Remarks prior to a meeting with business leaders

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, June 17, 2002

June 13, 2002

Corporate Responsibility

The President. Thank you all for coming. And I want to thank the--some of our country's great corporate leaders for joining us in helping to save people's lives.

These leaders create value for their company, but they're also willing to work to create values in America. And for that, the country is better off.

You know, there's been a lot of talk about corporate responsibility here in America, and there needs to be. People who run their businesses need to do so in a way that treats their employees with respect and treats the communities in which they live with respect as well. And that's precisely what is happening as--with these companies. These leaders understand that there is more to just a balance sheet. They understand that value comes from encouraging their employees to make a difference in somebody's lives.

It's my honor to herald some of the--some of the really true leaders in our country, and I want to thank them for coming. I want to thank you all for your vision. I want to thank you for agreeing to work to expand the circle of corporate America that's willing to commit itself to improving our Nation so that pockets of despair become places of light and hope.

Steve Case is going to say a few comments, and Michael.

[At this point, Stephen Case, chairman, AOL Time Warner, Inc., and Michael Eisner, chairman and chief executive officer, the Walt Disney Co., made brief remarks.]

Q. A few business-related questions, sir? Sir, could we get a business-related question in this morning?

The President. I'll see you this afternoon.

NOTE: The President spoke at 11:17 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.