ON THE HUNT FOR ESOP KNOWLEDGE 2ND ANNUAL GREAT LAKES REGIONAL ESOP CONFERENCE Kalahari Resort & Convention Center 7000 Kalahari Drive Sandusky, OH 44870 (Make your hotel reservation early. Room block expires September 28, 2016.) October 20 & 21, 2016 CONFERENCE SPONSORS
PROGRAM ~ THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 (This conference has not been pre-certified for CPE / CLE credits by any State or National organization. Certificates of Attendance will be available at the conference so YOU CAN APPLY for CPE / CLE credits where applicable.) 8:00 A.M. ~ REGISTRATION / CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST 9:00 A.M. - 9:30 A.M. ~ OPENING SESSION ~ WELCOME / ANNOUNCEMENTS RECOGNITION OF SPONSORS / OVERVIEW OF CONFERENCE Michelle Steltz, Opportunities for Positive Growth, Inc., Fishers, IN (Indiana Chapter President) David Bosch, Watkins Ross, Grand Rapids, MI (Michigan Chapter President) Jonda Lacy, Boehm, Inc., Grove City, OH (Ohio / Kentucky Chapter President) 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. ~ GENERAL SESSION JOHN AUGUSTINE, CFA, HUNTINGTON BANK, COLUMBUS, OH John will deliver the latest news regarding the financial markets and discuss the outlook for the economy during the remainder of 2016 and beyond. He has spent the last 20+ years as an investment manager, investment strategist and economic strategist for various financial institutions, and is currently the Chief Investment Officer for Huntington Bank in Columbus, OH, joining the organization in May 2014. Prior to joining Huntington, John was with Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati for 16 years holding various roles, including Chief Market Strategist. In addition, John was a Portfolio Manager with financial institutions in Colorado and Ohio. He is a former President and Board Member for the Dayton Society of Financial Analysts and was a long-time adjunct professor in the graduate school at the University of Dayton. John holds the professional designation of Chartered Financial Analyst, holds a bachelor s degree from The Ohio State University and is a graduate of the Midwest Bankers Association Trust School. John has appeared frequently in the national media including Fox News, CNBC and Bloomberg. 10:30 A.M. - 10:45 A.M. ~ BREAK 10:45 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. ~ CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS & ~ Ownership Culture (C), (D) & (E) ~ Technical ESOP ABC s ~ NEW EMPLOYEE OWNERS & COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS E. Van Olson, Olson Mills Law Firm, LLC, Indianapolis, IN (Moderator) Kristin Jaracz-Steier, Worm s Way, Inc., Bloomington, IN Bradley H. Minor, Blue & Co., LLC, Carmel, IN This session will focus on Communication Committee members and employees new to ESOPs, providing an overview of: (1) the basic ESOP plan and trust structure; (2) company and ESOP governance roles of the Board, Management and Trustee, and who votes the 10:15 ESOP shares ~ 11:30 and A.M. when; and, (3) who sets the ESOP share price and how the valuation process works. ESOP BUCKET LIST 2.0 Victor Aspengren, Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc., Cedar Rapids, IA (Moderator) Greg Schneider, Columbia Chemical Corporation, Brunswick, OH Two years after the ESOP Education Bucket List ~ Recruitment through Retirement was created by a group of eight ESOP companies, representatives of these companies got together to discuss what worked, the challenges they faced, and other details of their journey. The companies shared new ideas which included the start of a cultural ROI tool. Come to this interactive session to hear the highlights of what was learned and receive additional ideas on building the employee ownership mindset and culture at your company. Attendees at this session will receive a CD with ideas and examples to help them on their own ESOP journey. (C) ESOP BASICS ~ LEGAL / TAX / FINANCE / VALUATION Jeffrey A. DeVree, Varnum LLP, Grand Rapids, MI (Moderator) Ted Lape, Lazear Capital Partners, Ltd., Columbus, OH This session will provide individuals who are new to employee ownership, or are looking at establishing an ESOP, with a BASIC understanding of the general legal, tax, financing and valuation aspects involved in an ESOP. Topics being covered include: 1) a description of the legal framework within which the ESOP exists; 2) a comparison of ESOPs to other retirement plans; 3) an examination of the tax benefits offered by ESOPs to selling shareholders, the sponsoring company and employees; 4) consideration of financing alternatives; and, 5) a discussion of the feasibility analysis and valuation of the common stock.
(D) PROS AND CONS OF INTERNAL VS. EXTERNAL TRUSTEE(S) Shannon T. Maloney, Strategic Retirement Partners, Northville, MI (Co-Moderator) Justin W. Stemple, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Grand Rapids, MI (Co-Moderator) Al Mehlow, The Mosser Group, Fremont, OH Additional Presenter TBD The Trustee(s) of an ESOP, whether internal or external, and whether discretionary or directed, will always be fiduciaries under ERISA ~ with an obligation to act prudently and to act solely in the interest of plan participants for the exclusive purpose of providing retirement benefits. This panel, comprised of representatives of a company using an internal trustee and a company using an external trustee, will explore the pros and cons of both approaches with a practical focus on issues such as cost, company familiarity, control, actual or potential conflicts of interest, procedural prudence and the expectations of the Department of Labor in today s ESOP marketplace. (E) NEW FLSA RULES COMPLIANCE Nicole J. Gray, McDonald Hopkins LLC, Cleveland, OH (Moderator) Andy Ritter, Allied Mineral Products, Inc., Columbus, OH With the Department of Labor s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division s recent publication of its final rule revising the Fair Labor Standards Act s (FLSA) overtime regulations, it is time to get your organization ready for compliance. The changes from the DOL will have significant impact on virtually all employers wage/hour practices, so advanced planning is critical. This presentation will focus on answering 5 key questions for employers: 1) What changes did the final rule make to the FLSA s overtime regulations? 2) What is the DOL s reasoning for the changes? 3) What impact will the final rule have on my business? 4) What do I need to do to comply with the final rule? 5) What resources are available for compliance assistance? 12:00 P.M. ~ EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP MONTH LUNCHEON & KEYNOTE DESPITE THE ELECTION CHAOS, IS THERE AN EXPLOITABLE MOMENT FOR ESOPS? J. Michael Keeling, CAE, President & Chief Staff Officer, The ESOP Association, Washington, DC 1:15 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. ~ BREAK (TAKE TIME TO CHECK OUT THE EOF AUCTION ITEMS) 1:30 P.M. - 2:45 P.M. ~ CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS & ~ Ownership Culture (C), (D) & (E) ~ Technical ESOP COMMUNICATION COMMITTEES ~ LESSONS LEARNED Dan Marcue, The ESOP Association, Washington, DC (Moderator) Michelle Steltz, Opportunities for Positive Growth, Inc., Fishers, IN Join this session to discuss lessons learned from: 1) starting a committee; 2) keeping a committee active and engaged; 3) formal structures; 4) budgeting; and, 5) obtaining support. This will be an interactive session where participants will be asked to share their experiences and help define what makes an effective communications committee. Learn from your peers and walk away with ideas that you can apply to your current or newly-formed committee. EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION Mark Flinchum, Katz, Sapper & Miller, Indianapolis, IN Craig Olinger, Enterprise Services, Inc., Delafield, WI Research consistently shows that ESOP companies outperform the competition ~ but only when the incentive and reward of the ESOP is communicated clearly and employee owners can see and act on opportunities to drive improved company performance. This session begins with a brief overview of the data and framework to support effective communication of financial information ~ what to share, how, and what ongoing support is needed. We then present a case study of how an ESOP company has successfully addressed these issues. We will encourage active discussion throughout, particularly focusing on different ideas and approaches used by attendees. (C) ESOP ADMINISTRATION BASICS Vicki Graft, ESOP Partners LLC, Appleton, WI Jackie Salmon, OneAmerica, Indianapolis, IN This session is designed for participants new to ESOPs and/or those seeking basic knowledge of ESOPs to assist in overseeing your third party administrator. Topics to be covered include basic features and requirements including eligibility, plan entry, contribution and other allocations, vesting, distributions and diversifications. An overview (and purpose) of the basic compliance tests will be included.
(D) PRUDENT DECISION MAKING DURING THE LIFE OF YOUR ESOP Clifford G. Canavera, Canavera Financial Group, LLC, Louisville, KY (Moderator) Tina M. DiCroce, ESOP Economics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA Nickolas N. Sypniewski, ComStock Advisors, Cincinnati, OH An interdisciplinary stroll through the life of an ESOP, from startup through maturity. We will look at key issues, important decisions, and proactive opportunities experienced by many employee-owned companies during the various phases of an ESOP, and how key considerations such as loan amortization, diversification, distribution policy and funding strategy can impact company finances, administration, valuation, repurchase obligation, and culture illustrated through a living case study. (E) INTERNAL TRUSTEE REVIEW OF VALUATION REPORT & INVESTING NON-STOCK ESOP ASSETS Brian DeMaagd, Adamy Valuation Advisors, Grand Rapids, MI David Van Ness, Horizon Trust & Investment Management, Carmel, IN This session will review the process an internal trustee should use in reviewing an annual Valuation Report including: ESOP big picture, what items should be included in the report, trustee responsibility, processes and procedures to follow, and common errors. We will also discuss how non-stock ESOP assets can be invested. 2:45 P.M. - 3:15 P.M. ~ BREAK (EXTENDED TO ALLOW TIME TO NETWORK, VISIT AND THANK THE CONFERENCE SPONSORS, AND PARTICIPATE IN THE EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP FOUNDATION AUCTIONS) 3:15 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. ~ CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS & ~ Ownership Culture (C) & (D) ~ Technical ESOP GAMES FOR FUN & PROFIT Jim Bado, Workplace Development Inc., Findlay, OH Amble into this hands-on session to gain practical ideas for employee engagement and higher profits. Participants will experience several different ESOP games and learn real-world techniques to overcome the obstacles to thinking and acting more creatively. INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES & DIRECTORS IN ESOP COMPANIES Tim Jochim, ESOP Plus : Schatz Brown Glassman LLP, Columbus, OH Tracy E. Woolsey, Horizon Trust & Investment Management, Michigan City, IN This session will explain the duties, issues and conflicts faced by independent Trustees and Directors of ESOP companies. This includes the respective roles in oversight of management, the election or removal of Directors and issues that may arise with internal Directors. (C) THE 4 R s ~ RESHUFFLING, REDEEMING, REBALANCING & RELEVERAGING David L. Bosch, Watkins Ross, Grand Rapids, MI Stephen J. Lowney, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C., Lansing, MI Sometimes mature ESOPs (and maybe not so mature ESOPs) struggle with how to allocate shares to newly eligible participants or what to do with shares from terminated participants. This session will explore the operational differences and concepts of Reshuffling, Redeeming, Rebalancing and Releveraging shares within an ESOP including concerns a Plan Sponsor may consider when deciding a plan of attack. (D) ASSESSING WHETHER & WHEN TO CHANGE YOUR ESOP ADVISORS Cara Benningfield, BKD, LLP, Bowling Green, KY (Moderator) Rick Cash, WealthSouth, Bowling Green, KY Sharon Mattingly, Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC, Louisville, KY Just as you evaluate the performance of your managers and team leaders, so should you evaluate the performance of your ESOP team (ESOP Trustee, Appraiser, TPA, Accountant and Attorney). In fact, it is your fiduciary obligation to evaluate vendor capabilities, monitor services provided and understand when it is time to go to the market to replace a service provider. This session will focus on the cause for changes, the potential advantages and disadvantages of changes, considerations in engaging substitute advisors, as well as the impact of a change on a later DOL investigation.
I SPY THE ESOP TREASURE RECEPTION & DINNER 6:00 ~ 7:00 P.M. 7:00 ~ 8:00 P.M. 8:00 ~ 8:30 P.M. Cocktail Reception Dinner (Pig Roast ~ Back by Popular Demand) Live Auction to Support the Employee Ownership Foundation RECEPTION / DINNER SPONSORS PROGRAM ~ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 7:00 A.M. - 8:00 A.M. ~ HOT BUFFET BREAKFAST FOR CONFERENCE ATTENDEES CEO & CFO ROUNDTABLE BREAKFASTS (Being Held in Separate Meeting Rooms) 8:00 ~ 9:15 A.M. Separate CEO and CFO Roundtable Breakfasts, which are being held in separate meeting rooms, will be facilitated discussions and will be limited to CEOs, Presidents, COOs, CFOs, Vice Presidents of Finance, Controllers and top-level management with a primary leadership or financial responsibility at an employee-owned company. These roundtable discussions will continue through the first set of concurrent breakout sessions [see (C) and (D) below]. 8:00 A.M. - 9:15 A.M. ~ CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS & ~ Ownership Culture (C), (D) & (E) ~ Technical ESOP BUCKET LIST 3.0 ~ THE CHANGE DILEMMA Victor Aspengren, Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc., Cedar Rapids, IA (Moderator) Jessica Donley, CTL Engineering, Inc., Columbus, OH This version of the ESOP Bucket List is about change. We want people to become better employee owners, the ESOP requires change in the organizational structure, there is an expectation for management behavior change, and we want change that helps the financial success for all. So why is it so dang hard! This session will give the highlights of how to increase the success of change, along with other research and data. The session will be interactive and the participants will receive a CD with a variety of information and additional detail. FINANCIAL WELLNESS PROGRAMS IN THE WORKPLACE Michelle Buckley, Meaden & Moore, Ltd., Cleveland, OH Renee A. Milyiori, UBS Financial Services, Inc., Dublin, OH Employee ownership closely ties the financial security of a workplace to the results of a company. As ESOP owners, all employees contribute to the results of the company and productivity is key. Recent studies have shown that a large number of workers - across income and age groups - are experiencing emotional or physical stress related to their personal finances and productivity in the workplace is being impacted. Forward-looking employers are developing financial wellness programs to empower and educate employees so that they can make more informed financial decisions. We will give a sample of a personal finance presentation that has been used as part of a financial wellness program design.
(C) CEO ROUNDTABLE (A CONTINUATION OF THE CEO BREAKFAST) Kenneth Misiewicz, Pleune Service Company, Grand Rapids, MI (Facilitator) The CEO Roundtable is limited to CEOs, Presidents, COOs, and top-level management with a primary leadership responsibility at an employee-owned company. This will be a free-flowing discussion and attendees will design and prioritize the agenda to talk about issues of common interest. Likely topics include the: 1) impact of the economy and government regulations on business operations and the ESOP valuation; 2) use of internal vs. external ESOP trustee; 3) ensuring proper ESOP governance; 4) sustainability and the ESOP repurchase liability; 5) dealing with unsolicited offers; 6) mergers and acquisitions; and, 7) fostering a culture of engagement and ownership. (D) CFO ROUNDTABLE (A CONTINUATION OF THE CFO BREAKFAST) Robert Frostick, Granco Clark, Inc., Belding MI (Facilitator) The CFO Roundtable is limited to CFOs, Vice Presidents of Finance, Controllers and top-level management with a primary financial role at an employee-owned company. This will be an open-forum discussion and attendees will design and prioritize the agenda to talk about issues of common interest. Likely topics of interest include the: 1) impact of the economy and government regulations on business operations and the ESOP valuation; 2) planning for and funding the repurchase obligation; 3) stock valuation process; 4) quantifying financial performance of an ESOP company; and, 5) mergers and acquisitions. (E) DISTRIBUTIONS! HOW & WHEN TO MAKE DISTRIBUTIONS FROM MY ESOP Avery Chenin, Steiker, Greenapple & Croscut, P.C., Cleveland, OH (Moderator) Davin Gustafson, Apple Growth Partners, Independence, OH Susan Petrirena, Swerdlin & Company, Atlanta, GA When do you make a distribution to a terminated ESOP participant, a retired participant, or a participant you can t find? What if a distribution is requested in December, is the valuation stale? What if the Plan loan has not been repaid and a retiree requests a distribution? Distributions are complicated, let us help you figure them out with a discussion of the how s and why s of distributions. 9:15 A.M. - 9:30 A.M. ~ BREAK 9:30 A.M. - 10:45 A.M. ~ CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS & ~ Ownership Culture (C) & (D) ~ Technical ENGAGING THE FRONTLINE Dan Marcue, The ESOP Association, Washington, DC (Moderator) Tom Barmann, Allied Mineral Products, Inc., Columbus, OH Laurie Schiller, Thomson-Shore, Inc., Dexter, MI Mark Thompson, Wood-Mizer Holdings, Inc., Indianapolis, IN This interactive session will highlight 20 rapid-fire examples of how Allied Mineral Products, Inc., Thomson-Shore, Inc. and Wood-Mizer Holdings, Inc. include and engage their employee owners. Plan on taking lots of notes, be prepared to capture multiple ideas, and, of course, be willing to share your experiences! OPTIMIZING TOTAL REWARDS FOR ESOP COMPANIES Shari Hooper, ARGI Financial Group, Grand Rapids, MI Roy Messing, Ohio Employee Ownership Center, Kent, OH Build awareness of the importance of the ESOP within employees total rewards package and maximize the perceived value of the ESOP through an employment branding strategy. As job-hopping has become more prevalent, it is up to employers to use total rewards to not only attract top candidates, but to retain and motivate employees across generations. Learn how rewards preferences vary across generations and life stages, how employers are assessing reward preferences and how employers are using data to fine tune and improve rewards packages in a cost neutral way. (C) TOP TIPS TO TAKE YOUR ESOP FROM GOOD TO GREAT Sharon B. Hearn, Krieg DeVault LLP, Carmel, IN Todd Henry, Allied Mineral Products, Inc., Columbus, OH Thomas E. Potts, Jr., Fiduciary Trust Services, Inc., Indianapolis, IN This session will highlight processes, procedures, governance and other steps that ESOP companies implement to take their ESOPs from good to great. These tips are based on real life examples based on the experiences of the panelists.
(D) ESOP COMPANIES MAKING ACQUISITIONS ~ A PANEL DISCUSSION Brian D. Bornino, GBQ Consulting LLC, Columbus, OH (Moderator) Gerry Kesselring, Contract Sweepers & Equipment Company, Columbus, OH Robyn Pollina, Palmer-Donavin Manufacturing Company, Grove City, OH Dave Tumbas, Hy-Tek Material Handling, Columbus, OH ESOP companies are increasingly active in exploring growth opportunities through acquisitions. In this panel discussion, executives from three highly successful ESOP companies will share their experiences in making and considering acquisitions. Topics to be discussed include: 1) the transaction process; 2) how the ESOP impacted their decision-making; 3) how the business, financial, cultural, and tax advantages of ESOPs can be a competitive advantage for ESOP companies in acquisitions; 4) financial, valuation, and fairness considerations; 5) impact on existing ESOP employees and management; 6) maintaining a healthy ownership culture when integrating a new group of employees; and, 7) lessons learned and key takeaways. 10:45 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. ~ BREAK (LAST OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN EOF AUCTIONS) 11:00 A.M. - 12:15 P.M. ~ CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS & ~ Ownership Culture (C) & (D) ~ Technical AWARD WINNING ESOP COMPANIES ~ THEIR SUCCESS STORIES Paul Brinks, Koops, Inc., Holland, MI Julie Brooks, Janotta & Herner, Monroeville, OH Kevin Johnson, Kocolene Development Corporation, Seymour, IN Attend this session to hear how the 2016 ESOP Company of the Year for the Indiana, Michigan and Ohio / Kentucky Chapters of The ESOP Association created successful ownership cultures for their respective companies and employee owners. This session will feature discussion on the determining factors and vision of becoming an ESOP; what benefits have been derived from being an employee-owned company; and, how they are continuing to preserve, build and promote a dynamic employee-ownership culture. GROWING THE OWNERSHIP CULTURE OF A MULTI-LOCATION COMPANY Jeffrey Allen, Sondra Holmes & Jamie Isaac, Web Industries, Fort Wayne, IN Learn how a company of multiple locations, including remote workers, has been able to connect and grow their ownership culture by way of local and company-wide teams, intentional communication, education, and support from all areas of the company. This will be a fun and interactive session so bring your ideas, successes and failures to discuss with your peers. (C) ESOP ADMINISTRATION Q&A ~ GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED! Mindi Johnson, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C., Grand Rapids, MI Pete Shuler, Crowe Horwath LLP, Columbus, OH If you have any questions related to ESOP administration, then this session is for you. Two ESOP administration experts, a third-party administrator and an ESOP attorney, will answer any questions you have. Allocations, distributions, compliance testing, various options allowed under the law, and all other topics are on the table for discussion. Bring your questions and be ready for a great discussion! (D) WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A DOL ESOP AUDIT Tom Bloom, U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Ft. Wright, KY Sherry Porter, Wyatt Tarrant & Combs LLP, Louisville, KY (Moderator) Hear from a DOL representative from the Cincinnati Regional Office about how the DOL identifies plans and service providers for audits, what are common issues found in DOL audits involving ESOPs, how to respond to a DOL audit notice and learn about the DOL s enforcement initiatives. There will also be a Q&A session, so bring your questions to get answers straight from the DOL representative. 12:15 ~ 1:30 P.M. ~ CLOSING LUNCHEON & FINAL EOF RAFFLE DRAWINGS In order to accommodate ALL attendees, several types of auctions, including Silent and Mystery Auctions, will be held during the conference to benefit the Employee Ownership Foundation (EOF), a public 501(c)(3), tax-exempt, educational and research entity. In addition, a Live Auction will be held on Thursday evening from 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. Raffle tickets will also be sold giving you the opportunity to win prize(s). Cash, checks and credit card (Visa, MasterCard and AMEX) payments will be accepted.
BREAKFAST / LUNCHEON SPONSORS BKD, LLP ESOP Plus : Schatz Brown Glassman LLP Fiduciary Trust Services, Inc. Kegler, Brown, Hill + Ritter Maloney + Novotny LLC Meaden & Moore, Ltd. Pendo Advisors, LLC Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC Stout Risius Ross, Inc. Strategic Retirement Partners BREAK SPONSORS Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Ferguson Widmayer PC Horizon Trust & Investment Management Lazear Capital Partners, Ltd. McDonald Hopkins LLC ARGI Financial Group Web Industries Nyhart Worm s Way, Inc. KALAHARI LODGING ~ ROOM BLOCK EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 A limited number of guest rooms have been reserved, on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS, for Wednesday, October 19, 2016, and Thursday, October 20, 2016, evenings at the special conference rate of $109 per room (resort fee has been waived) for up to 4 people per room. The conference rate applies 3 days prior to and 3 days after October 20, 2016, as long as the hotel does not have 85% of their lodging rooms sold. In order to take advantage of this offer, you must be a guest of the hotel on Thursday, October 20, 2016. Four (4) complimentary passes to the Kalahari Water Park, 20% off all services in Spa Kalahari, and complimentary parking are included with your room. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the facility. Kalahari Deposit Policy: One night s rate (plus tax) will be charged to your credit card at the time the reservation is made. Cancellation policy is 72 hours or more, prior to arrival, will receive a full refund less a $25.00 processing fee. Less than 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival forfeits entire deposit. Check-in time is 4:00 P.M. on the day of arrival; check-out time is 11:00 A.M. on the day of departure. All reservations must be made by calling 877.525.2427 ~ ask for the 2nd Annual Great Lakes Regional ESOP Conference Room Block. Online reservation is not available. The cut-off date for room reservations is Wednesday, September 28, 2016. (Don t delay ~ after the cut-off date, there is no guarantee that the hotel will honor the $109 room rate.) THE ESOP ASSOCIATION S VISION STATEMENT PROSPERITY WITH JUSTICE THROUGH EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP We believe that employee ownership improves American competitiveness... that it increases productivity through greater participation in the workplace... that it strengthens our free enterprise economy and creates a broader distribution of wealth... and that it maximizes human potential by enhancing the self-worth, dignity, and well-being of our people. Therefore we envision an America where employee ownership is widely recognized as a catalyst for economic prosperity... where the great majority of employees own stock in the companies where they work... and where employee ownership enables employees to share in the wealth they help create. And we look for our nation to become for all the world an example of prosperity with justice through employee ownership. THE ESOP ASSOCIATION ~ SERVING THE ENTIRE ESOP COMMUNITY
REGISTRATION FORM ~ REGISTRATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 10, 2016 2ND ANNUAL GREAT LAKES REGIONAL ESOP CONFERENCE A Meet & Greet opening reception will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2016. See back of registration form for additional details. Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Sandusky, OH ~ Conference rate is $109.00 per night. Each registrant must make his/her own reservation. See Page 8 of brochure for additional information on making your reservation. Registration MUST BE RECEIVED by October 10, 2016 to Receive Early Bird discounted registration fee. ESOP Association Member ~ Each Attendee Non-member ~ Each Attendee On or Before 10/10/16 After 10/10/16 and Walk-ins $275.00 $325.00 $375.00 $425.00 Extra 10/20/16 Reception & Dinner Ticket (Must be a Registered Attendee) $ 45.00 $ 45.00 Registration fee INCLUDES all meals, breaks, 10/19/16 Meet & Greet, 10/20/16 reception and dinner. CANCELLATION POLICY: NO REFUNDS will be given AFTER October 10, 2016. Substitutions will be accepted. TO REGISTER AND PAY WITH A CREDIT CARD ONLINE, go to www.esopassociation.org. Under the Chapters menu, click on Chapter Events and scroll down to Great Lakes Regional ESOP Conference - 2016-2nd Annual. Click on Click Here for Event Details. Members will need their Member ID and Password. Non-members will need to create a new account if they don t already have an account. MEMBERS: To log in to The ESOP Association s upgraded website, visit this URL: members.esopassociation.org/imis/esop/myaccount. Your username is the e-mail address you provided to The ESOP Association. New passwords have been sent to all Association members, but if you don t have or know yours, click the Forgot Password button to have it sent to you immediately by e-mail. If you have questions or run into any problem, please contact The ESOP Association at 866.366.3832 and your registration can be ran in-house. TO REGISTER AND PAY BY CHECK, COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW List each attendee s name AS IT SHOULD BE PRINTED ON THEIR NAME TAG. Beside each attendee s name, state their company position, i.e., CEO, President (P), VP, CFO, HR Department Personnel (HR), ESOP Committee Member (ECM), New Employee Owner (NEO), etc. Please provide an e-mail address for each attendee and indicate with a X if he / she is attending the opening night MEET & GREET Reception on October 19, 2016. Name (To Be Printed on Name Tag) Title 10/19/16 Meet & Greet Email Company Address City State Zip Contact Person Phone Enclosed is a check, made payable to The ESOP Association, in the amount of $ MAIL COMPLETED FORM WITH PAYMENT TO Karrie Imbrogno, ESOP Chapter Administrator, PO Box 407, Amherst, OH 44001-0407 (DO NOT send registration and payment to The ESOP Association s PO Box in Baltimore, MD)
MEET & GREET FOR REGISTERED ATTENDEES When: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 Time: Where: 6:30-8:00 p.m. Kalahari convention center Full Cash Bar Appetizers will be PROVIDED WHO S ATTENDING? RSVP ON REGISTRATION FORM