What happened: Yesterday, hundreds of business executives, state and local Chamber leaders, policymakers, global partners and journalists gathered at U.S. Chamber headquarters for the 2026 State of American Business keynote address delivered by Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark.
Why it matters: As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, leaders should embrace free market principles that historically have led to growth and opportunity.
Be smart: Clark noted that embracing free enterprise stands in marked contrast to the alternatives—decisions that she said are based on fear.
Looking ahead: Clark asked the audience to envision the next 50 years and the possibilities that exist for Americans driven by the free enterprise system with a focus on sustained 3% economic growth and investments in
education, R&D, and infrastructure.
Bottom line: “At our essence, at our core, we are not a fearful nation,” Clark said.
In the 2026 State of American Business keynote address delivered January 15 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce before business executives, state and local chamber leaders, policymakers, global partners and journalists, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark said that the state of American business must be “growth-oriented, market-driven, future-focused—but above all, fearless.” She said:
“Reaching and sustaining 3% growth is the fastest, surest way to raise living standards for Americans. And that is a goal we all share. Making pro-growth policy choices will begin to alleviate the pressures and frustrations people are feeling today and ensure future generations of Americans enjoy security, mobility, and opportunity.”
Growth and Abundance: Clark noted that embracing free enterprise stands in marked contrast to the alternatives—decisions that she said are based on fear:
“Free enterprise is the system that enables businesses to respond to people and to respond to problems. We need it to solve the great challenges of our time—future generations will need it to solve the great challenges of their time. But what could hold us back? You might guess politics or public opinion. But it’s much more essential than that—it's fear. Choosing redistribution over growth is a fear-based choice—it’s a zero-sum mentality that leads to scarcity, not abundance. Government control over free-market forces is a fear-based choice—it’s a bet on bureaucracy, and a bet against people. We have to be fearless.”
Clark ended with a note of optimism:
“At our essence, at our core, we are not a fearful nation. It’s not in our DNA, but it has occurred in our history. And in those moments, we have demonstrated a remarkable capacity for renewal: Going back to our intrepid origins, reflecting on our remarkable innovations, and remembering who and what we are made of. And I believe this can be a moment when we all decide it’s time to renew that spirit of daring, striving, growing, and improving.”