ESOP Companies in Minnesota and The Dakotas Celebrate Employee Ownership Month and 25th Anniversary of Chapter

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Throughout the month of October, ESOP Association members in the Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter will celebrate several milestones. In addition to celebrating Employee Ownership Month, the Chapter will also celebrate its 25^th anniversary during October.

Employee Ownership Month is an opportunity for ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) companies across the nation to educate employee owners, the public, and government officials about the undeniable benefits of employee ownership for employees, their companies, the communities they are a part of, and the nation. For more information about Employee Ownership Month, please visit: http://www.esopassociation.org/advocate/employee-ownership-month.

The Minnesota/Dakota Chapter includes 114 corporate members and 78 professional members in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, and has been serving the employee ownership community in this region for 25 years. The Chapter will host an event on October 9^th to honor those Chapter members whose work has helped the Chapter grow tremendously.

"I'm pleased to note the Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter's 25^th anniversary and the benefits the Chapter has brought to members," said ESOP Association President, J. Michael Keeling. "This is an incredibly active Chapter, with members making personal visits to members of Congress to share the value of employee ownership with their legislators, and this year Chapter members have secured Employee Ownership Month proclamations from the Governors of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. What a great way to celebrate Employee Ownership Month."

"Minnesota and The Dakotas have a strong legacy in successful ESOPs. Employee ownership not only changes the way we do business, it changes lives. We celebrate our 25 years as a Chapter in The ESOP Association with those who have been with the Chapter from the very beginning and those who are just beginning their ESOP journey. We look forward to many more years of advocacy, friendship, and growth in the ESOP community," said President of The ESOP Association's Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter, Missy McManigle.

Employee ownership facts:

• There are approximately 10,000 ESOPs in place in the U.S., covering 10.3 million employees (approximately 10% of the private sector workforce).
• The 23^rd Annual Economic Performance Survey conducted in 2014 by the Employee Ownership Foundation found: 
  • 93% of survey respondents reported that creating employee ownership through an ESOP was 'a good business decision that has helped the company.'
  • 70% indicated revenue increased.
  • 64% of companies indicated they have created an ESOP education program or ESOP advisory committee since establishing the ESOP. 
  • 76% of respondents indicated the ESOP positively affected the overall productivity of the employees.

The ESOP Association is the national trade association for companies with employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and the leading voice in America for employee ownership. The core cause of The ESOP Association is the belief that employee ownership will improve American competitiveness, increase productivity through greater employee participation, and strengthen our free enterprise economy. More information: website - www.esopassociation.org and blog – www.esopassociationblog.org.

SOURCE The ESOP Association