On Nov. 25, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. announced Alliance Benefit Group of Minnesota & Kansas as the inaugural recipient of the Best-in-Retirement Business IMPACT Award, a category

introduced this year as part of Schwab’s annual IMPACT Awards program. The Best-in-Retirement Business award recognizes an independent recordkeeper and/or advisor focusing on retirement plans who understands the unique needs of plan sponsors and/or participants and has developed an innovative approach to serving them. The prestigious, national award was presented to Bradley K. Arends, J.D., Steven W. Pulley, and Grant S. Arends, principals of the ABG-MNKC divisions, during the annual ceremony held at IMPACT 2014 on Nov. 6 in Denver, Colo.

ABG-MNKC is one of the largest independent full-service retirement plan providers and benefits administrators in the country with clients in 48 states and a core purpose to drive sustainable financial outcomes for the American worker. With three offices located along the I-35 corridor from a satellite in Minneapolis to the headquarters in Albert Lea and another satellite in Leawood, Kan., ABG-MNKC provides consulting, recordkeeping and administration services to over 110,000 participants in more than 2,400 plans representing more than $6.1 billion in plan assets.

ABG-MNKC was selected for their noteworthy contributions as an advisor and recordkeeper. The firm demonstrated their success through exemplary business practices and tireless efforts on behalf of the industry, their clients and ultimately, plan participants. The firm defines elevated management practices and industry-leading standards with exceptional business results. Through innovative technology and efficiencies within the firm, ABG-MNKC has expanded their reach to help more American workers prepare for healthy, sustainable retirements.

As part of the Best-in-Retirement Business IMPACT Award Schwab will make a $15,000 donation to a charity designated by ABG-MNKC. The firm has selected the Education Foundation of Albert Lea and Marion Medical Mission, each to receive $7,500 from Schwab. In addition, ABG-MNKC is matching the $7,500 donation to the Education Foundation of Albert Lea for a total contribution of $15,000. Likewise, iThirst Inc., a clean water initiative founded by Grant Arends, president of the consulting division of ABG-MNKC, will match the $7,500 donation to Marion Medical Mission for a total contribution of $15,000.

ABG-MNKC and its employees are independent of and are not employees or agents of Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. Schwab does not prepare, verify or endorse information distributed by ABG-MNKC. The Best-in-Retirement Business IMPACT Award, part of Schwab’s IMPACT Awards program, is not an endorsement, testimonial endorsement, recommendation or referral to ABG-MNKC with respect to its investment advisory and other services.