ICMA-RC Introduces Suite of Investment Advisory Services to Retirement Plan Participants

WASHINGTON, April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- ICMA-RC today announced the introduction of a comprehensive suite of retirement investment advisory services under the banner Guided Pathways. The new program will allow participants to choose Asset Allocation Guidance, Fund Advice, or Managed Accounts services, depending on their individual retirement planning needs.

"Guided Pathways gives our participants a program that can meet their distinct investment needs ranging from general asset allocation guidance to a comprehensive on-going account management service," said Joan McCallen, president and chief executive officer of ICMA-RC. "For us, it is yet another opportunity to help public sector employees build their retirement security."

Guided Pathways offers all participants a personalized asset allocation and savings plan based on each participant's individual information. For participants requiring additional assistance, specific fund recommendations are available from the investment options provided within their plan. For participants requiring substantially more assistance, Managed Accounts offers a higher level of service that includes ongoing professional retirement account management.

Access to all of the Guided Pathways services is available by telephone, Internet, or in person for qualifying participants.

Ibbotson Associates, a federally registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. and a leading authority on asset allocation, will provide the independent advice underlying Guided Pathways. Ibbotson's advice methodology focuses on achieving long-term objectives rather than short-term gains.

For more information, contact Milly Stanges, Vice President of Public Affairs at 202-682-5290, or e-mail mstanges@icmarc.org.

About ICMA-RC

For 35 years, ICMA-RC has been providing retirement plans exclusively for state and local employees, with more than $28 billion under management and administration for over 700,000 participants. A not-for-profit corporation, ICMA-RC offers 457 deferred compensation and 401 defined contribution plans, as well as a no-fee IRA, and other retirement-related products.

About Ibbotson Associates

Ibbotson Associates, a federally registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc., was founded by Professor Roger Ibbotson in 1977. Ibbotson Associates is a leading authority on asset allocation. The company's business lines include managed retirement accounts, funds of funds consulting and sub-advisory work, and a variety of investment management consulting services.