FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Thursday, March 12, 2026
7:45 a.m. Breakfast, 8:30-10:45 a.m. Program
Fluno Center and Online
ESOPs: They’re Worth Another Look
Presented by DeWitt Law Firm
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) have evolved into a powerful and often underutilized tool for family business owners planning for the future. Whether you’re thinking about partial liquidity, long-term succession, or tax efficiency, ESOPs deserve a fresh look.
In this session, Brian Anderson from DeWitt Law Firm will walk through the strategic and financial advantages of ESOPs and how they can be thoughtfully integrated into a family business’s ownership and growth plans. Jane Tereba, President of Capital Valuation Group will join the conversation to weigh in on the importance of a proper business valuation in an ESOP plan.
Key Takeaways:
- How ESOPs can serve as an exit strategy for one or more owners while keeping the business independent
- Opportunities for tax-free income at the corporate level
- Tax-deferred gains on the sale of stock
- Using ESOP structures as a holding company for future acquisitions
- Understanding valuation considerations unique to ESOP-owned companies
Foreign Exchange Markets (FX) and Interest Rate Uncertainty: Reviewing Your Options in a Volatile Climate
Presented by Associated Bank
In this session, we’ll review recent economic events and explain how they are impacting interest rates and currency values, including the U.S. dollar.
We’ll discuss how the markets view the near future, explore possible scenarios for interest rates and the dollar, and translate what those outcomes could mean for you and your business. The program will also cover practical options available to help manage and reduce risk related to interest rate changes and foreign exchange exposure, helping business leaders better prepare for potential market shocks.