blurry image with MOCEO logo and text "Newsletter - December | 2nd Edition

December Newsletter | 2nd Edition

Employee Ownership
February 18, 2026•1 min read

December Updates from MOCEO: Turning Business Transitions into Opportunity

The latest newsletter from the Missouri Center for Employee Ownership highlights the continued momentum of employee ownership and its critical role in protecting local businesses and strengthening communities.

In her year-end message, Executive Director Julie Leonhardt reflects on the growing movement across Missouri and the collective impact of business owners, partners, and advocates working to expand access to employee ownership. As thousands of Baby Boomer-owned businesses approach retirement, employee ownership offers a powerful succession solution—helping preserve jobs, retain local ownership, and keep wealth rooted in Missouri communities.

This edition also answers a common question for business owners: Can a company be partially employee-owned? The answer is yes. Models like Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) allow owners to gradually transition ownership, selling a portion—or eventually all—of the business to employees. This flexible approach supports continuity while creating meaningful opportunities for employee ownership.

Additionally, the newsletter shares research and resources that demonstrate how employee ownership can help close wealth gaps, strengthen business resilience, and build more inclusive economic futures.

Together, these updates reflect MOCEO’s ongoing commitment to education, outreach, and empowering businesses and employees through shared ownership. As the year concludes, the organization invites its community to remain engaged and continue supporting its mission to expand employee ownership across Missouri.

Read the full newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/moceo/dec-2nd-edition

esopbusiness modelsmissouri businesskansas city
Julie Leonhardt is the Executive Director of the Missouri Center for Employee Ownership (MOCEO), advancing employee ownership as a strategy for business sustainability, equitable wealth building, and community prosperity. With a background spanning law, real estate, technology, and nonprofit leadership, she brings a systems-level approach to economic development. Julie is a graduate of Westmont College and Fordham University School of Law and is based in Kansas City.

Julie Leonhardt

Julie Leonhardt is the Executive Director of the Missouri Center for Employee Ownership (MOCEO), advancing employee ownership as a strategy for business sustainability, equitable wealth building, and community prosperity. With a background spanning law, real estate, technology, and nonprofit leadership, she brings a systems-level approach to economic development. Julie is a graduate of Westmont College and Fordham University School of Law and is based in Kansas City.

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