    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [June 13, 2002]
    [Page 977]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Business Leaders
    June 13, 2002

        The President. Thank you all for coming. And I want to thank the--
    some of our country's great corporate leaders for joining us in helping
    to save people's lives.
        These leaders create value for their company, but they're also
    willing to work to create values in America. And for that, the country
    is better off.
        You know, there's been a lot of talk about corporate responsibility
    here in America, and there needs to be. People who run their businesses
    need to do so in a way that treats their employees with respect and
    treats the communities in which they live with respect as well. And
    that's precisely what is happening as--with these companies. These
    leaders understand that there is more to just a balance sheet. They
    understand that value comes from encouraging their employees to make a
    difference in somebody's lives.
        It's my honor to herald some of the--some of the really true leaders
    in our country, and I want to thank them for coming. I want to thank you
    all for your vision. I want to thank you for agreeing to work to expand
    the circle of corporate America that's willing to commit itself to
    improving our Nation so that pockets of despair become places of light
    and hope.
        Steve Case is going to say a few comments,
    and Michael.

    [At this point, Stephen Case, chairman, AOL
    Time Warner, Inc., and Michael Eisner,
    chairman and chief executive officer, the Walt Disney Co., made brief
    remarks.]

        Q. A few business-related questions, sir? Sir, could we get a
    business-related question in this morning?
        The President. I'll see you this afternoon.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:17 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of
    these remarks.