U.S. Chamber Highlights Resiliency

Denver CO

05 February, 2021

2:01 PM

Description

U.S. Chamber Highlights Resiliency, Focuses on Cooperation in Speech The start of the year was a tough time for the country — as evidenced by the shocking events in Washington, D.C. Jan. 6. Six days after the violence at the U.S. Capitol building, with the polarization of the country lingering, U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas J. Donohue gave his annual State of American Business speech. Just like 2020 was for most of us in business, Donohue’s speech, presented virtually Jan. 12, was like none other he’d ever given. He quickly addressed the riots. “Let me say unequivocally — violence has no place in our democracy,” Donohue said. “But our democracy is strong. Our commitment to the rule of law is unwavering. And our government is resilient.” The bulk of Donohue’s speech after that focused on how the U.S. can continue the post-pandemic economic rebound that began in the 2020 third quarter. (While the economy contracted -31% in the second quarter, it was up 33% the next quarter, according to U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Economist Curtis Dubay.) Donohue says there are some must-dos in 2021 for the American economy to prosper. The list includes a robust agenda of infrastructure investments, workforce reskilling, immigration reforms and reinvigorating America’s global competitiveness. On the last point, the U.S. Chamber is emphatic that the federal government must continue being tough with China — particularly on intellectual property issues. Donohue also encouraged a soft hand from the government on adding new rules for businesses, touching on what could be a politically sensitive topic with the shift in power in Washington. “This is the wrong time to further test the resiliency of businesses by hiking taxes and increasing regulation,” he says. On the political front, Donohue talked about something the South Metro Denver Chamber aims to do locally and in Colorado: work together for a common goal. “It will take cooperation and collaboration from both sides of government to reignite the economy in 2021,” he says. But with no guarantees of how the federal government will act on a range of issues, Donohue also stresses that the American entrepreneurial spirit is a formidable foe against any enemies. “In the face of significant challenges, including a global pandemic and an economic crisis, businesses have adapted to survive, they have served their communities and this country, and they have put forward life-saving, world-changing solutions,” Donohue says. “The state of American business is resilient.” Ditto for businesses here in South Metro Denver. Your chamber supports the resiliency required in the current environment, and our legislative committee is currently crafting a legislative agenda for 2021 that addresses the issues that are key to your business prospering for the long-term. We welcome your input on legislative issues that are important to your business and our community. Click here for more information about our public policy initiatives. Photo Attached: Jeff Keener, President and CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce