Tom J. Donohue, President and CEO of U.S. Chamber of Commerce Washington D.C. delivered the annual State of American Business address in the Chamber's Hall of Flags.  (For full version, please click here)

   The speech was carried nationally by C-SPAN and covered by dozens of reporters.  Immediately following the speech, Executive Vice President Bruce Josten and President and CEO of U.S. Chamber of Commerce Washington D.C. Tom J. Donohue held a press conference attended by more than 100 journalists.  

      The core messages can be simply stated:

 Jobs- The United States must create at least 20 million jobs over the next 10 years to reemploy the unemployed and keep pace with our growing population.  The country and its leaders should pull together and make achieving this goal our top domestic priority. 

Uncertainty- Businesses and other employers will not be able to create jobs in sufficient or even significant numbers until government addresses the great uncertainty that exists today.  Congress and the administration need to address this uncertainty by preventing tax increases and by charting a more reasonable course on health, climate, financial markets and labor legislation.

Mr. Donohue hopes that we'll review the address carefully and send them comments, ideas, and criticisms.  With the economy still weak, numerous legislative battles coming up, and major elections around the corner, 2010 promises to be a challenging and exciting year for them all!

   Please don't hesitate to contact Tom J. Donohue, President and CEO of U.S. Chamber of Commerce Washington D.C.  at (202) 463-5300 if you ever have any questions.  In his absence, feel free to call David Chavern, the Chamber's COO, at (202) 463-3101.