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

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 15, 2005


NOTED ECONOMIST MIKE WALDEN TO CLARIFY
ECONOMIC PICTURE DURING TALK IN SANFORD

SANFORD -- Though most economic figures and forecasts continue to be positive 
-- and the vast majority of people say they're doing just fine for themselves 
-- some still have an uneasy feeling about the economy.

Perhaps it's the result of rising gas prices or how the economic recovery is 
being covered by the media. Maybe shifts away from manufacturing in the 
national economy have left some worried about the future.

Economist Mike Walden will set the record straight when he reviews economic 
figures and trends at the Committee of 100 summer luncheon on Aug. 25 in
Sanford. The event, scheduled for noon at Chef Paul's Cafe and Catering, is 
open to the public.

"This will be a chance to discuss what's happening," said Walden. "We'll start 
with a look at where we are now, but the bulk of the time will focus on 
trends, how the world has changed and what it means for us."

When Walden takes the podium, he plans to start by looking at the recent rates 
of economic growth and job development. He also will review what economic 
sectors are "hot" and explain where the economy stands in the business cycle.

After turning to trends, he plans to take questions.

Walden is no stranger to business and civic leaders across the state.

Because of his exceptional ability to explain economics clearly for general 
audiences, Walden has made more than 1,000 presentations since joining the 
North Carolina State University faculty in 1978.

The William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist has 
won national awards for his daily and weekly radio programs, which appear on 
stations across the Tar Heel State. His biweekly column, "You Decide," is 
carried by more than 40 newspapers.

Walden also directs the semiannual economic forecast, "The North Carolina 
Economic Outlook," and his latest book -- "Smart Economics: Commonsense 
Answers to 50 Questions About Government, Taxes, Business and Households" 
-- is scheduled for publication later this month by Praeger Publishers.

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.

                            -- 30 --


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/nr081505.txt

NOTE TO EDITORS: A photo of Mike Walden (1.2 MB) is available at 
http://www.lcedc.com/media/photos/MikeWalden.jpg