Giannoulias: Go Green to Win Green for college

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[In celebration of Earth Day, families who switch from paper to electronic statements will be entered to win a $529 deposit in their Bright Start College Savings Program account, Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias announced today.

Bright Start account holders who enroll in e-delivery by April 30, 2010 or who already receive e-statements are eligible for the "Go Green to Win Green" random drawing. Two winners will be announced on the Bright Start website by May 31.

During last year's inaugural "Go Green to Win Green" drawing, more than 1,650 account holders enrolled in e-delivery, an increase of 20 percent, Giannoulias said.

"For the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, we are promoting college savings and environment sustainability," Giannoulias said of the prizes funded by the Bright Start, Illinois' 529 college savings program. "We can make responsible decisions now to make this a better world for our children and grandchildren."

The average American uses more than 635 pounds if paper per year. Currently, four quarterly statements are mailed to Bright Start account holders annually in addition to statements every time a deposit is made.

To sign up for the e-delivery statements 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 $2.5 billion program with more than 201,000 accounts which offers various investment options and customized saving plans. Ranked as a top 529 plan by Consumer Reports, Kiplinger's and Money Magazine in 2009, Bright Start enables families to save for future college expenses and enjoy tax-free investment earnings.