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The ESOP Association

ESOP Association Resources

Apr. 30
In the rapidly evolving business landscape, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) have emerged as a pivotal strategy for fostering an engaged and motivated workforce. The heart of successfully navigating the ESOP ecosystem lies within the effective communication strategies deployed by an organization. At the forefront of these strategies are ESOP Communication Committees, whose role extends far beyond mere information dissemination. These committees are instrumental in creating, building, and sustaining education, alongside driving cultural improvements within employee-owned companies.
Apr. 25
Pictured: The BAYCOM team, along with the co-CEOs of OwnersEdge, celebrate the Fastest Growing Company award on February 28. Katie Busch, president of BAYCOM, is pictured front middle. Christine Adee, CEO of OwnersEdge, is to the right of Busch in the front row and Rob Dillon, CEO of OwnersEdge, is in the back row to the right of Busch. In 2016, BAYCOM was acquired by OwnersEdge, a 100% employee-owned ESOP holding company based in Waukesha, Wis.
Apr. 23
Aaron Moberger, an employee owner and Project Manager at Avid Products, was recently named as the inaugural Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership’s advisory board. Aaron is the immediate past President of The ESOP Association’s New England Chapter, and for years has been a key volunteer leader in TEA’s chapter network. We asked Aaron to share his thoughts about his new leadership role with MassCEO, and how the organization can help grow employee ownership in the state.
Apr. 18
The most common comments I hear from ESOP Advocacy Day attendees before participating are some version of “I’m not sure what to do/say” or “It’s a little intimidating.”
The most common refrains I hear after Advocacy Day: “This was easy and really fun” and “I can’t wait to do it again next year!”  I encourage you to join ESOP Advocacy Day whether it’s your first time or you’ve been doing it for years.
Apr. 16
Just Announced: Dave Barry to Headline Awards Gala!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at National Conference as we celebrate the very best of employee ownership!
The ESOP Association's annual awards ceremony has always been a popular event, as we honor the best individual and ESOP company accomplishments. This year, we are taking it to a whole new level with the Celebration of Excellence in Employee Ownership awards gala. 
Apr. 09
Over the last five years, The ESOP Association has undergone significant changes as the executive team, Board of Directors, and TEA staff have strived to modernize, expand, and transform the Association’s capabilities and offerings in order to better serve our membership and the cause of ESOPs and employee ownership.
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.
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:
Sep. 08
Employee Ownership Foundation’s New ESOP Employee Accelerator Program Teaches Lifelong Business & ESOP Knowledge, Helps Employees Think and Act Like Owners