FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 97-57 Press Contact: John J. Nester (202) 942-7083 SEC CHAIRMAN ARTHUR LEVITT, OKLAHOMA OFFICIALS TO HOLD INVESTORS' TOWN MEETING IN TULSA More American households are investing in the markets than ever before. Record $3.7 trillion invested in mutual funds exceeds U.S. commercial bank deposits. Washington, D.C., July 15, 1997 -- On Monday, August 4, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Arthur Levitt, U.S. Representative Steve Largent, and Irving Faught, Administrator of the Oklahoma Securities Commission, will hold an Investors' Town Meeting at the Union Performing Arts Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. More than 800 investors are expected to attend the free educational event. "More Americans than ever are putting their hard-earned money in the market. It's critical that they understand their investments," said Levitt. "Educated investors create stronger markets, and they are better able to protect themselves against potential fraud and abuse." The SEC Chairman will offer basic tips and answer questions on how to make informed investment decisions, monitor investments and avoid problems. He will also point out the questions people should ask before they invest. The Investors' Town Meeting is the 20th 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 investing public. "This is our way of bringing Wall Street to Main Street," said Largent, who will discuss investor issues before Congress. Faught will highlight Oklahoma's efforts against fraud. "This is a great opportunity for both beginning and experienced investors to learn more about protecting their nest egg," Faught said. Investment seminars will immediately follow the Town Meeting. Topics include tips for successful investing, understanding risk, portfolio analysis and saving for retirement. The Town Meeting will be held at the Union Performing Arts Center, 6636 South Mingo Road, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by refreshments and investor education displays. Investment seminars will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. Members of the press are invited to cover these events. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended because seating is limited. To reserve a seat, contact Charles Kaiser by telephone at 1-800-378-9345, by fax at (405) 280-7742, or by e- mail at sec.rsvp@oklaoss.state.us. The Steering Committee for this event includes representatives of the following organizations: Alliance for Investor Education American Association of Individual Investors American Savings Education Council American Stock Exchange Greater Tulsa Area Council of National Association of Investors Corporation Investment Company Institute National Association of Investors Corporation National Association of Personal Financial Advisors National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. National Association of Securities Dealers Regulation, Inc. National Investor Relations Institute New York Stock Exchange North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. Oklahoma Council on Economic Education Oklahoma Society of Financial Analysts 100% No-Load Mutual Fund Council PSA: The Bond Market Trade Association Securities Industry Association Securities Industry Foundation for Economic Education The Nasdaq Stock Market Tulsa Chamber of Commerce Tulsa Chapter of the International Association for Financial Planning Tulsa County Bar Association Tulsa Society of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners Tulsa University Friends of Finance * * *