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The ESOP Association

ESOP Association Resources

Nov. 14
I’m sure you won’t be surprised when I make the statement “ESOPs are unique”.  An ESOP is not like other privately held companies, and it’s definitely not like a publicly traded company.  This is because ESOP employees are not just employees, they are also owners.  Owners expect (and deserve) different things from their company and likewise, the company should expect a different level of engagement when sharing ownership.
Nov. 09
SYNTHETIC EQUITY SERIES – PART THREE OF THREE
This is the third in a series of articles covering components of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 409(p) test, which is specific to S-corporation ESOPs.  The first article discussed the items required for the test, one of which is information on any outstanding synthetic equity awards.  The second article defined and described common forms of synthetic equity for 409(p) purposes.  We recommend that you review these two articles before proceeding, as this article presumes knowledge of the concepts discussed in them.
Nov. 07
Happy Employee Ownership Month! It’s a special time for a special community.  Employee owners nationwide celebrate with tremendous pride. It’s a great time to reflect on the 11 million-plus employee owners in America who not only enjoy the individual benefits that accompany employee ownership, but also the contributions to communities and the social good that employee ownership adds.  We know we have a cause worth celebrating but also one – in the very nature of employee ownership – worth sharing.   
Nov. 02
From Oregon to Massachusetts and from Minnesota to Florida, TEA’s Chapter team logged some serious miles in October, hosting chapter and regional fall conferences across America.
Jul. 28
After several days of debate, Senate Republicans have offered their version of the “Phase Four” economic stimulus and COVID recovery bill. Of particular note to those in the ESOP community, this package of bills does not yet include S. 4236—the bill introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) that would offer grants to companies that create or expand an ESOP.
The package is a first draft and will likely change significantly as both parties work to hammer out an agreement. As currently written, this group of bills would offer the following items.
Jul. 27
S. 4236
Economic Recovery and Investment Through Employee Ownership Program
 
On July 21, 2020, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) introduced S. 4236, a bill to establish a federal grant program to encourage economic recovery through business investment and the creation and expansion of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).  The bi-partisan bill has been co-sponsored by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. 
Jul. 22
TEA Endorses Temporary Federal ESOP Grant Program Act
Thanks Sen. Johnson For Leadership; Encourages inclusion in COVID “Phase 4”
Jul. 21
Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced the Temporary Federal ESOP Grant Program Act, legislation to recapitalize businesses as they resume operations by helping them to create or expand an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
This is an incredible milestone for the ESOP community. Thank Senator Johnson by clicking this link: https://ctt.ac/0jS3b 
Read the full release from Senator Johnson's office below:
 
Jul. 17
Virginia sets rules that employers must follow or face penalties; other states could use Virginia's rules as a model.
Jul. 16
By surviving tough times and retaining employees, ESOPs benefit the nation as a whole.