U.S. 9th District Representative Todd Young shakes hands with Steve Knust during
a meeting with Associates at the Jasper Facility.
U.S. 9th District Representative Todd Young visited the Jasper Facility in early August. Young represents Jasper's neighboring congressional district and sits on the House Ways and Means Committee.
Rep. Young was greeted by JASPER President and COO Zach Bawel, Chairman and CEO Doug Bawel, and other senior leadership members. They toured the production facility, then had the opportunity to sit down with five JASPER Associates: Joyce Kaltenbacher, Lori Skomp, Steve Knust, Alex Ernst and T.J. McAtee to discuss the benefits of the company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). These benefits were expressed in a recent study by Alex Brill, CEO of the consulting firm Matrix Global Advisors. The study found that Associate-Owned companies are not only more profitable and productive, but also more resilient during economic fluctuations compared to the general private sector.
After speaking with Associates, Rep. Young, who has already voiced his support for ESOPs at a Ways and Means Committee hearing this year, shared that he would support ESOPs in tax legislation when it comes before the Committee as a part of comprehensive tax reform.
Rep. Young is the third member of Congress to visit a JASPER facility this year. In January, the Jasper facility hosted Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly. In July, Missouri Congressman Jason Smith visited the Willow Springs, MO facility.
Categories: