In a powerful display of leadership and collaboration, 80 Chapter Officers from across the nation gathered at the International Employee Ownership Center from January 7–9, 2026. The State and Regional Chapter Council (SRCC) Meeting served as a high-energy launchpad for the year, blending legislative advocacy with deep-dive strategic planning to strengthen the employee ownership movement and The ESOP Association.
Taking the Message to the Hill
The meeting kicked off with a focus on impact. Following a preparatory briefing by Greg Facchiano, Vice President, Government Relations & Public Affairs, officers traveled to Capitol Hill on Thursday morning for face-to-face meetings with Congressional representatives. Prepared with “cheat sheets” and firsthand stories of how employee ownership transforms local economies, these leaders ensured that the voice of the ESOP community was heard loud and clear in the halls of government.
The State of the Chapters: A Vision for 2026
Back at the International Employee Ownership Center, TEA President Jim Bonham delivered a comprehensive “State of the Chapters” address. Reflecting on a successful 2025, Bonham outlined the strategic roadmap for 2026, highlighting:
- Department of Labor Updates: Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
- The TEA Strategic Plan: Ensuring the Association remains the premier resource for employee-owned companies and ESOP professionals.
- National Momentum: A preview of upcoming marquee events, including the CFO and CEO Summits and EO26.
“Bright Light” Panels: Innovation Through Collaboration
The heart of the meeting featured the Bright Light Panels, where Officers broke into specialized groups to tackle the “burning questions” of chapter management. These moderated sessions produced actionable deliverables that will shape chapter activities throughout the year:
Key Takeaways by Category:
- Presidents: Focused on formalizing mentorship (Executive Vice President to President pipeline) and improving succession planning.
- Membership: “Welcome Kits” and LinkedIn new‑member spotlights delivered meaningful results. The group aims to expand outreach and increase membership in their own Chapters for 2026.
- Programming: With 30% of attendees being new each year, the focus is on “Quality over Quantity.” High-interest topics for 2026 include AI, financial literacy, and multi-cultural communications.
- Fundraising & Sponsorships: Discussion centered on making the PAC more approachable by highlighting its bipartisan nature and improving the 12-month communication cycle for the ESOPATHON.
- Communications: The goal for 2026 is storytelling. VPs of Communications are looking to create a unified editorial calendar and leverage video content to engage younger audiences.
- Advocacy: Beyond DC, the group discussed supporting government-sponsored State Centers and utilizing Employee Ownership Month (October) for local Congressional site visits.
Looking Ahead: Tools for Success
Before adjourning, Dan Marcue, Vice President for Chapters & Educational Programs and the Chapter Team unveiled a suite of new resources, including the 2nd Edition of the Chapter Guidebook and updated slide decks for Spring and Fall meetings. These tools are designed to streamline operations, from event posting to marketing local scholarships.
The meeting concluded with a sense of renewed purpose. As Brian Bowers, Chair, State & Regional Chapter Council and Jim Bonham noted in their closing remarks, the strength of the Association lies in the dedication of its volunteer leaders. With 80 officers heading home equipped with new strategies and a stronger network, 2026 is poised to be a landmark year for employee ownership.
What’s Next?
Check your local chapter calendar for upcoming Spring Meetings and see the “Bright Light” innovations in action!
