NARA's Dan Owens Quoted About Retiree Attraction by Raleigh (NC) News and Observer Newspaper

Aug. 9, 2010 - PRLog -- PRESS RELEASE
August 9, 2010
For more information, contact:
Dan Owens, Director, National Active Retirement Association (NARA)
C (704)641-1469 * Toll Free (888)742-7362

Longtime National Active Retirement Association Director Dan Owens was quoted in an article about retiree attraction in the Raleigh (NC) News & Observer this past Sunday about the power of the 55+ consumer.

http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/08/08/618268/golden-oldies.html#storylink=misearch

"Many small town leaders, economic development officials and tourism officials don't necessarily treat the deliberate attraction of retirees - advertising, marketing, branding, etc. - as an economic development tool," said Owens. "But, when you think of income transfers, asset transfers, home sales, retail sales, medical spending, taxes paid, volunteerism, etc., retirees can boost an economy."

Owens used as an example that the number one selling subdivision in the Charlotte, NC region over the past year has been Sun City Carolina Lakes, which sits on a couple of thousand acres 14 miles south of Charlotte in South Carolina. The developers of Carolina Lakes transformed raw woodlands into a national retiree mecca. Many of the retirees have come from Florida, the Northeast and Midwest. So, instead of vacant land, the 14 mile stretch of Highway 521 from Charlotte into the Lancaster, SC Panhandle area, is now vibrant with construction, for sale signs, shops, retail, office, etc.

"If a town/community - a state - is successful in its efforts, there is power to retiree attraction," said Owens.

Retiree Attraction to towns, cities and states is one of the topics on the agenda at the 11th Annual NARA Power Tools Conference Oct. 20-22 at the Columbia Metropolitian Convention Center.
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The National Active Retirement Association (NARA) is a 10-year old, grassroots trade organization that organizes and helps marketers, builders and professionals, businesses and organizations that provide products, housing and services to people age 55+.