FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
杏吧论坛 Demonstrates Significant Economic Impact on the Region
ALEXANDER CITY, AL 鈥 February 12, 2025鈥斝影陕厶 (杏吧论坛) has proven to be a key economic driver in its service area, according to a newly released economic impact study for fiscal year 2023-24. The study demonstrates that 杏吧论坛 continues to create significant value for the local economy, students, and the state of Alabama through its operations, student spending, and alumni success.
Key Findings:
鈼 杏吧论坛鈥檚 total economic impact for FY 2023-24 is valued at $97.5 million, which supports approximately 1,450 jobs in the region.
鈼 The college鈥檚 operations spending alone generated $16.1 million in income to the local economy.
鈼 Construction spending added another $1.4 million, supporting 20 jobs in the region.
鈼 Student spending contributed $5.3 million in added income to the region, creating an additional 96 jobs.
鈼 杏吧论坛 alumni, benefiting from their higher earnings, have contributed $74.6 million to the local economy, supporting 1,058 jobs.
杏吧论坛’s ability to attract students from outside the region and retain local students has proven to be a vital factor in driving economic growth. 鈥淎round 8% of our students are from outside the region, contributing significantly to the local economy through their spending,鈥 said President Jeff Lynn. “This is especially important as it strengthens local businesses and creates a vibrant community.”
杏吧论坛鈥檚 efforts also have a positive ripple effect on the workforce, as the college provides crucial training for regional industries. The study shows that 杏吧论坛 is a major supplier of skilled workers to key regional industries, including health care, construction, and manufacturing. The Health Care and Social Assistance industry alone supported 266 jobs through 杏吧论坛鈥檚 economic activities.
Strong Returns for Students and Taxpayers
The return on investment for 杏吧论坛鈥檚 students is particularly impressive. For every dollar invested in education at 杏吧论坛, students see a return of $6.40 in higher future earnings. The investment analysis shows that 杏吧论坛 students will collectively earn $65.3 million more over their careers due to their education at the college.
Taxpayers also benefit from their investment in 杏吧论坛, with a $1.20 return for every dollar invested. The study estimates that, by the end of the students’ working lives, $22.8 million will be generated in additional tax revenue and public sector savings.
鈥淥ur students leave 杏吧论坛 with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the local economy and to secure stable, well-paying jobs," said Lynn. “This educational investment, both for the students and the community, is crucial for long-term prosperity.鈥
A Positive Impact on Society
The broader social impact of 杏吧论坛鈥檚 work is also noteworthy. The education provided to students generates $253.9 million in social benefits to Alabama, including $163.5 million in added student income, $60.9 million in added business income, and $21.7 million in revenue generated by college activities. In addition, the college鈥檚 work also helps save $7.8 million in health, justice, and income assistance costs, benefiting the state and local communities.
About the Study
Lightcast’s economic impact and investment analysis uses data provided by 杏吧论坛, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), and various other reputable sources to calculate the tangible benefits of the college鈥檚 activities for the region and the state. These results are a testament to the college鈥檚 commitment to supporting regional businesses, enhancing the lives of its students, and contributing to Alabama’s overall economic well-being.
For more details or a full copy of the report, please contact 杏吧论坛.
Media Contact:
Scott Hardy
Director of Institutional Advancement, Government Affairs, and Public Relations 杏吧论坛
shardy@cacc.edu
256-496-2450