U.S. Chamber Hosts Ridge, Napolitano to Evaluate Security Advancements Since 9/11

‘Federal, State, and Local Governments Have No Stronger Partner than the Private Sector,’ Says Ridge

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In recognition that it has been nearly 10 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today hosted the current secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, and former secretary of the department, Tom Ridge, to discuss the shared responsibility of the public and private sectors in advancing security efforts. The two leaders also underscored the importance of safety to creating an environment that fosters economic growth and job creation.

“A safe and secure environment is critical to every single business operating in the United States,” said Ridge, who currently serves as chairman of the Chamber’s National Security Task Force. “Businesses have a stake in this debate. When it comes to securing the homeland, federal, state, and local governments have no stronger partner than the private sector.”

The event, which drew attendees from a cross-section of industry, underscored the shared roles and responsibilities of all levels of government in working with the talents of the private sector to facilitate trade and to protect the critically important global supply chain and U.S. infrastructure.

Secretary Napolitano unveiled a video as part of DHS’s national “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and violent crime, and emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.

“Looking back, we’ve made some great strides in how we have approached security,” said Ann M. Beauchesne, the Chamber’s vice president of National Security and Emergency Preparedness. “We still have much more to do and the Chamber and the business community stand ready to work with our government partners to ensure that the United States is the safest, most efficient place to do business.”

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.

###