Cross Company chosen as the 2011 Carolinas Chapter ESOP Company of the Year!
The Carolinas Chapter considered our ESOP activities and promotions, employee owners and our journey as an ESOP Company as criteria.
Cross has been an ESOP company since 1979 and 100% employee owned since 2006, one of a small number of companies in the nation that is 100% employee owned by the ESOP. The company’s founder Bill Cross and his son Pete who succeeded him as CEO believed an employee-owned company could create a unique culture focused on the wellbeing of the employees which would also provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace. We believe that Bill and Pete were right!
Cross celebrated 25 years as an ESOP company in 2004 and was awarded a Silver ESOP Award by National ESOP Association. We are proud to say this year will mark our 32nd year as an ESOP!
Cross shares in the vision of The ESOP Association that employee ownership will improve competitiveness, increase productivity through greater employee participation in the workplace, and maximizes human potential by enhancing the self-worth, dignity and well-being of our people. Ownership drives Cross culture as is evident by the frequent, transparent communications with associates (employees). Our culture is built on honesty, integrity, mutual respect, trust and the highest standards of business conduct.
We have an active and strong CEOC (Cross Employee Ownership Committee) whose purpose is to promote the ESOP and provide education regarding the benefits of ESOP in all locations. Another very important role of the group is to serve as a two-way channel for communications between associates and senior management.
With over 200 employee owners, Cross Co. remains committed to the principals of our founder, but still strives to meet the ever changing needs of its customers. Each of us takes our role as a contributor to Cross Company’s success to heart. We are proud and participative owners of Cross Company. After all “we own the place”!
