Economic Contributions of Forestry Service Providers in Mississippi, USA

We used three comprehensive datasets to assess economic activities at as granular a level as possible for Support Activities for Forestry industry in Mississippi in 2019. The labor market company Emsi® provided the most current employment estimates by 6-digit North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes along with a geographic listing of businesses by NAICS codes that contained employment, earnings, and sales data. Esri® further categorized the 6-digit codes into 8-digits, thus providing a more detailed view of this sub-sector’s businesses. However, since business listings do not comprehensively tabulate all businesses of each classification within a region, we developed a weighting method to estimate output, jobs, and earnings for the following industries using Emsi® data- Foresters Consulting, Government – Forestry Services, and Forest Restoration. A statewide input–output model, along with sub-regional models, were estimated using the IMPLAN® software to identify economic contributions to the state and regional economies. Total annual sales across Mississippi were $84.5 million; sales were greatest in the Central subregion, with the South, North close behind. Consulting Foresters was the largest industry by sales, jobs, and earnings. Total economic contributions were 1,140 jobs and $59.79 million in value added on total sales of $121.99 million. South Mississippi received the greatest regional contributions from Foresters Consulting, while Central Mississippi received the greatest benefits from Government – Forestry Services and Forest Restoration.