U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve Bank Kick Off Go Direct Month in Nashville

Governor, Local Banks and Credit Unions, and Community Organizations Supporting Events to Promote Social Security Direct Deposit

NASHVILLE -- On Wednesday, March 2, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank officially launch their Go Direct campaign in Nashville, which coincides with Gov. Phil Bredesen's proclamation that March is Go Direct Month in Tennessee. Local banks and various community organizations also support this initiative. Events scheduled throughout the month will inform Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients about the benefits of direct deposit and encourage them to switch to electronic payment.

The following events will take place throughout the month of March in celebration of Go Direct Month:

Sunday, March 6

1 p.m. -- 4 p.m. -- The Gordon Jewish Community Center will host a health and wellness fair. Fair participants will receive Go Direct materials. 801 Percy Warner Boulevard, Nashville.

Tuesday, March 8

8:30 a.m. -- 3:30 p.m. -- Learn more about Go Direct at the Professional Dimensions 2005 hosted by the Senior Services Network. Belmont University, Massey Business Center, located off Wedgewood Avenune, Nashville.

Friday, March 11

9 a.m. -- 1 p.m. -- Go Direct will be participating in the Americorps Student Community Health Coalition's free health fair for Senior Citizens. Dickson Senior Center, 206 West Walnut Street, Nashville.

Wednesday, March 16

9 a.m. -- 1 p.m. -- Visit the Go Direct booth at Nashville Senior Citizens Day. Wilson County Fairgrounds, 945 Baddor Parkway East, Lebanon.

Tuesday, March 29

1 p.m. -- 4:30 p.m. -- The Center for Independent Living will host its 15th Annual Access Community Employment Services Conference. Go Direct will participate in a workshop or seminar on financial planning. Nashville Airport Marriott, 600 Marriott Drive, Nashville.

Wednesday, March 30

8:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. -- The Center for Independent Living will host its 15th annual Access Community Employment Services Conference. Go Direct will participate in a workshop or seminar on financial planning. Nashville Airport Marriott, 600 Marriott Drive, Nashville

Direct deposit is a safer, easier way for people to receive their money. Additionally, converting the 23,000 Nashville residents who still receive their benefits by check to direct deposit could save nearly $170,000 in taxpayer dollars annually.

For more information on these events or the Go Direct campaign, or to arrange an interview with any of the organizations involved, call Amy Thompson at (202) 585-2774 or Genevieve Hernandez at (202) 585-2828.

Go Direct has established websites in English and Spanish, www.GoDirect.org and www.DirectoASuCuenta.org, as well as toll-free numbers to help people sign up for direct deposit: (800) 333-1795 (English) and (800) 333-1792 (Spanish).