LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 27, 2002

Contacts:
Bob Heuts, Director
Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant
919-774-8439 (phone)
919-775-5410 (fax)
info@lcedc.com (e-mail)
http://www.lcedc.com/media/ (media web)


SANFORD LISTED AMONG NATION'S TOP 10
SMALL TOWNS FOR CORPORATE FACILITIES

SANFORD -- Sanford is the seventh best small town in America for 
corporate facilities, according to a recent survey by Site Selection 
magazine, a global business publication designed primarily for chief 
executive officers and facility planners.

The distinction was based on the number of new and expanded corporate 
facilities established since the beginning of 1998.

The Lee County seat is the only town in the Research Triangle region 
listed among the national top 10. Other North Carolina communities of 
Mooresville, Statesville and Wilson also appeared in that select 
group. Sixteen other Tar Heel towns appeared on the magazine's complete 
list of 100.

Though the magazine did not comment on each town, it did encourage 
corporate leaders to consider smaller locations when expanding 
facilities. According to author John Rhodes, affordable living, short 
commutes and a strong sense of community make many small towns 
attractive alternatives to metropolitan areas.

"[Small towns] appear only as small dots on the map, but for the 
millions of local residents living there, these communities represent 
places that support business and a quality of life that would be the 
envy of many big-city executives and commuters," wrote Rhodes in an 
article appearing in the March 2002 issue.

While pleased by Sanford's selection, Lee County economic development 
director Bob Heuts was not surprised that Sanford has been such an 
attractive location.

"The entire state ranked first in business climate, and we certainly 
enjoy that same strong support for business in this area," Heuts said. 
"In Lee County, we also offer companies the infrastructure they need, 
reasonably-priced buildings and sites, and access to the world -- major 
highways, rail lines and one of the finest general aviation airports 
in the Southeast."

Heuts also said the county works with corporate leaders to provide a 
range of incentives and simplify the process of developing and opening 
new facilities.

The Lee County Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit organization 
established to attract industry, enhance job opportunities and promote 
sound planning across Lee County. Funding is provided by the county, 
as well as the City of Sanford and Town of Broadway, the two county 
municipalities.

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