FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 98-12 Press Contact: John J. Nester (202) 942-7083 SEC CHAIRMAN ARTHUR LEVITT, CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS TO HOLD INVESTORS' TOWN MEETING IN PALO ALTO More American households are investing in the markets than ever before. Record $4 trillion invested in mutual funds. Washington, D.C., Jan. 29 -- On Tuesday, February 17, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Arthur Levitt, U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo, and Brian Thompson, Chief Deputy Commissioner of California's Department of Corporations, will hold an Investors' Town Meeting at the Hyatt Rickeys in Palo Alto, California. More than 800 area residents 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 costly mistakes. He will also point out the questions people should ask before they invest. "The Investors' Town Meeting will help bring Wall Street to Main Street," said Rep. Eshoo. "Sound financial advice can pay big dividends for those willing to listen. Anyone with an interest in investing or saving for their retirement should participate in this event." Thompson, whose office oversees securities regulation in California, said the town meeting will benefit experienced investors and those looking to get into the market for the first time. "Informed investors are the best protection against fraud. The old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies particularly well to the investment world where it is much easier to protect yourself up front rather than trying to get your money back after you've been scammed," Thompson said. The Investors' Town Meeting will be held at the Hyatt Rickeys, 4219 El Camino Real from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. One-hour investment seminars will be offered at 12:00 p.m and 1:00 p.m. Seminar topics include "Successful Investing," "Selecting Stocks Made Easy" and "Introduction to Financial Planning." Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended because seating is limited. To reserve a seat, contact Susan St. Vincent of the SEC's San Francisco District Office toll-free at (800) 311- 6300 or by fax at (415) 705-1645. You can also make reservations by e-mail at rsvp_sec@sec.gov. The Investors' Town Meeting in Palo Alto will be the 23rd 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. The Investors' Town Meeting steering committee includes representatives of the following organizations: Alliance for Investor Education American Association of Retired Persons American Association of American Savings Education Individual Investors Council The Bar Association of San The Bond Market Association Francisco Certified Financial Planner Department of the Treasury, Board of Standards Bureau of the Public Debt East Bay International Education Strategies, Inc. Association of Financial Planning Institute of Certified International Association of Financial Planners Financial Planning Investment Company Institute The Nasdaq Stock Market National Association of National Association of Investors Corporation Personal Financial Advisors National Association of National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Securities Dealers Regulators, Inc. National Investor Relations New York Stock Exchange Institute North American Securities North Bay International Administrators Association, Inc. Association for Financial Planning 100% No-Load Mutual Fund Council The Pacific Stock Exchange The Palo Alto Chamber of San Francisco International Commerce Association for Financial Planning San Francisco Security Traders Santa Clara Bar Association Association Securities Industry Association The Security Analysts of San Francisco Securities Industry Foundation Silicon Valley International for Economic Education Association for Financial Planning Silicon Valley Society of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners * * *