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for immediate release Annual 'Health of Lee' diagnosis SANFORD — Even as some improving news trickles from the housing industry, there's no doubt that gloom still pervades our public discourse. If you believe frustration on the street about our struggling economy, in fact, you might even be tempted to believe life has never been worse. So, what is the reality? Is the economy truly as bad as it seems? And, even if it is, what about things like education, arts and crime? After all, an ever-fluctuating economy isn't our sole measure of civic health. "The Health of Lee County 2009" takes a hard look at the most recent facts, figures and trends in the economy, workforce, education and quality of life — all essential to our community's vitality and future success. This year's seventh-annual installment, scheduled for Dec. 10 in Sanford, features CEO Charles Hayes of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership and Director Bob Heuts of Lee County Economic Development. The economic developers will help community and business leaders understand exactly where Lee County stands on factors important to prosperity. "There's no doubt people are feeling the pinch right now, and that goes for households as well as for business and industry," says Heuts. "When people are facing situations like these, you can understand the frustration and why everyone focuses on the difficulties. "On the other hand, sometimes things look worse than they actually are, and the problems can hide some of the positive things happening. That's why 'The Health of Lee' is so important. It gives us a candid, honest look at where we are and how we stack up against other communities like ours, and that helps us know what we need to do for the future." Economic cycles are a fact of life. Some peaks may be higher than others, some valleys lower, but recovery eventually will come, and Heuts believes success depends on being ready to seize that opportunity when it arrives. Staying on top of the trends and understanding how to make Lee County even more attractive for business, industry and families is critical, he says. Communities that don't look to the future can lose out in an international economic environment that becomes more competitive every day. Presented by the Committee of 100, "The Health of Lee County 2009" will be held at Chef Paul's in Sanford at noon and is open to the public. The cost, including lunch, is $15 per person for the general public, or $10 per person 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. —30— contact more on the web |
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