Consumer Health and Retirement Initiative Rising health care costs affect all individuals, employers and the government, impacting job creation, diminishing the nation's competitiveness and reducing Americans' ability to save for retirement. The ranks of the uninsured are growing, placing strains on government programs, discouraging prevention and delaying treatment. The complex issues within our health care and retirement system should be addressed through a combination of private market reforms and changes in government programs.

Corporate Leadership Initiative The most effective way to foster trust in corporations is through leadership and a commitment to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Transparency in disclosing corporate operations, financial results and dynamic corporate governance are essential for delivering long-term shareholder value. Corporations also have obligations to be good stewards of the communities where they operate by investing in local institutions such as providing disaster relief and protecting the environment.

Education, Innovation and Workforce Initiative The world economy places a premium on the use of intellectual capital to maintain a competitive advantage. A key component of success in the international economy is smart, educated and motivated people"”both employees and customers. To help Americans prosper and to maintain U.S. innovation leadership, policies must support world-class education and lifelong learning systems for all Americans, ensure that the U.S. continues to welcome the world's best and brightest minds, and promote public and private investments that foster breakthrough research and development.

International Engagement Initiative Rapid globalization has produced stresses for U.S. companies and their employees but has also created opportunities. Strong domestic intellectual property, innovation and productivity are all a result of open markets around the world. We will continue to advocate for free trade and tax policies that expand opportunities for U.S. companies. At the same time, humane measures to improve workplace security and provide retraining and other assistance to American workers harmed by the effects of the international economy are considered crucial by Business Roundtable members.

Sustainable Growth Initiative The environmental and energy challenges facing the world are serious obstacles to economic growth and can only be managed by thoughtful and far-sighted government policies and business strategies. Threats to water quality and quantity, rising greenhouse gas emissions and the risk of climate change - along with increasing energy prices and growing demand - are of great concern. Constructive participation with all stakeholders in the evolutionary process of sustainable growth is critical.