Governor George V. Voinovich has proclaimed the week of March 29-April 4 as Saving And Investing Education Week in the State of Ohio. This week, which is being recognized in more than 20 countries, is designed to encourage consumers to save, invest wisely, and protect themselves against fraudulent schemes.

"Throughout the state, the nation, and the Western Hemisphere, time will be taken next week to discuss, to teach and to think about how we save, how we invest, and how we manage our finances," said Donna Owens, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Throughout the state next week, the Department of Commerce will be highlighting various aspects of saving, investing, and securities-related fraud prevention at a number of events:

Director Owens and AARP Ohio President Joseph C. Sommerville, PhD. will kickoff Saving And Investing Education Week at 10:30 a.m. at the Eleanor M. Kahle Senior Center, 1315 Hillcrest Drive, Toledo. Director Owens and Dr. Sommerville, who are both Toledo residents, will provide tips to seniors on how to protect themselves against securities-related fraud.

Director Owens and Securities Commissioner Thomas Geyer will hold a news conference at 1:30 p.m. at 77 S. High St., 22nd Floor, Columbus. The news conference will highlight the significance of saving and investing, particularly for young families. In addition, updates to the Division of Securities Webpage will be unveiled as tools investors can use to assist them in making investment decisions.

Securities Commissioner Geyer will introduce a new investor education video: "Investment Scams: What Con Artists Don't Want You To Know" at 10 a.m. at the Garfield Heights Senior Center, 5407 Turney Road, Garfield Heights. The video is being distributed to approximately 200 libraries throughout the state.

Director Owens will present personal finance tips to students at Walnut Hills High School, 3250 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati at 1:40 p.m. The presentation is being held in conjunction with National Teach Children To Save Day.

Director Owens and Commissioner Geyer will announce the Investor Bill of Rights at 12:30 p.m. at the Fairborn Senior Center, 325 N. Third Street, Fairborn. The Investor Bill of Rights is a 10-point declaration that can help individual investors guard against becoming a victim of securities fraud and abuse.

In addition to these events, representatives of the department's Division of Securities will be making saving and investing presentations throughout the state.

# # #

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.