The 10 poorest counties in Minnesota are rural. So are most of the counties with the highest teen pregnancy rates. Traditionally, education has been our best antidote to social problems. To improve education, communities will have to act to give kids a better start for education and for a productive and fulfilling life. In this mission, the private sector has a particular responsibility.
Business people have the training and experience to act as catalysts for action.
In addition, the Business Roundtable has found that business leaders have the prominence and credibility required for leadership. Further, businesses are major beneficiaries of social improvement. Companies with education, dependable employees compete most effectively. They thrive best where communities offer a clean, safe environment and self-sufficient residents. As these costs go up, they raise the prices of what we make and sell, and our companies become less competitive.