FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        2000-84

        SEC To Host Annual Government-Business Forum

     Washington, D.C., June 20, 2000 -- The Commission will
host the Nineteenth Annual Government-Business Forum on
Small Business Capital Formation on Monday, September 11,
and Tuesday, September 12, 2000 in San Antonio, Texas at The
Hilton Palacio del Rio, on The Riverwalk.

     The Forum is an opportunity for small business owners
and their representatives to articulate their views and
needs to senior government officials.  It is the only
federal-sponsored conference designed for this purpose.
Forum participants discuss ways to eliminate unnecessary
governmental impediments to raising capital and seeking
credit.  The Forum produces a final report of its
activities, including recommendations for governmental
action.

     Congress and governmental agencies may use the report
as a blueprint to craft the relief sought by the Forum.
Over the years, many Forum recommendations have resulted in
legislative and regulatory reform in the areas of taxation,
securities regulation, financial services regulation, and
state assistance programs.

     The Nineteenth Annual Government-Business Forum will
compare the growth of a traditional "bricks and mortar"
company with a ".com" company in general sessions.  During
the first day we will discuss the initial founding, growth,
and initial round/later stage venture capital financing of
these companies.  The second day will concentrate on initial
public offerings, mergers/acquisitions, offshore financings,
and joint ventures.  Key legal and business issues in the
areas of venture capital financings, securities law, tax,
credit and accounting will be addressed both days.  There
will be ample time for participants to develop thoughtful
recommendations.

     Only 150 persons may participate in the Forum.  Every
effort will be made to ensure that each small business owner
wanting to participate in the Forum will be able to do so.
In order to defray costs of the group luncheons and the
welcoming reception, there is a charge of $150 per
participant.

     For further information, contact Barbara Jacobs or
Janice McGuirk in the Office of Small Business in the
Division of Corporation Finance at (202) 942-2950, or send
an e-mail to e-prospectus@sec.gov.

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