Issue10_SpringSummer2017

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THE ESOP CONFERENCE?

Cristy Shamus: BL rocks! Honestly, looking at all the other displays/submissions and listening to people speak about what their company does, in my opinion, we are in the top 5% of the companies represented at the conference that are doing so many amazing things on a daily basis. Not just during one big event. I also, loved the support from upper management during the conference. Not only were there folks from the executive team attending the conference, but they were truly interested in making our culture better and learning about ways to make that happen with the rest of the ESOP Communications Committee.

Mina Almengor: I am always so amazed by the reactions of the new BL attendees to the ESOP Conference. I believe they developed a deeper appreciation for our ESOP and the culture that we are fostering at BL. And, as an added bonus, I had the opportunity to get to know my coworkers a little bit more. I also have a deeper appreciation for our ESOP Communications Committee. In comparison to other ESOP Committees, they do some amazing things to celebrate and educate our Employee Owners. Mike Lozanoff: How far advanced BL is as an ESOP in comparison to other companies (e.g. things like being 100% Employee Owned, having our debt

paid off, our culture, our openness and communication, etc.) Jess Osborne: This was my second time attending the ESOP Association Conference (I felt like an old pro!) - but there were so many new ideas and companies to learn from. Not to toot BL’s horn too much, but we’re doing a lot of things right - and are really on the forefront of building our culture through ESOP Communications Committee activities, etc. It was interesting to learn that a lot of companies (even from different industries) face the same the same challenges that we do in terms of making sure all employees feel connected among offices, departments and disciplines.

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