Understanding the impact of both primary, secondary jobs in our community

When we talk about economic development, the focus is often on attracting new businesses, supporting existing employers, and creating jobs. But not all jobs have the same impact on the local economy. Understanding the difference between primary and secondary jobs helps explain why Aurora Development Corporation places a strong emphasis on attracting and growing primary employers.
Primary jobs are positions with businesses that bring new money into the community. These companies sell products or services to customers outside the local area, generating revenue that flows back into Aurora and Hamilton County. Manufacturers, agricultural processors, technology firms, transportation companies, and certain professional service businesses are all examples of primary employers. Every paycheck earned at these businesses represents dollars coming from outside our community that can be spent locally.
Secondary jobs, sometimes called local-serving jobs, are businesses that primarily serve the needs of local residents. Grocery stores, restaurants, retail shops, banks, healthcare providers, salons, and many personal service businesses are all considered secondary jobs.  These businesses are also essential to a thriving community. While these businesses are critical to our quality of life, they largely depend on the spending generated by residents and employees who already live and work here.
This relationship between primary and secondary jobs creates a multiplier effect. When a primary employer expands or locates in Aurora, it hires workers who purchase homes, shop locally, eat at restaurants, visit healthcare providers, and utilize countless other services. As demand grows, secondary businesses expand, hire additional employees, and new businesses are often created to meet the needs of a growing population.
For example, when a manufacturing company adds 50 new jobs, those employees don’t simply work in Aurora, they also become customers. Their spending supports local retailers, contractors, childcare providers, grocery stores, restaurants, and many other businesses. Over time, one primary employer can indirectly create dozens of additional secondary jobs throughout the community.
This is why Aurora Development Corporation actively highlights projects that strengthen our primary employment base. Efforts such as developing shovel-ready industrial sites, investing in infrastructure, supporting business expansions, marketing available properties, and recruiting target industries are designed to attract employers that introduce new wealth into the local economy.
This doesn’t mean secondary businesses are any less important. They are vital to making Aurora an attractive place to live and work. A strong retail sector, excellent healthcare, quality restaurants, and local services all contribute to the quality of life that helps employers recruit and retain workers.
Economic development is not about choosing one over the other, it’s about recognizing that sustainable growth begins with a strong foundation. By attracting and expanding primary employers, we can create the conditions for secondary businesses to thrive, resulting in more jobs, greater investment, a broader tax base, and a stronger community for everyone.
KELSEY BERGEN serves as executive director of the Aurora Development Corporation. She can be reached at kelsey@growaurora.com