Sioux Falls, SD – Last week, ESCA Board Company Inland Truck Parts hosted Senator John Thune (R-SD) in Sioux Falls, SD. The Senator met with employee-owners, including his longtime friend Inland President and CEO Greg Klein, to discuss the unique culture of employee ownership and to see firsthand the success of an employee-owned business in South Dakota. Senator Thune noted that he strongly supports S ESOPs from years of getting to know ESCA member companies such as Inland.
“Sioux Falls, South Dakota is home to an entrepreneur-driven spirit that makes it a such desirable place to own and operate a business. I’m always amazed when I get to see these success stories firsthand, and the employee-owned Inland Truck Parts is no exception,” said Sen. Thune. “I enjoyed spending time with the hardworking men and women who help the company deliver on the promise it has made to customers since the doors first opened in 1944. They are continuing to grow and expand, and I look forward to seeing what they will do in the years ahead.”
Senator Thune is a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and in the number three position in Senate Republican Leadership as the Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. He is also an original cosponsor of pro S ESOP legislation, S. 1589.
“Our employee-owners’ well-being is very important to us, and our ESOP gives us the opportunity to make sure they have access to secure retirement savings,” said Klein. “We are thankful to Sen. Thune for visiting our South Dakota facility and for being a long-time champion of employee ownership in Congress.”
Inland Truck Parts Company opened its first store in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1944 as a provider of quality component parts and shop services to the industrial, agricultural and trucking industries. The company has grown to more than 43 locations with over 860 employee-owners across the country. Inland Truck Parts has been a member of ESCA since 1999 and a member of ESCA’s Board of Directors since 2006. Greg served as ESCA’s Board Chair from 2011 to 2013.