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Dalton State Contributes More Than $135 Million to Local Economy
08/23/19
Dalton State Contributes More Than $135 Million to Local Economy
Dalton State continues to have a strong impact on the economy in Northwest Georgia.
The college is responsible for more than $135 million being pumped into the region and for creating more than 1,500 jobs, according to a report released by the Georgia Board of Regents this week.
“Dalton State remains a significant contributor to our regional economic vitality,” said Dr. Margaret Venable, president. “We create jobs directly and indirectly through the employment of our own faculty and staff as well through the goods and services purchased from local businesses by the college itself, by our employees and our students and other visitors to the college. More importantly, we provide a pipeline of qualified, educated graduates to supply regional workforce needs.”
With more students living on campus each semester, Dr. Marilyn Helms, dean of the Wright School of Business, expects to continue seeing the college’s economic impact rise.
“Our numbers show Dalton State impacts spending through salaries and items we buy to operate the college, but also student spending,” she said. “Dalton State’s recruiting efforts have successfully increased our mix of students from outside the immediate area. These students buy food, services and spend money locally on entertainment, further adding to our impact.”
Dalton State’s influence on the local economy reaches even deeper than immediate spending. Most students who attend the college also work and live in the area after graduation.
“Long-term the students who graduate DSC earn more than those who have not attended or graduated college and their increased earnings will aid prosperity in the region,” Helms said. “Our alumni continue to grow our local area as employees of local businesses, residents, taxpayers, to name a few. This educated workforce spends more and their consumption and taxes contribute to the area. “
The report, which measures the economic impact of University System of Georgia institutions covers the 2018 fiscal year and was compiled by Dr. Jeffrey M. Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
“As we strive to graduate more students, keep college affordable and increase efficiency in delivering education, it’s important to keep in mind higher education is an investment, and from these numbers it’s a smart one,” Chancellor Steve Wrigley said. “Communities across our state and the state as a whole are benefiting from the economic engine that is the USG and its 26 institutions.”