Supporting one of our own as she helps others!

On February 27, 2010, Jayne Black was crowned Mrs. Wisconsin United States.  Jayne will spend her year promoting her platform “Because I Owe Me” which focuses on retirement readiness.  As a part of her platform she will also be a spokesperson for The iOMe Challenge – a national high school and college contest that asks students to help come up with solutions to the problem of retirement security.  You can view details of the contest from 2009 at www.iomechallenge.org

Jayne Black is a Legislative/Social Media Driver for PAi – a De Pere, Wis., a company that provides full-service 401(k) administration and payroll processing for small businesses nationwide.  PAi is committed to offering small businesses simple, affordable and effective retirement solutions that also educate and inform.  The company’s mission is to help ensure every American has access to a dignified retirement.

This July Jayne will be competing for the national title “Mrs.  United States.”  If chosen, she will travel throughout the country promoting this very important issue.

If you would like to be a sponsor for Jayne and have your business listed in the National Mrs. United States Pageant 2010 program book, please contact Jayne directly at: jlblack@pai.com and you will receive a tax deductible sponsorship form.  In addition, please contact Jayne if you are interested in scheduling her to speak to your organization about retirement readiness, The iOMe Challenge or the topic of financial literacy for young people.

You can view details of the National Mrs. United States Pageant at: http://www.mrsunitedstates.com.

iOMe Challenge has a winner!!

A few months ago, I wrote about a contest crafted by De Pere Area Chamber member PAi challenging colleges to create teams to find solutions around the problem of the future of the Social Security system in the US.

The winners have been selected and another De Pere Area Chamber member (and area jewel), St. Norbert College received honorable mention.  Nicely done SNC students!

A team of students from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich., has been chosen as the winner of the inaugural iOMe Challenge.

The iOMe Challenge asked college and university students across the country to create an essay and a video focusing on what life will be like in retirement 40 years from now if our current experience and practices remained the same.  And potentially, if any changes should be considered in policy and in how our society prepares for retirement.

The entries were judged by a Blue Ribbon panel for originality, content, style, economic soundness, educational value and accessibility to young Americans.

Click HERE to read the news release announcing the inaugural iOMe Challenge results!

Click HERE to read the winning essay from Western Michigan University.

Click HERE to see the iOMe Challenge winning video from Western Michigan University with additional clips from the finalists…

Click HERE to read an executive summary of the top three iOMe Challenge Essays.

Click HERE to view photos from the Blue Ribbon Panel iOMe Challenge judging session in Miami.

The first step in problem-solving is acknowledging the problem and the second is opening your mind to possibilities – that is what this challenge did.

Congratulations to all the participants and to PAi for taking this on!

Retirement, you remember that concept, yes?

I know that many of us have adjusted our thoughts regarding retirement given the happenings of the last year, but it is still something we have to think about and plan for to be able to enjoy and relax the years we no longer work.  One of our De Pere Area Chamber members PAi (formerly known as Plan Administrators Inc.) is running a great challenge for college students.

The iOme Challenge is asking college students nationwide to answer the question – If current retirement policies remain in place, what does your financial future hold? What changes are necessary to secure your own financial future and your own retirement 40 years from now? What should/could you do and  just who the heck is calling the shots for YOU and your future, anyway? What is your call to action for your retirement and your financial security? That’s the Challenge!

The First Place Prize Package is very COOL:  $20,000 + a trip to Washington DC!
REGISTER YOUR TEAM, NOW (Limited to first 250 Teams)
Submission Due = December 31, 2009

More information here