Major Nationwide Business Groups Invite Presidential Candidates to Speak to Members

Date: September 29, 2015

Top Contenders Will Take Questions from ABC, AGC, BIPAC , NFIB, and NRF Members

Washington,
DC (September 29, 2015)
– The Associated Builders and Contractors, the Associated
General Contractors, the Business-Industry Political Action Committee, the National
Federation of Independent Business, and 
the National Retail Federation have invited leading contenders for the 2016
Presidential race to speak with their members in a series of teleforums.

Qualifying
candidates from both parties will be invited to answer questions in a live
telephone call that will go out to tens of thousands organization members
across the nation. The series will begin next month and will continue as
candidates’ schedules permit. This is an opportunity for candidates to speak
about their economic plans and, most importantly, hear directly from job
creators about their concerns.

Invitations
have been sent to the following candidates (alphabetical order):

  • Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush
  • Dr. Ben Carson
  • Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
  • Senator Ted Cruz
  • Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina
  • Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
  • Ohio Governor John Kasich
  • Senator Marco Rubio
  • Senator Bernie Sanders
  • Businessman Donald Trump

The
candidates qualified for the initial invitation by maintaining at least 4
percent in the Real Clear Politics average of polls during the period starting
from the first GOP debate and ending on Labor Day. Should additional candidates
average at least 4 percent for a 30-day time period prior to the start of
voting, an invitation to participate will be sent to them.

“ABC was founded on a commitment to free enterprise
and our members are excited to share their experiences as job creators,” said ABC President and CEO Mike Bellaman. “Construction
plays an important role in the overall economy and a healthy broader economy
means more construction jobs across the country. Our members will be
listening carefully for policies that embrace free enterprise, encourage
economic growth and lead to an improved tax and regulatory environment.”

“Given the
significance of our industry to the economy it makes sense for Presidential
candidates to make their case directly to our members,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC of America CEO.
 “No doubt our members will have some pointed questions about the
candidates’ commitment to investing in infrastructure and plans for pro-growth
economic policies.”

“As
a former state legislator and Member of the U.S. Congress, I know first-hand
the importance of educating the public about candidates’ pro-jobs policies,” said Jim Gerlach, President and CEO of BIPAC
“After winning my first campaign by 23 votes, I can attest to the statement
that ‘every vote matters.’  This joint effort of the business community
will help educate potential voters about the candidates and how those
candidates will support their jobs, their companies, and their industries.”

“Small
business owners are still struggling with poor sales,” said Dan Danner, NFIB CEO. “They want to
know what the Presidential candidates are going to do to end government
uncertainty, stabilize the economy and encourage growth. Small business owners
vote and will be listening hard to see who stands up for them and who
doesn’t… and they will remember that when they go to the polls. We’re looking
forward to a serious discussion about how to strengthen our country.”

“From
health care policy to tax reform, the next President will have an enormous
impact on issues that affect retailers on a daily basis,” said Matthew Shay, NRF President and CEO.
“NRF is proud to offer our 18,000 members the opportunity to hear directly
from the leading candidates on the topics they care most about. Retail is the
nation’s largest private sector employer – supporting one in four U.S. jobs –
and we urge the candidates to listen carefully to our members’ concerns.”

NOTE TO REPORTERS: credentialed members
of the media are invited to listen in live to the telephone teleforums. Note, per
election law, recordings of the call will not be available after the fact. In
order to participate, press should send an e-mail to
[email protected] with their media outlet clearly identified. A link to listen
live online will be sent shortly before the calls start. Watch for further
releases regarding the date and time of the individual teleforums.

#####

Subscribe For Free News And Tips

Enter your email to get FREE small business insights. Learn more

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

Or call us today
1-800-634-2669

© 2001 - 2024 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy