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aspa.org

Press Release

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Pecanne Jennings
Chief Marketing Officer
703.516.9300
pjennings@aspa.org

Download the press release as a pdf file

ASPPA CELEBRATES 5,000 MEMBERS AND CONTINUES TO GROW ITS HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION PROGRAM

March 5, 2003 - (Arlington, Va.) – During a time in which most associations are struggling to maintain membership numbers and attract professionals, ASPPA (The American Society of Pension Actuaries) must be doing something right. Not only does ASPPA boast an almost unheard of annual retention rate of 96%-97% of credentialed members, over the past five years, the organization’s membership has increased by an average of 8% each year. Effective today, ASPPA’s membership officially approached and surpassed 5,000 – twice as many members as it had in 1995. According to ASPPA executive director, Brian H. Graff, Esq., “During a time of workforce cutbacks and layoffs, we are seeing that members want to maintain a solid networking base, as well as update or maintain credentialing. Credentialing in any of ASPPA’s certification programs can help increase job security.”

ASPPA offers several certificate and professional designation programs for 401(k) administrators (QKA), actuaries (FSPA, MSPA), pension consultants (CPC), pension administrators (QPA), and other benefits professionals (APM). ASPPA’s programs are known for their rigor and are highly regarded in the industry. According to Neal Cohen, QPA, QKA, who was recently welcomed as ASPPA’s 5,000th member, “ASPPA is a top-notch organization dedicated to quality and excellence. This was important to me in making my decision about an educational program.” Neal currently works an ERISA Specialist handling DC Plan compliance for Strong Retirement Plan Services, Inc., a bundled retirement plan provider.

Many of the new members admitted to ASPPA over the past year have chosen to complete ASPPA’s newest credentialing program, the QKA (Qualified 401(k) Administrator). The QKA credential is designed for retirement plan professionals who administer 401(k) and related defined contribution plans. The program features five comprehensive courses that address issues such as events processing, daily valuation, laws, and regulations. Upon successful completion of the program’s five exams, participants receive a Qualified 401(k) Administrator designation that increases their credibility within the retirement plan field.

“Completing the program and earning the QKA designation will enhance a person’s role and prestige as a 401(k) professional, as well as contribute to the continued enrichment of the private pension system in this country,” explains Sarah Simoneaux, CPC, ASPPA Marketing Committee chair. “We want to help ensure the highest level of training and professional knowledge for plan administrators, no matter where they work and no matter what their level of experience.”

Qualified 401(k) administrators come from a variety of professional disciplines and assist employers and consultants with the recordkeeping, nondiscrimination testing, and administrative aspects of 401(k) and related defined contribution plans. ASPPA’s courses cater to the professional needs of these administrators.

ASPPA is a national organization of retirement plan professionals dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the private pension system in the United States. Its 5,000 members provide consulting and administrative support to over half of the private retirement plans in the country.

For more information about ASPPA, visit our Web site at www.aspa.org. You can also contact ASPPA’s exam or membership department by calling 703.516.9300 or faxing an inquiry to 703.516.9308.