U.S. Chamber Survey Shows Economic Optimism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A United States Chamber of Commerce survey of its small business members found overwhelming optimism about economic growth in the coming years.

"Since small businesses create three out of every four new jobs, policies that create a positive environment for entrepreneurs to flourish are critical," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "A robust and vibrant small business community is vital to our long-term prosperity."

An online survey of 1,335 business owners showed 85 percent were either "somewhat" or "very" optimistic that the economy will grow in the next two to three years. And three out of four said President Bush's policies would be better for their business in terms of jobs, taxes, legal reform and the overall economy.

America's 23 million small businesses represent more than 99 percent of all employers and account for more than half of all private sector workers, according to government estimates. Additionally, small firms account for one-third of U.S. exports and more than half of the gross domestic product.

"The U.S. Chamber does not endorse presidential candidates, but we support a pro-business political agenda includes reducing regulatory burdens, ensuring a fair tax structure, strengthening our trade ties, and protecting the rights of the business community in the courts," said Donohue.

Survey respondents are politically active: 96 percent are likely voters and 68 percent agreed that the business community should use resources to influence the outcome of the elections.

The Chamber has launched an online resource to increase the number of businesses involved in the political process. VoteforBusiness.com will walk voters through the entire process, from registering to vote, to learning about business-related issues, to requesting absentee ballots.

The Chamber also has launched an interactive, online resource for its small business members (uschamber.com/sb) that includes information on dealing with business challenges, grassroots tools to influence elected officials, and an encyclopedia of information on how to run both business and personal finances.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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Read the survey results