Let me just come out and say that it is very much a blessing that General Electric is a manufacturer in Erie, PA.
As the shareholders of GE gather in Erie at our new Convention Center for their first annual meeting here in 18 years, I’d like to give a verbal “hug” to this far-flung multinational conglomerate.
Just examine what GE brings to the table by operating its plant here:

  • Well over 5,000 good paying jobs
  • Maintaining incomes of thousands more GE retirees
  • Economic impact of millions of dollars into the local economy via local suppliers
  • Huge investment into the tax base of local governments
  • Innovation that started with Edison’s light bulb that now employs hundreds of engineers and knowledge workers
  • Direct contributions from their foundation, including $15 million to the Erie School District for math and science learning aids
  • A benchmark in best practice for other local firms to conform to

As CEO Jeffrey Immelt expressed this morning at the shareholders meeting,

By the ‘laws of nature’ this business should not exist in this city… This is a 100-year-old business, in a 100-year-old factory, located in a city that has been rocked by industrial layoffs. Yet, we love this business and we are fond of the city. Our business is thriving. Why? Because we invest and deliver — because we are GE.

That kind of insistence on excellence is exceptional in a climate where flagging businesses scapegoat or cry victimhood. GE Transportation loves Erie and we love GE, and we wish all of its stakeholders continued success.