We the Owners Documentary Showing at ACC Library

Description

Community Film Night: We the Owners: Employees Expanding the American Dream The Georgia Center for Employee Ownership invites the Athens community to a special public screening of We the Owners, a powerful and hopeful documentary that tells the stories of three American companies where employees share ownership in the businesses they help build. Through personal stories and real-world examples, the film explores how employee ownership can strengthen businesses, expand opportunities for workers to build wealth, and keep successful companies rooted in their communities. Event Details Date: Wednesday, March 25th Time: 7:00 pm Location: Athens-Clarke County Library Auditorium 2025 Baxter Street Athens, GA 30606 Why GACEO Is Hosting This Film Across the United States—and here in Georgia—many locally owned businesses face an uncertain future as owners approach retirement. Over the next decade, millions of small businesses will change hands or close, often because owners lack a clear succession plan. In Athens, that number is just around 1,000 small businesses at risk of closing without a viable ownership succession plan. Employee ownership offers one promising path forward. Models such as Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), worker cooperatives, and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) allow employees to share in the ownership and long-term success of the businesses where they work. We the Owners aligns with GACEO’s mission by: • Showing how employee ownership can help workers build wealth and economic security • Demonstrating how ownership transitions can preserve jobs and keep businesses locally rooted • Inspiring conversations about practical solutions for business succession and community wealth-building This film offers a real-world look at how employee ownership works and why it is gaining attention across the country. Community Invitation This screening is free and open to the public. All are welcome. Whether you are a business owner, employee, student, advisor (CPA, attorney, CFP, CEPA, banker, business insurance broker, commercial real estate, and more), or simply interested in the future of local businesses and economic opportunity, this film offers a meaningful opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect. Bring a friend. Stay for conversation. Be part of the conversation about the future of business ownership in our community. About the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership The Georgia Center for Employee Ownership (GACEO) serves as the central hub for information and resources about employee ownership across the state. GACEO works to educate business owners and their advisors—including accountants, bankers, attorneys, and financial professionals—about the benefits of employee ownership as a succession strategy. Through educational events, case studies, and connections to experienced service providers, GACEO helps Georgia businesses explore ownership transitions through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), worker cooperatives, and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). By expanding awareness of employee ownership, GACEO aims to strengthen local businesses, preserve jobs, and build long-term prosperity for Georgia communities