F ourth
Q uarter
2015 1 (888) 529-2776 www
.G
reat
P lains t rust
.
com
Willard Lynch, CFA, CPA, Vice Chairman & Regional President
Stock market corrections are difficult to predict and never enjoyable events to live through.
While unpleasant, stock market corrections and volatility are a routine part of the process of earning rewarding long-term returns. Given the recent market correction, it is worthwhile to review the history of market corrections since 1900 in the below table. Corrections of 2%-3% occur much more frequently, typically 12-18 times per year. However, on average over the long term, corrections of 10% or more have occurred nearly every year.
At September 30, 2015, both the Dow and the S&P
500 indexes are about 11% and 10% respectively, below their highs of 2015, and each index is roughly down about 9% and 7% respectively for the year. The markets peaked in May of this year and then gradually declined through the end of July. In August and September the markets dropped sharply due principally to concerns about China and world economic growth.
Type of
Decline
-5% or more
-10% or more
-15% or more
-20% or more
Average Frequency of Decline
About 3 times a year
About once a year
About once every 2 years
About once every 3.5 years
Source: American Funds Capital Group
We know from history that recoveries follow market corrections, and recoveries typically result in the market moving to new highs. As can be seen in the accompanying 10 year chart of the S&P 500, even with the recent market decline, the stock market is much higher today than it was in 2005 or at the 2007 peak prior to the Great Recession. Additionally, since the bottom in 2009 it is easy to visualize the saw tooth nature of how the market moves higher over time. Over the long-run, history has proven that the only investors that get hurt are those which panic and exit the market during a downturn.
We are confident of a market recovery, which is why it is important for investors to remain patient and not let short term events disrupt their disciplined long-term investing strategy.
S&P 500 Index
Source: Barchart.com

Steve Soden
CEO and President
Will Lynch, CFA
Vice Chairman,
Regional President
Brad Culver, VP
Account Executive
Grace Danello, CFA
Managing Director
Account Executive
Jonathan Staton, JD, CFA
Trust Attorney
Nathan Soulis
Account Executive
Ryan Thompson
Account Executive
Dan Johnson
Account Executive
Laurie Marchio, VP
Director of Operations
Monica May
Senior Trust Accountant
Alyssa Parker
Operations Assistant
Selene Werkowitch, CPA
Controller/HR
Joanna Briel
Senior Trust Accountant
Marsha Lampe
Senior Trust Accountant
Jenny Pope
Senior Personal Trust
Accountant
Angie Steinheider
Senior Trust Accountant
Shauna Newton
Marketing Coordinator
Andy Holmes
GPT of South Dakota
President
Blake Burton
Helpdesk Technician

Over the years it is easy to end up with multiple IRA accounts at a number of different financial institutions. In addition to trying to keep track of multiple statements, it is very difficult to make certain that all of your retirement assets are adequately diversified.
GPT can work with you to develop an overall strategy that builds a diversified portfolio. As part of this process, we will assist you in understanding the investment options available to both you and your spouse.
As some retire and plans terminate, this is a great time to discuss options with rollover IRAs. In fact, a recent study found that the average rollover from a 401(k) to a Traditional IRA was almost $97,000. IRAs have increased as a significant source of wealth, evidenced by nearly $6 billion in annual Roth IRA contributions and over $4.5 billion in annual traditional IRA contributions. We will work with you to determine the best strategy for creating a predictable retirement income stream with your investment savings.
• Deferrals to 401(k) plans for 2015 must be initiated by December 31st; however, due to some payroll cycles, funds may not reach plans until 2016. The maximum deferral amount for 2015 is $18,000 ($24,000 if age 50 or over).
• Safe Harbor notices for 2016 must be distributed to plan participants by November 30th. Employer Safe
Harbor contributions are either a 3% non-elective contribution to all eligible participants or a 4% matching contribution to participants deferring into the plan.
• Plan contribution and deferral limits for 2016 will be announced by the IRS in late October.
• Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) must be taken by December 31st for applicable IRAs and for
Qualified Plans. Liquidation instructions for GPTC Qualified Plan RMDs need to be received no later than November 30th to allow for liquidation and distribution prior to December 31st.
• For those plans that are terminating, GPTC will work with all plan participants to make the necessary arrangements to rollover distributions into new IRAs.
• The primary key to any long-term plan for financial success is a disciplined approach to saving, and IRA contributions are a prudent course of action. While IRA contributions are not due until April 15, consider making monthly or year-end contributions to complete your 2015 contributions and begin funding at the beginning of next year! Maximum contribution limits for IRA and Roth IRAs are $5,500 ($6,500 if age
50 or older).
A properly designed retirement plan offers substantial benefits to the plan sponsor and employees. Great
Plains Trust Company has significant experience in designing a customized plan for your business or family. We manage and custody retirement plans for businesses, IRAs and IRA rollovers for the individual.
Did you know a business of one employee may still have a 401(k) or Defined Benefit plan? Call Great
Plains Trust to establish your company plan now.

Pension Fund
GPTC Equity Fund
GPTC Large Cap Fund
GPTC USA Global Fund
GPTC Small Cap Fund
GPTC Science & Technology
GPTC Mid Cap Fund
GPTC International Fund
GPTC Fixed Fund
Market Index
S&P 500
Russell 1000 Growth
Russell 2000 Growth
Russell Mid Cap Growth
Russell 3000 Growth
Collective Fund Performance (9/30/2015) - NET PERFORMANCE
YTD
Annualized
1 Yr.
Annualized
3 Yr.
Annualized
5 Yr.
Annualized
10 Yr.
Annualized
15 Yr.
-3.35%
1.19%
-2.90%
-7.60%
0.79%
-0.85%
-4.90%
4.24%
-7.61%
8.58%
0.90%
-3.15%
6.35%
2.84%
8.72%
16.40%
12.69%
8.10%
14.35%
11.96%
-4.89% 4.62%
0.13% 10.20%
Indices (9/30/2015)
11.26%
13.20%
12.60%
9.18%
14.82%
10.10%
3.60%
11.54%
7.48%
7.60%
7.97%
6.60%
10.30%
7.56%
N/A
8.41%
11.23%
N/A
4.89%
8.55%
5.05%
N/A
N/A
8.60%
YTD
Annualized
1 Yr.
Annualized
3 Yr.
Annualized
5 Yr.
Annualized
10 Yr.
Annualized
15 Yr.
-5.29%
-1.54%
-5.47%
-4.15%
-1.86%
-0.61%
3.17%
4.04%
1.45%
3.21%
12.40%
13.61%
12.85%
13.98%
13.54%
13.34%
14.47%
13.26%
13.58%
14.38%
6.80%
8.09%
7.67%
8.09%
8.05%
3.96%
2.20%
4.15%
N/A
2.34%
Annualized
20 Yr.
12.23%
N/A
8.33%
11.60%
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.83%
Annualized
20 Yr.
8.14%
7.49%
6.16%
N/A
N/A
MSCI All Country World Ex-US -8.63% -12.16% 2.34% 1.82% N/A N/A N/A
BofA Merrill Lynch HY Master II -2.53% -3.57% 3.46% 5.94% 7.11% 7.14% 6.99%
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investments are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits or other obligations of Great Plains Trust, and are not guaranteed by Great Plains Trust. Investments are subject to risk, including possible loss of principal invested.
Performance for the GPTC Pension Funds are net of the 1% annual fee and include the reinvestment of interest and dividends.
Annualized
25 Yr.
11.52%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.88%
Annualized
25 Yr.
9.90%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.90%
7700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy • Suite 101
Overland Park, KS 66202
Main: (913) 831-7999
Fax: (913) 831-0007
Toll Free: 1 (888) 529-2776
Info@GreatPlainsTrust.com
Florida Trust Service Office
Sarasota, FL
Main: (941) 373-1330
Will Lynch, CFA, CPA
Atlantic Region Service Office
Charlotte, NC
Main: (704) 552-3883
Grace Rathkamp Danello, CFA
101 S. Reid Street • Suite 307
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Main: (605) 271-5141
Andy Holmes
Andy@GreatPlainsTrustSD.com
Will Lynch, CFA, CPA
Vice Chairman
Laurie Marchio
VP, Operations
Steve Soden
President & CEO
Jonathan Staton, JD, CFA
Trust Attorney
REGIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Brad Culver, VP
(913) 647-1296
Brad@GreatPlainsTrust.com
Grace Rathkamp Danello, CFA
(704) 552-3885
Grace@GreatPlainsTrust.com
Dan Johnson
(913) 647-1305
Dan@GreatPlainsTrust.com
Nathan Soulis
(913) 647-1294
Nathan@GreatPlainsTrust.com
Ryan Thompson
(913) 647-1304
Ryan@GreatPlainsTrust.com
Joanna Briel
Senior Trust Accountant
OPERATIONS
Marsha Lampe
Senior Trust Accountant
Monica May
Senior Trust Accountant
Jenny Pope
Senior Trust Accountant
Angie Steinheider
Senior Trust Accountant
Alyssa Parker
Operations Assistant
Operations E-mail: TrustOps@GreatPlainsTrust.com
Blake Burton
Systems Administrator
Shauna Newton
Marketing Coordinator
Selene Werkowitch, CPA
Controller