Blue Ridge ESOP Associates offers the best 401(k) solution available in the marketplace because of three unique characteristics.

Platform Flexibility and Independence.
We can work with any independent investment advisor and therefore have no proprietary fund requirements.  Our 401(k) platforms offer Plan Sponsors an almost unlimited number of investment fund options to create a customized menu of funds tailored to the needs of your participants.  In addition, your employees will be able to access a large fund universe through the Fund Window®, enabling them to fine-tune their 401(k) portfolio to their individual investment needs.

One Professional Team for Administration of your ESOP and 401(k).
Blue Ridge offers an integrated solution for the administration and recordkeeping of your qualified plans. This is important because some compliance tests are computed on a combined basis, and there can be significant interplay between a plan sponsor’s ESOP and 401(k).  Dealing with one professional team who handles both plans can make your life easier.

100% Transparency of Fees and Investment Returns. 
The Blue Ridge 401(k) platform allows your employees to invest in low expense ratio funds.  We fully disclose recordkeeping fees, investment management fees and fund expenses.  Many of the funds offered through our platform are exchange-traded funds, and the investment returns and expenses can be verified directly by the Plan Sponsors and Fiduciaries.

Plan Administration
With a knowledgeable and qualified staff, Blue Ridge can perform all the required compliance for your 401(k) plan in a timely and uncomplicated manner.   The Plan Administration includes (but is not limited to) the following services:

• Plan document services & forms
• Signature-ready Form 5500 series & all related 5500 schedules
• Summary Plan Description (SPD)
• Summary Annual Report (SAR) for participants
• Standard Plan sponsor reports (distribution, termination, census, loan, etc)
• Plan sponsor Ad-Hoc reports (age and investment demographics, etc)
• Unlimited Plan investment options (including self-directed accounts)
• Plan audit assistance
• Compliance (ADP/ACP, Top Heavy, 415, Coverage, Compensation, 402(g))
• Plan sponsor website (submit electronic data & obtain Plan reports)
• Timely notification regarding compliance deadlines
• Dedicated Plan consultant

Participant Recordkeeping
Blue Ridge offers an integrated, secure participant recordkeeping and trust accounting system, providing daily and balance forward valuation.  The Participant Recordkeeping includes (yet not limited) to the following timely, accurate and quality services:

• Daily & Balance forward recordkeeping
• Participant education
• Participant loan administration
• Participant hardship withdrawal
• Participant distributions
• Participant website (useful functionality)
• Plan sponsor website (submit electronic data & obtain Plan reports)
• Individual participant statements
• Live customer service

Technology
Blue Ridge ESOP Associates has devoted considerable resources to the development of secure, flexible, technology-based solutions that bring value on behalf of the plan sponsor and participant.  We offer informative and functional participant and plan sponsor websites.  Depending upon the retirement plan parameters and the client’s comfort, Blue Ridge presents solutions that can automate a number of routine administrative tasks, thus assuring quality, efficiency, timeliness and accuracy.

The Plan Sponsor website includes (but is not limited to) the following features:

• Ability to submit secure Plan data (i.e. payroll)
• Plan Synopsis (i.e. eligibility, vesting, loan policy, etc)
• Plan’s Investment Options Information
• Participant Forms (i.e. enrollment, distribution, loan, etc)
• Obtain Standard Plan sponsor reports (allocation, distribution, census, loan, etc)
• Review Participant Account Balances and Detail Account Activity Transactions
• Review & Update Participant Contribution Rates
• Review & Update Participant Investment Elections
• Review Participant Hardship Availability
• Loan Modeling
• Obtain Participant Online Account Statement
• Contact Blue Ridge ESOP Associates

The Participant website includes (but is not limited to) the following features:

• Participant Data
• Review Account Balances and Detailed Account Activity Transactions
• Review & Update Participant Contribution Rates
• Plan’s Investment Options Information
• Review & Update Participant Investment Elections
• Perform an Investments Transfer and/or Alignment
• Plan Synopsis (i.e. eligibility, vesting, loan policy, etc)
• Review Hardship Availability
• Participant Forms (i.e. enrollment, distribution, loan, etc)
• Online Account Statement
• Loan Modeling
• Contact Plan Administrator and/or Blue Ridge ESOP Associates

Plan Cost
Successful business relationships are built on understanding and trust.  Blue Ridge ESOP Associates can assist your role as plan sponsor and fiduciary by providing:

• Fee transparency
• Flexible pricing
• Premium value

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your retirement plan needs. Contact Us.