HENDERSON — After a long two-year process, Vance County has been designated a retirement community.
Andre Nabors, Partner Relations Manager for Visit North Carolina, presented the certification, signed by the Department of Commerce and Gov. Roy Cooper, to county officials. Economic Development Partnership between Michelle Sanders and North Carolina CEO Christopher Chan — Tuesday afternoon at the Glass House.
In addition to receiving a major credential to encourage tourist and retiree visitation, this designation also allows the county to have a presence at trade shows and attract retirees looking for a place to spend their golden years. It also means that you can. And many are turning to rural areas and small towns. .
Vance County is such a place, with McGregor Hall in Henderson and Kerr Lake to the north. It is an hour’s drive from Raleigh-Durham International Airport and major shopping centers.
And, as Neighbors says, they’re not the kind of people looking for a rocking chair. They are recent retirees, primarily baby boomers, primarily from the northeastern United States, who are in the “fundraising stage,” he explained.
They’re looking to make money, invest in new businesses, and by all accounts want a community they can join and engage with.
The decision places Vance County on the list of communities, along with Salisbury, New Bern and Johnston counties. Dispatch reached out to the latter two communities to understand what kind of impact this certification has had. Johnston County has no data on this, and New Bern officials have not yet responded to requests for information.
Tuesday’s ceremony was attended by countless local notables, and most everyone had something to say about the occasion.
Applications for the program were the brainchild of former Economic Development Commissioner McKinley Parkinson. This was a great opportunity for the county to recruit permanent residents and strengthen the local market.
Vance County’s population has been steadily declining over the years, Parkinson said, and he hopes this recognition will help reverse that trend.
Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse thanked Mr Parkinson for his work and said the certificate was “a testament to our commitment to making this region an ideal place for all stages of life”.
It’s also a testament to the “vibrant quality of life, welcoming spirit, and rich resources that make Vance County a great place to live, work, and (officially) retire,” said County Commissioner Lenny.・Mr. Perry said.
Sandra Wilkerson, president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, agreed, saying that retirees who come to visit or live here are encouraged to “eat out, shop locally, support local farmers, and participate in community activities.” may participate and be active on committees, boards, and committees,” he added. ”
“It takes a village, and the village is here,” said Dan Brummitt, chairman of the Vance County Commission.
Congressman Frank Sossamon and Senator Lisa Burns also came to congratulate the county.
Vance County Tourism Director Pam Hester said the certificate is one way to change the narrative for the entire county.
