Grissom Details Local Economic Impact
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Grissom Air Reserve Base in Miami County says the 434th Air Refueling Wing had a nearly $130 million economic impact in 2014. The base currently employs 2,300 workers.
February 5, 2015
News Release
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. (1/23/2015) – Grissom is always having an impact around the globe, but the north-central Indiana base is also having an impact here locally – a financial one.
The 434th Air Refueling Wing recently announced the base had a $128 million economic impact on the surrounding local economy for Fiscal Year 2014.
“We were very excited to hear that a recent analysis indicated that our economic impact is approaching $130 million, which is a more than 9 percent increase from the previous year,” said Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th ARW commander. “It speaks to the tremendous impact Grissom has both locally and regionally.”
That increase is a much needed dose of good news for those who work and live on or near the base, said Jason Dunn, 434th ARW comptroller.
“In the current climate of Sequestration and other Department of Defense budget cuts, you would expect to see the economic impact on our community decreasing, but instead, our impact is increasing,” Dunn elaborated.
With more than 2,300 employees, the base contributed nearly $72 million in military and civilian payroll alone last year.
“The 434th continues to be the largest employer in Miami County and provides a significant economic impact on our community and region,” said Jim Tidd, Miami County Economic Development Authority director.
On top of that, Grissom, in many aspects, is like a small city, with its own fire and police departments, store, workers, families and community. And, like any city, the base purchased goods, services, utilities, office supplies, fuel and equipment from the civilian community.
Through those purchases last year, the base contributed more than $33 million to the economy.
The base also had an indirect impact through the number of jobs created to support Grissom and its mission. It was estimated that 493 jobs were created as a result of the base last year, with an economic impact of nearly $24 million
“We want to continue, as a community, to find ways to help the 434th continue to prosper and grow,” said Tidd.
“This speaks volumes to the unique relationship that Grissom has with the local area,” said Dunn. “We could not continue our mission without their support, and it's satisfying to know that we are giving something back in return.
“It's a two-way street that benefits everyone,” he concluded.
Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units. Airmen, Soldiers and Marines routinely deploy from Grissom around the world in support of the Department of Defense mission and U.S. strategic objectives.
Source: Grissom Air Reserve Base