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

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 14, 2002

Contacts:

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

Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/
This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr051402.txt
Magazine article: http://www.nccbi.org/mag05-02CP.main.htm


COMMUNITY LEADERS CELEBRATE COMMERCE,
FEATURE IN "NORTH CAROLINA" MAGAZINE

SANFORD -- More than 100 community leaders gathered early today to 
celebrate the accomplishments of local business and announce the 
recent publication of a feature article about Lee County in North 
Carolina magazine.

The 20-page feature on Lee County appears in the May 2002 issue and 
describes how recent industrial expansion and the arrival of new 
companies have invigorated the traditionally-strong local economy.

Related articles highlight the Temple Theatre, a restored downtown 
landmark hosting professional productions; plans for a major pottery 
studio and gallery expected to enhance Sanford's growing reputation 
as a center for the art; and the work of Wyeth Vaccines, a local 
company producing vaccines that prevent childhood diseases.

Despite economic challenges caused by the recent recession, Lee 
County has fared pretty well, according to Tommy Mann Jr., chairman 
of the Lee County Economic Development Corp. Some facilities were 
lost, particularly in textiles, he said. On the other hand, other 
companies expanded local operations or opened new ones in Sanford -- 
even while the economy remained volatile.

Lacing his comments with light-hearted vignettes involving some 
leaders in the crowd, keynote speaker Phil Kirk said Lee County was 
featured because it has been a progressive community that thrives 
with a sound, conservative fiscal policy.

Kirk, who serves as president of North Carolina Citizens for 
Business and Industry, publisher of North Carolina magazine, also 
gave Lee County high marks for the participation of citizens in 
local politics, the high priority placed on public education, its 
solid infrastructure and a widespread entrepreneurial spirit.

Despite the accomplishments of local business and industry, Mann 
said, more work still needs to be done. "Lee County will not stand 
on its past success," he told the elected and business leaders 
assembled for the breakfast celebration.

"Our local officials understand and expect that we must grow," 
Mann said. "Without our elected officials, we wouldn't have an 
economic development corporation, but we also wouldn't have the 
vision we do."

John Sauls, vice chairman of the economic development corporation 
also participated in the celebration. 

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 county's two municipalities.

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