LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, December 2, 2005 ECONOMIC LEADERS TAKE ANNUAL LOOK AT "HEALTH OF LEE COUNTY" ON DECEMBER 8 SANFORD -- In what has become an annual tradition, two economic developers will provide their diagnosis of Lee County's vitality when the third annual "Health of Lee County" luncheon is held Dec. 8. Sponsored by the Lee County Committee of 100, "Health of Lee County: Focus on Education and Healthcare" is scheduled for noon at Chef Paul's Cafˇ and Catering in Sanford. The luncheon 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 pair will consider how the county fares on several critical factors. They will begin by looking at trends they've been tracking since the first event was held two years ago. Last year's evaluation was fairly upbeat, with a surging local economy and drop in the crime rate. But with manufacturing jobs appearing to decline, there also was some concern. Heuts said a good portion of the program will provide an update on these and other broad topics, including labor, infrastructure, finance and the quality of life. After tracking those areas essential for economic success, focus will turn to two new topics -- education and health care. "What we've tried to do each year is give everyone a sense of how the we're doing on the most critical measures of our economic health," said Heuts. "That way, we have a sense of whether things are getting better or worse, and where we need to improve. "But, then, we also try to focus on one or two specific portions of our economy. Last year, it was agriculture. This year, we're looking at how the county stacks up within our state and region on education and health care." Because so many statistics are floating around, Heuts said, the greatest challenge in planning the annual analysis is to decide which ones to discuss. No matter which numbers are selected, the goal is to provide accurate, important information that will help leaders make good decisions about the future. "We modeled our presentation on what's been done in some larger counties throughout North Carolina," Heuts said. "In many areas, it's more of a pep rally, emphasizing all of the good things that are happening. "There are plenty of good things happening here and we want to recognize them, too. But, most of all, we want to give a realistic, honest look at what's happening locally. That's important for planning our future." 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/nr120205.txt