After Century of Growth, Tide Turns in Florida

By DAMIEN CAVE

Published: August 29, 2009

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — The smiling couple barreling ahead on the cover of Liberty magazine in 1926 knew exactly where to go. “Florida or Bust,” said the white paint on the car doors. “Four wheels, no brakes.”

So it has been for a century, as Florida welcomed thousands of newcomers every week, year after year, becoming the nation’s fourth-most-populous state with about 16 million people in 2000.

Imagine the shock, then, to discover that traffic is now heading the other way. That’s right, the Sunshine State is shrinking.

Already, the state’s hold on retirees is weakening, with thousands of disenchanted “halfbacks” moving to Georgia and the Carolinas in recent years. Stanley K. Smith at the University of Florida nonetheless predicts modest population increases when the economy picks up — growth of 150,000 to 200,000 people annually.

Special Offers in North Carolina

August is a great time to explore the mountains of Western North Carolina. Cool mountain waterfalls, whitewater escapades, charming bed and breakfast inns, all set amid the natural wonders of the mountains. And with incredible fall rates, golf packages, and other late summer sales, check out the VisitNC list of special offers

Greenville, SC named one of the best places to live the simple life due to its rich culture, great food, low stress. http://su.pr/2O15wv

Best Places To Live The Simple Life

Greenville, South Carolina was named one of the best places to live the simple life by AARP Magazine due to its rich culture, great food, and low stress.

Dubbed as family-friendly fun, from "penny candy" to goat-cheese pizza, Greenville's median housing price is just $151,080. When the most relaxing way to spend an afternoon is hiking the pristine mountain woodlands of Jones Gap State Park, just 25 miles outside Greenville and simple fun for less than $10 means grabbing a cup of coffee or an ice-cream cone at Spill the Beans, how could you go wrong?

Read the full article by Sarah Mahoney

Enter to win the Lake Lure & The Blue Ridge Foothills Sweepstakes! http://su.pr/1bLkSn

Lake Lure & The Blue Ridge Foothills Sweepstakes

From majestic peaks to hip and historic small towns, Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills offer everything you need for a getaway that will help you renew your senses. With great food, fun things to do, and amazing things to see, the lake may lure you – but the spectacular scenery and abundant activities will make you want to stay awhile.

Now, you can win a family trip for four to the area that Frommer’s Budget Travel called ‘a lake not to miss’. The winner will receive:

• Two rooms for four nights and breakfast for four at the historic Lake Lure Inn and Spa


• Admission for four to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park and a picnic lunch provided by the park’s Old Rock Café


• A one-hour Lake Lure Boat Cruise for four.


• A 90-minute eco-kayak tour for four and a ½ day pontoon boat rental from the Lake Lure Adventure Company.


• A half-day guided fishing trip for two from Granddaddy Fly Fishing.


• A two-hour guided scenic horseback tour for four from Cedar Creek Riding Stables.


• $100 gift certificate for MSquared Restaurant


• $100 gift certificate for the Anna Rose Restaurant


• $100 shopping voucher


• $500 travel voucher
  

Enter today! The sweepstakes ends August 31, 2009.

Courtesy of www.visitnc.com

Facebook Fan Pages: Quality Over Quantity

To maximize the growth potential of your Business Fan Page on Facebook, keep in mind that it is not the quantity of fans but the quality of your posts that creates long term success. Know your fan base and understand why they became a fan, so you can focus on relevant posting content, links, photos and video that will be interesting enough for your fans to share and promote, and to recommend your fan page to others.

[caption id="attachment_24" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Connect With Your Facebook Fans"][/caption]

You could have 1,000 fans that don’t read what you write which carries a higher risk of your existing fans leaving your fan page. Or you could have 100 devoted fans that tell their friends which in turn increases your fan base. This strategy helps to accelerate your presence on the web which will gain you a greater following for the long term. Be patient and concise in your FaceBook Fan Page strategy and watch your business grow!