With the help of more than 50 of the world’s most respected companies, Business Forward is making it easier for tens of thousands of business leaders from across America to advise Washington on how to create jobs and accelerate our economy. Business Forward is active in over 100 cities and works with more than 450 senior Administration officials, Members of Congress, mayors, and governors.

Business leaders who have participated in our briefings have seen their suggestions implemented in the Affordable Care Act, the Jobs Act, three trade agreements, and every one of the President’s budgets. Many have also shared their recommendations with their representatives in Congress and through op-eds and interviews with local media. Ninety-eight out of 100 business leaders who have participated in a Business Forward briefing would be interested in participating in another one.

Member Companies

Many of America’s largest and most respected firms – from America’s software, telecommunications, media, hospitality, financial services, manufacturing, apparel, defense and pharmaceutical industries – have already joined Business Forward.

Members include Aetna, American Airlines, AT&T, Comcast, Cheniere Energy, Deloitte, Dow, eBay Inc., Fidelity Investments, Facebook, Ford, Google, Intuit, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, the National Restaurant Association, Pacific Gas & Electric, POET, Pricewaterhouse Cooper, Qualcomm, SAS, T-Mobile, Time Warner, Time Warner Cable, Verizon, Viacom, Visa, and Walmart.

These corporations work with Business Forward to identify, recruit and brief small business owners, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs of all kinds who are looking for a meaningful way to participate in policy debates.

John Podesta on Economic Policy, Equality and Growth

John Podesta delivered opening remarks at the launch event for the Washington Center for Equitable Growth on November 15, 2013.

Recommendations to Advance Progressive Change

Business Forward Round Table on Economic Strategy and Opportunity Agenda with John Podesta: Policy

John Padesta (JP): We have had an economic bounce back from the recession however it is agreed that wages need to go up in US.  The goal of policy is to return to a more equitable time such as during the 90’s.  The Hillary Clinton campaign is actively reaching out to find out what is happening on all levels of the economy: from small startups to international trade and workers views.

JP: There are five main areas the Clinton campaign is focusing on with regard to economic growth policy

1.  jobs, investment, create context to spur private-public partnership investments
2. skills training – human capital
3. invest in places left behind: promise zones
4. sustainable growth: allowing workers to share in productivity gains by tax reform, profit sharing
5. family policy – says they will define this policy later in the week

JP: want to get entrepreneurs more involved with policy decision.  Clear directive from Hillary is that policy requires input from ALL stakeholders in economy in all sectors

There may be a focus on paid leave

Question from audience:  What about the crisis in rural health.

Definitely a problem Ann O’Leary will be heading up the health policy for Clinton campaign