U.S. Chamber Names Council on Small Business Chair

WASHINGTON, D.C. – J.R.'s Goodtimes owner Jim Wordsworth has been appointed chair of the United States Chamber of Commerce's Council on Small Business. Ninety-six percent of the Chamber's members have 100 employees or fewer.

"The Chamber congratulates Jim Wordsworth," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "Jim's involvement will help advance the small business priorities and promote free enterprise."

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 estimates. Additionally, small firms account for more than half of the gross domestic product.

The council is the Chamber's principal action group representing and serving small businesses and is the driving force in formulating an aggressive small business policy agenda. The committee's current platform includes improving access and quality of health care, legal reform, tax relief, workforce flexibility and regulatory relief.

"Jim will be a key player in promoting and developing our small business agenda and advancing pro-growth policies," said Chamber Executive Director, Small Business Council Giovanni Coratolo.

"It is an honor to serve in this capacity," said Wordsworth. "Small enterprises and startups form the foundation of our economic prosperity and create three out of every four new jobs."

Wordsworth has more than 30 years of experience in the food service industry, manufacturing, marketing and business development. He has also served on several boards including the National Restaurant Association and the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Metro Washington.

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

###

05-108