LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, February 11, 2008 POLICY ANALYST RAN COBLE TO FORECAST GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTIONS FOR '08 SANFORD -- With uncertainty in the economy, policy debates raging on everything from education to road construction and even a national election on the horizon, this year's state legislative session could be intriguing. Ran Coble, executive director of the North Carolina Center for Policy Research, will discuss the key issues and give his predictions for the upcoming "short session" when he speaks Feb. 28 at Chef Paul's Cafe and Catering in Sanford. "Law & Orders," his presentation for the Committee of 100's winter luncheon, begins at noon and is open to the public. Since his introduction to the North Carolina General Assembly, as one of the first staff members in its Fiscal Research Division, Coble has enjoyed a notable career in public policy. He spent four years as legal counsel for what is now the state Department of Health and Human Services, and, in 1981, was named to his current post. Under his direction, the nonpartisan, nonprofit center conducts a wide range of projects to evaluate state government programs and study public policy issues facing North Carolinians. Recently, the group sponsored a forum on the future of North Carolina's community colleges, an event attended by high-ranking leaders throughout the state, and launched a study on key issues facing the system. The public policy center also publishes the biannual "A Citizen's Guide to the Legislature," a textbook on state and local government used in high school and college courses, and many other reports. As a result of its efforts, the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research received two awards last year from the national Governmental Research Association, one each for distinguished research and outstanding policy achievement. "I want the Center for Public Policy Research to help put the 'public' into public policy," says Coble. "I look forward to being with the people of Sanford and telling them what we see on the horizon in state-level issues. "Most of all, I look forward to listening to Lee County leaders and citizens." All Committee of 100 meetings are open to the public. The cost, including lunch, is $15 per person for the general public and $10 per person for members. For reservations or information, contact Jane Haber at the Lee County Economic Development Corp., 919-774-8439 or info@lcedc.com. The Committee of 100 is an organization of business leaders committing time, energy and resources to enhance the economic well-being of Lee County and its citizens. Corporate and individual members assist the Lee County Economic Development Corp. by establishing venture capital projects to expand local industry, helping to promote economic growth and enhancing working relationships among government, business and the community. -- 30 -- Media Contacts Bob Heuts, Director Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant 919-774-8439 (phone) 919-775-5410 (fax) info@lcedc.com (e-mail) More on the Web LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/ This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr021108.txt Meeting flyer: http://www.lcedc.com/c100/documents/C100Feb08.pdf NCCPPI: http://www.nccppr.org Ran Coble Mug Shot (380K JPEG B&W, courtesy of Ran Coble) http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/releasephotos/RanCoble.jpg