GE HealthCare rings opening bell for Nasdaq in Waukesha as they become independent from GE

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- General Electric previously announced it would split into three separate public companies to help them realize their full potential of each venture. 

Wednesday marked founders' day for the new GE HealthCare, headquartered in Waukesha. 

Nasdaq moved its daily Wall Street commencement of ringing the opening bell to Waukesha to celebrate the day. 

"Our innovative products, platforms and clinical insights are making a difference in the lives of patients every day," said Peter Arduini, CEO of GE HealthCare. 

Local officials like Mayor Shawn Reilly were there to celebrate the announcement.  

"Today was so exciting for Waukesha and for the region, too. We basically gained a brand-new fortune 500 company and have a great community partner with GE HealthCare," said Mayor Reilly. 

For employees like Katelyn Nye, the focus on moving health care forward is promising.

"I work for GE because I have a chronic health condition," said Nye. "I rely on technology to beat my heart every day. So, when I graduated college with an engineering degree, I decided I want to work in med-tech, and I've spent my entire career here at GE HealthCare."

Hundreds of employees gathered at the GE HealthCare headquarters in Waukesha for the celebration that was broadcast by Nasdaq around the globe.