O H I O P U B L I C E M P L O Y E E S R E T I R E M E N T S Y S T E M www.opers.org

SECOND QUARTER

2009In this issue

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34-5

277 EAST TOWN STREET COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215 1 .888.400.0965

Straight talkabout pensionsystems

ElectionNews

What’s YourFocus

Employer-specific seminarschedule

Info To Go

A word about investment incomeGenerating a sound investment return is critical for a sound pension system, because

Investment income pays the expenses ofadministering the System, and Investment income generates about two-thirds of the entire pension benefit; the remaining one-third is generated via employer andemployee contributions.

As stewards of the defined benefit plan, the Systemcarefully invests the contributions to ensure a soundretirement for public employees—eliminating theneed for employees and employers to haveinvestment expertise and allowing public employeesthe peace of mind to focus on what they do best—their jobs.

How pension funds are measuredPublic pension funds, such as OPERS, are held tovery specific and strict standards. OPERS’ activitiesare monitored by the state legislature. In addition,OPERS reports activities and results to the stateauditor and complies with the GovernmentalAccounting Standards Board’s (GASB) regulationsand guidelines.

OPERS is open in reporting to the employers and employees who contribute money into theSystem. One of the most important facts theSystem reports to contributors and otherstakeholders is the funded ratio. The funded ratioprovides a point-in-time snapshot of the financialpicture, informing stakeholders exactly how muchOPERS has accumulated toward paying itsexpected future obligations.

The unfunded part of the funded ratio is called the unfunded liability. It’s important to realize thatunfunded liabilities are not bad—you might viewthem as a home mortgage. Just as with a mortgage,it’s important to have a realistic plan for paying thebalance off over a reasonable period of time.OPERS has a plan and is paying off its unfundedbalance over a specific period of time—well incompliance with the law and the Board’s directives.

As employers, you’re experts at what you do—whether that’s running a large city, a medium-sizedtownship, or a small library. You recognize OPERSas a cost-effective, proven and stable benefit thathelps you attract and retain qualified employees toperform critical public sector work. But, do you reallyknow how a public pension system works?

The economy—and its impact on pensionsystems—is receiving significant attention thesedays. To put this market’s impact into perspective,it’s important to fully understand how pensionsystems work. Here’s an overview with a fewimportant facts to help you better understand howyour pension system is positioning itself in thiseconomy and for the future.

First things firstTo begin, there are two main types of retirementplans–a defined benefit plan and a definedcontribution plan. The defined benefit plan is one inwhich the retirement benefit is determined by aformula. The defined contribution plan is one inwhich the ultimate benefit is determined based onthe accumulated earnings on those contributions.A 401 (k) is a defined contribution plan. OPERSadministers three pension plans from whichmembers choose: the Traditional Plan (a definedbenefit plan), the Member-Directed Plan (a definedcontribution plan), and the Combined Plan (a hybrid plan with defined benefit and definedcontribution elements).

How pension systems workSimply put, pension systems, such as OPERS,receive contributions from employees andemployers and invests the contributions into adiversified portfolio, and generates an expectedreturn. Ultimately, these investments generatesufficient funds to pay pension benefits when aperson retires.

In Ohio, contributions for most members are capped at 14% contributed by the employer on the employee’s behalf and 10% contributed by the employee.

Continued on page 2

Straight talk about pension systems

Employer Payment Remittance Advice (form E-3) now available online.

87

Mailbox

Complimentsor complaints:We’re open forbusiness

6

Health CareUpdate

Importantreminder:Seasonal hiringand disabilitybenefits

2

At the last actuarial valuation (datedDecember 31, 2007), completed in 2008,OPERS had a funded ratio of 96%,meaning for every $1 of future liability, OPERS had $.96 accumulated.When the December 31, 2008 valuationis completed, in the fall of 2009, weanticipate the market volatility of 2008will have diminished that funded ratio,but the financial foundation upon whichOPERS is built remains strong.

The economy’s impactPension systems everywhere, includingOPERS, have been adversely affectedby the volatile market of 2008. AlthoughOPERS’ asset base is less than it was ayear ago, it’s important to understandwhy there’s no need for long-termconcern. Remember,

OPERS invests for the long term.While typical investors think in termsof years, institutional investors likeOPERS think in terms of decades.This investment strategy allows thefund to weather market volatility bymaintaining a disciplined approachand a diversified portfolio spread overmany asset classes and sectors.

OPERS will continue to maintain adiversified portfolio and look to thelong term. For more than 74 years,OPERS has performed through and outlasted market volatility. That’swhy our approach to investing atOPERS has and will continue to bedisciplined. That’s how we remainfocused on providing a secureretirement for public workers, and we look forward to experiencing the benefits of a resurginginvestment marketplace.

We know the pension funds for ournearly 936,000 members are safe.We know they are well-managed andwell-positioned for the future.

OPERS has many strengthsAlthough the 2008 market has beendifficult, it’s important to remember thatOPERS has a strong foundation, astrong asset base and a 74-yeartradition of delivering on our promises.Because OPERS has adhered to adisciplined investment strategy, our fundis diversified and well-positioned toemerge from this down market—because our portfolio is spread overmany asset classes. In addition, staff is

working to keep costs low; because,over the long term, costs really domatter. We have experienced andtalented investment professionals;we have dedicated executivemanagement, extremely capable staff and outstanding leadershipprovided by our Board of Trustees—all working diligently during this time of financial turmoil.

In a recent report, the OhioRetirement Study Council determinedthat OPERS is, “well run and verytransparent. And, while not immune tothe conditions of the current markets,the long-term investments aremanaged very prudently.”

This market has been difficult, but itwill not last forever. For 74 years,OPERS has provided financialsecurity for Ohio’s public employees.We have faced severe downturns inthe market before and we will likelyface them in the future. We havetraditionally emerged stronger thanbefore the downturn, and we haveevery confidence that this will again bethe case when the market improves.

Straight talk about pension systems Continued from page 1

E M P L O Y E R

Throughout 2009, employers will find the recap of employerfocus groups and phone surveys presented in this section ofthe newsletter. Make sure your opinion counts; if invited toattend a focus group—accept and fully engage. When tapped

for a phone survey, spend a few minutes ensuring yourthoughts, concerns and suggestions are aired.

OPERS wants, and needs, your input to makesure our initiatives are in focus.In a recent focus group, three topics were discussed by

employers: the paperless-payment function, generalcommunication from Employer Outreach and a segment about what’s on the employers’ minds. Here’s what we learned from this group about the paperless-payment function offered by OPERS:

Those signed up for the electronic payment function (about one-third of the group) endorsed the process strongly.When asked what they liked about it, the responses were:• Everything,• No need to get multiple signatures,• No need to track down checks,• Get to choose exact date of payment.

Those not signed up were completely aware of the electronicpayment option and had no real negative feeling, just haven’tfound the time to switch. Interestingly, when this was

discussed, those signed up for the paperless-payment optionurged the non-users to sign up immediately. Why? Well,experienced paperless-payment employers felt the timesaved each month more than made up for the initial signing-up learning curve. By the way, experienced users pointed outthe process was extremely intuitive—meaning the amount oftime needed for the learning curve wasn’t very long.

In general, the most attractive features of electronic paymentto all employers were:• Speed: 100%,• Security: 100%,• Less expensive than cutting a check: 100%,• Better for environment: 33%.

Paperless payment

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O u t r e a c h

Employer-specificseminar schedulefinalized through2009 Whether your employees are new totheir jobs or tenured, the EmployerOutreach training seminars willprovide an outstanding opportunity to learn new or hone establishedskills. Our seminars are employer-specific and therefore always providea value proposition for you and youremployees. The training seminarsoffered through the end of 2009provide an array of opportunities.Some seminars are segmented by employer type, some are topic-specific, and some will helpemployers learn more about usingOPERS’ tools and processes. Asalways, you’ll see that:• All sessions are free of charge.• Time is allotted for Q & A.• Regardless of location, parking

is free of charge.• Seating is limited so registration

is necessary.

New in 2009New in 2009—you’ll find Web-basedseminars designed for convenient,online learning. Note which seminarsare Web-based, especially effectivefor those employees with timeconstraints or who simply prefer to learn via the Web.

Exact details andregistration informationComplete information about eachseminar, including exact location,times, topics covered and registrationlink can be found on the OPERS Website at www.opers.org.

Employer Contribution System (ECS)

seminar

Designed for employers currently usingECS to submit the Report of RetirementContributions, this is a graduate-levelseminar to provide employers with theopportunity to view all features andfunctions of ECS.

Date City

July 14 PortsmouthAugust 4 HillsboroAugust 20. WarrenSeptember 3 Port ClintonSeptember 15 TroyOctober 6 CaldwellOctober 15 LimaNovember 5 North CantonNovember 17 Elyria

Seminar for Libraries

Payroll and human resourcesprofessional for Ohio’s public libraries arefaced with specific contribution reportingissues. Here’s an interactive seminardesigned to provide you with valuableinformation on a wide variety of topics,discussed specifically as they apply tothe public library population.

Date City

July 7 WarrenAugust 13 Web-basedAugust 25 PortsmouthSeptember 10 FranklinOctober 20 PolandOctober 22 Web-basedNovember 19 Toledo

Seminar for Large Employers

We define a large public employer as one having 500+ employees. If thatdescribes your organization and youhave human resources or payrollresponsibilities, review this schedule forthe best time for you to attend in 2009.This seminar was designed with largeemployer input to help you tackle theissues large employers face—issuescompounded by the number ofemployees you need to process.

Date City

July 9 Web-basedJuly 28 BrunswickSeptember 8 Garfield HeightsSeptember 29 XeniaOctober 8 YoungstownOctober 27 Web-basedNovember 5 Fremont

Retirement Overview for Employers

Employers are a primary resource foremployees with questions aboutretirement. Employer feedback tells usthis seminar on retirement basics shouldbe mandatory for all employers, but it’savailable at your choosing. Attendees will

receive an overview (for some, a review)on retirement basics. Then, we’ll covermore complex issues facing employerswith soon-to-be retirees on staff. Thiscourse makes sure you’re educated tobetter answer your employees’ questions.

Date City

July 23 Web-basedAugust 18 ColdwaterSeptember 1 LoganSeptember 16 Web-basedSeptember 17 YoungstownOctober 1 Port ClintonOctober 13 Web-basedNovember 3 Web-basedNovember 12 Wooster

A Guide for New Administrators

on OPERS and OPERS Reporting

This seminar is targeted especially fornew fiscal officers facing new jobs or new job responsibilities. If you’re new to the job of fiscal officer, payroll clerk,clerk/treasurer or administrator andresponsible for OPERS reporting,you’ll want to take this seminar.

Date City

August 5 Web-basedSeptember 24 CoshoctonOctober 6 Wooster

Retirement Plans and Service Credit

Employers are frequently asked forsound advice; you need to educateyourself with the knowledge to be anoutstanding advisor for your employees.This interactive seminar provides payrolland human resources professionals with a detailed overview of two maintopics: OPERS’ retirement plans andservice credit.

Date City

July 28 New PhiladelphiaAugust 11 CoshoctonAugust 19 Web-basedSeptember 22 Web-basedOctober 7 Web-basedOctober 29 Web-basedNovember 10 WapakonetaNovember 12 Columbus

Seminar for Townships/Villages

Townships and villages comprise thelargest number of employers reporting to OPERS. This course is especiallyimportant for township or village fiscalofficers and clerks so that you can have arewarding and productive job experience.

Date City

July 30 Shaker HeightsAugust 6 New PhiladelphiaAugust 27 Web-basedSeptember 29 TiffinOctober 14 Web-based

Here’s the training lineup from Employer Outreach for July through November 2009. Take a look…

Register: Two ways• Call Employer Outreach at

1-888-400-0965. Pleasenote: Employer Outreachcannot register you for aWeb-based seminar. Youmust register via the Web.

• Online at www.opers.org,Click Employers, thenSeminars.

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O u t r e a c h

Three Board positions up for election in 2009

OPERS’ Board of Trustees has animpressive tradition of service, diligentlyguiding OPERS throughout its 74-yearhistory. As a group, the Board has shownwisdom and leadership in steeringOPERS through decades of change. Inthe coming years, OPERS, like allretirement systems, is facingunprecedented challenges—challengesthat include the growing numbers ofretirees, a volatile global economy andrising health care costs. The challengesahead require that those serving on theOPERS Board continue this outstandingtradition of service and dedicationbecause the importance of this Board’swork continues to grow in significance.

In 2009, three positions serving dualappointments on the OPERS Board of Trustees and Ohio DeferredCompensation Board of Trustees are up for election. The positions up forelection this year represent two employeegroups, county employees andmiscellaneous employees, and oneposition representing retirees.

Only those employee groups whoserepresentatives are up for election andaffected retirees will receive ballots. Thisyear, for the first time ever, ballots may becompleted online in addition to phone orpaper ballot options. The employeegroups whose representatives’ positionsare up for election this year are:

• County employees—representingthose working at a county job within thestate of Ohio (approximately 101,921employees), and

• Miscellaneous employees—representing those employed by one ofthe following: park district, conservancydistrict, sanitary district, health district,

E M P L O Y E R

Board members serve dual positions on OPERS’ Board ofTrustees and Ohio Deferred Compensation Board of Trustees

2009 Board ofTrustees electioncalendar

Please be aware of these importantelection dates for 2009 and post theinformation as prominently aspossible.

June 12Notice of Election posters will besent to all employers. Completeelection materials, includingpetitions and forms will be includedwith posters.

Aug. 3—4:30 p.m.Candidates must have completedpetitions, forms and draftbiographical information filed withOPERS. (Note: This is an actualreceipt date, not a postmark date.)

Aug. 19OPERS Board certifies slate of

candidates and their biographical

statements, which will appear on

the voting material. Candidates will

be notified of eligibility.

Aug. 28Voting materials will be sent to allqualified voters at their homeaddress. As in the past, voters willhave the option of voting by mail orthrough an interactive voiceresponse (IVR) system. This year,voters will also have the option tovote online.

Oct. 2Last day for OPERS to receivevotes via IVR system, online orpaper ballots (deadline is actualdate, not postmark date).

Oct. 5Votes will be tabulated and resultsverified under the supervision of theSecretary of State.

Oct. 5Winners notified.

Overview job description: OPERSBoard of Trustees membersBecause of the importance of the work of the members of the Board of

Trustees, no job description can completely reflect the scope of services

performed. In general, it’s important to understand that the Board of Trustees

is the governing body of OPERS, providing direction, focus and oversight for

all OPERS activities.

Work activitiesIn general, Board members can expect to:

• Review and adopt policies concerning investments, members,

contributors and benefit recipients

• Provide oversight for OPERS staff activities

• Adopt administrative rules

• Conduct membership determination hearings

• Approve disability applications

• Report to the Ohio Retirement Study Council

• Review and adopt an annual administrative budget

• Certify employer contribution rates

• Monitor the actuarial status of the System

• Review and approve staff-proposed plans to reach OPERS’

stated goals,

• Administer and determine the level of coverage for the

OPERS health care plan

• Conduct an annual strategic planning session

• Perform an annual self-evaluation

Time commitmentThe OPERS Board of Trustees meets monthly on the third Wednesday of

each month in Columbus. Board members also automatically serve on the

Ohio Public Employees Deferred Compensation Program Board of Trustees,

which meets approximately eight to 10 times each year.

On average, Board members should expect to spend 40 working days each

year on OPERS Board of Trustee business, including meetings, education,

committee commitments or planning. New Board members, or those with a

limited financial background, should anticipate spending a little more time

during their first year to accommodate additional training.

In addition, retreats are scheduled once or twice each year for strategic

planning or other topics.

Board members are requested to attend one or two conferences for

continuing trustee education.

Board members are required to complete specific education sessions and

an orientation session for new Board members within 90 days of taking seat

(by the April Board meeting).

township, metropolitan housingauthority, state retirement board, publiclibrary, county law library, unioncemetery, joint hospital, or institutionalcommissary (approximately 52,249employees).

Those elected will serve four-year terms beginning Jan.1, 2010. Individualselected to the OPERS Board of Trusteesautomatically serve on the Ohio DeferredCompensation Board of Trustees. Thereis no compensation for serving on theOPERS Board of Trustees or the OhioDeferred Compensation Board. However,expenses incurred while serving theSystem are reimbursed.

Interested? Note these Boardeligibility requirements

Any actively contributing public employeewho is a member of OPERS in one of thecategories up for election is eligible torepresent their group, except one who isreceiving a disability allowance.

By law, a candidate must obtain at least500 active member signatures from theirrepresentative group. Within those 500signatures, at least 10 different countiesmust be represented by a minimum of20 signatures each.

Tips for a successful candidacy:

• For nominating petitions, the member’splace of employment determines thecounty—not the member’s residence.

• Candidates are urged to get more thanthe required number of signatures.Nominating petitions are verified,name-by-name. Make sure all entriesare completely filled out and legible.Partial information or illegibleinformation could result in a nominationbeing disqualified—meaning the

candidate might not have the requirednumber, which would eliminate thecandidacy.

A separate communication will be sent directly to all current retireesoutlining the requirements for candidatesseeking the retiree position (representingapproximately 134,776 retirees).

Special requests foremployers

Employers in the county andmiscellaneous categories are urged to use every outlet possible to promotethe OPERS Board elections—and toencourage interested, eligible employeesto run for a position on the Board. Inaddition, we’re requesting you makecopies of the petitions when you receivethem (see sidebar calendar of importantelection dates) to ensure petitions areavailable to any interested employee.

Accurate address information for youremployees is always important forOPERS to have; it’s critical informationduring an election year. Please remindyour employees to submit any recent or upcoming address or name changesto OPERS. Accurate information willensure each eligible employee receivesvoting material.

Employees may submit an addresschange via:

• The electronic Member BenefitsSystem (eMBS) on the OPERS Web site,

• By contacting a customer servicerepresentative at 1-800-222-7377, or

• By written notification submitted toOPERS.

OPERS

E M P L O Y E R

Although health care is neithermandated nor guaranteed, OPERS is

diligent in working toward the goal ofproviding access to quality health carefor retirees. Similarly, Employer Outreachworks to keep employers informed sothat you can work with soon-to-beretirees—positioning those employeeswith accurate, timely information withwhich to make sound retirementdecisions. Following is importantinformation for you, as employers, as you begin to discuss retirement withemployees considering retirement in 2010.

Best practices at workThe medical portion of the OPERSretiree health care plan is administeredby an outside vendor under contract withOPERS. Periodically, to ensure the bestpossible service quality and pricestructure, OPERS releases a request forproposal (RFP) so that potential vendorscan bid on this contract. The RFPprocess ensures that we evaluate themarketplace and our vendor

relationships. Following this practicemeans we know the selectedadministrator will provide the bestavailable health care coverage andservices. This means, ultimately, wemaximize the potential of strengtheningthe solvency of our health care fund nowso that future retirees will have access toquality health care.

The goal The overriding goal for the RFP processis to determine which medical coveragevendor is best able to meet our needsand the needs of our retirees including:

Providing retirees with everyopportunity to improve personalhealth,Improving clinical outcomes for ourretirees and their covereddependents, andAchieving excellence in customerservice.

Why now? Factors, including the current economy,health care inflation, a growing retiree

population and the fact that OPERS paidmore than $735 million in medical claimsand premiums last year, combine to makethe selection of a medical coverageadministrator more crucial than everbefore. We are confident that the processwe’ve designed will allow us to select anadministrator to be our partner inproviding quality health care coveragewhile facing a unique set of challenges in the coming years.

Decision pendingThe RFP selection process is ongoing butwill be decided this summer; this will allowretirees ample time to process informationthat will be important when preparing foropen enrollment in October. The selectedvendor will begin administering themedical portion of the OPERS health careplan on January 1, 2010.

Note: The prescription drug coverage withExpress Scripts will not be affected by thisprocess—important information forcurrent and soon-to-be retirees.

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Employer Reporting wants to make sure employers have all theinformation needed to remain compliant with the laws governingthe pension system.

To that end, if your organization hires seasonal employees,please be aware that hiring someone who is receiving adisability benefit from OPERS means you, as the employer,have specific reporting responsibilities with tight deadlines.If you do not adhere to these requirements, you may incursignificant liabilities. As an employer, you must know that failureto give OPERS timely notice of re-employment of a disabilitybenefit recipient means you will be responsible for repayment of the overpaid benefits—even if the newly hired employee fails to disclose their status as a disability benefit recipient.

Overview of your responsibilitiesWith all new hires, employers must determine if the individual isreceiving a disability benefit from OPERS. If yes,

• Complete and submit the Notice of Re-employment ofan OPERS Benefit Recipient (form SR-6).

• The form must be received by OPERS within the monthemployment begins.

• Inform your new employee that the disability benefit will beimmediately terminated upon returning to publicemployment. If the member returns to employment on thefirst of the month, benefits terminate as of that month. If theyreturn after the first of the month the benefit will terminate onthe last day of that month.

• This information applies to disability benefit recipients whoaccept public sector employment covered by OPERS.

Tight turnaround for new hiresIf a disability benefit recipient begins employment within the last10 days of a month (calendar days), you must notify EmployerOutreach at 1-888-400-0965 to provide immediate notice ofemployment. This allows OPERS adequate time to stop thenext disability payment. If OPERS does not receive notice intime to stop the disability benefit payment, you (the employer)will be held liable for the overpayment. (If you notify OPERS via a phone call, Notice of Re-employment of anOPERS Benefit Recipient is still required.)

More informationAdditional information is available on an Employer Notice issuedOctober 1, 2008. You can access this information via theOPERS Web site at www.opers.org.

Important reminder: Seasonal hiring and disability benefits

ECS-reportingemployers: take note… Health Care Update

Best business practices used toselect health care vendor

type of employment. Non-law enforcementpersonnel will contribute to the local division andlaw enforcement personnel will contribute to either thepublic safety or law enforcement division. Determiningwhich division each of your law employees is in depends onthe primary duties of your personnel.

It’s important for employees to be reported using the correctdivision and, therefore, the correct retirement contributionrate. If you have any questions, contact Employer Outreachand we can provide guidelines to assist you in makingdeterminations. The requirements are also available in theEmployer Manual, available on line at www.opers.org.

Q: Are emergency medical technicians (EMTs) reported inthe public safety division?

EMT/EMS employees are not classified in the public safetydivision for OPERS retirement contribution purposes. EMTpersonnel contribute to OPERS at the regular, non-lawenforcement rate. Only law enforcement officers who meet state law requirements contribute to the public safetydivision of OPERS. EMT/EMS employees are reported toOPERS only if their position does not require them to havefirefighter training.

Q: How do I know if my contributions are sent on a pre-tax or post-tax basis?

Your employer code indicates the tax basis. An employercode with the last digit ending in 0 denotes post-tax, whereasthe last digit ending in an 8 denotes a pre-tax deduction.

Q: Does my employer code change each year? Forinstance, my employer code ended in -08 in 2008, does itnow end in -09?

No. Your OPERS employer code stays the same. Just so youknow, employer codes are created to designate whether thecontributions are submitted on a pre-tax or post-tax basis.An employer code with the last digit ending in 0 denotes apost-tax basis whereas the last digit ending in an 8 denotespre-tax basis.

Q: Do I need to submit a Personal History Record (PHR)when an employee is returning to work after a period ofunemployment?

The PHR is important because it:• Tells OPERS an employee has been hired and

retirement contributions will be remitted,• Gives us specific information to facilitate our actuarial

calculations for the employee, and• Details contact information.

Although you’re not required to send a new PHR when anemployee is returning to work, it’s always a good idea to askthe employee to verify contact information. If a change ofaddress has occurred, have the employee complete theAddress/Bank/Name Change Request (form F-50). You canfind the form on the OPERS Web site under the MemberForms section.

Q: Does the Employer Payment Remittance Advice(form E-3) need to be sent with every payment?

The Remittance Advice is required with every payment toensure your payment is correctly allocated. A few tips toremember:

• The form was changed to accommodate multiple checksper form.

• Employers have the option to submit the RemittanceAdvice electronically via ECS.

• Employers sending payments electronically eliminate theform entirely because the allocation information iscaptured during the paperless payment process.

Q: How do I know when contribution rate changes apply tomy organization? I’m not certain if I contribute at localrates, public safety or law enforcement rates.

OPERS sends Employer Notices detailing rate informationwhen contribution rates change.

Remember, it is possible for a single employer to bewithholding contributions at different rates—depending on the

O u t r e a c h

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coming in 2010…Personal History

Records(PHRs)…

Ongoing, two-way communication has proven to be the most effective way OPERS can build a valuablerelationship with employers. Manyemployers already use the multiplecommunication avenues available to let Employer Reporting know aboutwhat’s going right and what needsimprovement.

“Any employer who has a complimentor complaint about any EmployerReporting product, service orinteraction is encouraged to contactus.” said Joseph Mann, manager ofEmployer Reporting since November

Compliments or complaints: We’re open for business

Joseph Mann (shown here, right)following the presentation of OPERS’STAR Award to Jeff Cranston, long-term Employer Reporting employeewho is known to many of the employerorganizations.

2006. According to Mann, suggestionsand input from employers have helpedensure the smooth implementation ofnew projects and to realign ongoingfunctions and services.

Employers are encouraged to contactEmployer Reporting via:• The Employer Call Center at

1-888-400-0965,• Email box, or• By attending the training sessions

and the add-on focus groups.

Of course, cards and letters are alwayswelcome.

MailboxFollowing are some of the most-often asked questions that come to Employer Outreach via the Employer Call Center:

E M P L O Y E RO u t r e a c h

Retirement plan selection:online video seminar available

Choosing the right retirement plan is importantfor all employees. Let us help. Effective immediately,

The How to Select Your OPERS Retirement Planseminar is available and can be accessed via

www.opers.org.

Encourage your employees to click on Seminars in theMembers section of the Web site. The seminar has eight videochapters; your employees can watch any or all segmentsdepending on their interests and time. Employees with Internetaccess can watch the video at home—at their convenience.

Action requested: All employers are encouraged to promoteuse of the videos in their new-employee orientationmaterials.

OPERS’ 2008 Comprehensive AnnualFinancial Report now available Because being knowledgeable about your pension system is important, OPERS is committed to providing to allstakeholders complete and accurate financial information. TheOPERS annual report has information all employers shouldknow including the latest actuarial reports, information on thefunded status of the System and other post-employmentbenefits (OPEB).

By law, OPERS is required to publish the annual report prior to July 1 for the preceding year. Because we know manyemployers use the OPERS annual report to complete specific

financial statementsand/or to createorganization-specificannual reports, theOPERS annualreport is usuallyavailable well inadvance of thatmandated deadline.Typically, the OPERSannual report ispublished in May andthis year was noexception. All employersare encouraged to reviewthe OPERS annualreport, availableelectronically atwww.opers.org.

Update on online forms In case you missed the announcements…

• Now available online: Employer Payment RemittanceAdvice (form E-3).

• Coming first quarter 2010: Although currently availableonline, it will be mandatory for the Personal History Record(PHR, form A) to be submitted online for all ECS-basedemployers. Remember, because the electronic-based PHRsdo not require signatures, they save you time.

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This newsletter is written in plain language for use by public employers who are subject to coverage under the Ohio Public EmployeesRetirement System. It is not intended as a substitute for the federal or state law, namely the Ohio Revised Code, the Ohio AdministrativeCode, or the Internal Revenue Code, nor will its interpretation prevail should a conflict arise between it and the Ohio Revised Code, OhioAdministrative Code, or Internal Revenue Code. Rules governing the retirement system are subject to change periodically either by statute ofthe Ohio General Assembly, regulation of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Board, or regulation of the Internal Revenue Code. If youhave questions about this material, please contact the Employer Outreach Office at 888-400-0965, or seek legal advice from your attorney.

Ken Thomas, ChairRepresentative for MunicipalEmployees

Cinthia L. Sledz, Vice ChairRepresentative for MiscellaneousEmployees

Eddie L. ParksRepresentative for State Employees

Sharon M. DownsRepresentative for Retirees

John W. MaurerRepresentative for Retirees

Kimberly Ann RussellRepresentative for Non-teachingCollege/University Employees

Helen YoungbloodRepresentative for County Employees

Hugh QuillDirector, Department ofAdministrative Services

Lennie WyattGovernor Appointed Investment Expert

James R. TillingGeneral Assembly Appointed InvestmentExpert

Eva BurrisTreasurer Appointed Investment Expert

Chris DeRoseChief Executive Officer

must be submittedonline…moreinformation aboutthis mandatorychange will be comingyour way.

Employer Payment Remittance Advice (form E-3) now available online.

Info to Go...

Board of Trustees