Wilmington, NC – The American Association of Retirement Communities’ (AARC) ‘09 conference, was held November 4-6 in Chattanooga, TN. Attendees from 14 states drove attendance 33% higher than 2008. Keynote speaker Dr. David Crowe, Chief Economist, National Association of Home Builders shared stats from a nationwide survey conducted with MetLife’s Mature Market Institute. He revealed that 55+ year old retiring respondents, who own their homes: 12% plan to relocate to a new home, 26% are undecided about future home plans and 62% plan to age in place. 

David Robertson, President, RPI Media, presented “Winning in a Turbulent Economy”. He said the economic opportunity for communities is the 12% planning to move and the 26% on the fence. “That represents a tidal wave of demand, 10 – 12million new homes over the next decade,” Robertson said.

The conference featured ways to succeed in what will continue to be a turbulent 2010 and teaching members how to be a leader in the economic recovery.

One track targeted builders and developers. The second track was for local government and non-profit economic developers. It looked at determining if their community is ready to attract and sell to retirees.  Rachel Stroer, Berkebile, Nelson, Immenschuh and McDowell (BNIM) presented the Greensburg, KS story. The town was completely devastated, May 4, 2007 by a tornado, and re-built as an all green community.  Greensburg, KS is featured on the series, “Greensburg” on the Planet Green Channel.

Recession or not the clock is ticking for aging Baby Boomers, 12,000 of whom retiree daily through 2012. Today’s retirees are unlike their parents’. Many are looking for new and exciting places to call home; and 46% expect to continue working in their current career or begin second careers.  

Established as a 503b, non-profit in 1992 with an EDA grant, the AARC educates communities through dues, donations and grants. To learn more, please visit www.the-aarc.org.