Blue Ridge ESOP Associates Industry News

The ESOP Benefit Level

Posted by Dustin Pirie

Aug 25, 2023 8:54:37 AM

Each ESOP is unique and must consider their own company goals when deciding the appropriate benefit levels. There should be an ongoing balance between the company cash flow and participant benefit levels. The goal is to maximize the expected return for the participant, however, to do so the ESOP program must be sustainable and not hinder the growth of the company. A consideration especially as an ESOP matures is determining the appropriate benefit level. Consistent benefit levels can help with a sustainable repurchase process and set expectations for the plan participants. Benefit levels are measured based on the contributions and the fair market value.

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Topics: Repurchase Obligation, ESOP Loan Agreement

ESOP Valuation Guidelines

Posted by Casey Gustafson

Aug 25, 2023 8:52:05 AM

The fair market value of employer stock is determined by an independent valuation firm; however, the fiduciary is ultimately responsible for making sure the stock has been properly valued. Over or under valued stock can lead to deduction issues, a prohibited transaction, or other violations. Fiduciaries must act prudently and in good faith with the fair market value calculated with adequate consideration to prevent such issues.

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Topics: IRS, Year-End Valuation

Fall Conferences - 2023

Posted by Blue Ridge ESOP Associates

Aug 22, 2023 3:31:32 PM

Florida Chapter 2023 - Conference and Roundtables

August 31, 2023 - Orlando, FL

Carla Klingler - Regional Sales Director, Southeast

Sustainability – Strategy Choices and How They Affect Participant Accounts

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Topics: Conferences

OH/KY Chapter - 2023 Thoroughbred Conference

Posted by Blue Ridge ESOP Associates

Jul 20, 2023 3:34:06 PM

Blue Ridge is proud to be a contributing sponsor for the OH/KY Chapter - 2022 Thoroughbred Conference on July 25, 2023 hosted by The ESOP Association for the OH/KY Chapter. Our professionals, Pete Shuler and Jim Bado will be presenting  Really Understanding the ESOP Distribution Process. Bring your distribution questions to this practical session. They'll cover the rules and regulations regarding distributions at retirement, disability, death and for any other reason. Their goal:  help you build a real-world understanding of the distribution process while avoiding any mention of code sections (sorry no guarantees). To strengthen your knowledge, we'll also discuss diversification, in-service, and thrilling acronyms like QDRO and RMD.

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Topics: Conferences

Wisconsin Chapter Summer Meeting - 2023

Posted by Blue Ridge ESOP Associates

Jun 12, 2023 4:09:44 PM

Blue Ridge ESOP Associates' professionals will be attending the Wisconsin Chapter Summer Meeting this Thursday at Lambeau Field.

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Employee Equity Investment Act - New Bipartisan Legislation

Posted by ESOP Association

May 22, 2023 2:29:46 PM

Please note the following article is directly from The ESOP Association which was posted May 19, 2023.

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Treasury Shares

Posted by Dustin Pirie

Mar 31, 2023 12:30:00 PM

REDEEMING

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SECURE ACT 2.0

Posted by Mark Swanson

Mar 31, 2023 12:30:00 PM

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (“SECURE Act”) contained provisions aimed at increasing access to tax-advantaged accounts and changes to required minimum distribution rules.   The budget bill signed by President Biden on December 23, 2022 included the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (“SECURE 2.0”). SECURE 2.0 builds on the SECURE Act with changes aimed to strengthen the retirement system and financial preparedness upon retirement.

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Topics: ESOP & 401(k) Plans, RMD - Required Minimum Distribution

Re-energize Your ESOP Annual Meeting

Posted by Kyla Alterman

Mar 31, 2023 12:30:00 PM

Been there, done that with your annual ESOP meeting? Looking for a new way to convey your critically important ownership message? Add new energy this year with one of Blue Ridge ESOP Communication team’s field-tested, ESOP-focused presentations and interactive activities.

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Blue Ridge ESOP Associates makes majority investment into Workplace Development Inc.

Posted by Blue Ridge ESOP Associates

Feb 22, 2023 1:48:38 PM

Workplace Development Inc. will become a Blue Ridge Company

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Experience the Leader in Personalized ESOP & 401(k) Administration

Blue Ridge ESOP Associates can provide everything you need to administer your ESOP, 401(k) or combination ESOP/401(k) plan. Our full service outsourcing, which can include participant on-line services, provides worry-free  assistance for your HR or Benefits staff, leaving them free to concentrate on other responsibilities.

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