With lingering difficulties for the economy, members of the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) met with President Barack Obama's Economic Development teams to lay out innovative strategies and policies to build the U.S. economy.

ASBC meet with Don Graves, from the President's Council on Jobs and Development, Greg Nelson, White House Office of Public Engagement, Ari Matusiak, White House Business Council, and representatives from the National Economic Council, Council of Economic Advisors and Domestic Policy Council, Department of Labor, Department of Treasury, and the Office of Science & Technology Policy.

The ASBC members presented their ideas and opportunities to help drive a new economy and put Americans back to work.

Positions on issues include:

• Small business access to capital
• Realistic Tax Policy
• Manufacturing in America
• Energy
• Healthcare
• Opportunity to grow businesses while growing goods and services that meet the needs of communities and the environment.

This important engagement was in response to their interests not being represented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or the National Federation of Independent Business.

"ASBC represents over 100,000 businesses and more than 200,000 entrepreneurs, owners, executives, investors and business professionals committed to advancing a new vision and policies that build a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable economy, supporting the Administration and Congress to rebuild the economy," says David Levine, Co-founder and Executive Director.

"A key issue discussed during the meeting was guaranteeing small businesses access to affordable capital," says Frank Knapp with the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce. "Boosting local economies by helping small businesses create jobs is a high priority."

"One of the fastest growing business sectors is the organic industry, which has remained in positive growth territory, coming out of the recession, hiring employees, adding farmers, and increasing revenue, to a record $29 billion industry in 2010," says Christine Bushway, Executive Director/CEO of the Organic Trade Association.

Connie Evans, CEO of Association For Enterprise Opportunity explained, "If the economy is going to bounce back it must happen on Main Street. 'Micro' or very small business, represent more than 80% of all businesses in the U.S. If just 1/3 of all microbusinesses hired one employee, the U.S. would be at full employment."

More info: www.asbcouncil.org.

American Sustainable Business Council

American Sustainable Business Council

The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) is a national coalition of mission-driven businesses, social enterprises and sustainable business networks working to create a vibrant, just and sustainable economy. What unites us is a deep belief that we must move to a new economy that is grounded in principles of sustainability and equity.

The Council represents over 55,000 businesses and enterprises and more than 150,000 executives, owners, investors, entrepreneurs and business professionals. It is comprised of partners, which are organizations that represent businesses and social enterprises as well as entrepreneurs, executives, owners and investors committed to building a vibrant, just, and sustainable economy.

ASBC promotes policy change by educating and informing the business community, policy makers and the media about the business case for change, and by engaging the leaders of businesses and enterprises in building broad support for the policies America needs. We work on a range of policy areas, including: financial reform, health care, chemicals policy, climate change and business taxes.

We believe that the policies that will lead us to a sustainable and just economy are also good for business and good for America. Making the right commitments and investments will produce more and better jobs, build strength in key technologies, and make the U.S. more independent and secure.

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