SMART529, West Virginia’s College Savings Program, was looking for a way to increase awareness among parents of young children. The Manahan Group devised a statewide essay contest for children grades K-5 that would give children a chance to win a $5,000 SMART529 account. The annual contest generates thousands of entries and statewide media coverage at its kick-off and its end. Since TMG has been working with The Hartford to promote SMART529, its net assets have grown to reach $1.5 billion.