Issue10_SpringSummer2017

WHAT SURPRISED YOU? Cristy:

the conference allowed me to get to know other ESOPs and developed new networks. It is nice to see the support in the ESOP community. (We borrow ideas from one another!) Mike: I learned that many ESOP’s transition out or die in 10 years or less. (e.g. one reason could be being acquired by another company). Culture and remembering why you became an ESOP, in the first place, has a lot to do with keeping your ESOP alive. Steve Hamilton: I went to the ESOP Conference and I was surprised that it wasn’t so much focused on ESOP and the details but more what other companies do to engage their employees, and their ups and downs along the way.

The amount of passion that so many people/companies have around being an ESOP. It’s amazing! I thought our company was passionate about our ESOP, but wow, just wow! I was also surprised to know that BL is doing it right. I kind of thought, yeah, we do a lot of cool things and this company I work for and the people I work with are great and all, but I’m sure most places are like this. That’s not true. Learning about the different programs and what other ESOPs do during the year, we are really setting the bar here at BL. Mina: All the new ideas that other ESOP Companies come up with to continue to foster their ownership cultures and the engagement of their Employee Owners. Attending

BL received a “bright idea” bulb on our ESOP display for our ESOP Thank yous event.

WOULD YOU GO BACK? Cristy: Of course, yes! It was great networking and sharing stories with Mike: Yes and I will. I have had the unique opportunity to speak at a few

always something new to learn (and I’ve become very fond of DC!). Steve: I would go back to the conference because every company has a different approach of trying to engage their employee owners. This is good to hear what worked and more importantly what hasn’t worked for them so we can build our own way or having our co-workers interact.

other ESOPers and even people attending that were looking to become an ESOP. I felt like I was bragging about my first born hitting the game winning home run in the Little League World Series, the way I was about bragging about BL’s culture so much! Mina: Yes, for all of the reasons listed prior. It is a great experience and it makes me appreciate BL Companies even more.

Chapter events this past year and am planning on another in the fall. These opportunities allow me to not only meet great people and learn about other companies and what they are doing; they also give me the opportunity to tout BL, who we are and what makes us special and unique in our own right. Jess: Absolutely! The ESOP Association Conference is so unique - I’d love the opportunity to go again. There’s

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