October marks the advent of Employee Ownership Month for Anderson & Associates and all other Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) companies. This is a month meant to celebrate the spirit of employee ownership and educate employees about the benefits of ESOP companies.

This is traditionally a festive month for A&A, but we have extra reason to celebrate this year. In March, the company became 100 percent employee owned. Employees company-wide celebrated in the Spring and the company continues to make great strides with employees across the board shouldering greater responsibility and driving the company toward success.

"As owners in the company, our culture promotes employee involvement at all levels. We have a say in how things operate, our opinions matter," said Heather Porterfield, a 10 year A&A veteran.

Activities have been planned throughout the month of October that include an ice cream social, a pumpkin carving contest, a Halloween costume contest, and a canned food drive.

ESOP Advisory Board Member and HR Manager Courtney Bremner said, "When employees are owners, their goals and the goals of the company are inherently aligned. They have a real financial interest in how the company performs, because the more profitable the company is, the bigger their piece of the pie is. The retirement income is also a great benefit. Traditionally, ESOP retirement accounts perform much better than a traditional 401K with a company match."

The A&A ESOP allows employees to have a direct share in the company’s growth, a direct influence on profitability, and a way to earn company ownership.

With increased ownership and responsibilities, employees are provided the opportunity to seek the most efficient and innovative solutions for projects. Associate Vice President Mary Ann Bonadeo said, "We’re given the freedom to do our jobs and do them well."