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

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 1, 2003


"HEALTH OF LEE COUNTY" THE TOPIC
OF DEBATE AT C100 MEETING DEC. 9

SANFORD -- With upbeat economic news coming from Washington and Wall 
Street -- including promising reports on economic growth and consumer 
confidence -- a stable national recovery could finally be in full swing.

But what about Lee County? How healthy is the local economy, and how 
does the climate here compare with the greater Research Triangle region?

Economic leaders will give their candid assessments, based on economic 
data and projections, on Dec. 9 at the Lee County Committee of 100's 
winter quarterly meeting. The breakfast session, scheduled for 8 a.m. at 
Chef Paul's Cafˇ and Catering, is open to the public.

Charles Hayes, president and chief executive officer of the Research 
Triangle Regional Partnership, will present data on the region, which 
includes Lee and a dozen other counties in central North Carolina.

Based at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the partnership is a 
cooperative group of economic development agencies working to attract 
business and investment to benefit communities throughout the region.

Hayes will be joined by Bob Heuts, director of the Lee County Economic 
Development Corp., who will present the local data and projections. 
Together, the two will consider how the county fares on a broad range of 
factors -- including economic activity, labor, infrastructure, finance 
and quality of life.

"We know what's important to companies planning to expand or relocate," 
said Heuts, pointing to research published in periodicals targeted to 
economic developers. "In this first annual meeting, we're using real 
figures to gauge our health and see where we can improve.

"Most of all, this is an opportunity to get an honest, straightforward 
look at where the community is now and where we're headed."

Heuts said the "state of Lee County" event is based on what some larger 
counties have done over the years. As in Durham County, where the 
project has a strong history, Heuts hopes to hold the local event each 
year.

All Committee of 100 meetings are open to the public; the cost, 
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 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/nr120103.txt