FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Beverly Fox, Lee County Economic Development Office
                (941) 338-3161

NEW SPEAKERS BUREAU FOCUSES ON IMPORTANT BUSINESS ISSUES

FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 4, 2000) – The business world changes at a very rapid pace, and staying informed on major issues can be challenging, especially for smaller businesses. The members of the Lee County Horizon Council Business Communications Task Force have formed a new speakers bureau focusing on key business issues, and speakers are available for civic, community and professional groups that want to keep up on important trends.

The Business Communications Task Force is made up of local businesspeople. Carol Conway, owner of Computer Rescue Squad, chairs the group.

"The Horizon Council leads the way on business issues in Lee County," says Conway. "That gives the task force members an inside look at major trends and how they will affect Lee County businesses. I know many people who say they need information on everything from finding good employees to changes in regulation. I think what we're doing is a valuable service for the business community."

One of the most significant issues facing businesses today is employee recruiting and training. The labor market is very tight in many areas, and members of the new speakers bureau can offer important information on labor force trends and ways to cope with the challenge of finding good employees.

The Horizon Council is a 57-member, public-private board that advises the Board of Lee County Commissioners on economic development issues. Horizon Council members created the Business Communications Task Force in order to get important information out to local businesses.

For more information on the speakers bureau or to schedule a speaker for your next meeting, please call Beverly Fox at the Economic Development Office of Lee County at (941) 338-3161.