Welfare Notes - February 2003

SUP 401(k) Savings Plan
The SUP 401(k) plan has increased its options for active members to invest their funds. The Trustees have directed Columbia Funds to add two new investment options for active members who participate in this benefit.

Columbia Strategic Value Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by using a value approach to invest primarily in common stocks. This approach emphasizes investments that Columbia believes are undervalued relative to their intrinsic worth.

Liberty Large Company Index Fund seeks investment results that, before deduction of operating expenses, match the price and yield performance of its index, the S&P 500.

Investment in these funds is now available to all members. Those members with funds currently invested with Columbia may call 1-888-547-8716 to switch existing shares, or to direct new contributions into these new funds. Until new enrollment and change forms are printed up and distributed to ships, members may write in by hand the new selection of funds and/or elected percent of contribution on the old forms. For more information on these funds and other investment options in your plan, visit Columbia’s new online retirement planning center. You can also use this site to check your account balance, make exchanges and change future elections.

This year you can save even more through your 401(k) plan as the contribution cap has been raised for 2003. The limit for pre-tax employee deferrals to 401(k) plans has increased to $12,000. The March issue of “Welfare Notes” will have further information on your 401(k) benefit.

SUP Welfare Plan
Rich Reed, Welfare Plan Representative
450 Harrison Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
E-mail: supwelfarerep@hotmail.com