There has been growing attention to the importance of Business Statesmanship since Peter G. Peterson's 2004 article in The Washington Post, "Where are the Business Patriots?" called on business executives to address critical issues affecting the country's long-term economic growth and health.
Mr. Peterson is one of CED's longest serving Trustees. He has been joined by Jeff Immelt of General Electric, Ian Davis of McKinsey & Co., Jeff Garten of the Yale School of Management, among others, to stress that it is in businesses' self interest to become engaged in policy issues that affect the economy, climate change, health care, infrastructure, innovation, education, and others. CED is highlighted as the one organization with the credibility, track record, and temperament to lead this initiative.
Currently, CED is working with the Peter G. Peterson Foundation to engage the business community in helping influence public policy to ensure a healthy American economy for generations to come. In order to accomplish these goals effectively, CED encourages its members to exercise leadership, seek opportunities for engagement and provide support for its activities.
CED's Annual Business Statesmanship Awards Program
The Peter G. Peterson Award for Business Statesmanship was established to recognize business executives who champion issues that are in the interest of the public good, rather than their company or personal interests, and hold themselves to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
Award recipients have included
- W. James McNerney, Jr., President and CEO, The Boeing Company (2008)
- Ian Davis, Worldwide Managing Director, McKinsey & Company (2007)
- Andrea Jung, Chairman and CEO, Avon Products, Inc. (2006)
- Jeffrey Immelt, Chairman and CEO, General Electric Company (2005)
Past CED Annual Business Statesmanship Awards Programs
Leadership Participation
- Business Statesmen - As part of its Business Statesmanship program, CED is recruiting senior business executives who will act as spokespersons and "statesmen" on key issue areas. They will highlight the relevance and importance of public policy issues and serve as role models for other corporate leaders to speak out on the critical economic and social issues facing the country.
- Peter G. Peterson Fellows - CED is also engaging "up-and-coming" corporate executives who have been identified by their CEOs as promising future leaders. These Fellows will be mentored by current and former CED Trustees. The fellows benefit from exposure to public policy and interaction with CED Trustees, senior executives, and other young leaders, and as a result, become well-versed in today's economic policy issues.
- Mentors - CED involves former and current Chairmen, CEOs and other Trustees who have extensive experience in addressing public policy issues to serve as Mentors to the Peterson Fellows. They help to encourage and guide this next generation of business leaders to become involved in policy development and advocacy.
- Student Leaders - CED has established efforts at business schools and with executive training programs to mentor and engage young leaders on public policy.
For further information on joining CED's Business Statesmanship Initiative, please contact Martha Houle on (202) 296-5860, ext. 22, or martha.houle@ced.org.
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