Guest feature: James Jenkins is the public relations and community affairs manager for Washington County Government. Follow Washington County on Facebook and Twitter.

Hagerstown Regional Airport has announced the findings of its recently completed impact study. The study was conducted by Martin Associates and focused on the important role HGR plays in stimulating the local economy.

Hagerstown Regional is a financially self-supporting airport complex managed by Washington County Government. The study shows that the airport continues to have a significant impact on the local economy. Some of the study's highlights are as follows:

• HGR supports 1,624 jobs - 826 direct jobs, 409 induced jobs and 389 indirect jobs
• Generates nearly $98 million in salary and wages
• Over $10 million in state and local taxes are generated annually
• Local businesses receive nearly $136 million in sales revenue via provided airport services and passenger activity

"This study reaffirms that HGR is a key asset to economic development in the county," stated Phil Ridenour, airport director. "This study will play a vital role in helping to attract both new air service and new aviation related businesses."

HGR includes more than 14 aviation-related businesses. These businesses provide numerous services including aircraft rental, heated hangars, computerized weather, aircraft inspections and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul. Two flight schools offer discovery flights, pilot ground school and flight training.