The ESOP Association
ESOP Association Resources
Jul. 24
As Senate, House Both Hold ESOP-Related Hearings This Week, the Need for Strong Leadership at EBSA Becomes Urgently ClearThe ESOP Association, the only comprehensive national trade association representing businesses with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), today announced a paid media campaign urging the U.S. Senate to promptly confirm Daniel Aronowitz as Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA).
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Jul. 21
James Bonham, President and CEO of The ESOP Association, has been invited by U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, Chair of the House Education & Workforce Committee, to provide testimony at a subcommittee hearing titled “Restoring Trust: Enhancing Transparency and Oversight at EBSA.”Bonham will address the longtime systemic anti-ESOP bias at EBSA, how abusive investigative practices have caused a chilling effect on ESOP formation in contravention of Congress’s bipartisan intent, and how Congressional action and oversight can help curb such abuses.
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Jun. 26
The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) today voted to advance Daniel Aronowitz, nominee for Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), to the full Senate. The HELP Committee approved Aronowitz’s nomination by a vote of 14-9. The nomination now advances to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote.
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Jun. 25
An ESOP transaction can be structured to bring a significant tax benefit to the selling shareholders. Internal Revenue Code Section 1042 allows eligible shareholders to defer capital gains tax on the sale of eligible stock to an ESOP if the proceeds are reinvested in qualified replacement property (QRP). Taxes will not be owed until the taxpayer liquidates the QRP.Requirements for making a 1042 election:
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Jun. 25
Minnesotans love their golf almost as much as they love snowmobiling! During the upcoming 3M Open, a PGA Tour event held at the Twin Cities Tournament Players Club just north of Minneapolis on July 23rd through July 27th, ESOPs will be getting into the swing of things alongside some of the world’s best golfers.ESOP companies Plastic Products Company Inc. and Redpath Partners, and First Interstate Bank Trust, an ESOP service provider, are partnering to host an ESOP-themed cabin at the event.
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Jun. 25
As a former employee owner, TEA’s Aaron Moberger remembers wondering “What can we do to make the most of our ESOP?” and “How do we make sure our share value increases every year?” From their first days on the job to their retirement parties, these questions are on employee owners’ minds. The answer comes in the form of highly engaged ownership cultures; in other words, employees thinking and acting like owners. So how do we promote and foster that ownership culture? That could quite literally be the million-dollar question.
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Jun. 25
Summer is right around the corner—and The ESOP Association is gearing up for a series of Chapter events aimed at promoting education, collaboration, networking and a strong sense of community among employee-owned companies across the United States.
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Jun. 25
On June 10, The ESOP Association brought its grassroots strength to Harrisburg for the first-ever Pennsylvania ESOP Advocacy Day. A dedicated group of 18 volunteers from across the commonwealth gathered at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building to educate lawmakers about employee ownership and advocate for policies that will help ESOPs thrive. Pennsylvania is now the third state where The ESOP Association has conducted a State Advocacy Day, following Wisconsin and Ohio, marking another major step in our nationwide push to advance employee ownership.
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Jun. 25
On Thursday, June 5th, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer testified at the House Committee on Education & Workforce about the Department of Labor’s budget request and priorities for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins October 1. During the question portion of the hearing following her opening remarks, Committee Chair Tim Walberg (MI) asked the Secretary about the practice of common interest agreements that has been occurring at the DOL.
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Jun. 25
The ESOP Association’s 2025 ESOP Advocacy Day was a powerful display of grassroots energy, dedication, and the growing influence of ESOPs and employee ownership. On Wednesday, May 14, over 250 employee owners, company leaders, and professionals from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Members of Congress and their staff. Their goal was clear: advocate for policies that will protect and expand ESOPs. These volunteer advocates gave their time, their voices, and their stories to help make a difference. ESOPs across the country will benefit from their success for years to come.
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