Greenville Chamber CEO to serve on national chamber committee

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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has selected Carlos Phillips, president and CEO of the Greenville Chamber, to serve on its National Initiative on Inequality of Opportunity along with five other business leaders.

The steering committee plans to discuss steps business and political leaders can take toward improving equality in education, employment, entrepreneurship and criminal justice reform for minorities, and is preparing for a national town hall on June 25, according to a news release.

“The senseless death of George Floyd has called renewed attention to the inequality and injustice in America,” Suzanne Clark, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said in the release. “We stand in solidarity against racism and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in our society and economy. As a nation, we must address this issue with a robust plan of action.”

Unemployment rates for African Americans are twice as high historically as the unemployment rates for white Americans, according to the U.S. Chamber, and have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am honored to serve on this important initiative and look forward to lending my voice to develop real and lasting solutions that enhance diversity, equity and inclusion on a national scale,” Phillips said in the release.