FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 98-48 Press Contacts: John J. Nester (202) 942-7083 Securities and Exchange Commission Denise Dimler (612) 296- 6984 Minnesota Department of Commerce SEC CHAIRMAN ARTHUR LEVITT, MINNESOTA OFFICIALS TO HOLD INVESTORS' TOWN MEETING IN TWIN CITIES Free program will offer practical tips on how to invest wisely and avoid costly mistakes Washington, D.C., May 12, 1998 -- On Monday, June 1, 1998, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Arthur Levitt, Minnesota Commerce Commissioner David Gruenes, and other financial industry experts will conduct an Investors' Town Meeting in Bloomington, Minnesota. The free program will offer practical tips on how to make informed investment decisions, monitor investments, and avoid costly mistakes. "Americans are invested in the markets in record numbers, and there are more financial products and investment professionals than ever to choose from," Levitt said. "Investors who take time to get the facts are more likely to achieve financial security, and they are better able to protect themselves against potential fraud and abuse." Gruenes, whose office oversees securities regulation in Minnesota, said the town meeting will benefit experienced investors and those looking to get into the market for the first time. "We are excited to work on this grassroots investor education effort, and to provide an opportunity for Minnesota consumers to learn how to make their hard-earned money work harder for them," Gruenes said. Other town meeting speakers will include U.S. Representatives Jim Ramstad and Bruce Vento, both members of the House committee that oversees federal securities regulation. The Twin Cities Investors' Town Meeting is the 26th 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 fast-growing investing public. The town meeting will take place at the Radisson South Hotel, Interstate 494 and Highway 100, starting at 4:00 p.m. Doors will open at 3:00 p.m. so attendees can pick up free brochures and other educational materials from booths that will be hosted by securities industry associations and consumer education organizations. Organizers point out that anyone who can't attend the four o'clock opening session can still attend any of the investment seminars that will be offered at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Seminar topics include "Successful Investing," "Planning for College Costs," and "Women and Investing." Admission is free, but reservations are recommended because seating is limited. To make reservations, call (612) 257-7217. Reservations can also be made by fax at (202) 942-9634, or by e- mail at keyesa@sec.gov. For more information about the Twin Cities Investors' Town Meeting, including the seminar schedule, visit the SEC web site at or the Minnesota Department of Commerce web site at . The SEC, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and a national coalition of government agencies, consumer groups, and financial industry associations recently launched the Facts on Saving and Investing Campaign to motivate Americans to "get the facts" they need to achieve financial security. Visit or call 1-800-732-0330 to request the "Financial Facts Tool Kit." # # #