Travelers Institute to Focus on Economy and Cybersecurity at Nashville Small Business – Big Opportunity

March 31, 2016

Lee Jones of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Nashville Branch and Michael Echols of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to speak

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), will bring its Small Business – Big Opportunity℠ symposia series to Nashville today to address some of the major challenges facing small business owners. Joined by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Nashville Branch, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Women Business Owners Nashville Chapter, the event also will provide an overview of the national and regional economies.

“Small businesses are the engine of economic growth and job creation, but they sometimes need help to compete successfully,” said Joan Woodward, President of the Travelers Institute and Executive Vice President of Public Policy at Travelers. “We are pleased to convene a discussion about cyber concerns and access to capital in Nashville, which is considered one of the friendliest U.S. cities for entrepreneurs and was recently recognized as the best city for women small business owners.”

The event’s agenda includes:

  • Opening remarks – Julie Mix McPeak, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
  • Keynote address – “The Outlook for the U.S. and Regional Economy: Implications for Small Business,” delivered by Lee Jones, Vice President and Regional Executive, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Nashville Branch
  • A panel discussion moderated by Woodward that includes the following participants:
    • Lisa Denson, Lender Relations Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration Tennessee District Office
    • Michael Echols, Director, Joint Program Management Office, Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
    • Bob Jackson, Co-Chair, The Crichton Group
    • Ellie Terry, Economic Policy Analysis Specialist, Research Department, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Attendees also will learn about the newly released Small Business Credit Survey: Report on Employer Firms, conducted by the Federal Reserve Banks of New York, Atlanta, Cleveland, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Boston and Richmond. The study revealed how firms fund themselves and where there are credit gaps.

“While overall business and financing conditions appear to have improved since last year, microbusinesses continue to struggle to find financing,” said Terry.

Launched in 2011, the Travelers Institute’s Small Business – Big Opportunity series helps promote small business success by convening business owners across the country with industry advocates exploring solutions to their everyday challenges. Please visit www.travelersinstitute.org/smallbusiness for more information.

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 to the financial services industry more broadly. The Travelers Institute draws upon the industry expertise of Travelers’ senior management, as well as 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:
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Judy Senechal, 860-277-2366
jlsenech@travelers.com

Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.