Donna Owens, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce, announced today the availability of a new investor notepad, which investors can fill out while they are on the phone or meeting with their securities broker.

"While the vast majority of brokers are honest and professional, disputes periodically arise between a broker and an investor," Director Owens said. "Investors who take good notes and maintain their records are much more likely to prevail in a dispute."

Ohio Securities Commissioner Thomas E. Geyer noted that it is important for investors to ask their broker for their CRD number. The CRD number corresponds to the broker's record in the Central Registration Depository, a computer database maintained by the National Association of Securities Dealers. Before engaging in any transaction, investors should always check the CRD to see if the broker and their firm are licensed in Ohio and if any disciplinary actions have been taken against them.

Investors who would like to receive the free investor notepad or to check the CRD of a particular broker or firm can call the Division of Securities' Investor Protection Hotline at 1-800-788-1194. A copy of the notepad is available on the division's web site at www.securities.state.oh.us.

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The Division of Securities promotes an honest and fair securities market 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.