Chamber of Commerce CEO promotes small businesses: ‘The state of American business is local’

Susan B. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, gave a speech Thursday on “The State of American Business” that highlighted companies’ domestic impact and the importance of Small businesses.

Small businesses are responsible for employing nearly half of the U.S. workforce and driving about 43.5% of U.S. gross domestic product, according to a chamber report published last year. Clark’s speech stressed the importance of small businesses — including those that resemble franchises that some may not consider small businesses — Local economies.

“The state of American business is local because companies serve people wherever they are. And if you think about it, that makes all businesses local,” Clark explained. “This is true, of course, for the small businesses that line Main Streets and the locally headquartered businesses that employ hundreds, or even thousands, of people in a community and drive its economic ecosystem.”

“This also applies to the national restaurant chain where you got your first job. The technology company that produces the equipment and the Internet service provider that together enables you to work from your kitchen table or home office. The energy producers that power your cars. So you can drive,” Clark said. Across town, there are organizations that provide financing so you can start a business in your basement.”

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“Wherever a company, service, product or solution originates, its impact is always local,” she added. “Because local is where we live our lives.”

The Chamber’s President and CEO also discussed the importance Global trade for small and local businesses, as well as the American economy as a whole.

“To promote economic growth, America must participate in the global economy,” Clark said. “There are opportunities to strengthen trade, which already supports 40 million U.S. jobs and makes the goods and services we all need more accessible to expand exports, help small businesses access global markets and welcome imports that Increase consumer choice And keep prices low.”

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Clark delivered her speech in Dallas, Texas, and noted that Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex It shares some commonalities with other economically vibrant regions of the country.

Among these characteristics are a diverse industrial base, low unemployment rates, and a large talent pool, as well as “a healthy mix of small businesses – which serve and enrich their communities, and large businesses – which provide jobs, economic activity, and development.” Tax revenues“, as well as infrastructure, access to global markets and the innovation ecosystem.

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She went on to note that although many societies are not experiencing this level of growth, the United States should strive to ensure that societies are not left behind economically and that doing so depends on ensuring favorable conditions for trade.

“We all know that there are too many places, too many communities, that don’t feel the energy, and don’t see the growth,” Clark said. “We must be a nation where communities are not left behind. Where there are no food deserts, where crime does not crowd out commerce, where private investment is welcome, and where young people want to stay and come back and build businesses and careers where people can get ahead and provide for their families. “

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“Not every community can, should, or wants to be the next boomtown, but they all want economic opportunity that provides the quality of life and promise of opportunity that all Americans desire,” she added.