What will it take to restore and maintain America’s role as the world’s leader in developing modern and efficient infrastructures to fuel economic growth? That’s the question being asked by the Council on Competiveness as the group hosts a dialogue with UTC, Alstom, and various other Chattanooga area businesses on June 20-21.
“We cannot maintain our economic and security leadership if we do not make things for the future. We’re going to be looking at the underlying infrastructure issues that will enable innovation and competitiveness,” Deborah Wince-Smith, President and CEO of the Council on Competiveness, said.
Focused on creating and nurturing the country’s manufacturing infrastructure, the Council on Competiveness is a non-partisan, non-governmental organization comprised of CEOs, university presidents, and labor leaders working to ensure U.S. prosperity.
“We’re very happy to cooperate with endeavors on trying to make manufacturing in North America competitive again. This is one way we can give back on the investment we’ve made in Chattanooga. The city has been very good to us,” Pierre Gauthier, President of Alstom North America, said.
The Council is currently touring the country and conversing with business leaders on the challenges and possible solutions to America’s manufacturing sector. In Chattanooga, the group will tour the Alstom Power System Manufacturing Facility, Volkswagen, and the UTC College of Engineering.
“UTC is all about partnership. As a metropolitan university, we regularly partner and engage with our community to bring new perspectives and ideas. We’re glad to be a part of this process,” Dr. Will Sutton, Dean of the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science, said.