Hattiesburg started a program in 1995 to attract retirees, and it isagreed that the genuine Southern hospitality shown by retiree volunteersinvolved in the program is the major reason why this program has been sosuccessful. Health, recreation important factors About 30 people in a volunteer groups known as the HattiesburgConnectors come in to return phone calls to people who are interested inretiring in Hattiesburg. The Hattiesburg boosters tell them theadvantages of the community, and give them a personal VIP tour of thetown when they visit. Outings are also held for the new retirees whohave moved to town. On the NBC segment, Tom Mosely, one of the earliest retirees attractedby the ADP program, said there are 92 doctors in his neighborhood.
People feel so good about what is happening here.
There are so many things going on. For instance, in 1996 this communityhosted teams for the 1996 Olympics, and won a very prestigious nationalpublic relations award as a result. Swoope said Hattiesburg's mention on the Today Show by the author of TheBest Places to Retire in the USA resulted in a measurable increase ininterest.