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

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 19, 2004


LEE COUNTY POISED TO ATTRACT JOBS, SAYS
SPEAKER FOR C100 MEETING ON AUGUST 11

SANFORD -- If local leaders play their cards right, Lee County can attract new 
jobs in the expanding economy, according to one economic development expert 
who is slated to provide assessment when the Committee of 100 meets on Aug. 
11.

The luncheon meeting, scheduled for noon, will be held at Chef Paul's Cafˇ and 
Catering on East Main Street in Sanford.

"Lee County is in an ideal position to chart its future on its economic growth 
and to build a balanced economy that is strong and provides good income and a 
good quality of life," said Billy Ray Hall, president of the North Carolina 
Rural Economic Development Center.

The key is for the local economy to be balanced with small, medium and large 
employers, he said, allowing the community to withstand unavoidable "ups and 
downs" in the business cycle.

Hall is founding president of the 17-year-old center, recognized nationally as 
a leader in innovative rural development programs. Based in Raleigh, the 
private, nonprofit group develops and promotes policies to enhance the quality 
of life in North Carolina's 85 rural counties.

Before his tenure with the Rural Center, Hall held several positions in state 
government -- including executive director of the Commission on Jobs and 
Economic Growth, deputy secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and 
Community Development, and chief economist for the Office of State Planning.

Hall is a 1969 graduate of North Carolina State University, where he also 
earned his Master of Economics. He received the College of Management's 
Outstanding Alumni Award in 2000.

As part of his prescription for attracting jobs to Lee County, Hall will 
discuss taking advantage of growth in the Research Triangle and how the 
community college can help retain companies already operating locally.

But the bulk of his message, Hall said, will focus on where jobs will come 
from in the future and what existing programs available to local governments 
will allow communities to grow their own new industries.

Committee of 100 meetings are open to the public. The cost for the summer 
meeting, 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/nr071904.txt