A recent economic analysis showed that BYU carries more than its share of Utah County’s economic development–$289 million worth.
“BYU is an integral part of the community,” said President Merrill J. Bateman in a presentation to the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce and members of both city governments. “We believe it is very important people understand that, not only in terms of the athletic and cultural events of BYU, but also the economic impact it has.”
The report found that BYU faculty, staff, and students spend $177 million annually on goods and services; the ripple effect from these purchases pushes the total economic impact Þgure to $289 million a year, President Bateman said.
Additionally, BYU creates 5,000 jobs for Provo and Orem, and accounts for 11.6 percent of Provo and Orem salaries.
President Bateman also lauded BYU’s service contributions, noting that BYU students contributed 66,000 hours of community service in 1996.
