U.S. Chamber Joins Gov. Riley & Alabama Business Leaders in Dialogue to Jumpstart Jobs & Growth

Campaign for Free Enterprise Focuses Discussion On How to Create more than 286,000 Jobs in Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL–As part of today's historic meeting between the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA), known as The Partnership, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue, alongside Governor Bob Riley, engaged the state's business leaders in a dialogue about how to create more than 286,000 jobs in Alabama over the next decade.

"The greatest challenge facing Alabama and our entire nation is reviving our economy, restoring the 7 million jobs lost nationwide to the current recession, and creating the 13 million new jobs over the next decade to employ our growing population," Donohue said. "Only a vibrant American free enterprise system can accomplish this goal." Donohue called on Alabama to create more than 286,000 jobs in order for the state to meet the U.S. Chamber's nationwide 20 Million Job Challenge.

Recognizing the essential role free enterprise plays in turning around the economy, the BCA and CCAA Partnership today voiced their support for the U.S. Chamber's American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign.

"I applaud Alabama's leaders - Governor Riley and the BCA and CCAA Partnership for their commitment to work together toward finding solutions to put Americans back to work," Donohue said. "We welcome their commitment to the campaign and their strong support of the free enterprise system."

As part of the campaign, Donohue is traveling around the country to engage business leaders, community officials, and American citizens in a dialogue about the role of free enterprise in job creation and long-term economic prosperity. Under the leadership of Governor Riley, Alabama is already taking steps to promote growth through policies that expand free trade and improve education.

A series of events are taking place across the country in the coming weeks to announce state-by-state job growth goals and to cultivate discussions about how to meet the 20 Million Job Challenge. Plans are also under way to showcase the role of individual business leaders through an online video contest and the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year award. In addition, the campaign will sponsor a college speakers bureau, form K-12 partnership programs, and host regional and local governor and mayor events.

Donohue's prepared remarks are available:
/press/speeches/2009/091204tjdjobs

The Business Council of Alabama, a non-partisan statewide association, represents more than 4,000 member companies and 750,000 working Alabamians. The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama represents 126 local chambers of commerce who represent nearly 60,000 member businesses.

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.

The U.S. Chamber 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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