Arizona Chambers of Commerce Endorse Campaign for Free Enterprise

February 9, 2010

EVLiving.com

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign received the endorsement of the Arizona Chamber and the Flagstaff Chamber today. Leaders of these organizations, alongside state and local chamber executives, engaged more than 400 of the state’s business executives in the effort to create 20 million jobs nationwide—974,592 in Arizona alone—over the next decade.

“There is no question that we have a big challenge on our hands,” said Carol Hallett, of Counsel at the U.S. Chamber, during the event. “But here in Arizona the business community is vibrant, creative, and energetic. Business leaders are working together with their local and state chambers to put forth bold public policy platforms that are based on free enterprise principles—the very principles that have helped our nation bounce back from the tough economic times of the past.”

The endorsements of the American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign came during the Flagstaff Chamber’s annual meeting. At the event, the two groups also announced a strategic partnership to revive Arizona’s economy and engage the business community in this unprecedented job creation effort.

“This campaign makes the case for the free enterprise system, and we are honored to pledge our support,” said Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona State Chamber. “It is the free enterprise system that has the ability to revive our troubled economy by creating an environment that supports competition and innovation as means to fuel job growth.”

The Arizona Chamber’s endorsement is part of a series of forums the campaign is hosting around the country on how to meet the 20 Million Job Challenge. Today’s event is promoting the Chamber’s Strategy for New American Jobs plan, which includes specific policy recommendations in the areas of trade, infrastructure, energy, capital markets, education, and fiscal policy that will accelerate economic growth and get Americans back to work.

“As a local chamber we come face-to-face with the challenges that confront small businesses in a tough economic climate,” said Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Julie Pastrick. “We want to pledge our support to demonstrate that Arizonans, like all Americans, do not shy away from a challenge, and that we are committed to bringing much needed jobs back to Arizona.”

The visit follows U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue’s annual State of American Business address, where he outlined top priorities for accelerating economic recovery and an agenda for job growth. In addition, the campaign recently launched the I Am Free Enterprise video contest, which invites all aspiring and established entrepreneurs to share their story of free enterprise for a chance to win $50,000.

American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s comprehensive, multiyear campaign to support free enterprise through national advertising; grassroots advocacy; citizen, community, and youth engagement; and research and ideas leadership.

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