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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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The ESOP Association
ESOP Association Resources
Sep. 28
This is the first in a series of three articles regarding the preparation of the Section 409(p) test specific to S-Corporation ESOPs. Previously published articles have provided a general overview of how the test works and the dire consequences of failing the test, but this series will describe the mechanics and information required to perform the test.
Sep. 22
Notice to Taxpayers is Heavy on Innuendo, Light on Specifics
On August 9, the Internal Revenue Service issued a statement suggesting a greater focus in the next year on S-Corp ESOPs and tax compliance, particularly for companies with a parent holding or management company structure and certain owner finance arrangements. While very short on specifics, the IRS communication appears to be driven by aggressive marketing of ESOP plans by some, although the IRS provides no specific examples of where an ESOP has been used in the manner they suggest.
On August 9, the Internal Revenue Service issued a statement suggesting a greater focus in the next year on S-Corp ESOPs and tax compliance, particularly for companies with a parent holding or management company structure and certain owner finance arrangements. While very short on specifics, the IRS communication appears to be driven by aggressive marketing of ESOP plans by some, although the IRS provides no specific examples of where an ESOP has been used in the manner they suggest.
Sep. 18
In early August, judges convened at The ESOP Association’s headquarters in Washington, DC, to review all entries submitted for the 2023 Annual Awards for Communications Excellence, or the AACE Awards.
The competition for this year’s AACE Awards was fierce, with ESOPs submitting more exceptional entries than in 2022, making the judges’ job much harder. Entries are accepted from TEA members divided into two categories:
The competition for this year’s AACE Awards was fierce, with ESOPs submitting more exceptional entries than in 2022, making the judges’ job much harder. Entries are accepted from TEA members divided into two categories:
Sep. 08
Employee Ownership Foundation’s New ESOP Employee Accelerator Program Teaches Lifelong Business & ESOP Knowledge, Helps Employees Think and Act Like Owners
Employee Ownership Month, Employee Ownership Foundation, ESOP Association, ESOP Blog, Resource, Employee Resources
Aug. 26
Let us help you spread the word on employee ownership this October.
Recently, we were talking to one of our members about her ESOP company’s preparations for Employee Ownership Month (EOM). She shared some of her concerns:
She was not sure how much bandwidth her fellow employee owners would have for EOM activities, especially since many have school age children who will be home while attending classes remotely this fall.
Recently, we were talking to one of our members about her ESOP company’s preparations for Employee Ownership Month (EOM). She shared some of her concerns:
She was not sure how much bandwidth her fellow employee owners would have for EOM activities, especially since many have school age children who will be home while attending classes remotely this fall.
Jun. 22
As companies re-open and the standards change for how to remain safe, communicating with employee owners will become even more important—and more challenging.
Program Research
Jun. 20
For nearly the last decade, the Employee Ownership Foundation has provided the funding necessary to collect data regarding employee ownership as part of the General Social Survey (GSS). This survey, and the data it produces, is considered the gold-standard for data used by academic researchers interested in studying the American population. The data is openly available and has subsequently been used by academics to better understand Americans’ attitudes toward employee ownership and the impact it has on their lives. This new report published by Dr. Joseph Blasi and Dr. Doug Kruse of Rutgers University analyzed the newest release of GSS data and observed the overwhelming and uniquely bi-partisan support for employee ownership across all demographics and citizen profiles.
ESOP Association, COVID-19
Jun. 10
If you are like me, much of the last three months has been spent thinking about how to best navigate your business, your job, and your family through the COVID-19 crisis that continues to grip the world with uncertainty and consequence. If it has been said once, it has been said a million times—these are difficult and challenging times, to be sure. But they do not need to be without direction or, even, hopefulness for the future.
May. 28
The emotional toll that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on Americans is becoming increasingly and alarmingly clear. New information suggests that ESOP companies may want to train an especially keen eye on the well-being of their employee owners.
May. 06
An agreement between Wilmington Trust and the DOL pays funds to ESOPs and includes costs for penalties and legal fees.