Phillips named to U.S. Chamber national initiative to address inequality of opportunity

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce selected Carlos Phillips, Greenville Chamber President/CEO, to serve on its National Initiative on Inequality of Opportunity. The national steering committee includes five other leaders from business organizations nationwide.

The steering committee is currently developing a national townhall to be hosted on June 25th as part of an ongoing initiative to address inequality of opportunity through education, employment, entrepreneurship and criminal justice reform. This national discussion, as well as the local community discussions, will focus on identifying concrete, actionable steps that the business community and policymakers can take to improve equality and opportunity in minority communities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest organization representing businesses of all sizes across every sector of the economy, will fully leverage its federation of trade associations and state and local chambers by continuing this dialogue in local communities, and across industry sectors.

According to the U.S. Chamber, the unemployment rate is historically about twice as high for Black Americans as for white Americans. The combined impacts of the pandemic and economic crises have disproportionately hit disadvantaged communities, exacerbating this problem. The business community must work together on these challenges.

“The senseless death of George Floyd has called renewed attention to the inequality and injustice in America. We stand in solidarity against racism and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in our society and economy,” said Suzanne Clark, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “As a nation, we must address this issue with a robust plan of action.”

According to Phillips, “I am honored to serve on this important initiative and look forward to lending my voice to develop real and lasting solutions that enhance diversity, equity and inclusion on a national scale.”