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

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 31, 2005


SANFORD RANKED 36TH AMONG AMERICA'S
TOP SMALL TOWNS FOR BUSINESS

SANFORD -- Sanford received more accolades for its robust economic climate, 
when the city was ranked 36th among America's top small towns for business.

In its annual survey of small towns -- now called "micropolitans" by the U.S. 
Census Bureau -- Site Selection magazine listed Sanford in a tie with 12 other 
communities for the number of new and expanded corporate facilities over the 
two previous years.

Sanford was not listed in the 2004 rankings, but finished in a tie for 59th in 
2003.

Bob Heuts, economic development director for Lee County, said CEOs and other 
executives now realize what Sanford offers business and industry.

"They've seen our exceptional workforce," he said. "They've seen the land and 
buildings we have along major transportation corridors, and they've seen a 
quality of life that can't be matched.

"I wouldn't say anyone's shocked about the recognition, because we've seen the 
entire community step forward and create the kind of place where companies 
want to operate. But, it's always nice when people take notice."

Though small towns succeed for different reasons, Site Selection noted that 
the best ones enjoy active leadership throughout the community and an 
entrepreneurial approach to growth and investment.

With 11, North Carolina tallied the second highest number of towns on the 
list, trailing only Ohio's 18. Statesville-Mooresville took the nation's top 
spot.

"North Carolina's continued strong showing in national rankings such as this 
one proves that there is no better place to live, work or raise a family," 
said Gov. Mike Easley.

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.

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

Site Selection story: http://www.siteselection.com/issues/2005/mar/p160/
Site Selection magazine: http://www.siteselection.com

LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/
This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr033105.txt