This Insights article was contributed by Zane Bennett, Executive Director at Plantation Village.

In a move that was motivated by ethics and a continuing focus on providing the highest possible standard of service for our residents, Plantation Village implemented a pay increase for its hourly associates.

The change went into effect on the first full pay period of the year, increasing the minimum wage for Plantation Village associates to $10.50 per hour. Another increase that is planned for early 2020 will boost the minimum hourly pay for associates to $11.50 per hour.

“Plantation Village is the premier Life Plan Community in southeastern North Carolina, and we have a legacy of leading the industry in pioneering new services and benefits for both our residents and our associates,” said Zane Bennett, Executive Director. “With this increase in wages, we are thanking our loyal team members for a job well done and remaining competitive in our ability to bring the best and the brightest to our campus.”

All this is part of a national movement to pay a healthy living wage to hourly-wage associates. It is part of a broader public commitment to corporate responsibility. Plantation Village is not alone in its efforts to enhance the quality of life for its associates, as many other large healthcare organizations across the state have joined in the movement, including New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Novant Health, and Atrium Health.



We are all very excited about this, not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because we recognize that the level of service our residents receive has such a drastic impact on their quality of life. The people who live here are what make it rewarding and fun to come to work every day. The continued happiness of our residents and ensuring that Plantation Village is regarded as the premier Life Plan Community in the southeast, is a source of pride for everyone who works here.

These wage increases will allow us to continue attracting top talent and keep our best and brightest for a longer period of time. We want our actions to reflect that we are committed to providing our associates with what has lately been termed a healthy living wage. Our people make the difference and we want to send a big “Thank You” for the services our associates provide to our residents every day.

The notion that giving back creates a stronger, happier, and more motivated workforce is not exactly cutting-edge management philosophy. It’s proven that people are more productive and engaged when they feel their efforts will be rewarded. We understand that it is the people who make the difference.

Since Plantation Village was established as a nonprofit, everything we do is centered on giving back to our residents. Simply put, all our funds are re-invested back into the community, ensuring that it remains a great place to live, with outstanding health care and world-class amenities.

To name a few, our residents have access to a fitness center with an indoor pool, salon services, a community auditorium, discounted green fees at neighboring golf courses, a craft and card room, a woodworking shop, a library, and meal delivery services. This is enhanced by: access to a number of fine dining and casual options; leisure and concierge services; weekly housekeeping and linen services; 24-hour security; transportation to shopping, grocery stores, and doctors’ appointments; and health care services by renowned providers.

For more information about the opportunity to join Plantation Village as a resident or associate, visit us on the web at www.PlantationVillageRC.com.

Lisa Polanski is the director of marketing at Plantation Village. Plantation Village is a non-profit continuing care retirement community that offers independent living on a 56-acre campus in Porters Neck, just minutes from downtown Wilmington and area beaches. Residents enjoy first-class services in a wide variety of home styles, from one- and two-bedroom apartments to cottage homes and two-bedroom villas. Plantation Village is managed by Life Care Services™, the nation’s third-largest elder care management company.