LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, August 30, 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/nr083002.txt NOTED POLICY ANALYST AND WRITER JOHN HOOD TO DISCUSS STATEWIDE ISSUES IN SANFORD SANFORD -- Public policy analyst John Hood, a nationally-recognized writer who appears regularly on the "N.C. Spin" television show, will discuss statewide economic issues Sept. 19 in Sanford, as featured speaker for the fall Committee of 100 meeting. Titled "The Freedom Agenda: Ideas for Getting North Carolina Moving Again," the presentation will give Hood's perspective on North Carolina's recent shift in economic fortune, a look at barriers to the state's competitiveness and ideas for improving the business climate statewide. Hood is chairman and president of the John Locke Foundation in Raleigh, a conservative public policy think tank focusing on issues affecting North Carolina. Established in 1990, the foundation is committed to transforming government though principles of competition, innovation, personal freedom and personal responsibility. Among his duties with the foundation, Hood is publisher of Carolina Journal, a monthly newspaper. The Charlotte native also is a syndicated columnist on state politics and public policy and a regular radio commentator. He has appeared in media across the ideological spectrum, in broadcast outlets ranging from National Public Radio to the Fox News Channel and in print from National Review to the New Republic. Other articles have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Chicago Tribune and Reader's Digest. Hood's recent book, "Investor Politics: The New Force That Will Transform American Business, Government and Politics in the 21st century," was published last year by the Templeton Foundation Press. He also is author of "The Heroic Enterprise: Business and the Common Good," which received enthusiastic reviews from many, including The Wall Street Journal and former Secretary of the Treasury John Simon. "John may bring us some perspectives on economic development we might not have considered before," said John Daniel, president of the Committee of 100. "Hearing his ideas should give us something to think about and could even suggest some different approaches to make us more successful." The quarterly luncheon meeting begins at noon at Chef Paul's Cafˇ and Catering. In addition to Hood's analysis of statewide issues, members will conduct business and receive brief reports on recent committee activities. All Committee of 100 meetings are open to the public; the cost, including lunch, is $10 per person. 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 men and women 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 --