The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors today elected John Ruan III as its chairman for a one-year term. Ruan, the chairman of Des Moines-based Ruan Transportation Management Systems, takes on the role held by Thomas D. Bell, chairman of SecurAmerica, LLC.
 
“John possesses an unwavering commitment to free enterprise and civic-mindedness,” said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue. “I can’t think of a more appropriate person to serve as chairman during the chamber’s centennial celebration in 2012. You won’t find anyone more loyal and dedicated to the chamber and to the people, principles and causes he believes in.”

A longtime U.S. chamber director, Ruan is a strong proponent of additional investment in infrastructure. “The physical platform of our economy is deteriorating, and without reinforcement, the United States will struggle to compete against nations that are making significant improvements to their infrastructure,” Ruan said in a press release. “There are ways to commit to the level of investment we need with minimal impact on the deficit.”

The nation’s soaring debt and deficits also weigh heavily on the nation’s competitiveness, according to Ruan. “Our nation’s fiscal situation is unsustainable, and I will support the chamber’s efforts to bring lawmakers together to forge a bipartisan, responsible deficit reduction plan that doesn’t impede economic growth,” he said.

In addition to Ruan Transportation Management, other Ruan businesses include BTC Financial Corp., of which John Ruan III is chairman; Iowa Export-Import, which serves as a marketing channel for agricultural and automotive exports and imports; Ruan Properties; a used truck and trailer dealership; a commercial auto leasing service; and an Avis car rental license.

Outside of the transportation business, Ruan is a director of the National Chamber Foundation and serves on a number of community boards and foundations.