Remarks at the NASDAQ opening bell this morning

I have the privilege of going to work every day and representing millions of businesses that make our country great. They are the job creators, the innovators, and the men and women who start small and dream big. They are the people who make our economy the envy of the world. At the Chamber, we’re in the business of representing our 3 million small and large company members, as well as the professionals, workers, and institutions who believe in free enterprise.

The tradition of ringing the opening bell at NASDAQ is a wonderful reminder of the importance of our capital markets and free enterprise system. They are the engines that drive America’s economic growth. They have generated more wealth, opportunity, and financial security for more people than any system ever created.

But our capital markets and free enterprise system are being challenged like never before. They are being challenged by some of the private sector’s own mistakes and excesses, and we are working to correct these problems. They are also being challenged by business adversaries and some in government who don’t understand, or who don’t believe in, the principles of free enterprise. These critics have become more skeptical of capital markets in particular. It’s our job to remind Americans and their leaders of the critical role capital markets play in creating jobs, funding new ideas, starting new businesses, and providing economic security for workers and families.

That’s why today I am proud to announce that the Chamber will soon implement a major campaign to defend, protect, and advance the free enterprise system. Our positive campaign will explain how free enterprise can help achieve a better future for our children and grandchildren. It will emphasize how trade and global engagement can create good-paying jobs, lower the price of goods and services, and increase consumer choices. It will highlight the awesome power of entrepreneurs to create and grow businesses, put people to work, and invent things that improve our quality of life.

And it will remind Americans of who and what we are—the most innovative, productive, and hardworking people in the world. We hope we can count on your support to advance a system that has served America so well.

Photos (c) 2009, The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. Reprinted with permission.