blurry image with the MOCEO logo and text "November 2025 Newsletter"

November 2025 Newsletter

ESOP| Employee Ownership
February 18, 2026•1 min read

November Updates from the Missouri Center for Employee Ownership: Gratitude, Guidance, and Growing Momentum

The latest newsletter from the Missouri Center for Employee Ownership reflects both gratitude for the community that powers its mission and excitement for the future of employee ownership across the state.

In her letter, Executive Director Julie Leonhardt shares appreciation for the partners, funders, and employee-owned companies that help strengthen local economies and create pathways to shared prosperity. She also looks ahead with enthusiasm, highlighting meaningful opportunities on the horizon—including new initiatives designed to expand employee ownership and support business transitions statewide.

This edition also provides practical resources for business owners considering succession planning. One key highlight is MOCEO’s free Business Succession Planning Guide, which helps owners evaluate their goals—whether prioritizing legacy, rewarding employees, or ensuring long-term stability—and explore employee ownership as a viable transition strategy.

Additionally, the newsletter addresses common questions about employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), including an important insight: business owners do not have to fully exit their company to transition to employee ownership. Many remain involved during and after the process, ensuring continuity while creating opportunities for employees to build ownership.

Alongside these insights, readers can explore research, tools, and stories that demonstrate the tangible benefits of employee ownership—from increased employee wealth and retention to stronger, more resilient businesses.

Together, these updates reflect the continued momentum behind employee ownership and MOCEO’s commitment to supporting business owners, employees, and communities across Missouri.

Read the full newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/5d37eabb928f/november-updates-from-moceo

employee ownershipmissourimissouri communitykansas citybusiness growthresources
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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