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

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 25, 2008


Economic Leaders Give Their Annual
Diagnosis at "Health of Lee" on Dec. 4

SANFORD -- In a year that's seen its fair share of economic turmoil -- not to mention plenty of hyperbole from presidential candidates and a competitive, 24-hour news cycle -- it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.

"The Health of Lee County 2008," the sixth-annual assessment of local economic trends scheduled for Dec. 4, aims to do just that: offer a candid diagnosis of where Lee County stands and how it stacks up against other communities.

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 critical 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.

While many of the same data presented in previous years will be on the agenda, the presentation at this year's luncheon will be a little different.

"We're still going to update the statistics we always do on the economy, labor force, education and quality of life," says Heuts, "and we'll still look at how we're doing compared to our Research Triangle region as a whole.

"But a lot of the routine numbers will be in the report we distribute after the luncheon. The presentation, itself, will focus more on Lee County and include some historic perspective. We thought that was important this year, given some of the claims you hear on TV."

Presented by the Committee of 100, "The Health of Lee County 2008" will be held at Chef Paul's in Sanford. It begins at noon and is open to the public. The cost, including lunch, is $15 per person, or $10 for Committee of 100 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.

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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)

More On the Web
Health of Lee County 2008 Flyer
  http://lcedc.com/c100/documents/C100Dec08.pdf
Lee County EDC Media Relations
  http://www.lcedc.com/media/