From the U S Chamber of Commerce . . .

I am excited to share with you the news of a historic Campaign for Free Enterprise that the U.S. Chamber of commerce is launching today (Oct 14th).
The American Free Enterprise. Dream Big campaign is one of the most important and necessary initiatives in the Chamber's nearly 100-year history. As a nation, we face major policy challenges--but none greater or more important than reviving the economy, restoring the 7 million jobs lost to the current recession, and creating the 13 million more jobs that will be needed over the next decade.

A recent survey by the U.S. Chamber found that while people support free enterprise, they do not clearly see how it benefits them as individuals. Respondents also expressed concern about the future of the free enterprise system and believe that the private sector will and should take the lead in the nation's number one challenge--job creation.

At the U.S. Chamber, we believe that the values of individual initiative, hard work, freedom of choice, and the free exchange of trade, capital, and ideas can lead America back to prosperity. Only free enterprise will create the innovation, the opportunities, and the jobs our nation needs. That is why we are launching this campaign.

Here are some of the campaign's core components and ways for you to get involved:

• National Advertising Campaign: View our innovative national advertising campaign built to inspire Americans to celebrate the role of free enterprise in meeting our nation's next great challenge--creating 20 million new jobs in the next decade. View and share the ads.
• American Free Enterprise Pledge: Sign your name to proclaim your support for and intention to help strengthen the free enterprise system. Sign our pledge.
• Dream Big Video Competition: Participate in the online video competition that invites Americans who personify free enterprise--business owners, startup entrepreneurs, and future business owners--to tell their stories of how free enterprise allows them to pursue their dreams. Stay tuned to www.FreeEnterpriseAmerica.com for information about submitting videos.
• Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award Program: Apply or nominate a small business owner for this recognition program, held in conjunction with America's Small Business Summit, that honors successful business owners and entrepreneurs who have contributed to the vibrancy of American free enterprise. Stay tuned to www.FreeEnterpriseAmerica.com for information on submitting nominations.
• Free Enterprise Forums: Take part in a series of bipartisan community-based discussions on the role of free enterprise in job creation and innovation to help spread the free enterprise message throughout the country. Stay tuned to www.FreeEnterpriseAmerica.com for additional information about events in your area.

You have a critical role to play in this historic endeavor. We are all free enterprise, and each one of us must become involved in preserving America as the great land of opportunity.

We encourage you to get involved in these activities as often as you can. Please join us by signing the American Free Enterprise Pledge today and encourage others in your community and across the country to get involved.

Sincerely,
Thomas J. Donohue
President and CEO
U.S. Chamber of Commerce