ECONOMIC NEWS
from Lee County Econonomic Develompent
Southern Base of the Research Triangle

for immediate release
Monday, April 21, 2008


Governor's Hispanic/Latino Affairs director
to discuss Latino influence in state and Lee

SANFORD -- For a nation fashioned by wave after wave of immigrants, change is pretty much the norm. Now, with more Hispanics and Latinos now calling Lee County home, the local landscape is transforming once again.

Axel Lluch, director of Hispanic/Latino Affairs for Gov. Mike Easley, will provide some perspective on the latest immigration trends and suggest how local groups can be more effective with their new neighbors when he speaks Apr. 29 at Chef Paul's Cafe in Sanford.

"Latinos en Carolina del Norte: Understanding Our Growing Community," his presentation for the Committee of 100's spring luncheon, begins at noon and is open to the public.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Lluch moved into his current role four years ago, after serving as a business executive specializing in human resources and marketing.

Lluch has traveled extensively in the United States, Central America and the Caribbean, and has served as treasurer of the Randolph County Latino Coalition and a member of the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Diversity Committee.

That experience prepared him well to understand changes taking place in this state -- changes he'll outline to open his talk.

Lluch says he'll begin by briefly updating trends forecast by James H. Johnson Jr., when the Kenan-Flagler Business School professor spoke in Sanford five years ago about "The Browning of America."

After explaining who's been coming to the United States, he'll examine their growing social, economic and cultural impact -- including differences in traditions, educational needs and buying trends.

The key issue for many is how new immigrants will integrate into civic life, and that's on the agenda, too. "We'll conclude the program with specific recommendations on how businesses, government and community organizations can interact more effectively with the Hispanic/Latino community," Lluch says.

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.

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Media Contacts
 Bob Heuts, Director
 Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant
 919.774.8439 (phone)
 919.775.5410 (fax)
 info@lcedc.com


More on the Web
 LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/
 This release:    http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr042108.txt
 Meeting flyer:   http://www.lcedc.com/c100/documents/C100Apr08.pdf

 Axel Lluch photo
   (623K JPEG, courtesy of Axel Lluch)
   http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/releasephotos/AxelLluch.jpg