Business Roundtable

Business Roundtable is a non-profit association of chief executive officers of major United States companies, including Apple Inc., General Motors, JPMorgan Chase, and ExxonMobil. The organization was established in 1972 by Henry Ford II and Reginald H. Jones, with the goal of promoting free market principles and capitalism. Business Roundtable members, such as Jeffrey Immelt and Indra Nooyi, have played a significant role in shaping United States economic policy, working closely with Federal Reserve, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and National Association of Manufacturers. The organization has also collaborated with prominent think tanks, including Brookings Institution and Heritage Foundation, to advance its policy agenda.

● History

The Business Roundtable was founded in 1972, with Henry Ford II as its first chairman, and has since been led by prominent CEOs, including Reginald H. Jones, John Opel, and Leonard H. Goldenson. The organization's early years were marked by a focus on labor relations, with members such as International Paper and Procter & Gamble working to improve collective bargaining and industrial relations. In the 1980s, the Business Roundtable played a key role in shaping Reaganomics, working closely with Ronald Reagan and his administration to promote tax reform and deregulation. The organization has also been involved in various trade agreements, including the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, working with United States Trade Representative and World Trade Organization.

● Membership

The Business Roundtable has a diverse membership of over 200 CEOs, representing major companies from various industries, including technology (Microsoft, Google), finance (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley), and healthcare (Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer). Members, such as Mary Barra and Jamie Dimon, are selected based on their company's size, industry, and global presence. The organization also has a strong presence in the energy sector, with members including ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, and works closely with American Petroleum Institute and National Petroleum Council. Business Roundtable members have included notable CEOs, such as Jack Welch and Lee Iacocca, who have played a significant role in shaping the organization's policy agenda and working with Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Securities and Exchange Commission.

● Policy Initiatives

The Business Roundtable has been involved in various policy initiatives, including tax reform, immigration reform, and trade policy. The organization has worked closely with Congress and the White House to promote its policy agenda, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Business Roundtable members, such as Jamie Dimon and Mary Barra, have also been involved in various bipartisan efforts, including the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform and the Bipartisan Policy Center. The organization has also collaborated with prominent think tanks, including American Enterprise Institute and Center for Strategic and International Studies, to advance its policy agenda and work with Council on Foreign Relations and Trilateral Commission.

● Criticisms and Controversies

The Business Roundtable has faced criticism and controversy over the years, including allegations of lobbying and influence peddling. The organization has been criticized by public interest groups, such as Public Citizen and Common Cause, for its role in shaping corporate tax policy and financial regulation. Business Roundtable members, such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, have also faced criticism for their role in the 2008 financial crisis and their subsequent bailouts. The organization has also been criticized for its stance on climate change and environmental regulation, with some members, such as ExxonMobil, facing criticism for their climate change denial and environmental record. The Business Roundtable has worked with Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to address these concerns.

● Leadership and Organization

The Business Roundtable is led by a board of directors, which includes prominent CEOs, such as Mary Barra and Jamie Dimon. The organization is divided into various committees, including the Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee and the Trade and International Policy Committee. Business Roundtable members, such as Jeffrey Immelt and Indra Nooyi, have played a significant role in shaping the organization's policy agenda and working with World Economic Forum and International Chamber of Commerce. The organization has also collaborated with prominent universities, including Harvard University and Stanford University, to advance its policy agenda and work with National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. The Business Roundtable is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a strong presence in New York City and Silicon Valley. Category:Business organizations