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11. Retiree Attraction

Scholars have estimated that a retiree couple re-locating into a community creates 3.7
jobs. With this in mind it is not unreasonable to see communities and states developing active
retiree attraction programs as an economic development strategy. Migratory retirees have higher
incomes and economic assets and the numbers, or pool of retirees, is growing and accompanying
wealth is staggering. Economic impact of retirees has been well documented.
Greater numbers of retirees are moving to rural counties and smaller communities. These
destination communities are growing economically from this influx of retirees. Communities
have organized to attract migrants as tourists and residents. New and exciting businesses are
growing from selling goods and services to the growing population. There is more literature
communicating potential retirement destinations as communities actively promote amenities and
lifestyle to this growing retirement population. Retirement development is an industry that is
growing exponentially. Some of the obvious components that benefit directly from retirees
include real estate, recreation, health care, insurance, utilities, commercial, and financial.
The Urbanized Area is considered a destination area for migratory, pension elite migrants
as is most of the state. Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce maintains a strong retiree
attraction program. Jacksonville State University's Center for Economic Development has
conducted pioneering research into the retiree population. The Center for Economic
Development continues to research and publish information on current trends in retiree
development such as the latest treatise entitled, Retirement Development: A How to Guidebook.
In 2000 the Center for Economic Development at JSU became the national headquarters for The
American Association of Retirement Communities. The Center conducts statewide conferences
on retiree attraction and one annual national conference on attracting retirees.
Talladega County has recognized the importance of retirees and has experienced an
influx of retirees especially in the Lincoln and Munford census divisions. Logan Martin Lake in
Talladega County and Henry Neely Lake in Calhoun County continue to attract retirees.
Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce organized in recent years is well aware of
retiree movements into the County. These retirees stem from citizens that left the County for
work years ago and now are retiring to their old family home places in some instances.
The Urbanized Area under study possesses all the scenic beauty and amenities anyone
would desire to retire to, outside the love for an ocean. Historic communities, hills, lakes,
wildlife, semi-tropical climate, sunshine, four seasons, rivers, and the Talladega National Forest,
no small asset, makes the area suitable to a relaxed retirement lifestyle for anyone.

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