Now This Beats the Gesundheit

August 22, 2011
Greenbrier to build 'Global Medical Institute'
By Eric Eyre

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Greenbrier plans to build a multimillion-dollar medical research and education facility on the resort's grounds.

The project -- to be called the Global Medical Institute -- is expected to create dozens of jobs.

The White Sulphur Springs resort was selected as the site for the institute over locations in Saudi Arabia, South Korea and London.

"This is really incredible we're getting this in West Virginia," said Jim Justice, who owns The Greenbrier. "We're going to build something really substantial. This is really something."

Justice said project details would be disclosed at a Wednesday afternoon press conference in White Sulphur Springs. "Internationally renowned" physicians and elite athletes are expected to attend, Justice said.

The Greenbrier put out a press release Monday that describes the facility as a "global combination of medical research, education, prevention and clinical excellence." The Greenbrier landed the project "after months of secret meetings and negotiations," according to the release.

The medical facility will be built on The Greenbrier's grounds, Justice said. He declined to disclose the exact location and cost.

The "global medical think tank" is expected to employ dozens of physicians and medical professionals