Shoppers make gift returns
with ease across Greenwood

December 27, 2005

By JOANIE BAKER
Index-Journal staff writer

It might have been the gift cards, or because many people had to go back to work Monday.
But by the appearance of the unusually short return lines and steadily busy stores during the day after Christmas rush, it seemed as though everyone in Greenwood must have gotten exactly what they wanted, leaving many customers and retailers pleasantly surprised.
“I was expecting to have one register of nothing but returns,” Susan Buchanan, manager at Sam Goody, said. “But we’ve only had about five or six (returns) so I’m very surprised.”
Lola Brown said she had been putting off going to Wal-Mart because she expected a long line, but when she walked up to the return and exchange line, she found the store had opened up six registers just for that purpose. Sales associates said the line was never long because of the convenience, and no one waited more than five minutes.
“I was expecting a great big long line, and I’m up next and just got here,” Brown said.
Buchanan said she thinks the high sales in gift certificates helped cut back on the returns this year.
Buchanan said most of the customers coming in were exchanging compact discs they had received duplicates of instead of returning some of the larger merchandise.
Sales leader Nicole Southerland at Bath and Body Works said the store definitely saw more exchanges than returns, but the store remained consistently busy in waves. Still, by mid-afternoon, Southerland said the store had tripled its usual number of transactions.
For Belinda Shinn, who worked her 21st “day after Christmas sale” at Kmart Monday, the hardest part of working is not being able to take advantage of all the sales.
“A lot of people come in worrying that you won’t be able to help them, and the ones who really appreciate it make it worthwhile,” Shinn said.
Southerland said despite the store being so busy, she enjoys working the day after Christmas for a less obvious reason.
“We’re not listening to Christmas music anymore,” Southerland said with a relieved smile. “We’ve been listening to it since the second week in October when I was handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.”

Greenwood County looking to lure more retirees

December 27, 2005

By JACKIE R. BROACH
Index-Journal staff writer

When people think of Southeastern relocation destinations for retirees, it’s usually Florida that comes to mind.
That might not be the case for long, however. In the future, it might be the quaint Southern charm of Greenwood County conjured up by thoughts of retirees.
The Sunshine State still attracts about one out of every five retirees who relocate from their home state, but South Carolina is becoming increasingly popular among retirees. From 1990 to 2000, the Palmetto State jumped from 18th to 12th in a Census ranking of all states in retiree attraction.
South Carolina is also drawing in a large number of “half-backs,” said John Lowery, marketing director for the Partnership for a Greater Greenwood County and Economic Alliance. The term is used to refer to people who retire to Florida, then move about halfway back to where they originally came from to escape high prices, congestion, hot weather, high crime rates and other issues.
The retirement trend is something the Partnership Alliance is hoping to capitalize on. With the help of a consultant, Dan Owens, of Senior Living Associates in Charlotte, the group is working on a marketing plan to help promote the county to retirees.
An influx of retirees would be highly beneficial for the county and its economy, Lowery said.
“With more retirees demanding more services and shopping locations, it would aid the overall economy and attract more stores and service providers, benefiting everyone in the community,” Lowery said.

Why target retirees?
Statistically, a retiree has the spending power of 3.6 average workers, Lowery said.
According to research collected by Owens, retirees “generally have higher disposable incomes, better education and put much less a burden on our streets, infrastructure and schools.” They also tend to be more active in the community, volunteering in schools and civic, cultural and religious organizations.
The economic impact of retirees is so great, Owens stated in his report, that Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has created a taskforce to try to regain the ground it recently has lost to other states in terms of retiree relocation.
Because there are so many benefits to marketing to retirees, the Partnership Alliance recently sponsored a program to inform the community of the trend and the economic development that can be reaped from encouraging retirees to migrate to Greenwood.
“The idea we’re trying to convey is that retirement is a huge part of our future,” Lowery said. “We need to get together as a community with a coordinated effort and make sure that we take advantage of that.”

What is Greenwood doing?
Early next year, program participants who expressed an interest in getting involved in that effort will be contacted to form a committee, Lowery said, and a coordinated marketing plan will be conceived. It is uncertain, he said, how long it will take to see the results of that plan.
In the meantime, Greenwood is already preparing for a stream of retirees the marketing plan will likely bring in, said Steve Brown, Greenwood city manager.
“These folks will be buying homes, investing monies and purchasing goods,” Brown said. “Those are all positive things for our community. If we market ourselves to this group of people, however, we should not do so without also assuming a responsibility to meet the needs of this group.”
Those needs, Brown said, include housing, well-maintained road systems, and cultural and educational programs. The area is already working to meet those demands with projects such as the plan for a new library, the Old Federal Building project, which includes the creation of a Visitors and Tourism Office, and the Center City Project, which includes revamping The Museum and the community theater.
“We may have to change our schedule some, but these projects are already in place,” Brown said. “The key here is that this cannot be left to the city, county or the arts community. It’s all of our responsibility. It takes everybody’s commitment.”
Officials at Wesley Commons, a continuing care retirement community in Greenwood, say they are prepared to help meet housing needs. The community already houses about 400 retirees, all ages 55 and up and there’s plenty of room for expansion, said Grant Reagin, marketing and sales director.
In fact, expansion is something the community already has been looking for. Reagin said Wesley Commons is always preparing for the next stream of retirees to come into Greenwood.
Wesley Commons is completely behind the county’s effort, Reagin said.
“If that plan has the desired result, it would be one of the best things that could happen to Greenwood County,” he added.

Why retire to Greenwood?
With its quaint Southern charm and prime lakeside location away from the crowding, noise and pollution from the metropolitan areas, Greenwood is an ideal relocation destination for retirees, Lowery said.
Another benefit the area has to offer is a “top-notch” regional hospital with a full range of services, Lowery said. Retirees, in general, use more medical services and have the means to pay for them. Retirees would benefit from having Self Regional Healthcare nearby and the hospital would benefit financially from an influx of retirees.
Wesley Common also plays a part in attracting retirees to the area. It offers a full continuum of care. Residents of the community can choose independent or assisted living, and when the time comes can move into the Healthcare Center for full-time care. Residents can choose to live in a house, condo or apartment-like facility, where health care is just around the corner.
It’s resort living for retirees, Reagin said. All landscaping, cleaning and repairs are taken care of for residents.
“All they have to do is what they enjoy doing,” he said.
An increasing number of retirees who come to South Carolina are moving to the inland area rather than the coast, where the cost of living is higher, hurricanes pose a danger for most of the year and certain areas have crowding problems.
These assets only need to be properly promoted, Lowery said.
Other counties in South Carolina, including Beaufort, Georgetown and McCormick counties, are already gaining attention as retirement destinations.
McCormick County already has a burgeoning retirement population, thanks in part to the development of Savannah Lakes Village, a premier lakefront club community on Lake Thurmond that caters primarily to wealthy, active retirees and those going into their second careers. Earlier this year, McCormick was named top retirement town in the Carolinas by Retirement Lifestyles in the Carolinas Magazine.
Owens recommends that Greenwood County work with McCormick County to develop a regional retiree attraction program.

What others had to say …
The consensus of those who attended the Partnership Alliance’s informational meeting was that marketing Greenwood to retirees is an excellent idea and one the entire county should get behind.
By selecting that avenue, the county is less dependent on attracting new industry and manufacturing, said Bruce Lawrence, an area real estate agent who attended the meeting. The competition for new industries is tough and promoting Greenwood as a place to retire and enjoy life might be a better road to take.
He added that an influx of retirees to the area would mean a new group of people volunteering, spending money and paying taxes in Greenwood County.
“I just hope the county and area businesses will get behind this effort in a very positive fashion and move forward with it,” Lawrence said.
Brown, for one, seems confident that will happen.
“We are going to see some good things happen with this,” Brown said. “This is something that people will look back on years from now and say ‘it was the decisions made in 2005 and 2006 that really positioned the city for the future.’”

Jackie R. Broach covers general assignments in Greenwood and the Lakelands. She can be reached at 223-1811, ext. 3305, or: jbroach@indexjournal.com

Grant Harris Sr.

HODGES — Services for Grant Harris Sr., of 112 N. Hodges School Road, are 1 p.m. Wednesday at Pine Grove A.M.E. Church, with the Rev. James J. Robinson officiating and the Rev. Gregory E. Singleton presiding. The body will be placed in the church at 12. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are Johnny Conway, Walter Gilbert, James McIntosh, Wayne Harris, Eddie Culbreath, Kenneth Jackson and Cecil Perrin.
Flower bearers are church missionaries, along with Renee McIntosh, Princetta Richmond, Sanquinetta Arnold and Detrioushianna Holloway.
Viewing is 1-8 p.m. today at Parks Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of a daughter Mrs. Stanley (Diana) Anderson, Waterloo and a sister Minnie Freeman, 13 Sullivan St., Ware Shoals.
Parks Funeral Home, Greenwood, is in charge.

Louise Lagrone

GREENWOOD — Louise Buchanan Lagrone, resident of 842 Sunset Drive, widow of James M. “Stump” Lagrone, died December 25, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood County, February 14, 1920, she was a daughter of the late Lonnie O. and Marie Robinson Buchanan. She was a graduate of Ninety Six High School and retired from Wingard’s Pharmacy and was formerly employed by Thayer’s Gift Shop for 38 years.
A member of Lowell Street United Methodist Church, she was also a member of the Cheerful Workers Sunday School Class.
Surviving are a brother, Jones F. and wife Mary Alice Buchanan of Greenwood; nieces Jo Ann and husband Bubba Fennell and Rebekah Buchanan, all of Greenwood; a nephew, Childres and wife Susan Buchanan of Greenwood; great nephews, Taylor and Zach Buchanan, both of Greenwood.
Mrs. Lagrone was predeceased by a brother, Louis Buchanan and a sister, Myrtle B. Major. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Tuesday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dick Waldrup officiating.
Family burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens following the service.
Pallbearers will be P. Childres Buchanan, A.C. “Bubba” Fennell, Thomas Wingard, Dr. James H. Smith, Furman “Peanut” Ponder and Tim Ethridge.
Honorary escort will be members of the Cheerful Workers Sunday School Class of Lowell Street United Methodist Church, care givers, Peggy Tolbert and Patsy Vinson along with Maurice and Betty Corley, Alvin “Bubba” Summers, Mark and Laler Palmer, Vasco and Louise Hook, Dan and Sara Hicks, Bill and Iris Bailey, Jim and Johnnie Bailey, Brian Benjamin, Bert Steifle, Peggy Gregg, Ralph and Jean Still, Glenda Smith, Henry Thayer and Dr. John Harrison.
The family is at their respective homes and will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 to 11:00 Tuesday morning.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lowell Street United Methodist Church, 300 Lowell Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646, Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to the Ruth C. “Monk” Buchanan Scholarship Fund, c/o Lander University, 300 Stanley Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29649.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Lagrone family.
PAID OBITUARY

Linda Hill Lollis

WARE SHOALS — Linda Hill Lollis, widow of Melvin Lollis, of 16 Crawford St., died Monday, Dec. 26, 2005 at Self Regional Health Care in Greenwood.
Born in Abbeville County, she was a daughter of the late Tommie and Jeanette Poore Hill. She was a member of Donalds Church of God.
Survivors include a daughter, Judy Crayne of Ware Shoals; two brothers, Richard Hill and Donnie Hill, both of Belton; a sister, Mary Fleming of Belton; three step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Donalds Church of God, conducted by the Revs. James Ray Lollis and Bruce Chambers. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in the Garden of Memories.
Visitation is 7-9 tonight at Pruitt Funeral Home, Honea Path.
The family is at the home of her daughter, Judy Crayne, 22 Crawford Drive.
Pruitt Funeral Home is in charge.

Elizabeth Reed

Elizabeth King “Lib” Reed, 84, of 406 Augusta Circle, wife of Guy C. Reed, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Whitmire, she was a daughter of the late John B. and Lucy Whitley King. She attended Whitmire schools and Holmes College of the Bible and was a former employee of Greenwood Mills, Plant No. 5. A member of South Greenwood Pentecostal Holiness Church, she was also a member of the Ever Ready Sunday School Class, Women’s Ministries, church choir and formerly taught the Young Married Sunday School Class.
Survivors include her husband of the home; five daughters, Mrs. Marion (Karen) Sorrow, Mrs. Bill (Emily) Ellenberg and Mrs. Peter (Donna) Soboslai, all of Greenwood, Mrs. Lou ( Becky) Shirey of Centerville, Ga., and Mrs. Doug (Susan) Beacham of Oklahoma City; 16 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at Blyth Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Ray Boggs, Chaplain E.L. Shirey, Jr.(retired colonel) and Dr. A.D. Beacham Jr.
Private family burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens before the memorial service.
Pallbearers are Charles Sorrow, Matthew Sorrow, Gregory Sorrow, Jonathan Shirey, William Ellenberg III, Douglas Beacham, Reed McDowell and Dr. Locke Simons.
The honorary escorts are grandsons-in-law and members of South Greenwood Pentecostal Holiness Church Board and The Men’s Bible Class of the church.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at the funeral home.
The family is at the home in Augusta Fields.
Memorials may be made to South Greenwood Pentecostal Holiness Church World Missions Fund, PO Drawer C, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Blyth Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Property tax law reform demands close scrutiny

December 27, 2005

Property taxes, or property tax reform, continue to get a lot of attention in South Carolina.
There have been public hearings and more discussions on what can or might be done to provide a little relief.
There are, it appears, in both the state Senate and House of Representatives, separate bills to make changes in property tax laws. They should be up for debate when the state Legislature gets back to work in the coming year.
There are likely to be someone who won’t be satisfied, no matter what is done ….. or not done.
There are no easy solutions, it appears. Take, for instance, the present tax deductions allowed for mortgage interest paid on homes. The bills in the Legislature seemingly would substitute some increase in the sales tax to offset the decrease in revenue from property taxes.
Will there be any kind of deduction? What other considerations should there be in a tax swap? It ought to be an interesting time in Columbia in 2006.