U.S. Chamber Announces Travelers Participation in 2012 Small Business Summit

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today announced that it will be working closely with The Travelers Companies, Inc. to raise awareness of the challenges facing entrepreneurs at the 2012 America’s Small Business Summit, which is taking place for the next three days in Washington, D.C.  Travelers Risk Control safety professional Christina Villena will host a breakout session titled, “Protecting Your Competitive Advantage and Employees,” to outline steps for building a business continuity plan.

“The U.S. Chamber is proud to partner with Travelers for this summit to support America’s job creators,” said Tom Collamore, senior vice president of communications and strategy and counselor to the president at the U.S. Chamber.  “Small businesses are critical to our nation’s economic recovery, and the Chamber will continue to fight for the pro-growth policies that will help them succeed.  We are pleased to have Travelers join us in this effort to equip small business owners with tools to help their businesses thrive.”

The 2012 America’s Small Business Summit will bring together more than 700 small business owners, managers and entrepreneurs from across the country to network, learn, and advocate for policies that support small business growth.

“According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses generated 65 percent of net new jobs over the past 17 years and pay 44 percent of total U.S. private payroll, so we must take the necessary steps to ensure the success of this vital economic driver,” said Marc Schmittlein, President and CEO of Travelers Small Commercial Accounts.  “As one of the nation’s largest insurers of small businesses, with a national network of agents and brokers, many of whom are also small business owners, Travelers is proud to arm entrepreneurs with tools and resources to help them succeed.”

To learn more about America’s Small Business Summit, visit www.uschambersummit.com.

The Travelers Companies, Inc. is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage sold primarily through independent agents and brokers. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and operations in the United States and selected international markets. The company generated revenues of approximately $25 billion in 2011. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.