Ultimate VIP Fan Experience Sweepstakes Winner to Attend the Georgia Tech vs. University of Georgia Game, Courtesy of the Path2College 529 Plan

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Path2College 529 Plan announced today that Greg Leming of Rome, Georgia, is the final winner of the VIP Fan Experience Sweepstakes. On November 29^th, Greg plus three guests will arrive by limousine at the Georgia Tech vs. University of Georgia game at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. In addition to limousine transportation and the opportunity to enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of the rivalry game, Greg will receive hospitality passes, sideline passes, game programs, t-shirts and an autographed football.

Greg, a Georgia Tech fan, selected to have his football autographed by Head Coach Paul Johnson. Greg attended Georgia Tech but had to withdraw when activated for military duty in 1990. He is the proud father of four, ages 18, 16, 9 and 20 months. As a Path2College 529 Plan account owner for his 16 year old daughter, Nicole, Greg heard about the VIP Fan Experience Sweepstakes from an account owner email. "The Path2College account has been an easy and carefree way to set aside money for Nicole's education," said Greg. "I participate in the automatic investment plan through my bank account. It makes investing much easier." Despite the fact that Nicole is a UGA fan, Greg plans to take Nicole, her 9 year-old brother, Tanner, and his wife Lisa to the big game.

The Path2College 529 Plan VIP Fan Experience Sweepstakes was launched in late August to coincide with Governor Sonny Perdue’s proclamation of September as College Savings Month in Georgia. To kick off College Savings Month, the Path2College 529 Plan teamed up with the football programs at the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech to help raise awareness of the college savings plan. The sweepstakes, which was open to all Georgia residents and Path2College 529 Plan account owners, ended on November 17^th. The sweepstakes, a first for the Path2College 529 Plan, was a huge success with almost 5,400 entries. The first sweepstakes winner, Kelly Mitchell of Brooks, Georgia, won a game package to the Duke vs. Georgia Tech game on October 4^th. Chad Reeves of Colbert, Georgia, was selected as the second VIP winner for the game package to the Vanderbilt vs. UGA game October 18^th. Greg is the final winner of the “ultimate VIP package”. Congratulations to Kelly, Chad and Greg!

“In addition to extending our congratulations to our three VIP winners, I want to recognize all our Path2College 529 Plan account owners for their foresight in preparing for higher education expenses,” said Chuck Penuel, Director of the Path2College 529 Plan. “I hope that those who currently do not own a Path2College 529 Plan account will take a few minutes to navigate the Path2College 529 Plan website, www.path2college529.com, and check out our college savings plan calculator and link to the National Center for Education Statistics which provides current tuition and expense data for nearly 7,000 colleges and universities in the United States.”

Any funds in a Path2College 529 Plan account can be used for tuition, room and board, books, fees and other qualified college expenses at virtually all colleges in Georgia and nationwide. Contributions made by Georgia taxpayers to a Path2College 529 Plan account are eligible for a Georgia state income tax deduction of up to $2,000 per beneficiary per year, and any earnings are federal and state income tax free. Transfers from another state’s 529 plan are not eligible for the Georgia state income tax deduction. Recapture provisions may apply.*

“We hope that all Georgia and Georgia Tech football fans enjoy the rivalry game next weekend,” said Penuel. “Regardless of who you are cheering for on the 29^th, we hope that all Georgians have the opportunity to make the dream of higher education a reality for their young football fans.”

* Georgia tax forms refer to the Path2College 529 Plan as “Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan” (GHESP).

Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the Path2College 529 Plan. Please visit www.path2college529.com for a Disclosure Booklet containing this and other information. Read it carefully.

Before investing in a 529 plan, you should consider whether the state you or your Beneficiary reside in or have taxable income in has a 529 plan that offers favorable state income tax or other benefits that are only available if you invest in that state’s 529 plan.

We are required to notify you that the tax information contained herein is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. It was written to support the promotion of the Path2College 529 Plan. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Account value for the Investment Options is not guaranteed and will fluctuate based upon a number of factors, including general market conditions.

© 2008 TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., program manager. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, member FINRA, distributes the Path2College 529 Plan.

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