Campus Visits Will Engage Students in Discussion About Pressing
Economic Issues and the Preservation of the American Opportunity
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
When asked what worries them most about the national economy, nearly one
in five Americans identify national debt as their primary concern1.
Yet, 47 percent say they do not have a good understanding of the debt
crisis2. As part of Travelers’ (NYSE: TRV) ongoing effort to
raise awareness of the nation’s growing debt burden, the Travelers
Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc.,
this week launched a national university tour of the new documentary “Overdraft”
which will include panel discussions and screenings at select colleges
and universities across the country.
“We recognize that the stability and health of the U.S. economy is vital
to the growth and success of all businesses, as well as to the
preservation of the American Opportunity,” said Jay Fishman, Travelers
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “As one of the largest insurers of
small- and medium-sized businesses, we feel an obligation to advocate
for a thriving economic environment and to that end, to raise awareness
of the significance and implications of the debt crisis,” he said.
The university tour commenced at the University of Pennsylvania’s
Wharton School of Business and featured a screening of “Overdraft,” as
well as a panel discussion with the school’s leading economic and
financial experts about the deficit.
“The goal of our university tour is to foster nonpartisan dialogue that
raises awareness of one of the most pressing issues of our time,” said
Joan Woodward, Executive Vice President of Public Policy and President
of the Travelers Institute. “By hosting conversations with leading
economic experts and thought leaders on campuses across the country, our
goal is to facilitate conversation and stimulate public policy dialogue
that will raise awareness of the nation’s looming fiscal crisis.”
In addition to the Wharton screening, university tour events are planned
for the University of Connecticut, Northwestern University, the
University of Kansas, American University, Columbia University, the
University of Delaware and Stanford University, among others.
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 more broadly. 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, analysis, and solutions 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 Overdraft
“Overdraft” was produced by Scott Galloway, founder of Susie
Films, which has produced more than 800 television programs for
networks including ABC and the History Channel. Through the National
Educational Telecommunications Association, “Overdraft” is available
for public television stations to air in markets across the country
through August 2014. To watch “Overdraft,” visit www.TravelersInstitute.org.
1Frank Newport, “Americans’ Economic Worries: Jobs, Debt,
and Politicians,” GALLUP Economy, January 12, 2012http://www.gallup.com/poll/152009/americans-economic-worries-jobs-debt-politicians.aspx(September 13, 2012)
2Pew Research Center for the People and The Press,
“National Survey: May 11-14, 2011”, http://www.people-press.org/2011/05/24/more-concern-about-raising-debt-limit-than-government-default/
(September 13, 2012)
Media Contact:
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Ashley
Maagero, 860-277-2954
[email protected]
Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.