SBCERA Named National “Mid-Sized Public Plan of the Year” by Editorial Industry Leaders

SAN BERNARDINO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association (SBCERA) was named “Mid-Sized Public Plan of the Year” by Money Management Letter, the leading publication that covers the U.S. asset management and pension funds industries. The award was given at the 7^th Annual Money Management Letter Public Pension Funds Awards for Excellence held March 3^rd in Huntington Beach, Calif. SBCERA was competing against plans from throughout the nation.

“Our board is bursting with pride at receiving such a prestigious industry award,” declared SBCERA Board of Trustees Chairman Marvin M. Reiter. “2007 brought many investment strategy challenges and our trustees met every one of them with professionalism and resolve.”

Money Management Letter, in collaboration with Institutional Investor News and the Information Management Network, annually recognizes organizations and individuals for their outstanding performance. This award evaluated the 2007 performance of public pension plans with at least $5 billion in assets, but less than $10 billion. It also evaluated investment strategies, innovation, asset allocation and problem solving.

The Plan achieved superior investment returns in 2007, adding an additional $1 billion to the retirement fund, an increase of almost 20%. SBCERA was also awarded the “Small Public Pension Plan of the Year” for its 2004 performance.

“We are expected to continue to grow this fund to meet the pension promises of employers to our members,” reported Timothy B. Barrett, the fund’s Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer. “What’s not expected is to receive an industry pat-on-the-back for a job well done. Our combined team of engaged trustees and innovative staff are testimony to the belief that good people make good things happen.”

Additionally, SBCERA’s consultant, Allan Martin of New England Pension Consultants (NEPC), received the honor of “Public Plan Consultant of the Year” at the same ceremony. “The secret to succeed as an investment consultant is choosing your clients carefully,” Martin said. “The combination of SBCERA’s dedicated, tenured Board and experienced, competent staff, and their willingness to consider prudent new ideas continues to be a powerful partnership in serving the Plan’s beneficiaries.”

The San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association (SBCERA) provides its members and their beneficiaries with retirement and related benefits and services which they have earned, commensurate with their years of service and compensation. The Board of Retirement’s responsibilities and functions are governed by the applicable provisions of the California Government Code, along with the bylaws and regulations of SBCERA. It is the responsibility of those charged with administration of the Association to diversify the investments of the system so as to minimize the risk of loss and to maximize the rate of return.