Donna Owens, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce, will present a Financial Planning workshop at the Governor's Conference on Aging on Wednesday, May 13 from 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Her presentation will be held in the Aladdin Room of the Aladdin Shriners' Complex, 3850 Stelzer Road, Columbus. The conference is designed to provide senior citizens and professionals in the field of aging with timely information on aging-related issues.

Director Owens will discuss how older Ohioans can protect themselves from being victimized by securities-related fraud. In addition, she will provide tips on the process of selecting a securities salesperson. The Director will also highlight the Investor Bill of Rights, a 10-point declaration that can help individual investors guard against becoming a victim of securities fraud and abuse.

In addition, the department's Division of Unclaimed Funds will give conference participants an opportunity to check their names for unclaimed funds. The division's Treasure Hunt booth, to will be located in Booth 209, will be open from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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.