The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV), today will hold its next Small Business – Big Opportunity symposium in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Cincinnati branch. In partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the event will convene public policymakers, industry advocates and local small business owners to promote small business success.

“As one of the nation’s largest insurers of small businesses, we are committed to fostering productive discussion to help them thrive,” said Joan Woodward, President of Travelers Institute and Executive Vice President of Public Policy for Travelers. “From access to capital to complex regulations, Travelers is convening thought leaders to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges they face.”

LaVaughn Henry, Vice President and Senior Regional Officer, Cincinnati Branch, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, will deliver a keynote address on the outlook of the U.S. economy and monetary policy and the implications for small business.

Woodward will lead a panel discussion that will focus on strategies for accessing capital in the current lending environment, cybersecurity concerns and navigating the regulatory landscape. The panel will include Henry and the following industry professionals:

  • Dave Hatter, Solutions Architect, Partner, Definity Partners;
  • Donald Stock, Executive Vice President, Business Banking Market Manager, PNC Bank; and
  • Paul Young, Vice President, Commercial Insurance, CAI Insurance Agency

To learn more about the series and Travelers’ small business advocacy, please visit the Travelers Institute’s website.

About Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, with branches in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, is one of 12 regional Reserve Banks that, along with the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., comprise the Federal Reserve System. As part of the nation’s central bank, the Cleveland Fed participates in the formulation of U.S. monetary policy, supervises banking organizations, and provides payment and other services to financial institutions and the U.S. Treasury. In addition, the Bank supports the well-being of communities across the Fourth Federal Reserve District through a wide array of research, outreach, and educational activities. For more information, visit www.clevelandfed.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@ClevelandFed).

About Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
Celebrating our 175th anniversary in 2014, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber is the nation's fifth largest chamber, representing the interests of more than 4,000 member businesses. Its mission is to capture Cincinnati USA as one of the world's favorite American business centers. The chamber serves its membership and the Cincinnati USA community through economic development, government advocacy, festivals and events, regional vision and collaboration, money-saving benefit programs, leadership and networking opportunities and educational programs. For more information, visit www.CincinnatiChamber.com, www.Facebook.com/CincinnatiChamber, and www.Twitter.com/CincyChamber.

About Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc., founded in 1969, is the leading business organization in Northern Kentucky. It is a Five-Star Accredited Chamber with nearly 1,600 member companies representing approximately 175,000 employees. The Chamber focuses its efforts on education, workforce development, international trade, leadership development and government relations at the federal, state and local level. B. Steve Harper, Chairman & President of Harper Oil Products, Inc., is the Chairman of the Board and Trey Grayson is the President and CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Additional information on the Chamber is available at www.nkychamber.com.

About 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 the financial services industry more broadly. The Travelers Institute draws upon the industry expertise of Travelers’ senior management and 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.