LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, November 20, 2007 LEE COUNTY'S ANNUAL CHECKUP SET FOR C100 MEETING ON DECEMBER 5 SANFORD -- "The Health of Lee County," a candid assessment of local economic trends, returns Dec. 5 for its fifth annual presentation. Led by CEO Charles Hayes of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership and Director Bob Heuts of Lee County Economic Development, "The Health of Lee County" examines recent facts, figures and projections. The goal, says Heuts, is to help community and business leaders understand exactly where Lee County stands on factors important to economic prosperity. "We start by providing an update on several areas we track every year," says Heuts. "That includes our economy, the labor force, education and the quality of life, and helps everyone understand whether we're gaining or losing ground compared with other counties in our region. "But we also look at some different areas each year. Obviously, there's no way we can discuss every aspect of life in Lee County, but we can get the best information available, talk about where we're headed and get everyone thinking about how we can become even stronger in the future." With the decision by Bristol-Myers Squibb to locate its new biologics plant elsewhere still settling in, last year's checkup on the Health of Lee County was bittersweet. One question lingered: What could Lee County have done to be more attractive in the high-stakes competition for quality jobs? On the other hand, there was plenty of good news, and the area's progress was one reason Bristol-Myers Squibb and other major companies continued to give the area a good look. With that drama now passed, Heuts and Hayes will explain where things stand today during the 90-minute luncheon sponsored by the Committee of 100. "The Health of Lee County 2007" begins at noon and open to the public. The cost, including lunch, is $15 per person for the general public and $10 per person for members. 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) More on the Web LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/ This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr112007.txt