Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter Hosts Past Presidents

In late June, current chapter President John Purves (TKDA) organized and hosted a dinner gathering of the people who started and have maintained leadership throughout the 20-year history of the Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter. Labeled the “Dean’s List,” acknowledging Dean Bodem as the first chapter President, nearly all were able to gather and share their stories from the past and present. Sue Crockett’s presence made the evening complete, since she has been with the chapter since its inception and worked alongside each of these people, two years at a time. Some of the leaders are no longer associated with ESOP companies, but still share the spirit and passion of employee ownership. Some of the more recent Past Presidents had never had the opportunity to meet the early leaders, so it was an extra special evening for them. And all left the event promising to stay in contact, meet regularly, and serve as an ongoing resource to the chapter and its current and future leaders. What a resource!! These are all truly extraordinary people and we thank them for their service over the years.

Pictured (L-R) Front Row: Cheryl Volkman, John Purves (current President), Steve Sheppard, Ken Slipka Back Row: John Harlander, Steve McClintick, Sue Crockett (Chapter Executive), Sheryl Neuman, Dean Bodem, Les Eck. Not Pictured: Ann Biggar