U.S. Chamber of Commerces Small Business Nation

At the request of President Kennedy the Chamber appoints two special committees of business leaders—one to study the acute balance of payments problem and the other to look into how federal budgetary procedures might be improved.

“The foundation of the Chamber in April of 1912 marked a turning point in the relations between government and business, and there are some who say that the events of April of 1962 have also marked a turning point in the relations between government and business. I hope that this is so, in the sense that both sides will have new emphasis upon the obligation to understand each other's problems and attitudes.”

“Never in the 50-year history of the Chamber of Commerce has its dedication to a vigorous economy been more in the national and international interest than it is today. This administration, I assure you, shares your concern about the cost-profit squeeze on American business. We want prosperity and in a free enterprise system there can be no prosperity without profit. We want a growing economy, and there can be no growth without the investment that is inspired and financed by profit.”

In response to the "Great Society" reform program, the U.S. Chamber organizes a task force to study the problem of poverty.  The initiative is led by U.S. Chamber President Erwin D. Canham.  The group consists of 100 executives from major corporations, as well as a host of academics, economists, sociologists, and other experts. 

The U.S. Chamber developed the educational program to teach young people about the importance of preserving and advancing the free enterprise system.