“All business is local.” That message came through loud and clear in the Chamber of Commerce’s State of American Business 2025.
[Watch the State of American Business here.]
During the program, leaders from all industries and regions discussed how local businesses drive innovation, economic sustainability and national progress. Through thought-provoking conversations and a spotlight on the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex region, this event explored how businesses of all sizes and industries can navigate regulatory challenges and seize opportunities for growth.
The key takeaways from this event prove that the future of American business starts with supporting local entrepreneurs.
- Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the impact businesses have on their local economies and called for smart public policies to support growth and opportunity nationwide.
- Dan Hunt, President of FC Dallas and Co-Owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, showcased DFW as a thriving region fueled by diverse industries, pro-business policies and the economic impact of sports franchises.
- Local chamber leaders from North Texas highlighted their regions’ unique strengths, collaboration with businesses and efforts to address regulatory and workforce challenges.
- Lance Thrailkill shared how his manufacturing company, All Metals Fabricating, thrives by investing in innovation, workforce development and community engagement.
- Industry leaders called for pro-growth policies, streamlined regulations, investment in the workforce and expanded global trade to support economic success.
Why every business is ‘local’
From mom-and-pop corner stores to global enterprises, businesses of all sizes contribute to the fabric of their communities. Building strong connections within those communities is key to fostering growth and opportunity.
In a keynote address, Suzanne Clark highlighted examples including local restaurants that feed residents, technology companies that enable remote work, and energy providers that fuel daily commutes.
“Wherever a company, a service, a product or a solution originates, its impact is always local, because local is where we live our lives,” she said.
[Read more: 5 Ways to Build Community Around Your Local Retail Business]
Promoting growth through public policies
Economic growth improves productivity, expands opportunities and improves the quality of life. Clark noted that while the US economy grew by nearly 3% in 2024, challenges such as cooling growth rates and regulatory burdens could threaten future progress.
“One additional point of growth accelerates economic progress in people’s lives by more than a decade,” Clark said.
Clark noted that a thriving economy begins in cities, regions and states, where private enterprise and public policy work hand in hand.
“The most growth will be driven by businesses in local communities if supported by smart public policy,” said Clark, who called on policymakers to ditch excessive regulations, expand competitive tax provisions and embrace trade opportunities. global.
“The actions our policymakers take will affect our nation’s prospects for growth, your community’s potential for strength, and the pursuit of the dreams of all Americans,” she added.
The DFW Metroplex: A Model for Local Economic Growth
Much of the State of American Business 2025 program focused on success stories and lessons from businesses and organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
What DFW is doing right
In a conversation with Clark, Dan Hunt highlighted this region of North Texas as a hub for innovation and opportunity. Hunt, whose family has a long history of owning and growing sports franchises, shared several key factors that have made DFW an excellent model for other regions looking to support business and economic growth.
- Thriving business ecosystem. With a diverse industrial base, low unemployment and strong talent pools, DFW has become a fast-growing hub for businesses of all sizes.
- Sport as an economic driver. Franchises like FC Dallas generate significant revenue and create ripple effects that benefit local retailers, hotels and small businesses. Being a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will also open the door to tourism and revenue opportunities in Dallas.
- Pro-business leadership: Tax-friendly policies, incentives and forward-thinking leadership have made North Texas a magnet for investment and growth.
- Building for the future: Expanding facilities like the FC Dallas stadium ensure the region remains competitive by supporting new events and industries.
- Global opportunities: The area’s business-friendly climate continues to attract international companies seeking a foothold in the US market.
Wherever a company, a service, a product or a solution originates, its impact is always local, because local is where we live our lives.
Suzanne Clark, President and CEO, US Chamber of Commerce
Local chambers of commerce foster growth through community and collaboration
Stephen Waguespack, President of the Institute for Legal Reform and Senior Vice President of Federal, State and Local Advocacy at the US Chamber of Commerce, sat down with leaders from three North Texas local chambers to discuss how their organizations play a critical role in supporting businesses and promoting economic growth.
Each leader highlighted their region’s unique assets, such as Irving-Las Colinas’ central location and safe communities, Longview’s abundant natural resources and industrial base, and Arlington’s pro-business environment that encourages entrepreneurship and corporate investment.
“We are seeing a huge increase in small businesses returning to our market,” said Kelly Hall, President and CEO of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. “It’s like there’s an infinite mentality that [aspiring entrepreneurs] can go out and literally choose their dreams and start their own businesses.”
Leaders agreed that investment – whether large corporations entering the region or foreign direct investment – creates opportunities for small businesses and spurs growth in local economies.
“Big businesses … want to buy premises … [and] make a small shop,” said Beth Bowman, President and CEO of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce. “If [small businesses are] a key component of [larger] company’s supply chain, they want to find opportunities to scale their business. And so now we’re seeing some of our small local businesses move into the middle market.”
They emphasized the need for federal policies that align with local economic priorities, such as maintaining competitive tax rates and toll reform.
“We cannot have a tax rate that drives away [investors]because when a German company invests in Longview, these are jobs… [and] revenue that helps … our economy grow,” Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
[Read more: Benefits of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce]
Local innovation with global impact
In a short keynote segment, Clark spoke with Lance Thrailkill of All Metals Fabricating, a family-owned local manufacturing leader that has thrived in Allen, Texas, since 1953.
Thrailkill emphasized the importance of investing in automation, STEM education and apprenticeship programs to support American manufacturing. Most importantly, he emphasized that success starts with taking care of your workforce.
“If you put your people first, they will, in turn, put the customer first,” Thrailkill said. “You take care of them, prioritize them and take care of their needs, then … they’ll put the business first.”
How policymakers can support the future of American business
In the final segment of the event, leaders from various industries shared their perspectives on the policies and conditions necessary for economic resilience in their sectors. As respondents talked about driving growth in their specific industries — including food and beverage, healthcare, engineering, banking, wholesale distribution and others — several common themes emerged:
- Regulatory reform. Many respondents emphasized the importance of reducing regulations that hinder growth and innovation. They believe that simplifying compliance processes and creating more predictable regulatory environments are essential for businesses of all sizes to thrive.
- Pro-growth economic policies. Some respondents noted that tax cuts, competitive tax structures, and avoiding policies that raise costs can help spur investment, job creation, and overall economic resilience.
- Workforce development. Respondents called for investments in education, trade training and immigration reforms to address talent shortages and help businesses better meet future demands for skilled workers.
- Infrastructure and supply chains. High-performance infrastructure and resilient supply chains are necessary to keep industries competitive, reduce costs and support efficient operations in many industries.
- Global trade and market access. Policies that open international markets and reduce barriers such as tariffs and visa restrictions would improve growth in industries that rely on exports, international visitors and global supply chains.
“The best thing policymakers can do is encourage that innovation,” said Matt Seaholm, CEO of the Plastics Industry Association. “Don’t choke him.”
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decisions, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the US Chamber of Commerce here.
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