LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, September 23, 2004 FORMER PORCHE CEO SPEAKS SEPT. 29 ABOUT GAINING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE SANFORD -- Peter Schutz, former chief executive officer of Porche AG, will explain how companies can gain what he calls the "only lasting competitive advantage" when he speaks on Sept. 29 in Sanford. The breakfast meeting, scheduled for 7:30 to 10 a.m., will be held at Chef Paul's Cafˇ on East Main Street. It is sponsored by the Lee County Industrial Managers Association and the Committee of 100. Schutz, who led the renowned automobile company in the 1980s, is author of "The Driving Force," a collection of real-life stories and parables for life and business. He says that any invention or innovation will not sustain excellence in the current, ultra-competitive business environment. The only way to thrive, Schutz believes, is to get extraordinary results from ordinary people. The former CEO speaks to business groups regularly as a representative of TEC International, an association of chief executives working to increase their own effectiveness and to enhance their lives and the lives of those they influence. Founded in 1957, the TEC International serves as a resource for about 10,000 executives in 15 countries. The organization is a cosponsor of the local event. "Do You Have the Only Lasting Competitive Advantage?", is open to the public. The cost for the session, including breakfast, 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 Lee County Industrial Managers Association provides a forum for members to foster continuous improvement in local industry through continuing professional education, networking with other leaders and learning from each other by examining "best practices" in their companies. The group also sponsors speakers and other special events of interest to the broader public. 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/nr092304.txt