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The ESOP Association

ESOP Association Resources

Resource, ESOP Brief, ESOP Benefits, Succession Planning, Tax Benefits, Financing, Leveraged ESOP, Diversification
Jan. 29
A basic guide summarizing the unique benefits Employee Stock Ownership Plans offer to owners, employees, and communities. This ESOP Brief is available to the public as an informational resource.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Dec. 21
Two organizations with significant pull in the business world are focusing their attention on the benefits that ESOPs and employee ownership can bring to disadvantaged communities.
The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program and the Rockefeller Foundation have been working jointly to explore and promote the use of ESOPs and employee ownership in Qualified Opportunity Zones. These 761 zones include distressed communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.
ESOP Brief, Retirement Benefits, Diversification, Distributions, Resource
Dec. 17
ESOP participants nearing retirement age have the option, by law, to diversify a portion of their ESOP stock. This ESOP Brief discusses why and how participants may consider this option.
ESOP Brief, Benefits, Retirement Benefits, Diversification, Distributions, Resource
Dec. 17
A broad overview of how ESOPs compare to other employee benefit plans, like 401(k) plans, and what the benefits of ESOPs are to employee owners.
ESOP Blog, Resource, Government Affairs
Nov. 29
A quick glance at the results of the mid-term elections might leave one feeling that the ESOP community will face challenging days ahead. Certainly the retirement and defeat of key ESOP advocates in Congress—primarily in the House, where tax laws originate—pose a challenge. But there is good news too.
The "Bad" News
First, let’s look at the more challenging news.
We will lose some crucial, long-time ESOP Advocates next year.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Oct. 30
The results of this year’s Economic Performance Survey (EPS) show that, once again, companies belonging to The ESOP Association have experienced positive corporate performance.
Just as importantly, the EPS once again shows that when companies perform well, employee owners share in the rewards. And this year, new data reveal a new facet of how ESOP companies distribute those rewards.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Oct. 26
So, you’re coming to the 2018 Las Vegas Conference and Trade Show, but maybe gambling isn’t your thing. Las Vegas may be home to some of the biggest casinos and hotels in the world – but there are so many other things to do besides gambling. Check out some of our favorite places to visit and activities to do:
ESOP Blog, Resource
Oct. 22

Ownership Culture Runs Deep at Gardener’s Supply Company
Employee ownership is deeply rooted in the culture at the 2018 ESOP Company of the Year, Burlington, VT-based Gardener’s Supply Company. “It is part of who we are… it’s our identity,” says the company’s Director of HR Christie Kane.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Jul. 31
You can never have too many friends in Congress. Politics is inherently changeable, and while it may seem that members of Congress have a job for life, in every session many are replaced—sometimes unexpectedly.
Some announce their retirement while others are defeated in primaries or elections. Some resign for health concerns and some leave for other factors entirely. Whatever the reason, a significant number of elected officials don’t return the following session.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Jun. 26
Why Employee Ownership Was The Right Choice for America
What do Independence Day, ESOPs, and fishing have in common? More than you might think.
During the Revolutionary War, the British attempted to wipe out America’s Cod fleet because it was a critical part of our economy and a source of able hands for America’s growing Navy. Those efforts left the industry crippled for years after the last musket was fired in Yorktown.