- The Hub
- Advocacy
The Employee Ownership Action Network (EOAN) is a free-to-join, grassroots advocacy movement for anyone with a stake in ensuring employee ownership continues to grow and thrive in the US.
Does that sound like you?
- Membership
What Our Members Have to Say
“Membership in The ESOP Association is vital to an ESOP owned company. The advocacy and education services are invaluable and are not duplicated by any other organization.”
-David Kelly, CFO at Acadian Ambulance Service Inc.
- Events & Meetings
Featured Event
Registration Open!
The Employee Owned Conference, attended annually by more than 2,000 employee-owners, thought leaders, and professional advisors, is the largest ESOP conference in the world.
Upcoming events
- Resources
The #EO Solution
The ESOP Association and Project Equity have partnered to create state -by-state data that amplifies employee ownership as a common sense way to preserve businesses, strengthen jobs and build a more resilient post-pandemic economy.
ESOP Association Resources
Forming an ESOP - A New Video Series on Business Succession Planning
Hear from ESOP companies in multiple different industries, and their seasoned advisors, about what an ESOP is and if it’s right for you.
- Store
- About TEA
What is an ESOP?
An ESOP is a retirement plan—but also a way of living and running a company. For insights on both technical and cultural aspects of these plans—which provide benefits to employee owners, the company, the community, and exiting owners—and links to additional resources, see our web page titled What is an ESOP?
- Join TEA
The ESOP Association
ESOP Association Resources
Chapter News, Resource
Apr. 30
Recap of the New England Chapter Spring Conference; congratulations to D.M.H. Electrical Contractors for becoming 100 percent employee owned; planning for Congressional visits during the Annual Conference in Washington, DC; list of upcoming events.
Chapter News, Resource
Apr. 30
Palmer & Sicard visits Hypertherm for networking and an equipment demonstration; list of upcoming events; call to action for May visits to Capitol Hill.
ESOP Blog, Culture, Communications, National Conference, Keynote, Resource
Apr. 24
Frank Luntz, a world-renowned expert on business communication and political trends, will offer his unique insights on communicating in an employee owner setting at the National Conference in May.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, President's Corner, Washington Report, Distribution Delays, Constellis, Advocacy, National Conference, Resource
Apr. 01
Frank Luntz to provide insights on communicating in an employee owner environment in keynote remarks at National Conference.
Chapter News, Resource
Dec. 31
A recap of the year’s events, including the addition of five new chapter members, a summary of chapter member visits to Capitol Hill, and a look at the chapter’s successful efforts to host the Midwest Conference.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Safe Harbor, Layoffs, EBSA, Economic Performance Survey
Dec. 01
Research shows that employee owned firms are dramatically better at retention.
Oct. 22
Building upon the 1984 law, the Tax Reform Act of 1986 strengthens tax incentives for ESOPs. Deductibility of dividends on ESOP stock paid to plan participants AND deductibility of dividends used to pay debt are included in the landmark bill which overhauled the U.S. tax code.
Sep. 02
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) passes to address public concern that private pension plan funds were being mismanaged, and officially recognizes employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). While employee ownership and equity (stock) plans have existed prior to this point, ERISA launches them formally as qualified retirement plans (QRPs) under federal law thereby subjecting them to regulation by the U.S. Department of Labor and the IRS.