Travelers Institute to Host Cybersecurity Symposium in St. Louis

The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) today will host St. Louis-area business owners for its Small Business – Big Opportunity℠ symposium. The event will focus on cybersecurity and steps businesses can take to help protect computer systems and sensitive data. The St. Louis Regional Chamber, Small Business Monthly, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Small Business Administration St. Louis District Office, Missouri General Insurance Agency and Eagle Bank and Trust Company are participating in the event.

“Small businesses are at risk for a cyber breach, so it is critical that companies understand their exposures, how to operate more securely and how to recover if a breach occurs,” said Joan Woodward, President of the Travelers Institute and Executive Vice President of Public Policy at Travelers. “We are pleased to convene industry professionals who can share insights about cybersecurity.”

Michael Echols, Director of the Joint Program Management Office, Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will deliver a keynote address on cybersecurity.

In addition to cyber, a panel discussion, moderated by Woodward, will focus on access to capital and business continuity planning. Woodward and Echols will be joined by the following panelists:

• Jim Baxendale, President, Missouri General Insurance Agency
• Dennis Melton, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration St. Louis District Office
• Mike Walsh, President and CEO, Eagle Bank and Trust Company

Launched by the Travelers Institute in 2011, the Small Business – Big Opportunity symposia series convenes industry and government professionals to discuss solutions to some of today’s most pressing small business challenges. For more information, visit www.travelersinstitute.org/smallbusiness.

About the St. Louis Regional Chamber:

The St. Louis Regional Chamber is a broad community of leaders united for economic prosperity throughout the entire St. Louis bi-state region. Its aspiration is for St. Louis to be one of the Top 10 U.S. regions in prosperity. The organization’s purpose is to inspire a greater St. Louis. For more information, visit www.stlregionalchamber.com.

About the 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 to the financial services industry more broadly. The Travelers Institute draws upon the industry expertise of Travelers’ senior management, as well as 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.

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