*This podcast is part of Business Forward. EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Business Forward welcomed former U.S. Secretary of Treasury Robert Rubin and Ken Chenault, Chairman and Managing Director of General Catalyst and former Chairman and CEO of American Express, for a briefing on the damage the outcome of this election could do to America’s economy and our global competitiveness. Listen here.

*This event is sponsored by Leadership Now Project. Join us for a virtual briefing where we’ll discuss a range of innovative strategies to boost civic engagement ahead of the election. These include the NFL’s efforts to get out the vote, the U.S. Postal Service using their 32,000 retail locations to register voters, and Day for Democracy encouraging CEOs to give employees time off to vote. Leadership Now business leaders are at the forefront of these initiatives, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn more and discover how you can get involved. Register here.

*This podcast is part of Business Forward. EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Business Forward welcomed former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Dr. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Senior Associate Dean for Leadership Studies & Lester Crown Professor in the Practice of Management at the Yale School of Management, for a briefing on our economy and the rule of law, our safe harbor advantage, and the cost of losing it due to political chaos and a reckless presidency. Listen here.

*This event is sponsored by Civic Alliance. From mail voting to Inauguration Day, learn about what to expect during each phase of the 2024–25 U.S. general election season. In this educational briefing, the National Task Force on Election Crises will cover how elections are run and offer key messages that business leaders can use in communicating with their audiences. The virtual roundtable will also include a Q&A portion. Register here.

*This article was written by The NewDEAL. Last month, the NewDEAL Forum’s Democracy Working Group met with election officials and democracy experts to discuss strategies for safeguarding the election process, including the need for long-term election security planning, coordinated response to misinformation, transparency, voter education, addressing ongoing voter suppression and eligibility threats, and managing post-election challenges. In our recent blog post on Medium, we detail the conversation with NewDEALers Michigan Secretary of State Joceyln Benson, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, and Oregon Treasurer and candidate for Secretary of State Tobias Read; along with DNC Director of Voter Protection Jake Kenswil and Executive Director of All Voting is Local Hannah Fried. Read the entire piece on Medium.

*This article was written by Chief Network Weaver Julia Roig . There is ample evidence that democracies around the world are being threatened by authoritarian populist forces, and that the best antidote to stemming this tide is broad-based, “big tent” organizing to stand up for democratic norms and freedoms. This multi-sectoral, cross-ideological approach is the basis for the Horizons Project Pillars of Support initiative ; a framework to analyze and engage key institutions that uphold democracy, including businesses, faith organizations, professional associations, unions, and veterans’ groups. Read the entire piece on Horizons Project.

WASHINGTON – Last week, Public Private Strategies convened a salon dinner at Gravy Restaurant in Raleigh with 20 Triangle-based business owners, community and philanthropic leaders, and elected officials to discuss the landscape of democracy in North Carolina. Participants included members of the International Chamber of Commerce, the Golden LEAF Foundation, small business owners, and current and former elected officials. Public Private Strategies is a founding partner of the Business & Democracy Initiative , a partnership of business leaders dedicated to protecting our elections and rebuilding trust in democratic institutions. The dinner was hosted by Greg Hatem, Founder and Managing Partner of Empire Properties, who emphasized the critical role of the business community in engaging voters, encouraging civic participation, and countering misinformation and disinformation. A recent poll from the Business & Democracy Initiative showed that the strong majority of business leaders say the existence of a well-functioning democracy is important to a strong economy, and that business leaders are more likely now than five years ago to take action to support democracy, like allowing employees to take time off from work to engage in the political process. The dinner provided a platform for a dynamic exchange of ideas on how to address current challenges and leverage the strengths of the business community to support a vibrant democracy in North Carolina, looking ahead to this year’s critical elections and beyond. Participants are saying: Greg Hatem emphasized the importance of North Carolina business leaders doing their part ahead of the election. “As a longtime entrepreneur in the Triangle, I know firsthand how important it is for the business community to take a leading role in creating and fostering a diverse, inclusive community which best serves consumers and businesses. It's our job to ensure that democracy continues to thrive not only in North Carolina, but across the country. Ahead of November, I encourage leaders in business and economic development to advocate for protecting democracy and free and fair elections.” Vaeme Afokpa, External Engagement Lead, International Chamber of Commerce, said, “Business can’t shy away from taking an active role in protecting democracy, which ensures that fundamentals like transparency and stability remain drivers of inclusive economic growth. I appreciated participants’ remarks about the necessity of courage in times like these. Forming community, making sure business leaders own visible policy agendas that are good for socio-economic health of their local communities, and lastly, a clear need for business to be part of a movement towards investing in civics.” Darryl Moss, Golden LEAF Foundation Board Member, echoed these sentiments. “I went into the dinner wondering what can the business community actually do to defend democracy? After our discussion, it was clear that our most important job is to tell the truth and discourage disinformation wherever and whenever we see or hear it.” Katie Wonnenberg, Principal, Public Private Strategies, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “After the opportunity to have a robust discussion with business owners, community and philanthropic leaders, and elected officials, it’s clear that protecting democracy is critically important to the people of North Carolina. North Carolina has been named the best state for business in the country and leaders in the Triangle want to keep it that way. The business community must lead the way in this effort so that the state can continue to recruit new and exciting companies to plant roots in NC.” ###

WASHINGTON – Two weeks ago in Chicago, prominent business and civic leaders gathered to discuss the urgent need for leadership in safeguarding American democracy. The event, titled "Leading for Democracy: A Dialogue with Business Innovators," was hosted by the Business & Democracy Initiative (B&DI) in partnership with the Black Economic Alliance Foundation, the Leadership Now Project, and Public Private Strategies. The discussion highlighted the essential role of business leaders in preserving democratic norms, institutions, and participatory governance as the United States approaches the 2024 elections. "As we navigate an era of unprecedented threats to our democratic institutions, it is essential that we reinforce the integrity and security of our elections,” said Adrian Fontes , Secretary of State, State of Arizona . “Business leaders have the unique ability to foster trust in these systems, ensuring that every vote is counted and every voice is heard. The stakes have never been higher, and the time for action is now.” "Threats against election workers and false narratives about the integrity of our elections undermine democracy itself. All of us, including business leaders, must stand and speak up against these threats, and promote peace, security and the rule of law," said Deval Patrick , 71st Governor of Massachusetts, Senior Advisor, The Vistria Group, Professor of Practice, Harvard Kennedy School, and BEA Board Member. "The barriers to voting, the threats of violence, and the spread of misinformation pose serious challenges to our democratic process. Business leaders are not only trusted voices but also powerful advocates for the protection of free and fair elections," said Bakari Sellers , CNN Political Commentator, Former South Carolina State Representative, and BEA Advisory Board Member . "We need business leaders to step up off the sidelines because democracy is fragile and if we want to preserve it, it’s incumbent upon all of us to do more to ensure our democracy remains strong and resilient in the face of these threats." "A thriving democracy is the bedrock of a thriving economy. Business leaders have both the responsibility and the opportunity to stand up for democratic values, ensuring that our economy remains strong and inclusive,” said Samantha Tweedy , CEO of the Black Economic Alliance . “When democracy flourishes, so does business, and so does our society as a whole.” "As trusted voices, business leaders have the power to influence the direction of our democracy. Their commitment to upholding democratic norms is crucial to ensuring a stable and prosperous future,” said Daniella Ballou-Aares , CEO of Leadership Now Project . “We must act now, collectively, to protect the institutions that are foundational to both our democracy and our economy.” "Democracy and a thriving economy are inextricably linked. Research from the Business & Democracy Initiative clearly shows that a majority of business leaders recognize the inextricable link between a strong democracy and a thriving economy. They believe that businesses must actively engage in protecting our democratic institutions,” said Rhett Buttle , Founder and CEO of Public Private Strategies. “By supporting voter education, election protection, and civic engagement, business leaders can help secure a stable and prosperous future for both our democracy and our economy. The choices we make now will shape the future of our democracy and our economy.” ### About the Business & Democracy Initiative The Business & Democracy Initiative is a partnership of business leaders dedicated to protecting our elections and rebuilding trust in democratic institutions, because we know that a strong democracy is the cornerstone of a dynamic and inclusive American economy. The Business & Democracy Initiative's founding partners are top business leaders and advocates: the Black Economic Alliance, the Leadership Now Project, and Public Private Strategies. We engage stakeholders across all levels of business to advocate for reforms that strengthen our democracy. As the health and stability of American democracy continue to be under serious threat, the business community is a critical voice in the fight to preserve our free, open, and democratic system. ###

WASHINGTON – In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Trump at the rally in Butler, PA over the weekend, business leaders and organizations from across the country are coming together to condemn political violence and reaffirm their commitment to a peaceful and democratic political process as essential for the health of American society and the American economy. A recent survey commissioned by Public Private Strategies revealed that businesses and consumers alike believe in the importance of a well-functioning democracy for a strong economy, with a significant majority supporting business involvement in the democratic process, and four in five business leaders agreeing that businesses should speak out about threats to democracy. Business organizations are making clear that violence has no place in our political process, and are speaking with a single voice to denounce political violence. Leading business leaders released the following statements: Sarah Bonk, Founder and CEO, Business for America (BFA) : “In America, we settle our political disagreements at the ballot box. Violence has no place in our democracy and is never justified. Business for America unequivocally condemns violence and the incitement of violence against any candidate, election official, political leader, or their supporters. "We are thankful that former President Donald Trump is safe, and our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the tragic events at the July 13 political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. "Since its founding, Business for America has consistently promoted the importance of political stability to the health of our economy. Today, we affirm our commitment to support a peaceful democratic process. "In this moment, every leader has a responsibility to act with moral clarity, speak out against hateful rhetoric, and seek to build greater understanding and respect. Given our country’s growing divides, we must also adopt solutions to mend our social fabric and depolarize our politics. The future of our nation depends upon our ability to come together as Americans." Business Roundtable : "We mourn the loss of innocent life and are relieved that President Trump is safe. We call on all Americans to reject political violence and to commit to resolving political differences peacefully." Darryl Brewster, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose : “Our hearts are with President Trump and his family, as well as the other victims of the attack and their loved ones,” said Daryl Brewster, CEO, CECP. “Violence has no place in our political process. And as we collectively reconcile the events of the last weekend, CECP is heartened by the many CECP-affiliated CEOs from leading companies that issued a quick response. The risk of not speaking out on important issues, such as condemning political violence, is far too great. Employees and other key stakeholders are looking to companies for guidance and stability at this time.” Leadership Now Project : "Violence has no place in our political process. We unequivocally condemn yesterday’s attack against former President Trump and express our gratitude to the Secret Service for preventing further harm. We mourn the tragic death of a bystander at the event. "Political violence goes against the core values of American democracy, a system that allows us all to express our views without fear of violence, intimidation, or retribution. We must continue to work to restore faith in our democracy and uphold those principles. "This is a time to protect our political process and work out our differences without violence. Leadership Now is committed to working with partners to support a safe and peaceful election process." Leadership Now Project CEO Daniella Ballou-Aares, Public Private Strategies Founder Rhett Buttle, and Black Economic Alliance CEO Samantha Tweedy, founding partners of the Business & Democracy Initiative : "We are heartbroken for the victims of yesterday’s shooting and their families, and thankful that the former President is safe. "Business leaders have been consistently outspoken in affirming that a strong economy requires a political system where people are safe and processes are peaceful. "In the coming days, it is essential that leaders from all walks of life be unified in the commitment to a peaceful democratic process. It is incumbent that leaders speak with one voice in making clear that this violence is unacceptable and un-American. Our democracy and our economy depend on it.” Jay Timmons, President and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers : "Violence should never be the answer and must be clearly condemned, along with those who would foment it. In America, we resolve our differences through our votes, not violence. While the details of today’s incident are investigated, all Americans should commit ourselves to the peaceful expression of our ideas and our politics and to the protection of our democracy. We offer our prayers for former President Trump, for the families of the innocent bystanders who lost their lives, and for any others who were injured." Shaundell Newsome, founder of Sumnu Marketing and Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair: “Political violence undermines the foundation of our democracy and poses a significant threat to our businesses and communities. As small business owners, we rely on stability to plan, grow and serve our customers. We unequivocally condemn any act of violence and are committed to resolving our differences through a peaceful democratic process. The strength of our economy, which has long been the envy of the world, depends on our collective commitment to nonviolence and civil discourse. We stand united in our belief that open dialogue and respect for the rule of law are essential for the continued prosperity of our nation and its businesses." The U.S. Chamber of Commerce : "We are relieved to hear that President Trump is safe following the shooting at his rally, and we are deeply saddened by the impact on the innocent attendees, including the tragic loss of life. There is no place in our democracy for acts of violence. Now, more than ever, we must unite as a country and uphold the democratic values that define us as a nation." ### About the Business & Democracy Initiative The Business & Democracy Initiative is a partnership of business leaders dedicated to protecting our elections and rebuilding trust in democratic institutions, because we know that a strong democracy is the cornerstone of a dynamic and inclusive American economy. The Business & Democracy Initiative's founding partners are top business leaders and advocates: the Black Economic Alliance, the Leadership Now Project, and Public Private Strategies. We engage stakeholders across all levels of business to advocate for reforms that strengthen our democracy. As the health and stability of American democracy continue to be under serious threat, the business community is a critical voice in the fight to preserve our free, open, and democratic system. ###