FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               2000-157
                                                            
               SEC CHAIRMAN LEVITT TO CONDUCT
              INVESTORS TOWN MEETING IN ATLANTA
                              
  Free program will offer area residents practical tips for
                    saving and investing

     Washington, D.C., October 16, 2000- If you've ever
wondered where you're going to find the money to send your
kids to college, take care of an aging relative, or retire
from work, you're not alone.  Numerous surveys suggest that
most Americans lack the basic information they need to save
and invest wisely and avoid costly mistakes.
     
     That's why Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman
Arthur Levitt for the past six years has been barnstorming
across the country conducting "Investors Town Meetings" to
preach the timeless principles of successful investing.
     
     Chairman Levitt's next town meeting, his 41st, will
take place at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center on
Wednesday, November 1st.  Joined by Georgia Secretary of
State Cathy Cox, the SEC chief will offer practical tips and
answer audience questions about the stock market during a
general session from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m.
     
     "My best investment advice comes down to two simple
words: ask questions.  When investing your money, there's no
such thing as a dumb question,"  Levitt said, noting that
through the growth of 401(k)s and other self-directed
retirement accounts, Americans are more responsible for
their own financial security than ever before.  Today nearly
half of U.S. households have money in the markets.
     
     The town meeting, sponsored by the Atlanta Journal-
Constitution, will also feature seminars on stocks, bonds,
mutual funds, and other financial topics starting at 7:30
p.m.

     Admission is free, but reservations are recommended
because seating is limited.  To reserve a seat, call (404)
842-7629 or send an e-mail to rsvp@sec.gov.  Auxiliary aids
to attend the town meeting, such as a sign language
interpreter, should be requested at the time of reservation.

Contact:  John J. Nester (202) 942-7083
                              
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