Trade show gets boost from GE
BYLINE: Jim Martin, Erie Times-News, Pa.
Jan. 11--GE Transportation Chief Executive John Dineen is putting his money where his mouth is.
Dineen, who has said in the past that he wants Erie's largest employer to take a leadership role in the region's business and manufacturing community, is doing just that.
GE has pledged $50,000 toward the first Great Lakes Industrial Technology Summit.
The event replaces Expo Erie, an event sponsored by the Erie Engineering Societies Council that has been held for the past 41 years.
The new summit, sponsored by the EESC and the Technology Council of Northwest Pennsylvania, will be held Feb. 12-13 at Erie's Bayfront Convention Center.
Perry Wood, executive director of the council, said GE's contribution will help keep the summit in the black as it pursues goals of providing scholarships, identifying transition tools for the work force, showcasing regional vendors and providing an educational outreach.
Money isn't the only thing GE is providing.
"They gave us more than money," Wood said. "They said their employees want to participate, and they gave us John Dineen," who will be the keynote speaker for the event on Feb. 13.
"Mr. Dineen's presence makes the Summit the most relevant place for any industrial leader to be on February 13th," Wood said.
Dineen said he's glad to be involved.
"We are pleased to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Great Lakes Industrial Technology Summit," he said. "The summit reflects the region's leadership in manufacturing and technology today and tomorrow."
Wood said organizers already have lined up what he calls an excellent group of speakers. The focus shifts now to drawing more vendors and attendees to the two-day gathering.
"I have no doubt this will be a very good event," Wood said. "What we are (focusing) on right now is making this a knock-your-socks-off event."
More information is available on the Internet at www.GreatLakesSummit.com.
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