In his State of the Union address, President Obama said that "jobs must be our number one focus in 2010." The U.S. Chamber of Commerce couldn't agree more. There was much to like in the president's speech, including an emphasis on trade, energy, and education. And on areas where we differ--including financial reform and health care reform--our disagreement isn't over whether we should act, but how. So let's see what this speech means for business.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the president's remarks was his stated goal of doubling U.S. exports over the next five years. With 95% of the global population living beyond our borders, there are tremendous opportunities to sell American goods and services overseas. The president's proposed National Export Initiative would help more small businesses tap into these markets.

Increasing the number of energy jobs is another goal shared by the administration and the U.S. Chamber. Notably, the president didn't just emphasize investment in new technologies and green jobs. He also put expansion of nuclear power and the development of offshore energy resources back on the national agenda. By increasing the number of options he is willing to consider, the president is acknowledging that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution to our energy and environmental challenges.

The business community and the White House are also in broad agreement on the need for education reform. The president has already backed up words with action--the Race to the Top program provides grants to states that take steps to improve student achievement. More work must be done, however, to revive our schools and prepare students for careers in the 21st century economy.

It was also heartening to see the president call for tax relief for small businesses and the modernization of our infrastructure. Both of these policies will have a stimulative effect on the economy.

To keep Washington's focus on jobs, let me mention a couple of policies that the president should not pursue. These include the financial reform and health care plans being advanced by the administration's congressional allies. Although we must take action on both fronts, we shouldn't let the cure be worse than the disease. Policymakers should go back to the drawing board and develop plans that won't undermine job creation.

The president is absolutely right to put his focus squarely on jobs. Now he must back that commitment with commonsense policies. We will support policies, Democrat or Republican, that create jobs and grow the economy. We will oppose those that don't.