Washington State Investment Board launches new and improved website (September 23, 2004) Olympia – The Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) launched a redesigned web site today to improve customer service and provide easier, more intuitive access to investment information about the various retirement and other public trust fund portfolios managed by the WSIB. While the home page address remains the same - www.sib.wa.gov – the revised content and new graphic design give users straightforward, concise information about the WSIB, the investments we manage, and how those investments are performing. The site is structured to help people quickly and easily find relevant information that serves their specific interests. It offers several “shortcuts” to the most popular investment reports and site pages to save time and minimize frustration. The most important new design features include:

A more inviting, people friendly home page that gives users quick and direct links to main sections and topic pages. New "Features" and "Popular Picks" links for frequently asked questions (FAQs); a more complete glossary of investment terms; and the most sought after investment reports. A new section on Asset Allocation that explains why the WSIB diversifies investments into different asset classes and how those investment programs are managed. New section reminder boxes and navigation tabs to easily guide users from one page to the next without getting frustrated and lost in the process. Information pages feature new buttons that allow visitors to easily print the page in a user-friendly format. Color choices and graphics that are easier to read and print.

"This web site upgrade is a part of our continuing commitment to expand and improve services to our customers," said WSIB Executive Director Joe Dear. As with all web sites, the WSIB’s site is and always will be a work in progress. Within the next few weeks, another new and long awaited page will be added featuring pictures and bios for each member of the Investment Board.