100 Business Owners and Leaders Meet in DC to Urge Government Investment in a Sustainable Economy

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Less than one week after the federal government re-opened and the country narrowly escaped default, 100 business owners and business leaders with the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) today began a two-day summit on business policies designed to strengthen the economy and make it more sustainable.

Meetings and panel discussions were scheduled with leaders and senior staff of key legislators and federal agencies, including EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. The policies advocated by ASBC cover a wide range of areas from workplace issues to taxes and health care to clean energy.

David Levine, CEO of ASBC said, "We hope that during the upcoming budget debate, policymakers will listen to business owners who are asking for investment, not austerity. Strategic investments now will address both our short-term economic woes and start moving the nation towards a sustainable economy."

Last week ASCB, whose member organizations represents more than 165,000 businesses nationwide, criticized the austerity mindset that led to the government shutdown. "Strategic investments have helped in the past and they are badly needed today," said ASBC in a statement. "The austerity imposed by the sequester is hindering the recovery as shown by continuing high-unemployment and even more severe under-employment. The recent shutdown and threat of default only added more austerity. We call on Congress and the President to move swiftly and invest in strengthening our nation's economy," the statement continued.

According to Frank Knapp, CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce and co-chair of ASBC, "One example of the kind of investment we have supported is the Affordable Care Act. Its potential to make health insurance more affordable for small businesses, individuals and families is great. Un-tethering entrepreneurs from their employer's health insurance will unleash a wave of new business startups. We need to move forward carefully, but quickly, so that our economy can start reaping the rewards as soon as possible."

"It's energizing to be here surrounded by companies who support innovation-driven and job-creating policies," said John Replogle, CEO of Seventh Generation. "Seventh Generation is here to urge Congress for stronger regulation on chemicals, which will level the playing field by requiring existing chemicals to meet the same testing as new chemicals, increase trust among the public, and expand markets for safer and greener chemicals and products."

"Federal standards in areas such as energy efficiency and building codes will create good jobs and lead to a positive transformation as communities build and retrofit communities with an eye towards sustainability. Especially in hard times, Americans need to be offered a pathway for innovating the sustainable solutions that must underlie the enduring success of their communities," said Sarah Beatty, President of Green Depot.

The American Sustainable Business Council and its member organizations represent more than 165,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers and investors. The council includes chambers of commerce, trade associations and groups representing small business, investors, microenterprise, social enterprise, green and sustainable business, local living economy and women and minority business leaders. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. www.asbcouncil.org

CONTACT: Bob Keener, 617-610-6766, [email protected]

SOURCE American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC)