Navigating its way to this week’s new member spotlight is Textron. Ranked number 209 on the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. companies, this pioneer business is a multi-industry, including aerospace, defense, specialized vehicles, and more.

If you’re not familiar with the name Textron, you’ve probably been exposed to at least one of its brands without even realizing it! It’s likely you’ve witnessed a Bell Helicopter carry our brave armed forces into combat, or maybe you’ve cruised along the golf course in a E-Z-GO golf cart.

Textron has bolstered economic growth in the Augusta region employing over 1,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in the city. Such success lends it to be a driving force behind the local and regional efforts to diversify economic development. Not only are they focused on current economic mobility, Textron also is creating a sustainable path forward by empowering our youth.

In partnership with the Richmond County School System, Textron has designed a program called Reaching Potential Through Manufacturing, also known as RPM. The program seeks to empower students to commit to attaining their high school diploma. Students who attend Richmond County Schools can apply for the program and be selected to participate. Once accepted and properly trained, the student gains the opportunity to have an instructional day be complemented by a paid 4-hour work shift with additional bonuses for attendance.

This May, the program graduated its first 24 students at a special ceremony. For many, the program has charted a path of opportunity that may not have been so clear prior to the program’s inception. The Georgia Chamber is honored to have Textron join our network. Similarly to many of our members, Textron is serving its community and working to prepare the next generation of leaders and we are proud to support that effort.

To learn more about the company, visit the following link: http://www.textron.com/ and find out more about RPM by visiting: http://bit.ly/2uiqeSs.

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