OHIO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OFFERS

The Ohio Department of Commerce will feature fire safety and unclaimed funds at the Ohio State Fair from Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The display will be located along the southern wall of the Marketplace Building (formerly the Bricker Building). More than 43,000 Ohioans visited the Department of Commerce's State Fair display last year.

"The Commerce display offers something for everyone in the family," said Gary C. Suhadolnik, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. "The children will have an opportunity to learn how to call the fire department in case of a fire, while parents will be able to check their name for unclaimed funds."

The Division of State Fire Marshal will offer children an opportunity to practice calling 911 or their community’s emergency number. In addition, the Division of State Fire Marshal's arson dogs -- Carla and Harvey -- will perform every Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Gazebo stage.

The Division of Unclaimed Funds will check their computer database to determine if fairgoers have unclaimed funds accounts. Common sources of these funds include: dormant checking and savings accounts, forgotten rent and utility deposits, uncashed checks, undelivered stock certificates, uncashed insurance policies, forgotten layaway deposits, and safe deposit box contents. Currently, there are approximately 1.9 million accounts totaling almost $197 million. During last year's Fair, the Unclaimed Funds section checked 21,854 names and located $294,113 of unclaimed funds belonging to current or former Ohioans.

"Stop by our Division of Unclaimed Funds' 'Treasure Hunt' to check to see if you might be an owner of any lost or forgotten money," Director Suhadolnik said.

Many of Commerce’s other divisions will also have some helpful information:

• For those interested in buying a home, stop by the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing section to pick up a Home Buyer’s Guide.
• As January 1, 2000 approaches, do you have a handle on your finances? The Division of Financial Institutions is providing Y2K tips to financial institution customers as well as a year 2000 calendar.

• The Division of Securities will teach the whole family how to be financially sound. Children can learn how to save money with the "Billy and the Basketball" coloring book. Teenagers can test their knowledge with the "Financial Quiz for High School Students," and adults can complete the " Financial Literacy Investor Quiz."
• The Division of Liquor Control is offering a quiz for Ohioans to test their knowledge of Ohio’s underage drinking laws.
• Learn how the Division of Industrial Compliance plays a role in keeping Ohians safe.

# # #

The Department of Commerce enforces regulations regarding building codes, fire codes, financial institutions, securities, real estate, liquor, auctioneers, and unclaimed funds, among others. The Department's internet address is www.com.state.oh.us

[Commerce Home Page] [Commerce News Releases] [State of Ohio Front Page]

Send mail to Postmaster@com.state.oh.us with questions or comments about this web site.
Information believed accurate but not guaranteed.  The State of Ohio disclaims liability for any errors or omissions.