Grissom makes economic impact of $122 million for FY16

Published Jan. 25, 2017
By Senior Airman Harrison Withrow
434 ARWPublic Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- As the largest employer in Miami County, Grissom has been a major contributor to the local economy since 1942 - and 2016 was no exception.

The 434th Air Refueling Wing recently announced that the Hoosier Wing had a total economic impact of $122 million for fiscal year 2016.

"We are proud to be a part of this community," said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th ARW commander. "We pride ourselves on being good neighbors who serve globally while living - and spending locally."

"Our impact is not limited to the wages of our employees, but the businesses and industries that serve as our civilian partners," he said. "Together we form a team that strengthens our community, our state and our nation."

Jason Dunn, 434th ARW comptroller, echoed how Grissom and the local economy have a direct and positive impact on each other.

“Whenever there is a major project to accomplish here at Grissom, whether it is maintaining our runway, renovating a building, or even constructing a new one, we rely on Indiana companies to help us,” said Dunn.

During 2016, Grissom expended $22.3 million in equipment, supplies, contracts and minor construction, directly impacting local community job creation by more than $26.8 million.
“Unlike other jobs in the local economy that depend on the buying and selling of goods and services, each employee at Grissom is a direct infusion of cash to the surrounding area without the need for any reciprocal investment other than federal taxes,” said Dunn.

"We need each other," Shaw said. "We can't do our jobs without the support of the community and we're happy that we can provide a positive financial impact."

Economic impact analyses conducted by the Air Force represent only first and second tier indicators for salaries and the direct costs of labor and construction, thus resulting in very conservative numbers, said Dunn.
“The true benefits of our relationship would be much higher if we tracked each dollar as it flowed through the local economy from start to finish,” he said.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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Grissom makes economic impact of $122 million for FY16

Public Affairs Staff