The U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce (USGCC), a non-partisan sustainable business organization, has taken a unprecedented step in endorsing a candidate for the presidency this election cycle.
“The stakes were just getting to high — Mr. Trump’s words, actions and proposed policies are not in alignment with our mission or vision at the chamber and he would put our business members, associates, and partners at great risk.” states Michelle Thatcher, CEO and Co-Founder of USGCC. “We feel he is not an acceptable candidate for the highest office in our nation—and one that certainly does not represent the companies, employees, consumers and communities that care about sustainability”
The USGCC is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization that promotes the triple bottom line- People, Planet and Profit– within t
he greater national business community. They achieve their mission by providing educational, networking, and promotional opportunities, in addition to promoting sustainable business legislation. USGCC serves as a unified voice for forward thinking business owners, entrepreneurs, employees and corporate leaders who understand that businesses can be the solution to a healthier planet, more fulfilled lives and a thriving economy.
“In America- tens of thousands of small businesses & large businesses like Tesla, Google & Apple are leading the way every day towards increased sustainability –and our national politics, and especially the views of our president, are critical to making our country a worldwide leader in key areas that will affect the quality of our lives for generations to come,” states Jim Bunch, Chair of USGCC. “The forward or backward-looking policies of our leaders can critically impact our energy policies as well as our environmental, waste, and sustainability issues.”
Mr. Trump has taken a strong stand on the side of supporting the abandonment of pollution limits on coal burning power plants, disbanding or greatly limiting the EPA, and drilling for oil on national lands. He has continued the divide on racial and social issues, and poses a high global risk, due to his lack of diplomacy.
“Mr. Trump’s platform of continued subsidies for dirty fossil fuels, evisceration of environmental regulation, large tax breaks for big corporations, policies of discrimination, and creating an environment of misinformation, fear and distrust among our citizens is detrimental to the business community in America, “ declares Thatcher . “He demonstrates a lack of diplomacy, knowledge and decorum and does not represent the hundreds of thousands of small to mid-sized businesses and larger companies that understand that economic success and sustainability go hand-in-hand; shareholder value and social consciousness co-exist side by side; and long-term business profits, global leadership and environmental stewardship are inseparable from each other.”
“Sabotaging America’s emerging economy may not be Trump’s goal, but all of his rhetoric, plans and actions suggest he is willing to sacrifice the welfare of American businesses – small and large – for questionable agendas,” states Thatcher.
A BRIGHTER FUTURE in Alignment with Sustainability
There is a clear delineation of business, energy, environmental and social proposed policies in the candidates. As a result, the USGCC made the decision to endorse Hillary Clinton for President.
In taking this position the U.S. Green Chamber joins a large number of highly-conservative and moderate legislators and representatives nationwide, conservative and moderate news organizations around the country, top security experts and economists, and other business organizations such as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; this will be the 38-year-old chamber’s first-ever official backing of a presidential candidate.
“We wish to add our voice to these other prestigious groups which question Mr. Trumps intentions and commitment to see that America continues to excel as a major global economy and flourishes in the marketplace at home and abroad,” says Bunch.
Many in the conservative press have rarely, if ever endorsed a Democratic candidate, including The Dallas Morning News since World War II, The Arizona Republic, which has never endorsed a Democrat for president since its founding in 1890, The San Diego Union-Tribune, which had not endorsed a Democrat for president in its 148-year history, and The Cincinnati Enquirer, which had not endorsed a Democrat for president in nearly a century. But they have all endorsed Sec. Clinton in this election.
Furthermore, Clinton received over 80 newspaper endorsements during the Democratic primaries, and dozens of editorial boards have since reiterated their conviction that she should be the next president. Meanwhile, Trump has only received three.
In addition to this overwhelming support, top corporate business leaders have also endorsed Sec. Clinton including Dan Akerson, Former Chairman and CEO of General Motors; Richard Anderson, Executive Chairman, Delta Air Lines, Inc.; Stewart Bainum Jr., Chairman of Choice Hotels International; James Bell, Former Interim CEO of Boeing; Former Corporate President and CFO of Boeing; Jeff Brotman, Co-Founder and Chairman of Costco Wholesale Corporation; and Warren E. Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
From a business sustainability perspective, Secretary Clinton has often stated clearly her views on the green economy and the environment, such as making the U.S.the “Clean Energy Superpower Of The 21st Century” by deploying 500 million solar panels and having “enough clean energy to power every home.”
“ Like Hillary and others, we want to promote and build sustainability into our businesses and communities, protect our national treasures and resources for future generations, and care for our employees’ and family’s health and wellbeing” states Thatcher. 
Mr. Trump believes American Energy Policy Is “Putting A Lot Of People Out Of Work,” And They “Are A Disaster,”. However, as a result of solar and wind, renewables, costs we have seen energy costs drop drop and deploy ment increase across the board. Last year the United States brought online as much solar energy every three weeks as it did in all of 2008, and the solar industry added jobs 10 times faster than the rest of the economy.
“We feel the consensus is clear. Our members value creating strong, sustainable businesses that provide secure employment for millions of Americans long-term,” states Thatcher, “that the vision of our next president must be both fully inclusive and representative of businesses that seek the highest level of success through innovation and principled leadership.”
Consequently the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce is endorsing Hillary Clinton for President based on her clearly stated policies related to economic affairs, job creation, environmental stewardship and social considerations.
The U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce mission is to “Promote and Protect America’s Emerging Economy” and the organization’s Vision is that “Businesses are the solution to a fulfilled life, healthier planet, and thriving economy.” For more on the organization visit www.USGreenChamber.com
Contact:
Kimberly White
Kimberly@USGreenChamber.com
U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce
Or
Phone: 407-310-1744
