1. Thank you for the opportunity to talk to you today about the U. S
Thank you for the opportunity to talk to you today about the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It’s been a big year for the Foundation, and we’ve done a lot of work with Federation members nationwide.
I’d like to share with you the great work we’re doing together and the impact we’re having. Before I do, let me say that the Federation is the backbone of the Chamber, and you are so important to the Foundation as well.
As you’ll see, so much of the work we do is on the ground in cities and towns with you, and I think what may have been missing is the collective story. So let me share that collective story with you.

2. This year, the Foundation is on a new path forward
This year, the Foundation is on a new path forward. We set a new direction as an organization, and we’ve taken off. Let me walk you through our new strategic direction. 

3. This is the Foundation's manifesto
This is the Foundation's manifesto. It captures the essence of the Foundation — to educate the public on the great potential for business to solve problems, make a difference, and create opportunity.
We love this so much that it's currently hanging in the Chamber's lobby for everyone to see and embrace. 

4. The Foundation’s core belief is that business is part of the solution
The Foundation’s core belief is that business is part of the solution. That's something we can all get behind. 

5. The Foundation is committed to educating the public that business is part of the solution by helping business do well, do good, and be prepared for the future.
DO WELL
To help businesses do well, the Foundation works to create the right conditions for growth and success. It helps drive the debate on key issues, and it recognizes and supports the work of leaders who are creating business-friendly environments. 
DO GOOD 
We know that when businesses do well, they do good. They recruit, hire, train, and advance workers — helping them fulfill their dreams. They value different perspectives, skills, and experience, fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Thriving businesses also create thriving communities — they look beyond the bottom line and contribute to the common good. 
The Foundation works to highlight the positive impact businesses make across the country, as well as to promote best business practices and innovation that spur jobs and growth.
PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE
Finally, the Foundation is helping businesses prepare for the future so they can continue to drive creative solutions in an innovative economy and an ever-changing world. 
Through research and events, the Foundation is experimenting with new approaches and bringing fresh voices into the debate.

6. The Foundation has been active across the country this year, and we haven’t done this alone. So many of you from the Federation have been our partners and we’ve done really great things together to demonstrate that business is part of the solution.
Together, we have been working with top corporate and foundation brands to create the conditions for business to thrive, to impact communities, and to bring creative solutions to emerging issues impacting business.

7. DELIVERING VALUE TO FEDERATION
$1M+ Distributed to state and local chambers
Programming in
46 states
With Sam’s Club, we have expanded the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), which is a national program that transforms middle and high school students into confident entrepreneurs. Together, we have grown the program in 114 communities across 38 states by providing local chambers with startup grants to activate the program.
One of our first and biggest supporters of the YEA! program is Troy McLellan, President and CEO of the Boca Raton Chamber.
In 2015, 13 new communities across the country each received $5,000 from Sam’s Club & the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to launch the Young Entrepreneurs Academy this fall. (Note: USCCF donated $32,500 total)
CCC:
Our Corporate Citizenship Center is working with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on a two-year campaign to promote the connection between community wellness and economic opportunity. As part of this partnership, CCC has provided grants totaling $35,000 to five metro chambers in 2015 to host forums with local business and community leaders on how businesses can help create healthier communities.
The events are being hosted in Denver, Colorado; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; and Fort Worth, Texas. Additional forums are scheduled for 2016.
Thank you to Roy Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, for making the Oklahoma City roundtable such a success. Next week we will be joining Jake Stuart, President and CEO of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
(Note: Kelly Brough, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Denver roundtable, but she is not attending CCC100)
CEW:
In 2015, the Center for Education and Workforce is giving $1M to state and local chambers and network partners through sub-grants and event support.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: we are helping state and local chambers, specifically in Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, and Alabama, push for higher standards and aligned assessments in K-12 education. ($345,000 grants and event support)
USA Funds: we created the Talent Pipeline Management initiative to engage business in closing the skills gap. We’re sharing leading supply chain strategies with local chambers and businesses nationwide. ($532,500 grants and event support)
USA Funds: CEW is partnering with USA Funds and Gallup in Tennessee and Colorado to transform higher education. We will begin working with local chambers and businesses on this project. ($80,000 grants and event support)
Daniels Fund: we are working with state and local chambers in three communities to make the case that youth employment is a long-term business strategy that helps students and businesses. ($100,000 grants and event support)
HOH:
This year, Hiring Our Heroes has hosted more than 100 hiring events and Transition Summits to connect employers with veterans and military spouses, and to provide meaningful employment opportunities. Back when this program started in 2011, we went to CCC100 and you became our biggest supporters who hosted the very early hiring events. Since then this program has grown tremendously, and we’ve successfully connected more than 27,000 veterans and military spouses with jobs through hiring events.
1776:
With USCC and 1776, the Foundation convened 230 business and chamber leaders in eight cities to map out how cities can give startups a better way to break into highly regulated industries. Next year, this project will expand to more cities and will have even more value built in for local chambers.

8. DELIVERING VALUE TO FEDERATION
$1M+ Distributed to state and local chambers
Programming in
46 states
With Sam’s Club, we have expanded the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), which is a national program that transforms middle and high school students into confident entrepreneurs. Together, we have grown the program in 114 communities across 38 states by providing local chambers with startup grants to activate the program.
One of our first and biggest supporters of the YEA! program is Troy McLellan, President and CEO of the Boca Raton Chamber.
In 2015, 13 new communities across the country each received $5,000 from Sam’s Club & the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to launch the Young Entrepreneurs Academy this fall. (Note: USCCF donated $32,500 total)
CCC:
Our Corporate Citizenship Center is working with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on a two-year campaign to promote the connection between community wellness and economic opportunity. As part of this partnership, CCC has provided grants totaling $35,000 to five metro chambers in 2015 to host forums with local business and community leaders on how businesses can help create healthier communities.
The events are being hosted in Denver, Colorado; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; and Fort Worth, Texas. Additional forums are scheduled for 2016.
Thank you to Roy Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, for making the Oklahoma City roundtable such a success. Next week we will be joining Jake Stuart, President and CEO of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
(Note: Kelly Brough, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Denver roundtable, but she is not attending CCC100)
CEW:
In 2015, the Center for Education and Workforce is giving $1M to state and local chambers and network partners through sub-grants and event support.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: we are helping state and local chambers, specifically in Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, and Alabama, push for higher standards and aligned assessments in K-12 education. ($345,000 grants and event support)
USA Funds: we created the Talent Pipeline Management initiative to engage business in closing the skills gap. We’re sharing leading supply chain strategies with local chambers and businesses nationwide. ($532,500 grants and event support)
USA Funds: CEW is partnering with USA Funds and Gallup in Tennessee and Colorado to transform higher education. We will begin working with local chambers and businesses on this project. ($80,000 grants and event support)
Daniels Fund: we are working with state and local chambers in three communities to make the case that youth employment is a long-term business strategy that helps students and businesses. ($100,000 grants and event support)
HOH:
This year, Hiring Our Heroes has hosted more than 100 hiring events and Transition Summits to connect employers with veterans and military spouses, and to provide meaningful employment opportunities. Back when this program started in 2011, we went to CCC100 and you became our biggest supporters who hosted the very early hiring events. Since then this program has grown tremendously, and we’ve successfully connected more than 27,000 veterans and military spouses with jobs through hiring events.
1776:
With USCC and 1776, the Foundation convened 230 business and chamber leaders in eight cities to map out how cities can give startups a better way to break into highly regulated industries. Next year, this project will expand to more cities and will have even more value built in for local chambers.

9. DELIVERING VALUE TO FEDERATION
$1M+ Distributed to state and local chambers
Programming in
46 states
With Sam’s Club, we have expanded the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), which is a national program that transforms middle and high school students into confident entrepreneurs. Together, we have grown the program in 114 communities across 38 states by providing local chambers with startup grants to activate the program.
One of our first and biggest supporters of the YEA! program is Troy McLellan, President and CEO of the Boca Raton Chamber.
In 2015, 13 new communities across the country each received $5,000 from Sam’s Club & the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to launch the Young Entrepreneurs Academy this fall. (Note: USCCF donated $32,500 total)
CCC:
Our Corporate Citizenship Center is working with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on a two-year campaign to promote the connection between community wellness and economic opportunity. As part of this partnership, CCC has provided grants totaling $35,000 to five metro chambers in 2015 to host forums with local business and community leaders on how businesses can help create healthier communities.
The events are being hosted in Denver, Colorado; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; and Fort Worth, Texas. Additional forums are scheduled for 2016.
Thank you to Roy Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, for making the Oklahoma City roundtable such a success. Next week we will be joining Jake Stuart, President and CEO of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
(Note: Kelly Brough, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Denver roundtable, but she is not attending CCC100)
CEW:
In 2015, the Center for Education and Workforce is giving $1M to state and local chambers and network partners through sub-grants and event support.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: we are helping state and local chambers, specifically in Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, and Alabama, push for higher standards and aligned assessments in K-12 education. ($345,000 grants and event support)
USA Funds: we created the Talent Pipeline Management initiative to engage business in closing the skills gap. We’re sharing leading supply chain strategies with local chambers and businesses nationwide. ($532,500 grants and event support)
USA Funds: CEW is partnering with USA Funds and Gallup in Tennessee and Colorado to transform higher education. We will begin working with local chambers and businesses on this project. ($80,000 grants and event support)
Daniels Fund: we are working with state and local chambers in three communities to make the case that youth employment is a long-term business strategy that helps students and businesses. ($100,000 grants and event support)
HOH:
This year, Hiring Our Heroes has hosted more than 100 hiring events and Transition Summits to connect employers with veterans and military spouses, and to provide meaningful employment opportunities. Back when this program started in 2011, we went to CCC100 and you became our biggest supporters who hosted the very early hiring events. Since then this program has grown tremendously, and we’ve successfully connected more than 27,000 veterans and military spouses with jobs through hiring events.
1776:
With USCC and 1776, the Foundation convened 230 business and chamber leaders in eight cities to map out how cities can give startups a better way to break into highly regulated industries. Next year, this project will expand to more cities and will have even more value built in for local chambers.

10. DELIVERING VALUE TO FEDERATION
$1M+ Distributed to state and local chambers
Programming in
46 states
With Sam’s Club, we have expanded the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), which is a national program that transforms middle and high school students into confident entrepreneurs. Together, we have grown the program in 114 communities across 38 states by providing local chambers with startup grants to activate the program.
One of our first and biggest supporters of the YEA! program is Troy McLellan, President and CEO of the Boca Raton Chamber.
In 2015, 13 new communities across the country each received $5,000 from Sam’s Club & the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to launch the Young Entrepreneurs Academy this fall. (Note: USCCF donated $32,500 total)
CCC:
Our Corporate Citizenship Center is working with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on a two-year campaign to promote the connection between community wellness and economic opportunity. As part of this partnership, CCC has provided grants totaling $35,000 to five metro chambers in 2015 to host forums with local business and community leaders on how businesses can help create healthier communities.
The events are being hosted in Denver, Colorado; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; and Fort Worth, Texas. Additional forums are scheduled for 2016.
Thank you to Roy Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, for making the Oklahoma City roundtable such a success. Next week we will be joining Jake Stuart, President and CEO of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
(Note: Kelly Brough, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Denver roundtable, but she is not attending CCC100)
CEW:
In 2015, the Center for Education and Workforce is giving $1M to state and local chambers and network partners through sub-grants and event support.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: we are helping state and local chambers, specifically in Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, and Alabama, push for higher standards and aligned assessments in K-12 education. ($345,000 grants and event support)
USA Funds: we created the Talent Pipeline Management initiative to engage business in closing the skills gap. We’re sharing leading supply chain strategies with local chambers and businesses nationwide. ($532,500 grants and event support)
USA Funds: CEW is partnering with USA Funds and Gallup in Tennessee and Colorado to transform higher education. We will begin working with local chambers and businesses on this project. ($80,000 grants and event support)
Daniels Fund: we are working with state and local chambers in three communities to make the case that youth employment is a long-term business strategy that helps students and businesses. ($100,000 grants and event support)
HOH:
This year, Hiring Our Heroes has hosted more than 100 hiring events and Transition Summits to connect employers with veterans and military spouses, and to provide meaningful employment opportunities. Back when this program started in 2011, we went to CCC100 and you became our biggest supporters who hosted the very early hiring events. Since then this program has grown tremendously, and we’ve successfully connected more than 27,000 veterans and military spouses with jobs through hiring events.
1776:
With USCC and 1776, the Foundation convened 230 business and chamber leaders in eight cities to map out how cities can give startups a better way to break into highly regulated industries. Next year, this project will expand to more cities and will have even more value built in for local chambers.

11. DELIVERING VALUE TO FEDERATION
$1M+ Distributed to state and local chambers
Programming in
46 states
With Sam’s Club, we have expanded the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), which is a national program that transforms middle and high school students into confident entrepreneurs. Together, we have grown the program in 114 communities across 38 states by providing local chambers with startup grants to activate the program.
One of our first and biggest supporters of the YEA! program is Troy McLellan, President and CEO of the Boca Raton Chamber.
In 2015, 13 new communities across the country each received $5,000 from Sam’s Club & the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to launch the Young Entrepreneurs Academy this fall. (Note: USCCF donated $32,500 total)
CCC:
Our Corporate Citizenship Center is working with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on a two-year campaign to promote the connection between community wellness and economic opportunity. As part of this partnership, CCC has provided grants totaling $35,000 to five metro chambers in 2015 to host forums with local business and community leaders on how businesses can help create healthier communities.
The events are being hosted in Denver, Colorado; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; and Fort Worth, Texas. Additional forums are scheduled for 2016.
Thank you to Roy Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, for making the Oklahoma City roundtable such a success. Next week we will be joining Jake Stuart, President and CEO of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
(Note: Kelly Brough, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Denver roundtable, but she is not attending CCC100)
CEW:
In 2015, the Center for Education and Workforce is giving $1M to state and local chambers and network partners through sub-grants and event support.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: we are helping state and local chambers, specifically in Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, and Alabama, push for higher standards and aligned assessments in K-12 education. ($345,000 grants and event support)
USA Funds: we created the Talent Pipeline Management initiative to engage business in closing the skills gap. We’re sharing leading supply chain strategies with local chambers and businesses nationwide. ($532,500 grants and event support)
USA Funds: CEW is partnering with USA Funds and Gallup in Tennessee and Colorado to transform higher education. We will begin working with local chambers and businesses on this project. ($80,000 grants and event support)
Daniels Fund: we are working with state and local chambers in three communities to make the case that youth employment is a long-term business strategy that helps students and businesses. ($100,000 grants and event support)
HOH:
This year, Hiring Our Heroes has hosted more than 100 hiring events and Transition Summits to connect employers with veterans and military spouses, and to provide meaningful employment opportunities. Back when this program started in 2011, we went to CCC100 and you became our biggest supporters who hosted the very early hiring events. Since then this program has grown tremendously, and we’ve successfully connected more than 27,000 veterans and military spouses with jobs through hiring events.
1776:
With USCC and 1776, the Foundation convened 230 business and chamber leaders in eight cities to map out how cities can give startups a better way to break into highly regulated industries. Next year, this project will expand to more cities and will have even more value built in for local chambers.

12. DELIVERING VALUE TO FEDERATION
$1M+ Distributed to state and local chambers
Programming in
46 states
With Sam’s Club, we have expanded the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), which is a national program that transforms middle and high school students into confident entrepreneurs. Together, we have grown the program in 114 communities across 38 states by providing local chambers with startup grants to activate the program.
One of our first and biggest supporters of the YEA! program is Troy McLellan, President and CEO of the Boca Raton Chamber.
In 2015, 13 new communities across the country each received $5,000 from Sam’s Club & the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to launch the Young Entrepreneurs Academy this fall. (Note: USCCF donated $32,500 total)
CCC:
Our Corporate Citizenship Center is working with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on a two-year campaign to promote the connection between community wellness and economic opportunity. As part of this partnership, CCC has provided grants totaling $35,000 to five metro chambers in 2015 to host forums with local business and community leaders on how businesses can help create healthier communities.
The events are being hosted in Denver, Colorado; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; and Fort Worth, Texas. Additional forums are scheduled for 2016.
Thank you to Roy Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, for making the Oklahoma City roundtable such a success. Next week we will be joining Jake Stuart, President and CEO of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
(Note: Kelly Brough, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Denver roundtable, but she is not attending CCC100)
CEW:
In 2015, the Center for Education and Workforce is giving $1M to state and local chambers and network partners through sub-grants and event support.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: we are helping state and local chambers, specifically in Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, and Alabama, push for higher standards and aligned assessments in K-12 education. ($345,000 grants and event support)
USA Funds: we created the Talent Pipeline Management initiative to engage business in closing the skills gap. We’re sharing leading supply chain strategies with local chambers and businesses nationwide. ($532,500 grants and event support)
USA Funds: CEW is partnering with USA Funds and Gallup in Tennessee and Colorado to transform higher education. We will begin working with local chambers and businesses on this project. ($80,000 grants and event support)
Daniels Fund: we are working with state and local chambers in three communities to make the case that youth employment is a long-term business strategy that helps students and businesses. ($100,000 grants and event support)
HOH:
This year, Hiring Our Heroes has hosted more than 100 hiring events and Transition Summits to connect employers with veterans and military spouses, and to provide meaningful employment opportunities. Back when this program started in 2011, we went to CCC100 and you became our biggest supporters who hosted the very early hiring events. Since then this program has grown tremendously, and we’ve successfully connected more than 27,000 veterans and military spouses with jobs through hiring events.
1776:
With USCC and 1776, the Foundation convened 230 business and chamber leaders in eight cities to map out how cities can give startups a better way to break into highly regulated industries. Next year, this project will expand to more cities and will have even more value built in for local chambers.

13. DELIVERING VALUE TO FEDERATION
$1M+ Distributed to state and local chambers
Programming in
46 states
With Sam’s Club, we have expanded the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), which is a national program that transforms middle and high school students into confident entrepreneurs. Together, we have grown the program in 114 communities across 38 states by providing local chambers with startup grants to activate the program.
One of our first and biggest supporters of the YEA! program is Troy McLellan, President and CEO of the Boca Raton Chamber.
In 2015, 13 new communities across the country each received $5,000 from Sam’s Club & the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to launch the Young Entrepreneurs Academy this fall. (Note: USCCF donated $32,500 total)
CCC:
Our Corporate Citizenship Center is working with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on a two-year campaign to promote the connection between community wellness and economic opportunity. As part of this partnership, CCC has provided grants totaling $35,000 to five metro chambers in 2015 to host forums with local business and community leaders on how businesses can help create healthier communities.
The events are being hosted in Denver, Colorado; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; and Fort Worth, Texas. Additional forums are scheduled for 2016.
Thank you to Roy Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, for making the Oklahoma City roundtable such a success. Next week we will be joining Jake Stuart, President and CEO of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
(Note: Kelly Brough, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Denver roundtable, but she is not attending CCC100)
CEW:
In 2015, the Center for Education and Workforce is giving $1M to state and local chambers and network partners through sub-grants and event support.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: we are helping state and local chambers, specifically in Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, and Alabama, push for higher standards and aligned assessments in K-12 education. ($345,000 grants and event support)
USA Funds: we created the Talent Pipeline Management initiative to engage business in closing the skills gap. We’re sharing leading supply chain strategies with local chambers and businesses nationwide. ($532,500 grants and event support)
USA Funds: CEW is partnering with USA Funds and Gallup in Tennessee and Colorado to transform higher education. We will begin working with local chambers and businesses on this project. ($80,000 grants and event support)
Daniels Fund: we are working with state and local chambers in three communities to make the case that youth employment is a long-term business strategy that helps students and businesses. ($100,000 grants and event support)
HOH:
This year, Hiring Our Heroes has hosted more than 100 hiring events and Transition Summits to connect employers with veterans and military spouses, and to provide meaningful employment opportunities. Back when this program started in 2011, we went to CCC100 and you became our biggest supporters who hosted the very early hiring events. Since then this program has grown tremendously, and we’ve successfully connected more than 27,000 veterans and military spouses with jobs through hiring events.
1776:
With USCC and 1776, the Foundation convened 230 business and chamber leaders in eight cities to map out how cities can give startups a better way to break into highly regulated industries. Next year, this project will expand to more cities and will have even more value built in for local chambers.

14. This is the Foundation's manifesto
This is the Foundation's manifesto. It captures the essence of the Foundation — to educate the public on the great potential for business to solve problems, make a difference, and create opportunity.
We love this so much that it's currently hanging in the Chamber's lobby for everyone to see and embrace. 

15. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU SUZANNE CLARK SClark@USChamber.com
CAROLYN CAWLEY
As you can see, the bulk of our program is done in partnership with you on the ground. We’re so proud to work with you and to deliver dollars and programs in your local communities. It makes us both stronger. There’s so much more we can do together. I hope that you’ll continue to connect with us. Thank you for your time today.