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Abstract
The green industry in Oconee County is composed of three sectors. Theses sectors are nursery and greenhouse production, landscape services, and retail sales. Production of plant material, landscape services, as well as retail sales are a stimulus to the entire Oconee County economy. Purchases of inputs within the county create secondary economic activity, while wages earned by employees lead to spending in all sectors of the economy. Greenhouse and nursery production has a total economic output impact of $27.9 million in the Oconee County economy. A total of 197 jobs related to the production industry lead to $11.9 million in wages and benefits. County governments realize $402,667 in tax revenues due to greenhouse and nursery production. Economic output impacts of landscape services total $8.9 million. Wages and benefits are $3.6 million for 142 jobs associated with landscape services. Local governments in Oconee County receive $184,763 in tax revenues due to landscape services. Retail sales of greenhouse and nursery products, as well as related supplies result in $148,495 of wages and benefits for 4 jobs for each $1.0 million of retail sales. In addition to the direct sales taxes associated with sales, each $1.0 million of retail sales generates $26,774 in local tax revenues.