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Social(k) Enjoys Growth and Accolades in 2007

Social(k) Enjoys Growth and Accolades in 2007

Published 01-16-08

Submitted by Social(k)

SPRINGFIELD, MA - January 15, 2008 "“ Driven by a strong demand for socially responsible retirement options, Social(k), the nation’s most diverse socially responsible retirement plan, witnessed a whopping 186 percent growth in 2007. Only 2 years old, Social(k) now holds over 23 million dollars in assets.

Sustainable businesses and non-profits with a sustainable mission statement realize that it makes sense to offer a 401(k) plan that offers more than the usual 1-2 socially screen funds. Social(k)'s paperless platform, with over 150 socially responsible funds and close to 2000 traditional funds, has become the favored choice for these businesses and organizations.

"To start a new business and be successful is always a great feeling," says Rob Thomas, Social(k) president, "However, to be successful with a client base of sustainable businesses and organizations like those making up Social(k) gives me the confidence that we are bringing about change to the way people think and do business."

Social(k) continues to add clients from across the spectrum including CSRwire (Springfield, MA), Guayaki (Sebastopol, CA), Indigenous Designs (San Rafael, CA), Brennan Center for Justice at New York University (New York City, NY), Social Venture Network (San Francisco, CA), and Trillium Asset Management (Boston, MA). By coming on board, Trillium joined other money managers Parnassus Investments (San Francisco, CA) and Winslow Management Company (Boston, MA).

Social(k) will likely continue to grow rapidly in the years to come. A 2007 Social Investment Forum survey found that 60 percent of defined benefit sponsors plan to include socially responsible investment (SRI) options in their retirement plans by 2010. There is plenty of room for growth "“ approximately $2.5 trillion dollars are invested in 401(k) plans in the U.S!

Companies investing in screened funds are rewarded. The Pax World Balanced Fund, one of the SRI funds available through Social(k), was honored by MutualsAdvisor.com as one of their "Top Ten Mutual Funds for 2008" of ANY funds. Similarly, the Winslow Green Growth Fund, also offered through Social(k), was ranked by Lipper as the number one small cap growth mutual fund for the three-year period ending July 31, 2007.

Social(k) is more than just a do-good retirement plan. In May, the company joined with Darfur advocacy organization Fidelity Out of Sudan to highlight the names of 29 major companies each with more than 2 billion dollars in retirement assets in Fidelity Investments to pressure them to ask Fidelity to divest from companies doing business with the Sudanese regime. In October, Social(k) notified all its plan participants urging them to send letters to the Securities and Exchange Commission and Congress to defeat proposals that would weaken the ability of investors to sponsor shareholder resolutions and nominate members of corporate boards.

In taking such proactive steps, Social(k) leads the dialogue about the role of socially responsible investments in retirement plans.

Other highlights of 2007 include Rob Thomas being a finalist for two awards "“ the SRI in the Rockies’ "2007 SRI Service Award" and Co-op America's "Green Business Leadership Award." In addition, Social(k) became a Founding Member of B Corporation(TM) (www.BCorporation.net) which is setting high standards of social and environmental corporate accountability, transparency, and performance.

Social(k) continues to donate 8.5 percent of pre-tax net sales to Heifer International for every client, qualifying Social(k) for One Percent for the Planet membership. Co-op America and Organic Trade Association also receive donations from Social(k) for members who use Social(k).

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Social(k)

Social(k) is a retirement plan platform with over 200 Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance, ESG, screened funds, rather than the usual one or two. In addition Social(k) offers over 2000 traditional funds to provide employees greater choice when determining portfolio mix. Social(k) is the first choice for mission driven organizations operating in a sustainable manner. Social(k) works with your existing advisor or we can refer someone from our network of over 500 advisors. Whether you have a plan or are just looking to offer one let us show you how we offer a sustainable investing advantage to your employees.

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