Committee for Economic Development

History and principles

CED was founded in 1942 by a group of business leaders led by Paul G. Hoffman, President of Studebaker Corporation; William Benton, co-founder of Benton & Bowles advertising firm; and Marion B. Folsom, treasurer of Eastman Kodak Company. CED's was first formed to help the U.S. economy transition from a war-time to peace-time economy. At the end of World War II, CED successfully worked to garner support among the American business community for the Marshall Plan.

Since its inception, CED has aimed to promote policies that its members believe will foster economic growth and development to benefit all Americans. The organization conducts research and outreach efforts in the U.S. and abroad to change policy at the local, state, and national levels. In recent decades, CED has made increased access to pre-kindergarten and college, advocated campaign finance reform nationally, placed more women in corporate leadership, and reduced government spending.

The organization's work is grounded on seven core principles:

In January 2015, the Committee for Economic Development merged with The Conference Board, given the many synergies between the two organizations. Both are non-partisan, non-lobbying, and have members comprised mainly from the business community. CED's trusted policy voice in the nation's capital of Washington, D.C. expands the reach of The Conference Board's research; The Conference Board's economic data further strengthens CED's policy solutions.

Leadership

CED's Chief Executive Officer is Steve Odland, who assumed the role in 2013. Michael Petro is CED's Executive Vice President and Joseph Minarik is the organization's Senior Vice President and Director of Research.

Policy research

CED conducts policy research and advocacy in four major areas: fiscal health, education (including early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary), global competitiveness, and democratic institutions. CED aims to encourage American business leaders to take a more expansive view of their responsibilities by practicing what it calls "business statesmanship" — recognizing that business leaders can promote societal health by engaging in and speaking out for the common good on timely public policy issues.

Policy conferences

CED's policy conferences are forums for Members, senior policy makers, and industry leaders to discuss pressing national issues that are aligned with CED’s core policy areas: the economy, education, global competitiveness, and democratic institutions. To advance reasoned solutions from business in the nation’s interest, CED convenes for two days, twice-yearly, to address these seminal economic issues.

Recent and distinguished speakers include:

The Distinguished Performance Awards Dinner

Held annually in New York City, the Distinguished Performance Awards Dinner recognizes business leaders who have shown leadership in their companies and the communities in which they operate.

Past Honorees: