U.S. Chamber Launches Effort to Create Nearly 500,000 Jobs in Ohio

Campaign for Free Enterprise Sparks Dialogue about Revving and Growing Buckeye State's Economy

DAYTON, OH—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign traveled to Ohio to engage local business leaders in an ongoing effort to highlight the need to create 20 million jobs nationwide, and more than 452,088 in Ohio, over the next decade.

"Ohioans are some of the most entrepreneurial individuals in the country, and they will undoubtedly be on the front lines of helping revive our nation's economy," said Karen Elzey, vice president and executive director of the U.S. Chamber Institute for a Competitive Workforce. "Another important component needed to revive our economy and reclaim lost jobs is strengthening our education system so that it's preparing students for the jobs of the future. By reinvigorating our science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs here at home, we are better positioned to lead in the global marketplace."

Nationwide, the U.S. Chamber estimates 20 million jobs will be needed in the next decade to keep America competitive, productive, and prosperous. Of those 20 million, more than 452,088 jobs will need to be created in Ohio in the next decade to compensate for the jobs lost in the recession and to accommodate new workers entering the workforce. Only a strong free enterprise system can create the jobs we need on this scale.

"It doesn't take an economist to see how the downturn has affected employment in the state," said Brian Gunderson, managing vice president for the Campaign for Free Enterprise. "Unfortunately, Ohioans have witnessed these effects firsthand. Now the question is how to turn the tide and create jobs in order to repair the state's economy. That is precisely what the American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign is all about. This campaign is rallying all Americans, reminding them that, over the long-term, our free enterprise system has created more economic benefits for more people than any other system in history."

A series of events have been taking place across the country to announce state-by-state job growth goals and to cultivate a dialogue about how to meet the 20 Million Job Challenge. Plans are also underway to showcase the role of individual business leaders through an online video contest and the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year award.

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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