to real property appraisers have been characterizing our (appraisers’) business as an ‘industry,’” writes W. David Snook, FASA, in an opinion piece for the most recent issue of the ASA Professional (Spring 2007).  “I do not agree….Industries produce things; professions provide services.  It is as simple as that.”

Is it?  We’ve extended Snook’s question to business valuation, which may be suffering from a similar identity crisis as its impact is felt in ever-increasing circles of financial analysis, oversight, business ownership, and government regulation.  Please take a few moments to answer our latest online survey, which includes an option to comment.