Travelers Institute to Host a Small Business – Big Opportunity® Event in Las Vegas with a Focus on Cybersecurity

March 2, 2018

Andrew Buel of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division Cyber Squad to deliver keynote address

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), will host a Small Business – Big Opportunity symposium in Las Vegas today to discuss solutions to some of the most significant challenges facing small business owners.

Cybersecurity, legal liability and increasing costs were among the biggest concerns of small business owners according to the Travelers Risk Index, which surveyed small business owners across the country. Despite those concerns, only 11 percent reported having a cyber-response plan in place. The Small Business – Big Opportunity event will address how to manage cyber-related risks, develop an effective business continuity plan to handle disruptions and navigate the lending landscape.

Held in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Nevada District Office and the National Association of Women Business Owners Southern Nevada Chapter, the event will begin with a keynote address, “Lessons in Cybersecurity: A View from the FBI,” by Andrew Buel, Special Agent, Las Vegas Division Cyber Squad, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“Nearly half of all small businesses in the United States have been a target of a cyber attack,” said Buel. “It is essential for small businesses to invest in cybersecurity – it’s not a matter of if, it's a question of when.”

“Small businesses across the United States are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals with malicious attacks that can be devastating, and many may not be ready to manage it,” said Joan Woodward, President of the Travelers Institute and Executive Vice President of Public Policy at Travelers. “This symposia series is designed to help small business owners better prepare for potential disruptions and identify best practices to reduce risks so they can continue to compete successfully.”

Woodward will moderate a panel that includes Buel and these participants:

  • Joseph Amato, District Director, SBA Nevada District Office
  • Guy Chaffee, Vice President & Sr. Specialty Finance Consultant, Business Banking Specialty Finance Group, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Ken Katz, National Property Director, Risk Control, Travelers

“We believe it is important to bring all the vital resources and stakeholders together for the benefit of our Nevada small business community as often as possible,” said Amato. “This event is a perfect example of providing pertinent information to Nevada small business owners that they can use to protect their business interests.”

Visit the Travelers Institute website for more information on the Small Business – Big Opportunity series.

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 and casualty insurance for auto, home and business. For more information, visit travelers.com.

Media:
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Judy Senechal, 860-277-2366
jlsenech@travelers.com

Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.