4 minute read
pJBLM is Critical
McChord Field is a USAF base in in Pierce County, Washington, USA. McChord Field is the home of the 62d Airlift Wing, Air Mobility Command.
Joint Base Lewis McChord
IS CRITICAL FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Director of Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy Division
Almost all of us in Thurston County are aware of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) located between Thurston and Pierce County. Fewer of us are aware of the substantial economic impact JBLM plays in the region, according to a recent survey.
The South Sound Military and Communities Partnership, or SSMCP, recently reported findings from a new economic impact study and survey of businesses. The report confirmed that JBLM is a regional powerhouse for our region’s economy. The Thurston County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be part of SSMCP and joins the other jurisdictions, such as the cities of Lakewood, Lacey, Dupont, Yelm and Thurston and Pierce counties to provide regional leadership to bridge our military and civilian communities.
JBLM is located along Interstate-5 and between Pierce and Thurston Counties. The 70,000-acre active military base is home to the Army’s I Corps, the Air Force’s 62nd Airlift wing and several reserve components. The updated SSMCP study found that JBLM contributes over 83,500 jobs (FTEs) to the Pierce/Thurston region. These jobs and retired personnel bring in more than $8.25 billion in salaries/wages/ pensions to the area. The updated study, conducted with assistance from the Thurston Economic Development Council, estimates that the combined total gross economic impact to the region is over $12 billion.
In addition to the private sector impacts, JBLM contributes an estimated $387 million in state and local tax revenue.
SSMCP, with assistance from the Thurston and Pierce County Chambers of Commerce and the University of Washington – Tacoma, reached out to area businesses and members to assess perceptions of JBLM. Survey respondents overwhelmingly saw JBLM as positive for the region. Negative impacts were associated with “traffic,” and this is something that SSMCP and the region’s policymakers are continually working on to improve.
Researchers surveyed businesses and members between December 2019 and January 2020. Over 56 percent were business leaders, managers or owners. Of these, 34 percent had some prior affiliation with JBLM.
More than half of respondents where from Thurston County. The survey found that about 58 percent of
Sunset view of Mt. Rainer from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM),
McChord Airfield with Vintage
Aircraft and Control Tower in foreground. A Douglas B-18A or
DC-2 Bolo S/N 37505 is on the left and a Beechcraft UC-455 Expedition or Twin Beech is on the right.
businesses employ veterans and their family members, and more than one in four businesses offers military discounts. Small employers (between 1 and 9 employees) and large employers (more than 100 employees) reported the majority of companies employing veterans.
The survey did highlight some interesting issues that will guide future work. Business leaders tend to report lower perceived economic impact than non-business leaders. Often, the most likely incorrect estimated economic impact was between $1 and $5 billion… more than 100 percent lower than the actual impact of $12 billion. Also, business leaders who reported no current or prior military affiliation reported lower perceived economic effects than their peers with some previous military association. Almost 80 percent of respondents attributed less than 20 percent of their business to JBLM. Plus, only 13 percent of survey participants indicated that they participate in transitioning service member mentorship programs.
The Thurston Chamber encourages members to consider increased business opportunities with JBLM and the military community highlighted by the SSMCP survey. We also see further opportunities for workforce development and consider JBLM as a larger recruiter of skilled employees with a strong desire to stay in the region after their military service. We envision that together, the region will seek more flexible professional licensing for separating service members and military spouses seeking employment opportunities. This will benefit military families and local employers.
In a post-COVID-19 economy, the Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy Division will continue to recognize the importance of JBLM to our region and communities. Economic recovery will be easier for our region due to the presence of JBLM compared to other parts of the state and nation. The Chamber will continue to work collaboratively with SSMCP and JBLM leaders to tackle common challenges such as affordable housing, affordable childcare, high-quality schools and more significant behavioral health resources. JBLM is critical for our region, and we advocate and welcome JBLM as a partner, neighbor and friend.
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