Dee O’Hair, an Enforcement Attorney with the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities, will discuss investor protection at the Elyria Kiwanis Club on Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at Elyria United Methodist Village, 807 West Avenue, Elyria.

Governor Bob Taft has proclaimed April to be Saving and Investing Education Month in the State of Ohio. This observance month, which is part of a national investor education campaign, is designed to encourage consumers to save, invest wisely, and protect themselves against fraudulent schemes.

Ms. O’Hair will discuss the role of the Ohio Division of Securities and provide tips to avoid investment fraud and abuse. Prior to joining the Division of Securities, Ms. O’Hair served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office from March, 1995 to November, 1999.

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The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities is responsible for protecting investors from unfair and fraudulent practices in the securities industry. The Division promotes an honest and fair securities market in Ohio where individuals and businesses can raise capital and investors can expect a fair return on their investment. Other Commerce divisions enforce regulations regarding industrial compliance, financial institutions, real estate, liquor, auctioneers, and unclaimed funds, among others. The department's Internet address is www.com.state.oh.us