Address
Glass Tower, 24th Floor, 446 Main St., Worcester, MA 01604
- This page, Mass Center for Employee Ownership - Central MA Regional Symposium, is offered by
- Massachusetts Office of Business Development
Mass Center for Employee Ownership - Central MA Regional Symposium
Overview
If you are interested in exploring an employee ownership model for your business, at the symposium you will:
- Learn about the MA Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO).
- Gain a basic understanding of some forms of employee ownership.
- Understand benefits such as succession planning, pay equity, wealth building, etc.
- Hear from employee-owned firms about their journey to employee ownership.
- Learn about potential state and federal funding for adopting employee ownership.
- Participate in a round-table discussion on employee ownership and interact with subject matter experts.
Scan the QR code to register from your phone, or click the link below to register: https://forms.office.com/r/CJ1PZcc1bn
Agenda
Agenda
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration, Networking, and Refreshments
Overview: Please arrive early to pick up your nametag and information packet, enjoy some breakfast pastries, and network with other attendees.
9:30 AM – 9:35 AM | Welcoming Remarks
Speaker: Peter Dunn, Chief Development Officer, City of Worcester
Overview: Opening remarks and welcome from the City of Worcester
9:35 AM – 9:50 AM | Introduction to MassCEO & Employee Ownership Models
Speaker: Kevin Kuros, Interim Director, MassCEO
Overview: Introduction to MassCEO, an overview of employee ownership (EO) models, and an introduction to the featured Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and cooperative businesses.
9:50 AM – 10:00 AM | Featured ESOP: Burkart Flutes & Piccolos
Speaker: Lillian Burkart, CEO, Burkart Flutes & Piccolos
Overview: Brief overview of Burkart Flutes & Piccolos and their experience as an ESOP company.
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM | Featured Co-op: Worx Printing
Speaker: Kevin O’Brien, Founder & General Manager, Worx Printing
Overview: Brief overview of Worx Printing, and their experience as a worker-owned cooperative.
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM | Funding Employee Ownership: Small Business Administration (SBA)
Speaker: Ili Spahiu, Deputy District Director, SBA
Overview: Discussion on financial resources and support available for businesses transitioning to employee ownership through SBA programs.
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Facilitated Roundtable Discussion
Facilitator: Kevin Kuros, Interim Director, MassCEO
Panelists:
Lillian Burkart, Burkart Flutes & Piccolos, CEO
Kevin O’Brien, Worx Printing, Founder & GM
Matt Feinstein, US Federation of Worker Cooperatives, Technical Assistance Manager
Ili Spahiu, SBA, Deputy District Director
Wren Ribeiro, MassCEO Advisory Board Member
John Biagioni, MassCEO Advisory Board Member
Overview: A dynamic and lively discussion on the practical aspects of transitioning to employee ownership, challenges, success stories, and strategies for sustainable EO businesses.
11:30 AM – 11:35 AM | Concluding Remarks
Speaker: Kevin Kuros, Interim Director, MassCEO
Overview: Summary of key takeaways, appreciation for participants, and a call to action for business leaders and policymakers.
11:35 AM – 12:00 PM | Networking & Refreshments
Overview: Informal networking session with light refreshments, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and explore collaboration opportunities.