The ICA Group

Empowering New Orleans Culture Bearers Through Cooperation ???? During a recent trip to New Orleans, we had the privilege of touring and learning about the inspiring work of the Keep It in the Culture Cooperative. This incredible initiative supports New Orleans’ culture bearers—artists, musicians, and tradition keepers—by providing affordable materials, workshops, and community programs. By prioritizing accessibility and community-driven solutions, Keep It in the Culture exemplifies the power of cooperatives to preserve and uplift cultural heritage while fostering economic equity. It was an honor to witness this vital work in action and see how they are shaping a brighter future for New Orleans’ creative communities. Learn more about their mission: https://hubs.li/Q02ZcZmB0 #WorkerCooperatives #NewOrleans #CulturalHeritage #EconomicJustice #CommunityEmpowerment

RRS Transitions to Employee Ownership and Refreshes Its Brand ???? RRS (Resource Recycling Systems) has made an exciting move by transitioning to an employee ownership model, aligning its structure with its mission to create sustainable, impactful change. This transition ensures that employees have a direct stake in the company’s success while fostering a workplace culture rooted in shared prosperity and innovation. As part of this transformation, RRS also unveiled refreshed branding to reflect its commitment to sustainability and employee-driven growth. By empowering its workforce, RRS is setting an example of how businesses can combine purpose with profit through employee ownership. Learn more about their journey: https://hubs.li/Q02Zd9Ng0 #EmployeeOwnership #Sustainability #SharedSuccess #InclusiveEconomy #RRS Recycling Today

Insights from La Revolución Bolivariana: A Conversation with Kali Akuno ??? Kali Akuno shares powerful reflections on the Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela and its lessons for global movements toward social and economic justice. This in-depth conversation explores themes of grassroots organizing, cooperative development, and the critical role of solidarity economies in challenging systems of oppression. Akuno emphasizes how Venezuela’s experiment with participatory democracy and worker-led initiatives offers valuable insights for movements seeking to build collective power and resilience. Whether you’re working in cooperatives, community organizing, or advocacy, this conversation provides important takeaways for transformative change. COOPERATION JACKSON OF MISSISSIPPI Read the full interview: https://hubs.li/Q02Zd5Br0 #EconomicJustice #SolidarityEconomy #CooperativeDevelopment #ParticipatoryDemocracy #SocialChange Venezuelanalysis.com

Building a Cooperative Future in Rhode Island ???? The Rhode Island Worker Cooperative is leading the way in showing how cooperative models can address systemic economic challenges while empowering local communities. By centering democratic ownership and decision-making, this initiative is creating a framework for sustainable growth and community wealth-building. This story is a testament to how worker cooperatives are not just a business model but a powerful tool for economic justice and resilience. Rhode Island’s example serves as an inspiration for communities everywhere to embrace the cooperative movement. Read more about how Rhode Island is pioneering a cooperative economy: https://hubs.li/Q02Yxwzd0 #WorkerCooperative #CooperativeEconomy #EconomicJustice #RhodeIsland #SharedProsperity #CommunityWealth

Bob’s Red Mill: A Legacy of Employee Ownership ???? Bob’s Red Mill is a shining example of how employee ownership can transform a business and empower its workers. When founder Bob Moore handed ownership to employees through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), he ensured that the company’s mission and values would thrive for generations to come. This decision didn’t just create wealth for employees—it built a resilient business model that attracts talent, improves workplace culture, and enhances productivity. Bob’s Red Mill shows how putting people first leads to long-term success. Read more about their incredible journey and the benefits of employee ownership: https://hubs.li/Q02YpqCk0 #EmployeeOwnership #ESOP #SustainableBusiness #BobMoore #InclusiveEconomy #SharedSuccess Business Insider Queens Chamber of Commerce Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

Eason Horticultural Resources Joins the Movement Toward 100% Employee Ownership ???? Eason Horticultural Resources recently transitioned to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving its employees a direct stake in the company’s future. This decision reflects a growing trend in the horticultural and agricultural industries, where employee ownership is creating stability, boosting morale, and aligning team members with the long-term goals of the business. By adopting an ESOP structure, Eason Horticultural Resources is investing in its people and setting a foundation for sustainable growth. With employees now part of the ownership, the company is enhancing its culture and building a legacy of shared success. Discover more about their journey toward employee ownership: https://hubs.li/Q02Ygc3-0 #EmployeeOwnership #ESOP #SustainableGrowth #Horticulture #InclusiveEconomy #EasonHorticulturalResources Greenhouse Growers

Why Large Corporations Should Consider Employee Ownership ???? Employee ownership isn’t just for small businesses—it’s a scalable model that large corporations can adopt to address economic inequality, boost productivity, and create a stronger sense of purpose among workers. This Fast Company article highlights research from Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR) on the benefits of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and other employee-ownership structures within larger firms. Companies like Taylor Guitars, Black & Veatch, and Chemonics International are demonstrating how employee ownership can transform workplace culture and enhance retention. As the U.S. Department of Labor recently launched an Employee Ownership Initiative, it’s clear that this model has bipartisan support and significant potential for sustainable, inclusive growth. Learn more about why large firms should explore employee ownership: https://hubs.li/Q02XZKbP0 #EmployeeOwnership #InclusiveEconomy #WorkplaceCulture #ESOP #SustainableGrowth #EconomicJustice Fast Company

Looking for something to listen to? Check out this insightful podcast episode with Matt Cropp from Vermont Employee Ownership Center

Just finished our last session of the first-ever Northeast Transition Initiative Fellowship program ??! For the last 9 months, I've been a part of an amazingly impressive group of technical assistance and capital providers across the Northeast learning about business exit planning and worker ownership models. I was super surprised to find that: ?? Opportunities Await in Rural Communities! Tons of small businesses are ripe for new owners and fresh ideas. ?? Big Money on the Line! In the next 10 years, over 8,000 Vermont businesses are expected to retire or transition, holding $13B in revenue and $3B in payroll. That's BIG B, y’all! ??? Start Exit Planning Early! Exit planning begins at the start of the business journey, not at the end. Building a strong foundation is key. ?? Keep the Momentum! Owners should focus on building value, not winding down, as they prepare for a sale. Go strong till the finish line! ?? Finding the Right Fit can be tricky, but when it happens, it’s amazing! The next generation of owners can carry on the legacy. ?? ?? The Call is Coming from Inside the House! The next insightful, successful generation of owners might already be working in the business today! ?? ?? A Bright Future for All! With thoughtful planning, businesses of all sizes can create a values-based future for themselves, their workers, and their communities. I'm all fired up to co-create some resources geared to the smallest (<5 employees) women-owned, Main Street businesses. AND for the budding network to instigate more business ownership transitions in our rural communities! NETI is RECRUITING it's next cohort! Shoot me a message if you want more information or check it out: https://lnkd.in/efBz_QEp Big, big thanks and admiration to the NETI organizing partners: Cooperative Development Institute, Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, Adirondack North Country Association, Apis & Heritage Capital Partners, Boston Impact Initiative, The Democracy at Work Institute, The ICA Group, Mill Cities Community Investments, Vermont Employee Ownership Center

Expanding Worker Ownership for a Fairer Economy ???? Worker-owned businesses are reshaping our economy, building wealth, and fostering resilience within communities. This article from The Philadelphia Citizen explores the transformative potential of worker cooperatives, especially as a pathway for reducing economic inequality and strengthening local economies. As worker-owned models gain traction, they offer a sustainable alternative to traditional business structures—one that empowers employees and invests in their communities. By building wealth from within, worker co-ops not only support financial stability for members but also bring long-term economic benefits to the places they operate. Read more about how expanding worker ownership could be a game-changer: https://hubs.li/Q02XZFMK0 #WorkerOwnership #CooperativeEconomy #EconomicJustice #InclusiveEconomy #Empowerment Democracy Brewing Equal Exchange