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

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 10, 2005


BRIDWELL TO DISCUSS TIE BETWEEN
"GREENBACKS AND GREEN SPACES"

SANFORD -- Though "progress" once seemed at odds with protecting
environmental open spaces, the two goals are now intertwined with
economic development.

In "Greenbacks and Green Spaces," community development director Bob
Bridwell will explain how parks and open spaces enhance the quality of
life -- and create economic vitality for Sanford and Lee County.

His presentation to the Lee County Committee of 100 will be held Oct. 25
at Chef Paul's Cafe and Catering in Sanford. The meeting begins with
lunch at noon.

Bob Heuts has seen the importance of these lifestyle issues first hand.
As director of the Lee County Economic Development Corp., he recruits
business and industry to the county, and says the quality of life is
more important than ever.

"Because of the way our economy is changing, companies can now do
business just about anywhere in the world they choose," Heuts said.
"That means that people who help companies select sites for new
facilities are looking for more than the basic infrastructure.

"That's still important, but companies expect more. They're looking for
an attractive place to live, community parks and other recreational
options. They want a place where employees will want to relocate their
families."

Bridwell says he plans to begin by looking at the Lee County Open Space
Initiative and preview the Endor Iron Trail, a greenway planned from
downtown Sanford to the historic iron furnace.

Then, county recreation director John Payne will provide an update on
the county's newest park at Southern Lee High School.

Payne says he will provide an overview of what's been completed to date
and describe projects included in "phase two," which will begin
construction soon.

Before coming to Sanford three years ago, Bridwell worked with Hurricane
Floyd relief for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state
Division of Emergency Management. The Elon University graduate also
spent 11 years in public planning -- serving in Alamance County,
Salisbury and Nash County -- and nearly two decades in banking.

In his current role, Bridwell leads the consolidated city-county agency
responsible for strategic and land-use planning, neighborhood
development and code enforcement.

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.

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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/nr101005.txt

NOTE TO EDITORS: A mug shot of Bob Bridwell (157K) is available at
www.lcedc.com/media/photos/BobBridwell.jpg