|
|
CCC Policy Forum: Next Steps for U.S. Corporate Stewardship in the International ArenaSeptember 29, 2004Based on the release of the President's Export Council's Report (PEC) on Corporate Stewardship, U.S. companies are contributing significantly to social progress and economic growth around the world, but they need to continue to build awareness about what they are doing. This was a key take away from the September 29 policy forum on "U.S. Corporate Stewardship in the International Arena" hosted by the CCC on Capitol Hill. Suzanne Clark, President of the CCC and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce opened the forum by noting that, "U.S. companies make a difference not just through philanthropy, but through foreign direct investment, and through the export of technology, know-how, and free market values. Each of these practices strengthens U.S. businesses and improves the lives of people all over the world." The CCC forum marked the official presentation of the PEC's report to the President, "The Power to Help – U.S. Businesses Creating a Better Tomorrow." The PEC report documents the important role that corporate stewardship, as practiced by U.S. companies, has on both the success of companies and the well-being and growth of the countries in which they operate. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans noted that "Businesses are at the strategic center of any free society. They provide the employment that is an avenue for people to realize their aspirations for their families and for themselves." The report highlighted corporate actions in many different areas including disaster relief, education, health services, environmental services, infrastructure development, and access to food and water. The report also highlighted activities in many different countries, and spotlighted companies such as Merck, Marriott, Cargill, and U.S. Steel. In the discussion about next steps, theologian Michael Novak reminded the audience that business doesn't just have to contend with negative opinions caused by the recent corporate scandals, but that for "300 years, the liberal arts have portrayed business very negatively…companies have to do a much better job of communicating what they do, not just here in the U.S., but around the world, where they are much less familiar with modern business practices." Deputy Administrator Frederick W. Schieck and Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Grant Aldonas also participated in the forum. In addition to calls for greater awareness and education about business activities, the audience participants and panelists also exchanged views about potential partnership opportunities, how to leverage the on-the-ground expertise of American Chambers overseas, and other information and coordination mechanisms to facilitate the ability of companies to work with each other and with government and civil society partners. CCC Executive Director Stephen Jordan moderated the discussion, and said, "empowering international corporate stewardship will contribute to the development of international trade and investment and the positive impact of globalization." |
||||||||
|
||||||||
