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The Association of Retired Conservationists was organized by a group of retirees from the Wisconsin Conservation Department in the 1960's. By the mid-1970's, the WCD had been combined with the Department of Resource Development to form the Department of Natural Resources, and the retirees group had grown significantly, met monthly for lunch and began inviting speakers to address the group on issues of interest to the members. Today, the organization has more than two hundred members.

website contact: retiredrick@wisarc.org

Next Meeting
March 5



Our March meeting will be held at Kavanaugh's Esquire Club, Madison.


The Schaefer Report

As reported at the February monthly meeting SWIB performance for 2024 was 8.55% for the Core Fund and 18.70% for the Variable Fund. Both numbers exceeded the minimum 6.8% goal. You can see more details on this web site www.swib.state.wi.us/wrs-performance.

At the November 2024 ARC meeting, guest speaker Chris Preisler, SWIB Senior Communications Specialist, informed us that if SWIB had a performance of at least 6.8% we could expect a 1.7% to 2.1% dividend increase in our monthly WRS distribution. Since SWIB did exceed the minimum 6.8% desired performance the final number will be set at the March ETF board meeting where the actuaries will make their report. The actual adjustment will be seen in your May check from the WRS. If you wish to read the January ETF newsletter this website address should provide the details. etf.wi.gov/publications/wrs-news-january-2025

Lastly, ETF will on occasion ask the Wisconsin Coalition of Annuitants (www.wicoa.org) to comment on new developments. ARC is a member of the WCOA. A request was sent out late last month and I wish to thank those members that took the time to respond to their request. These opportunities will happen now and then as part of our cooperative effort to help WRS members stay informed.

Lastly, the WCOA will once again have a remote zoom annual meeting on May 13th and 14th. There will be 2 presentations each day. Watch for further details in future ARC news releases.

Bob Schaefer
ARC representative for the Coalition of Annuitants