Get the latest delivered to your inbox
Privacy Policy

Now Reading

Business Leaders Applaud President's Strategy for Reinvigorating U.S. Economy; More Action Urged

Business Leaders Applaud President's Strategy for Reinvigorating U.S. Economy; More Action Urged

Published 02-13-13

Submitted by American Sustainable Business Council

In his State of the Union address, President Obama focused much attention on creating good jobs and economic growth. For the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), a national coalition of business organizations that together represent over 160,000 small and medium businesses, the clear commitment to policies of investment over austerity was welcome.

“President Obama was on the right track last night, calling for stepped up investment in education, infrastructure, and energy to strengthen the U.S. economy,” said David Levine, CEO of ASBC. “The president affirmed the importance of building a more competitive economy, emphasizing education and the growth of U.S. manufacturing, and reminded Americans that ‘we can’t just cut our way to prosperity.’”

ASBC represents 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers and investors who call for broad prosperity and sustainability. Many of these, like Thomas Kemper, CEO of Dolphin Blue, an office products distributor, affirm Obama’s proposals for strengthening the economy. “We all know the US economy has continually shed manufacturing jobs over the past 3-4 decades,” said Kemper. “As a leading economic power, the U.S. could create many new jobs by investing in clean energy, closing tax loopholes and ending incentives that encourage the shift of jobs overseas.”

“While the president’s general direction is sound,” said Levine, “more work needs to be done to stabilize the financial sector, and ensure that liquidity is available for the Main Street economy which generates more than its share of new jobs and disposable income. Inadequate regulatory oversight led the financial system to fail, and the industry continues to subvert regulations and evade accountability. Many banks are not yet lending to small business and micro-enterprise at the levels needed to restore growth and full employment.”

“Investing in capital and training of business owners will pay enormous dividends," said Connie Evans, President and CEO of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity.

The American Sustainable Business Council and its member organizations represent more than 160,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers, and investors. The council includes chambers of commerce, trade associations, and groups representing small business, investors, microenterprise, social enterprise, green and sustainable business, local living economy, and women and minority business leaders. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. www.asbcouncil.org

American Sustainable Business Council logo

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.

More from American Sustainable Business Council

Join today and get the latest delivered to your inbox