U.S. Chamber’s Campaign for Free Enterprise Joins Naperville Chamber to Discuss Economic Forecast

‘It is only free enterprise that can drive long term economic growth,’ Anderson Says

NAPERVILLE, IL— As a part of “Free Enterprise Week,” marking the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Campaign for Free Enterprise, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined the Naperville Area Chamber today for a panel discussion about how government can help create the right climate for the private sector to drive long term job growth in the region.

“Businesses are feeling a tremendous amount of uncertainty – both economic and political,” said Stan Anderson, managing director of the Campaign, while speaking at today’s event. “It is only free enterprise – with reasonable regulations and taxes and strong capital markets – that can drive long term economic growth.”

Anderson joined with Naperville-area business leaders and experts for a discussion about the slow recovery from the recession, ongoing weakness with job growth, and the impact the midterm elections will have on the economy. During his remarks, Anderson laid out the six key components to create jobs and spur economic growth:

• Rational tax policy: One that lowers tax levels, or at least keeps them flat instead of raising them;
• Gain control of spending and deficits: Current deficit and debt levels are unsustainable. America needs a stronger economy to generate more revenues and must control spending;
• Expand U.S. exports: 95% of the world’s consumers live somewhere other than in the United States;
• Develop a comprehensive energy policy: One that includes all types of energy—new and traditional sources;
• Make major investments in infrastructure: This includes energy, water, transportation, and telecommunications systems;
• Scale back the long regulatory shadow: The level of federal regulations over the private sector is reaching new heights under the current administration.

Throughout “Free Enterprise Week” the Chamber will be involved in a series of events around the country seeking to engage voters on free enterprise principles through both traditional platforms and various interactive vehicles. This includes a call-to-action texting campaign and a new widget on the Campaign for Free Enterprise Website, www.FreeEnterprise.com, which allows voters to send a personal message to their candidates.

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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