Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Pledges Support for Campaign for Free Enterprise

Joins Discussion on How to Create 20 Million Jobs in 10 Years

NORFOLK, NE –The Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce today announced its support for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign and efforts to strengthen the free enterprise system. The announcement came just before the chamber's annual banquet, themed "Dream Big as we Build for the Future," during which the chamber will also recognize more than two dozen local businesses that have made significant reinvestments in the community.

"We're excited to be working with the Norfolk Area Chamber," said Brian Gunderson, senior advisor for the Campaign for Free Enterprise, during today's event. "Norfolk demonstrates what the Midwestern mentality is all about. From farming to technology to manufacturing, business is succeeding here thanks to the community's strong work ethic and can-do spirit. The American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign is about keeping the American Dream alive, and the people of Norfolk are doing just that."

Following the announcement, the chamber's annual banquet begins with keynotes from Gunderson and Lieutenant Governor Rick Sheehy. Their messages will focus on the U.S. Chamber's campaign and a discussion on how to create jobs in Nebraska to help get the economy back on track. Having been named one of the Top 10 Places in America for Jobs and the Top 100 Places to Live by CNN last year, Norfolk exemplifies the importance and benefits of creating a free enterprise-friendly environment to attract businesses and enable them to flourish.

"The Norfolk Area Chamber is proud to support the Campaign for Free Enterprise," said Dennis Houston, president of the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce. "Norfolk represents what's being done in rural America to end this recession. As they're growing, our local businesses are investing resources back into the community to improve our area and provide jobs for our citizens. There is no better model of how the free enterprise system enables us to prosper and grow as a country."

Similar events are taking place across the country in the coming weeks and months to announce state-by-state job growth goals and to cultivate discussions with students, mayors, governors, and academics about how to meet the 20 Million Job Challenge. In addition, the campaign is entering the final stages of the I Am Free Enterprise video contest, which asked aspiring and established entrepreneurs to share their story of free enterprise for a chance to win $100,000 in cash prizes. The public can visit FreeEnterprise.com until June 2 to view the five finalists and vote for the winner.

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 of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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