U.S. Chamber of Commerce measure our success by what we provide for you—our members. We believe in the power of the American business community to improve lives, solve problems, and strengthen communities—and for 110 years we’ve been helping you do that.
So, as Congress postponed its August recess, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on where things are in Washington—and share how we plan to adapt, innovate, and grow with the businesses we represent.
The chamber takes a backseat to no one against the reconciliation bill that recently made its way through Congress. In addition to months of behind-the-scenes advocacy and campaigning in critical districts, we issued key ballots to members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and we continue to advocate against tax hikes and government price controls in laws that would deter investment, stifle innovation. , and undermine economic growth.
While we didn’t achieve everything we wanted, it’s important to note that the legislation that Congress passed was much smaller than it was originally proposed last year—and it significantly reduces tax increases on businesses.
The Chamber is working with members of the House and Senate to reject the more than $2 trillion in noxious tax increases that have been removed from the current bill, including provisions that would have raised corporate and personal tax rates, taxed capital gains at personal income levels, established global minimum taxes, and impose tax increases on pass-through businesses. Our efforts are also helping to remove a new set of government spending regulations and programs in an initial reconciliation effort that will transform our economy from the free market system we know today to a know best approach to government.
This, of course, comes after the Chamber worked throughout 2021 to improve critical relations between Republicans and Democrats to separate a massive tax and spending reconciliation effort from a much-needed infrastructure bill—and to ensure that historic bipartisan legislation becomes law. tax-free law. increase.
And while we work collaboratively where we can, we’re not afraid to fight back when we have to challenge outreach and defend the American business community at every opportunity, in every agency, with every tool at our disposal. Evidence of this fact, the Chamber sued the FTC and SEC to rein in rogue regulators and defend themselves from excessive reach in these institutions. And we recently released a campaign to defeat the CFPB’s ideological agenda to radically change the nature of America’s financial services industry.
These are just a few of the ways we serve you.
From our Litigation Center’s successes in court, including securing seven favorable decisions in 11 cases adjudicated before the U.S. Supreme Court during his last term, to our Law Reform Institute defending the rule of law in Washington, in state capitals across the country, and around the world, and the Chamber’s expertise and leadership across more than 300 priorities, such as the businesses we represent, deliver results.
Because of these results, we have a 93% retention rate among our largest members and continue to attract others to join us from across a wide range of industries, with significant growth in technology and other emerging sectors. Importantly, about 90% of our members are small businesses or state and local chambers of commerce, our community structure.
Looking to the future, and building on our continued success, we are focused on driving growth and increasing our impact. In 2020, Chamber’s consolidated revenue grew to $250 million—and last year that figure rose to $260 million. Our organization is in the strongest financial position in more than a decade, and we are investing in a future that will add new value to you, our members, new strengths to our advocacy, and new strengths to our influence.
None of these are new. Like the businesses we represent, we are committed to growth, innovation, and the pursuit of advancement for our members—and our nation. And united behind our Common Purpose, the North Star that guides our mission, we will always know who we are and what we stand for.
Business is the most trusted institution in society, outperforming government on every issue it measures and the reason is simple—business succeeds. And as the world’s largest business organization, so is the US Chamber of Commerce.
About the authors
Suzanne P. Clark
President and CEO, US Chamber of Commerce
As President and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne Clark heads strategy, government relations, and market innovation to support member companies and businesses. See the article : 5 Losses to Avoid When Growing or Growing a Business.
