FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        2000-136

Contact:  John J. Nester
(202) 942-7083
                                                            
               SEC CHAIRMAN LEVITT TO CONDUCT
          INVESTORS TOWN MEETING IN FORT LAUDERDALE
                              
  Free program will offer area residents practical tips for
                    saving and investing

     Washington, D.C., September 21, 2000-If your image of a
typical stock market investor is still Thurston Howell III
of Gilligan's Island, you need only to look in a mirror to
see the new face of investing.  Through the growth of
401(k)s and other self-directed retirement accounts, today
nearly half of U.S. households have money in the markets.
     
     Unfortunately, numerous surveys suggest that most
Americans lack the basic information they need to save and
invest wisely and avoid costly mistakes.  If you've ever
wondered how you're ever 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.
     
     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.  "My
best investment advice comes down to two simple words: ask
questions," he said.  "When investing your money, there's no
such thing as a dumb question."

     Chairman Levitt's next stop will be the Hilton Fort
Lauderdale Airport on Wednesday, October 11th.  The SEC
chief will offer practical tips and answer audience
questions about the stock market during a ninety-minute
general session that will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Other speakers
will include Florida Comptroller Robert F. Milligan and
syndicated personal finance columnist Humberto Cruz.

     The town meeting, sponsored by the Sun-Sentinel, will
also feature seminars on stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and
other financial topics starting at 4:30 p.m.

     Admission is free, but reservations are recommended
because seating is limited.  To reserve a seat, call tol1-
free 1-866-420-2865 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.
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