VGM Government Relations Participates in the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership's (IA-CEO) Day at the Capitol

Published in Government Relations on April 07, 2026

Alongside Amber Brauner, VGM Group’s Compensation and Retirement Director, Adam Miller, Vice President of VGM Government Relations, joined numerous employee owners and advocates from employee-owned businesses (ESOPs) across Iowa for a panel discussion with several state legislators and Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor.  

Conversations centered around how employee-owned companies play a vital role in terms of job creation and retention as well as the economic impact ESOPs provide—both for their local communities and the Iowa economy as a whole.  

Also discussed was recent legislation that strengthens the benefits of being a part of an employee-owned business in Iowa as well as potential legislation that would make employee ownership even more attractive for businesses to call Iowa home. 

Employee Ownership

VGM Group has been 100% employee owned since 2008 and share in the pride that employee ownership provides with the other ESOP companies in attendance. We thank the University of Northern Iowa and their IA-CEO program as well as the Iowa Legislators for the spirited discussion. VGM Government Relations will continue to work with stakeholders and legislators on strengthening Iowa through employee ownership.     

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