According to a recent editorial in an Ely newspaper, “Our economy needs some help….  We need to bring people here to spend money.”  
Recent changes in the dynamics of retirement communities have made them a fast growth “industry.”  Now, they are accepting people as young as 62, and in some cases 55-years-old.  All accepted applicants must be in good physical and mental health that is documented by a doctor’s written medical report.  Most all communities have long waiting lists that extend into years.                          
These residents desire access to a variety of enjoyable and healthful activities available year after year as long as they are able to enjoy them.
Ely should seek to attract an experienced builder and operator of multi-residential communities.  Ely’s Chamber of Commerce has developed impressive literature on Ely’s beautiful surroundings and quality of life. It has described the numerous and diversified activities available in Ely.  Many of the activities would be attractive to a retirement community’s residents who could actively participate and support, such as the food shelf or Northwoods Partners. They also would support and use our local hospital. 
Most activities available typically in retirement communities are extremely limited and mostly contain within the single building of the residences.
Ely offers innumerable activities including fishing, golf, many trails for walking, bicycling, skiing, and snowmobiling.  It has numerous “clubs” such as art, books, climate, nature, quilting, etc. and a number of active churches plus courses at the folk school and local community college.
     The synergism between a retirement community and Ely would benefit both entities.  The retirement community is likely to attract many of their residents from Ely’s estimated 250,000 annual visitors and the availability of Ely’s more interesting activities than any other stand-alone community.  The retirement community would generate revenue for Ely from the retirement community itself, its residents, frequent family and friend visitors, and a variety of year-round jobs.   
Gerry Snyder
Ely