NASHVILLE-It’s time for money-savvy high school seniors to put on their thinking caps. The Securities Division of Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance is seeking entries for its annual essay contest.

NASHVILLE-Governor Phil Bredesen has designated October as Fire Prevention Month, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding Tennesseans to regularly check their homes for hazards that could lead to fires.

NASHVILLE- In a unanimous vote Sept. 14, 2009, the Tennessee Athletic Commission elected Joe Smith of Chattanooga to succeed Jack Sammons as its chairman.

NASHVILLE- With Tennesseans paying more attention to their economic habits, the Tennessee Securities Division would like to provide some tips for those making investment decisions.

NASHVILLE- As many as 9 million Americans’ identities are stolen each year. Identity theft is the unauthorized acquisition and use of a person’s identifying information – such as a name, Social Security number or credit card number – to commit fraud or other crimes. Through identity theft, criminals might rent an apartment, obtain a line of credit or establish a telephone account. Victims often discover the crimes when reviewing credit reports or statements.

NASHVILLE - The Policy Advisory Committee of the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board (TECB or Board), met on July 23, 2009 to consider the financial stability of the State’s 911 system. The committee – a group of 911 professionals and representatives of the fire chiefs, police chiefs, sheriffs, and county commissioners associations, emergency management and the Tennessee Municipal League charged with making recommendations to the Board on 911 policy – is considering whether to advise the Board to end its cost recovery program. The cost recovery program, which was initially mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), reimburses wireless carriers for the costs of providing Phase I and II Enhanced 911 service.

NASHVILLE- The Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs warns consumers to be aware of various telemarketing frauds that seek to steal money or personal information. Professional criminals posing as legitimate telemarketers are very good at what they do. Their pitch is perfect, their tone is friendly and they seem confident about your need for their products.

NASHVILLE- Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) Commissioner Leslie A. Newman is announcing settlements of more than $2 million between the Securities Division and two investment companies, tied to their sales of auction-rate securities to Tennesseans.

NASHVILLE - State Fire Marshal Leslie A. Newman wants to remind Tennesseans that, while fireworks are a traditional part of Fourth of July celebrations, many people are seriously injured each year by their careless use.

NASHVILLE - With school out and summer kicking into gear, many youths may find themselves passing the time on the home computer – chatting with people through instant messaging, surfing the Web, sometimes even buying merchandise with credit cards.