Georgia Southern University had an economic impact of more than $719 million on the region during the recently completed fiscal year.

According to a study released recently by Georgia Southern’s Bureau of Business Research and Development (BBRED), the University pumped $719,233,212 into the economies of nine Southeast Georgia counties in 2006-2007.

In addition, the report revealed that Georgia Southern was responsible for more than 10,300 jobs in the region, which includes the counties of Bulloch, Bryan, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Jenkins and Screven.

"As the study demonstrates, the University continues to have a significant positive impact on the economy of the region," BBRED Director Phyllis Isley said. "This impact extends well beyond Statesboro and Bulloch County to a number of other counties that are interlinked economically to Georgia Southern.

"These interlinked counties have businesses that supply goods and services to the University, and to the residences of faculty and staff who commute to and from other counties."

The new study showed the University’s economic impact on the region increased by more than 9 percent from the previous fiscal year.

Georgia Southern pumped $653,440,929 into the region’s economy in 2005-2006, according to the BBRED report issued in August 2006.