SIX BUSINESSES ARE CERTIFIED AS SENIOR-FRIENDLY

Six local businesses completed a review and staff training for the Haywood County Senior-Friendly Certification Program.  Under the guidance of Candace Roberts of User Friendly by Design LLC (previously with Western Carolina University) and Victoria Young of Haywood Community Connections, the program has been in operation for two years.

Certified businesses include Waynesville Recreation Center, Champion Credit Union (Canton and Waynesville branches), Blue Ridge Books, Jukebox Junction Restaurant & Soda Shoppe, Zaxby’s, J. Arthur’s Restaurant, Nick & Nate’s Pizza, and Haywood Community Connections.  Owners of these businesses realize that the discretionary income of older adults benefits local businesses as seniors help support the economic growth of Haywood County

Haywood County demographics indicate that being “senior-friendly” makes good business sense.  The county’s population rose 9.3% in 2010 to 59,036.  Persons 65 and over comprise almost 21% of that total which means one out of every five individuals is over the age of 65 – and that number is growing – representing a large sector of the market.

Why become Senior-Friendly Certified?  Businesses can not only improve service and customer relations, but also expand business and potentially reduce liability and insurance costs.

The Senior-Friendly Business Program was created to acknowledge those businesses that have instituted and promoted best practices toward employment, independence and service to older adults.  Specifically, it seeks to recognize businesses that have not only met the legal compliances of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but have also demonstrated a clear and conscious effort to be senior-friendly.  The certification is for businesses that go above and beyond, creating a standard of excellence.  The certification team completes an in-business assessment and makes recommendations for improving the physical layout.  Following training and implementation of recommendations, the business can then be certified

If you would like more information regarding the Senior-Friendly Certification Program, contact Yvonne Gold at Haywood Community Connections (828) 452-2370 or Candace Roberts at AgeInPlace@aol.com (502) 836-2626.

LOCAL BUSINESSES CERTIFIED AS SENIOR FRIENDLY

-Yvonne Gold

Several local businesses have received certification as “senior friendly”, acknowledging that they have instituted and promoted best practices toward employment, independence and service to older adults.  Specifically, the Senior Friendly Program seeks to recognize businesses that have not only met the legal compliances of the ADA, but have also demonstrated a clear and conscious effort to be Senior-Friendly. 

The Program represents a collaboration between Haywood Community Connections and Western Carolina University’s School of Art and Design.  For the students it was a WCU service-learning project.  Interested businesses must request the evaluation.  Trained volunteers then visit the business over a two week period to complete an evaluation.  The evaluation is then reviewed and certification is determined.  In order to receive certification, at least one manager and 25% of the employees must attend a sensitivity training class.

Having Senior-Friendly Certification is important to a business interested in capturing the 50+ market.  There are many reasons this market is important:

• It accounts for 79% of America’s financial assets
• It has a net worth five times that of average Americans
• It purchases 43% of all new cars
• Spends more than $29 Billion annually on gifts for grandchildren
• Controls over 485 of all discretionary purchases
• Women over 50 spend $21 Billion on clothes annually
• Dine out 4-5 times per week
• Over 70% of the 65_ market segment are willing to try new brands
• 92% of Boomers shop online and 78% make online purchases
• Housing market for the boomers tops $100 Billion each year
• Account for 79% of all leisure travel spending

Nick and Nate’s Manager,  Jason Mehaffey; and employees, Stephanie Cope and Shannon Cannady, shown with their framed Senior-Friendly certificate.  Nick and Nates is one of three local businesses to receive certification.

Zaxbys

Rhett Langston, Director, Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department

“We are very honored to have participated in the certification process. It is our goal to provide the best service possible and we take great pride in making sure that our guests are completely satisfied.

The senior population is a growing market in our community and it is very important to our department that we meet their needs.”

Mike Clayton, President of Champion Credit Union

“Our senior members are the heart and soul of our credit union.  Without them, we would not be in the strong position we are in today.  They will always remain a very important part of our success.  We constantly look for ways to improve our relationship with them.  The Senior-Friendly Business Certification is just another example of that.”

Blue Ridge Books

Jukebox Junction

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The Haywood Community Partnership is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation®, www.rwjf.org through its Community Partnerships for Older Adults (CPFOA), www.cpfoa.org national initiative. Community Partnerships for Older Adults is a national program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to help communities develop leadership, innovative solutions, and options to meet the needs of older adults over the long term