Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO)

The Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO) is the state's premier resource hub dedicated to promoting and expanding employee ownership across Iowa. As a central point of connection, we provide education, resources, and support for businesses interested in exploring employee ownership models, particularly Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Worker Cooperatives and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). Our goal is to empower Iowa businesses, employees, and communities with the knowledge and tools to transition to, or strengthen, broad-based employee ownership.

IA-CEO is proud to be the 21st state center in the Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX), a national initiative committed to increasing awareness of the benefits of employee ownership. We operate under the leadership of the University of Northern Iowa's (UNI) Advance Iowa, a program with a strong history of supporting Iowa businesses to achieve their goals.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enhancing economic prosperity throughout the state. We believe that by expanding employee ownership, we can help secure the future of Iowa businesses, preserve jobs, and create wealth-building opportunities for workers, all while keeping local economies vibrant and competitive. Through educational programming, expert guidance, and a network of industry professionals, IA-CEO is here to support businesses every step of the way as they explore and implement employee ownership solutions.

Retaining and Transitioning Businesses in Communities: Strategies in a New Era 

This timely book explores innovative strategies for preserving local businesses and sustaining community wealth through ownership transitions. Edited by Norman Walzer, it brings together thought leaders and practitioners working at the intersection of economic development and business succession.

Don’t miss Chapter 9, authored by Stacy Mullinex of the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership. In this compelling chapter, Mullinex outlines how employee ownership can be a powerful tool for retaining local businesses and keeping jobs rooted in their communities. Drawing from Iowa’s growing experience with ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and other models, she provides practical insights and real-world examples that community leaders and economic developers won’t want to miss.

One featured example is Morning Bell Coffee Roasters in Ankeny, Iowa—a worker cooperative that exemplifies the values of democratic ownership and long-term local commitment. As a business owned and operated by its workers, Morning Bell highlights how cooperative models can foster strong employee engagement and resilience in a competitive market.

The chapter also explores how employee ownership can play a role in addressing broader community challenges, such as Iowa’s child care and housing crises. By anchoring businesses locally and empowering workers economically, employee ownership models can be a vital part of place-based development strategies that strengthen both businesses and the communities they serve.

Legacy isn’t just about the name on the building — it’s about the values you leave behind.

For many business owners, the dream is to pass the company on to the next generation — maybe even to your grandchildren. But what happens when that’s not the path they choose?

Employee ownership offers a powerful solution. It ensures the company you built — its mission, culture, and impact — stays intact. It keeps the jobs in your community. It protects what you've worked so hard to create.

Whether through an ESOP, a worker cooperative, or an employee ownership trust, transitioning ownership to your employees allows your legacy to live on — not just in name, but in purpose.

Your business can continue to grow, thrive, and support the people who helped build it.

That’s a legacy worth leaving!

If you have questions about where to start, reach out through the contact info below.