Obama visits GE plant in New York

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- President Obama toured a General Electric plant in Schenectady, N.Y., telling workers GE "has something to teach" all businesses.

The president, speaking to GE employees, announced the appointment of Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Immelt as head of the new Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. Obama described the new panel as a group of business leaders and outside advisers looking at how to foster job creation and help business.

"And I am so proud and pleased that Jeff has agreed to chair this panel -- my Council on Jobs and Competitiveness -- because we think GE has something to teach businesses all across America," Obama said.

Obama spoke of the historic role Schenectady and GE have played in the history of the U.S. economy.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo joined the president at GE. Obama was accompanied on the flight from Washington by Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton, who had been in Washington for the National Conference of Mayors meeting this week.