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

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 24, 2004


PLANNING AND IMPACT OF THE 2005 U.S. OPEN
IS FOCUS OF JUNE COMMITTEE OF 100 MEETING

SANFORD -- When the world's best golfers tee off for the U.S. Open 
Championship next June, just down the road on Pinehurst No. 2, the economic 
wave generated by such a prominent event is sure to wash over Sanford as well.

Beth Kocher, chairman of the championship, will discuss the tournament and its 
potential economic impact when the Committee of 100 holds its spring luncheon 
meeting on June 9. The event, scheduled for noon at Chef Paul's Cafˇ and 
Catering in Sanford, is open to the public.

Kocher is expected to begin by reviewing preparations for the 2005 U.S. Open. 
She also will explain how local officials work in cooperation with the U.S. 
Golf Association, which conducts the championship, and discuss what economic 
impact the tournament is likely to have throughout the region.

Economic assessments will include a review of the figures from the 1999 U.S. 
Open -- when Payne Stewart defeated Phil Mickelson at Pinehurst with a 15-foot 
par putt on the final hole -- as well as projections for next year's event.

In addition to serving as chairman of the championship, Kocher is executive 
vice president of the Pinehurst Resort and Country Club. Among her 
responsibilities at the historic property are management of tennis and spa 
operations and the 5,500-member country club.

A graduate of Prospect Hall College in Florida, Kocher came to Pinehurst two 
decades ago after the property was acquired by the Dallas-based Club Corp. 
Earlier, she served as club manager at Inverrary Country Club in Lauderhill, 
Fla., and Hillcrest Country Club in Hollywood, Fla.

All Committee of 100 meetings are open to the public; the cost, including 
lunch, is $10 per person for members, $15 per person for guests. 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 (e-mail)

LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/
This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr052404.txt