Detroit Regional Chamber > Advocacy > Detroit Regional Chamber CEO’s Statement on the Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Kamala Harris

Detroit Regional Chamber CEO’s Statement on the Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Kamala Harris

January 20, 2021
DETROIT (Jan. 20, 2021) – Today, the Detroit Regional Chamber’s President and CEO Sandy K. Baruah released the following statement on the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The peaceful transfer of presidential power is a hallowed American tradition, although a tradition with unprecedented pressures in 2021. While America’s political discourse has seldom been coarser and perspectives more polarized, the inauguration of Joe Biden as our 46th president offers hope. Hope that this public official who has devoted his long life to public service, a man of sincere faith, a husband and father who has experienced tragic loss, will be the leader that America needs at this unique time. Certainly, our nation faces a series of substantial challenges on the social, health, and economic fronts. Any leader, regardless of their gifts and experience will undoubtedly experience bumps along the way. But if Joe Biden is able to begin a process that allows our nation to heal – to begin again to see each other as Americans first and not political opponents – he will have done our citizens a great service.

Vice President Harris brings welcome energy and an important perspective to the role of Vice President. She serves as an inspiration for young women, Black Americans, and those of Asian descent as Vice President Harris ticks off a list of historic “firsts” we can all be proud of. Personally, as the son of a mother who graduated from Howard University, I am gratified to see a Howard alumnus elected to the second-highest office in the land.

As with every administration, the business community won’t always see eye to eye. The Chamber is committed to follow our new President’s lead in practicing the art of disagreeing, when necessary, but not being disagreeable. The Biden-Harris Administration can expect early support from the business community in tackling the COVID-19 crisis, investing in infrastructure, and efforts to restore American stability abroad and stability at home.

On behalf of the Detroit Regional Chamber, I wish our new President and Vice President Godspeed.

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