In one day, we completed the transportation triad: planes, trains and automobiles. Our last visit of the day was Gulfstream in Savannah. First we got a free car from Kia, and then a Gulfstream G650 sticker! We completed our tour of the new G650 facility and needless to say, it was incredible. The original facility was built in 1967 in Savannah through a coordinated effort by the state, local community and the company. In 2006, Gulfstream announced the first of two expansions that had an ultimate impact on the state of 3,200 new jobs and $900 million in investment -- all of which was facilitated again through a partnership between the state, community and manufacturer. This company is clearly a significant part of the economic viability of the coast and also substantially invests in helping improve the local community. The company contributes more than $2 million annually to the Uniter Way, completes numerous community volunteer hours and has developed a Student Leadership Program that currently mentors 600 local high school students. Gulfstream is clearly committed to the company mission, their employees and helping to improve the local community!
Fun facts:
- General Dynamics is the parent company of Gulfstream Aerospace.
- General Dynamics is one of the top five defense contractors in the country and employees more than 90,000 people worldwide.
- The cost to purchase one of the new G650 business jets is $65 million.
- The range of the G650 is 7,000 nautical miles.
- The facility in Savannah employees approximately 8,700 people.
Our incredible day ended with a wonderful evening on Skidaway Island. We took a ride on UGA Marine Extension Service's SeaDawg, ending right at sunset. We watched the research trawler bring in an amazing variety of marine life and enjoyed a fantastic low country boil.
We can't believe today is our last day together! This has truly been a life-changing week.
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