The Travelers Institute Chooses the Dulles Region for Next Small Business – Big Opportunity

November 24, 2014

National symposia series addresses challenges small businesses face

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), today will hold its next Small Business – Big Opportunity symposium at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Reston, Va. In partnership with the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council and the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, the event will convene public policymakers, industry advocates and local small business owners to promote small business success in preparation for the holiday shopping season.

“As one of the nation’s largest insurers of small businesses, we are committed to helping them thrive and be prepared for one of the biggest shopping days of the year, Small Business Saturday,” said Joan Woodward, President of Travelers Institute and Executive Vice President of Public Policy for Travelers. “From access to capital to complex regulations, Travelers is convening thought leaders to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges they face.”

Ray Keating, Chief Economist at the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, will deliver a keynote address on national and regional economic trends impacting small business.

Woodward will lead a panel discussion that will focus on strategies for accessing capital in the current lending environment, cybersecurity concerns, navigating the regulatory landscape and business continuity planning. The panel will include the following industry professionals:

  • Kate Armfield, Chief Operating Officer, AHT Insurance;
  • Tim Francis, Enterprise Lead for Cyber Insurance, Travelers;
  • Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council; and
  • Jeff Dick, Chairman, CEO and President, MainStreet Bank; Chairman, Virginia Association of Community Banks

To learn more about the series and Travelers’ small business advocacy, please visit the Travelers Institute’s website.

About Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
SBE Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy, research and education organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship. For more than 20 years, SBE Council has worked to improve and strengthen the ecosystem for entrepreneurs and small business growth. For more information, please visit: www.sbecouncil.org. Twitter: @SBECouncil

About Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce (DRCC) exists to promote and advocate on behalf of commerce and innovation in the Dulles Region. Located in one of the top technology corridors in the nation, it is the premier chamber serving this dynamic region, including western Fairfax, eastern Loudoun and the Town of Herndon. As one of the largest chambers in the D.C. metro area, the Dulles Regional Chamber works to foster business growth and lifelong connections among its members, support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education, spearhead workforce initiatives and economic development solutions, and partner with the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.DullesChamber.org.

About 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 policymakers and regulators. Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. For more information, visit www.Travelers.com.

Media Contact:
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Luke Shane, 860-277-4090
lshane@travelers.com

Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.