PLAN EVALUATION:

Our retirement plan specialists begin the retirement plan evaluation process with a careful review of the existing plan documents and investment goals. Our focus during this process is to assure that the plan is in compliance, not only with existing regulatory requirements, but with the many aspects of the investment suitability equation. Throughout our many years of experience, we have developed confidence in a number of service providers who have demonstrated their efficiency and ability to control costs.

INVESTMENT ANALYSIS:

Investment costs are an extremely important factor in achieving plan participants’ retirement goals. Working with the plan sponsor and trustees, our mandate is to use our analytical tools and experience to guide the plan’s investment decision-making process toward the most appropriate and cost effective investment program. When the investment decision has been completed, we shift our work to the investment monitoring and reporting phase.

FIDUCIARY COMPLIANCE:

Regulatory issues surrounding plan fiduciaries have increased in recent years and are likely to increase further in the coming years. We believe that our clients enjoy increased safety and regulatory compliance due to our continuing due diligence processes and testing procedures. Establishment of an investment policy statement, assistance with 404(a)/404(c) compliance, forming the investment committee, conducting fiduciary plan reviews and monitoring plan design effectiveness are just a few of the fiduciary compliance oversight functions we provide.

EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION:

Quite simply, it is impossible to overstate the importance of plan participant communication, education and enrollment. Our services include enrollment meetings, one-on-one participant meetings, investment education and financial workshops. We accomplish these functions by personal contact, quarterly newsletters and timely conferences with the plan sponsor to determine if the plan is meeting its goals and objectives.

Client Case Studies

Client: Aerospace Company

“S.L. Reed & Company keeps our plan current with industry changes and running smoothly, which is key for a mid size business trying to run a competitive 401k plan.   As for the fund choices they help us provide to our participants, I would put them up against any you would find in the “big” aerospace plans.”

Client: Architecture Firm

“Our participation levels have grown ever since you’ve been our broker and we really appreciate your guidance. You’ve truly steered us in the right direction!!” (Controller)

Client: Law Firm

“Our firm is very pleased with the service provided by S.L. Reed. In particular our account representative, Ken Kilpo, has done an excellent job of representing us and providing timely educational information to us and our participants.” (Law Partner)

Client: Non-Profit Organization

Client Size: 150 employees

• No formal investment committee.
• Lack of employee investment education.
• Low participation.
• Underperforming investments.

Strategy

• Form an investment committee and have an annual plan review.
• Assist with the creation of an investment policy statement.
• Approach vendor and seek to enhance investment platform.
• Customize group meetings based on assumed level of investment knowledge.
• Employ one-on-one meetings to improve participation.

Results

• Increased plan fiduciary understanding of responsibilities and implemented fiduciary protection tools.
• Investment Policy Statement provides for a prudent and efficient process in monitoring investment choices.
• Maintained the same vendor and expanded investment offerings on new platform.
• Increased participation by 15% in 2009 even with the effects of 2008 still lingering.