“Small Business – Big Opportunity” Panel Aims to Raise Awareness
of and Advocate for Economic Opportunity
SAINT PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Travelers
Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies,
Inc. (NYSE: TRV),
and the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) today convened
regional leaders from the Metropolitan Economic Development Association,
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and local small business
lenders to address economic opportunity for the state’s small
businesses, which comprise 98 percent of Minnesota’s employers, according
to the SBA.
“As one of the nation’s largest insurers of small businesses, we are
committed to helping small business owners find solutions to daily
challenges,” said Joan Woodward, Travelers Executive Vice President of
Public Policy and President of the Travelers Institute. “We recognize
the importance of entrepreneurship as a vital part of economic
opportunity, and we are dedicated to providing small business owners
with resources and tools to help them succeed.”
Matt Kramer, President of SPACC, echoed Woodward: “Our primary goal is
to strengthen our community by advocating for a vibrant business
climate. We actively engage with state and local elected officials to
influence issues that affect small businesses, enhance economic
development, and improve the business climate to create jobs and
stimulate the Minnesota economy. We are proud to partner with the
Travelers Institute on their ‘Small Business – Big Opportunity’ series,
which aligns perfectly with our mission.”
Gary Stern, former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota,
made opening remarks, and Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman made closing
remarks. Woodward moderated the panel, which featured Minnesota-based
small business and economic leaders, including:
- Rick Beeson, President, Park Midway Bank
- Yvonne Cheung Ho, President, Metropolitan Economic Development
Association
- Henry Sanders, Regional Advocate, U.S. Small Business Administration
- Salah Tarraf, President, Tarraf Construction
At the event, panelists identified barriers to funding, while offering
tips for obtaining small business loans. In addition, panelists touched
on other business challenges, including risk management, business
continuity planning, regulatory requirements, and other issues that
impact small business growth and job creation.
The Saint Paul symposium is the sixth small business forum the Travelers
Institute has held since 2011, following events in Morristown, N.J.,
Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas. In addition, the
Travelers Institute has hosted events in conjunction with the Latino
Coalition, Small Business California, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
and other business advocacy groups. The company also released a white
paper, “Small Business – Big Opportunity,” outlining its principles
for advocacy.
About the Travelers Institute
The Travelers Institute, the
public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc., engages in
discussion and analysis of public policy topics of importance to the
insurance marketplace and the financial services industry. The Travelers
Institute draws upon the industry expertise of Travelers' senior
management and the technical expertise of many of Travelers'
underwriters, risk managers and other experts to provide information and
analysis to public policy makers and regulators. Travelers is a leading
provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home
and business.
For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
About the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce
The Saint Paul
Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) is a vital, dynamic force serving the
business community through the collective strength of its members. For
more than 140 years, the Chamber has provided vibrant programs, powerful
advocacy and results that foster member growth. With nearly 1,200
members, the SPACC is the largest local chamber in Minnesota.
Travelers
Ashley Maagero, 860-277-2954
amaagero@travelers.com
or
Saint
Paul Chamber of Commerce
Kelsey Siqveland, 651-265-2791
Kelsey@saintpaulchamber.com
Source: Travelers