This program, typically held in-person and is a day-long forum, held in Southwest Ohio, is designed to review the current year, and look forward to, and plan for, the upcoming year. It also provides a great opportunity to network with and learn from peers in other employee-owned companies and leading experts in the field of employee ownership..

The forum features sessions on legal and technical issues;  CEO/CFO and HR Professional Roundtables; sessions on HR and communications issues, as well as a mini-workshop session on prepping your communications strategies, and communications committee, for the upcoming year.

2025 Virtual Details

 After hearing from many of our member companies that the busy end-of-year season makes it difficult to attend an in-person program, we’ve made the decision to cancel the 2025 Southwest Ohio Employee Ownership Forum in Dayton this December.

In its place, we’re pleased to offer a virtual series of programs throughout the first two weeks of December, featuring the same high-quality sessions and roundtable discussions normally offered at the Forum—now in a convenient online format.

‍Even better news is that, for Members of Ohio's Employee Owned Network, the entire slate of virtual sessions is free for anyone and everyone at your company.

We plan to bring the Southwest Ohio Forum back in-person in 2026, and will incorporate your feedback to schedule it at a different time of the year to make participation easier.

Registration and Payment

Each session below can be registered for individually.

Members of the OEOC's Employee-Owned Network can register for free

Non-members must pay $25 using the payment link and will be sent a registration link.

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Week 1

HR/Communications Roundtable
Wednesday, December 3, 9:30–10:45 a.m. (EST)
‍Featuring Kyla Alterman, Prudent Fiduciary Services
‍Join fellow HR and Communications Committee leaders for this interactive roundtable. Kyla will share a framework for planning your 2026 calendar of events and engagement strategy, followed by our usual confidential and open forum discussion.

Network Members: register for free here
Non-members: Pay $25 here, you will be sent a registration link via email after payment.

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Administering Your ESOP: What Your TPA Needs and Why It Matters
Thursday, December 4, 12:00–12:45 p.m. (EST)
Presented by Pete Shuler, Blue Ridge Associates
Running a compliant and efficient ESOP requires the right information, processes, and collaboration with your Third-Party Administrator (TPA). This session will cover what data and documentation your TPA needs, why each piece is critical, and how proper administration supports success.

Network Members: register for free here
Non-members: Pay $25 here, you will be sent a registration link via email after payment.

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Week 2

ESOP Year-End Valuation Review: Planning for 2026
Tuesday, December 9th 12:00-12:45 p.m. (EST)
Presented by Nick Nickolas Sypniewski, Comstock Advisors
- As the year closes, it’s critical for ESOP companies to understand what's impacting the value of their ESOP company. This webinar will help you review key considerations in your year-end ESOP valuation; understand how current market conditions may impact stock value; and prepare for potential regulatory updates affecting ESOP valuations in 2026. Join us to learn more about what's around the corner.

Network Members: register for free here
Non-members: Pay $25 here, you will be sent a registration link via email after payment.

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CEO/CFO Roundtable
Wednesday, December 10, 9:00–10:30 a.m. (EST)
‍Featuring Josh Waynick, Fifth Third Bank
‍Josh returns to provide an updated Economic Outlook, recapping 2025 and previewing 2026. Following his presentation and Q&A, we’ll continue with our confidential discussion among company leaders.

Network Members: register for free here
Non-members: Pay $25 here, you will be sent a registration link via email after payment.

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Ready to Grow? Key Steps for ESOP Acquisitions in 2026
Thursday, December 11 | 12:00–12:45 p.m. (EST)
‍Presented by Tim Jamison, Prairie Capital Advisors
‍Growth through acquisition can take your ESOP to the next level — but success depends on smart planning. Learn how to identify and evaluate acquisition targets, structure deals that meet ESOP requirements, and integrate acquired companies effectively.

Network Members: register for free here
Non-Members: Pay $25 here, you will be sent a registration link via email after payment

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