Baden Retirement Plan Services

Region(s) Served: Indiana

Baden Retirement Plan Services was named by 401(k) Exchange as a Top Ten Administrator for 3 years in a row: 2004, 2005 and 2006. Established in 1991, we have grown to almost 1500 clients serviced by over 50 staff members. Our Consultants average 9 years of retirement plan experience and are active members of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA), ASPPA Benefits Council, Midwest Relius User Group, and Relius Administration National Daily User Group. The staff undergoes rigorous training and on-going education and continually earns professional designations through ASPPA.

We have the ability to work with multiple asset providers and have our own in-hour daily valuation recordkeeping services with a call center to take participant phone calls. We also have the flexibility to work with both registered investment advisors (RIA) and brokers. Baden Retirement Plan Services provides qualified plan services to plan sponsors, such as, plan design consultation, plan document preparation, comprehensive administration of defined contribution plans, government reporting, compliance testing, newsletters, and annual audit packages that include a SAS70.

Baden Retirement Plan Services is large enough to provide clients with access to quality, timely and accurate services, yet small enough to offer personalized and dedicated services tailored specifically to the needs of the client. The types of qualified plans that are serviced include 401(k), Safe Harbor 401(k), SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing, Money Purchase, New Comparability, Davis-Bacon (Prevailing Wage), 403(b), Sole Proprietor Defined Benefit, Individual 401(k).

or call 877-TPA-7565 (877-872-7565).

The Benefit Advantage, Inc.

Region(s) Served: Michigan

Planning, designing, and administering a better benefit plan. That’s what the team at The Benefit Advantage, Inc. has been doing for more than 25 years. We think we do it better because we offer more—more experience, more specialization, more customer service. All so you can stop worrying and get back to work.

Experience counts. With more than 550 clients, ranging in size from a one-man sole proprietor to Multiple Employer Plans with 100’s of adopting employers, you can rest easy knowing we’ve “been there, done that.” Each of our highly trained staff is a member of NIPA, ASPPA, or both, and we’re dedicated to keeping current with industry changes through rigorous, ongoing education. Every plan we administer goes through two cycles of peer review, ensuring an accurate plan at a great price.

Specialization means a good fit. Finding the perfect, custom solution is our key objective. We offer highly specialized plans, such as 401(k) Plans (including 401[k] Matching Programs), Safe Harbor (401[k] Plans), Profit Sharing Plans (Integrated, Cross- Tested, Age-Weighted), and Defined Benefit Plans (Cash Balance, and more). Services that we provide to the plan sponsor in our annual administration binder include: Annual Valuation (including vesting calculations), Discrimination Testing (ADP/ACP Discrimination Testing for 401[k] Plans, Participant & Coverage Testing, Deduction Limitation Testing, Top Heavy Testing), and IRS Reporting (Signature Ready Form 5500, Summary Annual Report). We also provide a comprehensive, easy-to-use “how-to” manual that incorporates “master” forms, outlines procedures for administrative issues, and answers frequently asked questions.

Customer service that’s always there for you. We view our partnership as a friendship, and we genuinely care about the success of your business. When it comes to customer service, our mission is simple. We listen. We get it right the first time. And we’re always there for you. Our company was built solely on customer referrals, so you know we’re totally committed to you and your needs. In short, we want to make your job easier in every way so you can get back to running your business.

or call 877-TPA-7565 (877-872-7565).

Benefit Plans Plus, LLC

Region(s) Served: Central – Eastern Missouri, Southern Illinois

Benefit Plans Plus, LLC (BPP) was founded in 1995 as a spin off of a previously established retirement plan administration firm. It is ranked as one of the largest third-party administrators of retirement plans in St. Louis and is one of the most credentialed and respected TPA practices in the Midwest. BPP custom designs DB/DC plans for businesses and offers sales support to Financial Advisors. BPP is non-producing and works with multiple vendors: Nationwide, John Hancock, American Funds, Lincoln, Principal, Benefitstreet, Alerus, Hartford, First Mercantile, Symetra, Transamerica, The Standard, Great-West, Sunlife, UNFI, etc. Recently, our web site was named site of the month in CPA Journal, a publication of the New York Society of CPAs.

BPP is a non-producing consulting firm, which brings much desired impartiality to our recommendations for plan design and implementation. We deliver a variety of retirement plan services that help clients minimize taxes, save for retirement, and maximize the value of their retirement plans.

We guarantee that as a client of Benefit Plans Plus, you will receive the greatest value for the services provided. If you are not completely satisfied with the value received, let us know. We will remedy the situation without delay, either by reworking the project or reducing our fees to reflect your perception of value.

or call 877-TPA-7565 (877-872-7565).

Crowe Chizek and Company LLC

Region(s) Served: Central / Northern Illinois, Indiana, Southern Wisconsin

Crowe Chizek and Company LLC is one of the top 10 independent public accounting and consulting firms in the United States, and was founded in 1942 in South Bend, Indiana. We currently have over twenty different office locations that allow us to offer local service from a major firm. Crowe has been performing 401(k) Third Party Administration services since the early 1980s, and we have extensive experience in implementing and administering all types of defined contribution plans.

We wrap our plan design and compliance services around the investment provider’s product. The investment provider will offer the participant level recordkeeping, including participant statements, internet and voice response technology, and communication material for your plan, while Crowe performs plan design and compliance services. Our team of local professionals will offer services to various types of defined contribution plans, including profit sharing, age-weighted, cross-tested, integrated, and Employee Stock Ownership plans.

Crowe consultants have in-depth knowledge of working with the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor compliance requirements for all types of qualified plans, and can work with you to ensure that plan compliance issues are quickly and efficiently resolved. Our professionals have specialized training as Certified Pension Consultants, Qualified Pension Administrators, Qualified 401(k) Plan Administrators and Certified Public Accountants.

or call 877-TPA-7565 (877-872-7565).

ERAS, LLC

Region(s) Served: Kentucky, Southern Ohio, West Virginia

ERAS, LLC d/b/a Benefits Administrators has been in business since 1995 and currently serves over 400 clients. We specialize in plan design, consulting and recordkeeping services, as well as plan documents and assistance with Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor remedial programs. Our independence and our fee-for-service billing practice permit us to work with many different investment managers, brokerage firms, trust companies, banks and plan sponsors to insure the best possible retirement plan and plan service.

We offer assistance with qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, as well as cafeteria, flexible benefit plans, health reimbursement arrangements, and plans maintained pursuant to collective bargaining agreements and prevailing wage plans.

We currently have ten employees. Our Retirement Plan Coordinators utilize the training programs provided by the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (“ASPPA”) and they attend the quarterly user group meetings presented by Sungard Corbel.

A. Michael Marx is the Chief Operating Officer of ERAS. He graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1986 and has practiced in the employee benefits area since that time. Michael is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He is a member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and the National Center for Employee Ownership and an associate professional member of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries. Michael has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst professional designation awarded by the Center for Fiduciary Studies which is associated with the University of Pittsburgh.

Leslie A. O'Bryan is the Office Manager of ERAS and a Senior Retirement Plan Coordinator. She graduated from Asbury College with an emphasis in Business Management. Leslie provides services for a group of our clients and has responsibility for internal management of our Retirement Plan Coordinators and the workflow for their clients. She has earned the ASPPA designation of Qualified 401(k) Administrator (“QKA”).

or call 877-TPA-7565 (877-872-7565).

Flexible Benefits Systems, Inc.

Region(s) Served: Central / Northern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania

Flexible Benefits Systems, Inc. (FBSI) was founded in 1993 to provide third party administrative services to qualified retirement plans. FBSI is a team of knowledgeable, experienced professionals working to develop strong, long-term relationships through special attention to client needs. Our outsourced services provide a seamless integration of trustee, custodian, investment management, daily recordkeeping, participant and sponsor education, and internet access.

FBSI values the relationships our clients have with their trusted advisors. Recognizing the importance of those relationships, you determine the level of service needed from FBSI.

All plans are different in their needs, budget, design and size. Recognizing this, FBSI has created strategic relationships allowing you to select from numerous product options.

Use the knowledge and experience of FBSI’s Plan Design Specialists to create the best possible plan design for your needs and budget. FBSI has full disclosure of all fees* and revenues associated with retirement plans. You decide how the fees and revenues are allocated.

Listening to our client’s needs and concerns, over the years, FBSI has expanded services and product offerings. We are flexible in plan design, flexible in product offerings, and flexible with investment advisors and brokers; however, we are inflexible when it comes to our integrity and the high level of service we provide!

or call 877-TPA-7565 (877-872-7565).

PENSION, INC.

Region(s) Served: Wisconsin

Pension Inc. is a comprehensive retirement plan administrative firm for compliance-conscious, relationship-driven employers looking for accurate and accountable service. Pension Inc. provides personal consulting with exceptional flexibility at a competitive, fully- disclosed price allowing employers to focus on their primary business function, confident that they maintain a compliant and efficient retirement plan.

As a highly-respected retirement plan administration firm, Pension Inc. is dedicated to serving the needs of employers, investment advisors and ultimately the plan participants by providing a high level of service and accountability. We promise to apply our experience, knowledge and resources to deliver quality reports and answer questions timely and accurately.

Pension Inc. was established by James P. Cooney in 1988. As an attorney and former bank vice president, Jim wanted to provide independent retirement plan administration services with no investment affiliation. In 1999, Jim retired from Pension Inc. and sold the business to the Pension Inc. associates. In following with Jim’s philosophy, Pension Inc. remains independent of any specific investment product and thrives on the quality relationships built with brokers, registered investment advisors, insurance agents and bankers across the United Sates.

or call 877-TPA-7565 (877-872-7565).

Qualified Plan Consultants, LLC

Region(s) Served: Iowa, Eastern Nebraska; Western Missouri; Eastern Kansas

History and Type of Clients Served Qualified Plan Consultants, LLC (QPC) is an independent, fee-based third party retirement plan administration and consulting firm founded in 2003 by Mick Fouts and Tom Lastuvka. Collectively they have over 30 years of retirement plan experience. QPC staff members have over 75 years experience in the industry. We administer all types of Defined Contribution plans from one participant to thousands. Plan types we administer include: 401(k) (solo, group, and multiple-employer), profit sharing (pro-rata, integrated, age-weighted, and cross-tested), money purchase, 403(b), and we now have a cash balance plan option. We have an extensive background in the administration of multiple-employer plans for Professional Employer Organizations and associations. We have a cash balance plan option as well.

Services Provided and Business Model We excel in the plan design and consulting phases, but we also provide the following services to our clients: document preparation services, plan installation services, annual compliance testing services, general administration, loan and distribution processing, and government reporting services to over 700 employers across the United States. We work closely with plan sponsors and their investment advisors to tailor a customized program to fit their specific situation. We are a non-producing administration firm, which means all new business comes from our relationships with financial advisors. We do not call on employers directly, nor do we collect brokerage commissions or act as financial advisor on any of our plans. This model has allowed us to achieve significant growth in a short period of time.

Designations, Licenses, and Our Commitment to Excellence QPC is an Associate Member of NAPEO (National Ass’n of Professional Employer Organizations). Tom has obtained the QKA (Qualified 401(k) Administrator) designation and is working towards his QPFC (Qualified Plan Financial Consultant) designation, both sponsored by the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA). Mick maintains his NASD (National Ass’n of Securities Dealers) Series 6 and Life & Health Insurance licenses for presentation purposes only. QPC is our full time occupation; it is not a sideline business for us. We are fully committed to this industry for many years to come, and we promote this same level of commitment from our staff, who is encouraged to obtain professional designations and to further their own careers through advanced learning. All work performed is checked by a senior staff member for quality before it is made available to the client.

or call 877-TPA-7565 (877-872-7565).

Shore Tompkins Actuarial Resources, LLC

Region(s) Served: Central- Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin

Shore Tompkins Actuarial Resources, LLC was founded by former Directors of RSM McGladrey’s National Retirement Practice in order to provide a high touch cost competitive service by forming an independent firm. The consultants at Shore Tompkins Actuarial Resources will help you make informed decisions by providing options and alternatives, rather than making decisions for you.

We are a full service third-party administrator. State-of-the-art participant daily recordkeeping, compliance, document preparation and consulting are among the full range of services that we offer to the sponsors of 401(k) plans. Additionally, our credentialed actuaries are able to provide valuation and consulting services for your defined benefit pension plan.

We take pride in understanding our client's objectives and providing practical solutions. We view our role as effective communicators to be vital. We will always keep you informed of changes in legislation and regulations to help meet your retirement plan objectives. We also understand the importance of effective timely communication and make this one of our key objectives.

Our consultants average over 20 years of professional service in the retirement plan business. Membership in the American Academy of Actuaries, Society of Actuaries, and the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries are important elements in the ability of our consultants to provide you the highest level of advice and service available.

or call 877-TPA-7565 (877-872-7565).

Sterling Trust Company

Region(s) Served: Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma

Founded in 1984, Sterling Trust Company is organized as a Texas trust company and provides administration, record keeping and asset custody services for self-directed IRAs, qualified business retirement plans and personal custodial accounts. Sterling’s services are marketed nationwide to the financial services industry – broker dealers, registered representatives, financial planners, retirement plan advisors, tax and legal professionals, investment product sponsors, banks and mutual fund companies.

From its corporate offices in Waco, Texas, Sterling services over 56,000 individual and corporate clients in the U.S. whose assets exceed $4 billion. Sterling is a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Western Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UWBK), a unitary thrift holding company with primary operations in Colorado and Texas. As a Texas trust company, Sterling is regulated by the Texas Department of Banking, as well as the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service.

Backed by a tradition of independence, Sterling delivers retirement plan administration services without conflicts of interest. Sterling is a non-producing TPA and does not provide investment advice, nor sells or sponsors any investments.

Sterling specializes in the small plan market - plans with $0-$10 million in assets and under 500 participants – and handles new startups and plan conversions. A full array of retirement plans are offered, including 401(k)s, Solo 401(k)s, 403(b) plans and custodial accounts, profit sharing plans, defined benefit plans, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, Traditional and Roth IRAs and personal (nonqualified) custodial accounts. Accounts may hold a wide array of publicly traded or registered investments, including brokerage accounts and company stock, and specializes in holding alternative and private placement investments (including real estate).

or call 877-TPA-7565 (877-872-7565).

Employee Benefits of St Cloud, Inc.

Region(s) Served: Minnesota

Employee Benefits of St Cloud, Inc. (EBSC) is a leading third party administrator, named to the list of the Top 25 TPAs in Minneapolis for the last eight years by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal. EBSC was established in 1987 and recently merged with July Business Services, Inc., a premier retirement plan and benefits administration firm based in Texas. EBSC helps companies maximize the value of their employee benefits solutions and serves as a trusted advisor to more than 2,500 clients nationwide. Our staff includes retirement plan experts with the following professional designations: CPA, CEBS, QKA, QPA, APA, APR, CPC.

Our alliance partners count on us to deliver best-in-class service to their clients. We take pride in the fact that some of the nations' largest financial service providers partner with us. We are committed to serving clients with integrity, loyalty, and quality.

We work with all of the retirement plan platform providers and have the ability to provide advisors with a complete open architecture platform through our in-house daily record keeping system. We can work with all licensed brokers and registered investment advisors (RIAs).

We believe our strength lie in the ability to individualize a wide range of benefit plans and HR services, including 401(k), Profit Sharing, Money Purchase, New Comparability and Cash Balance allocations, Davis-Bacon and Prevailing Wage, 403(b) compliance, Defined Benefit Plans, Cafeteria Plans, VEBA Trust Administration, payroll services and much more.

or call 877-TPA-7565 (877-872-7565).