Some Risk, More Reward for CEOs Embracing Trump’s Sit-Down Meetings

American CEOs were back at the White House Thursday [Feb. 23], and this time it was manufacturing chiefs making the trip, as business leaders continue to embrace the chance for a seat at the table in D.C. 

Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and cabinet members were on hand for talks covering deregulation, tax reform, trade, infrastructure, job training and the workforce of the future, according to the White House. The meeting included the CEOs from Dow Chemical (DOW), United Technologies (UTX), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Caterpillar (CAT) and a host of others.

Excerpt: From a brand perspective, the benefits of meeting with the president could outweigh any immediate negative attention for mom and pop, said Jasmine Hu, assistant professor at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. 

“Research has shown business leaders of smaller companies want to take a more active role in connecting with politicians because it’s a way to promote their companies’ reputations and expand the business,” she explained, adding those who sit down with the president can play a bigger role in helping shape decisions coming from the White House, which will likely trickle down to the overall business climate and impact customers who shop at their stores.

“From a fundamental perspective, when business leaders are involved, they are more likely to support the collective decisions made during those meetings. So, President Trump is more likely to get support from those business leaders,” Hu said.

Read the entire story on the Fox Business website.