Vistage on the Hill with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The pandemic, economic disruption and political uncertainty are creating a unique set of challenges for CEOs of small and midsize businesses (SMBs).

For an insiders’ perspective on the legislative landscape, we hosted our second annual “Vistage on the Hill with the U.S Chamber of Commerce,” a leading resource on policy and implications for SMBs. We recorded four briefings from leading policy influencers exclusively for our community, so you can capture perspectives to inform key decisions for your business.

Vistage is committed to providing members with access to one-of-a-kind events with organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and giving member CEOs the ability to voice their concerns to influential policy experts.

Key issues discussed in this year’s “Vistage on the Hill” include:

• Elections preview 
• Small and midsize businesses: COVID-19 and beyond
• Equality of opportunity
• International trade: Looking ahead

Elections preview

Download USCC Elections Preview slides

Key takeaways

• Stakes of elections are high
• Elections have consequences
• Business community facing challenges
• Expect record turnout

About the speaker

Scott W. Reed, senior political strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, oversees the Chamber’s federal voter education program. The Chamber’s goals in the 2014, 2016 and 2018 federal elections were to elect pro-business candidates with the courage to govern. Scott created and implemented the blueprint for that strategy.

Small and midsize businesses: COVID-19 and beyond

Download USCC SMBs COVID-19 and Beyond slides

Key takeaways

• Congress passed 4 laws in 4 months to aid small business and is working on additional aid
• In 5 months, more loans were issued than in the entire 65 year history of the Small Business Administration
• PPP totals (July 17) 4,950,649 loans from 5,455 lenders worth over $518.3 billion
• Average loan size is $105,000

About the speaker

Thomas M. Sullivan is vice president of small business policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, harnessing the views of small businesses and translating that grassroots power into federal policies that bolster free enterprise and reward entrepreneurship. He runs the Chamber’s Small Business Council, engaging those members to increase small business input and involvement in Chamber activities.

Equality of opportunity

Download USCC Equality of Opportunity slides

Key takeaways

• Now more than ever, swift, smart, informed, and strong policy changes and private sector leadership are needed to guide our country toward racial equality.
• This builds on and goes beyond successful programs the Chamber already had in place – but it’s just the start of our Equality of Opportunity Initiative which will now be an even more core pillar.
• We are focused on addressing inequality of opportunity in four key areas: education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice.

About the speaker

Rick C. Wade is vice president of strategic alliances and outreach at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, developing and implementing programs and initiatives to help the Chamber create new business relationships and partnerships across diverse audiences. Rick also provides counsel on policy issues and leads special projects.

International trade: Looking ahead

Download USCC International Trade slides

Key takeaways

• Tariffs remain
• COVID-19 has forced a discussion about supply chains in DC – but how far will it actually go? Medicine and medical products are first, what industry/product comes next?
• Outlook for trade/trade policy post-pandemic and post-election is complicated (e.g. new, comprehensive free trade agreements not on the horizon, new trade barriers on the rise)

About the speaker

Kris Denzel is senior director for international policy in the International Division at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, responsible for promoting the Chamber’s international trade and investment agenda, including bilateral and multilateral trade agreements and negotiations, before the administration and Congress.

Related content

• The Vistage Diversity & Inclusion Resource Center
• Despite economic uncertainty, small businesses gaining optimism about revenue growth, expansion plans
• Business planning in the pandemic: 4 factors for your priorities playbook
• 4 ways CEO leadership is changing from McKinsey & Company

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