[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 24 (Monday, June 17, 2002)]
[Page 1004]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Business Leaders

June 13, 2002

Corporate Responsibility

    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.