Together, We’re Charting America’s Next Golden Age: CEO Update
We are tacking back to a course of common sense that made America exceptional in the first place.
After taking the time to reflect, Corporate America is demonstrating the clarity needed to spark America’s next golden age. Not too long ago, many believed the ship had sailed on movements like DEI and ESG. Yet today, we see something far more encouraging: a return to fundamentals and to the principles upon which this association was founded; limited government, free markets, and federalism. By embracing these principles, our alliance members not only empower ALEC, but you empower America itself. For it is your success that allows communities to thrive, creates opportunities for families, and keeps our nation strong.
The Net-Zero Banking Alliance is a great example. Once hailed as a mainstay of the global finance world, the alliance just announced a suspension of activities after multiple members made the clear-eyed decision to focus on the bottom line and the business of business. Though some feared there was no turning back, ALEC remained confident in our standards and in the institutions that helped build this nation.
It isn’t just the banks course correcting. Recently, the Gates Foundation pulled tens of millions of dollars from activist networks pushing DEI. Cracker Barrel restored the classic logo generations trusted and loved. And Bed Bath & Beyond committed to operating only in business-friendly locations that were safe from heavy regulations and crime.
Speaking of crime, President Trump’s recent executive order ending cashless bail was a welcome development. After years of failed leadership in so many of our cities, Americans can agree it is past time to hold violent criminals accountable and to keep their victims protected – a priority ALEC has championed since our founding. The White House’s renewed focus on safety is a refreshing change after years of neglect. Even the mayor of Washington, DC, agrees.
Of course, the best solutions will always come from the states. While speaking at the State Policy Network (SPN) Annual Meeting last month, Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla praised ALEC for our National Debt Crisis Coalition model policy, which sends Washington the message that America has a spending emergency, and the states are demanding action. That message will continue to build momentum when it’s discussed at the upcoming State Financial Officers Foundation (SFOF) meeting in Washington.
This is why ALEC is a proud partner with friends like SPN and SFOF to advance our shared principles. Our Task Forces develop trusted policy solutions, like the 44 new model policies approved at our Annual Meeting in July. We see them echoed and advanced by our partners across the nation, by legislators in state capitols, and by alumni on Capitol Hill. Each reinforces the other, and each begins with the work of our trusted ALEC members.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to see the continuation of our States 250 campaign, which will run through July 4, 2026. Highlighting the optimism that shaped America over the last 250 years and the principles that continue to guide us today. This month we take a look at Rhode Island, where Rep. Jon Brien (public sector chair of our new ALEC Process & Procedures Task Force) reminds us of his state’s courageous founding and those who paved the way. Small but mighty, they played an integral role in securing our independence.
And mark your calendars for our next big gathering as the States & Nation Policy Summit heads off to Fort Worth, the first week of December, right after Thanksgiving. It will be an opportunity to build on the momentum of 2025 and set the stage for the critical legislative sessions in the year ahead. Registration is open.
The tide is turning. The world is waking up. And ALEC is leading the way.
Together, we are tacking back to a course of common sense that made America exceptional in the first place.
It’s time to come aboard.