Chamber of Commerce

After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the city began to look at Ft. Bragg as an asset. The Vietnam era perceptions of young G.I.s frequenting Hay Street bars were replaced with a fresh, positive appreciation for the military's selfless service. The steady paychecks and Basic Allowance for Housing paid to soldiers is a boon to local business and realtors. The symbiosis between post and city may be best understood by a son of a soldier. This soldier's son, Mayor Tony Chavonne, most astutely understands this rela- tionship and harnesses its power to move the city forward. Rather than think of Fayetteville as "Fayettenam," Chavonne embraced Fayetteville as a military town and encouraged those around him to do the same. "I believe that it was that ul- timate recognition of taking pride in being a military community that helped us turn the corner over the past ten years and has resulted in much of the success that we see," Chavonne said. The mayor explained that while other competing cities focused on successful projects, Fayetteville's message focused on the aftermath of 9/11 and the soldiers' sacrifices to the country and our city. Chavonne emphasized that in Fayetteville, "we watch over those who watch over us." Chavonne also recognizes the importance of attracting young people and col- lege graduates to the city. The mayor highlights the establishment of Fayetteville Young Professionals (FYP) in August 2009. This group, under the Fayetteville- Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce, is a social networking and skill- enhancing group of professionals in their twenties and thirties. Fayetteville was recognized in the May 2011 Daily Beast magazine as the number one place in the country for new college graduates. Fayetteville and Fort Bragg lost 7th Special Forces Group in the last Base Re- alignment and Closure decisions, but gained two major commands with U.S. Forces Command and Reserve Command. The next BRAC is scheduled for 2015 and every eight years thereafter, as mandated by the Department of Defense and Congress. When posts, such as Ft. McPherson, Ga. close, DoD workers consoli- date at the larger installations, such as at Fort Bragg. Fayetteville will undoubtedly continue to grow. Fayetteville's military presence has provided the city with financial shelter from the tough economic times many U.S. cities have faced in recent years. Housing prices, unemployment levels and the cost of living remain more stable in Fayette- ville. Panama native Andres Josephs said, "For a military person, Fayetteville is one of the best cities to retire in if you manage your money well." Josephs added, "Fayetteville has a fair cost of homes, which allows me to have the American dream of owning a home." Josephs, a military retiree who is now a yoga instructor, came to Fayetteville in 1971 to serve in the Army. In 1987, after several tours abroad, Josephs and his wife, Alicia, returned permanently to Fayetteville. Economics aside, Josephs said that the kindness of the people in Fayetteville was the biggest draw. Though there are no awards or studies to prove it, Fayetteville may very well have the highest per capita level of caring and kindness. An example of this support is Fayetteville Cares, established in 2007. Co-founder Joanne Chavonne said Fay- etteville Cares was founded to act as a liaison between the business and civilian community and the military. The organization meets military needs through pro- grams, community events, business donations and networking. 20 | ACCENTS • 2012/2013

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