Local economy gets a boost from campus

New reports from the Selig Center for Economic Growth shows Georgia College has a $172 million impact on local economy. 

Despite difficult economic times, Milledgeville has been able to maintain a steady economy, partly due to Georgia College being within its city limits.

With an undergraduate population of approximately 6,000, and still growing, the college generates 1,855 jobs in the area, according to the report by the Selig Center for Economic Growth. The college also generates more than 1,100 off-campus jobs.

The constant flow of students coming in and out of GC allows for available workers and available jobs, as well as customers for local businesses. Not only does Georgia College affect the economy of Milledgeville, but according to the Selig report, the college also impacts Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam, Wilkinson, Jones and Washington counties. The study approximates that Georgia College contributed $172 million to the local economy during the 2010 fiscal year.

Lauren Davidson | gcsunade.com

Lauren Harrison, assistant manager of The Brick, serves customers lunch at the restaurant. The Brick benefits from customers like Weatherly Haslam (bottom right), Jeanie Haslam (bottom left), Charleston Haslam (top right) and Michael Betsil (top left).

With students always entering the school and graduating, job opportunities and new workers are kept readily available. Having jobs available to the students allows for them to pay their bills, but also gives them added income.

Rocke states the advantages of having extra money are being able to eat out more often and to shop leisurely.

The extra spending money then, in turn, creates jobs at the local businesses. Not only does the constant flow of students allow for new customers, but the jobs that the school generates allows for more frequent customers.

Lauren Harrison, assistant manager at The Brick, notices a change in business once GC starts in the fall.

“For the most part we are busier during the school year,” Harrison said.

However, like other small towns, jobs are not always guaranteed in Milledgeville; the constant flow of students is also an obstacle in getting a job, as there are always job-seeking students outnumbering the jobs offered.

“It’s competitive,” said Valeri Poss, a junior pre-mass communication major.

Along with competition with both students and non-students, the limited number of businesses can be a hindrance in finding employment.

Posted by Alina Venick on Aug 25 2011. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.