Nationwide Retirement Solutions Jumps Into the Internet Age with Service Enhancements

By Kathryn Kretschmer-Weyland and Roger E. Dahl

Speaking on Thursday, January 27 during the Winter Meeting of The U.S. Conference of Mayors, Duane Meek, President of Nationwide Retirement Solutions (formerly known as PEBSCo), the administrator of Conference’s Deferred Compensation Program, reported on the Program’s progress and outlined the significant changes being made to improve service to cities and participants.

Meek reported that, “ we’re the company that has partnered with The United States Conference of Mayors to bring your cities the best in Deferred Compensation programs for over 20 years. That program has now grown to include over 4,300 city jurisdictions with $5 billion in assets.”

He went on to say, “last week we made a major announcement that resulted in what we call “A Whole New Way of Doing Business.””

Greater Choice and Flexibility

“It involves a greater focus on supporting the city governments we serve as it relates to retirement programs. We will offer greater choices in the products and services we provide, as well as more flexibility so that we meet the specific goals of a given city’s plan.”

Greater Use of the Internet

“We are making a major investment in technology in order to provide greater access by city administrators and employee participants alike. Electronic convenience is here and it affords the opportunity for all of our customers to reach us any time they choose. In February, employees will be able to enroll on the Internet through a new web site, NRS for You. We are also increasing the direct dial capability so you can reach us and talk to a live retirement plan specialist if you prefer. No longer will you have to wait to meet with a field representative to handle personal business matter.”

More Emphasis on Retirement Planning

“The need for greater education concerning retirement planning has been a consistent theme from our customers. Our field presence will change with our representative now focused only on deferred compensation, providing the education needed to a large number of employees. In some cases that education will be provided by a direct or electronic application, rather than a field representative. The Internet will give us the opportunity in the future to inform everyone about the program you have adopted and supported for so long.”

Meek closed by telling the mayors, “we appreciate the partnership we have had with the Conference of Mayors and thank you for the opportunity you have given us.”