Driving the Day: 5/21/12

Leaders of the G8 summit agreed that Europe and the United States cannot afford Germany’s one-size-fits-all approach emphasizing austerity. Click for more news driving the day.

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total consumer credit grew in October

International Trade Balance

Total Private Jobs Increases In November

Employment

Now or Later, We Must Go Big to Solve Fiscal Challenges

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. Time ran out for the debt supercommittee to find at least $1.2 trillion to $1.5 trillion in savings ove

December 2011

BILL NAME SUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU U.S. CHAMBER'S POSITION STATUS 3% WITHHOLDING REPEAL H.R. 674 Withholding Tax Relief Act

Sens. Rubio, Coons Introduce Bipartisan Jobs Bill

Editor’s Note: This post by Rolf Lundberg, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Yesterday Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced a bipartisan jobs package. The Chamber shares the goal of Sens. Rubio and Coons to identify

Victory! 3% Withholding Tax Repeal Passes Congress

Editor’s Note: This post by Steve Lutes, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The repeal of the 3% withholding tax passed yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 422 to 0. With this House vote, we have overcome the final

Hiring Our Heroes Is the Right Thing—and the Smart Thing—to Do

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. This Veterans Day, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and businesses across America highlighted one of the mo

U.S. Chamber President Calls Delay on Keystone XL Pipeline Decision a Political and Job-Killing Move

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Courtesy of Carrie La Seur"][/caption] WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement today following the announcement by the State Department to delay a decision on the Keystone XL

White House, U.S. Chamber Get Behind Vets

Editor’s Note: This post by Kevin Schmiegel, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Today, First Lady Michelle Obama joined the growing ranks of people who have praised the success of the U.S. Chamber’s Hiring Our Heroes program. Speaking at the

Hiring Our Heroes is Getting Things Done for Vets; Michelle Obama Featured at Today's Event

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Hiring Our Heroes, the Chamber's effort to help unemployed veterans and their spouses find jobs is making a difference. Kevin Schmiegel, Vice President for Vetera

Black Midnight and Small Business Saturday

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Add a new term to the holiday shopping season lexicon: "Black Midnight." A number of retailers will open on midnight after Thanksgiving giving shoppers a chance to bu

With ‘Solutions’ Like These, Who Needs Problems?

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. For years, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has fought a provision that would give the IRS sweeping aut

Why Companies REALLY Can’t Find the Employees They Need, Part 2

Editor’s Note: This post by Cheryl Oldham originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Institute for a Competitive Workforce’s (ICW) Cheryl Oldham has taken issue with Dr. Peter Cappelli’s recent column in the Wall Street Journal in which he argues th

October Jobs Report

The October Monthly Jobs Report has been released.  Based on these new figures, to reach pre-recession employment levels within 39 months of the end of the recession (September 2012) we will now have to create 588,000 jobs every month. [caption id="attachment_14126" align="aligncenter" width="526

Our Best Bet to Modernize the Federal Rulemaking Process

Editor’s Note: This post by Bill Kovacs originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Today, the House Judiciary Committee will mark up H.R. 3010, the Regulatory Accountability Act.  Passage of the bill holds the promise of a much-needed modernization

Why Companies REALLY Can’t Find the Employees They Need, Part 1

Editor’s Note: This post by Cheryl Oldham originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. NOTE: The Institute for a Competitive Workforce’s (ICW) Cheryl Oldham has taken issue with Dr. Peter Cappelli’s recent column in the Wall Street Journal in which he arg

1,400 U.S. Organizations Will Drive Thousands to Creativity and Innovation Events during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011

Florida, Missouri and Pennsylvania Lead States with Most Events Scheduled during the Week KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov 01, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- A record 123 countries will take part in the world's largest celebration of innovators and job creators in less than two weeks. In the U.S. alone, more tha

Senate Must Expeditiously Repeal 3% Withholding Tax

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. On Capitol Hill today, Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA), along with members of the Chamber's Small Business Council and the Government Withholding Relief Coalition, called

Bipartisan Support in House to Repeal 3% Withholding Tax

Editor’s Note: This post by Bruce Josten, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Today the House of Representatives proved that members on both sides of the aisle can come together to improve our economy. The bipartisan repeal of the 3% withholding

Congratulations to Ginni Rometty

Editor’s Note: This post by David Chavern, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. We would all like to give a hearty congratulations to Virginia “Ginni” Rometty, who will be succeeding Sam Palmisano as the CEO of IBM on January 1st.  As indicate

Capital Roundup - November 2011

BILL NAME SUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU U.S. CHAMBER'S POSITION STATUS FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS H.R. 3078 (Colombia FTA) H.R. 3079 (Panama FTA) H.R. 3080 (South Korea FTA)

Building a Strong Economic Foundation Through Infrastructure

Editor’s Note: This post was written by Tom Collamore, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President of Communications and Strategy, and originally appear on Oct. 23. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. Keeping up the drumbeat on the Chamber’s six-p

To Create Jobs, Unwieldy Regulations Need to be Tamed

Editor’s Note: This guest post is written by Tom Collamore, U.S. Chamber of Commerce senior vice president of Communications and Strategy, and originally appeared in the Washington Post. If lawmakers are serious about creating jobs, then reforming the process by which the federal government i

Antiquated Regulatory System Won’t Meet Modern Challenges

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. The last time anyone tried to overhaul the federal regulatory process, Harry Truman was president,

Total retail sales rose in September

Retail Sales

A Victory for America’s Workers and Job Creators

Editor’s Note: This post is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. Passing these trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama represents a victory for American workers,

Small Business Outlook Survey - October 2011

Editor's Note: This post originally appeared on U.S. Chamber Small Business Nation. In May of 2011, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released the results of its inaugural quarterly Small Business Outlook Survey. The quarterly surveys are designed to track the small business community’s outlook on the

Of Escalators, Milk Duds, and the Colombia Free Trade Agreement

Editor’s Note: This post by Abram Olmstead, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Still aren’t entirely clear how the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement will benefit U.S. workers, farmers, and companies? This lunchroom dialogue between two co-worke

Total private jobs increase in September

Employment Report

September Jobs Report

The September Monthly Jobs Report has been released.  Based on these new figures, to reach pre-recession employment levels within 39 months of the end of the recession (September 2012)  we will now have to create 554,000 jobs every month. [caption id="attachment_13246" align="aligncenter" width="

Steps Toward a Secure Energy Future

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. I recently visited Banff, Canada to speak about energy policy at the Global Business Forum, and I was r

New Home Sales Fall In August

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

High-Skilled Workers Needed to Fire Up the Economy

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This morning at the U.S. Chamber, Michael Bloomberg – businessman, New York City Mayor, and co-chair of Partnership for a New American Economy (PNAE) – outlined h

The Truth About Taxes

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. The tax debate is heating up—and so is the rhetoric surrounding it. The president recently delive

Existing home sales rose in August

Housing starts

The Innovation Lifecycle Experience: Share Your Story

The U.S. Chamber believes that intellectual property creates jobs, encourages innovation, and promotes long-term economic growth—and we created the Innovation Lifecycle project to prove it. This interactive video experience illustrates the challenges, dedication, and skilled individuals behind the p

Building Foundations on Shifting Sands: A Global Business Forum Speech

This post is a transcript of the speech CEO and President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Tom Donohue, gave at the Global Business Forum—Building Foundations on Shifting Sands, today in Canada. Introduction Thank you very much and good morning everyone. It’s a pleasure to be here. The Glo

Free Trade: Job Creation Made Cheap

Myron Brilliant, senior vice president for International Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, recently discussed how the government can save nearly 400,000 jobs and create hundreds of thousands more by passing the pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. Editor’s N

Electronic Arts CEO to Speak About Future of Digital Entertainment

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. If you play Madden NFL, FIFA, Battlefield, or The Sims, on your Xbox, PlayStation3, or computer, you play Electronic Arts games. But if you play The Sims Social on Fa

Six Steps to Job Creation: Recap

These posts originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Here is a recap of Chamber's Six Steps You Can Take to Create Millions of Jobs -- Starting NOW: Buried Under the Regulatory Pile Imagine standing inside a giant hourglass with sand falling

Portman And Baucus Tackle Debt Problem

Editors Note: This post originally appeared in Free Enterprise Magazine: News and Views from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  In Washington, any single member of Congress can avoid attention by blending in with his or her 534 colleagues. But for the 12 members of the bipartisan congressional superc

White House Jobs Plan Falls Short

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. While the president’s jobs plan contains some ideas that American business supports, it falls short

Special Regulation Edition

REGULATION REGULATING AGENCY SUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU STATUS Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Total retail sales were unchanged in August

Retail Sales

Why the Jobs Plan Falls Short

This opinion piece was authored by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue and originally appeared in The Wall Street Journal. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="262" caption="Courtesy of Corbis"][/caption] While the jobs plan President Obama proposed last week contai

Buried Under the Regulatory Pile

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Imagine standing inside a giant hourglass with sand falling down on you. Little by little the small pile grows bigger. A few grains fall on top of a few other gra

The Welcome Mat to More Jobs

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Whether drawn to the United States by the white sandy beaches of Florida's Gulf Coast, the crisp air of the ski slopes in the Rockies, or the buzz of internationa

Ease the Regulatory Burden on Job Creators

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. President Obama's recent call for withdrawal of a disastrous new ozone rule was a step in the right directio

Energy: A Job Creating Home Run

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Remember playing softball and the pitcher tossed you a pitch that floated so perfectly towards you and looked like such a big target that you couldn't help but hit it

Consumer Credit Grows In July

International Trade Balance The U.S. trade deficit in goods and services narrowed to $44.8 billion from $48.9 billion in June. Exports rose 3.6% to $178.0 billion and imports declined 0.2% to $222.8 billion. The trade deficit in goods narrowed to $60.6 billion and the trade surplus in services rose $0.3 billion to $15.8 billion in July. Despite weakness in the global economy, we expect exports to continue to rebound in the next few months and for imports to gradually rise as well.

We Remember: Some 9/11 Businesses Live to Tell Their Stories

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Free Enterprise Magazine.  It was just a normal day. That’s what small business owners Michael Davis and Seth Pehr remember about the morning of September 11, 2001. Davis had just opened a second flower

Creating Jobs by Rebuilding America

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The president’s jobs plans calls for tens of billions of dollars of additional investment in roads, rails, and airports and $10 billion in seed money for a new na

Not THAT Kind of “Trade”

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. I'm distracted today. You see, the NFL starts its regular season tonight with my team, the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers hosting the New Orleans

Tax Policy: Put History Into Practice

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Here's a quick history lesson. Calvin Coolidge, John Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan all have something in common besides being president. All three understood that loweri

6 Steps Congress and the President Can Do NOW to Create Jobs

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Zero. That was the number many Americans were talking about during the unofficial final weekend of summer, because that was the number of net jobs created in A

Total private jobs increases in August

Employment Report

August Jobs Report

The August Monthly Jobs report has been released.  Based on these new figures, to reach pre-recession employment levels within 39 months of the end of the recession (September 2012)  we will now have to create 527,000 jobs every month. [caption id="attachment_11649" align="aligncenter" width="409

Get Serious About Jobs

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. I don't know what got stuck in Bill Saporito's craw. Maybe the power to his home was still out due to Hurricane Irene. Maybe he’s frustrated that the Yankees are trai

Highlights from Labor Day Briefing

At the recent Labor Day Briefing, Chamber Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Dr. Martin Regalia spoke about the initial conditions that sparked our recent economic downturn. He explained that job creation will not pick up unless GDP increases significantly. With 70% of the economy being cons

Entitlement, Tax Reform Key to Deficit Reduction and Growth

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction-the so-called super committee-needs to act expeditiously

New Home Sales Fall In July

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Reasons for Optimism about Job Creation

Editor’s Note: This post by NCF Scholar Nick Schulz, originally appeared in The Future of Business, the official blog of the National Chamber Foundation. There’s a lot of pessimism in Washington about the state of American  enterprise. Wild market gyrations coupled with anemic economic growth hav

U.S. Chamber Named a “Small Business Influencer Champion”

Editor’s Note: This post by Bill Miller originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. At a time when small businesses needs one more than ever, the U.S. Chamber was named a “Small Business Influencer Champion” by Small Business Trends and Small Biz Tec

New Residential Construction Decreases In July

Housing Starts

KORUS of Voices For the South Korea FTA

U.S.-Korea Business Council’s Tami Overby talks about the benefits of a free trade agreement with South Korea and warns that U.S. producers are already losing market share to their European competitors, who already have an agreement in place. “The free trade agreement is about lowering tariffs,” Overby says. The average Korean agriculture tariff is 53%. As soon as we sign this agreement, 85% of all Korean tariffs will go to zero.”  

Posts That Are Driving the Debate

Editor's Note: This post originally appeared in the National Chamber Foundation Blog: The Future of Business. They curate a weekly list of blog posts that touch on emerging issues affecting the American business community. Derek Thompson at The Atlantic summarized “The 16 Best Ideas to Super

Regulations are Punishing Small Businesses

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. So the mountain of bad regulations that are punishing small businesses is only growing higher.  While last month our members said that small businesses – the engines

No Time for Wallowing

Editor’s Note: This post, by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. With our credit downgraded, stock prices falling, economic recovery sputtering, and hope running out for millions o

Retail Sales Rise Slightly In July

Retail Sales

Debt Deal Good Step, But Long Way to Go

Editor’s Note: This post, by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. From the very beginning of the great debt ceiling debate, the U.S. Chamber underscored the critical importance of avoid

Personal Income Rises In June

Employment Report

Another "Pivot" Back to Jobs

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. Now that a debt ceiling and deficit reduction agreement has been reached, the White House and Congress hav

White House and Congress Did the Right Thing by Raising the Debt Ceiling

Editor’s Note: This post, by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The White House and Congress did the right thing by passing bipartisan legislation to cut federal spend

A Cautionary Tale of Crisis and Opportunity

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. Pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Korea, and Panama have languished for so long

Real GDP Growth Increases In Second Quarter

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Economy Trapped in Uncertainty's Grasp

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. We've been writing a lot about how uncertainty created by government [here, here, and here] has stopped businesses from taking risks on expanding and hiring workers.

New Residential Construction Increases In June

Housing Starts

Capital Roundup - August 2011

BILL NAME SUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU U.S. CHAMBER'S POSITION STATUS REGULATORY AUTHORITY S. 299 H.R. 10 Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2011

Default Is Not An Option – Spread the Word

Editor’s Note: This post by Bruce Josten, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. We have been telling you for weeks and months that defaulting on our debt is not an option – it has real, immediate, and potentially catastrophic consequences.

Our Biggest Challenge and Highest Priority: J-O-B-S

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. The 26 foot tall banner that stretches across the front of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in W

Consumer Price Index Falls In June

Retail Sales

Buy Young and Support Young Entrepreneurs

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.       What do young, hip, and fast-growing businesses such as  Living Social, Gilt Groupe, WordPress, CollegeHumor have in common? They were all starte

Remove Barriers to Economic Growth

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The overall theme at the Chamber’s second annual Jobs Summit this afternoon was the need to remove barriers that are causing uncertainty and preventing the econ

Consumer Credit Grows In May

Employment Report

Hiring Our Heroes- Los Angeles

Editor’s Note: This post by David Natonski, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. On the same set where Rocky was filmed, the U.S. Chamber today connected 1500 veterans and their spouses with more than 150 employers at our Hiring Our Heroes hir

Obama Administration's Rules Avalanche is Real

[caption id="attachment_9135" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Courtesy of the U.S. Chamber"][/caption] Editor’s Note: This post by R. Bruce Josten, the executive vice president of government affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, originally appeared in The Washington Post. In h

If You Can’t Beat ’Em, Silence ’Em?

Editor’s Note: This Weekly Column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. There’s a saying, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” Some business opponents have turned that phr

Consumer Confidence Falls In June

Personal Income

Education Reform Is Needed to Secure U.S. Future

[caption id="attachment_8962" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Courtesy of the U.S. Chamber"][/caption] Margaret Spellings is the President of the U.S. Forum for Policy Innovation at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She also is president and CEO of Margaret Spellings and Company and a leadin

Dr. Jill Biden Launches Military Spouse Employment Partnership at Chamber

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Yesterday, as part of its Hiring Our Heroes initiative, the Chamber welcomed Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden and co-chair of the White House’s Jo

New Home Sales Fall In May

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Hiring Our Heroes-Manhattan

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.             Hiring Our Heroes – Manhattan has blown away our expectations. Organizers thought 1,000 veterans and their spouses would atten

Three Things Washington Can Do Now To Grow Jobs

Editor’s Note: This post by Sean Hackbarth, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. On Monday, Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank dropped by the Chamber's Governors Summit. Despite listening to how governors like Wisconsin's Scott Walker a

'Permit'ting Job Growth

Editor’s Note: This Weekly Column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. One major factor hobbling our recovery is the inability to build anything anywhere in a timely manner. It

Industrial production increases in May

Retail Sales

Capital Roundup

BILL NAME SUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU U.S. CHAMBER'S POSITION STATUS 3% WITHHOLDING MANDATE H.R. 674, S. 89, S. 164 Withholding Tax Relief Act

Making The Most Of The Border

Editor’s Note: This Weekly Column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. The nearly 2,000-mile-long border separating the United States and Mexico is one of the most frequently cro

Consumer Credit Demands Pick Up In April

Flow of Funds

Regulation Review Makes Progress, but Falls Way Short

Editor’s Note: This Weekly Column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. The results are in on the Obama administration's four-month review designed to identify existing regulat

New orders for manufactured goods fall in April

Employment

Where Are The Jobs?

Editor’s Note: This post by Bryan Goettell, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. After a less-than-impressive jobs report on Friday, the Chamber's Chief Economist, Dr. Martin Regalia, offered a pretty succinct overview of what's stalling hirin

Hiring Our Heroes

Editor's Note: This Weekly Column is written by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. Read more from the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ChamberPost. This Memorial Day roughly 1 million veterans were looking for jobs. The 11.5% unemployment rate for post-9/

Business Owners Speak Out About Obstacles to Growth, Hiring

What is the biggest obstacle to growing your business and hiring more employees? Share your thoughts using the comment form below.

New Home Sales Increase In April

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

International Trade Balance Widens

Incoming data is pointing to sustained growth. Retail sales increased again in April, albeit at a slightly slower pace than in previous months. Trade activity picked up in March and the deficit widened by nearly $3 billion. Finally, inflation picked up again in April, especially from rising food and energy costs, although the pace slowed a bit from the previous two months.

Myths and Facts: Trade Agreements, Deficits, Jobs, and Growth

Editor’s Note: This post by John Murphy, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As the debate over the pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama heats up this year, some of the perennial arguments against trade agreements ar

Capital Roundup

BILL NAME SUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU U.S. CHAMBER'S POSITION STATUS REGULATORY AUTHORITY S. 299 H.R. 10 Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2011

Consumer Credit Grows In March

Employment Report

Real GDP Increases

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Small Businesses Tell Why the Korea FTA Matters

Capital Roundup

  BILL NAME SUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU U.S. CHAMBER'S POSITION STATUS REINING IN EPA H.R. 4 Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011

Far From A Healthy Housing Market

Housing Starts

8,608 Great Reasons to Pass the U.S.-Panama Trade Agreement

Editor’s Note: This post by John Murphy, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. That’s the number of American companies that currently export to Panama. A whopping 7,275 of those are small and medium-sized businesses. The Chamber is running two t

Industrial Production Increases in March

Consumer Price Index

Free Enterprise and the Final Frontier

Editor’s Note: This post by, Richard Cooper, originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. April 12th is one of those rarely recognized days that literally changed the world. Today marks the 50th anniversary of the first person, Yuri Gagarin of the So

Unemployment insurance claims decline

Jobless Claims Initial jobless claims for the week ending April 2 fell to 382,000, a decrease of 10,000 from the prior week. The four week moving average declined by just under 6,000 to 389,500.  Continuing claims fell 9,000 to 3.72 million, while the four week moving average for continuing claims fell 24,000 to 3.75 million.  The insured unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.0 percent. Going forward, jobless claims should continue to decrease at a moderate pace and will hopefully stabilize around 350,000 in the middle of this year.  

Bringing Home the Budget

Editor's note: This post originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. By: Abram Olmstead When talking about billions or trillions of dollars in deficits and debt, it’s easy for one to lose perspective. So, let’s slim a macro issue into a micro example

Employment Data Was Generally Positive

Employment report

Capital Roundup

BILL NAMESUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOUU.S. CHAMBER'S POSITIONSTATUSREGULATORY AUTHORITYS. 299H.R. 10

New orders for durable goods fell in February

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Exposing Overregulation

Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, by Greg Galdabini, director of communications. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) is using his position as chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to shine a spotlight on

New residential construction dropped in February

Housing Starts

Retail Sales Rose for the Eighth Straight Month

Retail Sales

Road Trip

Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared in the ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. By: Greg Galdabini Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue is taking the Chamber’s jobs and growth agenda on the road, with stops today and tomorrow in Massachusetts and St. Lo

New orders for manufactured goods rose

Employment report

U.S. Chamber Warns of Agency Impact on Small Business

House Passes 1099 Repeal

The U.S. House of Representatives passed U.S. Chamber-supported legislation to fully repeal a controversial provision in the federal health care reform law that would have required more paperwork for small businesses.

Bill Gates Calls for Improvements in Education

This post was written by Rosemary Lahasky, Director, Communications & Education/Workforce Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In a recent speech to our nation's governors, Bill Gates challenged state leaders to develop stronger evaluation systems for teachers in order to stop the trend of fir

2011 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award Winners Announced

Editor's Note: This post originally appeared in the ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. By: Margaret Shepard Congratulations to the 2011 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award® winners! These 75 businesses have shown tremendous dedication to restoring jobs and prosperit

Special Regulation Edition

BILL NAMESUMMARYSTATUSOzone and National Ambient Air Quality StandardsBeginning in 2009, EPA moved to reconsider the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone from 80 parts per billion to between 60 and 70 parts per billion.

Don’t Miss These Headliners

Come to America’s Small Business Summit 2011, May 23–25, in Washington, D.C., and hear from these exceptional speakers:

Durable goods orders are pointing to less growth in business investment

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Join Small Business Nation

SMALL BUSINESS TOOL KITS—The how-to center includes more than 4,000 pages of resources organized into nine tool kits: online solutions, employer, printing and shipping, sales and marketing, startup, finance, government contracting, insurance, and purchasing and inventory.

U.S. Chamber Recognizes Small Businesses

Top Selection to Be Announced in May

Retail sales and housing starts increased in January

Retail SalesTotal retail sales rose for the seventh straight month, increasing 0.3% in January following a 0.5% increase in December. Consumer spending has picked up, although January’s growth was a bit slower than anticipated as a result of the winter weather. The largest declines came from building materials (-2.9%), sporting goods & hobbies (-1.3%), and food service places (-0.7%). Sales are 7.8% above their year-ago level. Retail sales should continue to expand over the year as consumers’ confidence slowly rebounds.

Consumer Sentiment Increased in February

International Trade Balance

Personal income and consumption continued to rise in January

Employment

Credit Crunch Discussed

Photo: David Bohrer/©U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Data from last week shows that GDP growth, new home sales, and consumer confidence all improved

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Action Center

Get Involved!U.S. Chamber Offers Ways to Be HeardDo you want to add your voice to the debate in the nation’s capital? The U.S. Chamber provides a number of ways for small businesses and local and state chambers of commerce to become involved in the public policy debate.

U.S. Housing Starts Drop, Existing Home Sales Increase

Housing Starts & PermitsResidential construction dropped 4.3% in December to an annualized rate of 529,000 units. Single family starts unexpectedly declined 9.0%, while multifamily starts surged by 25.9%. Over the year total starts remain down 8.2%. Building permits for new homes increased 16.7% to 635,000 in December from 544,000 in November. Despite this growth, over the year permits are down 6.8%. Housing completions rose 4.1% in December to 585,000. The latest housing data reinforces the message that this sector has stabilized at a very low level.

U.S. Trade Deficit Narrowed in November

Retail Sales

Manufacturing Recovery is Gaining Strength

Employment Situation

Initial claims for unemployment insurance fell

Consumer ConfidenceThe Conference Board index of consumer confidence declined in December after improving slightly in November. Consumer confidence decreased to 52.5 from 54.3 (revised from 54.1). Consumer confidence fluctuated within a narrow band in the second half of 2010, though it is down from the first half of the year. December’s decline was driven by weak assessments of both current conditions and expectations for the future. The expectations component fell to 71.9 from 73.6. The present situation component declined to 23.5 from 25.4.

Spurring Entrepreneurship

Economic, Regulatory Barriers Slow StartupsStartups are critical to job growth but are being stymied by immigration policy, a lack of financing, and regulatory barriers, according to experts.

Meet the New Committee Chairmen

New House Leaders Take a Different Direction COMMITTEE INCOMING CHAIRSOUTGOING CHAIRSBudget CommitteePaul Ryan (R-WI) Opposed the 2009 stimulus bill.Voted against the health care reform bill.Voted for legislation to extend

Small Business Owners Speak Out

Looking for More Certainty From WashingtonWe asked members of the U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Council, while they were at Chamber headquarters for a November meeting, what government can do to help their businesses grow and create jobs. Here’s what some of them said.

Housing has Stabilized

Consumer Price IndexThe consumer price index rose 0.1% in November after rising 0.2% the previous month. The increase in headline inflation was driven by food prices and energy prices, which both rose 0.2% in November. Over the year the CPI is up only 1.1%. Food prices rose 1.5% over the past year while energy prices were up 3.9%. Core prices, excluding food and energy costs, rose 0.1% in November after remaining unchanged for the last three months. Consumer demand is gradually improving, but so far there is little pressure on prices.

President Signs U.S. Chamber-Supported Tax Package

Due in part to a strong lobbying and grassroots campaign orchestrated by the U.S. Chamber, President Obama has signed into law a comprehensive tax package that will stop the job-killing tax hikes scheduled for January 1, 2011.

U.S. Chamber’s ILR Shines Spotlight on Lawsuit Abuse

On the heels of a new annual report that finds that lawsuit abuse is widespread, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) has unveiled two more stories for its Faces of Lawsuit Abuse public awareness campaign.“Everyone deserves their day in court,” says Steve Arnold, the owner of Peachtree Pest Control in Loganville, Georgia. “But when is enough, enough?” Photo: Courtesy of ILR

Challenges, Rewards Are Great for Women-Owned Businesses

Despite the fact that women-owned businesses are growing faster than those owned by men, women entrepreneurs face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing capital, according to attendees at a U.S. Chamber event.

Consumer Credit Increased in October

International TradeThe U.S. trade deficit in goods and services narrowed to $38.7 billion in October from $44.6 billion in September. Exports increased 3.2% to $158.7 billion, and imports decreased by 0.5% to $197.4 billion. After slowing a bit in the third quarter, export growth has picked up in the fourth, and it appears the trade deficit will be less of a drag on economic growth as in previous quarters.

CPB Commissioner: Security and Trade Facilitation Not Mutually Exclusive

Alan Bersin, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Consumer Confidence Rose Again in November

Consumer ConfidenceThe Conference Board index of consumer confidence rose again in November, reaching its highest level since June. Consumer confidence increased to 54.1 from 49.9 in October. November’s increase was driven by strong assessments of labor markets and future business conditions. The expectations component led the gain. It rose to 74.2 from 67.5. The present situation component inched up to 24 from 23.5. While the increase is positive, confidence remains weak and is not spurring much consumer spending.

U.S. Chamber Applauds Bipartisan Tax Framework

The U.S. Chamber is urging Congress to enact a deal forged by the administration and Congress to extend tax rates, averting one of the largest tax increase in history.

U.S. Chamber Calls for Quick Passage of Final Korea FTA Deal

The U.S. Chamber has pledged to pull out all the stops to secure congressional approval of a critical, job-creating trade deal between the United States and South Korea, after the two governments effectively addressed lingering concerns.

Joint Report Shows Economic Impact of H-2B Visa Program

Contrary to critic's claims, America's H-2B visa program, designed for temporary, mostly non-agricultural jobs, does not take away jobs from Americans or depress wages of U.S. workers in similar occupations, according to a new report released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and ImmigrationWorks USA, a national federation of small business owners advocating immigration reform.

U.S. Chamber Announces Corporate Citizenship Award Winners

Six organizations took top honors at the 11th annual Corporate Citizenship Awards Dinner presented by the U.S. Chamber’s Business Civic Leadership Center. The event was held on November 30 at Chamber headquarters.

Accreditation Marks Strong Chambers

The U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation program is the only one of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and performance through a rigorous self-analysis tool to help chambers reach and maintain industry standards. Accreditation ensures that chambers continually review, improve, and promote sound business practices. It recognizes strong leadership, significant contributions to the community, and support of free enterprise and economic growth policies at the federal, state, and local levels. Accredited chambers represent the top 4% of chambers in the United States.

Struggling With Debt and Deficits

U.S. Chamber Gathers Experts to Examine IssueA Nation in Debt

Trial Bar Seeks New Opportunities

ILR, Chamber to Fight Liability-Expanding EffortsHaving lost major battles to pass liability-expanding legislation in Congress, the trial bar is shifting its focus toward a new front—the federal regulatory agencies.Trial lawyers are lining up to influence the implementation of the complicated health care and financial regulatory reform laws to ensure that the regulations are written to create more opportunities for lawsuits. Agencies have been given wide latitude to determine the details of the two laws, as well as unprecedented enforcement authority.

Voters Embrace Jobs Agenda

U.S. Chamber Works for Immediate Legislative Successes

Spotlight on Small Business

Awards Program Delivers BenefitsBy Beth Tully, Cocoa Dolce Artisan ChocolatesIf someone had asked me five years ago if our business would finish as one of seven regional finalists for the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, I would have laughed. When my husband, Jay, and I launched Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates, it was the culmination of my desire for the passionate pursuit of something I loved, not an expectation for recognition.

Packaging for Freight Shipping

Simple Solutions to Save You Time and MoneyJoe FilipiakFedEx WorldwideAccount Manager--Alliances and Associations

New and existing home sales were down in October

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Congress Returns to Fight Over Tax Rates

The lame-duck Congress returned from the Thanksgiving recess this week to a lengthy to-do list, topped with a dispute over expiring tax cuts.

1099 Repeal Fails to Pass the Senate

The Senate for a second time on Monday rejected two amendments that would either fully or partially repeal the 1099 mandate. The 1099 mandate requires businesses to file a 1099 form with the IRS for non-credit card purchases from other businesses totaling $600 or more per year. The mandate, scheduled to go into effect in 2012, is part of the health care reform bill passed earlier in the year. 

Inflations Increased Slightly

Consumer Price IndexThe consumer price index rose 0.2% in October after rising 0.1% in the previous month. The increase in headline inflation was driven by energy prices, which rose 2.6% in October after rising 0.7% in September. Food prices increased at a more modest 0.1% in October after a revised increase of 0.3% in September. Core prices were unchanged for the third straight month in October. Over the year, the CPI is up 1.2%, and the core CPI is only up 0.6%. Consumer demand remains subdued and as a result there is little pressure on prices.

House Small Business Leader Calls for Tax Extension, Spending Restraints

Congress should provide small business owners with certainty and extend the Bush tax rates for everyone, according to House Small Business Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO).

U.S. Chamber Expands Agenda, Vows to Stem Regulation Tsunami

Building on the positive results of the midterm elections, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue put forth a forward-looking agenda for the Chamber that includes working with the administration and Congress to stem the rising tide of regulations, expand trade, and increase the voice of small business in Washington D.C.Photo by David Bohrer © 2010 U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Small Business Owners Get Few Answers From Insurers on Health Care Law

Insurers— like small business owners—are navigating the vast minefield of requirements and mandates in the new health care law and are unsure how it will affect them and their customers, according to representatives from some of the nation’s largest insurance companies. Representatives from Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield Companies, WellPoint, Travelers Insurance, and America’s Health Insurance Plans spoke to members of the U.S.

Taxes, Regulations, Visa Policies Stalling Entrepreneurship

Generating more startups is the answer to our nation’s unemployment problems, but U.S. immigration, tax and regulatory policies are limiting start-up financing options and inhibiting the growth of entrepreneurship, according to experts who spoke at an event sponsored by the Campaign for Free Enterprise and the U.S. Chamber’s public policy think tank, the National Chamber Foundation.

Taxes, Business Pay Practices on Lame Duck Agenda

The U.S. Chamber ramped up its efforts in support of legislation to extend current marginal income, dividend, and capital gains tax rates before they expire at the end of the year as the lame-duck session of Congress kicked off this week. The Chamber is also gearing up for a potential fight against legislation to promote uncertainty in pay practices and expose employers to costly litigation.

U.S. Chamber to Expand Veterans Hiring Program

A public-private partnership to help veterans find meaningful employment after serving the nation has been so successful the U.S. Chamber is now looking to expand the program beyond the pilot stage.

U.S. Chamber Board Game Plays Up Regulatory Uncertainty

As Congress returned to Washington this week, the U.S. Chamber greeted each member with a unique delivery: an instructive board game highlighting the regulatory hurdles facing American business owners every day.

Consumer Confidence Increased in November

Retail salesTotal retail sales rose 1.2% in October following a 0.73% increase in September. Increases were spread across most retail categories. The largest declines came from electronics and appliance stores (-0.7%), furniture stores (-0.7%), and health and personal care stores (-0.1%). The increase in retail sales is further evidence that consumer spending is gradually improving; however, current levels of consumption are far too low to spark a turnaround in the labor market.

Jobs Numbers and Third Quarter Productivity Improved

Personal IncomePersonal income growth declined and the pace of spending growth slowed in September. Disposable income fell 0.3% in September following growth of 0.2% in August. Spending rose 0.1% following a much stronger 0.3% gain in August. The savings rate fell to 5.3%, its lowest level since March. The price deflator for consumption rose 0.1% while core prices were unchanged.

Voters Urge Congress to Rein in Organized Labor, Lawsuit Abuse

Voters in last week’s midterm elections want the next Congress to advance legal reform and rein in organized labor, according to survey data released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

An Opening to Boost U.S. Exports?

In a sign that relations between the White House and the business community may be thawing, President Obama has embarked on a nine-day trip to Asia with the purpose of opening foreign markets to American business.“The primary purpose is to take a bunch of U.S. companies and open up markets so that we can sell in Asia and some of the fastest-growing markets in the world, and we can create jobs here in the United States of America,” Obama told reporters last week.

What Americans Want

In the wake of yesterday's elections, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue recorded a statement about the message voters sent at the polls, and what lies ahead for Congress and the country as a whole.   brightcove.createExperiences();

Surveying the Washington Landscape

Bruce Josten, executive vice president for Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber, participated in the Reuters Washington Summit in September where he answered reporters’ questions about the political landscape in Washington. Here are excerpts of that conversation, edited for clarity and length.

Campaign Celebrates Anniversary

The U.S. Chamber’s Campaign for Free Enterprise (CFE)—one of the most important and necessary initiatives in the Chamber’s nearly 100-year history—hit its one-year anniversary in October.This multiyear campaign to promote and defend the American free enterprise system has engaged Americans in a number of ways—through paid media advertising, public opinion research, new media, lobbying, a video contest, and voter education.

Any Way You Slice It, More Taxes

New York state tax officials, under orders from cash-strapped Albany to ramp up their audit and compliance efforts, have begun to enforce a little known clause in the sales tax law that calls for a tax on whole or sliced bagels consumed at the place of purchase. The extra charge of about 8 cents a bagel is being passed on to enraged consumers, says one store owner.Source: The Wall Street Journal, August 24, 2010 

Chamber Argues Before High Court

The National Chamber Litigation Center (NCLC), the legal arm of the U.S. Chamber, is looking to influence the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions on a number of business-related cases in the term that began October 1.Nearly half of the Supreme Court cases—or 17 out of the total 38 cases—in the current term have implications for business, including smaller firms, says Robin Conrad, NCLC’s executive vice president. Key cases in which NCLC is involved deal with federal preemption over state laws, arbitration, and employment discrimination.

Slow But Steady Growth Expected to Continue

Economic data for the previous week were generally upbeat, as new and existing home sales, durable goods orders, and real GDP all improved. We are seeing slow but steady growth and expect it to continue in the fourth quarter.

Tax Policy Results in Higher Energy Costs

U.S. oil and natural gas companies already bear a heavier tax burden than their overseas competitors, and proposals to increase their taxes would further erode the industry’s competitiveness and increase energy costs for U.S. consumers, according to studies cited by the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy.

Act to Stop Overregulation

Want to educate yourself on the growing cascade of federal regulations and voice your discontent? A new U.S. Chamber website, ThisWayToJobs.com, empowers small business owners to do just that.

“Waiting for ‘Superman’” Film Shows Need for Education Reform

Film Shows Need for Education ReformThe U.S. Chamber’s public policy think tank, the National Chamber Foundation (NCF), has launched a 12-city tour to promote a documentary that examines the state of public education in America and highlights the need for K–12 public education reform.

Action Center

Health Care Law OpposedSmall business owners are making no secret of their distaste for the new health care law. They say that they are less likely to hire new employees, expect their costs to increase, and are more likely to reduce their current health care benefits because of the law. Philip Derrow is bracing for a 20% increase in health care costs because of the new law.

Staying a Step Ahead on Cybersecurity

An Interview With Presidential Assistant Howard SchmidtWith a career spanning more than 40 years in government, business, and law enforcement, Howard Schmidt brings a unique and deep experience to his role as special assistant to the president and cybersecurity coordinator for the federal government. Schmidt recently sat down with Free Enterprise staff writer Sheryll Poe to discuss the shared responsibility of all citizens to protect against cybercrime.

U.S. Chamber Releases Cybersecurity Guide

Worms ... Viruses ... Hackers ... Cybercrime in the United States is on the rise at troubling rates. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center’s (IC3’s) 2009 Internet Crime Report, annual crime complaints reported to IC3 have increased nearly 668% since 2001. The dollar loss from cybercrimes referred to law enforcement in 2009 totaled $559.7 million, a 112% increase from 2008.

Union Spending Highlighted in Wake of Attacks on U.S. Chamber

Business and the U.S. Chamber have been attacked for spending large sums of money this election season, including accusations that the Chamber uses foreign funds on political activities. But according to several recent reports by reputable mainstream media outlets, labor unions are in fact among the biggest political spenders. In the last election cycle—a presidential year—unions spent $450 million. This year they are on tap to spend $144 million—some 40% of all election spending, while corporations account for only 15%. 

U.S. Transportation System Is in Crisis

Investment Critical to Economic Growth and JobsFedEx Freight President Bill Logue says that infrastructure-caused delays mean condensed delivery windows, more facilities, and extra trucks, planes, and employees--all of which increase FedEx Freights' costs. Photo: Ian Wagreich

U.S. Chamber Event Examines Soaring Deficit, Debt

Out-of-control government spending and a swelling national debt are a direct threat to the U.S. economy. This was the general consensus of the experts who spoke at “A Balancing Act: Federal Debt, Deficit, and Economic Recovery,” an event sponsored by the Campaign for Free Enterprise and the National Chamber Foundation, the U.S. Chamber’s public policy think tank.

Recovery Is Firming

There were a few bright spots in last week’s data releases. The Conference Board’s index of leading indicators rose for the third consecutive month, housing starts and permits improved unexpectedly, and a Fed report indicates that the recovery is firming. On the downside, industrial production was weaker than expected.

U.S. Chamber Releases Internet Security Guide

To arm small business owners against ever-growing cyber threats, the U.S. Chamber has released its Internet Security Essentials for Business, a guide to help businesses secure valuable proprietary property, digital devices, and networks and make hacking increasingly expensive for individuals and criminal organizations.

Energy Institute Teams With Scholastic to Raise Students' Energy Awareness

The U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy has launched a nationwide education program to educate up to six million middle school students in more than 100,000 classrooms about energy this school year.

Impending Tax Hikes Fuel Letter-Writing Campaign

The U.S. Chamber’s grassroots network has generated more than 120,000 letters to members of Congress urging them to extend tax rates that expire at the end of the year.The impending hikes on marginal income, dividend, and capital gains tax rates have spurred the biggest grassroots mobilization since the health care debate. The number of letters requesting congressional action on taxes is three times the number of letters the Chamber’s grassroots network sent on all issues during all of 2008.

Retail Sales Show Growth as Consumer Spending Improves

The U.S. trade deficit in August was wider than expected. September consumer prices rose less than expected. September retail sales saw healthy gains as consumer spending improved.

Lifting of Drilling Ban Is ‘Too Little, Too Late,’ Says Chamber Official

An Obama Administration decision to lift its moratorium on offshore oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico six weeks ahead of schedule will not prevent significant economic harm to the Gulf region and to America’s energy security, says Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy.

Waiting for “Superman” Tour Takes Flight

The U.S. Chamber’s public policy think tank, the National Chamber Foundation (NCF), has held the first three special screenings and discussions of the groundbreaking movie on K-12 public education reform, Waiting for “Superman.”

Free Enterprise Campaign Turns One

The U.S. Chamber’s Campaign for Free Enterprise—one of the most important and necessary initiatives in the Chamber's nearly 100-year history—celebrates its one-year anniversary this week.This multiyear campaign to champion the American free enterprise system has engaged tens of thousands of Americans in a number of ways—through advertising, public opinion research, social media, lobbying, a nationwide video contest, and voter education.

Business Confidence Continues to Hold Up Well

The ISM non-manufacturing index in September showed slow and fragile growth, consumer credit fell in August, and the employment report for September showed continued weakness.

U.S. Chamber, Others Rebut Bogus Claim of Foreign Money in Elections

The U.S. Chamber beat back unfounded allegations this week that it uses foreign membership dues for political activities.

Donohue Says Excessive Regulations ‘Suffocating the Entrepreneurial Spirit’

Less than a month before Election Day and with polls showing increasing voter discontent about the growth of government, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue called on federal and state lawmakers to help stem a tidal wave of regulations that are significantly impeding American business’ ability to create jobs.  

Personal Income on the Rise

Personal income growth was stronger in August, yet consumer confidence slipped in September. The revised second quarter GDP growth rate shows an economy that is continuing to expand but at a subdued pace.

Senate Report Finds EPA Policies Will Cost Jobs, Raise Energy Prices

As Americans suffer through a jobless recovery, the EPA is pursuing policies that will exacerbate the nation’s economic problems, destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs, and will not improve the environment, according to a recent report released by Republicans on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.The report examines the impact on jobs and the economy from EPA’s greenhouse gas proposals, its new standards for commercial and industrial boilers and Portland cement plants, and the revised National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone.

U.S. Chamber, Labor Department Launch Veteran Jobs Program

The U.S. Chamber and the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) have teamed up to help veterans find meaningful employment after service to the nation.Members of the armed services attended an Oct. 1 event to announce the launch of a U.S. Chamber program to help place transitioning veterans in private sector jobs.

Congress Leaves Soon-to-Expire Tax Rates Hanging

Facing voter anger and tough mid-term elections, congressional leadership adjourned on September 29 after addressing a handful of business-related bills but punting on what the U.S. Chamber says should be the most important priority—extending existing tax rates. Below is a recap of Congress’ last week in session.

Chamber Vice Chairman Carries on Food Prize Legacy

World Food Prize Chairman John Ruan, III (right) and Joaquim Chissano, former president of Mozambique (left), present the 2009 World Food Prize to Dr. Gebisa Ejeta of Ethiopia. Photo: Ian Wagreich

Capital Roundup

Special Edition—111th CongressWith Election Day looming, it’s a good time for voters to take stock of the 111th Congress’ record on legislation that has or will have a significant impact on job creation and economic growth. Here are the U.S. Chamber’s views on the top job-impacting developments since the current Congress was seated in January 2009.

Chamber Educates Citizens in Battleground States

Issue Ads Form Foundation of EffortThe U.S. Chamber has launched the most aggressive voter education program in its nearly 100-year history, running multifaceted campaigns in targeted states that include TV, radio, direct mail, and phone programs to ensure that voters know where the candidates stand on the issues.

Small Businesses Get Tangled Up In Rules, Mandates

Lillian Willis, We Care Physicals LLCLillian Willis had good credit and a good relationship with her local community bank in Washington, D.C. In 2007, she took out a $150,000, SBA-backed loan to start We Care Physicals LLC, a provider of employment physicals and drug testing for individuals, local government agencies, and private companies. A year later, she had paid off the loan in full.

When Life Gives You Lemons

County health inspectors in Portland, Oregon, shut down a lemonade stand at a neighborhood art fair because 7-year-old entrepreneur Julie Murphy did not have a $120 temporary restaurant license. The penalty for selling food without a permit is $500. Even after offering the lemonade for free and for donation only, the inspectors shut down the stand. The young girl left the fair in tears.Source: The New York Times, August 6, 2010 

Small Businesses Get Tangled Up in Rules, Mandates

Regulations Cause Hardships

Business Owners Urge 1099 Repeal, Tax Relief

"I keep coming to D.C. because citizen advocacy is our right and privilege," says Laura Wilson. "Lawmakers need to hear from real people on how their actions affect the real world." Photo: Ian Wagreigh

Small Businesses Get Tangled Up In Rules, Mandates

Ronald Myers, Hot Shot Equipment Co.Ronald Myers no longer has to worry about the impact of a potential price on carbon or efforts to rewrite workplace regulations. That’s because existing regulations forced him to shut down his iron gate manufacturing shop in Prescott, Arizona.

Small Businesses Get Tangled Up in Rules, Mandates

Leslie Bertucci,R&D Enterprises

Housing Market Remains Very Weak

The data from the past week continues to point to a sustained but weak economic recovery. Housing starts increased in August, but the gains were again driven from the volatile multifamily sector. Existing home sales rebounded a bit while new home sales were flat. Prices for both new and existing homes decreased slightly. Finally, orders for durable goods fell in August, but core sales improved.

Chamber Prepares to Argue for Business Before Supreme Court

The National Chamber Litigation Center (NCLC), the legal arm of the U.S. Chamber, is looking to influence the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions on a number of business-related cases. The court term begins October 1.NCLC’s Robin Conrad says the Chamber is weighing in on cases involving employment discrimination, arbitration, and immigration this Supreme Court session.

U.S. Transportation System ‘Hitting a Wall,’ Donohue Says

The nation’s transportation system is underperforming and unable to meet the needs of the business community and the overall economy, according to a groundbreaking new index released by the U.S. Chamber.The Chamber’s Tom Donohue warns that the economy could lose $336 billion over the next five years unless Congress and the administration increase funding and remove barriers to improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

Proposed Energy Taxes Would Have Large Economic Impact, Studies Find

Higher taxes on U.S. oil and gas companies mean a less competitive industry and higher energy costs, according to the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy.“As Congress and the administration contemplate new tax policies, it’s critical to have a complete and full understanding of the consequences of those proposals,” says Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the Institute.

New Health Care Law Causes Small Business Uncertainty, Poll Finds

Small business owners say they are less likely to hire new employees, expect their costs to increase, and are more likely to reduce their current health care benefits because of the new health care law, according to a U.S. Chamber poll.The poll of 590 small business owners and leaders—including CEOs, COOs, senior vice presidents, and HR directors—was conducted September 18-20 by nationally recognized pollsters Frank Luntz and Doug Schoen. The Chamber released the poll on September 23, the six-month anniversary of the health care law.Among the key findings:

Retail Sales Continue to Climb, Prices Remain Steady

August retail sales increased for the second month in a row, and industrial production continues to rebound. With continued weak consumer demand, there is little upward pressure on prices.

Documentary Makes the Case for Education Reform

The U.S. Chamber’s public policy think tank, the National Chamber Foundation (NCF), has launched a 12-city tour to promote a documentary that examines the state of public education in America and highlights the need for public K-12 education reform.

Chamber Members Rally Against Taxes, Regulations

Led by the U.S. Chamber, more than 40 business leaders from 15 states and the District of Colombia marched to Capitol Hill to urge their representatives in Congress to fully repeal the IRS 1099 reporting mandate and extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts during a September 15 fly-in.The fly-in was the latest tactic in the assault against 1099 reporting. The Chamber led a letter writing campaign that saw more than 2,400 businesses, chambers, and associations from all 50 states send a letter of protest to their senators.

A Legislator’s Perspective

By Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito

Consumers Spending More, Using Credit Cards Less

Incoming data suggest the economic recovery remains tepid, hampered by restricted credit access and limited consumer spending. On the bright side, consumer confidence appears to be improving slightly, and the trade deficit fell in July.

U.S. Chamber Applauds Aerospace Contributions

The U.S. Chamber is joining the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) to celebrate National Aerospace Week September 12–18.“For the naysayers who argue that American manufacturing is dead, let me suggest that they take a look at what’s happening in the aerospace industry,” says Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue. “This critical industry is essential to national defense, transportation, and technological innovation, and a leader when it comes to exports.”

5 Questions for the Candidates

The Chamber’s Campaign for Free Enterprise is making its mark on the upcoming midterm elections by urging Chamber members, grassroots activists, and supporters of free enterprise to pose the following five questions to candidates:

Senate Rejects 1099 Repeal; U.S. Chamber Members Keep Up Pressure

The Senate on Tuesday rejected measures that would either fully or partially repeal a mandate requiring businesses to file a 1099 form with the IRS for non-credit card purchases from other businesses totaling $600 or more per year. The mandate, scheduled to go into effect in 2012, is part of the health care reform bill passed earlier in the year.

Consumer and Business Confidence on the Rise

For the first time in a while, there were a few bright spots in last week’s economic reports, as measures of consumer and business confidence both posted gains last month, after recent declines. Personal income and spending growth both accelerated a bit in July. On the downside, the labor market remained very weak in August, and the pace of recovery remains well below what we’ve experienced in previous recessions. Finally, labor productivity, the long-run driver of economic growth, declined in the second quarter.

U.S. Chamber Calls for Comprehensive Solutions at Clean Energy Summit

As Congress and the administration consider energy policy, it is more important than ever that they look at options that don’t further burden taxpayers or jeopardize energy security and that offer the greatest return on investment to the economy, said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue at the National Clean Energy Summit at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, on September 7.

Taxes, Regulations Causing Business Uncertainty This Labor Day

Uncertainty over taxes and regulations is stalling a strong economic recovery and a faster pace of job growth, U.S. Chamber officials said during an annual Labor Day briefing.The Chamber’s Randy Johnson (right) and Marty Regalia give an overview of the economy and upcoming labor agenda during the Chamber’s annual Labor Day briefing on Sept. 2.

Action Center

Businesses Rally for Extended Tax ReliefMembers of the U.S. Chamber, along with other business groups and ordinary citizens, are stepping up their efforts to prevent a massive tax increase on January 1, 2011, that will have a detrimental impact on investment and jobs in the United States.

Senate Shelves DISCLOSE Act—for Now

U.S. Chamber Opposition Stalls BillThis image appeared in a U.S. Chamber of Commerce ad opposing the DISCLOSE Act, which would censor business political speech.

Capital Roundup

BILL NAMESUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOUU.S. CHAMBER'S POSITIONSTATUSBUSINESSFREE SPEECHS. 3628

Stand Up for American Jobs

Involvement in Elections Is CriticalBy Bill MillerU.S. Chamber Senior Vice President & National Political DirectorAmong the dozens of high-stake debates this year in Congress, there is one common theme that underscores them all—jobs.

Woman Says Google Led Her Astray

A pedestrian injured by a motorist while following an online route filed a lawsuit claiming that Google Inc. supplied unsafe directions. Lauren Rosenberg filed a lawsuit seeking more than $100,000 in U.S. District Court in Utah. The suit also named a motorist she says hit her. Google Maps led her to a four-lane boulevard without sidewalks that was “not reasonably safe for pedestrians,” according to the lawsuit filed by the California resident.Source: Associated Press, May 31, 2010 

Chamber Seeks Health Reform Stories

Tort Costs Exceed $100 Billion

Although small businesses are touted as the economic engines driving job creation, they disproportionately bear the brunt of the nation’s tort costs, impairing their ability to thrive and grow, according to research released by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR).Businesses with $10 million or less in annual revenue paid $105.4 billion in tort liability costs in 2008, a study by ILR and NERA Economic Consulting points out. Some $35 billion of those costs were paid for out of pocket, not covered by insurance.

Congress Misfires on Financial Overhaul

Further Tightening of Credit ExpectedThe Federal Reserve is home to the new, independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has the authority to create and enforce new rules on thousands of businesses. Photo: Ian Wagreich

Regulations Pile Up

Businesses Feel Uncertainty

Housing Market Remains Very Weak

GDP was revised lower in the second quarter, and the housing market contracted sharply in July. Durable goods orders are pointing to slower investment growth in the third quarter.

Efforts to Expand U.S. Exports Gain Momentum

The U.S. Chamber’s push to expand U.S. exports was rewarded with the administration’s announcement of a framework for a new export control system, which will open up long-restricted overseas markets to U.S. technology and manufactured goods.

Recovery Remains Weak

Producer prices, housing starts, industrial production and capacity utilization, and the Conference Board’s index of leading indicators all rose in July, but the economic recovery remains weak.

Health Care Law Said to Contribute to Higher 2011 Premiums

Businesses are facing a larger increase in health care premiums in 2011 than this year, and 1% of that increase is attributable to the health care reform law, according to a survey by the National Business Group on Health.

New Labor Data Shows Small Businesses Are Suffering

Small businesses, struggling with reduced access to credit, a drop in demand, and a growing regulatory burden, cut more jobs than larger companies during the last three months 2009, according to new data from the Department of Labor.The Business Employment Dynamics data shows that firms with 1 to 49 employees accounted for 61.8% of all net job losses in the fourth quarter of 2009. That same business segment accounted for 54.1% of all hiring during the same period and employ approximately 29% of the workforce, according to the report.

Inflation Remains Contained

On the positive side, inflation remains benign and retail sales increased a bit, after falling in the previous two months. But this good news was somewhat offset by a widening trade deficit and a drop in productivity.

Manufacturers Get a Boost

President Obama has signed into law a Chamber-supported bill that lowers costs and helps U.S. businesses maintain their competitive edge.The Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) temporary suspends or reduces through 2012 duties levied on imported materials or intermediate products that are not produced domestically, or where there is no domestic opposition. Since the expiration of the last MTB on December 31, 2009, U.S. businesses both large and small have faced higher costs for imported inputs not available from domestic sources.

U.S. Chamber, Allies Call for H-1B Visa Reform

A market-based cap on H-1B visas and a streamlined green card sponsorship program for highly educated professionals are among the employment-based immigration policy recommendations in a study by the U.S. Chamber’s Labor, Immigration & Employee Benefits division and the American Council on International Personnel (ACIP).

U.S. Chamber Challenges Parts of Health Care Law

The U.S. Chamber is mounting an aggressive campaign to blunt the effects of two of the most onerous aspects of the health care reform law—a restrictive grandfathering regulation and a business transaction reporting mandate.

Trade Tour Stops in Midwest

While Congress stalls on passing the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the U.S. Chamber is building support for the agreement and highlighting the role trade plays in creating jobs with a nationwide grassroots education tour that stopped in the Illinois this week.

Consumers Focus on Paying Off Debt

Consumers continue to focus on paying off existing credit commitments. Business confidence remains strong, but slightly weaker than we’ve seen. The labor market remains troubled.

Senate Takes Parting Shot at Business Before Recess

With just hours left before the start of its August recess, the Senate passed a $26.1 billion state-aid package that would raise taxes on U.S. companies with overseas operations. The Chamber opposed the measure, noting that it would “hinder job creation, decrease the competitiveness of American businesses, and deter economic growth.” Members of the House are expected to return to Washington for an August 10 vote on the measure.Tax Debate Set for September

On Tour, Energy Institute Calls for Commonsense Policies

The U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy is engaging in a national discussion about America’s energy future and building support for meaningful action with a multi-state tour.Energy Institute President Karen Harbert speaks to an audience in Anchorage about energy solutions.

Recovery Weaker Than Initially Thought

New GDP data show that the current downturn was steeper than originally reported and the recovery weaker than initially thought. Consumer confidence continues to slide and durable goods orders were down in June.

U.S. Chamber Disappointed by EPA's Rejection of Petition

The U.S. Chamber expressed disappointment with the EPA’s failure to reconsider its flawed decision to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. The Chamber intends to appeal the ruling.

U.S. Chamber Seeks Changes to Health Care Law

The U.S. Chamber is pushing for repeal of the employer mandate provision in the health care reform law, warning that it is “critical that this provision be removed before it comes into effect in 2014.”

Recovery Weaker Than Initially Thought

New GDP data show that the current downturn was steeper than originally reported and the recovery weaker than initially thought. Consumer confidence continues to slide and durable goods orders were down in June.

Capital Roundup

BILL NAMESUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOUU.S. CHAMBER'S POSITIONSTATUSFINANCIAL REGULATORYREFORMH.R. 4173

Chamber Ramps Up Election Activity

Focus Is on JobsWith the balance of power in Congress up for grabs this November, the U.S. Chamber has launched the most aggressive voter education and issue advocacy effort in its nearly 100-year history, bringing job growth to the forefront of the campaign season.

Action Center

A Campaign Veteran Plans to Get InvolvedSmall business owners could take a few election pointers from military veteran, fellow business owner, and U.S. Chamber member Ted Daywalt of Marietta, Georgia.Small business owner Ted Daywalt has a track record of getting pro-business voters to the polls on Election Day. Photo: Ian Wagreich

Chamber Urges Action on Job Creation

With more than 16% of Americans either unemployed, underemployed, or too discouraged to look for work, the U.S. Chamber on July 14 released an Open Letter to the president, Congress, and the American people outlining specific recommendations for creating more than 20 million jobs in the United States over the next 10 years.

Housing Market Fails to Show Marked Improvement

In June, housing starts fell, and existing and new home sales remained at rock bottom levels. The index of leading indicators also fell slightly last month, suggesting some softening in the pace of growth for the remainder of the year.

Business Community United Against Tax Increases

Members of the U.S. Chamber, along with other business groups and ordinary citizens, are stepping up their efforts to prevent a massive tax increase on January 1, 2011, that will have detrimental impacts on investment and jobs in the United States.

U.S. Chamber Beats Back ‘Incumbent Protection Bill’

Due in large part to an intensive U.S. Chamber lobbying, grassroots, and advertising campaign, Senate leaders failed to muster the necessary votes to advance a campaign finance bill intended to restrict corporate free speech.

Health Care Law Cripples Small Business Owners, Job Creation

Preparing themselves for new mandates and penalties in the health care reform law, small businesses are cutting costs, employee hours, and the number of new hires, according to entrepreneurs speaking at a U.S. Chamber event.The Chamber partnered with the National Federation of Independent Business and the American Action Forum to host Behind the Curtain: The Health Care Law’s Impact on Small Business at the Chamber on July 26.Employer Mandate Looms

Consumers Reluctant to Spend

In June, inflation remained benign and industrial production rose slightly. However, June retail sales dipped, and the trade deficit widened in May.

U.S. Chamber Rejects Ban on Offshore Energy Exploration

The U.S. Chamber and other members of the Alliance for Energy and Economic Growth (AEEG) sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar asking him to reconsider the six-month standstill on deepwater exploration in the Gulf of Mexico.

Congress Fails on Financial Regulatory Reform

What can businesses expect from the new financial regulatory reform law? Massive red tape and restricted access to credit, according to the U.S. Chamber.

U.S. Chamber Urges Action on Job Creation

Though the Congressional majority and the administration have stabilized the economy and prevented another Depression, they have neglected America’s number one priority—creating more than 20 million jobs needed over the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Chamber.U.S. Chamber Chairman Tom Bell says that growing economic uncertainty is being caused by burdensome federal tax and regulatory policy.

Labor Market Remains Troubled

Economic indicators in the past week were mixed. Consumers continue to focus on paying off existing credit commitments. Business confidence remains strong but is slightly weaker than we’ve seen, and the labor market remains troubled.

Poll: Deficits, Administration Policies Stifling Jobs, Small Businesses

Small business owners have significant concerns about the nation’s economic situation and are unconvinced that this administration’s efforts will have a positive impact, according to a new poll released a day ahead of the U.S. Chamber’s Jobs for America: Summit 2010.

Growing Regulation Hinders Economic Recovery

The avalanche of new and proposed rules and regulations introduced by the Obama Administration and its federal agencies is creating great uncertainty among businesses and stifling job creation, according to business owners and academia attending a July 8 forum hosted by the National Chamber Foundation (NCF), the U.S. Chamber’s public policy think tank.

Little Hope for Quick Recovery in Housing Market

After five consecutive months of improvement, payroll employment fell by 125,000 in June. Private employers have continued to increase employment and we have seen gains since the start of the year. The outlook for the labor market remains precarious however. Other data from the past week also paint a mixed picture of the economy. Business confidence fell a bit in June but remains expansionary. Factory orders fell as demand faltered a bit. Finally, the housing market has clearly faltered after the expiration of the homebuyer’s tax credit.

U.S. Chamber Communications, Legal Staff Draw Industry Accolades

Three senior members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce staff were recognized by major industry publications last week.

U.S. Chamber Ramps Up Opposition to Financial Regulatory Reform Bill

With members of Congress back in their home districts for the weeklong July 4th recess, the U.S. Chamber is stepping up pressure on key undecided lawmakers to urge them to oppose a flawed financial regulatory reform bill that increases uncertainty, reduces the availability of credit, and likely cause unintended harm throughout the economy, affecting companies that had nothing to do with the financial crisis.

Industry Calls for More Cooperation on IP Protection at U.S. Chamber Event

Government agencies need to do a better job of educating small businesses on their rights when it comes to intellectual property and give greater priority to small business counterfeiting and piracy complaints, according to a representative of small technology companies.

U.S. Chamber Keeps Immigration Reform on the Forefront

The U.S. Chamber applauded President Obama and the Supreme Court this week for focusing their attention on the importance of fixing the nation’s broken immigration system. The Chamber stands ready to work with the administration and Congress to achieve this important goal.

Capital Roundup

BILL NAMESUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOUU.S. CHAMBER'S POSITIONSTATUSTAX EXTENDERSH.R. 4213American Jobs and Closing

Action Center

Summit Attendee Supports Free Enterprise, ColleaguesNo man—or small business owner—is an island. Just ask Robert White."We're here to encourage and do whatever we can to make sure that free enterprise continues to be successful," says Johnson City (TN) Chamber executive Robert White (left). Photo: Ian Wagreich

Got a Business Question? Get Answers

Below are online discussions, edited for clarity andlength, from the Ask a Mentor page of the Free Enterprise website. Ask your own question or answer one at www.uschambermagazine.com/ask-a-mentor.

Contest Highlights Entrepreneurs

A personal fitness trainer and sneaker collector beat out 130 other small business owners and entrepreneurs to win the American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign’s “I Am Free Enterprise” video contest. By a popular online vote, Carlos Sanchez, of Maplewood, New Jersey, took home the grand prize of $50,000. Runners-up Tracy Foster and Meredith Bragg won $30,000 and $20,000, respectively. Rounding out the top five were Jennifer Stewart and Celeste Carlucci and Julie Kardachi. An expert panel selected the five finalists from among the 25 most viewed videos.

Campaign Bill Favors Unions

A campaign finance reform bill making its way through Congress would give unions an upper hand during the upcoming fall elections by placing more restrictions on businesses than on unions, according to the U.S. Chamber.The DISCLOSE Act was drafted in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to lift limits on political advertising paid for by corporations, trade associations, and other nonprofit organizations. But while the Supreme Court decision applied to labor unions and businesses alike, the DISCLOSE Act only addresses corporate spending.

U.S. Energy Security at Risk

The United States’ energy security risk is set to rise to near record levels in the next 20 years unless the nation changes course, according to a new study by the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy.

U.S. Chamber Praises Travel Industry

Policy Recommendations Offered

Call It the ‘Incumbent Protection Act’

A bill to limit the business community’s First Amendment rights is being hailed by Democratic leadership as legislation that “will make [corporations] think twice” before attempting to influence election outcomes. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) admitted that the bill is designed to “impact” this fall’s elections “as much as possible.” Sources: The Wall Street Journal, February 12, 2010Politics Daily website, April 29, 2010 

Thomas D. Bell Jr. Elected U.S. Chamber Chairman

Focus Will Be on the Free Enterprise Campaign and Voter EducationNew U.S. Chamber Chairman Tom Bell boasts a professional background nearly as diverse as the Chamber’s membership, with successful stints in politics, the nonprofit world, advertising and marketing, manufacturing, commercial real estate, and, currently, the security business.

Trade Creates Jobs

U.S. Chamber’s Donohue States Case for Expanded Trade"If I had to describe the state of world trade today, I would do it in two words: missed opportunities," U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue told a National Press Club audience in Washington, D.C. Photo: David Bohrer