U.S. Chamber Calls for Tax Reform as U.S. Corporate Rate Becomes Highest in the World

Says United States Should Adopt Simpler System with Lower Corporate and Individual Rates and Territorial System

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President for Government Affairs Bruce Josten issued the following statement today ahead of the U.S. corporate tax rate becoming the world’s highest on April 1, 2012:

“In just a few days, the United States will hold the dubious distinction of having the highest corporate tax rate in the world. By simply standing still, we are falling behind. We need fundamental, comprehensive tax reform to improve our tax system, strengthen the economy, and help American companies compete and win.

“The United States tax system is increasingly out of step with the world economy and its competitors’ tax systems. As countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom have moved to reform their tax systems and lower rates to encourage economic growth, America’s inaction puts American worldwide companies at a competitive disadvantage and threatens our economic recovery.

“The Chamber believes now is the time for comprehensive, fundamental tax reform that lowers the individual and corporate rates and keeps them synchronized. Reform should also shift to a territorial tax system, bring taxpayers certainty, simplify the tax code, and provide adequate transition rules to get our tax code from where it is now to where it should be.

“Ultimately, the marketplace, and not the tax system, should allocate capital and resources. We can’t allow our tax code to continue to punish American businesses and taxpayers. We need reform and we need it now if we are serious about driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing American competitiveness.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

U.S. Chamber Honors 298 Pro-Business Members of Congress with Spirit of Enterprise Award

Lawmakers Recognized for Supporting America’s Job Creators

WASHINGTON, D.C.—At their office on Capitol Hill today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored 248 members of the House and 50 members of the Senate with the annual Spirit of Enterprise Award for their support of pro-jobs, pro-growth policies during the first session of the 112th Congress.

“Faced with difficult choices and high-stakes politics, these men and women provided America’s business community with a strong voice in Congress,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber.  “We honor these members today for having consistently demonstrated their support for America’s job creators.”

The Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award, in its 24th year, is given annually to members of Congress based on key business issues outlined in the Chamber publication How They Voted.  Members who support the Chamber’s position on at least 70% of those votes qualify to receive the award.

The Chamber scored Congress on 11 Senate and 16 House votes in 2011, including the repeal of 1099 reporting requirements, the 3% withholding from contractors, and the health care law.  Also scored were votes for a surface transportation extension and the free trade agreements, including South Korea and Colombia.

To view a complete list of the 2011 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, please visit www.uschamber.com/soe.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

U.S. Chamber Hails Intro of Exculpatory Evidence Bill in Senate

U.S. Chamber Hails Introduction of Exculpatory Evidence Bill in U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), issued the following statement today regarding the introduction of the Fairness in Disclosure of Evidence Act of 2012 (S. 2197) in the U.S. Senate.  The bill would require that federal prosecutors: disclose evidence that is favorable to the defendant in the course of a criminal proceeding; outline when such evidence must be disclosed; and, provide meaningful remedies for violations of the rule.

“We applaud the Senate’s efforts to promote fairness in the legal discovery process by denying prosecutors the ability to withhold potentially exculpatory evidence. Along with a diverse cross section of the legal community, we look forward to working with members to enact this bill.

“In recent years, federal courts have overturned a string of high-profile convictions–including Senator Stevens’ 2008 corruption conviction and Lindsey Manufacturing’s 2011 conviction under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act–after seasoned prosecutors failed to disclose evidence favorable to the defense.  Under current Supreme Court precedent, individual and business defendants may never learn that potentially exculpatory evidence exists, and remedies for disclosure failures are also limited.  This bill would remedy that injustice.”

ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.

U.S. Chamber Joins Challenge to NLRB Appointments

Says Dubious Appointments Have Further Eroded NLRB’s Credibility

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW) today moved for leave to intervene in a lawsuit to challenge the authority of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to adjudicate charges absent a three-member quorum. The Chamber and CDW seek a swift and decisive ruling whether the president’s dubious recess appointments of Sharon Block, Terence F. Flynn, and Richard Griffin to the NLRB unlawfully circumvented the Senate’s constitutional power to provide advice and consent to the appointment of executive branch officers. The case, Noel Canning v. National Labor Relations Board, is before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

“Appointing three of five members to the NLRB in a legally questionable way casts doubt on the work of the entire agency,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the Chamber. “We cautioned in January that shoehorning these nominees into office in this controversial way would throw the legal validity of every decision of the Board into question.  Our concern has now become a reality. We are simply asking the courts to sort out the question of the NLRB’s authority quickly, so that employers and employees alike can have predictability and certainty.”

Noel Canning, a small business operating in Washington state, appealed a ruling by the NLRB that the company had violated the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The Chamber’s public policy law firm, the National Chamber Litigation Center, filed a motion on behalf of the Chamber for leave to intervene in the case in support of Noel Canning. The Chamber seeks to argue that the three attempted recess appointments were not legally effective because the President made them when the Senate was in session, not in recess. Accordingly, the Board lacks the statutorily required quorum of at least three members to adjudicate disputes and issue rules.

“Allowing the Board to act when it may not have a quorum adds even more uncertainty to our economic climate,” continued Donohue. “That is why we are looking to join a small business lawsuit to challenge these appointments—we want the authority of the Board clarified. Employers and employees need to know what it means when the NLRB orders an employer to bargain with a union, to modify its compensation and benefit plans, or to cease contracting work—to offer just a few examples.  Is the order legally rendered, or will it be invalidated in the future?  Without this kind of certainty, we cannot foster an environment that will lead to economic growth and job creation.”

The Chamber’s motion for leave to intervene is available here: http://www.chamberlitigation.com/noel-canning-v-national-labor-relations-board

News Release from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Heritage Homes

U.S. Chamber Names Heritage Homes of Fargo, ND Finalist for 2012 Small Business of the Year Award

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today named Heritage Homes, of Fargo, ND, one of seven finalists for the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club®. Heritage Homes will be honored during America’s Small Business Summit, May 21–23, in Washington, D.C., where a national winner will be announced and will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.

“Heritage Homes is a shining example of the power of free enterprise and the opportunities it can create for America’s doers and dreamers,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “Heritage Homes is driving growth and creating jobs in the Fargo, ND community and contributing to the strength of America’s economy. Our economic recovery will be fueled by small businesses like Heritage Homes and their dedicated workers. Today we congratulate them on this achievement and encourage them to continue pursuing the American Dream.”

Founded in 1995 in Fargo, ND, Heritage Homes builds beautifully designed, well constructed homes to positively impact people’s lives. CEO and Owner Daryl Braham and President and Owner Tyrone Leslie took ownership in 2000, and grew the company from building three homes during 1995 to well over fifty homes in 2011. Under Braham and Leslie’s leadership, Heritage Homes has become an award-winning company, distinguished within the homebuilder’s industry. Heritage Homes is an active corporate citizen, offering goods and services to ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Fargo-Moorhead Home Builders Association, Habitat for Humanity, local churches, and numerous other organizations.

The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and strategy.  One finalist from each of seven regions was selected out of the 75 Blue Ribbon Award winners.  The winner will be announced at an awards luncheon on May 22.

“Small businesses are often described as the pulse or backbone of our country, and we admire the drive and initiative that it takes for their owners to be successful,” said Rosalind Brewer, president and CEO of Sam's Club. “Fifty years ago, Walmart Stores, Inc. was founded as a small business, facing many of the same challenges and opportunities then that these businesses face today. We join them in celebrating this honor and the spirit of entrepreneurship that makes these businesses successful.”

To learn more about the summit, visit www.uschambersummit.com.

Sam’s Club®, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation’s eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 30 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple®, visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam’s Club on Twitter and Facebook.

News Release from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Lakeland Feed Supply

U.S. Chamber Names Lakeland Feed Supply of Hamilton, MT Finalist for 2012 Small Business of the Year Award

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today named Lakeland Feed Supply, of Hamilton, MT, one of seven finalists for the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club®. Lakeland Feed Supply will be honored during America’s Small Business Summit, May 21–23, in Washington, D.C., where a national winner will be announced and will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.

“Lakeland Feed Supply is a shining example of the power of free enterprise and the opportunities it can create for America’s doers and dreamers,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “Lakeland Feed Supply is driving growth and creating jobs in the Hamilton community and contributing to the strength of America’s economy. Our economic recovery will be fueled by small businesses like Lakeland Feed Supply and their dedicated workers. Today we congratulate them on this achievement and encourage them to continue pursuing the American Dream.”

Lakeland Feed and Supply is a full-line feed manufacturer, fertilizer blender, and supplier of agriculture goods and services. Lakeland’s owner, Mike Pflieger bought the company based in Hamilton, MT, in 2000. Since then, Lakelands profits increased by 1,200% and grew from 10 into 40 full-time employees with benefits and profit sharing. Lakeland’s inventive marketing strategies have employees distributing products throughout the area on horse and buggy and running petting zoos at the company’s annual Customer Appreciation Day.

The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and strategy.  One finalist from each of seven regions was selected out of the 75 Blue Ribbon Award winners.  The winner will be announced at an awards luncheon on May 22.

“Small businesses are often described as the pulse or backbone of our country, and we admire the drive and initiative that it takes for their owners to be successful,” said Rosalind Brewer, president and CEO of Sam's Club. “Fifty years ago, Walmart Stores, Inc. was founded as a small business, facing many of the same challenges and opportunities then that these businesses face today. We join them in celebrating this honor and the spirit of entrepreneurship that makes these businesses successful.”

To learn more about the summit, visit www.uschambersummit.com.

Sam’s Club®, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation’s eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 30 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple®, visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam’s Club on Twitter and Facebook.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

News Release from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - VA Eye Consultants

U.S. Chamber Names Virginia Eye Consultants of Norfolk, VA Finalist for 2012 Small Business of the Year Award

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today named Virginia Eye Consultants, of Norfolk, VA, one of seven finalists for the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club®. Virginia Eye Consultants will be honored during America’s Small Business Summit, May 21–23, in Washington, D.C., where a national winner will be announced and will receive a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.

“Virginia Eye Consultants is a shining example of the power of free enterprise and the opportunities it can create for America’s doers and dreamers,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “Virginia Eye Consultants is driving growth and creating jobs in the Norfolk, VA community and contributing to the strength of America’s economy. Our economic recovery will be fueled by small businesses like Heritage Homes and their dedicated workers. Today we congratulate them on this achievement and encourage them to continue pursuing the American Dream.”

Virginia Eye Consultants (VEC) in Norfolk, VA, provides world class specialty eye care by leaders in innovation and education using state of the art technology. Under the leadership of CEO Karen J. Spencer, staff has increased from 75 to 110 people, formed an all-female management team, and brought new physicians into the practice. VEC occupies a 34,000 square foot state of the art facility to provide “big city” access to world class care in their region. They offer numerous employee incentives including their own Biggest Loser competition and a star performers program.

The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that excel in the areas of staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and strategy.  One finalist from each of seven regions was selected out of the 75 Blue Ribbon Award winners.  The winner will be announced at an awards luncheon on May 22.

“Small businesses are often described as the pulse or backbone of our country, and we admire the drive and initiative that it takes for their owners to be successful,” said Rosalind Brewer, president and CEO of Sam's Club. “Fifty years ago, Walmart Stores, Inc. was founded as a small business, facing many of the same challenges and opportunities then that these businesses face today. We join them in celebrating this honor and the spirit of entrepreneurship that makes these businesses successful.”

To learn more about the summit, visit www.uschambersummit.com.

Sam’s Club®, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation’s eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 30 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple®, visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam’s Club on Twitter and Facebook.