2024 Employee Ownership Conference
THANK YOU for joining us at the IA-CEO 2nd Annual Employee Ownership Conference! Your participation helped make this event a success, and we hope you found it valuable and inspiring.
As we continue to grow the employee ownership community in Iowa, we’re excited to announce that planning for next year’s IA-CEO 3rd Annual Employee Ownership Conference is already underway! We would love for you to join us again in 2025 as we bring together even more experts, resources, and stories of employee ownership.
Keep an eye on your inbox and our website for updates on the 2025 conference date and more exciting details.
Thank you again for being a part of the IA-CEO community. We look forward to seeing you next year!
We’re excited to announce the 2nd Annual IA-CEO Employee Ownership Conference!
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
FFA Enrichment Center / DMACC Campus
Ankeny, IA
This event is dedicated to empowering businesses with the knowledge and resources to explore and implement employee ownership models.
Join industry experts and inspiring company leaders who have successfully transitioned to employee ownership, as they share their insights and experiences. Whether you're new to the concept or already on the path to employee ownership, this conference offers something for everyone.
Key topics include:
- The Basics of Broad-Based Employee Ownership – Understand the foundations and benefits.
- Transitioning to Employee Ownership – Explore the steps to smoothly navigate this transformative process.
- Managing an Employee-Owned Business – Learn the strategies for sustaining and growing employee-owned enterprises.
- Becoming an Employee Owner – Discover what it means to be part of an employee-owned company.
Take advantage of this opportunity to network, learn, and take actionable steps toward building a stronger, more inclusive business through employee ownership!
Conference Speakers
Meet a few of our Speakers & Panelists
Steve Storkan
EOX
Executive Director
Mike Mallaro
VGM Group, Inc.
Executive Chairman of the Board
Nadav Mer
Virginia Tech University
Associate Professor of Practice
Jerry Ripperger
Principal Financial Group
National Vice President
The complete list of panelists
is available on the
conference agenda.
Adria Scharf
Rutgers University
Associate Director
Melissa Hoover
Rutgers University
Senior Fellow
Student Scholarship Winners
Sam Barnes, Iowa State University
Reagan Brown, Coe College
Davan Crooker, University of Northern Iowa
Nathan Crooker, University of Northern Iowa
Brahim El-Marrakechy, Coe College
Lydia Heskje, University of Northern Iowa
Dylan Kreps, University of Northern Iowa
Josef Lemker, University of Iowa
Reagan Lommell, University of Northern Iowa
Cesar Lopez, Coe College
Kar Meh, University of Northern Iowa
Anja Mills, Coe College
Emily Voyna, University of Northern Iowa
Virginia Walker, Coe College
Kaiden Wild, University of Northern Iowa
Conference Details
- FFA Enrichment Center, DMACC Ankeny Campus, Ankeny IA
- Check-in starts at 8:00 a.m. CST
- Conference begins at: 9:00 a.m. CST
- Networking Reception at 4:00 p.m. CST
Additional Conference Information
- Conference Agenda
- Why Attend?
Hear from Knowledge Experts: Gain insights from leading experts in the field of employee ownership. Our speakers will share their extensive knowledge on topics ranging from the fundamentals of employee ownership to advanced strategies for success. You’ll learn about the employee ownership options that are shaping the future of work.
Company Storytellers: Be inspired by real-life stories from companies that have successfully transitioned to employee ownership. Hear firsthand accounts of the challenges they faced, the solutions they implemented, and impact made on all stakeholders. These stories will not only motivate but also provide practical guidance on how to navigate your own path of employee ownership.
- What to Expect
Engaging Sessions: Attend a variety of sessions designed to educate and inspire. Our keynote addresses and 3-track breakout sessions are tailored to fit your circumstances.
Vendor Exhibits: Explore our vendor tables featuring a combination of ESOP companies and service provider companies. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet with businesses that have successfully embraced employee ownership and to discover services and products that can support your transition. Learn about innovative solutions, get expert advice, and build partnerships that can help your organization thrive.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and build relationships that will support your employee ownership journey.
- Who Should Attend?
- Business Owners and Employees
- Professional Service Providers
- Community Leaders and Economic Developers
- Anyone interested in the benefits and implementation of employee ownership
Thank You to our 2024 Conference Sponsors!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors of our 2nd Annual Employee Ownership Conference. Your support makes it possible for us to bring together experts, storytellers and leaders to expand the awareness of employee ownership. Your commitment to supporting innovative initiatives like employee ownership is helping to strengthen both companies and local economies across the state of Iowa.
Event Partner
Presenting
Supporting
Company
Networking Reception Sponsors
Special Sponsorships
Let's talk
8120 Jennings Drive | Cedar Falls, IA 50614
Phone: 319-273-4692
Email: info@IA-CEO.org
Stacy.Mullinex@uni.edu 
| Deborah.Giarusso@uni.edu | Judy.Butler@uni.edu