LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, March 13, 2007 SANFORD RISES TO 24TH ON LIST OF TOP SMALL TOWNS FOR BUSINESS SANFORD -- With a retail boom taking place throughout Sanford, the city also received attention this month as a top location for new and expanded corporate facilities. Sanford ranked 24th among America's top small towns for business in an annual survey published by Site Selection magazine, a bimonthly publication serving executives and consultants who help companies find new places to locate. In the annual survey of small towns, called "micropolitans" by the U.S. Census Bureau, Sanford tied with a dozen other communities with populations under 50,000 for the 24th largest number of new and expanded corporate facilities over the two previous years. Sanford was not listed in last year's rankings, but was ranked in ties for 36th in 2005 and 59th in 2003. Bob Heuts, economic development director for Lee County, believes the workforce, quality of life and favorable business climate have helped attract so many companies. "Every project is a little different, but most companies are looking for the same essential elements," he said. "Most of all, they want a quality, skilled workforce, and we definitely have that here. Then, they want a good business climate, where they have the transportation, communications and public cooperation they need to succeed. We have that, too. "What has started to set Lee County apart from some other communities is our exceptional quality of life -- a renowned pottery festival, professional theatre and a growing, vibrant arts scene. That should help us attract attention and bring more innovative companies to the area." Site Selection noted the state's appealing lifestyle. Answering the question, "What makes North Carolina so competitive?," the magazine pointed out the state's emerging clusters of biotechnology, banking and tourism, along with what one consultant called "an outstanding quality of life." With 12 towns on the list, North Carolina tallied the second-highest number, trailing only Ohio's 20. Statesville-Mooresville, N.C., took the nation's top spot. Site Selection is published six times each year by the Industrial Asset Management Council and distributed to 44,000 executives responsible for selecting sites and locating facilities around the world. It also publishes an annual ranking of America's top metropolitan areas. The report is available on line at www.siteselection.com. -- 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 Site Selection story http://www.siteselection.com/issues/2007/mar/topMicros/ Site Selection magazine http://www.siteselection.com LCEDC Media Web http://www.lcedc.com/media/ This news release http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr031307.txt