U.S. Chamber Highlights Path to Job Creation with Philadelphia-Area Business Leaders

Underscore Campaign for Free Enterprise Efforts to Grow 270,000 Jobs in Pennsylvania over the Next 10 Years

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Philadelphia-area chamber of commerce leaders today joined U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue and Campaign for Free Enterprise Executive Director Brian Gunderson to discuss ways the business community can unite to advance America's free enterprise values through job creation and expansion.

"As a nation we face major challenges, but reviving the economy and creating jobs is foremost among them," Donohue said. "It is time to remind all Americans that the free enterprise values of individual initiative, hard work, freedom of choice, and the free exchange of trade, capital, and ideas built this great country and can lead us back to prosperity. We invite all Americans to join our movement on behalf of free enterprise and pledge their support for this historic campaign."

The dialogue-series is one of the critical elements of the new effort, called American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. Unveiled earlier this month in Washington, D.C., this is a comprehensive, multiyear campaign to raise awareness among all Americans about the essential role that free enterprise plays in the success of our country. It is being supported and promoted by local and regional Pennsylvania Chambers, business, and community leaders who understand firsthand the need for job growth in their own state.

"Pennsylvanians have been hit hard by the economic downturn and many are struggling to maintain and build their businesses," said Gene Barr, vice president of Government and Public Affairs of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry. "Economists have estimated that more than 270,000 jobs must be created in Pennsylvania to bounce back from the recession and grow our economy. We intend to play a vital role in the campaign by engaging our citizens on the importance of the free enterprise system and its contributions to job creation. Free enterprise is what makes dreams possible, and we stand ready and united to be a part of the jobs solution."

Nationwide, the U.S. Chamber estimates 20 million jobs will be needed in the next decade to keep America competitive.

The national campaign will serve as a reminder that it is only the free enterprise system that can create the jobs, innovation, and opportunities of the future. In addition to the local dialogue events, the campaign will feature print and broadcast advertisements, contests, and thought leader initiatives. Americans can join the movement, upload videos, photos, and write about their free enterprise experiences, and learn more about the 20 Million Job Challenge at www.freeenterpriseamerica.com/.

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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