ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

For more information,
contact Donna Reynolds, Extension Assistant Editor

EXTENSION HELPING ALABAMA COMMUNITIES ATTRACT RETIREES

AUBURN, APRIL 10---Retired people are an untapped economic resource for many Alabama communities and cities. Whether retirees choose to relocate to the milder climate of the state or make Alabama a travel destination, they can pump much needed dollars into local economies.

But many towns and cities don't know how to attract retirees or promote their communities as an excellentrelocation spot. To correct this void, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, along with a number of partners, is sponsoring a retiree attraction workshop May 21-22 at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center.

"Exploring a Silent Industry" will feature top state and national people working for in retiree attraction. Municipal and Chamber of Commerce officials as well as area business people who want to learn how to draw retirees to their towns are invited to attend.

James M. Doyle, chief financial officer for CaliforniaLutheran Homes, will give the keynote address on "The Economic Benefits Created by the 55+ Market."

Wilson Lee, Extension economist, says the workshop will provide practical information on developing strategies to attract older individuals as well as offer evidence of theeconomic impact these people can have on local economies.

"We want them to leave sold on the idea that attracting retirees is a viable economic development option," says Lee.

In addition to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, sponsors include the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs; Alabama Gas Corporation and Alabama Power Company.

Registration for the conference is $85 if paid on orbefore May 7 and $100 after that date.

For more information on the workshop, contact Lee at(334) 844-3684 or via e-mail at vlee@acesag.auburn.edu.