President Barack Obama met with his jobs council Tuesday to discuss ideas of how to grow jobs and bolster America's competitiveness around the world.

The president said the Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, which is made up of business leaders, has made substantial progress in embracing ideas on how to promote economic growth.

"This has not been a show council. This has been a work council," Obama said. "It will pay off in terms of solidifying this recovery and allow us to move forward in a way where it actually translates into jobs."

The White House said Tuesday's meeting covered "initiatives and policies to strengthen the economy, promote and accelerate job growth and bolster America's competitiveness around the world."

The group has streamlined the permitting process and cut some regulations.

Job creation is a key factor in President Obama's re-election chances.

Currently, the unemployment rate stands at 8.5 percent.

The president will announce a new strategy to boost tourism and travel when he heads to Florida on Thursday.