Applications are due on July 31 for the N.C. Dept. of Commerce’s Certified Retirement Community program for communities that are positioning themselves to attract retirees as an economic and community development strategy. To gain certification, a local government must submit an application for consideration. Applications are accepted twice each year, and the next round of applications is due by July 31. Once a community has completed the certification process, the Division will help market and promote the community as a retirement destination. There are currently six Certified Retirement Communities in North Carolina. They are Asheboro, Lumberton, Marion, Mount Airy, Pittsboro, and Sanford. To learn more about the program and download an application, visit the N.C. Dept. of Commerce’s website. For questions or more information, contact André Nabors at (919) 733-7502.