The N.C. Dept. of Commerce announced today (Wednesday) that Eden has been designated a N.C. Certified Retirement Community. Eden met a rigorous set of requirements, including a comprehensive community survey and an asset assessment of the community’s preparedness for retiree attraction. It is the latest town to be designated into the N.C. Certified Community Program, joining Lumberton, Asheboro, Sanford, Marion, Mount Airy and Pittsboro.
“This designation will be a valuable economic development tool for the city of Eden and its residents,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker. “The people of Eden recognize the valuable contributions that retirees can make to the overall enhancement of their community.”
“North Carolina is experiencing a healthy in-migration of retirees to the state, and this program aims to attract retirees and persuade them to put down roots here,” said Director of Tourism Marketing Wit Tuttell.
The General Assembly has charged the N.C. Dept. of Commerce with operating the state’s Certified Retirement Community program (S.B.1627), which recognizes towns that are positioning themselves for retiree attraction as an economic and community development strategy. Once a community has completed the certification process, the Division will help market and promote the community through Web presence on RetireNC, e-marketing, social media, public relations, visitor services and research among other opportunities. For more information about the N.C. Certified Retirement Community Program, contact André Nabors at (919) 733-7502.