We met Michelle Edkins, Managing Director, BlackRock, when a friend put a bug in our ear about the important work she is doing. In fact we found that this work hits very close to home for us as long term (retirement) savers and investors.

If you build it people might come, but more likely — without marketing — they’ll have no idea your program exists. Even if they know it exists, they might not understand it or think it isn’t for them. Good marketing ensures people can easily find and access the services they need, maximizing the efficiency of public programs and the positive impact they have on the folks they serve.

Buckle up friends, we got a chex mix bowl of goodies this week:

• Cerulli Associates’ Anna Fang – on the secret desires of corporate plan sponsors

• Fresh state stats – funded accounts up 36% year to date