Chamber CEO: Our Business Community Leads With Compassion

Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, issued the following response to recent comments by Jerry Falwell Jr.: 

We have been horrified as the tragedy at the border seems to get worse every day. The recent publication of the images of the migrant father and toddler brought the reality closer to all of us. As the voice of business in our community, The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce rejects Jerry Falwell Jr.'s characterization that business/entrepreneur experience somehow validates disgusting treatment of our fellow humans.

Our members care deeply about our community, lead with compassion and honor, and attempt daily to add shared value to our economy. "Making payroll" or building an organization "from scratch" are experiences that have changed us, but they haven't caused us to reject the humanity of those in need. They also don't somehow make our opinions about the border crisis more valid than other caring individuals.

We stand with our fellow humans, Dr. Falwell, and we still make payroll, build things from scratch, innovate, shape our community, and make room for all. In fact, we currently have hundreds of available jobs and would be happy to have some new neighbors.

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