President Donald Trump delivered few new policy proposals during his first address to a joint session of Congress Feb. 28, but even if he largely stuck to his greatest hits, many business groups applauded what he had to say.

"Tonight, Donald Trump hit the reset button and offered a message of unity and economic opportunity," National Association of Manufacturers CEO Jay Timmons said in a statement. "Manufacturers are grateful for his message to rekindle the American spirit. This is what the American people needed to hear. This was a speech Americans expect of a president."

Trump's address lacked the fiery rhetoric that characterized many of his past speeches but laid out his policy agenda, if in broad terms. That agenda doesn't align perfectly with those of many business groups, but association leaders generally welcomed his pledges to cut back on regulation, reduce taxes and make a $1 trillion investment in the nation's infrastructure. A sample of responses:

Brian McGuire, CEO, Associated Equipment Distributors
"This evening President Trump laid out a bold vision for rebuilding America. Whether it's new user fees or public-private partnerships (to fund infrastructure), all options must be on the table to provide these long-overdue investments."

Joshua Bolten, CEO, Business Roundtable
"President Trump is right to emphasize the importance of competitive tax rates on business so U.S. companies can win in the global marketplace. Reform must also include a modern international tax system that doesn't penalize businesses for bringing their foreign earnings back to the United States to invest, expand and hire."

Thomas Gibson, CEO, American Iron and Steel Institute
"By focusing on aggressive enforcement of our trade laws, we believe the president's trade agenda can help to address some of the global market-distorting policies and practices that have resulted in massive global steel overcapacity and significant levels of steel imports entering into the U.S."

Brian Dodge, senior executive president of public affairs, Retail Industry Leaders Association
"Retailers support pro-growth tax reform that makes America more competitive by closing loopholes and ending corporate welfare to lower rates. We do not support raising prices on American families to give corporations a tax cut."

Pete Ruane, CEO, American Road & Transportation Builders Association
"When it comes to infrastructure, strategic focus should be the key. The biggest return on investment would be found by modernizing America's Economic Expressway—the Interstate system and its connections to the nation's major ports, inland waterways, rail hubs, airports and pipelines."

Randall Luthi, president, National Ocean Industries Association
"As President Trump begins work on his ambitious agenda, it appears that efficiency and cost cutting are major themes throughout much of the federal government. Those of us in the energy producing industries say welcome to our world."

Chet Thompson, CEO, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
"A critical component to fulfilling President Trump's vision is one where increased domestic energy production plays an essential part. Abundant and affordable energy will strengthen our economy and national security, and in turn, will ensure abundant, and affordable energy for American industry and consumers."

Aerospace Industries Association
"Comprehensive tax reform, including setting a globally competitive corporate tax rate, leveling the international playing field for America-made exports and creating a territorial tax system that encourages repatriation of overseas income, will stimulate business investment and American job creation."

Roger Dow, CEO, U.S. Travel Association
"We continue to be encouraged by the president's oft-repeated commitment to our transportation infrastructure, particularly our airports that are so economically crucial yet falling behind due to lack of investment."

Gary Shapiro, CEO, Consumer Technology Association
"The positive, mostly bipartisan agenda laid out by President Trump tonight is a welcome contrast to the past policies which brought our nation almost a decade of sluggish growth and left millions behind."

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Retail group launches media campaign against border tax
• Association settles ‘Amazon tax' lawsuit
• Business groups appeal court decision upholding fiduciary rule
• Science association announces partnership with upcoming protest
• Restaurant association moving Chicago offices