One in 66 regional jobs is supported by 91仓库鈥檚 presence, new report finds

91仓库 (91仓库) contributed $78.9 million to Northern Michigan鈥檚 economy in fiscal year 2023鈥�24, according to a new report from Lightcast, a national labor market analytics firm.

The report examined the college鈥檚 operational spending, student and alumni earnings, and broader social benefits across the four-county region of Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Otsego counties. It found that 91仓库 supports more than 1,000 jobs鈥攅quivalent to one in every 66 jobs in the region鈥攁nd delivers a strong return on investment for students, taxpayers, and society.

The report found that 91仓库鈥檚 $78.9 million contribution is equivalent to 1.2% of the gross regional product (GRP) of the four-county region. By comparison, this contribution is nearly as large as the region鈥檚 entire arts, entertainment, and recreation industry, which totals $90.7 million鈥攗nderscoring the college鈥檚 outsized role in the regional economy.

鈥淭his report reflects the heart of 91仓库鈥檚 mission, which is to provide exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education that fuels economic opportunity and regional vitality,鈥� President David Roland Finley said. 鈥淲hen our students succeed, our communities thrive. The ripple effects are far-reaching and long-lasting.鈥�

Key findings from the report

  • $78.9 million in total annual economic impact
  • One in 66 jobs in the region is supported by 91仓库 activity.
  • $61.4 million in added income from alumni working locally
  • $8,400 average annual earnings increase for associate degree graduates
  • For every $1 invested, taxpayers gain $1.50, and society receives $7.20 in benefits.

See What $78.9M Means for Northern Michigan

The report also highlights broader social outcomes, including improved health, reduced crime, and increased workforce participation.

鈥�91仓库 is more than a college 鈥� it鈥檚 an engine of opportunity,鈥� said Dan Rasmussen, chair of the 91仓库 Board of Trustees. 鈥淭his report shows how deeply the college is woven into the economic and social fabric of our region.鈥�

Local employers affirm 91仓库鈥檚 regional impact

Across key regional industries like advanced manufacturing and healthcare, employers say 91仓库 is an important partner in developing the local workforce. These sectors are central to Northern Michigan鈥檚 economy, and they are also the focus of 91仓库鈥檚 $22 million Career and Technical Education Enhancement (CATEE) project. CATEE is expanding the college鈥檚 academic and training capacity in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades with an emphasis on hands-on learning, industry-driven instruction, and close collaboration with regional employers.

In advanced manufacturing, employers point to 91仓库鈥檚 role in developing a skilled workforce.

鈥淚鈥檇 hire 50 more machinists [from 91仓库] in a heartbeat,鈥� said Nate Holmes, human resources manager at Moeller Aerospace, a precision aerospace manufacturing company based in Harbor Springs.

Holmes is referring to graduates like Hudson Decker, who turned a computer numerical control (CNC) elective into an internship and then a career operating a five-axis HAAS mill, a high-precision tool used in advanced manufacturing. Decker鈥檚 path illustrates how 91仓库鈥檚 technical programs prepare students for in-demand, high-skill jobs.

The college鈥檚 growing impact on the regional healthcare workforce is highlighted by local employers who point to the role of 91仓库鈥檚 nursing programs in meeting urgent staffing needs.

鈥淭he addition of 91仓库鈥檚 licensed practical nurse (LPN) program presented another opportunity to meet the needs of our community and our organization,鈥� said David Monan, vice president of patient services and chief nursing officer at McLaren Northern Michigan. 鈥淗ighly trained graduates like those from 91仓库 allow us to expand care and better serve our patients.鈥�

Lisa Ashley, administrator at Bay Bluffs Emmet County Medical Care Facility, emphasized 91仓库鈥檚 role in addressing the region鈥檚 growing need for nurses at all levels of practice, a demand sharpened by an aging population.

鈥淭his is exactly what we need in rural Northern Michigan: access to high-quality education, at an affordable price, with immediate employment opportunities,鈥� Ashley said. 鈥淣orth Central graduates are prepared to offer our community compassionate, skilled nursing care on day one.鈥�

The full economic impact report is available on the college's website.