A recent report on the economic impact of Iowa Central Community College contains a head-spinning array of big numbers, all of which are big in a positive way.

But if you want to zero in on the importance the college has for Webster County and eight nearby counties it is helpful to look at one fact contained in the report. It shows that one out of every 27 jobs in the region is supported by the college.

Think about that for a second. One out of 27 jobs is supported by the college. In other words, if the college didn’t exist one out of every 27 workers might not have a job. For another measure of how important the college is to the area, consider that the total economic impact of the college is $152.9 million.

That $152.9 million came from these categories:

• $116.5 million from spending by alumni who live in the area.

• $27.5 million in operational spending by the college.

• $6.6 million in spending by college students.

• $2.3 million in college construction spending.

The report covered Buena Vista, Calhoun, Greene, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Sac, Webster and Wright counties during the 2019-2020 fiscal year. It was prepared by the state Department of Education and the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees.

Iowa Central was already well known for the education and job training opportunities it provides. It was also already noted for its cultural offerings, such as concerts and plays. The new report reveals that the college is an important economic engine as well.

Iowa Central Community College is an institution worthy of everyone’s support. Residents of the region should be proud of their local community college.