Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO)

The Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO) is Iowa’s hub for education, resources, and support on all forms of employee ownership, including ESOPs, Worker Cooperatives, and Employee Ownership Trusts. As the 21st state center in the national EOX network, we work to expand awareness and access to employee ownership across the state.

The IA-CEO partners with the University of Northern Iowa’s Wilson College of Business (WLSN) to conduct research in the employee ownership space and to help educate tomorrow’s leaders on its value. Located within the Business and Community Services (BCS) building, we provide practical guidance, curated resources, and connections to industry professionals to support businesses exploring or adopting employee ownership.

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

This book highlights innovative approaches to preserving local businesses and community wealth through ownership transitions. Edited by Norman Walzer, the book brings together experts in economic development and succession planning.

Chapter 9, written by Stacy Mullinex of the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO), showcases how employee ownership helps keep businesses—and jobs—rooted in their communities. Drawing on Iowa examples, including Morning Bell Coffee Roasters in Ankeny, Mullinex illustrates the impact of ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and other models.

The chapter also connects employee ownership to broader community needs, such as childcare and housing, demonstrating how locally anchored ownership can strengthen both businesses and the communities they support.