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

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, September 12, 2005


HERALD PUBLISHER UNVEILS FINDINGS
FROM MARKET RESEARCH ON LEE COUNTY

SANFORD -- Few people know Lee County as well as those who report on the 
region for The Sanford Herald. And after conducting two major studies to learn 
more about the local market, publisher Bill Horner III knows more than ever 
before.

"Lee County: Under the Microscope," a look at the latest data, is scheduled 
for Sept. 20 as part of the Committee of 100's fall luncheon. The event begins 
at noon and is open to the public.

First came results of a major market study commissioned earlier this year by 
The Herald, research providing data about local retail sales, advertising 
trends and how area residents use the media.

"The market study gave us a detailed look at the spending habits of people in 
Lee County," Horner said, "as well as their newspaper-reading habits and ideas 
about the way people here watch and use television and radio.

"We're beginning now to use the results of this study to help retailers reach 
customers who are ready and willing to spend money with them."

Not long after the market study was completed, the veteran publisher also 
received data from his own readership study. Nearly 400 people responded, on 
line and on paper, providing additional insight about what people want to read 
and how they use the media.

Horner said both studies were designed primarily to help determine what 
content should be included in The Herald. Over the last several months, 
attention has been focused on how the paper looks; a complete redesign during 
that time has created a more appealing, "user-friendly" publication.

The next step was to learn what readers want to appear in the freshly-designed 
pages.

"It's giving us a great deal of information about what readers like, and don't 
like, about The Herald -- and what we can do to serve our community better," 
Horner said.

Findings from the two studies apply well beyond how newspapers are designed. 
They also provide valuable insights about Lee County that will be of interest 
to all business and civic leaders.

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:    www.lcedc.com/media/
This release:       www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr091205.txt
The Sanford Herald: www.sanfordherald.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: A mug shot of Bill Horner III (358K) is available at
www.lcedc.com/media/photos/BillHorner.jpg