- This page, Mass Center for Employee Ownership - Western MA Regional Symposium, is offered by
- Massachusetts Office of Business Development
Agenda for Mass Center for Employee Ownership - Western MA Regional Symposium
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration, Refreshments, and Networking
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: Ben Lamb, PhD, Vice President of Economic Development, 1Berkshire
Overview: Opening remarks and welcome from the 1Berkshire, the co-sponsor of the Symposium
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 featured Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and cooperative businesses.
9:50 AM – 10:00 AM | Featured ESOP: Paragus IT
Speaker: Delcie Bean, CEO, Paragus IT
Overview: Brief overview of Paragus IT and their experience as an ESOP company.
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM | Featured ESOP: Blue Q
Speaker: Seth Nash, Co-Founder, Blue Q
Overview: Brief overview of Blue Q, and their experience as an ESOP company with a flat organizational structure.
10:10 AM – 10:20 AM | Featured Co-op: Old Creamery Co-op
Speaker: Lloyd Miller, General Manager, Old Creamery Co-op
Overview: Insights into Old Creamery Co-op’s experience as a community-owned cooperative.
10:20 AM – 10:40 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.
10:40 AM – 11:40 AM | Facilitated Roundtable Discussion
Facilitator: Kevin Kuros, Interim Director, MassCEO
Panelists:
Delcie Bean, Paragus IT, CEO
Seth Nash, Blue Q, Co-Founder
Lloyd Miller, Old Creamery Co-op, General Manager
Ili Spahiu, SBA, Deputy District Director
John Biagioni, Board Member, MassCEO Advisory Board
Overview: A dynamic and lively discussion on the practical aspects of transitioning to employee ownership, challenges, success stories, and strategies for sustainable EO businesses and cooperatives.
11:40 AM – 11:45 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.
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Networking & Refreshments
Overview: Informal networking session with light refreshments, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and explore collaboration opportunities.
Featured ESOP Overview – Paragus IT
Paragus IT, founded in 2003, is a leading provider of IT services and support for small businesses across Central and Western Massachusetts. Initially focusing on residential computer services, the company evolved into a business-focused IT solutions provider and is now a key player in the region's technology industry. Known for its strategic IT support, cloud migration services, and backend security, Paragus has grown to employ around 65 employee-owners across two offices in Hadley and Worcester.
Featured ESOP Overview – Blue Q
Blue Q, founded in 1988 by brothers Mitch and Seth Nash, is a unique gift manufacturer based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. With a team of about 60 employee-owners, the company embraces a creative, experimental approach to product development. Blue Q is best known for its quirky and unconventional products, spanning categories such as socks, gum, lavatory mists, oven mitts & dish towels, bags made of recycled materials, and even catnip. The company operates without a strict hierarchy, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity flows freely, and innovation is encouraged.
Featured Co-op Overview – Old Creamery Co-op
Old Creamery Co-op, in Cummington, is a cooperative market with a deli, bakery and cafe that has been serving its community for over 40 years. As a member-owned cooperative, the Old Creamery Co-op operates with the goal of providing high-quality, locally sourced food and products while fostering a sense of community. Members of the Co-op have a say in how the business is run and share in its success. This sense of ownership and collaboration ensures that the Co-op remains closely aligned with the needs and values of its community.
Event Materials