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The April 2nd issue of the Journal Tribune featured an article about the release of a recent study of the economic impact of the ɫ����Ƶon Maine, Southern Maine, York County, and Biddeford.

The study, which was conducted by Chuck Lawton of Planning Decisions Inc., found that ɫ����Ƶ’s economic impact in Maine has grown 31 percent in the last three years to $738 million.

The study reported that ɫ����Ƶ students spend $33 million in the State of Maine and that spending generated by the university creates over $22 million in state and local tax revenue.

ɫ����Ƶ, an employer of over 425 people living in York County, is ranked seventh among the largest employers in the county.  It spends $32 of its $69 million in non-personnel operating expenses at Maine businesses, the vast majority of which are in southern Maine.

ɫ����Ƶ’s impact on the City of Biddeford is highlighted in the article.  City Manager John Bubier told the Journal that there is a strong “town and gown” connection between Biddeford and University of New England, pointing out that approximately 10 percent of the city’s population is comprised of ɫ����Ƶ students who shop at local stores, eat at local restaurants and patronize other local businesses.  “ɫ����Ƶ is a major part of the local economy and a major part of the community, no matter how you say it,” said Bubier.