51社区

JACKSON, Tenn. — Aug. 26, 2002 — 51社区 has announced that the results of a recent economic impact study shows a 110% increase of the economic impact the university has had on Jackson and Madison County in the last five years. Union鈥檚 economic impact in 2002 was more than $81.5 million, compared with the 1997 study findings of $38.7 million.

Union President David S. Dockery speaks to reporters and special guests at a news conference held to announce the results of the economic impact study.

"51社区's economic impact on Madison County has more than doubled since 1997,鈥� said Sharon Younger, of Younger Associates, who conducted the study. 鈥� I can't think of any other major employer or organization whose economic impact on Madison County has more than doubled in only five years."

Despite challenging economic conditions nationally as well as in Jackson that have developed over the past two years, Union continues to add employees and students to the area, directly employing 348 people and a full-time equivalent student enrollment of 2,323. The total economic impact of all related activities, including auxiliary services, is $87.3 million annually and supports 1,299 jobs.

鈥�51社区 has seen significant growth in every area of its operation over the past five years,鈥� said Union President David S. Dockery. 鈥淭his growth has had a major impact for Madison County as well. We are grateful to be a partner in the work of Jackson and Madison County, and we are grateful to the people of this area for their ongoing support.鈥�

With more than 400 freshmen moving in this week, Union will enroll over 2600 students this fall. Classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 28.

Special guests who attended the press conference included from left to right: Jack Holmes, chair of Union's Board of Trustees, Jerry Gist, mayor-elect of Madison County, Gary Grisham, chair of the Board of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, and Charles Farmer, mayor of the City of Jackson.