TEC noted in economic gains, support to East Tennessee

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
  • I.G. Brown Training and Education Center
MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. --  The I.G. Brown Training and Education Center here was recently listed among local military units and service members who have a "major drive in the East Tennessee economy."

The economic figures were reported in the Military Economic Impact Analysis for East Tennessee, prepared by the East Tennessee Military Affairs Council.

The non-profit council's study reported a base impact to the surrounding community at more than $138 million for Fiscal Year 2013. The total impact of all area military activity was estimated at $943.3 million.

"The military continues to be one of the major drivers of the economic activity in our area," reported the council.

The council states that economic impact analysis provides "business and civic leaders, and the public at large, a complete picture of the very significant contribution that the military and defense programs make to the economy of East Tennessee."

The National Guard and the reserves are noted as the largest military units that impact the East Tennessee area.

"East Tennessee is a great location--readily accessible by road and air travel--as well as very military-friendly," said Col. Tim Cathcart, TEC commander.

"We continue to look for ways to expand our in-resident service member throughput, and the recently-authorized military construction will do just that by providing more classroom and billeting space, thereby increasing our economic impact to the local community," said Cathcart.

Calculated in the impact are annual wages, construction, indirect jobs, contracts to private businesses and other expenditures, which includes retiree and veteran pay and benefits.

"...it is clear that the military is among the largest economic drivers in the area," the council reported.

The report also notes that regular military, National Guard and reserve service members make positive contributions to area civic activities, and it lists more than two dozen organizations that benefit from their "daily support."

"Military personnel know the value of 'service to others' and are valuable members of the community," said the council.

The report can be found at the ETMAC Web site.