MINNEAPOLIS—Oct. 2, 2023–The Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership (MNCEO) is excited to join the nationwide celebration of Employee Ownership Month this October,  highlighting the numerous benefits of employee ownership and the significant contributions it makes to the Minnesota business landscape. 

Employee Ownership Month is an annual observance aimed at recognizing and promoting the positive impact of employee ownership on businesses, communities, and individual employees.  As part of this month-long celebration, MNCEO will be hosting various events, workshops, and educational initiatives to raise awareness about the advantages of employee ownership. 

Kirsten Kennedy, the executive director of MNCEO, expressed her enthusiasm for Employee  Ownership Month, stating, "October is a special time for us as we get to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and benefits that employee ownership brings to our local businesses and the broader Minnesota community. Employee-owned companies tend to be more resilient,  innovative, and prosperous, and this month allows us to showcase their incredible stories." 

Kennedy further emphasized the importance of employee ownership, saying, "Employee ownership isn't just about financial gains; it's about creating a workplace where employees have a stake in the success of the company, resulting in higher job satisfaction, better job security, and a more inclusive economy. As a result, MNCEO is committed to providing business  owners and their advisors with the necessary resources and guidance to explore and implement  employee ownership as a viable succession and wealth-building strategy." 

MNCEO will host the following events, among others, during Employee Ownership Month: 

CodeWeavers: Employee Ownership Trust Transaction 

• A webinar highlighting the transition of a 25-year-old business to an EOT. • Guests include the former owner and people involved in the transaction. • Date: October 18, 2023 

• Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. CST 

• Location: Online 

• Cost: Free of charge 

• Sponsored in partnership with Common Trust 

Inaugural Introduction to Employee Ownership Webinar 

• An engaging and interactive webinar for people curious about what employer  ownership can do for their business and community. 

• Date: October 26, 2023 

• Time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. CST, then the last Thursday of every month thereafter. • Location: Online 

• Cost: Free of charge 

• Sponsored by MNCEO 

These events are designed to educate and inspire business owners and their advisors,  employees, and communities about the benefits and possibilities of employee ownership.  MNCEO invites everyone interested in these topics to participate and learn more about this  empowering business model. 

About the Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership 

The Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership (MNCEO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization  dedicated to providing free and unbiased information and resources to business owners and  their advisors on the benefits of employee ownership throughout Minnesota. Established in  2020, MNCEO is part of a national network of state centers for employee ownership created by  the Employee Ownership Expansion Network, which is committed to closing the wealth gap for  all employees. For more information, visit www.mnceo.org. 

About the Employee Ownership Expansion Network 

The Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization  founded in 2018 in Philadelphia, Pa. Its mission is to significantly expand employee ownership  

in the United States by establishing and supporting a network of independent nonprofit centers  for employee ownership. EOX has provided funding and technical assistance to support the  opening of 11 state centers for employee ownership. The organization aims to help create one  million new employee owners by 2025 by having at least 70% of the U.S. population living in a  state with a center for employee ownership. To learn more, visit www.eoxnetwork.org. 

For media inquiries or more information about MNCEO and Employee Ownership Month  events, please contact: 

Lee Hayes 

Communications Consultant 

651-261-4356 

leehayes@leehayespr.com