BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), will bring its Small Business – Big Opportunity℠ symposia series to Boston today, with a focus on cyber security for small and midsized businesses, as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The symposium will be held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, in partnership with Eastern Insurance Group LLC and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts.
The event will convene government and industry professionals in a panel discussion on cyber risks and other small business concerns, including access to capital and business continuity planning.
“Small and midsized businesses may not have the same resources as larger companies to monitor and address cyber threats, exposing them to attacks that can disrupt their business,” said Joan Woodward, President of the Travelers Institute and Executive Vice President of Public Policy at Travelers. “Education and awareness are important in helping business owners protect their operations as cyber risks continue to evolve.”
The keynote address will be delivered by Donald Anderson, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. “Cyber crime is a growing threat among the business community. It is critically important for small businesses to understand their risks, and how they can help prevent sensitive data from getting into the wrong hands,” said Anderson.
The event also will feature a panel discussion moderated by Woodward, “Finding Solutions to Small Business Challenges.” Participants will include:
- Michael Echols, Director, Joint Program Management Office, Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Hope Aldrich, President and CEO, Eastern Insurance Group LLC
- Richard Lord, President and CEO, Associated Industries of Massachusetts
- Robert Rivers, Vice Chairman, Eastern Bank Corporation; President & COO, Eastern Bank
The Travelers Institute launched Small Business – Big Opportunity in 2011 to address small business challenges, including access to capital, business continuity planning and cyber security. Visit www.travelersinstitute.org/smallbusiness for more information.
About Eastern Insurance Group LLC
Eastern Insurance Group LLC, headquartered in Natick, is a subsidiary of Eastern Bank, the largest and oldest mutual bank in the country. Eastern Insurance Group LLC serves more than 70,000 individuals and businesses and provides a full range of personal and commercial insurance products, surety, and employee benefits services. Eastern Insurance Group LLC is the largest insurance agency headquartered in Massachusetts and the 51st largest agency in the country. It has completed more than 34 insurance agency acquisitions since 1994. For more information, visit www.easterninsurance.com.
About Associated Industries of Massachusetts
Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) is the statewide association for Massachusetts employers. AIM is the only association with the size, influence, respect and professional talent to give you the power to shape the future of your business. Thousands of member employers look to AIM for integrity, professionalism and results. AIM member companies range from multinational bioscience companies and high-tech manufacturers to professional services firms and the corner grocery store. Our members employ one out of every five workers in Massachusetts. Established in 1915, Associated Industries of Massachusetts is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan association of Massachusetts employers. AIM's mission is to promote the well-being of its members and their employees and the prosperity of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by improving the economic climate of Massachusetts, proactively advocating fair and equitable public policy, providing relevant, reliable information and excellent services. For more information, visit www.aimnet.org.
About the Travelers Institute
The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc., engages in discussion and analysis of public policy topics of importance to the insurance marketplace and to the financial services industry more broadly. The Travelers Institute draws upon the industry expertise of Travelers’ senior management, as well as the technical expertise of many of Travelers’ underwriters, risk managers and other experts to provide information, analysis and solutions to public policymakers and regulators. Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
