Keeping the American Economy Strong

Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They comprise 99% of all employers and create 75% of our nation's new jobs. Both sides of the aisle consistently claim to represent their interests -- yet what policies should Washington pursue to help this vital sector?

This half-day conference will address the most pressing economic issues facing America's small enterprises today, from health care costs and tax burdens to workforce and regulatory concerns. In the first session, a panel of leading experts will discuss the state of entrepreneurship and the needs of small businesses in America today. A distinguished panel representing Congress and the White House will respond, discussing what responses Washington should offer to these critical policy areas affecting entrepreneurs and small enterprises. Join us as we debate the policies our nation should enact to keep its economy strong.

Participants

• Wes Coulam
  Staff Director, U.S. Senate Small Business Committee


• Diana Furchtgott-Roth
  Director, Center on Employment Policy, Hudson Institute


• Christopher Gergen
  Co-Founder, Smarthinking.com and Author of forthcoming book on entrepreneurship


• David Gray
  Director, Workforce and Family Program, New America Foundation


• Tami Gurley
  U.S. General Accounting Office and Co-Author, Taxes and Entrepreneurial Activity


• Jack McDougal
  Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Industry Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce


• Roy Ranthum
  Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, The White House


• Thomas Sullivan
  Chief Counsel for Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration


• John Arensmeyer
  President and CEO, Small Business Majority