The Washington State Investment Board unveils new, improved web site (July 1, 2003) Olympia - The Washington State Investment Board today launched a newly-redesigned web site that significantly improves access to information about how billions of dollars in investments for state retirement and other public trust fund assets are being managed and performing. "Technology has come a long way since our first site was developed," said WSIB Executive Director Joe Dear. "The new design is a big step forward in providing a full range of new online features for quicker access to user-friendly information about who we are, what we do, and how we're performing." The original web site was several years old and difficult to navigate. The new design is part of a larger effort by the WSIB to improve communications and customer service overall. The new site (at www.sib.wa.gov) offers several notable features including:

Fresh, conversational and friendly content written to match the interests and needs of the various audiences who frequent the site, including financial and investment experts, the news media, and members of the state pension plans. Easy-to-find links to monthly, quarterly, and annual financial performance reports including the highly sought after Investment Rate of Return (IRR) report for the WSIB's private equity and venture capital program. More complete and useful information about the 15 members who serve on the Investment Board, their background, responsibilities, and fiduciary duties. Agendas and minutes of the Board and Committee meetings. Soon to come will be links to electronic copies of meeting handout materials. Embedded links that allow visitors to jump directly to related web sites, source documents, and a glossary of investment terminology definitions.

The new web site redesign was a team effort developed by WSIB staff and design experts with the Department of Information Services. As part of its debut, the new design will be featured on the Inside Washington statewide intranet to help other state agencies notify their employees, pension plan members and beneficiaries, and public trust fund constituents about the new site.