厙ぴ勛圖

news-category: Community News/Events

Cleveland County Study Reports 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb’s Total Economic Impact: $155.3 Million

Report by Tourism Economics Commissioned by Visit Cleveland County, N.C.

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.���A new study by Tourism Economics, which was commissioned by Visit Cleveland County, N.C., has documented and determined the economic impacts of four organizations, including 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb University. The comprehensive report analyzed data from 2022 and concluded that GWU generated a total economic impact of $155.3 million in the local economy, was responsible for 1,315 full- and part-time jobs, and produced $8.0 million in tax revenues at the state and local levels.

���This is really important information for our neighbors, friends, and partners across Cleveland County to have,��� emphasized 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs. ���GWU is one of the primary economic motors of our county. Our university is a jobs-generator and a jobs-sustainer. Our students, faculty, and staff are not just teachers and learners ��� they are also consumers and taxpayers who elevate the quality of life in our community in very tangible ways. If there was ever any doubt, then these economic impact data from a respected firm have resoundingly established GWU as an indispensable contributor to economic prosperity in Cleveland County.���

Greg Pepitone, associate director of Tourism Economics, explained how the company calculated total economic impact. The first step is to determine the direct spending generated by 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb, which is $115.5 million. This amount is a combination of the University���s operational spending: $84.3 million and off-site spending by students and visitors: $31.2 million. Pepitone noted that off-site spending relates only to the money that out-of-town students and visitors spend during their stay in Cleveland County, including local restaurants, hotels, retailers, student off-site housing, and recreation/entertainment venues.

Next, the total economic impact produced by GWU is calculated using a customized input-output model for the Cleveland County economy developed in IMPLAN () Recognized as an industry standard, IMPLAN generates an economic profile by measuring the relationships among industries and consumers to track the flow of industry revenue to wages, profits, capital, taxes and suppliers.

The supply chain is traced as dollars flow through the economy, representing indirect impacts. An example would be 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb purchasing supplies from a local business. The model also calculates the induced impacts of spending. Induced impacts represent benefits to the economy as employees of 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb���and other local businesses that are directly or indirectly supported by the direct spending generated by GWU���spend in the local economy, resulting in additional sales, jobs, taxes, and income.

The study also reported the total economic impact of these organizations:

  • Kings Mountain (N.C.) Patriot Park: $ 821,300.
  • Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, N.C.: $799,300.
  • Don Gibson Theatre in Shelby: $502,200.

The full report is available here.

About Tourism Economics

is an Oxford Economics company with a singular objective: combine an understanding of the travel sector with proven economic tools to answer the most important questions facing our clients. More than 500 companies, associations, and destinations work with Tourism Economics every year as a research partner. We bring decades of experience to every engagement to help our clients make better marketing, investment, and policy decisions.

About 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb

厙ぴ勛圖-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb.edu.

Previous News Article

Dover Library Presents Dan Sellers Host of 'Carolina Haints'

Next News Article

Washington Monthly Lists 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb as a Top Five Private College in North Carolina for Second Year

Related News

  • News Article

    厙ぴ勛圖-Webb University Launches Open Door Guarantee, Expanding Access to Private Christian Education

    Free Tuition, Mandatory Fees Available to Qualifying Students from Families Earning $100,000 or Less Beginning in Fall 2027 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.��� 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb University is opening new pathways to affordability through its Open Door Guarantee, which will provide eligible students with free tuition and coverage of specified university fees beginning in Fall 2027. Eligible new first-time […]

    Students walking across campus bell tower tucker
  • News Article

    厙ぴ勛圖-Webb to Host 47th Annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19 for Middle and High School Singers

    Students from Across the Carolinas will Rehearse with Distinguished Conductors Before a Public Concert in Dover Theatre BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.���厙ぴ勛圖-Webb University will welcome student singers from across North and South Carolina for its 47th annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19. The daylong event will culminate in a free public concert at 5:30 p.m. in Dover […]

    choral clinic
  • News Article

    厙ぴ勛圖-Webb University Chorales Selected to Perform at Biltmore During Christmas Season

    Students Gain Memorable Musical Experience While Sharing Their Talents on Nov. 13; Community Members Encouraged to Purchase Biltmore Tickets Early to Attend BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.���For many visitors, Christmas at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C., is a treasured holiday tradition filled with sparkling lights, towering trees and seasonal music. This November, a group of 厙ぴ勛圖-Webb University students […]

    The University Chorales sing in Dover Chapel.