PSCA Offers Free Communication Program to 401(k) Plan Sponsors

CHICAGO – (BUSINESS WIRE – August 25, 2009) – The Profit Sharing/401k Council of America (PSCA), announced that it is making their annual 401(k) Day communication and education campaign available free to plan sponsors throughout the country.

“PSCA knows that plan sponsors want to communicate and educate their employees on the benefits of long-term savings in their 401(k) plans.  These efforts, however, are sometimes hampered during trying economic times and budget shortfalls.  PSCA recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the plan sponsors and as a result is making this year’s 401(k) education program free to everyone.  Plan sponsors can take advantage of this innovative and creative program to help reinforce the key messages and benefits of saving in the company’s 401(k) program,” states David Wray, President of PSCA.

In years past, PSCA has made portions of their annual 401(k) Day campaign available to the public; however, most materials were reserved for PSCA members only. This year, everyone has access to a full suite of communication and education materials.

PSCA sponsors National 401(k) Day, which falls on the first Friday following Labor Day but can be celebrated any day of the year.  Now in its 14th year, 401(k) Day is an annual celebration that encourages employers to set aside time at the workplace to spotlight the importance of their 401(k) plans.

This year’s exciting new campaign, “Make Wise Choices,” draws a connection between lifestyle and investment decisions to position the 401(k) plan as one of the essential elements of overall health and reminds employees that today’s choices shape tomorrow’s well-being. The materials feature a playful cartoon owl as spokesperson, colorful images, and messages that are clear and direct.

A comprehensive program of materials is offered to support 401(k) Day. Employers of any size and industry can use the 401(k) Day materials to celebrate 401(k) plans on the day of their choosing. A series of posters and postcards compare saving for retirement with other wise decisions people make every day. Customized articles offer healthy retirement tips and can be customized to include a company name or Web site. Targeted communications remind participants to make investment and asset allocation changes that are appropriate for their lifestyle and career stage.

A variety of electronic tools help plan sponsors send valuable information to their participants with just the click of a button. Webcasts, including a video by PSCA President David Wray, will educate participants on an array of retirement participation and investment topics. An online, interactive 401(k) quiz game covers the basics of 401(k) saving and investing.  Users can also access an annual retirement check-up and a retirement planning calculator to make sure they are on track to meet their savings goals.

In addition to the above materials, plan sponsors will find of Roth 401(k) Tools designed to help participants navigate the ins and outs of retirement planning and investing in a Roth 401(k) account.

Many of the materials are customizable and are available in English and Spanish. All of the materials are available at PSCA’s special 401(k) Day Web site, http://www.401kday.org.

401(k) Day is supported by the nation’s leading retirement plan providers and is sponsored in part by ADP Retirement Services, Fidelity Investments, Principal Financial Group, Putnam Investments, The Hartford, and Wells Fargo. Special thanks to Putnam Investments for the graphic design of the employee education materials.

The Profit Sharing/401k Council of America (PSCA), a national non-profit association of 1,200 companies and their 6 million employees, advocates increased retirement security through profit sharing, 401(k) and related defined contribution programs to federal policymakers and makes practical assistance with profit sharing and 401(k) plan design, administration, investment, compliance and communication available to its members. PSCA, established in 1947, is based on the principle that “defined contribution partnership in the workplace fits today’s reality.” PSCA's services are tailored to meet the needs of both large and small companies with members ranging in size from Fortune 100 firms to small, entrepreneurial businesses.