The Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas Chapter (MACC) of the National ESOP Association announced that Wiley|Wilson is the 2025 Company of the Year. Annually the chapter recognizes a member ESOP company that has exhibited outstanding employee-ownership behavior and a proven commitment to promoting the ESOP philosophy, both internally and externally. Wiley|Wilson has been Company of the Year five times, with previous wins in 2022, 2020, 2017, and 2012. The company is now in the running for the National Company of the Year award, which is announced at the DC conference in May. 

“The MACC and its members represent some of the most outstanding examples of ESOPs and employee-ownership in the country, so this award is a true honor to receive,” said Dennis Knight, Chairman and Lynchburg Office Manager. “Employee-ownership is the cornerstone of our culture at Wiley|Wilson. We emphasize the importance of acting like owners and going that extra step for our customers and our fellow coworkers.”

ESOPs offer a unique value proposition, which is regularly celebrated and communicated to employee-owners. In 2024, the company’s annual Ownerfest event featured two in-depth education tracks aimed at specific audiences for tailored education on ESOP basics and retirement readiness. ESOP benefits and the details of the plan are also communicated and emphasized during ESOP Month in October. Each office hosts its own events, and the result was a variety of activities, from scavenger hunts and lunchtime games to Office Olympics and happy hours with a trivia component. 

“Developing and maintaining an ownership mindset is a primary goal for employee-owners and one that we emphasize across the board,” explained Connie Burnette, Vice President and Department Manager, Human Resources. “This award is an honor for all employee-owners and proof that our efforts to build and sustain a culture that focuses on shared accountability has been successful.” 

The MACC recognized several of the company’s ongoing ESOP- and culture-building efforts in its award announcement, from the annual Ownerfest event and ESOP Month activities to the thorough onboarding process and its long history of active participation in MACC and National ESOP Association events and campaigns.

“For an ESOP to truly benefit employee-owners, they need to be active participants in shaping the company’s long-term growth,” Connie added. “At Wiley|Wilson, we work to make employee-owners feel empowered to provide feedback with the reassurance that their input is received, evaluated, and implemented when possible and practical.”