Higher Education in WCU Demonstrates Economic Clout

Public higher education in Western North Carolina contributed two billion dollars to the North Carolina economy in the 2012-2013 fiscal year and around 75 percent of that money stayed in the region.  That's
according to a study conducted by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI).  The economic value of higher education was touted at a Friday morning press conference at the Asheville Regional Chamber of Commerce.  A standing room only crowd made up of stake holders, local and state elected officials, and representatives from Congressmen Patrick McHenry and Mark Meadows  offices were on hand for the presentation of the numbers.  UNC-Asheville Chancellor Mary Grant, Western Carolina University President David Belcher, and AB Tech Community College President Dennis  King hailed the "return on investment" higher education provides for the regional economy. Immediately after the presentation  WCU President Belcher told David Hurand the economic impact numbers were compiled coming out of  the great recession and are very conservative.  He thinks a follow up report would be even more positive.