FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 97-99 Press Contact: John J. Nester (202) 942-7083 SEC CHAIRMAN ARTHUR LEVITT, IOWA OFFICIALS TO HOLD INVESTORS' TOWN MEETING IN DES MOINES More American households are investing in the markets than ever before. Record $4 trillion invested in mutual funds. Washington, D.C., Nov. 5 -- On Friday, November 21, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Arthur Levitt, U.S. Representative Greg Ganske, and Craig Goettsch, Iowa's Superintendent of Securities, will hold an Investors' Town Meeting at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Des Moines, Iowa. More than 800 investors are expected to attend the free educational event. "More Americans than ever are putting their hard-earned money in the market. It's critical that they understand their investments," said Levitt. "Educated investors create stronger markets, and they are better able to protect themselves against potential fraud and abuse." The SEC Chairman will offer basic tips and answer questions on how to make informed investment decisions, monitor investments and avoid problems. He will also point out the questions people should ask before they invest. "We're bringing Wall Street to Main Street," said Ganske. "The Town Meeting is for experienced investors and for those looking to get into the market for the first time." "We are excited to work on this grassroots investor education project, and to have the opportunity to demystify the investment marketplace for Iowa consumers, said Goettsch. The Investors' Town Meeting will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 101 E. Locust Street from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. One- hour investment seminars will be offered from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Seminar topics include "Tips for Successful Investing," "Power Investing--You're in Control," and "Money 2000--Setting Financial Goals." Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended because seating is limited. To reserve a seat, contact Cecilee Smart- Griffin by telephone at 1-800-418-3055, by fax at (312) 353- 7398, or by e-mail at GriffinC@sec.gov. The Investors' Town Meeting is the 21st of a national series to promote public understanding of the securities markets and awareness of the risks and rewards of investing. The Town Meeting format also enables securities officials to hear directly from investors on how government can better serve the investing public. The Investors' Town Meeting steering committee includes representatives of the following organizations: Alliance for Investor Education American Association of Retired Persons American Association of Individual Investors American Savings Education Council The Bond Market Association Bureau of the Public Debt Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Institute of Certified Financial Planners Investment Company Institute Iowa Society of Financial Analysts Iowa Society of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners National Association of Investors Corporation National Association of Personal Financial Advisors National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. National Association of Securities Dealers Regulation, Inc. National Investor Relations Institute New York Stock Exchange North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. 100% No-Load Mutual Fund Council Securities Industry Association Securities Industry Foundation for Economic Education The NASDAQ Stock Market * * *