Released Nov. 2, 2007

CHEROKEE VILLAGE, Ark. - The ties between tourism and retirees are strong, as are the links between the movement of retirees into the community and job development, says Wayne Miller, professor of economic development with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Miller spoke at "Enhancing the Local Economy Through Retiree Attraction," a seminar held here Oct. 26. The seminar was sponsored by Sharp County Economic Development and the North Central Arkansas Economic Development Corporation (NCARED), in cooperation with the Cooperative Extension Service.

"There is a close tie between tourism and retirees coming here," Miller said. "If tourists are treated well, they are most likely to come back."

Miller said "there is a positive economic impact of retirees on the local community." While impact will vary in each community and the income of the retirees, Miller said a retiree household in the first year will generate from 1 to 1.5 additional jobs, and about two-thirds of a job per year after the first year.

Based on his research on the impact of retirees in Arkansas, Miller said: "We found in almost every case that the community benefits economically from retirees, especially the school districts."

There are other advantages to attracting retirees, Miller said.

"Retirees do not pollute the environment, they add to the tax base, and they complement other economic bases in the community," he said.

"To be successful in attracting retirees, you need to identify what you have to offer, decide who you want to attract, and create an image and marketing program to attract your target markets. If you just sit back and take whoever happens to drive by, they are less likely to support your community," Miller said.

The seminar included a panel of local leaders with direct experience with retirees.

"Think how much impact we could have if the four communities in Sharp County worked together to market the area," said Ron Rhodes, a realtor. "We have the power and resources if we will just work together. That’s what NCARED is trying to do – to bring people together."

"We often don’t tell people what we have; we have a lot of activities if people want to become involved," said Linda Hall, a resident of Sharp County. "If they are involved in our community, they will stay. We have come a long way; we now have a college here. We have good leaders here – people who see the big picture. We are going to need to see what we can do to attract people and find places where they can become involved."

"A few years ago, we had 98 organizations that serve Cherokee Village," said Oral Henderson. "If people who live in this area can’t find something to do, it is because they don’t want something to do. My priorities are four lanes for Highway 412, a hospital with an emergency room, and an assisted living community."

The Attracting Retirees Workshop was followed by a Sharp County Economic Summit.

"The purpose of the Sharp County Economic Summit was to be a gathering of the minds in the county, and to hear Dr. Miller give his report on the trends of economic development," said Greg Bess, President of Sharp County Economic Development and NCARED Board member. "We just had a great event and a wonderful meeting of some minds in our county. We had well over 100 folks attend from all facets of our environment from elected officials, representatives from state and federal government, professionals, business owners and retirees."

The summit included group activities working on health care, infrastructure, social issues drugs/alcohol issues, retiree relations and manufacturing recruitment. These activities centered on developing strategy maps for the issues identified. Congratulations to Sharp County Economic Development and the NCARED region for two very successful events.

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http://www.uaex.edu/news/november2007/1102retire.htm

Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207, ljames@uaex.edu