Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/271369
8 MARCH 5-11, 2014 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM It's unlikely that anyone would argue the value that Fayetteville Technical Community College brings to the community. From general education credits to continuing education programs and certifications, FTCC plays a huge role in making sure that the local workforce is educated and well-trained for whatever challenges they face. After a recent economic impact analysis, FTCC can attach numbers and dollar amounts to the ways that the institution positively impacts the community. The economic analysis measured the impact of college operations, the impact of the spending of students who relocated to the county and then the impact of the increased productivity of former students that were employed in the regional workforce during the time of the study. The analysis is for the 2012-2013 fiscal Year, and found that during that time the college employed 973 full-time and part-time faculty and staff, 87 percent of whom lived in Cumberland County. The total payroll at FTCC was $58.5 million. Much of this was spent in Cumberland County on things like groceries, dining, clothing and other household expenses. As a consumer, FTCC spent $44.5 million on goods and services to cover its expenses for professional services, facilities and supplies. Just from its day-to-day operations, FTCC generated $75.7 million. A little more than 10 percent of FTCC's students relocated to Cumberland County to attend college during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. If FTCC did not exist, these are students that would not have moved to Cumberland County. Out-of-county students spent $34.1 million while attending FTCC. They spent this money on groceries, rent for accommodations and transportation, resulting in $13.8 million in income for the local community. Once students leave FTCC, the community really starts to benefit from the education and training of local residents. Thousands of students have passed through the halls of FTCC and left with newly acquired skills that they used to further themselves and the community. Thousands of them still reside and are employed in Cumberland County. As students put their new skills to use they are typically rewarded with higher incomes. Their efforts and skills add value to local businesses and increase productivity, which results in higher profits for local enterprises. These higher incomes and increased profits are spent locally, which benefits the community. For the 2012-2013 fiscal year, FTCC's students currently employed in Cumberland County added $440.8 million to the local economy. "Approximately 88 percent of FTCC's students remain in North Carolina upon completing their educational goals," said Dr. Larry Keen, FTCC President. "As our students earn more, they and their employers pay higher taxes through increased output and spending. Over the students working lives, state and local government in North Carolina will collect a present value of $234.2 million in the form of higher tax receipts. Additionally, as our students earn more because of the skills and qualifications they acquire at FTCC, employers will earn more as their businesses become more productive. Over their working lives, the FTCC student population will generate present value of $2.5 billion in added income in the state of North Carolina. For every dollar that state and local tax payers spend on FTCC, society as a whole in North Carolina will receive a cumulative value of $41.90 in benefits for as long as our students remain active in the state work force." To find out more about the FTCC 201-2013 regional economic impact analysis, call 910.678.8373. FTCC: A Positive Force in the Community by STEPHANIE CRIDER Even in peacetime being a soldier is difficult and dangerous. It is a burden that every military family bears emotionally and mentally. To an unfortunate few, this sacrifice reaches into their physical lives as well, and this becomes the most challenging sacrifice of all. On Feb. 21, the Muzzy family joined the ranks of the brave Americans challenged beyond what most must face. In a tragic training accident on Fort Bragg, 25-year- old Sgt. Cory Muzzy and six of his comrades in the 18th Fires Brigade were injured in a training accident with a 155mm towed howitzer. One crew member was killed in the explosion. Muzzy was immediately taken to Womack Army Medical Center on Fort Bragg to receive treatment, while his wife — who was in New Mexico — was notified. As a result of the accident Muzzy lost sight in both of his eyes, lost his left toe and his right leg above the knee. He also suffered from a fracture in his forearm, and brain bleeding. Duke Doctors, where Muzzy is now being treated, are hopeful that he may regain some eyesight in his left eye. There was also little to no sustained brain damage. Sgt. Muzzy is a Greenville graduate who has served the country in combat tours to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He has a loving wife, Michelle, who is devoted to helping him recover and to raising their 3-year-old son. His parents have also offered to move from their home in New Mexico to assist their son in his transition. As the Muzzy family now emotionally struggles to deal with this tragedy that has befallen them, they must also deal with it financially. The Army is providing funds for the family, but there are still huge costs to overcome. Travel expenses need to be paid for the parents to move to North Carolina. There must be changes made to the Muzzy home to improve the quality of life for Sgt. Muzzy. And frankly, it is expensive to stay in a hotel in Durham, and to drive from that hotel to the hospital everyday. It is heartbreaking to imagine having to deal with a tragedy like this, and adding the stress of money to the mix is unthinkable. It does not have to be that way, however. Roxy Murphy, a friend of the Muzzy family, has set up a fundraiser to help lift at least some of the financial burden from this family. This is an opportunity to thank this man for his service, and to come together as a community supporting one of our own. There is a $25,000 goal, and so far 206 people have donated $13,000. Every penny that is donated will be given to the Muzzy family to help them build a new life. This fundraiser will end on April 23 at midnight, and every dollar is much-needed and greatly appreciated. To donate, go to https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/ dhiT2. There is also a t-shirt fundraiser that will benefit the family. Every t-shirt sold gives back. To support this fundraiser, go to https://www.booster. com/teammuzzy. These are the official fundraisers to support Sgt. Muzzy and his family in their long journey. All other pages may be scams. Kind words and encouragement are also welcome at the official Facebook page "Team Muzzy" at https://www. facebook.com/theteammuzzy. This page will also have updates on Sgt. Muzzy's condition. These are personal fundraisers, and are not affiliated with any military unit. Team Muzzy Helps Injured Soldier a STAFF REPORT Cory Muzzy was one of several soldiers injured in a training accident on Fort Bragg on Feb. 21. STEPHANIE CRIDER, Editor COM- MENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly. com.