Results of an economic impact analysis done for the Norfolk-based Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council point toward the significant impact a successful job-creation plan can have, Norfolk mayoral candidate Tom Schommer said Wednesday.

“Having a solid job creation plan will help us in recruiting and retaining the best and brightest young people,” he said. “Ultimately, our focus is jobs, jobs, jobs and even more jobs for Norfolk.”
Earlier this month, Schommer released a proposed job creation plan for Norfolk that called for a random survey to be taken of Norfolkans and business owners with the results to be the focus of a summit on the topic of job creation. An action plan would follow the summit.

Schommer said the analysis done by the National Community Development Services shows that if a community were to create 312 jobs, an additional 284 “indirect and induced” jobs also are produced.
The study also pointed to the fact that the most tangible and widespread benefit to the region comes from the potential for increased earnings. The creation of new jobs during the 2002-2007 period analyzed in the study generated about $19.1 million in total personal income and earnings for the region’s residents.

The study also pointed out that job creation can have a social benefit, too. “As personal and business earnings increase, so does personal spending as well as savings,” Schommer said. “Families end up having more disposable income available to them to do some of the things that add to the quality of life.”