Business Must Shape the Elections
By Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Though it seems like the 2008 political season started sometime near the end of 2004, this is the month when voters actually begin the decision-making process with the first of the primary elections. By most accounts, 2008 is one of the most important election years in recent history. The nation's prospects for growth and prosperity could be heavily influenced by the outcome.
Alaska Oil Jobs Growing-Employment is booming in the North Slope oil fields, according to a state labor economist. The number of oil jobs was expected to reach 11,400 in 2007, the highest number since oil production began in the area in the mid-1970s. Source: Associated Press
Chamber Outlines Plan for Continued GrowthIn its annual State of American Business report, the U.S. Chamber draws attention to economic threats to U.S. competitiveness and unveils a comprehensive plan for long-term economic growth.
"Chamber Busts Economic Myths" (uschamber.com, November 2007), a portrayal of strong job growth, rising wages, and tax burdens, elicited a large number of responses from visitors to the Web site. Use the form below to share your opinions.
Not sure where the presidential candidates stand on important business issues? With the election season in full swing, now's the time to find out. The U.S. Chamber has compiled a voter guide comparing the positions of the major candidates from both parties on key business issues. Only candidates with double-digit support in at least one national voter poll are profiled.
Our special coverage of the recent financial crisis (uschamber.com, November 2008) generated a flurry of feedback from visitors to www.uschambermagazine.com. Below are some responses."Thank you for this informative primer on the rescue package. Your Q&A clearly explains that Wall Street execs and companies will not 'get off clean' for their poor management decisions."-Pete Cherepanov, Knoxville, TN
U.S. Census Bureau Gathers DataMore than 4 million businesses have received a questionnaire from the U.S. Census Bureau. Here are some facts about the economic census and why you need to respond. Q: What is the economic census?A: The economic census, conducted every five years by the Census Bureau since 1810, measures business activity throughout the country.
U.S. Chamber senior staff and White House Fellows gathered at a reception and dinner at the Chamber last November to launch a new partnership to identify emerging business issues and build awareness of those issues throughout the federal government.
U.S. Chamber Fights Offsetting Tax HikesAs 2007 neared an end, Congress was grappling with a bill that would temporarily extend relief from the alternative minimum tax (AMT) but not without imposing new, onerous, and permanent taxes on business, employees, and the economy. The Chamber worked to strip out the tax increases included in the legislation.
