Monroe County, NY Earns NAGDCA 2008 Special Award of Distinction

The National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA) awarded Monroe County, NY the 2008 "Special Award of Distinction" for its deferred compensation plan.

The award acknowledges Monroe County's contributions and commitment to providing its workers with the education and tools they need to build a secure retirement future. The County will be presented the award at the NAGDCA's annual meeting in Baltimore, Maryland inSeptember.

Nominees were evaluated on strong investment performance, rigorous governance of rules andregulations, and commitment to participant education.

"This award is a testament to our commitment to Monroe County employees and recognition of our dedication to their futures and livelihoods," said County Executive Maggie Brooks.

"We have an obligation to educate our employees about the importance of retirement and the benefits of putting a little extra money away. At the same time, we are also being fiscally responsible by offering retirement programs such as deferred compensation at no cost to taxpayers."

Earlier this year, Monroe County was selected as a Plan Sponsor of the Year Finalist in the public sector 457 plan category, by PLANSPONSOR, a communications organization focused on pension and retirement plan issues.

More than 80 percent of eligible employees in the county participate in the plan, saving an average of 12.4 percent of their earnings each year.

The County's plan administrators actively promote the plan to employees through education seminars and awareness efforts like posters, e-mails and voicemails, particularly during National Save for Retirement Week.

National Save for Retirement Week is a national campaign created to encourage American workers to build retirement security by taking advantage of their employer-sponsored retirement savings plans.ICMA-RC, a strong proponent of building retirement security, has enthusiastically supported this campaign since its inception in 2006. Each year, ICMA-RC participates in this effort by providing plan sponsors with materials and assistance in planning events and activities during the week that allow them to reach out to their employees about the importance of savings.

To learn more about National Save for Retirement week, and how you can get involved, visit www.retirementweek.org.