Donna Owens, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce, will speak at the Hilliard Kiwanis Club meeting on Thursday, June 25 from 7:15 p.m. - 8 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Hilliard Community Center, 3800 Cherry Tree Drive, Hilliard.

Director Owens will describe how the Division of Securities works to protect investors through the licensing of securities firms and salespersons as well as the registration of securities offered for sale in Ohio. She will also share investor education information such as the Investor Bill of Rights and the Investor Protection Hotline.

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.