Dayton, OH - GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today led a discussion at the University of Dayton centered on the importance of global competition and manufacturing innovation before an audience of more than 200 community and industry leaders.
"Industry will expand in places that have the talent to support advanced manufacturing, the leadership to provide a competitive business environment and, most importantly, the will to compete," Immelt said. "Ohio gets this. It's why GE has a rich history in the state and an equally strong future - because together, we are finding new ways to build innovative products and win in the global marketplace." Immelt pointed to the recent $1 billion contract awarded to GE by the Air Force as an example, which will allow GE to continue work on a high-tech engine that could one day be used to power advanced combat jets while supporting good jobs in Ohio.
Several community leaders participated on the panel today: Ed Purvis, chief operating officer, Emerson; Eric Spina, president, University of Dayton; Dr. Anne Eiting Klamar, chair, Midmark Corp.; Doug Ebersole, executive director of the Air Force Research Laboratory and JP Nauseef, chairman and CEO, Krush Technologies.
"From the Wright Brothers to Lew Urry, who invented the alkaline battery, to Charles Brush, who invented the wind turbine - Ohioans have always played a leadership role in moving technology forward," Portman said. "This spirit of innovation continues with partnerships like those between UD's Research Institute with leaders like GE, Emerson and Midmark, who are collaborating to create good jobs and position us to compete with anyone on the globe. Policymakers in Washington and Columbus can and must create an environment in which the Wright Brothers of tomorrow can thrive. Today's conversation can help inform policymakers at the national and state level on how to do that."
Today's panel discussion was held at the University of Dayton River Campus. GE Aviation opened their Electrical Power Integrated Systems Center on the University of Dayton's campus on River Park Drive in 2013. University of Dayton researchers work with GE scientists and engineers to develop and deploy computer modeling, simulation and analysis of advanced, dynamic electrical power systems design and control technologies.
"Our partnerships with GE, Emerson, Midmark and other businesses have accelerated the pace of innovation in the Dayton area, offered wonderful learning opportunities for our students and exciting research collaborations with our faculty," said Spina. "These partnerships enhance the climate for innovation and enable the University to expand our contribution to the economic development of the Dayton region and the State of Ohio."
Additional comments from panelists and participants:
"It has been an honor to work with GE, Midmark, and Emerson as they have expanded their presence in our region and build on Dayton's long history of innovation," said Jeff Hoagland, president and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition. "They have created hundreds of jobs and fostered valuable partnerships with UD. The collaborative environment we have here helps research institutions such as AFRL, as well as start-ups like Krush, thrive. They continue to show the world how innovative technology and cutting-edge research happens every day in Dayton."
"Being able to participate in today's event further solidifies the strong relationship that AFRL has with our industry and academic research partners, said Ebersole. "Technology is a global business today and our partners come from all parts of the world. Yet, some of our strongest ties are here in the local community and across the state. These partnerships enable the Air Force to deliver superior technologies that "keep the fight unfair."
"As Midmark continues to invest in innovation, services and technology within healthcare, we have been very fortunate to partner with the University of Dayton and the Dayton Development Coalition among other organizations in our region. We were excited to participate in this town hall event with GE, the other panelists and attendees. We look to continue collaborative efforts with other local, respected business leaders who are dedicated to advancing the economic priorities of the Greater Dayton area," commented Klamar.
"Today's panel discussion highlights the critical importance of global innovation and competiveness in manufacturing as well as showcasing the value of collaborative partnership between business, academia and government to enhance the economic vitality of the Dayton region and the State of Ohio," commented Purvis.
"This region is the ideal location for Krush Technologies because of its unique combination of highly innovative thinkers and hands-on-can-do-rollup-your-sleeves and build-it people," said Nauseef. "We believe these qualities provide the edge for us to compete and win globally. We are truly excited and humbled to share the stage with such esteemed panelists and thankful to GE for the opportunity to communicate this story with the world."