Nationally Recognized Speaker Engages Capacity Crowd on Election Outlook
One of the most anticipated events held during National Conference is the annual ESOP PAC Breakfast. For more than 30 years, The ESOP Association’s political action committee (PAC), ESOP PAC, has been a vitally important tool to help build and strengthen relationships in Congress. ESOP PAC has been bipartisan in its support for elected officials, always ensuring that a member of Congress’ support for ESOPs and employee ownership is the foundation for ESOP PAC’s support.
For several years, ESOP PAC breakfast attendees at National Conference have heard directly from Members of Congress, often bipartisan duos, that share a common thread of experience with ESOPs or committee assignments, or perhaps jointly support key ESOP legislation. However, due to a late change in the House of Representatives’ schedule, our congressional guests this year returned to their congressional districts. The event quickly adapted and delivered a dynamic and well-received conversation.
Instead, the ESOP PAC breakfast featured Sean Trende, Senior Elections Analyst, RealClearPolitics. A sought-after commentator on electoral trends and political realignment, Trende also serves as a Lecturer in Political Science at The Ohio State University. He is widely known for delivering clear, data-driven insight into the evolving political landscape.
Despite the early hour, Sean entertained and educated attendees on key political topics of the day, including polling data and updates, a breakdown of the ongoing nationwide redistricting battles and their effect on House races, key Senate races, and issues moving the electorate. Armed with wit and information, Sean’s engaging presentation left attendees more informed on both contemporary policy issues plus predictions on the longer-term political trajectory.
It’s always important to remember that Congress created ESOPs and placed them under federal regulatory oversight, making tax policy and enforcement posture central to their success. ESOP Congressional Champions need to see the support from ESOP PAC coupled with our regular advocacy outreach and backed by information about the ways ESOP benefit workers, businesses, and communities.
Thanks to everyone who attended the breakfast and donated to ESOP PAC so far this year. We were thrilled to have sold out of seats for this year’s breakfast, and hope our momentum continues next year as we build support for ESOPs in Congress.
