Tony Denhart, University Relations Leader for GE Corporate, spoke to us about the new GE engine plant in Lafayette. Many people associate the name GE with household appliances, but that division was sold off in June, 2016. GE is involved with healthcare, aviation, energy and software analytics, to name just some of their initiatives. The Lafayette GE engine plant builds full engines and engine cores for airplanes. The full engines are sold to Boeing Co. The engine cores are shipped to France to be fully assembled there. Tony was excited to share with us that the first full engine made in Lafayette will ship out today! The plant currently employs about fifty people, but that will increase to 250 when they are at full capacity. The engines being built are L.E.A.P. engines, which stands for Leading Edge Air Propulsion. These engines are lighter, more fuel efficient and produce 50% fewer emissions than traditional engines. Group tours are available of this modern facility. The future of airplane engines includes the possibility of hybrid engines and electric engines.
OPEN WORLD DELEGATION FROM UKRAINE:
Our guests from Ukraine are enjoying a busy, but informative stay in West Lafayette. They have already visited a number of places to learn about how we help those with autism. 
A highlight of their week will be a dinner party Thursday, Sept. 22nd with a number of Rotarians from our Club.