Year after year, the Sunbelt Ag Expo brings thousands of people from around the southeast, and even the world, to rural Moultrie, Georgia. Forty-two percent of those visitors come from states other than Georgia. In total, the Expo generates $16.72 million in economic output for not just Colquitt County, but for the 20 county region in southwest Georgia, according to the economic impact study done in 2019.
Scott Blount, associate director of the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation, said the influx of people from around the state, southeast, and country places a spotlight on Moultrie and the area of rural southwest Georgia.
“People come to Expo, they spend money, they network with others, and they are exposed to the people who make rural Georgia a great place to live and raise a family,” Blount said. “That exposure alone could potentially influence a company executive to relocate operations and jobs to the area.”
The economic impact study analyzed and reported the financial importance of the Expo to the community. Some of the highlights of the study include the creations of $1.1 million in state and local tax revenue, 187 full and part-time job opportunities, and $5.10 million in the associated income generated for employees and proprietors.
Most importantly, this data reaffirms the Moultrie community the importance of the Sunbelt Ag Expo. Between lodging, restaurants, and other expenditures the Expo brings a lot of business to the area in the three days that the event is live. With the Expo’s long-standing presence in the community, this study promotes the positive impact it has on Moultrie.
“Speaking specifically on the economic impact study, these types of studies and analyses help illustrate the importance and value-in real financial terms-of an organization to its community,” Blount said. “Obviously, the Expo impacts many counties around Colquitt, so sharing the economic impact in surrounding counties is helpful as well.”
As we look forward to the 2021 Expo, hopefully the 2021 Expo will bring just as much impact and benefit to the community.
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