Every time i read about a successful Indy Start-Up that grew big enough to be bought out by a large national firm i have mixed emotions.  While I celebrate for the owner, who created something out of nothing, I mourn for the community, as the jobs, and community involvement go elsewhere.

And so I was excited to read about State Treasurer Richard Mourdock’s efforts to keep participating Hoosier companies in-state while increasing worker productivity.  His plan: Encourage local companies to offer employees the opportunity to become owners through an ESOP.  Putting his money where his mouth is, the plan includes funding a $500,000-per-year program to subsidize up to $5 million per ESOP transaction — without creating additional burdens for Indiana taxpayers.

i am sure there are challenges getting this type of program running, but i think Mourdock needs to be congratulated, for recognizing the value of keeping locally grown companies – locally owned!