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

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 9, 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/nr100902.txt


N.C. SECRETARY OF COMMERCE JIM FAIN TO DISCUSS
STATE'S ROLE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR C-100

SANFORD -- Jim Fain, North Carolina's secretary of commerce, will 
discuss the state's role in economic development on Oct. 22 in Sanford, 
as featured speaker for the next Committee of 100 meeting.

In his overview of the state Department of Commerce, Fain will talk 
about how his agency operates within the state government, what the 
department does to recruit industry to North Carolina and how the state 
works with communities to enhance local economic development.

Fain served as assistant secretary for economic development for two 
years, until being appointed to the top post by Gov. Mike Easley. While 
serving as assistant secretary, he coordinated strategic planning for 
economic development divisions within the department.

Before moving into state government, Fain spent 25 years with First 
Union, holding a variety of positions, including commercial loan 
officer, corporate banking manager and Triangle market president. He 
holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Master of Business 
Administration, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel 
Hill.

Committee of 100 president John Daniel said Fain's visit should explain 
the overall process of economic development better and even help leaders 
in Lee County find new ways to enhance the local economy.

"When you step back and look at the entire picture," Daniel said, "there 
are several different agencies involved in recruiting business industry, 
first to North Carolina and then to Lee County.

"By getting a better understanding of how the state attracts companies, 
we might find new ways to use our own resources. And, we could even 
discover opportunities to work with the state that we haven't considered 
before."

The breakfast meeting begins at 8 a.m. at Chef Paul's Cafˇ and Catering.

All Committee of 100 meetings are open to the public. The cost, 
including breakfast, is $10 for committee members and $15 for the 
public. 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.

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