Employee Ownership Blog

Timothy Garbinsky

Gina Schaefer to Headline OEOC Conference This Month

Last September, we had the privilege of seeing Gina Schaefer, the founder of ESOP-owned A Few Cool Hardware Stores, deliver the keynote address at our 2023 Fall Forum in Houston. Her story of how her company exceeded its promise of being a mere place of commerce, turning into a hub for the communities in which it resides, was inspiring. Even before becoming employee-owned, Gina's stores became essential fixtures for the locals and employees alike, and the ESOP only strengthened their impact. Her talk was vulnerable, witty, intelligent, and moving, and a great reminder of why we do the work that we do.

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Jaymie Oviedo

The 2024 Annual Conference Is Officially Sold Out!

It's official: as of last night, our 2024 Annual Employee Ownership Conference, taking place from April 29 to May 1, has officially sold out! We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and reception from our community. This event has grown nearly every year and continues to exceed its already high expectations in quality, but nothing could have prepared us for the event to sell out a full month and a half before we descend on the Tampa Convention Center.

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Madelyn Hammack

Introducing the Tandem Center for Shared Business Success

We're delighted to announce the launch of the Tandem Center for Shared Business Success. A nonprofit initiative founded in November 2023 by Chip Cargas, founder and chair emeritus of the employee-owned company Cargas, and created in partnership with the Lancaster Chamber, the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership (PaCEO), and the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO), Tandem offers pathways for business success through two proven programs: profit sharing and direct employee ownership. The Center provides education and technical assistance to businesses, enabling them to thrive in ways that benefit owners, employees, and other stakeholders. 

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Corey Rosen

Bob Moore, Iconic Founder of Bob's Red Mill, Passes Away at Age 94

Bob Moore, the familiar face on the growing line of Bob’s Red Mill products, passed away at age 94. His death received national news coverage, including in the New York Times, USA Today, People, and many others. Moore sold the company to an ESOP in 2010, with the ESOP reaching 100% ownership in 2020. It has grown spectacularly since becoming ESOP-owned, with over 700 employees and over $100 million in sales from 200-plus products in over 70 countries. Many stores have Bob’s Red Mill sections. Along with equally iconic King Arthur Baking, the two 100% ESOP companies have become major players in their markets, with loyal customer bases.

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Lindsay Isaac

This Month's Download: Ownership Rights and Responsibilities

In case you missed it, The Download is a monthly resource designed for members to use to increase education and engagement at their companies. This month’s resource is something that many companies have already adopted (and something that we have heard is a need for many others): ownership rights and responsibilities. 

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Corey Rosen

New Bills to Promote Employee Ownership Introduced in Colorado and Massachusetts

A new bill in Colorado, HB24-1157, would provide statutory authority for the Colorado Employee Ownership Office, which Governor Jared Polis created in 2020 through an executive order. The bill would make the office permanent. The office provides technical assistance, coordinates with other agencies, and conducts outreach. 

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