FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 9, 2008
Contact: Robert Preston, Jr.,
912.260.4276
robert.preston@sgc.edu
Study: SGC adds $40 million annually to local economy
According to the latest figures published by the University System Board of
Regents, South Georgia College contributes $40 million annually to the local
economy.
As impressive as this number is, it is all the more so considering that the
figure has almost doubled in the last two years; previously, the Board of
Regents found that SGC was a $22 million economic engine for the surrounding
community.
Part of that increase is related to the phenomenal growth the college has
experienced lately. SGC opened the Fall semester with 1,865 students – a 6.3
percent increase over last fall. More students mean more opportunities for
economic growth.
SGC contributes to economic development in several ways, most notably
through preparing its students for higher paying jobs. SGC graduates go on
to become productive members of the workforce, earning – over the course of
their careers – nearly $1 million more than Georgians with high school
diplomas. This means more taxes to support local schools and services, and
higher incomes spent in the local community.
South Georgia College also provides a number of jobs and spurs economic
development throughout its service area. The college attracts
college-educated individuals to Coffee County to take jobs as faculty, and
staff, teaching and supporting SGC’s 1,865 students spread across three
campuses.
Tiger Village has also helped tremendously. The 312 students who live on
campus are a record for SGC, and these students spend their money locally. A
more concentrated student population pays big dividends for local
businesses, especially those located near campus.
SGC contributes a number of amenities and services to Douglas and Coffee
County – from public lectures to dramas, sports, continuing-education
classes, libraries, wellness programs and small business development
centers.
"SGC has been a driving force in economic development for a more than a
century. Jobs are what grows our economy. SGC provides workforce development
opportunities for job retention and growth. They are still and will always
be a driving force for a successful community," says Joanne Lewis, president
of the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce.
"South Georgia College serves as an economic engine by developing an
educated workforce and by creating jobs for the surrounding area. We take
our role in economic development very seriously, and we understand the
important position we hold in helping generate commerce for South Georgia
College's service area," says Interim SGC President Dr. Virginia Carson.
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About South Georgia College
South Georgia College (www.sgc.edu)
was founded in 1906 and is a two-year institution in the University System
of Georgia. Located in Douglas, Ga., the college's environment gives
students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close
collaboration with faculty.
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