Published
November 04, 2025
With over 300 in-person attendees, 77 speakers, and 18 event partners, this year’s Business Solves brought our mission to life—spotlighting innovations in civic engagement, workforce development, small business growth, resilience, health, and childcare. The event culminated with the 2025 Citizens Awards, recognizing companies leading the way in corporate citizenship.
Explore highlights and key takeaways from the event below.
Ross Perot Jr. (L), chairman of The Perot Companies and Hillwood and chairman of the board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Michael Carney (R), president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation, take part in a fireside chat titled “Using Public-Private Partnerships to Spur Growth and Prosperity” during Business Solves 2025.
Entrepreneur and international best-selling author Chris Gardner delivers a “Purpose Talk” on his journey and his partnership with Transfr to expand career opportunities for today’s youth.
Attendees participate in “The Salvage Safari Upcycle Challenge,” an eco-themed, gamified experience at Business Solves 2025, sponsored by Niagara Cares in partnership with Discovery Education and Filament Games.
Mark Bezilla (L), vice president and manager of corporate volunteerism at PNC; Cara Ciminillo (C), executive director of Trying Together; and Brittany Scott (R), senior manager, policy, early childhood education at the U.S. Chamber Foundation, speak during a session titled “Partnership Spotlight: Creating Systems-Level Change for Children.”
(L to R): Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber Foundation; Daniella Foster, senior vice president and global head of public affairs, market access and sustainability at Bayer; Shane Karr, senior vice president of public affairs at Stellantis North America; Rosemary Lahasky, vice president of U.S. government relations at Pearson; and Rachel Wolbers, external affairs manager at Google, speak during a session titled “Bolstering American Competitiveness: A Showcase on Corporate Community Investments.”
Shannon Schyuler, former chief purpose officer at PwC, hosts the 2025 Citizens Awards ceremony.
Attendees listen during mainstage programming at Business Solves 2025 at the U.S. Chamber Foundation headquarters.
Back to Basics: Revitalizing Civic Trust
Despite 74% of Americans believing they understand how government works, 58% fail a basic civics test—a gap the Foundation is working to close by helping businesses and communities make civic learning part of everyday life. Vice President of Civics Hilary Crow introduced our America 250 Celebration for Business Playbook, a new resource guiding organizations to plan inclusive, nonpartisan initiatives that strengthen civic connection in the workplace and beyond.
Tom Wilson, president and CEO of Allstate, built on the theme of authentic trust—trust rooted in relationships, reciprocity, and shared purpose rather than blind belief. He announced the Trust in Practice Awards, part of the $5 million Alliance for Social Trust with the Aspen Institute, designed to reward those rebuilding community connections across generations and ideologies.
Workforce Opportunity Beyond Degrees
The skills that got workers hired a decade ago simply won't cut it today. Best-selling author Chris Gardner—whose life story inspired the film "The Pursuit of Happyness"—challenged the audience to redefine success for the next generation. His partnership with Transfr resulted in the Permission to Dream program, which helps young people explore careers and gain the skills needed to keep pace with today’s workforce.
In fact, CEOs indicate that roughly one-third of the workforce will require retraining or reskilling over the next three years. Lydia Logan, vice president at IBM, showcased SkillsBuild—the company’s free global learning platform that provides AI, cybersecurity, and project management training—and emphasized leadership buy-in and “willingness to experiment” are crucial to validating alternative career credentials.
Emphasis on Well-Being
Sessions highlighted partnerships helping families thrive—like PNC’s Grow Up Great, a 20-year initiative built on trusted collaborations with nonprofits and community organizations. Mark Bezilla, PNC's head of corporate social responsibility, underscored the business case for early learning and the importance of partnering for impact: "Learning and growing together makes the connection much stronger.”
That same commitment to maximizing human potential is mirrored in the rapid “scientific renaissance” underway in healthcare, as described by Pfizer Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla. Exponential technological advancements, particularly through AI, are accelerating breakthroughs and helping people live longer, healthier lives.
Preparedness Pays Off
Speakers reinforced the Foundation's research showing that proactive investment in disaster resilience yields a strong return, noting that every dollar invested in preparedness saves up to $33 after a catastrophic event.
Leading businesses and nonprofits shared ways they support communities before and after major disasters. For example, Verizon is using 5G flood sensors to give cities like New Orleans and Chicago real-time data for faster response. Esri equips officials with mapping tools through its free Disaster Response Portal. Americares partnered with local community organizations to deliver 17 tons of medicine and critical mental health support after Hurricane Helene.
As disasters increase frequency and severity, this work is not merely philanthropic; it is foundational to economic security and community prosperity.
In Case You Missed It
U.S. Chamber Foundation Communications Director Joe Davis interviews Mike Hadley, senior director of the workplace business segment at Edward Jones.
Attendees enjoy networking opportunities at Business Solves 2025.
PepsiCo Foundation 'farmstand' at Business Solves 2025.
This year’s theme was inspired by America’s 250th and the entrepreneurial spirit of American businesses. At the heart was the ‘Town Hall’, from where Joe Davis, our communications director, reported live throughout the event to share a few extra takes from our top speakers.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this event fun, productive, and impactful—and for demonstrating the many ways business solves today’s most complex challenges.
To replay the mainstage sessions, access our YouTube playlist here.
Other Highlights
Looking Ahead
Business Solves returns Oct. 27-28, 2026, and nominations for the Citizens Awards open in the spring. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.
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About the author
Alicia Sondberg
Alicia Sondberg is the associate manager of communications and digital marketing at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
