This year’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report available for download

August 17, 2010

Our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is now available online, by clicking here. The CAFR offers a detailed look at our “Growth in Motion” for 2009, with comprehensive information about our investments, projects, financials and much more.

In addition, our Summary Annual Financial Report will be in the mail to our members soon, together with the latest issue of the Active Outlook newsletter. Look for it in your mailbox later this summer.

Our reports have won awards 21 straight years for their creative designs and accurate financial reporting. Download your copy today!

Board changes requirements for rehired MERS retirees beginning Jan. 1, 2011

July 20, 2010

Dear MERS Employer,

Since last November, the MERS Retirement Board has discussed, debated, and listened to your numerous comments about our rules for the rehiring of retirees from the same municipality. We heard your voices during the Member Comment period and the Public Audience section at Board meetings, as well.

The Board first established specific rules for the rehire of retired elected officials on May 12 (the rules had immediate effect). At its July 13 meeting, the Board approved changes to the Plan Document regarding rehiring all other retirees from the same municipality.

Here’s help understanding your annual actuarial valuation

June 22, 2010

Your annual actuarial valuations will soon be arriving in your municipality’s mailboxes. We know it can be tough to decipher all the facts and figures, so we’ve created an online video tutorial called, “Understanding Your Annual Actuarial Valuation.”

The 10-minute video takes you through the basic ins-and-outs of valuations, and what they mean for your municipality. It has also been recently updated to include MERS 80 percent funding requirement, for our municipalities seeking to make changes to their plans.

Don’t miss this educational and entertaining look at your annual actuarial valuation. Click here to start the 10-Minute Trainer now!

Announcing our new Press Room section

June 21, 2010

You’ve got questions. And now you have an easier way to find answers.

We’re taking the wraps off our new Press Room section on this site, where you’ll find a treasure trove of easily accessible MERS information. Featuring quick facts, investments information, recent news, contact information, video and much more, the MERS Press Room is a one-stop online info shop.

While designed to accommodate media inquiries, the MERS Press Room is available to the public, too. Visit it now by clicking here!

Register Now for the 2010 MERS Annual Meeting!
June 7, 2010

It’s time to get on board and register for the MERS Annual Meeting, Sept. 15-17, 2010, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in beautiful downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. Annual Meeting registration booklets are in the mail, with event and hotel registration now open.

Click here to register, or click here to read more!

Don’t miss the July 30 deadline to send your request

The MERS Board approved a new process for adding a one-time Cost of Living Adjustment, also known as “Benefit E.”

Contact your MERS Benefit Plan Coordinator to request a Supplemental Valuation by July 30 to ensure a smooth transition for Jan. 1, 2011 effective dates, or by clicking here.

Please click here to read more.