Bright Start goes green for Earth Day
Account holders who save paper can win $1,000 prize

March 30, 2009

Families enrolled in Illinois’ Bright Start College Savings Program can now save money and the environment by switching from paper to electronic delivery of their Bright Start account statements, Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias announced today.

In celebration of Earth Day, everyone who signs up before April 30, 2009, or already receives statements by e-delivery, is eligible to win a $1,000 contribution to their Bright Start account. Two lucky winners will be announced by May 15, 2009.

“This is a great environmental incentive,” Giannoulias said of the prizes funded by OppenheimerFunds, Inc. “By saving paper, families have the chance to make their Bright Start accounts a little greener.”

The average American uses more than 635 pounds of paper per year, and the Treasurer’s Office wants to help reduce that number. Currently, four quarterly statements are mailed to Bright Start accountholders annually in addition to statements every time a deposit is made.

To sign up for the e-delivery statements, and to be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 contribution to a Bright Start account, accountholders can log in to their Bright Start account, select Email/E-delivery in the left column and follow the instructions.

For more information about the contest or to see the official rules and regulations follow the “Go Green to Win Green” link at www.brightstartsavings.com or call 1-877-43-BRIGHT.

Bright Start is a nearly $2 billion savings plan with more than 186,000 accounts which offers various investment options and customized saving plans. Ranked as a top five 529 plan by Morningstar, Bright Start enables families to save for future college expenses and enjoy tax-free investment earnings.