America’s cities have demonstrated over the years their economic impacts to the United States as a whole. Over ninety-three percent of future U.S. economic growth will be generated in our metro areas which contribute more than 90% of gross domestic product and wages and over 86% of all jobs in our national economy. By focusing on cities and metro areas as the economic engines that drive our national and state economies, mayors are taking their rightful role as national and international leaders.

Today, Mayors are leaders who see themselves as — and indeed are — the CEOs of government whose job it is to run their cities like a successful business with innovative and cost-cutting measures along with wise investments.

The turnaround of many cities is due, in large measure, to the bonding that has taken place between our Mayors and their local business partners, as well as national and international partners, to make cities more livable and economically sound.

The United States Conference of Mayors is spreading the message across this nation that we want a strong and engaged business community inside our organization, sharing and working on visions of success to make cities — and ultimately our nation — economically stronger. We must have cities and businesses — Mayors and CEO’s — working together for the long-term prosperity of America.

We thank the corporate members who have chosen to be active with us on the many successful joint ventures we share now and look forward to exciting future endeavors.

We invite other corporations to become members of The Mayors Business Council. We will be vigorous in urging members of the Business Council to take an active part in this important initiative, and will provide numerous opportunities for involvement.

Today the metropolitan regions — led by our urban and suburban Mayors — are the economic engines that drive this great nation and that have produced this period of incredible economic growth.

The Conference of Mayors today is strengthening our presence in the international business arena. We will continue to increase international business opportunities for our member mayors and for other mayors and cities across the globe.

We pledge our best effort to strengthen, even more, those city—business partnerships that work each day to make our cities and nation economically strong for the benefit of all.