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The ESOP Association

ESOP Association Resources

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.
ESOP Blog, Resource
May. 18
On May 10, the prestigious Aspen Institute held a panel discussion on employee ownership that was attended by individuals and groups involved in policy making and thought leadership. The ESOP Association assisted in gathering potential speakers.
The event featured a visit from Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN), and a four-person panel representing corporate members of The ESOP Association. The panelists included:
ESOP Blog, Resource
Apr. 24
At Entertainment Partners, with our 1,100 employee owners spread out across more than 10 locations nationwide, we rely heavily on technology to help us communicate and connect with each other. To us, “social media” encompasses any technology that enables us to create and share content and make those connections. It could be software specifically geared toward fostering collaboration in the workplace or it could be the same website you use to share hilarious cat videos or that perfectly angled selfie.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Apr. 02
Most businesses wrestle with their health care costs. Being an ESOP does not make us immune to this challenge.
Travel and Transport is a 1,400-person company with offices from Boston to Seattle. We have a self-insured health plan in which approximately two thirds of our employee owners participate. Our plan has run large deficits the past several years and, as a result, we are in the midst of making some major changes.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Mar. 14
For the second year in a row, corporate members of The ESOP Association appear to be managing their expenses extremely well, with resulting positive effects on profits and stock value.