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

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 18, 2007


SANFORD FLEXES ITS MUSCLES AGAIN:
 RISES TO 45TH IN ECONOMIC STRENGTH
 AMONG U.S. 'MICROPOLITAN' AREAS

SANFORD -- Continuing its steady economic rise, Sanford now ranks 45th in economic strength among nearly 600 small cities across the United States.

That was the assessment of POLICOM, an independent economic research firm, which publishes an annual ranking of local economies across the nation.

The company based in Palm City, Fla., evaluated 576 'micropolitan' areas, defined in the study as having an "urbanized" area of at least 10,000 but fewer than 50,000 residents.

Sanford has inched up the rankings over the last three years. Its current listing at 45th was three places higher than its 48th position last year and seven higher than its 52nd place finish in 2005.

Other publications also have taken note. Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Sanford in a 24th place tie among America's top small towns for business in 2006, based on the number of new and expanded corporate facilities.

Bob Heuts, who directs the economic development effort for Sanford and Lee County, says the community has been attracting business because of its prime location and cooperative spirit.

"At first, many companies look here because of our position in the Research Triangle Region, which is known worldwide," he explained. "But then they learn that there's a lot more here than accessible transportation corridors, top universities and an outstanding workforce.

"All of those assets are important, but this community has worked hard to make the area even more attractive. Everyone, whether its our existing businesses, governments or organizations like Central Carolina Community College, work together to keep this a strong and vital business climate."

The nation's top micropolitan this year was Concord, N.H. It was followed in the "top five" by Hilton Head Island-Beaufort, S.C.; Lebanon, N.H.-Vt.; Kahului-Wailuku, Hawaii; and Edwards, Colo.

The report is available on line at policom.com/microrank.htm.

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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)

More On the Web

 Micropolitan rankings: http://policom.com/microrank.htm
 LCEDC Media Web:       http://www.lcedc.com/media/
 This release:          http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr071807.txt