Washington – Chief executive officers of more than 100 U.S. companies met with President Barack Obama and separately with congressional leaders today for substantive discussions on U.S. budget and economic issues, said Jim McNerney, Chairman of Business Roundtable and Chairman, President and CEO of The Boeing Company.   

“Our member CEOs thank President Obama for the generous commitment of his time and for delivering on our expectations for a candid and constructive conversation,” McNerney said. “We also appreciate the dialogue with members of Congress, which was also constructive.”   

McNerney said that the CEOs of the Business Roundtable believe it is crucial that an agreement be reached on the so-called “fiscal cliff” before year-end. 

“We encourage both sides to work around the clock, if necessary, to avoid the severe repercussions that inaction would have on U.S. economic growth and job creation,” said McNerney. “We in the business community believe that business is part of the solution in getting this economy back on path to solid, sustained economic growth, and stand ready to support the White House and the Congress in coming together on these matters.”

The meetings were held at Business Roundtable offices in Washington. President Obama also met with the group last March.