Employee Ownership Month Proclamation- October 2, 2025

Mayor Kahn presented a proclamation to Scott Kroeger, President of Whitney Brothers, a local manufacturer of educational furniture for children, to proclaim the month of October 2025 as Employee Ownership Month and further commend and recognize Whitney Brothers for its 121-year legacy in our community and its commitment to employee ownership. The month of October is nationally recognized as Employee Ownership Month, celebrating the significant contributions that employee-owned businesses make to the American economy by creating shared prosperity, fostering stronger workplaces, and enhancing community stability. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) allow employees to own a stake in the company they work for, directly linking their efforts and dedication to the long-term success and value of the business. Whitney Brothers, founded in 1904, initially as a producer of wooden toys before transitioning into a designer and manufacturer of high-quality early childhood education furniture, has been headquartered in Keene, and contributing to the city’s economic strength and manufacturing heritage for over 121 years. Recently, Whitney Brothers transitioned to a 100% employee-owned company, empowering its nearly 50 employees to share directly in the ownership, success, and future of the business. Employee-owned businesses like Whitney Brothers keep jobs rooted in New Hampshire and build stronger communities by ensuring that the rewards of business success remain with the people who help create it.