Travelers Institute Launches 2015 Small Business – Big Opportunity

March 13, 2015

Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor to Deliver Remarks

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), today will launch its 2015 Small Business – Big Opportunity series in Columbus, Ohio, with a focus on cybersecurity. The event will be held in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Cincinnati Branch, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Columbus Chamber. Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor will deliver remarks at the event, and panelists include:

  • Michael Echols, Director, Joint Program Management Office, National Protection and Program Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security;
  • LaVaughn Henry, Vice President and Senior Regional Officer, Cincinnati Branch, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland;
  • Martin D. Golden, District Director, Columbus District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration;
  • Greg Overmyer, Chief Executive Officer, Overmyer Hall Associates; and
  • Rose Roman, Vice President & Community Development Officer, Commerce National Bank.

“We are pleased to work with Ohio’s leadership to launch our 2015 Small Business – Big Opportunity series in Columbus, where regulatory initiatives and a strengthening regional economy are helping small businesses thrive,” said Joan Woodward, President of the Travelers Institute and Executive Vice President of Public Policy at Travelers. “Today is also a chance to hear from leadership of the Department of Homeland Security as it raises awareness about cybersecurity threats and offers strategies and solutions that place small businesses on a path toward success.”

Lt. Gov. Taylor will highlight Ohio’s statewide regulatory reform initiatives.

“Since the Common Sense Initiative (CSI) was created four years ago and placed under my leadership, we have been moving forward to streamline Ohio’s business regulations and make Ohio a more business-friendly state,” Taylor said. “I am working every day to ensure state government is reducing government red tape and making it easier for businesses to grow and expand in Ohio.”

Henry will deliver a keynote address on the current status and outlook for the regional economy, its implications for small business, and new findings on small business lending. He said, “Our new small business survey with the N.Y. Federal Reserve showed a wide difference in credit demand between small and large revenue firms. Most small firms are seeking credit and using funds for expansion. In Columbus, we will examine these trends and explore what this tells us about small business lending and expansion.”

The Travelers Institute launched its Small Business – Big Opportunity events in 2011 to raise awareness about the challenges small businesses face across the country and the solutions that can be put in place. The national symposia series convenes policymakers, industry advocates, and small business owners to promote small business success.

To learn more about the series and Travelers small business advocacy initiatives, please visit www.travelersinstitute.org/smallbusiness.

About Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, with branches in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, is one of 12 regional Reserve Banks that, along with the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., comprise the Federal Reserve System. As part of the nation’s central bank, the Cleveland Fed participates in the formulation of U.S. monetary policy, supervises banking organizations, and provides payment and other services to financial institutions and the U.S. Treasury. In addition, the Bank supports the well-being of communities across the Fourth Federal Reserve District through a wide array of research, outreach and educational activities. For more information, visit www.clevelandfed.org or follow the Bank on Facebook and Twitter (@ClevelandFed).

About Columbus Chamber

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a resources-based non-profit organization serving over 1,300 businesses in Central Ohio. Providing support in areas such as research, marketing, talent advisement, networking and government affairs, the Chamber has been in existence for 131 years, helping businesses thrive every step along the way.

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.