American CEOs’ key lobby group, Business Roundtable, has taken out a full-page ad in national newspapers calling on the Trump administration to follow through on its infrastructure spending plans.
The advertisement is remarkable for its demonstration of solidarity with the labor movement. North America’s Buildings Trades Unions is a co-signatory, though its involvement isn’t entirely surprising considering what a construction boom would mean for its 14 member unions.
The publicity push comes amid growing fears that intrigue over the president’s possible ties to Russia will derail his policy agenda of tax cuts, regulatory relief and $1 trillion in infrastructure spending.
A need to upgrade American infrastructure has been recognized by dozens of high-profile CEOs and lawmakers on both sides of the political divide, although opinions differ on how projects would be funded. Trump wants to see the private sector get involved, and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has suggested that asset privatizations could attract company capital.
“Families, communities, workers and businesses all succeed when our nation’s infrastructure is robust, dependable and accessible to all.”
“Families, communities, workers and businesses all succeed when our nation’s infrastructure is robust, dependable and accessible to all,” the advertisement reads.
“Business and labor leaders call on the administration and Congress to develop and implement a long-term plan for addressing the permitting, regulatory, funding and financing challenges that are crippling our ability to rebuild and expand our nation’s infrastructure.”
The ad, timed to coincide with Infrastructure Week, calls for an acceleration of project delivery by expediting permits, indicating the union is prepared to support the easing of at least some regulatory burdens.
“There’s no doubt that our nation’s public works are facing severe troubles—and our members, unions and contractors look forward to tackling vital infrastructure projects in the safest, most productive manner possible,” the NABTU said in a statement.
“If President Donald Trump and Congress agree on a sustainable, major infrastructure investment, the building trades unions are committed to working with the business community, government and other stakeholders to ensure this venture isn’t undertaken in vain.”
The ad also calls on lawmakers to prioritize projects with the greatest economic impact. As recently reported by Chief Executive, an analysis by Boston Consulting Group and CG/LA Infrastructure found that a $1 trillion infrastructure investment could create as many as 4 million jobs.
But it also listed a number of priority projects and sectors that could give the government more bang for its buck, such as building a new airport in Orlando or repairing the Arlington Memorial Bridge.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
