The ESOP Association
ESOP Association Resources
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. 28
On May 15, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) published a Loan Forgiveness Application that provides long awaited information regarding loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP generally provides that borrowers are eligible for forgiveness of their PPP loans based upon certain qualifying expenses that arise during the eight-week period commencing on the date the loan was funded (which is known as the Covered Period).
May. 13
New funding options may exist for businesses, thanks to a new bill from the House and several potential modifications to existing federal relief programs.
May. 08
Companies that received PPP funds now have an extra week to decide if they should give them back.
May. 06
An agreement between Wilmington Trust and the DOL pays funds to ESOPs and includes costs for penalties and legal fees.
May. 04
In this special 24-page issue get ideas on managing in a crisis, help planning for the reopening of your workplace, news of TEA’s expanding advocacy efforts and member benefits, updates on new webinars, and more!
COVID-19, remote work, hoteling, third shift
Apr. 27
As companies mull how to return to work, they may want to consider ways that the workplace may need to shift and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some thoughts about how the future may look.
Apr. 27
There has been a clear shift in the political environment propelled by public discussions of certain large, public companies obtaining loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), including Shake Shack, Ruth’s Chris and others[1]. During this time, many small businesses have been quoted in the press expressing frustration with their inability to access the PPP program prior to the first round of guarantee authority being exhausted.
Apr. 24
New guidance assures that ESOP companies are eligible for key federal relief under the Paycheck Protection Program.
Apr. 24
New guidance and a resource page from the EEOC can help reduce risk as employers make plans to reopen their businesses.
Apr. 22
Congress and the Trump Administration have reached a deal on a new round of coronavirus aid entitled the Paycheck Protection Program Increase Act of 2020. The ESOP Association has remained aggressively engaged with key leaders in Congress and the White House to ensure ESOPs and employee owned businesses remain front of mind as legislation is drafted.
Apr. 08
Washington Alert: Senators Tell SBA That ESOPs Qualify for Relief, Urge Clear Instruction to Lenders
In response to TEA request, two influential Senators take action to clear the way for ESOPs to receive PPP funds.
The HUB, COVID-19, network, webinar archive
Apr. 08
Come to The HUB, the new online networking platform where ESOP companies and employee owners connect, share resources, and watch TEA recorded webinars. Exclusively for ESOP Association members!
Apr. 03
April ESOP Report Now Available
The April edition of the ESOP Report is now available online for members of TEA.
This month's edition is special. In our expanded ESOP Report you will find articles about all the new member benefits we are providing to help our members weather the current health and financial crisis. We hope this month's newsletter becomes a valuable resource for your employee owners or, for our professional members, your clients.
The April edition of the ESOP Report is now available online for members of TEA.
This month's edition is special. In our expanded ESOP Report you will find articles about all the new member benefits we are providing to help our members weather the current health and financial crisis. We hope this month's newsletter becomes a valuable resource for your employee owners or, for our professional members, your clients.
Apr. 02
Sharing these three informational resources with your employee owners can help them grapple with today’s challenges.
Apr. 01
The CARES Act offers credits to businesses that take steps to retain their employees. This Q&A can help ESOP Association members better understand these credits and how they are applied.
Mar. 30
ESOP companies can apply for greatly expanded federal financial assistance that may qualify for partial or full debt forgiveness. Read More
Mar. 26
See how the latest bill for COVID-19 relief, just passed by the Senate, can help ESOP companies grapple with the economic downturn.
Mar. 25
The ESOP Association today sent a letter to the Secretary of Labor asking for emergency plan flexibility, regulatory guidance, and investigatory relief for active or new routine EBSA investigations.
ESOP Association President & CEO Jim Bonham specifically requested that DOL:
ESOP Association President & CEO Jim Bonham specifically requested that DOL:
Mar. 23
In votes held last night and today, the Senate was unable to move forward on a proposed multi-trillion dollar “Phase 3” piece of legislation that would provide a massive infusion of cash and loan relief for private sector businesses. The legislation is currently stalled over disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over the nature of corporate relief and its uses.
Mar. 19
These slide decks show the nation's response to COVID-19 in a quick, easy to read format.
Mar. 18
As Congress considers various aid packages for businesses negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic, The ESOP Association is working to ensure the needs of the ESOP community are part of the discussion.
Mar. 17
H.R. 6201 would expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), creating a new form of mostly paid job-protected leave for affected employees. It also would create a new form of immediately available, short-term paid sick leave. These provisions would take effect within 15 days of enactment by the President.
Read More
Read More
Mar. 16
In response to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus, the city of Washington, D.C., has banned gatherings in the nation’s capital of more than 250 participants. Accordingly, we are cancelling our National Conference, scheduled to take place May 20-22. While we are disappointed we will be unable to gather with the ESOP community in May, we fully appreciate and support government efforts to slow the spread of the virus and prevent our nation’s health care system from being overwhelmed.
Mar. 12
Today, following ongoing reports and announcements from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The ESOP Association announced it will postpone all events between March 14 and April 27.
Read More
Read More
Ownership Advantage, Legal Update, Congressional Testimony, Daniel Goldstein, House testimony, Sen. Sanders, ESOP Insurance, Redeem, Recycle
Feb. 27
Member Daniel Goldstein testifies before Congress on behalf of The ESOP Association, saying regulations and help with loans must be addressed now.
Feb. 21
Washington, DC, Feb. 20, 2020—The ESOP Association is pleased that employee ownership arose in the Democratic party Presidential debate last night and that multiple candidates were able to vocalize their support. We believe more Americans need to know about and participate in employee ownership—especially ESOPs, which are the largest and most common form of employee ownership—and would encourage greater discussion about this important form of business ownership in America.
Department of Labor, Adequate Consideration
Feb. 12
Daniel Goldstein, President and CEO of Folience, testified on behalf of The ESOP Association before the House Committee on Small Business. Feb. 12, 2020.
Advocacy, Adequate Consideration
Feb. 12
The following written testimony was provided by Daniel Goldstein, President and CEO of Folience, to the Feb. 12, 2020 hearing of the House Committee on Small Business.
Advocacy, Department of Labor
Feb. 12
TEA member Daniel Goldstein, President and CEO of Folience, testified on behalf of The ESOP Association at a Feb. 12, 2020 hearing of the House Committee on Small Business. Read More >
Congressional Testimony
Feb. 10
On Feb. 12, ESOP Association member Daniel Goldstein will testify before the House Committee on Small Business on behalf of The Association and the 10.6 million employee owners in the U.S. - Read More >
Ownership Advantage, Legal Update, Washington Report, Jodi Lamb, Kevin Korenthal, ESOP Contributions, Allocations, Nydia Velazquez, ESOP PAC, SRCC Meeting
Jan. 30
ESOP Association makes a strategic investment in chapter support.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Amanda Rushing, AACE, Ownership Advantage, S 177, HR 2258, ESOP Transactions, CEO
Jan. 07
ESOP Association launches a new member database and new website.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Foundation, EOF, Valuation, Resource
Nov. 01
A new era begins for Employee Ownership Foundation fundraising.
ESOP Surveys, Economic Performance Survey, Revenue, Profits, Productivity, ESOPs Share the Wealth, Resource
Oct. 17
The Economic Performance Survey has been the yardstick for measuring the success of The ESOP Association’s member companies since 2000.
ESOP Association, ESOP Blog, Wealth Inequality, Wealth Distribution, Kellogg Foundation, ESOP Research, Rutgers University, Resource
Oct. 16
There is plenty of data about wealth inequality, focusing on data alone misses a key point: Wealth inequality is about people. It is about people who go to work, pay their bills, meet their responsibilities, contribute to their communities, and pay their taxes—and who, in spite of their best efforts, are prevented from sharing in the wealth they help create.
ESOP Blog, Employee Owner of the Year, Employee Ownership Month, Resource
Oct. 16
Jeff Mounts, Marketing Manager at ESP International, absolutely loves a certain quote. When you hear it, you understand a lot about Jeff, why he has become an invaluable member of the Communications Committee at ESP International, and why he earned The ESOP Association award for 2019 Employee Owner of the Year.
That quote? It’s from Albert Einstein, who said: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
That quote? It’s from Albert Einstein, who said: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
ESOP Blog, Employee Training, Culture, Employee Ownership Foundation, ESOP Research, Program Research, Resource
Oct. 07
Providing training to employees helps keep their skills sharp and can lead to improved productivity. It also shows a commitment to employee growth and development that may pay additional dividends, including potentially having a positive effect on employee retention.
ESOP Blog, Employee Ownership Foundation, ESOP Research, Employee Ownership Month, Blog, Resource
Oct. 03
In some ways, the benefits of having an ESOP are obvious: Tax benefits for S and C corps probably are at the top of the list, followed closely by increased employee engagement and productivity.
In other areas, research is constantly finding new and important ways that companies benefit from having an ESOP. Here are just some reasons that have been brought to light by recent research.
In other areas, research is constantly finding new and important ways that companies benefit from having an ESOP. Here are just some reasons that have been brought to light by recent research.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Turcot, Foundation, EOF, Washington Report, DOL, Economic Performance Survey, Resource
Oct. 01
Results released for the 2019 Economic Performance Survey.
ESOP Blog, ESOP Benefits, Retirement Benefits, Employee Ownership Foundation, Employee Ownership Basics, Employee Training, Employee Ownership Month, Resource
Oct. 01
Today we kick off Employee Ownership Month, a month-long celebration of ESOPs and an opportunity to educate the world about the benefits employee ownership offers to employees and businesses alike.
It’s a celebration that takes a month to complete because there is that much to like—even, love—about ESOPs. And it is all backed up with data—much of it courtesy of the Employee Ownership Foundation and those who support it.
It’s a celebration that takes a month to complete because there is that much to like—even, love—about ESOPs. And it is all backed up with data—much of it courtesy of the Employee Ownership Foundation and those who support it.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Corner, Selling an ESOP, Financial Literacy, Employee Ownership Foundation, Resource
Sep. 01
Employee Ownership Foundation launches new website.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, President's Corner, Gwenn Rosenthal, Resource
Aug. 01
Employee Ownership Month resources are now available.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, President's Corner, Kristie Marks, Washington Report, Employee Owned, Resource
Jul. 01
News about Employee Owned 2019, the Conference and Trade Show for ESOPs.
ESOP Blog, Employee Ownership, Employee Ownership Foundation, GSS Research, ESOP Research, Rutgers University, Culture, Resource
Jun. 13
It’s no surprise that Americans disagree about a lot of things….
Just try getting consensus on a group of people’s preference for cats or dogs, pie flavors or person most likely to take the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones. Close to impossible.
Just try getting consensus on a group of people’s preference for cats or dogs, pie flavors or person most likely to take the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones. Close to impossible.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, President's Corner, Washington Report, Trustee Idemnification, Advocacy, ESOP Audits, National Conference, Resource
Jun. 01
A recap of the 2019 National Conference in Washington, DC.
Resource, Press Releases
May. 23
Washington, DC, May 23, 2019 - Miklos Systems Inc. (MSI) of Fairfax, VA has won The ESOP Association’s highest corporate honor—the ESOP Company of the Year Award. The award honors a company that actively participates in the employee ownership community and that demonstrates a dedication to The ESOP Association’s vision of employee participation, wealth creation, and individual dignity and worth.
Resource, Press Releases
May. 23
Research released today by the Employee Ownership Foundation (EOF) and the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations at The ESOP Association's 42nd National Conference in Washington, DC shows that employee owned businesses enjoy uniquely broad support among Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
Resource, Press Releases
May. 23
Washington, DC, May 23, 2019 - Janet Edmunson, founder of JME Insights in South Portland, ME, has been named the 2019 Life Service Award winner by The ESOP Association. The Life Service Award honors individuals who’ve made a significant, long-term contribution to employee ownership and the ESOP community.
Resource, Press Releases
May. 23
Washington, DC, May 23, 2019 - Jeff Mounts, Marketing Coordinator at ESP International based in Cedar Rapids, has been named the 2019 Employee Owner of the Year by The ESOP Association. This award recognizes a non-management employee owner who provides a positive influence in the company, and who participates in the company’s employee ownership activities and in the activities of The ESOP Association.
Resource, Press Releases
May. 23
Congratulations to all our AACE winners and runners up - we had an incredible year for the AACE program with some of the best entries we have ever received. Thank you to our judges who took two days to fly to DC to judge the countless entries. We look forward to next year!
More than 250 Employees
Air Tractor (Olney, TX)
• Winner: Video
Burns & McDonnell (Kansas City, MO)
• Runner Up: Total Communications
• Runner Up: Series of Special Events
ESOP Surveys, Resource, Benefits, Company Size, Diversification
May. 16
This survey of ESOP Association corporate members, conducted every five years, offers unique insights—including aggregated data on company size, benefits, diversification, and industries—into the ESOP community.
ESOP Blog, Employee Ownership Foundation, Wealth Inequality, Rutgers University, Resource
May. 04
There is new evidence that ESOPs can be a powerful mechanism for addressing wealth inequality in America. A study released today by the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing shows that ESOPs help families significantly increase their assets, thereby shrinking gender and racial wealth gaps.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, President's Corner, Washington Report, Stock Drop Cases, Advocacy, Gary Shorman, Ali Jamshidi, Karen Ellis, DOL, Resource
May. 01
Rep. Guthrie elicits key on-the-record comments from Labor Secretary Acosta.
ESOP Blog, Culture, Communications, National Conference, Keynote, Resource
Apr. 24
Frank Luntz, a world-renowned expert on business communication and political trends, will offer his unique insights on communicating in an employee owner setting at the National Conference in May.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, President's Corner, Washington Report, Distribution Delays, Constellis, Advocacy, National Conference, Resource
Apr. 01
Frank Luntz to provide insights on communicating in an employee owner environment in keynote remarks at National Conference.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, President's Corner, Washington Report, Arbitration, National Conference, Resource
Mar. 01
National Conference offers great content for members of ESOP committees.
ESOP Brief, Repurchase Obligation, Valuation, Resource
Feb. 25
Understanding the repurchase obligation and its effect on an ESOP company’s valuation.
ESOP Brief, Repurchase Obligation, Opportunity Cost, New Present Value, Redeem, Recycle, Resource
Feb. 25
Using opportunity cost to understand the true cost of the repurchase obligation on an ESOP company’s share price.
ESOP Brief, Synthetic Equity, Warrants, Options, Valuation, Resource
Feb. 25
Written for ESOP fiduciaries and trustees, this Brief discusses the interplay of synthetic equity, warrants, and various valuation methods.
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, President's Corner, Washington Report, Engagement, Vesting, Fitz-Gerald, Bonham, Resource
Feb. 10
New ESOP Association CEO announced.
Resource, Press Releases
Feb. 07
Washington, DC, February 7, 2019 – The ESOP Association (TEA) announced today that James J. Bonham will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on March 1. Founded in 1978, TEA is America’s largest national trade association focused on advancing employee ownership through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) model.
Bonham will also serve as President of the Employee Ownership Foundation, an affiliated non-profit with a mission to encourage, educate, and catalyse new research in support of employee ownership nationwide.
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.
Resource, Press Releases
Jan. 21
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. This year, new data reveal a new facet of how ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) companies distribute those rewards.
Employee Owners Share the Rewards
Just as importantly, the EPS once again shows that when companies perform well, employee owners share in the rewards. This year, new data reveal a new facet of how ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) companies distribute those rewards.
Employee Owners Share the Rewards
ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, Wealth Distribution, Valuation, Social Media, Plan Records, Resource
Jan. 01
A pro-ESOP bill is introduced in the Senate.
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.
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, Dividends, 404(k), Resource
Dec. 20
There are various tax incentives to encourage companies to consider an ESOP. This Brief discusses an employer’s ability to use tax deductible funds to service ESOP debt and the advantages of deductible cash dividends.
ESOP Brief, Distributions, Put Option, Resource
Dec. 20
A guide to the rules surrounding ESOP distributions including an overview of The Put Option.
ESOP Brief, Repurchase Obligation, Resource
Dec. 20
Both S corporation and C corporation ESOP companies must be prepared to pay cash equal in value to stock in a participant’s account, per ERISA distributions rules.
ESOP Brief, Repurchase Obligation, Redeem, Recycle, Opportunity Cost, Resource
Dec. 20
This ESOP Brief introduces the concept of opportunity cost and the implications for share price when private companies devote resources to fund repurchase obligations.
ESOP Brief, Repurchase Obligation, Valuation, Recycle, Redeem, Resource
Dec. 20
This ESOP Brief explains how an ESOP company’s repurchase obligation should be understood and managed, and how the repurchase obligation associated with the ESOP should be reflected in the valuation.
ESOP Brief, Leveraged ESOPs, Convertible Stock, Financing, Resource
Dec. 20
How to use convertible preferred stock in an ESOP.
ESOP Brief, Valuation, Adequate Consideration, Resource
Dec. 19
This Brief answers important questions you may have about ESOP stock valuation, including who may value a stock and how valuations occur.
ESOP Brief, Fair Market Value, Economic Value, Valuation, Distributions, Repurchase Obligation, Resource
Dec. 19
A summary of the valuation issues S corporations can encounter. This is a highly technical ESOP Brief.
ESOP Brief, Leveraged ESOPs, Non-leveraged ESOPs, Financing, Resource
Dec. 19
This Brief describes common accounting practices for non-leveraged and leveraged ESOPs.
ESOP Brief, ESOP Plan Design, Repurchase Obligation, Resource
Dec. 17
A summary of the key steps involved in designing and implementing an ESOP for a privately held company.
ESOP Brief, Tax Benefits, 1042, Dividends, Resource
Dec. 17
A guide to the tax advantages of ESOPs for business planning including both C Corporation and S Corporation tax advantages.
ESOP Brief, Tax Benefits, 1042, Dividends, Why Sell to an ESOP, Resource
Dec. 17
A summary of the mechanics and rules of the tax-free 1042 rollover and related matters.
ESOP Brief, Tax Benefits, Leveraged ESOPs, ESOP Financing, Resource
Dec. 17
A broad overview of the unique characteristics and advantages of ESOP financing as compared with conventional debt financing.
ESOP Brief, Culture, Productivity, Resource
Dec. 17
Why should you consider employee ownership in your company? Does it work? What are the advantages? These questions and more answered in this ESOP Brief.
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 Brief, KSOPs, 401(k), Resource
Dec. 17
A summary of how ESOPs and 401(k) plans can work together to benefit the employee owner and the employer.
ESOP Brief, Performance, Revenue, Productivity, Resource
Dec. 17
ESOPs can impact corporate performance in a number of important and beneficial ways.
ESOP Brief, Policy, Employee Ownership, Resource
Dec. 17
An overview of why employee ownership should be a part of national public policy. This is a must-read for executives, owners, and anyone with a stake in the employee ownership community.
ESOP Brief, Voting, Voting Rights, Resource
Dec. 17
A breakdown of the voting rights of ESOP stock participants and beneficiaries.
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, Tax Benefits, 1042, Dividends, 404(k), 409(p), Resource
Dec. 17
S corporation election can result in substantial tax savings at the corporate level, but some factors may not make S election viable for all companies.
ESOP Brief, Fiduciary Liability, Trustee, Prohibited Transaction, Self Dealing, Adequate Consideration, Breach, Resource
Dec. 06
A guide to the ERISA rules all ESOP fiduciaries need to know to fulfill their obligations.
ESOP Report, Resource, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, PBGC, Washington Report, ESOP PAC, Valuation, Lifetouch, Culture, AACE
Dec. 01
Deadlines loom for AACE and EOM Poster competitions.
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.
The "Bad" News
First, let’s look at the more challenging news.
We will lose some crucial, long-time ESOP Advocates next year.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, Economic Performance Survey, Valuation, Insufficient Assets, Employee Ownership Month
Nov. 01
Members of The ESOP Association and the public show even greater interest in celebrating Employee Ownership Month.
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.
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.
Resource, Press Releases
Oct. 01
President Donald Trump this week received a letter from 27 influential members of the House of Representatives, urging him to rein in overzealous and unfair enforcement of regulations that apply to ESOP companies.
The letter offers powerful support for ESOP companies, at a time when that support is sorely needed.
The letter offers powerful support for ESOP companies, at a time when that support is sorely needed.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Corner, Releveraging, Foundation
Sep. 01
Ownership culture runs deep at Gardener's Supply Company, the 2018 ESOP Company of the Year.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Arbitration, Plan Termination, Economic Performance Survey, EBSA
Aug. 01
Meet Luke Deets, 2018 Employee Owner of the Year.
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.
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.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, ESOP PAC, Former Employee
Jul. 01
The ESOP Association takes ESOP advocacy overseas.
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.
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.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, C Corporations, AACE Winners, Annual Conference
Jun. 01
The Annual Conference confirms that we are all Better Together.
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:
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:
Resource, Press Releases
May. 11
The ESOP Association celebrates a new law that will help businesses better understand and pursue options for becoming employee owned. The law—the Main Street Employee Ownership Act—seeks to make better use of existing programs offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to companies considering an employee owned model, such as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, ESOP Communication Committee, Fitz-Gerald
May. 01
One ESOP bill passes in the House, another is introduced in the Senate.
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.
Resource, Press Releases
Apr. 15
Gardener’s Supply Company of Burlington, VT, has been named the 2018 ESOP Company of the Year by The ESOP Association. The announcement was made at The Association’s Annual Conference.
“Gardener’s Supply is a prime example of an ESOP company that actively engages its employee owners, the employee ownership community, and elected officials at the state and federal levels,” said ESOP Association President J. Michael Keeling. “Its commitment to sharing with others the power of ESOPs is an example all ESOP companies can proudly seek to replicate.”
“Gardener’s Supply is a prime example of an ESOP company that actively engages its employee owners, the employee ownership community, and elected officials at the state and federal levels,” said ESOP Association President J. Michael Keeling. “Its commitment to sharing with others the power of ESOPs is an example all ESOP companies can proudly seek to replicate.”
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.
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.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, ESOP PAC, Distribution, SBA, Foundation, Stock Sale, Asset Sale, Voluntary Correction Program
Apr. 01
Congress takes two actions in support of ESOPs.
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.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Velazquez, Chabot, Minor Beneficiaries
Mar. 01
Pro-ESOP bill H.R. 5236 is passed quickly, unanimously by House committee.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Feb. 28
In this, our final installment on common criticisms of ESOPs—and why they are wrong—we’ll look at the assertion that ESOPs are not real ownership.
According to cynics, ESOPs are “fake” ownership plans. In “real” ownership, they argue, the owners control their assets by determining such things as who runs the company, who sits on the Board of Directors, when major corporate decisions are made that might impact the future of the company, and so on.
But ESOPs are true ownership.
According to cynics, ESOPs are “fake” ownership plans. In “real” ownership, they argue, the owners control their assets by determining such things as who runs the company, who sits on the Board of Directors, when major corporate decisions are made that might impact the future of the company, and so on.
But ESOPs are true ownership.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Feb. 14
I often hear three criticisms about ESOPs: The second criticism is that ESOPs are a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Cynics say the tax breaks provided to ESOPs are money losers because the majority of American taxpayers pay higher rates to make up for the cost of ESOP tax benefits.
But anyone who says that must not have done very well in elementary school when they learned basic math. ESOPs offer great returns on tax incentives.
Cynics say the tax breaks provided to ESOPs are money losers because the majority of American taxpayers pay higher rates to make up for the cost of ESOP tax benefits.
But anyone who says that must not have done very well in elementary school when they learned basic math. ESOPs offer great returns on tax incentives.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Valuation, Beneficiary Designation
Feb. 01
The Impact of Tax Reform on ESOP C and S Corporation Business Valuations.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Jan. 31
I am hearing increasingly from certain thought leaders that current ESOP laws do not create “good” employee ownership plans.
Anytime we ESOP advocates encounter someone who takes such a view of ESOPs, we need to ask ourselves, “Why does that person think ESOPs are not good employee ownership plans?” When we know the answer, we can counter the ESOP cynic’s point of view.
In my experience, there are three main criticisms of ESOPs. I’ll deal with each one in a separate blog post.
The first criticism maintains that ESOPs are bad retirement plans.
Anytime we ESOP advocates encounter someone who takes such a view of ESOPs, we need to ask ourselves, “Why does that person think ESOPs are not good employee ownership plans?” When we know the answer, we can counter the ESOP cynic’s point of view.
In my experience, there are three main criticisms of ESOPs. I’ll deal with each one in a separate blog post.
The first criticism maintains that ESOPs are bad retirement plans.
Resource, Press Releases
Jan. 21
For more than 28 years, Employee Ownership Month has been an opportunity for ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) companies across the nation to educate employee owners and the public about the undeniable benefits of employee ownership for employees, their companies, their communities, and the nation.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Jan. 17
For some time now, the data have shown that businesses with employee stock ownership are clearly better than conventionally owned companies at retaining employees. But new insights gleaned from existing research data show that, over a period of 12 years, businesses with employee stock ownership have gotten increasingly and dramatically better than conventionally owned firms at retaining employees.
How much better? Try 235 percent better!
How much better? Try 235 percent better!
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, DOL, Foundation, Compliance Testing, Communication, EBSA, Employee Ownership Month
Jan. 10
Shifting views on personal property just might open the door to greater employee ownership.
ESOP Blog, Resource
Jan. 03
It would be easy for us to sit back and bask in the comfortable knowledge that the Congressional tax committees did not draft tax reform measures that negatively affect ESOPs.
Certainly, that is good news. But we can’t let that recent success cause us to remain ignorant of the fact there remain plenty of people who do not believe in the things that we believe—that ESOPs are good for our nation, our companies, and employees.
Sometimes that dislike for ESOPs can be harder to spot, because it is hidden under an apparent love for different forms of employee ownership.
Certainly, that is good news. But we can’t let that recent success cause us to remain ignorant of the fact there remain plenty of people who do not believe in the things that we believe—that ESOPs are good for our nation, our companies, and employees.
Sometimes that dislike for ESOPs can be harder to spot, because it is hidden under an apparent love for different forms of employee ownership.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, TPA, Communication, Foundation, Kelso Fellows
Jan. 01
A report from the 2018 Kelso Workshop.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Safe Harbor, Layoffs, EBSA, Economic Performance Survey
Dec. 01
Research shows that employee owned firms are dramatically better at retention.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, DOL, Mullins, Kelso Fellows, AACE
Nov. 01
Time for change at the Department of Labor.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, DOL, Mullins, Kelso Fellows, AACE
Oct. 01
Responding to a hurricane, the ESOP way.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Repurchase Obligation Study, Tax Reform, Overvaluation
Sep. 01
SJE-Rhombus, 2017 ESOP Company of the Year.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Notifications, Strategic Planning, Stock Drop, EBSA
Aug. 01
Carl Morgan, 2017 Employee Owner of the Year.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Letitia James, Repurchase Liability, Cindy Turcot, ESOP Plan Design
Jun. 01
Can ESOPs help keep companies in business in New York City?
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report
May. 01
Large, high-energy crowd shares the love for ESOPs at the 2017 Annual Conference.
Resource, ESOP Research, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Coaching, Data Errors, Kelso Fellows, Foundation, H.R. 2092, S. 1212
Apr. 01
A new pro-ESOP bill is introduced in the House.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Prohibited Transaction
Mar. 01
ESOPs: The answer for retaining jobs?
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Control Premiums, ESOP Loan, Fiduciary Rule, Gary Shorman, Butler, Becker
Feb. 01
A cure for political disagreement.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, 1042, Related Party Deduction, Susan Collins, Kelly Ayotte, Gary Shorman, Ali Jamshidi, Missy Pieske
Jan. 07
ESOPS: A truly American invention.
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, President's Page, Distribution Policy, Stock Drop, Tax Reform, ESOP Loan, ESOP PAC, Kelso Symposium
Jan. 01
Big changes, new programs are in store for TEA’s 2017 Annual Conference.
The most common form of employee ownership in American is the employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP. A huge benefit of ESOPs—for employees and the larger community alike—is that they excel at preserving jobs.
Resource, Press Releases
Washington, DC, July 11, 2019 - The ESOP Association (TEA) today announced that seasoned business and operations executive Kristie Mark will join The Association July 16 as its first Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mark, who served as the Chief Administrative Officer in the Executive Office of the President during the Obama administration, is known for her ability to assist organizations as they navigate leadership, cultural, and financial transitions at a world-class level.