Former Dollar General CEO David Perdue To Receive Excellence in Leadership Award for 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW), announced today that David A. Perdue will receive the prestigious ICW Excellence in Leadership Award for 2007. This award honors a private or public sector leader who has demonstrated a commitment to creating positive, systemic change in education.

"David Perdue has shown remarkable dedication to providing opportunities for adults to learn to read; the most basic foundation for finding successful employment," said Arthur Rothkopf, Chamber senior vice president and the leader responsible for the Chamber's education and workforce initiative. "The Chamber and ICW applaud his efforts and hope that his service will provide an example to others."

Perdue is the former Chairman and CEO of the Dollar General Corporation, the parent company of the Dollar General retail chain. He is currently Honorary Commissioner of the National Commission on Adult Literacy, an independent panel of leaders from labor, business, government, education, literacy, and philanthropy. Mr. Perdue's work with the commission is being lauded for its efforts to reduce adult literacy. Over 30 million adults are currently functionally illiterate in America.

Since 2004, ICW and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have recognized an individual for their commitment to improving the quality of education and workforce readiness by raising awareness and supporting solutions. To be considered for the ICW Excellence in Leadership Award, a leader must exemplify strong evidence of engagement in initiatives that:

• Support and encourage student/employee involvement in education.
• Have proven results.
• Develop, support, or promote sustainable programs that improve student academic achievement.

Past award recipients include former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt and the President and CEO of State Farm Insurance Companies, Ed Rust, Jr.

ICW's annual Education and Workforce Summit will take place September 24-26 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. This annual event brings together more than 400 leaders in business, education, and workforce development to discuss issues vital to America's competitiveness. The award will be presented during the annual ICW Awards Dinner on Tuesday, September, 25th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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