October 17, 2022

ESOP Updates in Hawaii

The Hawaiian Chapter of The ESOP Association is holding its first in-person event of the year on October 20 and the Menke Group will be there! Our Senior Corporate Counsel, Victor Alam, will be making two presentations at the conference in Honolulu:

Current Issues Facing ESOP Companies
Special Administration Issues
- Rebalancing, Reshuffling, Recycling, Diversification and Re-leveraging

Victor’s talks will provide deep insight into a range of issues that companies owned by an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) face. The “Current Issues” talk will explore US Department of Labor enforcement activity, handling the sale of an ESOP company and changing or replacing trustees while the “Special Administration” presentation will investigate the rules and procedures governing share allocation and distribution scenarios and how ESOP companies address these scenarios.

Both presentations will take place during the morning of October 20. It should be a great day of information sharing, learning, and networking with the ESOP community in Hawaii!

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Learn why an ESOP is better for You,
your Business, and your Employees

Upcoming Web Seminar

How ESOPs Help Businesses Navigate Rising Costs,
Market Uncertainty & Succession Planning

Free 90-Minute Webinar for Business Owners, CFOs & Advisors

📉 The Economic Reality

Inflation. Tariffs. Tight labor markets. Cost of capital on the rise.

2025 is shaping up to be a year where strategic moves—not reactive cuts—will define the companies that come out stronger. If you’re a private company leader facing rising costs and succession pressures, now is the time to consider the unique benefits of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

🚀 What You’ll Learn

✅ ESOP 101: How it works, who qualifies, and why it’s more relevant than ever

✅ Countering Margin Pressure: Offset cost increases from tariffs and wages using ESOP tax incentives

✅ Tax Strategies for Owners & Companies: Capital gains deferral, corporate income tax reduction, and more

✅ Talent Retention: Keep your best employees with meaningful ownership—not just raises

✅ Valuation & Financing: Understand the 2025 deal landscape and flexible funding models

📌 Who Should Attend

This session is ideal for:

- Business Owners planning an exit or recap
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- Succession Planners seeking values-aligned ownership transitions
- HR & ESOP Committee Members aiming to understand the full value of employee ownership

💬 Hear From Past Attendees

“I came in skeptical. I left with a clear understanding of how ESOPs could be our best path forward—even in an uncertain economy.”

— Mark T., CFO, Manufacturing Company

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— Susan D., Founder & CEO, B2B Services Firm

🎯 Why 2025 is the Time for ESOPs

ESOPs can create a rare win-win:

- Liquidity for founders without third-party control
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- Employee ownership that attracts, retains, and motivates talent
- In today’s economic climate, that edge is no longer optional—it’s essential.