MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Brooks Campany
Argent Financial Group, Inc.
bcampany@argenttrust.com
615.385.2345
RUSTON, Louisiana, April 18, 2018 – Origin Bancorp, Inc., in partnership with Argent Trust Company, Argent Advisors and 401k Plus, was presented with the national Alliance Benefit Group (ABG) 2017 Plan Sponsor of the Year award yesterday at Origin’s main branch and corporate headquarters, located in Ruston, Louisiana. The largest financial institution headquartered in northern Louisiana, Origin Bank also recently filed paperwork to become a public company traded on Nasdaq.
Pictured left to right are Ashlea Price, Origin Bank; Jeanne Van Benthuysen, Argent Advisors; Barry Guinn, Argent Advisors; John Cole, 401K Plus; Lance Hall, Origin Bank; Kelly Duran, 401K Plus; Beverly Myers, Argent Trust; and Gary Moore, Argent Trust.
The award was created to raise awareness of the importance of employers focusing on employee retirement readiness and how they can help make a real difference in participant outcomes. Origin Bancorp, Inc.’s employee retirement plan, administered by Argent Trust Company as trustee, with 401k Plus as record keeper and contract administrator, was chosen as the winner from a pool of 13 finalists from across the U.S. More than 80 percent of Origin’s approximately 700 employees participate in the company’s retirement plan.
“We are honored to be recognized, along with our exceptional employee retirement benefits team,” said Linda Tuten, executive VP and chief people & diversity officer for Origin Bancorp, Inc. “Through our partnership with Argent, our employees receive the personal attention and a top-notch financial program that produces the results they deserve.”
Argent Trust Company has been plan trustee for more than 14 years, and 401K Plus has been record keeper for seven years.
Origin’s employees enjoy a robust plan that has 401k provisions within a ESOP. The structure is complex, but is the optimal plan design to meet Origin’s goals. “We enjoy the challenge of administering such a specialized plan,” said Gary Moore, president of Argent Trust in Louisiana. “Being acknowledged by ABG for doing what is in the best interest of plan participants is quite rewarding. The focus and effort, along with our commitment to frequent advisor meetings with employees has created a successful long-term partnership.”
Criteria used by ABG to determine the winner included annual improvement in results in participant retirement readiness, employer involvement in promoting their plan through employee education, advisor participation in improving outcomes and driving results, and implementation of advanced plan design strategies.
“Origin had some very strong competition for this award, which further highlights the excellent way this plan has been managed and communicated and what the team has done to benefit their employees,” said Barry Guinn, senior vice president and investment advisor representative for Argent Advisors. “Participation increases each year, because it is ingrained in the company culture to provide in-depth benefits education. Employees recognize this personalized attention and are more inclined to take advantage of this benefit.”
“We’re proud to be recognized as part of the team. Origin’s commitment to financial wellness and the partnership with Argent is key to their achieving maximum results for their employee retirement plans.” said John Cole, vice president for 401k Plus, Inc. “We take on the plan administration work and keep the plan in compliance. But the heavy lifting has already been done.”
Alliance Benefit Group LLC (ABG), is a national organization of retirement plan, health and welfare consulting and benefit administration firms. Founded in 1991, ABG’s unique structure allows its members to maintain their independence and autonomy, yet provide them access to broader service offerings, sharing of best practices, and collaborative technical support. This collaboration has allowed ABG’s members to grow more rapidly than industry counterparts, to where today ABG services 20,000 retirement plans and in excess of $70 Billion in assets. ABG’s emphasis on high service standards and continuing education designations help its members to be regularly recognized with industry awards and accolades. For more information, visit www.abgnational.com.
About Argent Financial Group
Argent Financial Group, domiciled in Ruston, Louisiana, was formed in 1990 and traces its roots to 1930. Responsible for more than $17 billion in client assets, Argent Financial Group provides individuals, families, institutions and businesses with a broad range of wealth management services including trust administration and related services, investment management, family office services, retirement plan and charitable organization administration, mineral (oil and gas) rights management, and financial, retirement and estate planning. For more information, visit www.argentcares.com.
