Iowa Center for Employee Ownership

Meet the IA-CEO Team! At the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO), our team—Deborah Giarusso, Stacy Mullinex, and Judy Butler—is dedicated to spreading awareness about the power of employee ownership. We love connecting with business owners, service providers, and community leaders to discuss how employee ownership can drive business success, enhance workplace culture, and create lasting legacies. If your organization or group is interested in learning more, we'd be happy to speak at your event or connect one-on-one. Let’s start the conversation and watch employee ownership spread across Iowa! ?? Reach out to us or visit IA-CEO.org to learn more. #EmployeeOwnership #SuccessionPlanning #IowaBusiness #ESOP #WorkerCooperative #EOT

?? Advisors' Edge: Unlocking Employee Ownership for Your Clients CPAs, Financial Planners, and Attorneys—this one’s for YOU! Your clients rely on you to help them plan for the future. Are you planting the seed of employee ownership in their minds so they have all the viable options when it’s time for succession planning? Join the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO) for a FREE training webinar designed to give professional service providers the edge they need when advising clients on ESOPs and other employee ownership models. ? Enhance your expertise ? Explore the financial and tax benefits of employee ownership ? Earn CE credits Learn how to start the conversation now so your clients are ready when the time comes! Registration is open! Secure your spot today: https://lnkd.in/gJqhbzis IA-CEO.org #PlantASeed ?? #EmployeeOwnership #AdvisorsEdge #ESOP #WorkerCooperative #EOT #CPA #Attorney #FinancialPlanner #SuccessionPlanning #CECredits #IowaCenterforEmployeeOwnership

Shoutout to HDH Advisors! We’re thrilled to have HDH Advisors back as a Presenting Sponsor for the IA-CEO Employee Ownership Conference on October 23rd in Ankeny, IA! Their expertise in business valuation, financial advisory, and ESOP consulting makes them a key resource for companies navigating employee ownership transitions. A huge thank you to HDH Advisors for their continued support of Iowa’s employee ownership community! Don’t miss the chance to connect with them at the conference. ?? Want to join HDH Advisors in supporting this impactful event? Sponsorship opportunities are available now! Contact Judy Butler ([email protected]) to learn how your company can be part of this exciting day or visit our website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gxae8n4c IA-CEO.org #EmployeeOwnership #ESOP #IACEO #OwnershipMatters #BusinessValuation

Happy National Employee Appreciation Day! ?? Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of employees everywhere. At IA-CEO, we believe that employee ownership is one of the best ways to recognize and reward employees—not just today, but every day. When employees have a stake, everyone wins! IA-CEO.org #EmployeeAppreciationDay #EmployeeOwnership #ThankYou

?? Calling all CPAs, Financial Planners, and Attorneys! Learn how employee ownership can be a powerful exit strategy for your clients. "Advisors’ Edge: Unlocking Employee Ownership for Your Clients" is a free training program designed specifically for CPAs, financial planners, and attorneys, brought to you by Iowa Center for Employee Ownership in collaboration with the Employee Ownership Expansion Network and Project Equity. This one-hour course equips trusted advisors with the tools and insights needed to guide their clients through the transition to employee ownership. Attendees will earn CE credit (1 hour for NASBA, CFP, EPI-CEPA and/or BEI), enhancing their professional expertise while learning about: ?? The fundamentals of employee ownership structures ?? The financial and tax benefits of employee ownership ?? Best practices for supporting business owners considering employee ownership as an exit strategy Empower your clients to build enduring legacies, retain jobs in their communities, and unlock new possibilities for their businesses—all while elevating your practice with actionable, accredited knowledge. ?? Register now for the April 20th webinar by scanning the QR code below or visiting our website at https://lnkd.in/gJqhbzis IA-CEO.org #ESOP #EmployeeOwnership #WorkerCooperative #EOT #CPA #ESOPtraining #FinancialPlanning

As LDJ Manufacturing, INC has discovered, employee ownership truly is the "secret sauce"! It's the secret to a highly engaged workforce, increased productivity, and stronger profits. When employees have a stake in the success of their company, they don’t just show up—they step up. Ownership fosters a culture of engagement, where every team member is invested in driving results. Studies consistently show that employee-owned companies outperform their peers with higher productivity, profitability, and retention. But the benefits don’t stop at the workplace. Employee-owned businesses also create positive ripple effects in their communities—providing stable jobs, keeping businesses locally rooted, and building wealth for everyday workers. It’s time to let the secret out: Employee ownership isn’t just a business model—it’s a competitive advantage. Are you ready to unlock the potential of employee ownership? Let’s talk. IA-CEO.org #EmployeeOwned #EmployeeOwnership #ESOP #IowaBusiness

Congratulations Metalcraft Inc on becoming 100% Employee Owned! From Metalcraft's recent press release: Metalcraft, a leading manufacturer of barcode and RFID identification products, is proud to announce that it is now 100% employee-owned. The company has been an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) organization since 2006 and has now transitioned to full employee ownership. “Becoming 100% ESOP is really an extension of our core value, which is member-owner focus,” said Metalcraft CEO Kyle Bermel. “It also ensures we will stay locally owned and private for years to come.” This milestone comes as Metalcraft celebrates its 75th anniversary, marking decades of innovation and customer-focused service. As a fully employee-owned company, Metalcraft continues to provide high-quality identification solutions to customers worldwide, leveraging barcode and RFID technology. For more information about Metalcraft and its identification solutions, visit www.idplate.com To learn more about employee ownership and to find out if it's a viable option for your company, visit IA-CEO.org. #Metalcraft #EmployeeOwned #ESOP #IowaBusiness

We are excited to share that Principal Financial Group is returning as a Presenting Sponsor for the 3rd Annual IA-CEO Employee Ownership Conference on October 23, 2025, in Ankeny, IA! Principal has been a strong advocate for employee ownership, offering their expertise and resources to guide businesses through ownership transitions. Their ongoing dedication to the success of employee-owned companies makes them an ideal partner for this event. Thank you, Principal, for your leadership and continued support! Join Principal in supporting this premier event! Sponsorship opportunities are available now! Contact Judy Butler ([email protected]) to learn how your company can be part of this exciting day or visit our website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gxae8n4c IA-CEO.org #EmployeeOwnership?#Principal #IowaBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #ESOP

Employee Ownership Thrives Across Industries! Did you know that the top five industries for ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) companies span a wide range of sectors? ?? Manufacturing ?? Professional, Scientific & Tech Services ?? Construction ?? Finance, Insurance & Real Estate ?? Wholesale Trade These industries recognize that employee ownership fuels productivity, retention, and long-term success. No matter the sector, transitioning to an ESOP can be a game-changer for companies and their employees! Are you in one of these industries, or do you know a business that could benefit from employee ownership? Let’s start the conversation! IA-CEO.org #EmployeeOwnership #ESOP #BusinessSuccession #OwnershipMatters

We are thrilled to announce that the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) will once again be the Event sponsor of the Annual IA-CEO Employee Ownership Conference on October 23, 2025, in Ankeny, IA! ABI has long been a champion of Iowa businesses, supporting growth, innovation, and a strong economy. Their commitment to employee ownership aligns perfectly with our mission to educate and empower companies exploring this transformative business model. Thank you, ABI, for your support! Your sponsorship helps us bring together experts, business leaders, and employee-owned companies to share insights and best practices. ?? Want to join ABI in supporting this impactful event? Sponsorship opportunities are available now! Contact Judy Butler ([email protected]) to learn how your company can be part of this exciting day or visit our website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gxae8n4c IA-CEO.org #EmployeeOwnership #EmployeeOwnershipConference #IowaBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #ESOP #WorkerCooperative #EOT