The economic recovery, to this point, has underlined an accepted axiom: Wha: business is good, most people benefit. Employment goes up; the general level of prosperity rises; the government gets more tax dollars and slpends less in jobless an welfare benefits. Yet, despite all that business and free enterprise do to elevate the standard of living, many lack understanding of the system. For example, at a recent seminar in Chicago on press-business relations, it was reported that 70 percent of high school students polled in a TV network survey thought it unnecesary for a company to make a profit to stay in business. This is reminiscent of a survey three years ago of 24,000 top teenagers reported by Educational Communications of Northbrook, lll. which showed most were suspicious of business, profits, and advertising. Typical of the responses, only 11.5 percent said more profits are needed to invest and modernize. Such attitudes are not new. A survey of high school students 17 years ago asked the question, “Who contributes most toward improved living standards – business, government or union leaders?” Business ran a poor third. Aside from whatever value polls have in pointing to needed adjustment and reform, the significant revelation is the lack of understanding for the free enterprise system among high school and college students. When our young people fail to appreciate the problems and contributions of busines,s it is quite possible they reflect the attitude of the adults at home. At a Chicago seminar – sponsored by the Citizen’s Choice National Commission on Free and Responsible Media – it was conceded there is much room for improvement in businesspress relations, a factor which could have a bearing on public views. It was asserted though, that the public must play a major role in improving understanding. “The average person unfortunately has no interest in in-depth reports on business,” said Marvin Wortell, president of Triton Industries, lnc. On the other hand, Terry Brown, financial editor of the Chicago Tribune, said readers are becoming more aware of the economy’s importance in their lives. “The severity of our most recent business ‘cycle, tax advantages 0f individual retirement acconmts, etc. have made more and more readers hungry for stories about business and the economy,” he stated. As for businessmen and the press, speakers agreed their relationship needs to be improved to properly inform the public. A more open attitude by companies in making information and views available, greater economic expertise by reporters, and more attention to educating the readers by defining economic terms in stories – these were among the recommendations. Thus, to achieve a high level of understanding of business and the free enterprise system obviously must be a team effort. The goal is important. If our young people are to make full use of their opportunities -and abilities they must understand the system under which they live.