At a time of economic uncertainty and partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C., Nation’s Restaurant News asked restaurant industry leaders to sound off on advice they would give lawmakers. Starbucks Corp. chairman Howard Schultz led the charge when he publicly called for chief executives of all kinds to stop campaign contributions until elected U.S. officials create a long-term plan for the United States and put an end to political bickering.
Below you’ll find voices from AFC Enterprises to Marco’s Pizza. There are more in the Sept. 26 issue of Nation’s Restaurant News. We also encourage you to join the discussion using the comment feature below.
“Spend our tax dollars more wisely and with discipline, making difficult decisions like a private-sector company does on a daily basis. Have the courage to confront the entitlement crisis bankrupting our nation. Lift the heavy regulatory burdens placed on small businesses that are stifling economic growth and creating uncertainty. Focus less on politics, and more on enacting common sense reforms that will return America to prosperity.”
— Cheryl Bachelder, chief executive, AFC Enterprises, parent of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Atlanta
“Congress needs to think about creating incentives for businesses that will allow them to re-invest in themselves, thus resulting in more jobs. I recall one incentive for a company that I once worked for that was extremely successful. It was an investment tax credit, combined with lowering the corporate tax rate. By doing this, companies could receive a tax break and free up additional funds that they could then invest in their own businesses.
Most importantly, it created jobs, which ultimately created additional income tax, making it a win-win situation for everyone. Congress should work toward enacting similar measures such as this to boost the economy and reduce government involvement in business and daily living.”
— Jack Butorac, chief executive, Marco’s Pizza, Toledo, Ohio
“We elected lawmakers for the betterment of this country. This is a two-party system; [they should] work with the other party. I’m really frustrated with the current tone and rhetoric. Our founding fathers created a system for vigorous debate, but we need to arrive at what’s best for the country. Is it best for the country that there is so much vitriol out there? I’ve never seen a wider chasm between the far left and far right. We need to work together as our forefathers have for 235 years.”
— Philip J. Hickey Jr., chairman, O’Charley’s Inc., Nashville, Tenn.
“Any organization needs a clear strategy, supported by a group of people who have values and compensation [and] rewards system aligned with the strategy. I believe our federal government lacks most of these components. My advice: Begin the real work, not the appearance of real work, to put these basics in place.”
— Michael P. Mack, chief executive, Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., San Diego
“We’re all disappointed by what happened this summer and hold politicians responsible for the [Standard & Poor’s] downgrading. Put aside the politics and put the American citizen first. It’s encouraging that the President has a jobs bill [and that] Republicans like parts of the plan. Maybe there is cause for optimism.”
— Alfred Thimm Jr., president, Stoney River Legendary Steaks, Nashville, Tenn.
“There are a number of areas I feel we need to address in order to take this country forward. The President is surrounding himself with advisors in the business world to help him charter his plan for economic recovery. It’s important for him to include small business owners in this group, as they offer a gold mine of knowledge in job creation particularly in smaller communities.
There also needs to be a common sense approach to government regulation where business is concerned. The cost of regulation shouldn’t reach a point where businesses are stifled from starting or expanding and creating jobs. Finally, we need an endorsement from our government that encourages consumers to buy American. Global economy aside, this is common sense as we look to reduce our country’s unemployment rate and maximize chances for a sustained economic recovery.
— Craig Culver, co-founder and chief executive, Culver’s, Prairie du Sac, Wis.
Comments
Post a CommentResign and start over.
The gov't needs a house cleaning. Push the reset button.
Our federal government has been disarming our Corporations by pointing out the abuses and liberties taken by CEO’s in their quest for profitability and power at any cost.
Why then would President Obama allow the abuses, earmarks and liberties that are taking place currently in Congress for the same end? For Healthcare? Really? You must first have a healthy government that is funded by a healthy economy, before you can have healthcare for all.
Currently our government is riddled with cancer, both Democrat and Republican. These supposed leaders, by virtue of their tenure and party affiliation is blatantly making decisions solely to promote their states, hence their own personal power, with no thought to the greater good of the country as a whole.
Our members of Congress are acting no differently than those same “criminal” CEO’s they are attempting to punish or push out of control. Ask yourself, if you were interviewing candidates for the next head of the department in which you are/were employed. What level of performance would you expect? More importantly would you want that leader to act in only your department’s interest? In pursuit of personal or department perks. Or to work for the profitability of the Company that forms the bulk of your retirement stock? Hopefully you would want the long term health of your company to be first and foremost. Demand the same from your “States” leadership. Our nation and our economy are far more important to each of us long term than the “Perk’s that any given Senator can negotiate for the home state.
Keep in mind, our Federal Government has more influence and power over the citizenry of the United States than any corporation could ever imagine leveraging against taxpayers. (read: customers) If you thought it was bad for a CEO to fly a private jet, how about deferring healthcare cost, in the hundreds of millions, from one State to another, just because a Senator is taking a bribe for a vote. We are the United States of America, not the Senatorial States of America.
A prime example of this abomination lies within the quote of Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid. When Senator Reid was questioned about all the special little provisions in the healthcare bill that was offered to Senators to vote for the bill: $100 million for Nebraska, $300 Million for Louisiana, Reid stated, “Just about every Senator has something special in this bill for their state.” To add insult to injury he finished with “if they don’t, then it says something about those particular Senators”. I will tell you what it “says” to me, reelect those that have nothing selfish in it for their States. They are the most honest!
To further the corruption of this governmental cancer, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin stated, “The White House is encouraging us to find 60 votes and to preserve some of the most important parts of the bill.” Why rush it? Do it right. Read the document. Our elected officials should not be the "Robo-Signer" that our government is calling the mortgage industry's. Before they use the term "Robo-Signer" they should look at how they pass legislation. If Robo-Signers are being blamed for Foreclosure mistakes, then our elected officials are to be held for the sickness of our economy and the indebtedness of our country. Foreclosures and Banking are symptoms, while big government is the true disease.
President Obama is nurturing this criminal behavior even though the ends do not justify the means. Our Country was not established on these immoral scruples.